Shane McMahon Responds To CM Punk Chants

WWE is expected to hold a Best In The World tournament at the upcoming Crown Jewel event and we all know that this was also the catchphrase of the former WWE Champion CM Punk.

So it was natural that a CM Punk chant broke out in the arena during the latest episode of SmackDown Live while Shane McMahon was promoting the upcoming tournament in a segment.

The SmackDown Commissioner responded to these chants from the crowd saying ‘I don’t think he is in the tournament’. You can check out his reply in the below video at the 1:15 minute mark:

Alexa Bliss Hints At Evolution Appearance

We noted before how Alexa Bliss suffered a concussion during a WWE Live Event this past Saturday, putting her status for the upcoming Evolution PPV in question.

Bliss then recently posted a photo from her Twitter account. She promotes a new headband in the photo as seen below and also hints that she will be at the upcoming PPV this Sunday:

I didn’t get ready today so I figured Herschel would be a better fit for a model ?????? Coming soon to @wweshop !! Debuting a limited # at #Evolution !! #wweshop #headband #wweevolution pic.twitter.com/bWAzc1R6pe

— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) October 23, 2018

Though this doesn’t necessarily mean that she will be wrestling at the show. Based on this week’s Raw, it appears Alicia Fox could be her replacement if Alexa is not cleared in time for the historic event.

Some details on Shane McMahon’s status with the WWE SmackDown Live brand as their Commissioner has surfaced online. Pwinsider.com is reporting that his return on SmackDown 1000 was meant to be his reintroduction back into regular company storylines and that he’ll be a regular character on the blue brand in the coming weeks.

There is speculation that with his return being so close to WWE’s Survivor Series pay-per-view event, it could lead to him wrestling considering that he captained Team SmackDown last year at Survivor Series. As of this writing, there’s no official word on if WWE has plans for the son of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon at this traditional PPV event.

As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live, which was the 1000th edition, in Washington, DC at the Capital One Arena on the USA Network, Shane made his return alongside Stephanie and Vince McMahon when they were all guests on R-Truth and Carmella’s “Truth TV.” The ending of this segment saw them dance in the ring.

Prior to this appearance, McMahon hasn’t been seen since competing in at the Greatest Royal Rumble pay-per-view event in April. SmackDown Live General Manager Paige had been running the show herself since.

Shane McMahon recently appeared on the latest Opie Radio podcast where he talked about various topics including Hulk Hogan’s WWE status.

The WWE Hall of Famer was backstage at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view event where he held a meeting with Superstars to talk to them about privacy as a celebrity and the incident that got him shunned from WWE for years.

Although the son of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon would not provide an update on Hogan’s status with the company, he did make it known that he believes Hogan should be welcomed back in the company.

Shane said that he had no scoop and that this is a question that can only be answered by Vince. “He is an icon, that’s for sure. He will be back. I mean I grew up with Hulk. McMahon added, “He’s iconic.” McMahon would continue by stating that he’s not going to press stuff but would assume that he’ll come back one more time. He joked that they could talk about United States President Donald Trump or something less controversial.

Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame earlier this year after Hogan was fired from WWE in the summer of 2015 after racially charged comments from a sex tape came to light. Gawker alleged that Hogan only filed a lawsuit against them to prevent the racial statements from being released.

He has wrestled some of the biggest names in the history of pro wrestling, and although he has a long-lasting relationship with the company, there have been some hiccups between the two sides throughout the years. The belief is that when WWE is able to bring Hogan back at the right time, they will.

Shane McMahon recently appeared on the latest Opie Radio podcast where he talked about various topics including appearance at WrestleMania 32 with his children as they all made the entrance down to the ring back in 2016 in front of thousands of fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas before his Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker.

He also brought up how his kids will vent their booking frustrations to their grandfather, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

The son of the WWE Chairman stated that one of his kids would likely go into the wrestling business but hopefully on the business side of things after this appearance and even give him suggestions. “Like, ‘This is what we’re gonna do. I’m gonna call Pop, because’ — that’s what they call my dad — ‘I’m gonna call Pop because that was crap’ or ‘I loved this thing and this is what they should do.’ Then they’ll call pop or text him,” (H/T to Pro Wrestling Sheet).

You can listen to the full interview here as it features McMahon talking about going to the White House, Ronda Rousey joining the WWE after her career in the UFC, the story of his plane crash that he was in last year and more.

McMahon was last seen in action when he competed at the Greatest Royal Rumble back in April. He took time off as being the SmackDown Commissioner to heal from having acute diverticulitis two months prior.

