16-time WWE World Champion John Cena recently spoke to Bleacher Report to talk about professional wrestling. “The Leader Of The Cenation” revealed if he at all helps Roman Reigns deal with negative crowd reactions, if younger talent comes to him for advise, and if he ever wishes he would’ve turned heel earlier on in his career. Check out what Cena had to say here:
If he helps Roman Reigns deal with negative crowd reactions:
“I haven’t [helped Roman], and that’s not because I don’t want to. And I think that’s a testament to Roman Reigns’ ability to handle the audience. You need pretty broad shoulders. That he hasn’t had to come to anyone else for advice shows exactly how strong he is.”
Does young talent come to him for advise:
“Well, younger—I mean, he’s just a few weeks from me—but I can remember when AJ Styles came in, and he was just familiar with presenting himself a different way. And we sat down and had many a lengthy conversation about the differences and similarities between other spots and here. And from that, I think he took a lot of material away to present himself better.”
Does he ever wish he would’ve turned heel earlier on in his career:
“No. And I think that any sort of hindsight, especially in this industry, is a waste of time, and time is extremely valuable. I don’t control that. People ask me to do something, and it is our job, as entertainers, to do the best that we can to accomplish that goal. What I get upset about in this business is that so many people talk about the ‘what if,’ instead of the ‘what is.’ The ‘what is’ is more important. If someone were to go back 15 years and say, ‘You should have done this,’ it’s too late. I was told to do ‘X,’ and I was trying to do ‘X’ the best way that I could.”
Check out Cena’s full interview with Bleacher Report here.
Many believed that John Cena is the most dividing star in the history of professional wrestling until WWE decided to make Roman Reigns their next top babyface of the company.
Since breaking up the Shield back in June 2014 WWE has done everything they can to try and get Roman Reigns over or at least get cheered by the crowd.
One infamous incident showcasing WWE’s commitment of getting Reigns cheered at any cost is when WWE involved the Rock in the Royal Rumble match back in 2015.
However, in recent months it appeared that WWE has taken a step back from pushing Roman as the Superman, as he has lost all PPV matches he has competed in since WrestleMania 33 where he defeated the Undertaker.
Recently a fan pointed this fact out to Dave Meltzer on Twitter and asked if this will change anytime soon. Replying to the question, The Wrestling Journalist revealed that Officials think that it will make fans like Reigns more indicating that his PPV losing streak may continue in near future:
This is another example of WWE’s unique mentality which they show every now and then while trying to put the stars of their choice over with the crowd and neglect wrestlers who get over naturally.
This week’s episode of Raw featured some very exciting moments such as the confrontation between Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar and the match between The Hardys and the new Tag Champs Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.
However, one segment which stood up among others due to its controversial nature was between the returning John Cena and Big Dog Roman Reigns.
These two have recently been involved in a twitter battle and have exchanged some interesting tweets where Cena looked to gives advice to the Big Dog while the Raw star challenged The Leader Of Cenation to come to Raw and face him.
On the latest episode of Raw, the two former World Champions had a small confrontation when Roman interrupted the promo of John, though it didn’t last long as the Miz and then Samoa Joe got involved in the segment.
Later their Tag Team match ended in a controversial fashion as well because Reigns accidentally delivered a Superman punch to Cena, which left fans questioning what it could mean for the future of these two athletes.
During the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer talked about the events of Raw and noted how WWE has started planting seeds for a potential match between the two.
The Wrestling Journalist also remarked that at this point, it appears that the bout between these two will happen before the WrestleMania next year, where Reigns is expected to face Brock Lesnar.
While this match is not a done deal yet, given the way WWE teased a possible feud between the two mega babyfaces, one cannot help but think that the company has something planned for them sooner rather than later.
Though it’s worth noting here that WWE is also advertising Samoa Joe vs John Cena for some upcoming events and it won’t be a surprise if WWE holds off the feud of John Cena and Roman Reigns for Survivor Series or Royal Rumble and starts the rivalry between the former 16 Time World Champion and the former NXT Champion instead.
RAW Superstar Roman Reigns appeared on ESPN Sports Center on Monday to discuss the fallout of WWE SummerSlam, the possibility of reforming The Shield with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose and Ric Flair’s current health battle.
Reigns said he’s banged up from SummerSlam but the show goes on. He talked about performing in front of the rowdy New York crowd and thinks WWE delivered a great show for the fans.
When asked about the possibility of a potential Shield reunion, Reigns said right now he’s focused on the WWE Universal Championship. All 3 members of The Shield have gone on to become World Champions and that’s what everybody in WWE strives for. That said, he spoke fondly of the ‘magic’ the three Shield members had together and left the door open for them getting back together some time i the future.
