This past Sunday saw Daniel Bryan and Shinsuke Nakamura stood across the ring from each other in a WWE match, unfortunately for fans it was not in the manner they had hoped for.

The Clash of Champions match where Shinsuke teamed with Randy Orton to take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn saw Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon act as the special guest referees. After the bout Shinsuke took to Twitter to mention the fact that he finally shared the ring with Bryan, and Daniel responded (check out the tweets at the bottom of the page).

Bryan has been discussing his want of a match with Shinsuke for a number of years, once it was announced that Nakamura would be coming to WWE’s NXT brand in 2016 Bryan took to Twitter and publicly asked the WWE to clear him for a match against the ‘King of Strong Style.’ Since then Bryan has been officially retired and while he still wants to perform in the ring it appears that WWE aren’t looking to clear him anytime soon.

I do not remember how many years passed. Anyway I surely stood in same ring with @WWEDanielBryan last night.

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) December 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/942818987305504768

SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon announced on tonight’s show that he will be the special referee for Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura at the WWE Clash of Champions pay-per-view. If Owens & Sami lose the match they will be fired from all of WWE.

Shane also announced that Natalya vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will be a Lumberjack Match. Confirmed ringside participants include Carmella, Lana, Tamina, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan.

Finally, SmackDown saw Rusev & Aiden English defeat The New Day to earn a spot in the SmackDown Tag Team Title match at Clash of Champions, making it a Fatal 4 Way with champions The Usos, The New Day, Rusev & English and Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin.

Below is the updated card for Clash of Champions, which takes place on December 17th from the TD Garden in Boston:

WWE Title Match
Jinder Mahal vs. AJ Styles

Lumberjack Match for the SmackDown Women’s Title
Natalya vs. Charlotte Flair

Triple Threat for the WWE United States Title
Dolph Ziggler vs. Bobby Roode vs. Baron Corbin

Fatal 4 Way for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles
Rusev & Aiden English vs. The New Day vs. Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable vs. The Usos

Special Referee: SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura
If Owens & Sami lose the match they will be fired from WWE.

– Below is video of The New Day gaming backstage after their win over Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable on tonight’s SmackDown. Xavier Woods says they are the franchise tag team of the industry and they will definitely be SmackDown Tag Team Champions again as it is written in the stars. Kofi Kingston goes on about how “piping hot” they are.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mTgjJLIj9Y?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– The dark main event after tonight’s WWE 205 Live in Lexington, KY saw Bobby Roode and Shinsuke Nakamura defeat Dolph Ziggler and WWE United States Champion Baron Corbin in tag team action.

– Hideo Itami tweeted the following after his latest vignette aired on tonight’s WWE 205 Live. No word yet on when his main roster debut will happen.

I will make #205Live Go 2 sleep. pic.twitter.com/b1TWYsh6xp

— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) November 29, 2017

WWE Hall Of Famer Edge recently took to his podcast with former Tag Team Championship partner Christian, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness, to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. One topic of discussion was the success of former New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Shinsuke Nakamura in WWE. Edge expressed concern with Nakamura, questioning how far the Japanese star could go in the WWE:

”It’s strange with Nakamura, man, because, like you’ve said, we’ve seen his matches with AJ [Styles] in New Japan [Pro-Wrestling] and everything. With Randy [Orton], I’ve seen it. And with Sami [Zayn], I’ve seen it. But that match too, man, I really loved that match and after that, it’s like, anything else is going to be tough to live up to.”

”I mean, maybe [Nakamura will ‘get there’]. Maybe. Who knows? It’s a different beast entirely. People can blame it on booking, this, that, or the other. I don’t know. I think it’s weird. It just goes to show how different places to wrestle are completely different environments.”

You can listen to E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness by visiting this link here.

H/T NoDQ.com for the transcriptions

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently did a Q&A on Facebook and commented on a number of interesting topics, including CM Punk returning to WWE one day, Nakamura being qualified to carry the WWE Championship and where he ranks himself among the best wrestlers ever.

