– WWE Hall Of Famers Sting and Hulk Hogan are set to appear at the Ace Universe Comic Con on Monday, January 15th in Glendale, Arizona for a photo-op. Both Sting and Hogan took to Twitter to cut promos in order to promote the upcoming appearance; with Hogan referencing his 1997 loss to Sting at Starrcade, while Sting did his best impression of “The Hulkster.” Check it out:

Check out https://t.co/LBgzehuoSC for tickets and info to see me at Ace Comic-Con in Glendale Arizona January 15 #ACEcomiccon @ACEcomiccon #Hogansbeachshop pic.twitter.com/96sdvVRnLn

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 7, 2018

When promo videos don't always go smooth…. haha #BROTHER ? pic.twitter.com/WCrbV801fG

— Sting (@Sting) January 6, 2018

– The Revival’s Dash Wilder took to Twitter to ask RAW General Manager Kurt Angle for a shot at the RAW Tag Team Titles against Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan. Wilder reminded Angle that he and Scott Dawson are undefeated as a tag team since making their main roster debut:

https://twitter.com/DashWilderWWE/status/949422019099156480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– WWE Hall Of Famers Sting and Hulk Hogan are set to reunite with one another at next month’s Ace Comic Con in Phoenix, Arizona. The pair have had run-ins with each other during their days in both WCW and TNA.

– Current independent wrestling star and former WWE Superstar Gene Snitsky is looking to be in incredible shape as of late. Snitsky, who worked for WWE from 2004 to 2008, shared the following photos of his physique on Twitter earlier last week:

https://twitter.com/BIGGENESNITSKY/status/943564978853957632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iwnerd.com%2Fformer-wwe-star-gene-snitsky-incredible-shape-age-47-photos%2F

https://twitter.com/BIGGENESNITSKY/status/900829702239203328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iwnerd.com%2Fformer-wwe-star-gene-snitsky-incredible-shape-age-47-photos%2F

We’ve noted that WWE Hall Of Famer Sting was recently a part of a Q&A session at the Wales Comic Con in Wrexham this past Saturday. More highlights include Sting’s thoughts on facing an intoxicated Jeff Hardy in TNA, his favorite year as a professional wrestler, his favorite match in TNA, his favorite championship win, and more. Check it out:

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

Facing an inebriated Jeff Hardy at TNA Victory Road in 2011:

“Jeff was in a bad way, he was deteriorating as the day went on, by the time our match rolled around it became clear that he couldn’t compete so I had to take him down quickly. He has since turned it all around, I love Jeff, I love his work, I hold nothing against him and wish him all the best.”

You have been in the business for 3 decades now but what was your favorite year?

“The transition from surfer Sting into the darker / Crow-like Sting in 1997. That was a good year. ”

What was your favorite match in TNA?

“The Empty Arena match with [Kurt] Angle. That was bizarre but also a lot of fun.”

Which of your championship wins was your favorite?

“The first one – against [Ric] Flair in 1990.”

Who hit you the hardest in the ring?

“Leon White [Vader] . In the beginning he was really rough, he was fresh out of Japan. Give me credit, I was the one who tamed him.”

What was it like being in the WCW locker room when you had the massive influx of WWF guys, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage etc?

“I was very receptive of it. At the time I was the only one going on PR tours, UK, Japan, Europe. It was good to have Hogan for that. Savage, Hall and Nash were good at it too. It took a hell of a lot off my shoulders and it was going to boost the ratings so it was good for everyone.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

WWE Hall of Famer Sting recently took part in a Q&A session at the Wales Comic Con in Wrexham this past weekend. “The Vigilante” discussed which RAW star he’d like to face inside the ring today, if he felt screwed by his WrestleMania match against Triple H, wanting to face The Undertaker, and more. Here are the highlights:

It has been reported that you held off getting neck surgery in order to have one more match. What is the story?

“I have never said ‘one more match’ ever. I’d like to have one more match, I’d like to have that Undertaker match. The only reason I held off on the surgery is because I had guys like Stone Cold saying don’t do it. I don’t have any side effects? I can still work out and it doesn’t bother me, I don’t get a sore neck from sleeping or anything so why would I get surgery? If you don’t need it, don’t do it.”

If you were going to return to WWE, which persona would you be?

“I can’t pull off Surfer Sting anymore as I don’t have enough hair on my head. Probably Crow Sting or Joker Sting.”

What is your favorite incarnation of Sting?

“Crow Sting.”

If WWE asked you to work a program with a young up and coming talent who would you pick?

“Bray Wyatt, I like him. I know he’s not young but he has character, it’s kinda old school and I like that.”

How does it feel being a WWE Hall of Famer?

“It’s amazing! I never thought it would happen, when it did it was a great night. I am very glad to call myself a Hall of Famer.”

What is your personal take on the way your WrestleMania match with HHH was booked? Many believe you were screwed, were you?

“No. I have no complaints. It was WrestleMania. You had DX, you had the NWO. It was surreal. A great moment and great memories. No complaints from me.”

Why didn’t you get a return match with HHH?

“I think we got everything out in that match. I don’t think there was a need for it. We both got everything out in that one match.”

How much creative control did you have? Is there anything that you have had to do that you didn’t want to do and / or anything you wanted to do but never got chance to?

“I’m sure that there is plenty that I wanted to do like the Taker match for example. As for things that I didn’t want to do – I just didn’t do them. If I didn’t wanna do something I would find an alternative, better thing to do.”

What were the plans for you after your title match with Seth Rollins?

“I don’t know, I don’t think they really had any plans to be honest. I had my plans, I wanted that match with Taker and would have done my best to make it happen.”

Would you have wrestled without the makeup had WWE asked?

“Yes, sure.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions 

WWE Hall of Famer Sting was recently interviewed by Al Arabiya to promote the release of WWE 2K18. In addition to hyping the game, Sting spoke about Seth Rollins being one of WWE’s top in-ring performers, his character’s evolution throughout the years, WWE embracing WCW history with Starrcade and WarGames and more.

Sting spoke about his relationship with Vince McMahon, which goes back a lot farther than many people are aware of. Sting had on and off discussions with Vince about joining WWE dating back to the early 90’s all the way through the Monday Night Wars and after. He had several opportunities to jump ship to WWE during the prime of his career, but revealed why it didn’t happen until 2014.

“In the early years I always felt that [Vince] wanted me to undermine WCW as the number one reason. The number two reason was to have me on his roster. I didn’t want it to be that way. Maybe I was wrong. Then in later years, when I made a phone call and said, hey have you turned the page? The rest is history. He’s just treated me fantastic, every step of the way. Really, everybody has.”

A dream match that fans speculated about for years was Sting vs. The Undertaker. That ship has sailed and fans will have to play WWE 2K18 to see these two in the ring together. Sting was well aware that a match against The Undertaker would be big business and says he actually spoke to the Dead Man several years back about the possibility. For whatever reason, The Undertaker just wasn’t interested.

“We’ve had a brief conversation, and I just told him, I said, man, I just always wanted to have that match. It wasn’t necessarily reciprocated so I’m not sure where he stands or if he had any interest at all, to be quite honest. But I did. I don’t mind saying.”

There’s a lot more to the interview, which you can read in its entirety over at alarabiya.net.

– Prior to attending the WWE 2K18 launch party in Emirates, Dubai, WWE Hall Of Famer Sting sent out a video message on Twitter asking fans to name their favorite era of his career:

What do you guys think? ? pic.twitter.com/1kg6tF5KIN

— Sting (@Sting) October 15, 2017

The Rock responded to Sting with the years 1988 and 1989 when he was referred to as “Every Man’s Nightmare”:

My fav hands down – 1988/89 Sting. “Every man’s nightmare” ? https://t.co/kGcBboVW24

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) October 15, 2017

– Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate used The Rock’s “People’s Elbow” finisher as a touchdown celebration and the WWE posted an article on it. The Rock saw the celebration on social media and reacted to it:

.@ShowtimeTate comes hard with the People's Elbow. ?#NFLCelebrations https://t.co/SrqLaqCWRd

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 15, 2017

Heart stoppin’, elbow droppin’.. @ShowtimeTate brings the dangerously exposed elbow to the pigskin today. ?????? #PeoplesElbow @NFL https://t.co/ZLAmJigvDl

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) October 15, 2017

– The Young Bucks recently released a ‘Cease & Desist’ t-shirt last week with the ‘Too Sweet’ catchphrase censored out on the front. WWE had recently sent the Bucks a cease and desist letter for using the ‘Too Sweet’ catchphrase, which the company had trademarked back in 2015.

During a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that the shirt was the best selling shirt on Pro Wrestling Tees for the month of September, despite only being out for a few days.

https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/913854547574919168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– WWE Hall Of Famer and former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Sting will be making an appearance at Imperial Wrestling Revolution’s Oklamania II this weekend (Sat. October 7, 2017) from the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He will be joined by fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich, while IWR World Tag Team Champions Marshall and Ross Von Erich are set to defend their titles at the event.

Before the wrestling event itself several stars are set to appear at OklaCon such as Sting, Kevin Von Erich, John Morrison, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Matt Sydal, Bully Ray, Gail Kim, Sunny, Taya Valkyrie, Vickie Guerrero, Mike McGuirk, “Mean” Gene Okerlund and Missy Hyatt. More info for the event can be found at this link.

Sting will be the acting General Manager at an upcoming independent show in Canada featuring several former WWE Superstars.

Bytown Championship Wrestling presents a live event on September 17th at the Robert Guertin Centre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. The show will be available on the Powerbomb.tv streaming network.

Other talent advertised to appear includes The Young Bucks, Rob Van Dam, John Hennigan, Stephan Bonnar, Chris Adonis (Chris Masters), Trevor Lee, Brian Cage, James Storm, Shane Strickland and more.

Sting last competed in the ring against Seth Rollins back at Night of Champions 2015. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the following year.

Sting recently spoke with Andy Malnoske of NBC Elmira to promote his appearance for Big Time Wrestling in Syracuse, NY. Sting touched on several topics during the interview including getting his big break against Ric Flair, who is currently still in critical condition at a hospital in Atlanta as of press time.

“Ric was an established, huge, national, probably international at that time, name and I was just a young kid, a ‘curtain jerker’ kind of wrestler,” Sting recalled. “He had an opponent that got injured and the promoter, Dusty Rhodes, who was promoting and wrestling at the time, said, ‘We got to find somebody for Ric’ and so he put the kid, Sting, in there with Ric Flair at the very first Clash of the Champions.”

Sting reinvented his character in the mid-90s as the mysterious enemy of the nWo in WCW. The former WCW Champion discussed the formation of the nWo and how it changed wrestling.

“Wrestling fans and wrestling was changing, fans wanted to see something a little darker, and a little more mysterious,” he said. “One of the defining moments was in Dayton Beach, Luger and me, we’re in the ring, with Hall and Nash. Hogan becomes “Hollywood” Hogan and fans trashed the ring, [the fans] threw trash and I’m in the fetal position, just hoping I don’t get hit. But it started just a crazy time in wrestling. That was a defining moment in wrestling, characters changed.”

When asked about how his career ended, Sting said he has no complaints about going out against Seth Rollins.

“I cannot complain, the bottom line is the last match I had, yes, I got injured and it was a bad injury, but I went out wrestling one of the best, Seth Rollins, and it was for the WWE World Title,” Sting said. “I mean, what a way to go out. A world title match, I cannot complain, I have no complaints. I did everything I could possibly do in this business it seems, so I’m satisfied.”

You can watch the full interview with Sting on NBC Elmira here.

Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion and WWE Hall Of Famer Sting ended his in-ring career following his loss to Seth Rollins at the Night Of Champions pay-per-view (PPV) on September 20, 2015. During the match, he took a bad bump that caused multiple neck injuries that were considered career ending. He was later inducted into the Hall Of Fame as a member of the 2016 class.

Sting recently experimented with Facebook Live on his official page and made a few brief comments. He claimed that he still can wrestle, however, he just isn’t going to:

“I can still wrestle,” Sting said. “I can still wrestle! I’m just not going to.”

He also stated that he would consider having an on-air role similar to that of Kurt Angle in WWE, as he serves as the General Manager of Monday Night RAW:

“Yeah, I might consider something like that,” Sting said. “Good to see Kurt back by the way.”

You can watch Sting’s Facebook Live video by clicking this link here.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) are celebrating their first anniversary this week. The YouTube based company has had an impressive start in the industry, having produced a number of high profile Pay Per View events including the likes of Kurt Angle, Alberto El Patron, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio and Cody Rhodes.

Recent events concerning YouTube’s ‘Adpocalypse’ has seen WCPW in the news for the wrong reasons. Pro Wrestling is now viewed by the streaming service as ‘non-advertiser friendly’ and WCPW has been struggling to earn ad revenue since the change to YouTube’s policy.

Check out the video below for some interesting tidbits from WCPW’s first year in existence.

To celebrate our 1st birthday… here's a behind the scenes look at some of the secrets you didn't know about WCPW https://t.co/M5X4fVBObH pic.twitter.com/1WFBM4JKz2

— DEFIANT Wrestling (@DEFIANTwres) June 15, 2017

– In recent weeks there have been reports that WWE is reaching out to former Superstars regarding one of the women’s matches at WrestleMania 33. Earlier this week, Kelly Kelly visited RAW, teased that she’ll be at WrestleMania and might have another run in her. Former WWE Superstar Victoria (Lisa Marie Varon) is another name that’s been discussed regarding a WrestleMania return and a “Snap” from her this week indicates the rumors are correct.

https://twitter.com/tiffanyoates27/status/832020081127235584

– Sting posted a tweet to promote the mobile game WWE Champions. In the tweet, Sting stated that he can now finally face The Undertaker after not being able to during his career.

In my entire career, the one opponent I wish I could have faced was The Undertaker! Now I can. #LetsSettleThis https://t.co/aVoNXWdbR6 pic.twitter.com/CaHuOWWC99

— Sting (@Sting) February 16, 2017

Sean Waltman stated on a recent episode of his show X-pac 12360, that he had a conversation recently with AJ Styles. Waltman was backstage during Smackdown this week and according to Waltman, AJ Styles had some very complimentary things to say about Cena.

Styles discussing Cena to Waltman backstage at Smackdown Live

“I was watching your show and I just wanted to tell you what you said about John Cena being the man and the best going, you are one hundred percent correct. Anyone that doesn’t agree with you, it is because they don’t know John Cena and have never been in the ring with him.”

You can check out the full episode in the video below or subscribe to the podcast by clicking here.

WWE Hall of Famer Sting is the new “intimidation coach” of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, as seen in this comedy video released on Tuesday. Sting is shown interacting with employees of the Cowboys organization and helping out the players with their face paint. Check it out:

Welcome the Dallas Cowboys' newest coach… https://t.co/ccrNPTLiWt

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 20, 2016

WWE Smackdown (11/29)

This week’s episode of Smackdown kicked off with Renee Young in the ring. Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch joined her in the ring for a contract signing for their Smackdown Women’s Championship match this Sunday at WWE TLC. Alexa Bliss told Renee Young to get out of the ring. Bliss also scolded Renee for her fashion choices. Becky Lynch then compared Alexa to her four year old cousin. Bliss continued to insult Becky Lynch and they both signed the contract. After they both signed it, they brawled in the ring. Lynch hit the Becksplex on Alexa Bliss. Alexa then fought back and shoved Becky through a table off of the turnbuckle.

Reaction: I thought this promo was really good. Becky Lynch can be a bit of adventure on the microphone but tonight she did a good job. Alexa Bliss is excellent on the microphone and her facial expressions are hilarious. I find this feud to be much more interesting than the one between Charlotte and Sasha Banks on Raw.

.@AlexaBliss_WWE blocks @BeckyLynchWWE's #Bexploder, and sends the Champ crashing through the table! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/gbOh4XYeVU

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto vs Baron Corbin & The Miz

Corbin dominated the match early and threw Ziggler out of the ring. The Miz was then tagged in and he immediately grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Ziggler got up and connected with a DDT on The Miz outside the ring. Ziggler then hit Corbin with a Superkick. Back in the ring, Ziggler tagged in Kalisto. The Miz hit Kalisto with a boot to the face and dove outside the ring onto Ziggler. Miz then launched Ziggler into the barricade surroinding the ring.

Kalisto then dove onto Corbin outside the ring. Ziggler hit a Superkick on The Miz as he was lying on the ring apron. Maryse shoved the ladder into Ziggler’s face. Kalisto landed the Salida del Sol on The Miz in the ring. Before the referee could count to three, Baron Corbin nailed Kalisto in the back with a chair. The referee then disqualified The Miz and Baron Corbin.

Winners via DQ: Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto

Reaction: This was a quick match but it served a purpose. Ziggler will be facing The Miz in a ladder match for the IC Title on Sunday. Corbin will be squaring off with Kalisto in a chairs match at TLC. Both the ladder and a chair came into play during this match. I like it when things make sense, don’t you?

.@BaronCorbinWWE, you can't do that until Sunday at #WWETLC! @HEELZiggler & @KalistoWWE win by DQ! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/IDPvwvv19j

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

American Alpha were interviewed backstage about their match tonight versus Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton. Gable and Jordan stated that they will prove again tonight why they are the best team in the WWE.

Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Luke Harper were then shown backstage. Orton interrupted Wyatt and questioned Luke Harper. Orton asked Harper if he was going to do what needs to be done tonight against Kane. Harper looked aggravated and Wyatt instructed Harper to go send Kane back to hell. There is obviously some friction between Harper and Orton. I do not believe that Harper is completely sold on Orton joining the Wyatt Family.

"Harper … go send @KaneWWE back to HELL!" – @WWEBrayWyatt #SDLive #WyattFamily pic.twitter.com/GLnJn5MvrR

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Carmella came down to the ring for a match but that never happened. Carmella gave a special message to John Cena. Carmella apologized for what she will do to his girlfriend, Nikki Bella at TLC. Carmella claimed that she was going to rearranged Nikki’s “Bella twins” and her face as well. Nikki Bella came sprinting from backstage and attacked Carmella. The referee seperated them and that allowed Carmella to haul off and slap Nikki in the face. Nikki then got up and continued the assault on Carmella.

"@JohnCena, I want to publicly apologize for what I'm going to do to your girlfriend [at #WWETLC]." – @CarmellaWWE #SDLive pic.twitter.com/lNqKBBw8PB

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Ambrose Asylum w/ Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose introduced James Ellsworth as his first guest on the Ambrose Asylum. An “Ellsworth!” chant broke out amongst the crowd. Ambrose poked fun at Ellsworth’s old wrestling boots. Ellsworth thanked Ambrose for helping him become an official WWE Superstar. Ellsworth stated that if Ambrose ever needed anything he would do it. Ambrose asked Ellsworth to wash his car, do his laundry and pick him up a six-pack and some candy for later.

Ambrose asked Ellsworth who he will be rooting for this Sunday at TLC. Ellsworth stated that it would be an honor to wrestle Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. AJ Styles interrupted the party and stood on the announce table. Styles poked fun at Ellsworth and called him a dummy. Ambrose stated that Styles had then lost to a dummy three times.

Styles got in the ring and claimed that he was tired of Ambrose making him out to be a joke. Styles demanded respect and claimed that he was going to beat the hell out of Ambrose at TLC. Styles dared Ellsworth to show up during his match againt Ambrose at TLC. Ambrose claimed that Styles was weak mentally. Ambrose stated that this Sunday the fun and games were over. Ambrose went on to state that he will recapture the WWE World Championship at TLC.

Styles pushed Ellsworth into Ambrose who fell into a ladder. AJ then whipped Ellsworth into a table and smashed Dean Ambrose with the steel steps. Styles returned to the ring and beatdown Ellsworth. Styles hit Ellsworth with a ladder and then tossed him out of the ring. Ellsworth’s feet got caught up in the bottom rope and Styles hit him with a steel chair. AJ then hit the Styles Clash on Ellsworth off of the steps onto the floor outside the ring.

Reaction: Finally, Styles got the upper hand on Ellsworth and Ambrose. I find Ellsworth to be very entertaining but I’m not really interested in seeing him in the WWE World Championship picture. Having said that, this was a very good promo. There has only been one match in the first hour and fifteen minutes of tonight’s Smackdown. Usually that would annoy me but tonight’s promos have all ended in brawls.

"@AJStylesOrg has just delivered the MOTHER OF ALL #StylesClashes to @RealEllsworth!" – @MauroRanallo#SDLive #WWETLC pic.twitter.com/KKihIY7zO4

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Luke Harper vs Kane

Kane and Harper tied up to begin the match. Kane shoved Harper down and Harper got back up and they locked up again. Harper bounced off of the ropes and hit a couple of shoulder blocks but Kane was not phased. Kane then leveled Harper. Luke Harper got back up and hit Kane with a series of uppercuts. Kane once again shrugged them off and came right back at Harper. Smackdown went to a commercial break with Luke Harper outside the ring with a shocked look on his face.

When Smackdown returned, Harper was in control of the match and had a Chinlock applied to Kane in the center of the ring. Kane battled out of the Chinlock and hit a Jawbreaker. Kane went for a Chokeslam but Harper blocked it and kicked Kane in the head. Harper went for a pinfall but Kane kicked out at two. Kane fought back and connected with a DDT on Harper. Kane followed it up with a Sidewalk Slam and went for a pin but Harper kicked out. Harper battled back and hit Kane with a Dropkick to the ribs. Kane was affected and hunched over in the corner. Harper leaped on him twice and connected with a couple of shots to the ribs. Harper then then climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit Kane with a couple of punches.

Kane fought out of the corner by hitting a Powerbomb on Harper. Kane once again went for the Chokeslam but Harper grabbed the rope. Harper connected with a Sidewalk Slam of his own but Kane kicked out once again. Kane slammed Harper to the mat and climbed to the top rope. Kane went for a Clothesline off of the top rope but Harper ducked it and drilled Kane with a Superkick. Kane once again powered out of the pinfall at two. Harper then climbed to the top rope but Kane got up and punched him in the face. Kane then joined Harper on the turnbuckle and connected with a massive Superplex to Harper.

Both men slowly got back to their feet and began to trade punches. Kane blocked a punch by Harper and grabbed his throat. Kane then connected with a Chokeslam and picked up the victory.

Winner: Kane

Reaction: When you think of Kane versus Luke Harper it doesn’t sound like it would be a good match. This match was actually quite good. The announcers made a comment after the match that Bray Wyatt will not be happy with Luke Harper following this loss to Kane. I’m intrigued with the Wyatt Family storyline right now. It appears that Harper may be on his way out and Orton will be replacing him. I’m curious if this will wind up with Orton turning his back on Bray after he has already destroyed the Wyatt Family from the inside. I do not really know where they are going with this and that is a good thing. Luke Harper has always been one of the more underrated Superstars on the roster. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the Intercontinental Championship picture and having a single’s run of his own. Harper can work well with almost any male Superstar on the Smackdown roster. I think if you put him up against someone like Baron Corbin they would put on some very physical and entertaining matches.

#CHOKESLAM by @KaneWWE!!! ONE TWO THREE!! #SDLive @LukeHarperWWE pic.twitter.com/46nPuNNTqZ

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

Smackdown Tag Team #1 Contenders Match: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt vs American Alpha

Randy Orton and Jason Jordan started out the match. Jordan went on the offensive to start things off. The WWE cut to Slater and Rhyno watching the match from backstage. This was humorous because the television screen they were watching was black for a second and essentially Slater and Rhyno were staring at nothing.

Bray Wyatt entered the match and Jordan went to jump onto him but Wyatt ducked and Jordan went flying into the ropes. Bray tagged in Orton and he continued the assault on Jordan. Gable tagged himself in and immediately connected with a Crossbody off the top rope on Orton. Gable climbed to the top rope again but Wyatt knocked him to the outside of the ring and Smackdown went to a commercial break.

When Smackdown returned, Wyatt and Gable were in the ring. Wyatt hit Gable with a DDT on the ring apron. Wyatt then went for a pin but Gable kicked out at two. Orton then entered the match and applied a Chinlock to Gable. Orton hit a Powerslam on Gable and once again went for a pinfall but it was unsuccessful. Orton tagged in Wyatt and Gable connected with a Dropkick then sent Bray to the mat. Gable tried to tag in Jordan but Bray got up and punched Jordan off of the ring apron.

Bray mounted Gable on the mat and punched him in the face several times. Orton was tagged back in and propped Gable up on the top rope. Orton connected with a Superplex on Gable. Jason Jordan and Bray Wyatt were then tagged in. Jordan leveled Wyatt with an overhead Belly to Belly Suplex. Chad Gable hit Orton with a Cannonball off of the ring apron. Back in the ring, Jordan hit a German Suplex on Bray Wyatt.

The lights then went out and Luke Harper was ringside. Bray went for the Sister Abigail but Gable prevented it. American Alpha then went for the Grand Amplitude but Orton hit Gable with an RKO out of nowhere. Jordan went to hit Bray with a Spear but Harper pulled Bray out of the way. Wyatt then hit the Sister Abigail on Jordan for the victory. Wyatt and Orton will now face Slater and Rhyno at TLC this Sunday. Slater and Rhyno were interviewed backstage but AJ Styles interrupted. Styles stated that nobody cared about the Tag Team titles. Ambrose then appeared out of nowhere and attacked Styles and Smackdown went off the air.

Reaction: This was a very solid match to close out a good episode of Smackdown. It appears that Harper and Orton are back to getting along for now. Tonight’s episode was promo-heavy but they all were effective. TLC is shaping up to be an exciting show and I cannot wait to watch it on Sunday.

Winners & #1 Contenders For The Smackdown Tag Team Championships: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt

#SisterAbigail!! The #WyattFamily is going to #WWETLC to face @HeathSlaterOMRB and @Rhyno313!! #1Contender pic.twitter.com/telCi0c0T9

— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2016

205 Live (11/29)

Austin Aries and Corey Graves joined Mauro Ranallo on commentary. All of the Superstars on 205 Live were on the entrance ramp and they were introduced to the WWE Universe. A vignette for the Bollywood Boyz was then shown.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803797913251917824

Bollywood Boyz vs Drew Gulak & Tony Nese

Harv and Gurv Sihra started out the match on the offensive. Tony Nese was laid out by both of them but was able battle back and tag in Gulak. For the next few minutes, Gulak dominated the match. Nese was tagged back in and he continued the assault on the Bollywood Boyz. Gulak got back into the match and maintained control of the match.

Nese got back in the match and he applied a Chinlock to one of the Bollywood Boyz. Harv battled out of the Chinlock and connected with a Neckbreaker. Harv tagged in Gurv and he hut Gulak with several chops and a kick to the face. The Bollywood Boyz hit a double Superkick on Drew Gulak for the pinfall victory.

Winners: The Bollywood Boyz

Reaction: Not the best way to start off the debut episode of 205 Live. There were some cool spots in this match but overall it was very clunky.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803800282756878338

TJ Perkins and Brian Kendrick had a confrontation. Perkins stated that he is still owed a rematch and that he wants Kendrick to retain the Cruiserweight Championship tonight. Perkins wants Kendrick to keep the belt so he can get his rematch and take the title away from him.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803801771600580608

Ariya Daivari vs Jack Gallagher

Gallagher started out this match extremely cocky and applied a few submission holds to Daivari while posing for the crowd. Daivari battled back and but Gallagher escaped his Headlock. Gallagher did a handstand on the top turnbuckle and then took Daivari down. Gallagher then tied Daivari up in a knot in the center of the ring and taunted him from the corner. Gallagher then hit him with a running kick and Daivari escaped the knot.

Daivari connected with a Neckbreaker on Gallagher and slapped him in the face a couple of times. Daivari applied a Chinlock but Gallagher fought out of it and connected with a couple of Dropkicks. Gallagher then headbutted Daivari and hit him with a Dropkick in the corner for the victory.

Winner: Jack Gallagher

Reaction: This match was bizarre and entertaining. Jack Gallagher may look ridiculous but he is fun to watch. The main positive to take from this match is that Gallagher was able to get the crowd into it. That is something that has escaped the Cruiserweight division when it is featured on Monday Night Raw.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803803266274369537

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

Kendrick started off the match in control. Swann battled back and hit a Dropkick. Kendrick kicked out of a pinfall and Swann applied a Chinlock. Kendrick reversed the Chinlock into a German Suplex. Kendrick attacked Swann in the corner but Swann fought back and connected with several chops to the chest of Kendrick.

Swann landed a Tiger Bomb on Kendrick and Kendrick rolled out of the ring. Swann followed him out of the ring and hit a Summersault Clothesline off of the barricade. The action returned to the ring and Kendrick connected with another German Suplex. Kendrick then hit a Neckbreaker and Swann’s head hit the top turnbuckle. Swann then fell out of the ring and to the floor.

Swann was able to get back in the ring before the referee counted him out. Kendrick immediately hit him with a Suplex. Kendrick went for the Captain’s Hook but Swann blocked it. Swann then connected with a Michinoku Driver on Kendrick. Swann followed it up with a kick to the face of Kendrick. Swann went for the Standing 450 but Kendrick got his knees up and then locked in the Captain’s Hook.

Swann was able to reach the bottom rope and the crowd cheered him on. Both men were on the top turnbuckle and Kendrick bit Swann’s wrist and hit Sliced Bread. Swann kicked out and the crowd started to chant “this is awesome!”. Swannt connected with three spinning heel kicks in a row and pinned Kendrick for the victory.

After the match, Swann thanked his mother that has passed away and dedicated the match to her. Kendrick was also interviewed on the entrance ramp. Kendrick blamed the loss on TJ Perkins for playing mind games with him earlier in the night. Kendrick also stated that the WWE Universe should not get used to Swann as the Cruiserweight Champion. Kendrick vowed to get his title back and walked away.

Winner & New Cruiserweight Champion: Rich Swann

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803809979639558144

Reaction: 205 Live started off slow but picked up momentum and wound up being a pretty decent show. I thought the match between Kendrick and Swann was very good. I hope that the Cruiserweight division gets some more time on Monday Night Raw as a result of this show but I doubt that will be the case. Overall, both Smackdown and 205 Live were good shows tonight.

What did you think of this week’s episodes of Smackdown and 205 Live? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

For those who have been suspicious of the motives of Chyna’s manager Anthony Anzaldo, whether in general or after the Bleacher Report profile of Chyna came out, this is fairly big news: Chyna’s estate is no longer in his control, instead going to her mother, Janet Laque. Laque sent this statement to Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet:

My petition to the LA superior court to become Joanie’s estate administrator with “special letters” has been approved and gone through.  YEAH!!!!!!  This is a very big deal for me. Now I have to begin the work of getting it all together with the help of my wonderful CA attorneys and looking into what’s gone on since her death.  Should be interesting!!

For Anzaldo’s part, he told Satin that “I’m not at war with Chyna’s mother. She should be the executor. I was just here, merely, to help when it was asked upon me.”

This week’s edition of “Something to Wrestling With,” Bruce Prichard’s podcast on the MLW network, went up today, and the topic is Prichard’s time in TNA.  Late in the show, at the 2:37:30 mark, there’s a VERY interesting exchange between Prichard and co-host Conrad Thompson (they’re overlapping slightly at times, so I’ve removed any small interjections that didn’t go anywhere):

Conrad: “Do they owe you any money?”

Bruce: “[sighs] You know, they did something that was really bad. I had some financial issues, and they were supposed to pay to the government, and so on and so forth, and they didn’t do it. They garnished things from my check…”

Conrad: “Your withholdings from the federal government…”

Bruce: “Right. ”

Conrad: “That TNA kept, that weren’t included in your checks, but then they didn’t actually pay the government.”

Bruce: “Correct. Then the government came after me for [not] paying them.”

Conrad: “So they stole your money. How much money did they steal from you?”

Bruce: “Oh, that was about…it was only about $10,000.”

Conrad: “Still…”

Bruce: “But still, the arrogance…”

Conrad: “And you never got it.”

Bruce: “Well, it wasn’t coming to me, but the government finally got it. Because it was the government coming after me for the money.”

Conrad: “And you showed them proof…”

Bruce: “I show them proof! ‘Here’s where they took it…'”

Conrad: “‘I did my part.'”

Bruce: “So, I don’t know, ’cause I never heard the end of it, other than the government was satisfied. And…it was just those kind of little petty things that didn’t have to happen, that made you kind of feel dirty at the end.”

With everything that has come out about TNA as of late, it’s a very interesting allegation. Especially since, as we first reported a week ago, the state of Tennessee has a lien on TNA’s assets for unpaid business taxes. We’ve reached out to TNA for comment on Prichard’s allegations, and will update you if we hear back from them.

Thanks to Ben Straughn for the tip on this story.

[Photo: Screen Grab from Title Match Wrestling on YouTube]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rlpQle2Zvo

One of the big news stories in pro wrestling so far this week is WWE suspending Paige (real name Saraya-Jade Bevis) for her second violation of their Talent Wellness Program just a few weeks after her previous 30 day suspension ended. Paige and her loved starting speaking openly about the suspension almost right away, with Paige tweeting (I’ve fixed her formatting for clarity’s sake) “Same shit different day.  Kids…Please don’t get prescriptions or doctors notes. Not acceptable.” and “Rules apply depending on your status.” Her boyfriend, Alberto El Patron/Alberto Del Rio, quickly chimed in to back up her story, with her father, Ricky Knight, and brothers, Zak and Roy, all posting on Facebook that she was flagged for doctor-prescribed painkillers.

So, what makes this a violation? First, let’s reexamine the key section of what Zak wrote:

She has gone private and went to a different Dr, who is amazing I’ll add. He gave her PRESCRIPTION pain killers to ease the pain that she’s in 24/7 and I have witnessed.

They’ve not excepted [sic] this and this leads to yet another suspension.

Nobody is disputing that Paige has a legitimate neck injury to the point where she may need narcotic/opiate painkillers to be functional. It’s been reported in the past (and was alluded to by Dave Meltzer on Monday night’s Wrestling Observer Radio for F4WOnline subscribers) that WWE prefers to have talent get painkiller prescriptions from the company doctors. Presumably, this also extends to any specialists that the company sends talent to. This way, WWE avoids the perils of talent going doctor shopping, as the performers’ use of dangerous and addictive drugs is being tracks by trusted physicians

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/785511161341046784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The implication of Zak Knight/Zak Bevis writing that Paige “has gone private” is that she got a second opinion from a doctor other than the one(s) that WWE sent her to. That means that they’re going to be more scrutinizing of prescriptions for banned substances. Still, the written policy has a procedure for requesting a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to a banned drug, and there are no medications or classes of medications listed as ineligible for exemptions That said, according to the policy, it appears that the talent just needs to have the doctor provide a copy of the prescription if the drug is being taken for less than 60 days.

If “the use of such prohibited drug is required for more than sixty (60) consecutive days,” that’s when the more formal TUE process must be undertaken. According to the policy, “A WWE Talent in need of a TUE must immediately notify, or cause his/her issuing physician to notify, the Medical Director of the existence of a prescription for a prohibited drug and the medical need for the TUE.” A TUE lasts one year, and “A urine sample which is found to contain a prohibited drug will not be deemed a positive test result if such sample was provided by a WWE Talent with a valid and effective TUE for that prohibited drug.”

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/785511591353679873

If a performer tests positive for a banned prescription drug and does not have a TUE, then they “may not challenge a determination that he/she violated the Policy by contending, in connection with a ‘no fault or negligence’ defense or otherwise, that he/she believed he/she would qualify or had qualified for a TUE.” In other words, don’t plead ignorance. In Paige’s case, it appears that she’s saying that whatever happened with her, which presumably involves a non-WWE doctor, was not substantively different from other cases where the talent was not deemed to be in violation.

Also, specific to painkillers, “a test that confirms the presence of drug metabolite concentrations in excess of the levels expected when a drug prohibited by this Policy is being used consistent with the therapeutic management of pain will be treated as a positive test.” There’s no specific definition, numerically speaking, given in the policy. Since continuous use of narcotic painkillers can, even if taken as directed, lead to the patient building up a tolerance and requiring higher doses to get the same effect, this isn’t inherently a sign of abuse, but for the safety of the talent, it’s definitely cause for concern.

On Monday night, WWE got some major good news in the concussion lawsuits spearheaded by lawyer Konstantine Kyros. Judge Vanessa L. Bryant of United States District Court for the District of Connecticut (New Haven) ruled that the more recent “concussion lawsuit,” Laurinaitis v. WWE (the one with 50+ wrestlers on board and Road Warrior Animal as lead plaintiff) must be consolidated with the existing ones. While technically, the only two plaintiffs left in the existing suit are Vito LoGrasso and Evan Singleton, the case is officially known as “McCullough v. WWE” from when it was consolidated with Russ McCullough’s since-dismissed case.

WWE is also looking to get the Marcus “Buff” Bagwell and Scott “Raven” Levy WWE Network royalties lawsuit consolidated with the others, as “Laurinaitis” addresses royalties and the legality of WWE contracts on top of the issues with head injuries. WWE had another victory last week, when an appellate court ruled that the plaintiffs’ appeals of some of the dismissed cases can’t proceed until Judge Bryant rules on various related issues in the consolidated cases.

– WWE has reportedly applied to trademark the name “Demon King,” for use in clothing, toy production, and performance.

– WWE has officially announced 15,671 as the attendance for last night’s second annual NXT Brooklyn Takeover.

– Curtis Axel has since deleted the tweet, but at one point last night, the third generation star had this to say to new NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura:

“Congrats to the New @WWENXT Champion @ShinsukeN. I’d still whoop ur dumb ass and take that title from you!”

Below is a screenshot:

– The latest Canvas 2 Canvas featurette starring WWE artist Rob Schamberger is a tribute to WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Sting:

– In a tweet to promote Monday’s RAW, former World Heavyweight Champion John Cena teased that he’s going to call out AJ Styles. Cena says tomorrow we will find out whether his Money In The Bank opponent is “phenomenal” or “desperate.”

Tomorrow night. #RAW @WWEUniverse will see if @AJStylesOrg is "phenomenal" or "desperate" @WWE #MITB #NeverGiveUp https://t.co/BLZNstMGIN

— John Cena (@JohnCena) June 12, 2016

– WWE Hall of Famer Sting will be stepping into the former ECW Arena for the first time on September 17th. Sting will be featured at the Icons of Wrestling & Comic Books Collectorfest event along with Bret Hart and Terry Funk.

– As previously noted, AJ Styles will be a guest on the June 20th edition of the WWE Network’s Stone Cold Podcast. To follow up on the announcement, WWE sent out the following promotional blurb previewing the show, which will air right after RAW:

“The Stone Cold Podcast returns with a brand-new episode the night after WWE Money in the Bank, and the special guest will be AJ Styles! Just 24 hours after he battles John Cena in a dream matchup, The Phenomenal One will face “Stone Cold” Steve Austin for a live, no-holds barred interview. Watch this must-see interview Monday, June 20, immediately following Raw, only on the award-winning WWE Network.

“From WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon to Ric Flair, The Texas Rattlesnake has interviewed sports-entertainment’s biggest names on his popular WWE Network podcast. Austin’s interview series has captured the attention of the WWE Universe with the outspoken host’s ability to elicit revealing answers from his guests. So what will the no-nonsense WWE Hall of Famer ask Styles? Find out on a live Stone Cold Podcast, Monday, June 20, only on WWE Network.”

https://youtu.be/V0D6N3yHq8k

TNA will soon be releasing their Best Of The Asylum Years Vol. 2 on DVD, and the collection will heavily feature several talents currently under WWE contract. AJ Styles, Sting, Ron Killings (R-Truth), and Eric Young are all being advertised, and while Bobby Roode isn’t mentioned by name on the ShopTNA.com listing, he is in the Team Canada matches from 2004. Late WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes is also featured in action in a six-man tag match from 2003.

Currently contracted UFC fighter CM Punk is also featured on the DVD set, mainly in tag matches with Julio Dinero against former ECW stars.

The two-disc set, which will run over six hours, doesn’t have an official release date yet. The above video is the trailer for the collection, which is currently available for pre-order on ShopTNA.com. Here’s the full match listing for the Best Of The Asylum Years Vol. 2:

– July 17, 2002: X Division Title: AJ Styles vs. Low Ki

– July 24, 2002: Low Ki vs. The Amazing Red

– September 25, 2002: Best Of 3 Match: AJ Styles vs. Low Ki

– October 23, 2002: X Division Title: AJ Styles vs. Sean Waltman

– October 30, 2002: X Division Title: AJ Styles vs. The Amazing Red

– November 13, 2002: X Division Title: Jerry Lynn vs. AJ Styles vs. Kid Kash

– January 8, 2003: Tag Team Title Match: America’s Most Wanted vs. The New Church

– April 9, 2003: Jerry Lynn & The Amazing Red vs. Triple X vs. Chris Sabin & Johnny Storm vs. Shark Boy & Jason Cross

– July 2, 2003: House Of Fun Match: CM Punk vs. Shane Douglas

– August 13, 2003: Dusty Rhodes & America’s Most Wanted vs. Glen Gilberti & Simon Diamond & Johnny Swinger

– September 30, 2003: Super X Cup Final: Chris Sabin vs. Juventud Guerrera

– September 17, 2003: Hair vs. Hair: Raven vs. Shane Douglas

– November 5, 2003: CM Punk & Julio Dinero vs. Kid Kash & Lazz

– November 5, 2003: World Title: Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett

– November 19, 2003: AJ Styles vs. Abyss

– January 7, 2004: CM Punk & Julio Dinero vs. Raven & The Sandman

– January 7, 2004: Ultimate X Match: Chris Sabin vs. Michael Shane vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Low Ki

– February 4, 2004: CM Punk & Julio Dinero vs. Terry Funk & The Sandman

– February 25, 2004: CM Punk & Julio Dinero vs. Raven & Sabu

– May 26, 2004: Ladder Match: Eric Young vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Mr. Aguila vs. Taichi Ishikara

– May 26, 2004: Ultimate X Match: Petey Williams vs. Chris Sabin vs. Hector Garza

– June 9, 2004: Team Canada vs. Jerry Lynn & Heavy Metal & Hector Garza

– June 16, 2004: Flag Match: Team Canada vs. Team USA

– July 21, 2004: Steel Cage Match: The Naturals vs. America’s Most Wanted

– August 25, 2004: AJ Styles & Jeff Hardy & Ron Killings vs. Monty Brown & Kid Kash & Dallas

Sting recently spoke to SI.com about his retirement, which he officially announced during his Hall of Fame induction speech during WrestleMania weekend. Sting indicated that you’ll still see him around at select events now that he’s officially hung up his boots.

“I’m going to kick back,” Sting said after signing nearly 1,000 autographs at Big Time Wrestling’s show in Webster, MA on Saturday. “I’ll pick and choose some events, but I won’t be traveling as much. These grassroots shows remind me of my humble beginnings–even the smell of the building reminds me when I started. It’s an honor to still be in front of the fans.

“It’s been an incredible ride with those who supported me,” he added. “I said it at the Hall of Fame, and I’ll say it again–thank you. My hat is off to you. I wouldn’t be here unless for the fans, and that’s not a cliche, it’s true.”

The WWE Hall of Famer also talked about about what may go down as his most memorable moment in WWE: His match against Triple H at WrestleMania 31, which he lost.

“People took the loss personally, but in this business, you have to learn real quick not to take anything that personally,” said Sting. “For me, it was a memory just being in Levi Stadium in California, my home state, with that crowd there.”

You can read his full interview here.

Sting is not giving up his dream of getting in the ring with The Undertaker. The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion was interviewed by FOX 4 in Dallas on Friday to promote Sunday’s WrestleMania 32. When asked about his possible retirement, Sting said that it’s “just talk,” and he’s getting “mixed signals” from doctors about the status of his neck. He revealed that he has not yet undergone neck surgery, and he feels good enough for “another fight.”

Sting made it clear he wants one more match, saying, “I have a dream match that I’ve always wanted to do against The Undertaker. If I have my way it’s gonna happen.”

Sting says it’s the match wrestling fans have always wanted but could never have due to the two men previously being in competing companies.

During a WWE media event for Wrestlemania, Sting again, denied the rumors of him retiring, and reiterated his wishes for a match with the Undertaker.

.@sting says only person really interested in facing: #Undertaker. He could retire w/o that match but doesn't want to yet. #WrestleMania

— Brian Fritz (@BrianFritz) April 1, 2016

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Since the TMZ story broke about Sting retiring, he has on multiple occasions, since then, denied the report. Sting is set to enter the WWE Hall Of Fame this Saturday on The WWE Network.

Last week TMZ reported that Sting would be retiring due to his neck injury from September, but the former WCW World Champion says his dream isn’t dead yet. In an interview with IGN to promote WrestleMania 32, Sting hinted that he is still hopeful of getting a match against The Undertaker.

“Uh, yeah. I’ve been very outspoken about that,” Sting said when asked if he still wants to face Undertaker. “Still a dream of mine.”

Sting suffered significant injuries during his match against Seth Rollins back at Night of Champions, but maintains that his dream to face The Undertaker lives on.

“[Retiring] is one of those rumors floating around, yes,” Sting continued, “TMZ put something out and, again, I still have a dream inside of me. And it’s not dead yet.”

Sting will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2nd, the day before WrestleMania 32.