– As for Shane McMahon’s WWE return, it was noted that after a successful hernia surgery Shane McMahon will be back in shape to wrestle around WWE Summerslam.

• Update On When Randy Orton Will Be Back From Knee Surgery

– The match between Samoa Joe and Big Cass this week on SmackDown Live is speculated to be a short one to sell Cass’ work leg injury.

On the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Joe will emerge the winner with the match being very short in length. The reason given was that Cass has been selling his injury given by Daniel Bryan even in house shows this week, meaning that it is very likely that he would continue to appear limping on SmackDown.

WWE is reporting that Shane McMahon underwent successful surgery to repair a hernia. The surgery took place last Friday in New York. Shane is said to be at home resting.

WWE released the following statement to media:

“McMahon is currently resting at home, but he’s feeling well and is excited to get back to work on Smackdown Live.”

While Shane performed at WrestleMania despite his hernia, the situation was said to be touch and go. Chris Jericho recently revealed that had Shane not been able to team with Daniel Bryan, that he would have been his replacement. Shane also suffered from diverticulitis and an infection which landed him in hospital in the weeks and months leading to WrestleMania.

Shane McMahon Performs at WrestleMania 34

On a recent episode of Chris Jericho’s podcast, Daniel Bryan relayed the story of speaking to Shane McMahon in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania.

“Shane called me and told me that he was in the hospital now, ‘I got diverticulitis when I was in Antigua, and when they put me on IV’s I got a staph infection from the IV’s and then I have this hernia that is coming out of my stomach,’ but he’s like, ‘don’t worry, I will be ready for WrestleMania.’ What? How? That doesn’t make any sense.”

Bryan continued to say WWE would not tell him who Shane’s replacement partner would have been.

“They keep all the secrets from the boys because they are afraid that the boys are talking to the dirt sheets and all of that kind of stuff,” Bryan said.

“I asked who it was, and they said that they couldn’t tell me. I thought, ‘wait, you can’t tell me? I’m in the match! Shouldn’t I know?’ I had assumed, I had kind of assumed that you [Jericho] that makes the most sense with your history with Kevin [Owens] and stuff.”

Former WWE Champion Chris Jericho almost ended up wrestling at WrestleMania 34.

On the latest episode of Talk is Jericho, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan was the special guest.

Right out of the gate, Jericho dropped some interesting news about how he almost competed at the biggest event of the year for the sports entertainment company, WrestleMania 34.

He noted that he was the backup plan to be Bryan’s tag team partner at WrestleMania 34 in a match against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

Originally, SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon was supposed to be Bryan’s partner but that idea was in jeopardy due to McMahon’s health problems leading up to the show.

If you recall, in March, just one month before WrestleMania 34, McMahon was dealing with acute diverticulitis and an umbilical hernia.

McMahon had an infection due to acute diverticulitis and was hospitalized for several days in Antigua as he was on vacation with his family before being flown back to a New York-area hospital, where he was being treated with heavy doses of antibiotics.

There was some concern that he would miss WrestleMania 34. Thus, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon reached out to Jericho about possibly replacing Shane in case he couldn’t work.

“A few weeks before WrestleMania, maybe three or four weeks, I get a call from Vince. And he’s talking about Shane and his appendix, or not his appendix, his diverticulitis, and he had an infection in his hand and he had… a staph infection and he had… a hernia. And he goes, ‘Listen, we don’t know if he can do ‘Mania.’

And he had somehow looked, or got someone to look at my schedule, and we had a Fozzy show that day… So he was like ‘I know you’re doing a Fozzy show, and you’re gonna watch WrestleMania with your fans,’ he goes, ‘what would you think about coming to New Orleans if Shane can’t do it?’”

At this point in time, Jericho was last seen on WWE television during a backstage segment with Elias at the 25 Anniversary episode of Monday Night Raw in January. He last wrestled in a WWE ring back in July of 2016.

Outside of WWE, Jericho made several surprise appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling including his match against Kenny Omega at the Wrestle Kingdom event at the Tokyo Dome.

This was a big match for Bryan as it was his first bout back since he had to retire from in-ring competition due to his history with concussions. However, after two years of fighting for his dream, he was medically cleared.