Here are some highlights of what RAW’s General Manager said about:

The possibility of CM Punk back in WWE one day:

“Anything is possible. I think so.”

Shinsuke Nakamura as WWE Champion:

“Yes. I wrestled Nakamura 9 years ago, it was epic, and he’s much better now! I think it’s his time, but Jinder is a beast.”

Which female competitor he wants to see inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018:

“Right now? Trisha Stratus. If she’s not already [Note: She was, back in 2013], Mickie James will be a shoo-in once she hangs it up. I hope not too soon though!”

If he’s excited about The Shield reuniting:

“Who isn’t?!?! I wish Team Angle could go a round with the Shield.”

His favorite exercise: 

“I love to run, it clears my mind. And if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. If I stop running it will be very difficult to start back up at my age. LOL.”

If he listens to Bruce Prichard’s Something To Wrestle With podcast:

“No. But Bruce was there and was a big part of it. What he says is true…at least most of it…lol.”

Where he stands with the best wrestlers ever:

“At the very top. Yes, I feel that way. It kind of sucks that my matches in TNA were just as good as the ones in WWE, but the WWE Universe didn’t see them. If you add my 11 years in TNA/Japan plus my 7 year WWE run, then yes. I think most would agree with that.

But, we all have our own opinions. That’s what is fun about debating. Hearing others’ opinions on it.”

WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, who is scheduled to defend the title against Shinsuke Nakamura at this Sunday’s at WWE Hell In A Cell PPV, recently spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated about various topics. Here are the highlights:

Winning WWE Championship:

“There was originally no plan in place for me to become WWE champion. It felt like I became the number one contender out of nowhere. I call what I did forcing the results. I wasn’t happy with my position. I was putting in the work, but I wasn’t getting the results. I was going to force the result no matter what the cost.”

His planned promo on Shinsuke Nakamura last month that received backlash:

“Every day in WWE is also an opportunity. I have to rise to the occasion every time I am given that opportunity, and that includes every promo on SmackDown, too.”

You can read the entire interview here.

Marissa Payne of the The Washington Post has published an article about Jinder Mahal’s controversial promo from Tuesday’s SmackDown Live titled, “WWE has dealt with racism before, but a scripted rant has fans chanting ‘that’s too far!’”

For those who missed it, the WWE Champion mocked Shinsuke Nakamura’s Japanese heritage. In addition to criticizing Nakamnura’s (saying “you always rook the same” whether he’s happy or angry), Mahal also referenced Japanese people feasting on cats and dolphins and compared Nakamura to Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies.

https://youtu.be/y8-6yXcvKRk

Fans in the arena chanted, “that’s too far” and fans on social media shared the same sentiment, calling out WWE for racism.

Who on earth is writing @JinderMahal's promos! They are distasteful and racist! I am not impressed! @WWE sort this out! #SDLive #Nakamura

— Thomas Jackson Kay (@tjkay22) September 20, 2017

HEY @WWE HAVING A BROWN PERSON SAY OPENLY RACIST RHETORIC DOES NOT MAKE IT OK

— the ringfluencer (@FKAsocks) September 20, 2017

https://twitter.com/zomboid_muse/status/910515429218582528

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer was quoted in the article, explaining, “Wrestling was always in its own little world. Now everyone watches it, and you can’t get away with those kind of old tricks. The fan base will blame it on the company and not on the heel.” He added that it’s an embarrassing situation for WWE, since “Nobody wants to be called racist.”

A WWE spokesperson issued a statement to the Washington Post about the promo:

“Just like many other TV shows or movies, WWE creates programming with fictional personalities that cover real world issues and sensitive subjects.

As a producer of such TV shows, WWE Corporate is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans.”

Jinder Mahal will defend the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at Hell in a Cell on Sunday, 10/8.