“Hopefully in the near future maybe. Not only to prolong my career maybe, because it does take it out of you running into those meatballs [his SummerSlam opponents of Samoa Joe, Brock Lesnar, and Braun Strowman] for 30 minutes at a time, but there’s just some kind of magic when the three of us get together and we’re just moving on all cylinders. It always seems to be a great time for the crowd.”
He also commented on Ric Flair fighting for his life in the hospital and how much Flair’s friendship means to him.
“Well, for me I’m a generational superstar, my father, my uncle, multiple cousins,my brother, they were all within the WWE, they all wrestled,” said Reigns. “And that’s one thing you can kind of tell – even all the way up to the McMahons – that this is a family business and it runs deep. Even now, he has a daughter who’s been a great performer, great champion, and spokesperson for the women of WWE and WWE, in general.”
He continued, “To see something like this happen, I don’t know enough details to share, but all I know is I’m great friends with Ric. I’ve been on many tours and just hung out with him and spoke with him, he’s just such a genuine man. Such a good time, eccentric, such a charismatic person, but such a kind guy. If you’re friends with him, you’ll know it, he’ll love on ya and just all my prayers and thoughts are with him, Charlotte, and the rest of their family. I hope for a speedy recovery, and Ric, bring your butt back, we need you on tour. And that’s coming straight from the ‘Big Dog’ right here. We need ya back, man.”
RAW General Manager Kurt Angle came down to the entrance ramp to announce a surprise. Angle then welcomed John Cena to RAW for the first time in over a year. Cena stated that he joined RAW because he has wanted to stand face to face with a certain WWE Superstar for a long time.
Roman Reigns’ music then hit and Reigns made his way down to the ring. Reigns said that the only time Cena is looking for him is when he is running his mouth on Twitter. Reigns asked Cena if he was now going to run his mouth to his face now that he is his yard. The crowd started to chant “Undertaker”.
Cena stated that he didn’t come to RAW to talk and dropped the microphone. Cena then took off his shirt and The Miz’s music hit. The Miz, The Miztourage and Maryse came down to the ring. The Miz mispronounced “Barclays” and Cena poked fun at him for it. The Miz then fake laughed and proceeded about Cena and Reigns getting all of these “moments”.
The Miz said that in life you are always told that if you work hard you will get your moment. The Miz claimed that Roman Reigns and Cena constantly get moments and they don’t deserve them. The crowd chanted “yes!” as The Miz scolded Reigns and Cena. The Miz complained about not being on SummerSlam’s main card. The Miz asked if RAW needs John Cena and the entire crowd chanted “no!”.
Cena said that he is a man of the people and he will just show himself out. The Miz grabbed Cena as he was trying to leave the ring and said that he wasn’t finished talking to him yet. The Miz said that he is sick of not getting the respect that he deserves and asked where his moment was. The Miz said that he is the only champion in the ring and that he deserves a moment.
Cena then proposed that he teams up with Roman Reigns later tonight to face The Miz and a partner of his choosing. The Miz said that he is in a suit and not ready to compete. Samoa Joe then interrupted and joined the party in the ring. Samoa Joe then volunteered to be Miz’s partner later tonight. Joe got in Reigns’ face and said that he is sick of Roman Reigns claiming that this is his yard. Joe also stated that he owns Roman Reigns one-on-one.
Joe then turned his attention to John Cena and attacked him in the corner. The Miztourage got in the ring and attacked Reigns. Roman threw them all out of the ring as John Cena lifted Joe up for an Attitude Adjustment. Joe reversed it into the Coquina Clutch but Reigns hit Joe with a Superman Punch. The crowd chanted “you both suck!” as Reigns and Cena stood tall in the ring.
Prior to his SummerSlam match-up in which he and ex-Shield teammate Dean Ambrose defeated Sheamus and Cesaro to become the new RAW Tag Team Champions, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins was interviewed by RauteMusik to talk about a possible full Shield reunion between himself, Ambrose, and Roman Reigns. Since going solo, Reigns has received mixed reactions from WWE crowds, the majority of which see him get booed out of the building.
When asked if he believes a Shield reunion would help Reigns get more fan acceptance, here’s what “The Architect” had to say:
“I don’t know. Roman works hard, every single day, busting his butt, having great matches, being a very entertaining character on television, and he seems to be doing just fine for himself. I don’t think that associating me and Ambrose with him is gonna- the man has main evented three WrestleManias in a row, you know what I mean? What help does he need from us?”