Bryan chimed in by stating, “We’re in this stage now where they don’t tell the boys anything. So they keep all the secrets from the boys because they’re afraid all the boys are talking to the dirt sheets. And so I asked, cause when Shane called me and told me, he said ‘I’m in the hospital right now. I got diverticulitus while I was in Antigua, and then when they were giving me IVs I got a staph infection from the IVs, and then I have this hernia that’s coming out of my stomach… but don’t worry I’ll be ready for ‘Mania’…”

Jericho continued by saying, “And it’s funny because we were looking, we were googling airports, and it was in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, like the most out of the way place. We were looking up airports close to Hampton Beach and how long is the charter to get there [New Orleans], and he [Vince] was like ‘Okay, you can make it right on time and we’ll give you a police escort, and you’ll basically have to go right into the ring.’

And I said ‘Listen, I’ve got no problem with that, and I know that Bryan has no problem with it. Kevin and Sami – especially Sami – are gonna have heart attacks calling a WrestleMania match in the ring.’ I mean, obviously we would think of some stuff beforehand, but like, I can do it. I don’t have a problem, so can you. We could do it now. But like, Sami is going to die of a frickin’ aneurysm is we do that!”

H/T to CageSide Seats for the transcribed quotes.

What are your thoughts on Jericho being the backup plan as Bryan’s tag team partner at Mania? Sound off in the comment section below.

Pete Gas, former member of Shane McMahon’s Mean Street Posse, recently did an interview with CBS Local Sports to talk about his WWE run. Gas first discussed taking heat for riding around in a limousine rather than driving from show to show:

“I got called in once. For one incident, I got called in probably like two or three weeks in a row. Got yelled at for doing something. It’s never fun, and I still claim innocence on it, but it doesn’t matter. We were in Memphis, Tennessee for training. So when we weren’t on television, we were there. We were told that we had to do all these shows in Memphis. So we had one loop where we had to go down to Louisiana through Mississippi.

“We had a huge loop on our off time. Then get back up to Memphis to travel. It was a lot of driving and I had a car that I didn’t want to put all the miles on. I had met this guy in a bar who had a limo service. He goes, ‘Hey, I’ve got this stretched Navigator. How about you guys hop in and I’ll drive you guys around? I’ll do it for nothing.’ He was just a wrestling fan, you know? Now we’ve got eight guys piled in. Actually, it was a bunch of guys from MCW, Memphis Championship Wrestling. Some of the guys were also doing developmental for WWE stuff, where they were on television as well, but they weren’t doing much. We all piled into this big stretched limo with cans of beer and stuff.

“We’d pull up to these shows and open up the limo door and literally have a couple cans of beer falling out of it. Kevin Kelley would pull up and he’d be doing commentary for us in Memphis. So, he’s pulling up in a Ford Taurus and we’re pulling up in a stretch and have all these cans. So word got back to the office that we weren’t paying our dues in driving on the road, we were driving in stretched limo. So, literally, I got called into the office. They literally yelled at me two to three weeks in a row, and talked to me. Said, ‘Do you understand why you’re doing that?

“You’re supposed to be paying your dues.’ I understood, but I also thought, it’s a free and it’s someone driving us. We don’t have to put the miles on the car. My theory was like, ‘I understand but the guy was doing it for free.’ The guy never took a dime or nothing, gas money, nothing. He was just happy to be driving us.”

As for Shane McMahon’s in-ring style, Gas still doesn’t believe that time is catching up to Shane O’Mac:

“No, I think that’s exactly why you saw what you saw out of him. Not to mention, he had an infection as well, which added to the fact of why he was in the hospital. He also has a hernia. Anyone who has ever had a hernia can understand what kind of pain the man was going through. But for the people who knocked the guy, I don’t know how you can. He puts it all on the line for the company and really gives an effort like no other.

“He does some crazy stuff for a guy who’s not a full-time wrestler. The guy’s in a lot of pain, but he’s not gonna allow that to stand in the way of performing at WrestleMania. He goes above and beyond. I know that he’s got some of those things fixed. I know that [for] a hernia alone, from what I understand, a normal person can’t do anything for six weeks, let alone wrestle.

“So I wouldn’t expect to see him in the ring doing anything for at least that amount of time. I haven’t spoken to him since right after Mania, so I don’t know what his intentions are. I know that he has a very high pain threshold, and he got through that match. He did a lot. Kudos to him for being able to do what he did.”

You can read Gas’ full interview with CBS Local Sports by clicking this link here.

– Rusev is probably one of the most over talents on the WWE’s roster right now thanks to his “Rusev Day” gimmick. He was added to the Fatal-Four Way United States Championship match at WrestleMania this past weekend, but was the one who got pinned in the match to Jinder Mahal.