– During a WWE Live Event last week in Brisbane, Australia, Monday Night RAW star Finn Balor was attacked by Bray Wyatt prior to their match-up getting officially underway. Shortly after, Balor took to social media and posted the following picture of his signature leather jacket getting ripped during the attack by Wyatt, and he wasn’t very happy about it. The pair will go one-on-on at No Mercy on pay-per-view (PPV):

Generally I can forgive people for almost all of their actions…
Ruining my jacket is NOT one of them! #WWEBrisbane #Braywyatt pic.twitter.com/dZcid1gdMa

— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) September 16, 2017

– WWE held its first Live Event in China yesterday (Sun. September 17, 2017) as part of the company’s overseas tour. Prior to the show getting underway, SmackDown Live stars Lana, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Natalya got to hang out around the country. Check out some photos here:

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZIdjBPh5hY/

Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live featuring Randy Orton vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event to crown a new #1 contender to WWE Champion Jinder Mahal averaged 2.582 million viewers, up from 2.455 million viewers last week.

By comparison, Monday’s Labor Day edition of RAW drew 2.932 million viewers, down from the previous week’s 3.304 million viewers.

SmackDown was #5 in viewership, behind American Horror Story, The Haves & Have Nots, Rachel Maddow and Hannity. SmackDown was #2 in the 18-49 demographic on cable this week, behind American Horror Story.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is advertised for next week’s show, so don’t be surprised to see the viewership continue to creep up as we head into Hell in a Cell.

Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from this week’s SmackDown Live:

New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kota Ibushi recently spoke to the New Japan English language site NJPW1972.com on a variety of topics including the G1 Climax tournament, his long awaited return to the company and his brutal Kamigoye! move, here are some of the highlights:

–OK, first let’s talk about you being back in a New Japan ring, and being such a focal part of the G1. It’s been a couple of weeks now, looking back, how was the G1 for you?

Ibushi: Ultimately I wrestled more in that one month than in the two years before. I was a little wary of that beforehand, doing two years worth of matches in such a short time, but it actually turned out OK.

–Before the G1 started, you mentioned that New Japan today is a different place from when you were last here. How do you feel about that now?

Ibushi: I think New Japan started, in about 2014, 2015 advancing to a new level. 2016 I wasn’t around, so coming back in 2017 it really feels like they’ve kicked into this higher gear… although a part of that is a little dangerous, a little frightening.

–You said about the 2015 G1 that the only word that sprang to mind was ‘tough’. How did this year compare?

Ibushi: This year was just so much fun. Some of the most pure, genuine fun I’ve had in wrestling. I haven’t felt anything like that recently.

–Not in WWE?

Ibushi: Right, not in WWE.

–Why do you think this time was so enjoyable?

Ibushi: This time it was about wrestling the way I wanted to wrestle. I always want to make the fans happy when I wrestle, but this time, more than that, I did what I wanted.

–When we talked to you at your public workout, you said you wanted to debut a new move, but that became you saying you couldn’t do it. Was debuting Kamigoe up in the air for you?

Ibushi: I actually had the move in mind for a while, so it wasn’t quite a matter of ‘this is the new move’, more that I wanted to see just how much power I could get behind that knee, and I couldn’t know for sure without trying it in a match

–To a lot of long term New Japan fans, the move and its name will have them thinking of a certain wrestler.

Ibushi: To tell the truth, I’ve wanted to use a Boma-Ye like move for a long time. I’ve given a lot of thought to using the Boma-Ye.

–That being the finish for Shinsuke Nakamura, in WWE now.

Ibushi: With that connection to Nakamura, I’d have liked to have pulled it off soon after he left for America, but I was away at that point..

–You missed your chance then, and decided to use it on your comeback instead.

Ibushi: Ever since we first faced each other in 2013, I’d felt I wanted to add something of Shinsuke’s to my moveset. Actually before he went to WWE, I met with Shinsuke. I don’t know whether he was kidding or not, but he told me ‘go ahead, you should totally use the Boma-Ye’. Those word stuck with me. I think it was a test, in a way.

