– John Cena worked last night’s WWE house show in Phoenix and finished up his current WWE run. Cena is off to film the second season of reality competition American Grit. He’s still scheduled for the Survivor Series pay-per-view next month but besides that he’s expected to be off TV until December. Besides Survivor Series on 11/20, Cena’s next scheduled date is the 12/26 Holiday house show.
– WWN Live has announced NXT GM William Regal for the 11/13 EVOLVE 73 event in Joppa, Maryland. Regal will be signing for fans and posing for pictures but may be appearing in the ring as well.
– Jim Ross recently spoke with RockinGodsHouse.com to talk about his 11/9 one-man event in Nashville, Tennessee and had praise for current WWE World Champion AJ Styles and WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens. JR commented:
“Well, they got two good champions right now in Kevin Owens and AJ Style–two guys that have had really long careers to even get to the WWE, and now they have had that opportunity in their mid-thirties, and they both have made the most of their time. As I say on my podcast every week: “Maximize their time.” They are doing that, and I think both of those guys are really good.”
NXT General Manager William Regal has announced the debuting Andrade “Cien” Almas will face Tye Dillinger at next week’s NXT “Takeover: The End” event. This comes after Dillinger begged Regal for a shot on social media.
I love when I can accommodate talented competitors' requests. @WWEDillinger, you will compete at #NXTTakeOver against, @AndradeCienWWE!
– WWE officials met with a top executive from Russia’s Match TV at WrestleMania. This would be a big deal for the company, since WWE’s only clearance in Russia is on the 2×2 channel, which airs 1-hour versions of RAW and SmackDown and is available in less than 2% of Russian homes. Match TV is in about half the homes and carries UFC programming (including airing PPV’s for free).
– As noted last month, Evolve, Progress and Revolution Pro will be hosting qualifying matches for this summer’s WWE Global Cruiserweight Series. Announcements regarding those matches are expected in the next week or two.
– WWE was scouting independent talent during WrestleMania 32 weekend in Dallas. William Regal, Matt Bloom and Canyon Ceman attended the Evolve training seminar and tryout camp. WWE also had people at the Evolve and Shimmer shows. There were several performers that got WWE’s attention, most notably Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre, Ricochet and Shimmer star Nicole Savoy.
H/T: Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Visit f4wonline.com for subscription information.
– London Mayor Boris Johnson held a Q&A session on Twitter on Monday and said he’s “dead keen” on bringing WrestleMania to Wembley Stadium. The venue hosted SummerSlam back in 1992, which currently holds the record for WWE’s largest crowd in history (for 3 more weeks).
my gt grandfather was briefly a fairground wrestler so i am dead keen..grassroots sport benefited 400k since 2008 #askboris@maxpowley
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) March 14, 2016
– NXT General Manager William Regal tweeted this x-ray of his surgically repaired neck:
This is my neck today.You don't want to go through this.Its a miserable experience.Be careful and cut them out. pic.twitter.com/8KA7vomFQ6
– Triple H announced yesterday that NXT will will be holding a live event from Kingston, Rhode Island on April 22nd. Tickets go on sale this Friday.
– Gabe Sapolsky announced on Monday that NXT General Manager William Regal will be in attendance for EVOLVE’s upcoming live events from Queens and Brooklyn, New York:
– NXT star Chad Gable got an endorsement this week from Olympic wrestling legend Dan Gable. Dan Gable won the gold medal at the 1972 games without giving up a single point. He was also the head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa and led his students to 15 NCAA titles in a 21 year priod (76-97).
WWE Performance Center coach and WWE Breaking Ground personality Robbie Brookside recently appeared as a guest on Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast.
During the interview, which was recorded at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, Brookside spoke about getting his job with WWE, noting that they originally brought him in for a six month trial period. Three months into the trial period, he was asked to stay another six months and that turned into two years.
Brookside also spoke about his friendship with NXT General Manager William Regal, someone that he admits he has a lot to thank for. He spoke about taking Regal under his wing several years back when both were in England, and that Regal has returned the favor many times by getting him work in WCW and WWE.
“Darren, I call him Darren, is my best mate, without a shadow of a doubt. We’ve always kept in touch over the years through thick and thin,” said Brookside. “There’ve been times where he’s needed a shoulder to cry on, and for someone to back him up, and I’ve done the same as well, and he’s been there all the way.”