WWE Superstar Roman Reigns did an interview on ESPN Sportscenter this morning (Mon. August 21, 2017) to promote tonight’s Monday Night RAW from the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York. Reigns discussed the mini-Shield reunion going on between newly-crowned RAW Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, why he isn’t involved, and if he’d like to be down the line. Here are the highlights:
Possible Shield reunion:
“The main thing for me right now, I’ve been in that Universal title picture,” Reigns said. “You can ask Seth or Dean, if they were able to be in that same situation, that’s what you go for. You want to have that top title, and that’s definitely it.
“I’m super proud of those guys, they exemplified what makes the Shield so special [at SummerSlam]. The teamwork and just that brotherhood of just going out there and getting it done – not for yourself, but for the man next to you. It really showed why when we came in, why we were so special.”
Reigns hoping a full reunion happens soon:
“Hopefully in the near future maybe,” Reigns said of a full Shield reunion. “Not only to prolong my career maybe, because it does take it out of you running into those meatballs [Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman, Samoa Joe] for 30 minutes at a time, but there’s just some kind of magic when the three of us get together and we’re just moving on all cylinders. It always seems to be a great time for the crowd.”
– With Brock Lesnar emerging victorious in the Fatal 4 Way main event of last night’s SummerSlam, it’s worth noting that Reigns has not won a match on pay-per-view since defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 back in April.
– As seen during SummerSlam, SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan and RAW General Manager Kurt Angle had a backstage segment where they argued about which brand would steal the show. Angle chanted “yes!” in Bryan’s face as Bryan responded with “No!” several times.
It’s worth noting that Bryan re-tweeted the above video and included the hashtag #BryanvsAngle but that tweet has since been deleted.
– Following his surprise appearance at the conclusion of Saturday night’s NXT Takeover: Brooklyn event, Adam Cole says it’s time for Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly and him to rule a new Universe.
– Heath Slater is fired up after seeing the success of former 3MB partners. Drew Galloway captured the NXT Championship from Bobby Roode at Takeover: Brooklyn and Jinder Mahal retained the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura. Slater says he’s next and says Brock Lesnar better watch outl
After a successful win over SummerSlam over Baron Corbin that many are considering a burial of the former Money in the Bank briefcase holder, John Cena is gearing up for a busy Monday. Cena and the Bella Twins return to NBC’s TODAY show this morning to discuss their hit E! Network show Total Bellas. After that, Cena says he “might take someone up on an offer and tagged @WWE.
It sounds like Cena could be headed to the Barclays Center, host venue of tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW. That offer could be a reference to this tweet by Roman Reigns from last month:
“Free Agent” John Cena is advertised for most upcoming episodes of RAW leading up to September’s No Mercy pay-per-view (9/24) from Los Angeles. As reported earlier this month, he’ll be wrestling Samoa Joe at several events leading up to No Mercy.
WWE Superstar Samoa Joe recently did an interview with The New York Post to promote this weekend’s (Sun. April 20, 2017) SummerSlam pay-per-view (PPV) event, in which he will be involved in a Fatal Four-Way match for the Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Braun Strowman.
During the interview “The Destroyer” discussed this weekend’s bout being the biggest of his career, his relationships with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman, his thoughts on Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman, and more. Here are the highlights:
Is this fatal-four-way match for the Universal title on Sunday maybe the biggest of your career, considering it is SummerSlam and for a title?
“Absolutely, I say it is. Obviously I’ve had big matches all around the world, but I think the biggest thing is [Sunday] at SummerSlam, one of the biggest kind of pay-per-view franchises in the industry, and I am in the main event. So yeah, by far this is the biggest match of my career.”
What’s your relationship with Brock and Paul backstage? I know there has been talk that they are big supporters of yours.
“I think there is a lot of mutual respect there, for the most part. I think we both understand and have great respect for what we bring to the table. So, it’s at times amicable.”
What are your thoughts on Roman Reigns?
“I think when you look at the top, elite performers in this industry right now, I think Roman Reigns is in that discussion. I think he is a polarizing figure, which is always a great thing in this business. I think whatever success that he comes by he works for, so I give him that credit.”
Braun Strowman?
“Braun by far is probably one of the most, how should I phrase this. For how little time he’s spent in the industry, his knowledge and his abilities have grown 10 fold every week. He is a guy that is constantly improving. He is constantly getting better. Now he is probably one of the biggest consummate, complete acts in the industry.”
You can check out Joe’s full interview with The New York Post here.
WWE Superstar Roman Reigns recently made an appearance on the Off The Board podcast with Jimmy Traina to promote this weekend’s (Sun. August 20, 2017) SummerSlam pay-per-view (PPV) from Brooklyn, New York. Reigns is expected to be a part of the Fatal Four-Way match between Brock Lesnar, himself, Braun Strowman, and Samoa Joe for the Universal Championship. During the interview, rumors of Enzo Amore having heat backstage in the locker room were brought up, as a story broke earlier this month that Reigns kicked Amore off of a bus at one point.