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Randy Orton on this week’s SmackDown Live to earn a championship opportunity against Jinder Mahal at Hell in a Cell.

Nakamura is getting another shot at WWE Champion Jinder Mahal after coming up short at SummerSlam.

Based on Shane McMahon’s suspension as a result of his attack on Kevin Owens, don’t be surprised if Vince McMahon announces a match between these two when he returns to TV next week on SmackDown.

WWE Hell in a Cell 2017 takes place on Sunday, October 8th from Detroit, Michigan.

Kevin Owens on not getting his rematch for the Universal Championship

Kevin Owens noted last night on SmackDown that he became Universal Champion one year ago and then started to complain about not having the United States Championship anymore on SmackDown. Owens lost the Universal Championship to Goldberg at WWE Fastlane leading into WrestleMania 33 and never received a rematch for the title.

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/902641169649291265

Shinsuke Nakamura on his debut, getting an RKO 15 years later

On last night’s episode of SmackDown, Shinsuke Nakamura teamed up with Randy Orton to face WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and Rusev. Orton and Nakamura were victorious and the two celebrated in the ring. Orton then planted Nakamura with an RKO out of nowhere. Randy Orton will face Shinsuke Nakamura next week on SmackDown. The winner of that match will go on to face Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship.

Nakamura tweeted out today that he made his debut 15 years ago in Japan. He followed it up with a GIF of him getting an RKO last night as SmackDown went off the air.

#Aug29th …15 years ago today in Japan. Shinsuke Nakamura debut at Nihon Budokan.

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) August 30, 2017

Then 15 years later tonight,I ate this … #RKO pic.twitter.com/A4rxJH7zLW

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) August 30, 2017

• Shelton Benjamin comments on his WWE return

Watching Shinsuke Nakamura compete on SmackDown, it’s clear that the Japanese pro wrestling legend is well-versed in MMA based skills. Nakamura mixed his strong-style offense with  submission grappling holds popularized by the fastest growing sport in the world.

Nakamura, who has compiled a pro MMA record of 3-1, revealed during a recent interview that he was once invited to fight in the UFC.

“Around 2005, UFC offered me a chance to fight for them,” Nakamura told The Hindustan Times during a recent interview. “But, at that moment, I was under contract with NJPW and I decided to stay in pro-wrestling. It was a good opportunity, but I don’t regret my choice.”

As the interview continued, Nakamura was then asked if he there is any chance that he would consider making the transition back to the MMA world before he calls it a career.

As the Japanese legend explained, it would take a lot of preparation and at this stage of his life at age 37, as well as his career, as he is finally working on the big stage in the U.S. via WWE, and because of those reasons, it doesn’t seem likely.

“You have to understand that I am 37-year old now,” said the former NXT World Champion and current SmackDown Live roster member. “It has been a long time since my last proper MMA training and although I still train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” said Nakamura.

“It [would] take me at least one year to be ready for a proper fight,” Nakamura added. “That is not something I want to do as I am happy in WWE.”

Mahal controlled the match early but Nakamura turned the tables and challenged Mahal to run at him. Mahal obliged and Nakamura got out of the way and Mahal fell out of the ring as the crowd chanted “3MB!”. WWE cut to the Indian announce team and the Japanese announce team throughout the beginning of the match.

Nakamura connected with a knee drop as the Barclays Center hummed Nakamura’s theme. Shinsuke shoved his boot in Mahal’s face in the corner. Jinder rolled out of the ring and Nakamura followed him out there. Nakamura punched him in the face against the barricade and then through Mahal into the ring.

Nakamura was distracted on the ring apron by the Singh Brothers and Mahal took advantage. Jinder stomped on Mahal and then posed in the ring to taunt the crowd. Jinder applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Nakamura broke free but Mahal leveled him with an elbow to the face. Jinder elbowed Nakamura in the back of the head and then applied the Chin Lock again.