He got his shot at redemption last night on SmackDown Live, as he was part of a Triple Threat match against Randy Orton and Bobby Roode to determine the No. 1-contender for Mahal’s title. Unfortunately Rusev was neither able to win that match.

As a result of his recent slump, Rusev took to Twitter to tease some “change” that could be coming for himself. Perhaps this means the end of Rusev Day? Or he could simply be referring to the upcoming Superstar Shake-up, teasing a move to RAW:

Enough is enough….. maybe it’s time for a change.

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) April 11, 2018

– On last night’s episode of SmackDown Live, Commissioner Shane McMahon announced that Daniel Bryan has returned to being a full-time WWE talent, and resigned from his role as General Manager.

With that being said, McMahon announced Paige – who recently announced her retirement as a WWE in-ring competitor due to injury – as the new General Manager of Tuesday nights. McMahon took to Twitter to congratulate Paige on her new role:

#SDLive has been and always will be the land of opportunities and second chances. It was my PRIVILEGE to name @RealPaigeWWE as the new General Manager.
This is her house now. pic.twitter.com/3xXGMDEEIV

— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) April 11, 2018

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/983867100602257408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn is now official for WrestleMania 34. Bryan announced the match on Tuesday’s SmackDown. If Shane and Bryan win, Sami and Owens will remain fired from SmackDown. Sami and Owens will be reinstated to the blue brand if they can get the win.

Below is the updated confirmed WrestleMania card and what the final line-up might look like.

Confirmed Matches:

WWE Universal Title Match
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE Title Match
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles

Triple Threat for the WWE Intercontinental Title
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz

Triple Threat for the WWE United States Title
Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton

RAW Women’s Title Match
Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss

SmackDown Women’s Title Match
Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

RAW Tag Team Title Match
Braun Strowman and a partner vs. Cesaro and Sheamus

Finals of the WWE Cruiserweight Title Tournament
Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali

Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon

Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
Zayn and Owens will get their jobs back if they win, they will remain fired if they lose.

First-Ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
Sasha Banks, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Naomi, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Natalya, TBA

Fifth Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Scott Dawson, Dash Wilder, Baron Corbin, Tye Dillinger, Mojo Rawley, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Tyler Breeze, Fandango, TBA

Rumored Matches & Matches Expected To Change

SmackDown Tag Team Title Match
The New Day vs. The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The Usos

John Cena vs. The Undertaker

Sasha Banks vs. Bayley

WWE announced on Monday that Shane McMahon has been diagnosed with the intestinal disease acute diverticulitis and and an umbilical hernia.

The news comes two weeks after Shane announced his indefinite leave of absence from his post as the commissioner of SmackDown Live. After stepping down as SmackDown commissioner, Shane was assaulted by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Many fans assumed this attack was to set up a match at WrestleMania. Especially with Daniel Bryan being medically cleared to compete, it seemed like a given that Shane and Bryan would be teaming up against Zayn and Owens at WrestleMania. However, this medical update jeopardizes Shane’s chances revenge at WrestleMania in less than two weeks.

WWE.com writes “While [in the Caribbean], Shane developed a massive infection due to acute diverticulitis and was hospitalized for several days in Antigua before being flown back to a New York-area hospital, where he is currently being treated with heavy doses of antibiotics. The doctors in New York have also discovered that Shane suffered an umbilical hernia during the attack, which will require surgery once the infection has been eradicated.”

A massive infection, a diverticulitis diagnosis and pending surgery to repair a hernia all point to Shane missing WrestleMania. We should find out what this means for Shane McMahon, Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in the coming days.

It remains to be seen how much of this news is WWE storyline fiction – hopefully all of it.

SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan recently did an interview with The National to talk about several professional wrestling topics. Bryan first discussed what its been like working alongside SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon:

“I have really liked working with Shane. One of the things that is really nice about Shane is that he is a positive person. When we first started working together it was really interesting because we were shooting a shot back stage and it didn’t go as planned because the camera guy was new. But he didn’t chew him out or anything like that.

“‘Hey man, welcome here. This is how we do things here so next time do it like this’. And that is a great way for a leader to talk to people who work for him rather than being ‘Argh, you idiot, what are you doing’. So yeah, I really enjoy working with him.””

He then discussed his ongoing storyline with McMahon, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn on SmackDown. It’s expected Bryan will team with Shane against Owens and Zayn in a Tag Team match at WrestleMania 34 next month:

“I think there is so much that is similar between me, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. In terms of where we come from and also kind of the perception of some of the people in the office about Sami and Kevin and the way that people perceived me as far as thinking ‘Sami Zayn does not have the look to be a top level WWE superstar’.