Brookside continued, “He’s married and he’s got three children, and I remember when Daniel was born. I was staying at their house before they were married, we go back that far. He’s almost like an uncle, but I’m two or three years older. But I always feel ten years younger.”
William Regal was flown home early from the NXT U.K. Tour and will not be appearing at the final two events due to issues related to his recent neck surgery.
Regal wrote the following on social media on Tuesday:
I'm incredibly sorry but I have had to return to the US to take care of some final details of my recent neck surgery that couldn't….
As a result, Regal missed the final two shows as part of the tour, as he didn’t work the event on Tuesday in Cardiff, Wales, and will be missing the live Takeover special on the WWE Network today at 3 p.m. Eastern from London’s SSE Wembley Arena.
Additionally, Regal was also scheduled for a talk show on Thursday in Nottingham, that has been canceled.
WWE’s William Regal recently appeared as a guest alongside Sheamus and King Barrett on an episode of the WWE Network show, Table For 3. During the show, Regal revealed that dressing in drag during a RAW Roulette show was his favorite moment in his career. He also spoke about how wrestlers shouldn’t take themselves too seriously and how his old WWE character defined his career. Below are some of the highlights.
On dressing in drag on RAW:
“That was probably my favorite thing I’ve ever done in the entire time I’ve been in wrestling. Doing that was the most actual fun I ever had.”
“If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right. I want the full Vegas showgirl [regalia]. I want the thing, but where are we going to get [that]? I want red high heels. Where are we going to get that? It just happened that we were in Vegas. Well, actually, I’m nearly a [size] 12 [shoe], so they went and got me 13 size red [heels], but we were in Vegas, so it was okay. It all worked out nicely.”
On how his five week run as a “Real Man’s Man” gimmick in WWE has defined his career:
“It lasted five weeks. I had a 30-year solid wrestling career in 40 countries and I’d been pretty successful at lots of things, but that five weeks has defined my entire career. And people still sing that song to me every day and I’m not making this up, every time I call the office, and they put me on hold, it’s that thing playing down the phone line.”
On how wrestlers shouldn’t take themselves too seriously:
“If you take yourself too seriously, you’ve got no chance in this job. You cannot take yourself seriously. You’ve got to embrace whatever is given and make the most of every opportunity to make it funny or to make it memorable. [Austin and Angle are] two serious fellas, right? So comfortable with themselves they’re happy to do anything. That’s the key to it. When you’re happy and you’re comfortable with yourself and you’re not worried about being a top guy, you’ll make the most out of anything and make it work.”
The crew at WrestlingDVDNetwork.com continued their week of match reveals for the upcoming NXT’s Greatest Matches Vol. 1 DVD and Blu-Ray set today by announcing that these three will be included:
NXT Championship Finals: Seth Rollins vs. Jinder Mahal (NXT August 29, 2012)
Ladder Match for the NXT Championship: Bo Dallas vs. Adrian Neville (NXT ArRival February 27, 2014)
NXT Championship Match: Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens (NXT Takeover: Rival February 11, 2015)
There has been speculation recently regarding the WWE coaching status of Sara Amato after she appeared on a recent episode of the new WWE Network original series, “WWE Breaking Ground.”
Amato is still working as an agent with the main WWE roster, however she also doubles as a developmental trainer of talents at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, former TNA Knockout Sarah Stock (Sarita) is also working with the female developmental talent in Orlando.
In related Breaking Ground news, the show gave the impression that William Regal teaches the promo classes at the Performance Center, however it is actually Ryan Katz who handles that responsibility.
Katz is a former independent wrestler by the name of “GQ Money,” who was said to be a “Dusty Rhodes Guy” and worked closely with The Dream before his passing.
NXT General Manager William Regal underwent neck surgery last Wednesday and posted a photo of the aftermath with this message:
“Look at the state of my luscious locks! Just so you here it from me,I had a c-3 through c-6 Laminectomy last Wednesday. I wanted to put it out there so no one can weave a more interesting tale. I’m slowly on the mend.I mean this in all sincerity that I’m not one for sympathy so please no need to tell me best wishes and the like.Its just part of the life I’ve choose and wouldn’t change a thing. No need to tell me you’re praying for me as it would be a wasted prayer.Save that for people who need real help if that’s you’re thing. The only thank you is from me to you for allowing me to entertain you for the last 32 years.”