Shinsuke broke free and connected with a spin kick to Jinder’s face. Nakamura connected with a kick to Jinder’s chest and then whipped him into the turnbuckle. Nakamura draped Mahal across the top rope and then kneed him in the midsection for a two count. Shinsuke locked in a Triangle submission hold but Mahal quickly got his foot on the ropes to break the hold.

Jinder blocked Nakamura’s attempt at a Suplex but Nakamura booted him and then planted him face first into the mat. Nakamura went for a running knee but Mahal reversed it into a roll-up for a two count. Jinder connected with a running knee of his own for a two count. Jinder went for the Khallas but Nakamura connected with a kick. Jinder charged at Nakamura in the corner but Shinsuke avoided it and hit the ring post.

The Singh Brothers got into the ring and Nakamura took them out. Mahal used the distraction and planted Nakamura with the Khallas for the victory.

The @SinghBrosWWE force the distraction AGAIN as @JinderMahal hits @ShinsukeN with the #Khallas to RETAIN his #WWEChampionship! #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/1RmCTp7Tj8

— WWE (@WWE) August 21, 2017

WWE 2K18 Footage

WWE 2K Creative Director Lynell Jinks revealed game footage from WWE 2K18 in the latest episode of WWE2KDev Spotlight Series. You can check out the footage from the game in the video below. WWE 2K18 comes out later this year on October 17th.

Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme surprises people in NYC

CFO$ and violinist Lee England Jr. went to Times Square, Cental Park and the Barclays Center in Brookyln and performed Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme song. The Barclays Center will host SummerSlam on August 20th and Shinsuke Nakamura will face Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at the PPV.

WWE debuts “Ask The WWE PC” series

WWE has debuted a new series in which Superstars at the Performance Center answer questions. The first episode has Superstars discuss the biggest adjustments in their life since arriving to WWE’s Performance Center. Episode one featured Abbey Laith, Brennan Williams, Kassius Ohno, Vanessa Borne, Ruby Riot and Heavy Machinery.

As we have previously mentioned, Sports Illustrated reported that Vince McMahon was ‘furious’ with Shinsuke Nakamura for his botched reverse exploder suplex on John Cena in the main event of last week’s episode of SmackDown Live. With his win, Nakamura will take on WWE Champion Jinder Mahal at SummerSlam for the title. WWE Hall Of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham took to Facebook to blast McMahon over the reports that he was furious with Nakamura, calling him a cry baby and telling him to grow up:

“Vince McMahon

“Hey fans, I just read a few hours ago that a story came out today in Sports Illustrated concerning the FURY of one Vince McMahon. Seem that he is furious with the Japanese star Nakamura, for dropping Cena on his head in their match last week. Vince said he “is not so much that mad at at Shinsuke, but that Cena has been the ” FACE ” of the company for a full decade now.” Not for long Vince madman McMahon. Cena is on his way to La La land.

“I saw Stan Hansen give Bruno the elbow in MSG when he broke Bruno’s neck. Vince Sr. didn’t cry like a baby, he just let Bruno get his neck fixed and keep on wrestling. Vince is living in Disney Land if he thinks Cena is still the ” Face ” of the WWE. Grow up Vince.

“Hey fans, I am still working on my painting, will get it up for you in a few days. Catch you folks later.

“Superstar Billy Graham… PS.. God, Vince is such a cry baby !!!”

You can check out the original Facebook post by clicking this link here.

WWE Hall Of Famer and commentator Jim Ross recently took to his JR’s BBQ website to post another entry in his blog. Ross discussed the recent injuries to Bayley and Scott Dawson, Jinder Mahal defending his WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at SummerSlam, and the WWE’s UK Show. Here are the highlights:

Injuries to Bayley and Scott Dawson:

“Never a good time for injures in any endeavor, but it looks as both Bayley and Scott Dawson of Revival will miss SummerSlam with injuries. There’s no good time to be injured, but the key ingredient is how does one [prepare] and execute coming back better than when they were before they were injured? Mental preparation for one’s craft doesn’t have to stop because of a ruptured bicep or separated shoulder. Bayley is as good as there is in the women’s division in WWE, while The Revival boys are one of my favorite tag teams to come along in years and remind me so much of Jim Cornette’s famed, Midnight Express teams.”

Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam:

“Curious to see how the Jinder Mahal vs Shinsuke Nakamura title bout at SummerSlam evolves. The Two main events for the WWE and the Universal Titles at SummerSlam are compelling regarding the strategy component, in my opinion. It’s certainly an opportunity to enhance the TV personas of multiple talents i.e. ‘Maximize One’s Minutes.'”

The WWE’s UK Show:

“I get asked often about the WWE U.K. TV show that has been discussed sporadically over the past several months and I don’t have an update, except to say that the idea is still alive and well. I hope to be included with Nigel McGuinness on the broadcast team if and when it happens.”

You can read Ross’ full blog post by visiting this link here.

A new report has surfaced online that suggest that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was upset with Shinsuke Nakamura for his botched spot in the #1 contender match with John Cena on last week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Cleveland, OH.

As seen in the match, Nakamura hit a Back Suplex on Cena in which the former WWE Champion seemed to land pretty harshly on his neck. Fortunately for Cena, he was able to continue the match, which saw Nakamura pick up the victory.

Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated is reporting that McMahon was furious with the former NXT Champion for the botched spot. With WWE being dependent on the drawing power of the former WWE Champion, it was noted that McMahon’s anger was more in defense of Cena than it was an indictment of Nakamura. According to the report, McMahon has not lost faith in Nakamura, but if Nakamura makes another mistake on a grand stage, then McMahon will have an entirely different opinion of him.

Nakamura is scheduled to challenge Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view event on August 20th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

WWE United States Champion AJ Styles participated in a Q&A panel this past weekend at the Wizard World Columbus comic convention and spoke about which Superstars he’d like to work with in the future. Styes said there’s a number of guys looking forward to wrestling, whether it’s Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor or Seth Rollins. He’d also be down for another program with Roman Reigns.

When pressed about which of those names he most wants to wrestle, Styles said it has to be Nakamura – and he knows when and where that match should take place. The two men have torn the house down before (see below) and Styles said his first match against Nakamura in WWE is worthy of the main event of WrestleMania.

https://youtu.be/UOkXGgJwmVk

Courtesy of ScreenGeek.net, Styles said, “I’m picking Shinsuke. Sorry, that’s nothing on Finn Balor. The reason why I say this is because at Wrestlemania, it’s not going to happen with Finn Balor and I. Why? Because he’s on Raw. Shinsuke’s my best chance getting into that Main Event picture at Wrestlemania. That’s why he wins the championship. I hope he wins it so I can get in there and wrestle him at Wrestlemania.”

Styles is excited that Nakamura is getting a shot at WWE Champion Jinder Mahal at SummerSlam. Whether that match closes the show or not, Styles can’t wait to see the match.

“This guy has paid his dues. He’s been in Japan for a long time and he’s so charismatic in everything he does. I’m looking forward to the match just like everyone else.”

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry over at his official website where he gives his thoughts on various topics. Here are the highlights.

WWE Championship match between Jinder Mahal and Shinsuke Nakamura at SummerSlam:

“Curious to see how the Jinder Mahal vs Shinsuke Nakamura title bout at SummerSlam evolves. The Two main events for the WWE and the Universal Titles at SummerSlam are compelling regrding the strategy component IMO. It’s certainly an opportunity to enhance the TV personas of multiple talents i.e. “Maximize One’s Minutes.”