“But he has the ability. Like people connect with him and I think the same thing with Kevin Owens and I think that makes it a very natural storyline to tell.”

You can read Bryan’s full interview with The National by clicking this link here.

WWE Champion AJ Styles recently did an interview with Planeta Wrestling to talk about several professional wrestling topics. The WWE Champ is scheduled to defend his title against 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura – a match many fans would love to see main event WrestleMania next month. “The Phenomenal One” discussed whether he’d prefer to open or close the show in New Orleans:

“Well, I think everybody wants to main event,” said Styles. “I think you wait on the last match to put on the best show. I think that’s it, that’s where everybody wants to be. But at the same time, there’s a lot of matches, so you don’t want the person to get sleepy or tired, so going on first like Shane McMahon and myself did last year was pretty awesome.”

Styles is one of the best in-ring talents of his generation and has shared the ring with some of the top names in the industry. He has an amazing ability to tell great stories with anyone he’s competing against:

“I think it’s all about the story that you’re willing to tell,” said Styles. “John Cena would obviously tell some good stories, same thing with Kevin Owens. And Shinsuke Nakamura, the story that we’re gonna tell will be no different.”

At last year’s WrestleMania in Orlando, Styles defeated SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon in the opening match of the main card. Styles feels he and McMahon stole the show that night with their amazing contest:

“Working with Shane was awesome,” said Styles. “We gave people a match they definitely didn’t expect. I think it stole the show, but I think that has a lot to do with the McMahon’s work ethic. They want it to be perfect, they want everything to be just right, and I applaud Shane McMahon’s work ethic. I think it’s unbelievable, and I’d do it all over again.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL5tVRiPTGc&feature=youtu.be

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

– Last night in the semi-finals of the Mixed Match Challenge, Team Little Big (Braun Strowman and RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss) were defeated by The Miz and Asuka. During the match there was a moment in which Strowman caught Bliss after she was bumped off the apron. For a second it looked like they were about to kiss before they realized they were still in a match and Bliss needed to get back in the ring before getting counted out.

In a post-match interview with Strowman and Bliss they were asked about the kiss that almost happened. Strowman said he hopes it can actually happen now, and just as they try one more time, a fan comes in and asks Bliss for her autograph. “The Monster Among Men” gets frustrated and bolts off:

– On last night’s episode of SmackDown Live, the first episode after General Manager Daniel Bryan was cleared for an in-ring return, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn attacked Bryan after firing them for attacking Shane McMahon on last week’s episode of SmackDown. McMahon broke his silence on the matter via Twitter:

On a night that should have been one of @WWEDanielBryan's finest…Sami & KO proved they are vile, spineless cowards. Neither of them belong in @WWE and #SDLive…I just hope this didn’t set back Daniel’s in-ring return even further.

— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) March 21, 2018

– WWE.com has officially added Trent Seven to the NXT roster page after he has made several appearances on the program over the past year. Seven participated in the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament.

– On last night’ episode of SmackDown Live it was announced that General Manager Daniel Bryan would be making his WWE TV return on next week’s episode. Bryan was absent from WWE Fastlane and this week’s episode of SmackDown last night. The reason for Bryan’s absence was because he was attending a family wedding.

– Speaking of SmackDown Live, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn viciously attacked SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon on last night’s show after McMahon announced he’d be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his duties on the show.

Before the beatdown he also announced Owens would be taking on Sami Zayn at WrestleMania as well. “KO” took to Twitter to comment on attacking Shane:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/973771853792727041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– After the beatdown of McMahon by Owens and Zayn, WWE announced a storyline injury sustained by the SmackDown Live Commissioner as a result of the attack:

Shane McMahon suffers several injuries while being attacked by Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on SmackDown LIVE

After announcing he would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his role as SmackDown LIVE Commissioner, Shane McMahon was brutally attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, whom he had just placed into a match against each other at WrestleMania. McMahon suffered several injuries during the attack, WWE.com can confirm.

“He sustained a laryngeal contusion when the steel chair was wrapped around his head and thrown into the turnbuckle,” WWE medical staff said.

KO & Zayn continued the onslaught by dragging McMahon to the back and powerbombing him onto a metal rack, resulting in further injuries.

“He was then thrown onto the metal rack, which resulted in trapezius and rhomboid strains,” medical staff continued.

McMahon is currently being evaluated to make sure his airway is not compromised. Further updates on McMahon’s status are expected in the next 24 hours. Stick with WWE.com for more details as they become available.