Reigns claimed that it is his job as the locker room leader to ‘swing the sword’ when someone has heat backstage:
“I swing the sword, if I put the sentence down then I lay it down. If you have heat, that is what a locker room leader does, he speaks up for the rest of the bunch. It is tough when you too some many cooks in the kitchen and I am not the only guy that would speak up. But as the man that I am before I was in this business, I would have spoken up if something was wrong. To what I am today, within our industry I am a locker room leader”
“The Big Dog” claims that nobody will disrespect the business in front of him, and he wants to leave WWE better than he found it:
“People can say whatever they want about me but I was born into this business. This business runs through my veins, if you cut my arm it is WWE that will leak out……
I’ve experienced many hardships and great moments in my life because of this business. The bottom line is, it has fed me my entire life. I don’t care who you are. You will not disrespect it. Not in front of me. Not today, not any day that I am alive.”
RAW Superstar Roman Reigns appeared on Sports Illustrated’s Off The Board Podcast this week to hype Sunday’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view from Brooklyn. Topics discussed include his match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania and his memorable segment the following night on RAW, if he considers himself a locker room leader, Enzo Amore’s backstage heat and more.
Reigns shocked the world at WrestleMania 33 when he defeated The Undertaker in what may prove to be the Dead Man’s final match ever. The following night, he opened RAW and was booed mercilessly for several minutes before simply declaring, “This is my yard now.”
Reigns described the promo as one of the most gratifying things he’s ever done in WWE. “There’s a different type of appreciation that you have for a really good match, like a 30-minute bout, and taking the crowd on that roller coaster ride. I’ve been fortunate enough to be in a few of those matches to where it was just incredible, the crowd was awesome they were just going nuts the whole time, super into the match, but that [promo] was probably the most gratifying thing I’ve… I enjoyed that segment more than any other segment and I had just wrestled and beaten the Undertaker the night before.
Reigns continued, “But it was so bittersweet to just be able to have full control. I just felt like everybody was on a string at that point and I was just pulling them. There’s a little thing where you can see I pretty much mouth it, ‘I got em in the palm of my hand.’ I had thousands of people doing exactly what I wanted them to do and it’s like master plan and it’s unfolding perfectly in front of your eyes. I could’ve stayed out there for another 20 minutes. We had other segments and other brothers that had to go out there and do their work. But the whole time, I was looking at every different cameraman and they’re all telling me to ‘go home’ and that signal is just one finger doing a little circle, saying ‘wrap it up, take it home, let’s go,’ and I sat there and looked at cameramen doing that for five to 10 minutes and I knew we were getting pretty deep into that Seg One and we’re about pretty much cross over into Seg 2 and Seg 3 and I felt bad because there were guys, I think it was one of the Hardy Boyz against Sheamus or Cesar, and I did feel bad because I did eat into their match, but there was that electricity out there and you don’t leave the table when you’re on the heater.”
In recent months, Reigns and John Cena have been exchanging trash talk on Twitter, which had led many fans to believe WWE is planting the seeds for an eventual big money match between WWE’s two top Superstars. When asked if he thinks he’ll find himself across the ring from Cena one day, he replied, “I think so. If you’re here for the right reasons — and this doesn’t just go for wrestling, this is anything, this is what drives our world — you wanna be in there with the best. To say John Cena is not one of the best of all time is asinine. He is. He’s a 16-time heavyweight champion. There’s only two men in the whole world that can say that. So to be able to share the ring with him, to do a big fight with John Cena, I’m all for that.”
He added that he’s in WWE for one reason. He’s here to stand out and he’s not going to back down from anybody. He feels that he’s stepping up, has proven himself over the years and deserves to battle the face of WWE.
“I think, what a great way to honor both of our careers and what we’re trying to do and the way we try to drive this train,” he said. “What better way to do it than in the ring, one on one.”
You can listen to the full podcast below. H/T to Sports Illustrated for the transcribed quotes.
Braun Strowman recently spoke with TV Insider to talk about various topics including his relationship with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and wrestling Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Samoa Joe in the Fatal 4-Way match at this Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view event. Here are the highlights:
Competing in the Fatal 4-Way match at SummerSlam:
“Just to share the ring with guys like Brock [Lesnar], [Samoa] Joe and [Roman] Reigns. They have all been doing this a lot longer than I have. They have been around the world and done it all. To be able to be in the main event of SummerSlam, about two years to the day when I debuted on Monday Night Raw. If that doesn’t speak for itself. I don’t know what does. …Everyone can look forward to me holding the Universal Championship over my head at the end of it.”
His relationship with Vince McMahon:
“Vince has been adamant that everything I do be spot-on, and when it’s not, I know. That’s part of the reason I take pride in what I do and give 100 percent of what I am capable of giving. That’s because I know that not only are there millions of fans watching to make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, but the boss himself is watching, too. He is so hands-on and wants me to be a peak performance at all times.”
Strowman also talked about working with The Big Show and more. You can read the entire interview here.
In the main event of last night’s (Mon. August 7, 2017) episode of Monday Night RAW, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman continued their rivalry by squaring off in a Last Man Standing match. Towards the end of the bout it seemed as though “The Big Dog” may have picked up the win after delivering a thunderous spear to Strowman after charging down the ramp. The referee got to the count of around eight before former WWE NXT Champion Samoa Joe hit the arena and locked on the Coquina Clutch to put Reigns down.
WWE fans quickly took to Twitter to point out an error in the match’s booking, as the Joe’s interference should have never stopped the referee’s count on a downed Strowman. Instead, the ref stopped counting Strowman down and waited until Reigns was put out to re-start the count, allowing Strowman to get to his feet before Reigns was counted to 10 for the loss:
WHY did the ref stop the 10 count on Strowman when Joe put the clutch on Reigns? It's a NO DQ match! Most puzzlin & vexin', y'all #WWERaw
Joe, Reigns, and Strowman will be a part of a Fatal Four-Way match at SummerSlam as they challenge Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Champion later this month (Sun. August 20, 2017).
WWE has announced that Roman Reigns will face Braun Strowman in a Last Man Standing match on Monday’s episode of WWE RAW. During last night’s WWE Live event, Roman Reigns recorded a message for Braun Strowman and it has been uploaded to WWE’s Instagram page.
“This Monday on RAW in Toronto, I am taking on Braun Strowman in a Last Man Standing match. In my five years in WWE, I have never lost one. You ain’t going to want to miss this one either baby. Yes sir”.
Kofi Kingston posts creepy photos of Xavier Woods and Big E
Today is “Friendship Day” and Kofi Kingston celebrated by tweeting out some photos of Big E and Xavier Woods. One of the pictures was Xavier Woods and Big E in the men’s room.
Xavier Woods uploaded a response and informed Kingston that he took that picture over a year ago and was saving it in his phone. Kofi simply responded by laughing.
– Continuing her #GiveEmmaAChance campaign for more television time, Emma asked Raw General Manager Kurt Angle on Twitter what his plan is for her tomorrow night after she was left off last week’s show.
In her tweet, she included a photo of Emma and Jason Jordan action figures, which is in reference to her suggestion two weeks ago on Raw that maybe Angle would give her more opportunities if she dates his son.
– Celebrating a birthday today is Reby Hardy, who turns 31 years old. Matt Hardy tweeted this message wishing his wife a happy birthday.
Happy BDay to the beautiful & talented mother of my children, my wife, Rebecca. Reby has been by my side & had my back thru all, I love you. pic.twitter.com/eXx71D3a25
On Monday’s episode of Bring it to the Table, JBL, Corey Graves and Peter Rosenberg discussed the possibility of a Shield reunion with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Rosenberg asked whether a Shield reunion would benefit Reigns, Ambrose or Rollins and JBL didn’t think it would. Here is JBL’s response:
“No, absolutely not. Roman Reigns is a guy that I think we want him to carry the company. We want him to sell tickets. Roman Reigns with the Shield did not sell tickets. Roman Reigns as the guy that everybody comes to boo, sells tickets and sells merchandise.”
Corey Graves chimed in with the following:
“I love the potential for Rollins and Ambrose. I’m very curious that if you did do a full-blown three member Shield reunion, would the WWE Universe react differently to Roman Reigns? That is what made him a star to begin with.”
JBL responded to Grave’s comments by simply stated that Reigns didn’t sell tickets while being a member of the Shield.
Karen Jarrett discusses bar incident with Braun Strowman
Karen Jarrett had a conference call with the media today and discussed the incident with Braun Strowman that took place at a Nashville bar a few weeks ago. Here is what Jarrett said about the incident:
“Oh my goodness, I can clear the air. It was a silly incident where you have two people in the wrestling business playing their characters, being silly and it got blown way out of proportion. And the fact that the two of us are still in the news and it’s still being talked about, that’s a question that you took the time to ask I think is hysterical, to be honest with you. It’s silliness. It’s the wrestling business, we had fun with it and somebody took it and turned it into something more than it was.”
The Hardy Boyz defeated Gallows & Anderson last night on WWE RAW. After the match, The Revival tried to attack Matt and Jeff on the entrance ramp but The Hardys beat them down. WWE has posted a RAW Fallout video in which Mike Rome interviewed Matt and Jeff backstage. In the video, Matt spoke in the “broken” accent and made a bunch of bizarre facial expressions. Matt Hardy posted the video on Twitter and stated “IT’S HAPPENING #Broken”.
As noted earlier, John Cena has landed a major role in the new “Bumblebee” Transformers spinoff movie that will be released in theaters in December 2018. Cena stated that he was thrilled to join the Transformers franchise and Rusev responded with the following:
Roman Reigns was interviewed after his victory over Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe on last night’s episode of WWE RAW. Reigns said that he doesn’t need to go over his resume and that he now holds all the momentum heading into the Fatal 4-Way match for the Universal Championship at WWE SummerSlam.
This week’s episode of RAW kicked off with a bang as the main-event of SummerSlam was announced. Brock Lesnar will defend his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman in a Fatal 4-Way match. During last night’s episode of RAW, a massive brawl broke out between Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman after Angle announced the Fatal 4-Way at WWE SummerSlam. It was later announced that next week on RAW, the three Superstars will battle in a Triple Threat match.
Jason Jordan has his first match on RAW last night after being announced as RAW GM Kurt Angle’s son last week. Jordan faced Curt Hawkins and won easily. Kurt Angle was seen watching the match backstage with a big smile on his face.
It was announced that Jason Jordan will be on Miz TV next week on RAW. Jordan was interviewed backstage last night on RAW by Renee Young. It was a short interview and Jordan stated that Angle was his hero and it was a dream come true to final out that he was his biological father. It will be interesting to see if any more secrets get revealed when Jason Jordan joins Miz TV next week.
WWE Battleground took place on Sunday from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. It was in the same arena where Roman Reigns was booed out of the building after winning the Royal Rumble in 2015. The Rock even raised Reigns’ hand after the match but it didn’t make a difference, the Philly crowd just wasn’t having it.
Sunday’s WWE Battleground PPV was a SmackDown exclusive and it was pretty poorly received by most people. WWE had a difficult time selling tickets to the event and the crowd was painfully silent during almost every match on the card. The Punjabi Prison match generated barely any excitement from the crowd for a multitude of reasons, but a major cause was that fans in attendance had a hard time seeing what was going on due to the gigantic structure blocking the action.
A fan tweeted at RAW Superstar Roman Reigns about Roman not being on the show following WWE Battleground and Reigns responded:
John Cena took exception to Reigns’ comments and the two Superstars had the following exchange on Twitter:
Pride…always comes before the fall.Don't get too far ahead of yourself young man.But if U want a BigFight careful what u wish for… #RAWhttps://t.co/oPOTH5gVx2
John Cena has been labeled as a “free agent” since making his return to WWE. Time will tell if Cena pops up on an episode of RAW in the near future to confront Roman Reigns. WWE Royal Rumble 2018 is returning to the Wells Fargo Center next year. Tickets for the event go on sale this Saturday. It will be the 30th anniversary of the Royal Rumble and it will take place on January 28th, 2018.
Royal Rumble tickets go on sale this Saturday in Philadelphia. First 10,000 fans get a handwritten apology for Battleground#RAW
— WWE Creative Humor (a sub of TKO Creative Humor) (@WWECreative_ish) July 25, 2017
Fatal 4-Way for Universal Championship announced for SummerSlam
RAW kicked off Kurt Angle coming down to the ring. Angle stated that his son, Jason Jordan, will have first match tonight on the RAW roster. Angle was about to reveal who Brock Lesnar would be facing at SummerSlam when Braun Strowman interrupted. Strowman told Angle that he better be the one that faces Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. Samoa Joe interrupted and made his way down to the ring. The crowd chanted “Joe!” as he walked down the entrance ramp. Joe got right in front in Strowman’s face and said that he was the man that does not fear Lesnar. Joe then claimed that he definitely doesn’t fear Braun Strowman. Roman Reigns then came down to the ring.
Reigns started talking the crowd started to boo. Reigns claimed that neither Joe or Strowman have done anything in WWE. Reigns listed off his accomplished and brought up how he won the Royal Rumble in Philadelphia. Roman said that the crowd was certainly loud that night, making light of the fact that the crowd was basically silent last night at WWE Battleground at the Wells Fargo Center. Kurt Angle announced that it will be a Fatal 4-Way at SummerSlam. Brock Lesnar will defend his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman.
RAW GM Kurt Angle then went to leave the ring and Samoa Joe started yelling at him. Joe stated that he is the only Superstar that deserves to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Braun stated that he doesn’t care about anything else besides stacking bodies. An epic brawl then broke out. Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns teamed up for a moment to beatdown Strowman. Joe had the Coquina Clutch locked in on Strowman and Reigns connected with a Spear onto both Joe and Strowman. Several WWE Superstars then came down to the ring to try to break up the brawl. Strowman beat them all down and then started whipping security guards out of the ring. Strowman then planted Reigns with the Running Powerslam.
Bayley earns a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship at SummerSlam
On tonight’s episode of RAW, Bayley faced Sasha Banks to determine who will get a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship at Summerslam. It was a back and forth match, but in the end Bayley was able to roll-up Sasha for the victory after Banks connected with a Frog Splash. After the match concluded, RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss entered the ring and raised the title in Bayley’s face.
WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz recently did an interview with Mike Jones of DC 101 to promote next week’s Monday Night RAW in Washington D.C. Miz covered a number of topics including Roman Reigns having the ‘it’ factor, wrestlers backstabbing each other in WWE, his Miz-tourage, Brock Lesnar, and much more. Here are the highlights from their conversation:
Roman Reigns having ‘it’:
“Right now, he’s a really big good guy or a really big bad guy, it all depends on the way you look at it. He’ll walk out and get booed out of the building or he’ll walk out and get cheered out of the building. But the one thing that Roman Reigns has is the “it factor” and he’s a bonafide star who can go in a WWE ring.”
Wrestlers backstabbing each other in WWE:
“That’s the problem with everyone, like everyone’s not honest around WWE. I’m the person that will tell you straight up to you face, whether you like it or not, and most of the time people don’t like the things that I say. But what I say is the truth and sometimes the truth hurts and I guess people can’t take it. And so if you can’t take it then I guess you shouldn’t be in the ring with me with a microphone, you should just get away from me. That’s why I’m the Intercontinental Champion, my job is to make it them most prestigious, most relevant title in all of WWE and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel joining his Miz-tourage:
“It’s two talented individuals, not getting a chance. I’m a person that will give you a chance, and not only that, I will provide everything that possibly can for you. I even told Heath Slater that I wanted him as a part of The Miz-tourage. He didn’t want to be a part of it, he wanted to be the Intercontinental Champion. So then he goes up against me as the Intercontinental Champion and he loses, now where is he? You don’t really get to see him that much. Now where is Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel? They’re both on tv, each and every week, on Monday Night RAW.”
The reason Brock Lesnar is at the top of WWE:
“There’s a reason they call Brock Lesnar ‘The Beast’. This guy is to be reckoned with. He is a person who has been successful in WWE, he’s been successful in UFC, anything he steps into, he’s a bonafide star. So when you go up against him, you’re going up against someone and it could be your last match.”
His next acting project almost being ready to be announced:
“I think WWE’s a great training ground for that, and it’s helped me with my career in doing so much and I plan on doing more. You’ll just have to keep posted on the next thing that I’m doing because I have something in the works. It’s going to be pretty big and a lot of fun but I haven’t dotted the I’s yet. I don’t want to get the word out too soon but definitely keep an eye out. You’ll see what I’m up to in a few months.”
Listen to The Miz’s full interview with Mike Jones of DC 101 here.
It’s no secret that former Shield member Roman Reigns is one of the most hated Superstars on the WWE’s roster right now, but that doesn’t change the fact that “The Big Dog” has had a tremendous amount of success during his time with the company – something former RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks is able to recognize.
Banks recently did a few media appearances in Australia and found herself visiting the Victoria Zoo during one of them. During her visit, “The Boss” was asked to name who she believes was the best male wrestler on the roster. Banks broke the rules a bit and named three, however, she placed Roman Reigns at the top of her list and claimed that ‘all the guys are jealous of him’:
“I love Roman Reigns. Whether you guys love him, boo him, hate him – I think all the guys are jealous of him. He is an incredible athlete. He’s one to watch. He does it and kills it every single week”
“Of course, I have to say Cesaro. I watch his stuff and I go, “How do you think of that?” He’s so strong… Let me choose someone on SmackDown… of course, AJ Styles. He is legit phenomenal, I’m just like in awe every time I see him wrestle. He’s so sweet… he’s my Uncle Allen. What’s up, Unc? You good?”
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose recently did an interview with The Herald-Dispatch to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. “The Lunatic Fringe” discussed his ‘unhinged’ persona, his early days in The Shield, how he feels physically after winning and losing the world title. You can check out the highlights from their interview here:
The ‘unhinged’ persona:
“I feel like I’m a pretty sensible individual. I don’t feel unhinged (another characterization). It is what it is. Michael Cole (WWE announcer on ‘Monday Night Raw’ and pay-per-views) said it on TV enough times it clicked. I’m used to it. You know you get labels put on. In the ring, I don’t care. I fly by the seat of my pants, do whatever I feel like doing. Don’t worry about the consequences.”
His early days with The Shield:
“They threw us right to the wolves. We clicked immediately. We go week to week. We’d figure it out, did a lot on the fly. It all worked out. It’s a means to an end. Three new guys come in and kick the door down. It’s very rare three personalities work like that. You could tell we resonate with people. I’ve made way more money, got a lot more things done, a lot more work without them.”
How he feels physically after winning and losing the world title:
“You know they’ll come and go. You long to hold a championship belt, know it’s going to leave and you work to get one again. One moment you win a battle royal, you battle with a kendo stick, whatever it is. I don’t know any other way. I’ve been doing it so long. How’s my body doing? Terrible, I feel like crap. Doing this for over than a decade, not bad.”
You can read Ambrose’s full interview with The Herald-Dispatch by clicking here.
WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin took to his podcast, The Steve Austin Show, to talk about a number of professional wrestling topics. “The Texas Rattlesnake” discussed Roman Reigns and praised his in-ring work, as well as explaining why WWE shouldn’t turn “The Big Dog” heel anytime soon. He also offered his thoughts on Big Cass turning heel on his longtime tag team partner Enzo Amore. You can check out the highlights here below:
Roman Reigns’ storylines being ‘on and off’:
“I think he [has] got a great physique, a good looking guy, a pretty damn good worker. Storylines have been kind of on and off, hot/cold. Roman Reigns in and of himself, I think he has ‘star’ written all over him. He has still got to find his way. He still has to climb his way up the ladder. He’s built to take the road. He’s always in shape. He doesn’t get gassed out in his matches. There’s a lot to like about the guy, so when they came out as The Shield, those three guys, him, Seth [Rollins], and Dean Ambrose, when they came out as The Shield, they were really hot as heels.
“And all of a sudden, they split them up. And Roman, I don’t know, came out of that… All of those guys had to find their way and Vince [McMahon] kind of picked him to be the babyface and because of the response he was getting when he hit the ring. He really draws your attention. If they get his storylines straightened out, I think the kid’s going to be fine. I just think they need to keep running him like they’re running him. He’s doing [well] in the ring. I loved his matches with AJ.”
Why Reigns shouldn’t turn heel:
“I think you keep him on the road that he’s on and you don’t turn him heel just for the sake of turning him heel to make the fans happy because you’re not pushing him anymore because if you’re going to turn him heel, you’re going to push him even harder. Then, if you were tired of him to begin with because he was overpushed to begin with, in your opinion, then you’re not going to like him as a heel either.
“So if he keeps going down the road in the fashion that he is, but then turns, in an organic fashion, heel, when the time is right, or just stays down the road, the kid is going to be just fine.” Austin added, “he still has things to learn in the ring. He still has to work at getting to the top level, but he’s a top guy, in my opinion.”
Comparing Reigns’ fan reaction to John Cena’s:
“Look at John Cena. Now, he [has] been on top for over 10 years and has had a [pro wrestling] career that is absolutely phenomenal, but he still sometimes has those divided chants. But, nonetheless, there’s electricity in the air and everybody is engaged. And he has been able to have such a strong mindset to not get in his head and mess with him. That’s the confidence of John Cena. I think that Roman Reigns has the same type of confidence and self-belief that he is going to weather those bad chants and he’ll end up getting over.”
“He’s starting to loosen up and show some personality and I like it. And so I’m looking forward to see Roman keep developing. To me, here’s a guy who’s starting to get some confidence behind him.” Austin continued, “whatever role Roman’s in, he’s really settling into a groove here. I have here Braun [Strowman] is really over as a baby. Roman continues to get over. I’m really looking forward to this match.”
Big Cass’ singles run:
“All he has to do is good, solid work. Don’t fly like a cruiserweight. Don’t worry about taking the big bumps. Just work logic. Be mean. Be vicious. Sell when it’s your time to sell. Don’t turn into super coward mode. Don’t oversell. Just sell. And learn. And sometimes when you’re working a guy that’s smaller than you, register and if they get you into sell mode, then you sell, but be vicious in your heat. Good luck to Big Cass. Good luck to both of them.”
Austin said, “right now, in this heel vein that he’s going, maybe even heel Barry Windham. But I liked Barry better as a baby. I don’t want to say Bruiser [Brody] because anybody could study Bruiser because of just the generality of what he did was awesome.”