Bayley and Scott Dawson’s injuries:

“Never a good time for injures in any endeavor but it looks as if both Bayley and Scott Dawson of Revival will miss SummerSlam with injuries. There’s no good time to be injured but the key ingredient is how does one strategize and execute coming back better than when they were before they were injured? Mental preparation for one’s craft doesn’t have to stop because of a ruptured bicep or separated shoulder. Bayley is as good as there is in the women’s division in WWE while The Revival boys are one of my favorite tag teams to come along in years and remind me so much of Jim Cornette’s famed, Midnight Express teams.”

Weekly WWE UK TV show:

“I get asked often about the WWE U.K. TV Show that has been discussed sporadically over the past several months and I don’t have an update except to say that the idea is still alive and well. I hope to be included with Nigel McGuiness on the broadcast team if and when it happens.”

Ross also talked about NJPW’s G1 Climax and more. You can read the entire blog here.

This past Tuesday on SmackDown Live, former New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Shinsuke Nakamura defeated 16-time WWE World Champ John Cena in the night’s main event. Just prior to the finish, however, Nakamura hit a suplex on Cena in which “The Leader Of The Cenation” landed right on his head and neck. It looked to be a very nasty bump and fans were immediately wondering if the Japanese star would take heat for what happened once he returned backstage.

Per a report of Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the incident was considered to be a ‘fluke’ backstage and Nakamura took no heat at all for what happened. Immediately after the match fans could make out a brief conversation between Nakamura and Cena, as Nakamura apologized for what happened and Cena responded by telling him there was no need to apologize. Both men handled the incident with class and it seems as though we can all now move on from it.

With the win, Nakamura has now earned the opportunity to challenge for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam against current title holder Jinder Mahal.

WWE.com accidentally posted in their SmackDown Live recap that Baron Corbin interfered in the match between Shinsuke Nakamura and John Cena. That obviously did not happen, as Corbin attacked Nakamura after SmackDown went off the air. Cena then came back down to the ring and hit him with an Attitude Adjustment through the announce table.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the original plan was indeed to have Corbin interfere in the match and go Nakamura. Ultimately, his plan would backfire and he would take out Cena and Nakamura would get the victory. This would then lead to Cena versus Corbin at SummerSlam and Nakamura versus Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at the PPV as well.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is unsure if it was Cena that wanted Nakamura to win the match clean, or if Vince McMahon simply changed his mind about the finish of the match. Cena is not currently scheduled for a match, however it seems likely that he will face Baron Corbin given the events that took place after SmackDown went off the air on Tuesday.

Here is what was posted on WWE.com before it was edited:

“The following week, The Leader of the Cenation squared off against The King of Strong Style in an intense showdown to see who would have the right to challenge The Modern-Day Maharaja for the WWE Title. With the two Superstars going toe-to-toe in the heart-stopping bout, Baron Corbin suddenly interfered. While The Lone Wolf seemed intent on handing Nakamura the defeat, his plan backfired, and he inadvertently helped his nemesis pick up an incredible victory over Cena.”

• Shinsuke Nakamura Apologizes To John Cena For Scary Suplex Spot

Last night in the SmackDown main-event, John Cena faced Shinsuke Nakamura to determine who will face Jinder Mahal at WWE SummerSlam for the WWE Championship. Nakamura planted Cena with an Exploder Suplex during the match and Cena landed on the back of his head.

Nakamura went on to connect with the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory and will now face Jinder Mahal at WWE SummerSlam on August 20th. After the match, Nakamura can be seen saying “I’m sorry” to John Cena. Cena responded with “don’t be sorry” and then shook his hand.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/892566241583517696

Thank you @JohnCena !! Thank you #sdlive at Cleveland !! Thank you !!!