Shane McMahon is taking an indefinite leave of absence as the Commissioner of SmackDown Live. He had served as commissioner since the brand split was announced back in 2016.

The announcement was made during the final segment of Tuesday’s episode. Shane said that over the past several months, he’s taken actions unbecoming of his position while attempting to contain Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan will be back next week, but for now, he’ll be running the show by himself.

Shane also announced that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will be squaring off in singles competition at WrestleMania.

Shortly after revealing that he’s stepping away from his post, Owens and Zayn unleashed a vicious assault on their (now former) boss.

Shane stepping away as the boss of SmackDown Live paves the way for him to physically get revenge against Zayn and Owens at WrestleMania. We’ll see how this one plays out in the coming weeks, but you can be sure we haven’t seen the last of Shane ‘o Mac on Smackdown.

BREAKING: Effective next week, @ShaneMcMahon will be taking an indefinite leave of absence as #SDLive Commissioner. pic.twitter.com/aVOq95a9wu

— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2018

.@FightOwensFight and @SamiZayn have one, final goodbye for @ShaneMcMahon… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/cD2OUSd3D9

— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2018

Last night on Monday Night Raw, Shane McMahon was shown on camera sitting next to his father backstage. This was during the 1st segment of the show where Roman Reigns walked to the back to confront Vince.

On Smackdown, Shane McMahon just cost both Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens chances to win the WWE Championship at Fastlane. Shane broke up pin attempts by each competitor to prevent them from winning.

Kevin Owens took to Twitter last night to comment on Shane McMahon’s appearance on Raw:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/973365017159651328

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at WrestleMania

After losing out on a WWE Championship opportunity on Sunday, Zayn and Owens, like Cena, have no clear path to WrestleMania.

Shane McMahon is advertised as having a special announcement for tonight’s Smackdown. His announcement may have something to do with Owens’ and Zayn’s role at this year’s WrestleMania.

AJ Styles defended his WWE Championship tonight at WWE Fastlane in a Six-Pack Challenge against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin and John Cena. SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon was ringside for the match and wound up playing a pivotal role in the decision. Both Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens had the match won, but Shane decided to intervene during both pinfalls. After WWE Fastlane 2018 went off the air, the SmackDown Commissioner joined Renee Young and Sam Roberts on Talking Smack.

Shane claimed that he was totally provoked tonight. Renee Young stated that Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan seem to constantly let their emotions get in the way of their job. Shane admitted that his emotions got the best of him tonight due to Kevin Owens accidentally Superkicking him in the face.

Renee asked where Shane draws the line on letting his emotions control his decisions. Shane McMahon stated that Daniel Bryan was correct in his assessment that he has let his emotions get in the way. Sam Roberts asked if Shane regretted his actions tonight and Shane quickly said he doesn’t know. Shane added that his adrenaline is still pumping and that he is not pleased with what happened tonight and once again brought up being kicked in the face.

Sam Roberts brought up that Kevin Owens was trying to kick Sami Zayn in the face tonight and Sami ducked, which led to Shane getting kicked in the face. Shane simply said “okay”. Roberts asked why Shane was even ringside for the match tonight but was quickly cut off by Renee Young. Renee brought up Owens attacking Vince McMahon last year and added that must have left a mark on Shane McMahon. Shane agreed that is where it all started and noted that he and Owens never liked each other. Shane said that he respected Owens’ talent but doesn’t care for him at all as a person.

Shane noted that he will never forget what Owens did to his father and that he has had this coming to him for a very long time. Shane complained about Sami Zayn interfering in the Hell in a Cell match against Kevin Owens last year, just as he was about to get his revenge on Owens. Sam Roberts asked Shane if it was time to let Daniel Bryan have more control as Shane works through these issues and Shane said that they have already tried that. Shane added that he and Daniel have a great relationship, but they don’t always see eye-to-eye. Shane once again claimed that Daniel Bryan is living vicariously through Owens and Zayn.

Shane admitted that he was happy to see neither Owens and Zayn walk away with the WWE Championship tonight. Shane claimed that he stayed out of the way tonight until he got booted in the face. Renee Young disagreed and pointed out that Shane McMahon deliberately cost both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn the chance to become WWE Champion on back to back occasions tonight. Shane once again admitted that his emotions got the better of him but claimed that he didn’t regret it at the moment. He continued to say that he might regret it later after he gets a chance to chill out and calm down.

#SDLive Commissioner @ShaneMcMahon admits that his emotions got the best of him in costing @SamiZayn and @FightOwensFight a #WWETitle opportunity at #WWEFastlane. #TalkingSmack pic.twitter.com/knTmwDjwws

— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018

We’ve noted a recent report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer who suggests WWE is planning to have Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn involved in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34. This means, despite their differences on WWE TV right now, they will not be involved in a match with Shane McMahon at the event. Per McMahon’s contract, however, he needs to wrestle at “The Show Of Shows” and needs a dancing partner.

Brad Shepard of BodySlam.net reports that current plans have the SmackDown Live Commissioner facing off against Dolph Ziggler in New Orleans, as Ziggler has never had a singles contest at WrestleMania before:

“It looks like plans have recently changed and now Shane McMahon’s match, it sounds like his opponent will be Dolph Ziggler. From what I’ve been told, that’s what they are looking to do.”

“Shane has got to have his match and Dolph has never had a singles match at WrestleMania. It will be a good match, that’s fine. Not everything I am dying to see but.. That will be something to watch for if they do go with that — we should start seeing that build soon.”

Discussion: How do you feel about a potential match between McMahon and Ziggler? How would WWE set this up? And what other options are out there for “Shane O-Mac?”

– Bloomberg recently did a story on WWE that featured some comments from Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie commented on her brother’s role within WWE, revealing he’s not an actual executive within the company but “is really a strong talent for us right now.”

– Former WWE Superstar Darren Young was released from the company this past October. He has since changed his WWE-related social media handles. Young’s new Twitter can be found @realfredrosser and his Instagram account is realfredrosser. Instead of using the Darren Young name, he now uses his real name, Fred Rosser:

If you are in my way of my goals and dreams to end hate. I suggest you move. #BLOCKTHEHATE ??? pic.twitter.com/Bpps51lrFp

— nodaysoff FRED ROSSER III (@realfredrosser) February 18, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfRk_eAA97t/

– Below is video of Charly Caruso talking to “The Hurricane” Shane Helms after his quick Royal Rumble appearance on Sunday. Helms says the WWE Universe spoke to him again and as soon as the music hit, the signal went up and it said stand back as the Universe knew a hurricane was coming. Helms tells Cathy to always remember through howling winds and pouring rain, all evil shall fear The Hurricane.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Fv119IeZY?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– WWE posted this new promo for The Road to WrestleMania 34 on the WWE Network – RAW’s Elimination Chamber on February 25th, SmackDown’s Fastlane on March 11th and the biggest show of the year on April 8th.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpq5GXInQpM?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, RAW General Manager Kurt Angle and SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon tweeted the following on the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, which were won by Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka. As noted, Nakamura vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles is the only official match for WrestleMania 34 as of this writing.

Congrats to @ShinsukeN and Raw’s own @WWEAsuka for their Royal Rumble wins. #WrestlemaniaMainEventBound #itstrue

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) January 29, 2018

I could not be more proud of all the women who competed in the first ever women’s #RoyalRumble match and every woman who paved the way. Their sacrifices, their perseverance, and their incredible talent led to this moment. I’m in awe. Congrats ladies, you deserve it! #RumbleForAll

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) January 29, 2018

To the Artist Known as @ShinsukeN on the winning the #RoyalRumble match and going to the main event of @WrestleMania. https://t.co/aSsR1ZSlCO

— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) January 29, 2018

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently did an interview with Business Insider to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. “Good Ole’ JR” was asked for his opinion on 72-year-old WWE frontman Vince McMahon and his ability to continue to run the company. Ross said that Vince isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, as he’s still very healthy for his age, but has his own idea of where the company will go without him:

“I have an opinion on where the company will go. I will say this — you know, Vince is very healthy. He still works out like a crazy man. He really takes care of himself,” Ross said. “So, he ain’t going anywhere soon. We don’t want him to go anywhere soon. He’s the rock that built that thing. He’s the rudder in the water. It’s an amazing company.”

As for who Vince’s successor would be once he decides to step away from WWE, Ross said that he’d put his money down on son-in-law Triple H rather than McMahon’s own son Shane McMahon:

“I think that, if I’m guessing, and it’s gonna strictly be a guess — that the money would be on, probably, Paul Levesque to be Vince’s successor,” Ross said.

The future WWE Hall Of Famer currently serves as the WWE’s Executive Vice President Of Talent, Live Events, and Creative. Because of these roles and opportunities given to “The Game” Ross feels that McMahon is grooming his son-in-law to take the helm once he steps down:

“I think Vince is kind of preparing him for that in a lot of ways. You always knew that he was different from the other guys because he was very studious, and very – under control,” he said. “He didn’t drink. No drugs. He looked to be a lifer early on, and he got a lot of that from being a fan all his life growing up in the northeast — New Hampshire. Then, getting trained by Killer Kowalski who was a great, old-school guy. So, I think he’s probably the heir apparent.”

Ross believes that both Stephanie and Shane McMahon would continue to be involved with the company after Vince steps away, but in smaller roles, while Hunter is left as the right man for the job:

“Stephanie is very involved and, you know, is really more of a face of WWE. She does a lot of charity work. And she’s great at that. And you’ve got to have that in that world,” he said. “I think Shane seems to be, apparently, content with being a TV character. I don’t know where his role’s gonna be going forward or what he wants it to be. But, I think that Paul Levesque is the one that seems to be earmarked to be the next guy, if and when Vince is not in that role.”

You can read Ross’ full interview with Business Insider by clicking this link here.

– WWE Monday Night RAW General Manager and WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle took to Instagram to post a photo of himself, WWE Champion AJ Styles, and SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon. The trio were on set of WWE Network’s “Table For 3” and Angle said that it will be an ‘intriguing’ episode as they discuss their matches together, their families, untold stories, and even TNA Wrestling:

“Very intriguing “Table for 3” coming soon on the WWE Network. AJ Styles, Shane McMahon and Yours’ truly….. We talk about our matches together, our families, unheard stories and even TNA Wrestling. Must see. #itsttrue #AJ#Shane #Angle”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeREZ2qBSCM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_legacy

– Speaking of Shane, he took a couple of Stone Cold Stunners from WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin on the opening segment of RAW 25 last night. He took to Twitter to comment on the incident:

Privileged to share the ring with you @SteveAustinBSR and proud to be a part of #Raw25. pic.twitter.com/mOt1FqCmM4

— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) January 23, 2018

WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin returned to TV on tonight’s RAW 25th Anniversary show for the opening segment with Vince McMahon, SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon and RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon.

Austin hit a Stone Cold Stunner on Shane before ending the segment with a Stunner to Vince. Austin also celebrated with several beers.

Below are photos and videos from tonight’s segment, which opened the show from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn:

What a way to kick off #RAW25…with #RAW Commissioner @StephMcMahon and #SDLive Commissioner @shanemcmahon! pic.twitter.com/RG1pp35T2B

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2018

It wouldn't be #RAW25 without the STRUT!@VinceMcMahon is LIVE on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/IU83FKtHu2

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2018

Stop, smell the ???, and enjoy the plaque! #RAW25 pic.twitter.com/eJwiKDzKMv

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 23, 2018

OOOHHHHHHH HELLLLLLLLL YYEEEEEEAAHHHHHHHHHH!@steveaustinBSR is HERE! #RAW25 pic.twitter.com/owfCXlKYR4

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2018

"I'm a senior citizen, but @shanemcmahon's in his prime!" – @VinceMcMahon to @steveaustinBSR #RAW25 pic.twitter.com/zZU4KR4lwH

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 23, 2018

Thanks for comin', @shanemcmahon!#RAW25 @steveaustinBSR pic.twitter.com/rMeGix11Q6

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2018

AAAAAAAAAND ANOTHER ONE! STONE COLD STUNNER! STONE COLD STUNNER! STONE COLD STUNNER!#RAW25 @steveaustinBSR pic.twitter.com/K2WAQmuUEv

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2018

Oh, how we missed you, @steveaustinBSR! #RAW25 pic.twitter.com/Tzl1g4uxBu

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 23, 2018

OH HELL YEAH!! Some rivalries NEVER die as @steveaustinBSR STUNS @VinceMcMahon AND @ShaneMcMahon!!!! #RAW25 pic.twitter.com/lLj8eMUI0f

— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2018

– Following last Friday’s report that Paige’s WWE in-ring career is over, the leader of Absolution will be at tonight’s Raw from San Antonio, Texas.

On Sunday night, Paige revealed on Instagram’s “Stories” feature that she’s on her way to Raw.

https://twitter.com/Legit_Fighter/status/952762516198785024

Paige also has fans buzzing with this captionless photo she posted on both Twitter and Instagram on Sunday night.

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/952756638708051968

– Shane McMahon celebrates his birthday on Monday as the Commissioner of SmackDown Live turns 48 years old.

– Sami Zayn and Becky Lynch will compete for children across the globe with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), their charity in WWE Mixed Match Challenge. In the video below, Zayn and Lynch explain their support for UNICEF.

• Who is Becky Lynch dating?