As a follow up to his 2014 neck surgery, Regal underwent a CAT scan about 6 weeks weeks ago to check on his progress. Despite the fact that he has been feeling better than he has in a long time, Regal was told that he would not be medically cleared to return to action for NXT Takeover: London and a second surgery would be required. WWE’s medical director Dr. Joseph C. Maroon and his team performed the procedure on October 21st in Pittsburgh.
The day after the surgery, Regal spoke to WWE.com about the situation:
“I had a neck surgery last year and everything was very, very good, and I went in for a follow-up exam six weeks ago,” Regal said. “Luckily, we did the exam, because they found there was more damage in the back of the neck that needed to be taken care of as soon as possible. The last surgery I had, they went in through the front of my neck; this one’s in the back, so there’s a lot more work involved and a lot of healing in the muscle in the back of the neck.
It was my C3, C4, C5 and C6 [vertebrae]. I believe the operation is called a laminectomy, where they go in and completely clean out the calcium deposits from the back. Now that I’ve got this done, it’s just a matter of healing up and I’ll be good to go. Dr. Maroon, who is head of the WWE Wellness Program, performed the operation. He said I’ll be good to go for another 50,000 miles, or 50 years. Hopefully, that will cover me for the rest of my time on this Earth, anyway.”
Regal will be attending all of the shows on the NXT UK tour, but will be unable to travel with WWE to the UK in November due to his recovery.
– After several NXT TV appearances this summer and fall, top independent wrestling star Tommaso Ciampa may have finally signed a deal with WWE. Ciampa indicated that he had in fact signed after working a PROGRESS Wrestling show in London recently. Tommaso is set to return to NXT on November 29th to face Marty Scurll as NXT General Manager William Regal set the match in the storyline. It’s worth noting that despite the rumors, F4WOnline.com is reporting that Ciampa has not officially signed a WWE contract as of Sunday.
– During a Twitter exchange today, The Bella Twins spoke to Summer Rae, teasing a possible addition to Team Bella. As noted previously, there’s also rumors that Summer will be managing Tyler Breeze when he comes to the main roster, which is expected to happen imminently. Summer is obviously in need of a new role now that she has parted with Rusev in the current storylines.
.@BellaTwins hmmmm….I do Fearlessly get into BrieMode when I'm feeling Foxy! And you are missing a blonde on your squad! #ItsSummerTime
– It’s rumored that NXT General Manager William Regal will be getting back in the ring for a match at the NXT Takeover: London live event scheduled for December 16th.
– Tough Enough winner Sara Lee noted on Twitter that she’s leaving her hometown this week and moving to Orlando, home of the WWE Performance Center.
I am doing great! Reallg excited bc i leave this thurs to move to Orlando for good & start training ??? https://t.co/v5H4MfXVy5
– Natalya revealed that filming for the next season of Total Divas is underway. She had several family members over on Tuesday (including her father, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) to watch this season’s finale and Total Divas camera men were there getting footage for Season 5.
During the NXT event on Saturday night, NXT General Manager William Regal announced the first ever “Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic,” which is scheduled to begin in a few weeks.
The “Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic” tournament will kick off with the September 2nd edition of NXT TV on the WWE Network. The finals of the tournament will be held at NXT Takeover on October 7th.
Regal promised that the “Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic” will be full of action and will make “The American Dream” proud.
As announced recently, The Vaudevillians (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) will be taking on Blake and Murphy for the NXT Tag-Team Championships at the NXT Takeover: Brooklyn event on Saturday, August 22, 2015, live on the WWE Network.
The last time the duo earned a title shot, their victory was spoiled by NXT Diva Alexa Bliss, and as a result, there is speculation that one of the new NXT Divas will make their TV debut at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn event to even the odds between the two teams and make things more fair.
WWE.com wrote the following teaser for the aforementioned tag-team match:
“NXT General Manager William Regal granted the old school duo a championship rematch at the Barclays Center on Aug. 22, but suggested that English & Gotch find a way to counteract Alexa Bliss this time around. Can The Vaudevillians neutralize the ever-present threat of Alexa Bliss, or will Blake & Murphy manage to walk out of Brooklyn with the NXT Tag Team Championship? Find out at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, live on WWE Network Saturday, Aug. 22 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT!”
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated the Q&A section of his official website, answering questions from fans on a variety of topics. Below are some of the highlights.
On who decides which legends are inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame: “I assume [Vince] McMahon makes the final decisions, but I can’t be sure as I don’t work there any longer but I’ve had the opportunity in the past when I did work there to make suggestions.”
On William Regal: “He’s in a good spot with his current responsibilities working with NXT and scouting indy wrestlers. He’s a great performer as well.”
On if he thinks shows like Total Divas and Tough Enough expose and hurt the business: “I think that we are well passed the world of going too far as it relates to the curtain being pulled back. So, no I don’t think that those types of shows hurt the business.”
On comedy in wrestling: “Comedy has its place if it is well executed and timely not to mention organic. Forced and poorly presented it is a turn off.”
Check out more JR Q&A updates at his official website, JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
– WWE’s Canyon Ceman, William Regal and Seth Rollins were at the PWG event in Reseda, California to scout talent last week. The three were said to be particularly impressed with AAA star Angelico, who is currently under a multi-year agreement with Lucha Underground, as long as they continue running shows, and also has a deal with the AAA promotion in Mexico.
– WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella appeared on E! News to discuss her future with John Cena.
“Marriage and kids,” Nikki said. “I think I could sacrifice kids for him but I do want that ring one day, I want to be Mrs. Cena. Our life has become one and we make decisions together but I think I want that bling to walk around with.”
The reason William Regal was in Japan last week and over the weekend was due to the WWE tryout session.
WWE reportedly had six men and two women at the tryout session, including Leona Fujinami, son of WWE Hall Of Famer Tatsumi Fujinami.
Also at the tryout was former TNA X-Division Champion Seiya Sanada, who still lives in the United States, but flew to Japan to take part in the tryout.
Other talents who took part in the tryout included Japanese talent Yohei, an independent wrestler from Osaka, Hikaru Shida, a popular women’s wrestler and the other names were people not as well known.
– Moments after winning the WWE NXT Championship at WWE’s Beast in the East live event in Tokyo, Japan, Finn Balor was congratulated by a number of Superstars backstage.
In the video above, after defeating Kevin Owens for his first title reign in the WWE Balor was congratulated by Cesaro, Neville, United States Champion John Cena and William Regal.
– Following the match against Kevin Owens yesterday in Japan, Balor took to his Twitter account and shared the following photo:
WWE inserted a pre-taped segment during tonight’s NXT broadcast on the WWE Network, announcing a live special with a major title match in Japan.
On tonight’s show, it was announced by William Regal that there will be a live special from Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan on July 4th that will feature Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor for the NXT Championship.
The show is scheduled to start at 6:30am EST., which would be 8:30pm in Japan, so it’s possible that only part of the show will air on the WWE Network, since the show is scheduled for a 7pm start-time.
The event will also include the previously reported Brock Lesnar vs. Kofi Kingston match, and will also feature a John Cena main event, as well as a match including Chris Jericho.
– NXT Champion Kevin Owens turns 31 years old today. Today would have been the 50th birthday of Owen Hart.
– WWE SmackDown preview for tonight:
Payback Fatal 4 Way contract signing
Dolph Ziggler vs. King Barrett
Luke Harper vs. Fandango
New Day vs. Ryback, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd
Naomi vs. Emma
Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores
– On this week’s NXT Breakdown, NXT General Manager William Regal talks hypes the Women’s Championship Match between Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks at Takeover: Unstoppable on May 20th.
WWE has published a video of NXT General Manger William Regal presenting Uhaa Nation with his NXT contract to sign. He’s not referenced by name, so there’s a good chance he’ll be getting a new NXT ring name in the near future.
Last month, he spoke to WWE.com about how which WWE/NXT talents he’s looking forward to working with:
“Oh, there are so many. You’ve got Neville, Finn Bálor, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens. Luke Harper, we had a lot of fun in DGUSA. Dolph Ziggler. The list is endless. Kalisto… There are just so many talented guys here. You’ve got Hideo Itami. There’s so many that it almost seems like there’s not enough time. You want to go out there and wrestle them all at one time. Another one is Solomon Crowe. I got to wrestle him before during WrestleMania Week in New Jersey for EVOLVE, and he’s just a guy I want to learn so much from. The list is endless.”
– Late Saturday night, William Regal posted multiple messages on Twitter stating that a person was calling his home and threatening his family. He noted that the phone number traces back to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
Someone calling from this number 713-757-1000 has just called my house and threatened to"Everything you love will be taken away from you".