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) August 2, 2017

Austin Aries comments on the match

Austin Aries suffered a large orbital socket injury while having a match with Shinsuke Nakamura at an NXT Live event last year. Aries posted the following on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AustinAries/status/892569231631544320

Kevin Owens makes joke about Suplex spot on Twitter

It was announced last night that Kevin Owens will get another shot at the United States Championship at WWE SummerSlam. Owens will face AJ Styles and SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon will be the guest referee. Owens took to Twitter this morning to joke about Cena being dropped on the back of his head during his match against Shinsuke Nakamura last night on SmackDown:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/892687762662535170

John Cena faced off against Shinsuke Nakamura in the main-event of this week’s episode of SmackDown. Jinder Mahal and the Singh Brothers watched the match from a sky box in the arena. Cena had the match in control and planted Nakamura with two Attitude Adjustments in a row.

Cena went for a third Attitude Adjustment but Nakamura was able to counter it into an Exploder Suplex and Cena landed on the back of his head. Nakamura then geared up in the corner and connected with the Kinshasa for the victory. Nakamura will now face Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship at WWE SummerSlam on August 20th.

KINSHASA!!!!! @ShinsukeN is GOING TO #SummerSlam!!! #SDLive @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/yUiWDgnD90

— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2017

After SmackDown went off the air, Baron Corbin attacked Nakamura from behind. Cena came down to the ring and made the save. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment on Corbin through the announce table and then shook hands with Nakamura once again.

Lesson learned, @BaronCorbinWWE! Attack @JohnCena, and he will FIGHT BACK!!! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/yumV2W3rLQ

— WWE (@WWE) August 2, 2017

Updated WWE SummerSlam Card

Fatal 4-Way for the WWE Universal Championship

•  Brock Lesnar (c) vs Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe vs Braun Strowman

(if Brock Lesnar loses, he leaves WWE)

WWE Championship

• Jinder Mahal (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura

SmackDown Women’s Championship

• Naomi (c) vs Natalya

RAW Women’s Championship

• Alexa Bliss (c) vs Bayley

United States Championship (Special Referee Shane McMahon)

• AJ Styles (c) vs Kevin Owens

Cruiserweight Championship 

Neville (c) vs Akira Tozawa

Rusev vs Randy Orton

WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin and Jim Ross recently took to Austin’s podcast, The Steve Austin Show, to do a bit of fantasy booking within the WWE. One such fantasy match-up that Ross brought up was a program between former WWE Champion AJ Styles and former NXT champ Shinsuke Nakamura:

“I think Shinsuke Nakamura, we haven’t seen his best yet and I think AJ Styles may be as good of a worker as I’ve seen in years. He may be the best worker in the world right now.” Ross recalled, “you felt something in the crowd at [WWE Money In The Bank] with Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ.

“The fans that’ve followed their career know they’ve got a great history. And they’ve, I’ve seen it, had one of the best matches I’ve ever seen with Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ. We haven’t seen that yet in Shinsuke, but that WrestleMania match would be a great wrestling match.”

Austin also liked the idea, dubbing Styles the best worker in the world and believes he could bring out the best in Nakamura:

“I know that Styles is going to bring the best out of Shinsuke because I don’t think, from what I’ve seen, we’ve seen Shinsuke’s best in [WWE].” Austin added, “I’m sure he will get the best of of that guy. I’m sure they’re great friends from way back or whatever the deal is. But from what I know of AJ, if Shinsuke’s going to really work his ass off, it’s going to be with Styles.”

“The Texas Rattlesnake” then expressed his disappointment for the way WWE has been booking Nakamura as of late, claiming they’ve been using him as just  “another Joe Blow”:

“You bring him over and he’s going 30-minute broadways with half the damn roster. Debuted down there in WrestleMania 32, NXT, with Sami Zayn, hell of a match. Hell of a match! A lot of credit to Sami Zayn and Shinsuke, but here’s ‘The King Of Strong Style’ and all-of-a-sudden, he comes in and he’s working Dolph [Ziggler] and it took him a long time to finish off Dolph for ‘The King Of Strong Style’.

“Do you understand where I’m going with this gimmick? That’s booking though. What is the plan? You’ve got this guy who’s one of those talents that just don’t come around every single day. He’s special. He comes in and you treat him like he’s another Joe Blow.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions