The new WWE Raw Women’s Champion Sasha Banks claimed the championship last Monday Night on Raw entering her fifth reign. Her win saw her join her partner Bayley as a double champion within WWE. Unfortunately, her recent accomplishment took place at the WWE Performance Center in front of zero fans.
Speaking in a WWE The Day Of documentary clip, Banks shared her thoughts on performing at WWE events without a crowd in attendance due to the current coronavirus pandemic.
She confessed she missed feeling the crowd’s energy but noted she has learned a great deal since audiences have been unable to attend events. Despite this growth, Banks admitted she’s ready to have fans return as long as it’s safe to do so.
“Until then, I’m gonna keep on entertaining and you’re gonna keep on watching at home. I hope you enjoy it. But maybe it’s during these crazy times, that it’s on such a different grande scheme of things of how I look at this as a whole, since we don’t have an audience.”
Banks continued, “Maybe that’s why I’m not as so, like, ‘Oh my God, what are they going to think?’ Because their opinion is really online, and the thing is I don’t have to read that, and I don’t read it. Really, my opinion is my opinion of what I think this match is going to be and what it means to me.”
Sasha Banks explained how if she feels confident she has just “killed it” in a match up, then no one’s opinion of it matters except hers. She stressed how she is happy to have the confidence to know that if she’s satisfied with her performance, other people’s opinions can’t affect her.
A lot of people including many legends have praised Big E over the years and characterised him as a potential world champion if the New Day member wrestles as a singles competitor. Now that he is finally getting a chance to showcase his skills on his own, the former IC Champion feels that he is ready to go solo after being a team player for over half a decade.
Big E recently had an interview with Yahoo Sports and discussing his singles run, the former Tag Team Champion mentioned how it all came out of nowhere. Though he later said that he hopes that the people who have clamoured for this for years will not be disappointed:
“This is all kind of coming out of nowhere. I feel confident that I am ready for this. The interesting thing and weird thing is we don’t have that organic response. I hope people enjoy this run, I hope it’s good and entertaining, I hope all of the people who have clamored for this for years are not disappointed.”
Even though he is getting the opportunity for a singles run, the former NXT Champion still sees himself as a representative of the New Day and he believes that his singes achievements will add up to the legacy of the group:
“I always see it as I am a representative of the New Day. The same way that Kofi credited Woods and me and said that when he won it was for all of us, that’s the same feeling I have. This adds to all of our legacies because I don’t get this far, I don’t have this much without those two. I don’t even know if I am around in this company without those two.”
Xavier Woods has been out of action due to an Achilles injury since October last year. Kofi Kingston revealed during the July 24 episode of SmackDown that he will be out of action for 6 weeks after losing a Tables match at Extreme Rules, effectively giving Big E his first singles run since the formation of the group in 2014.
WWE is planning to hold the annual draft in October this year once again, according to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio.
WWE had 5 dates under consideration for next ‘Superstar Shakeup.’ Company officials have since narrowed it down to two possible dates in October.
Last year’s draft saw The Street Profits being called up to the main roster. There is no word yet on if NXT stars will be included in the draft but it’s very likely that the brand will be represented in some capacity this year as well.
The drafts last year took place in October, one week after SmackDown moved to Fox Network. It started on the blue branded show and concluded on the Raw episode the following week.
A number of big names switched brands during the last drafts. The most notable moves included the then Universal Champion Bray Wyatt moving to SmackDown and people like Randy Orton and Kevin Owens being moved to Raw.
The WWE Champion Brock Lesnar who won the title from Kofi Kingston on SmackDown’s Fox Premiere then quit the Blue Branded show and later joined Monday Night Raw.
Now it would be interesting to see if the Black and Yellow brand of the company is also included in the shake up and if the company adjusts the format of the event to incorporate moves from NXT into the drafts this year.
AEW will be running a women’s tag team tournament this summer. The teams will be drawn at random and the first pairing was made on Dynamite this week. Nyla Rose will be teaming with Ariane Andrew, the former Cameron in WWE.
Chris Jericho noted a few more teams for the tournament recently. He revealed 3 pairings of teams for the tournament on his Saturday night live stream. One of the teams involves former NXT star, Taynara Conti.
Here are the teams Chris Jericho revealed for the tournament recently:
Taynara Conti & Anna Jay
Ivelisse & Diamante
Allie & Brandi Rhodes
Brandi Rhodes spoke about how the tournament is a bit of an experiment. If it goes well and fans respond positively to it, the tournament could become an annual event.
“I think that’s how you look at a lot of things. You try things, you see how they go. I, of course, am very hopeful that this tournament is something that can continue to happen as it’s going to bring great opportunities to a lot of women who don’t normally get to be seen on Dynamite or on AEW Dark as often as we’d like to.”
Drew McIntyre and Karrion Kross got fans talking when they planted the seeds for a potential match down the road.
The WWE Champion started it all when he responded to a fan on his official Twitter account who asked him to name one NXT superstar that he hopes to work with.
This led to him naming Kross by writing, “@Lady_Scarlett13 & @WWEKarrionKross have my full attention #DrewAndA.”
The NXT star took to Instagram where he shared a photo of McIntyre’s tweet and told fans to never miss an episode because anything can happen in NXT.
“Anything can happen in the #WWE. And it’s all the more reason why you should never miss an episode no matter what brand it is. Think about the future.”
This match may not have to wait as WWE finds itself in two interesting situations.
First up is the most alarming one which is how Monday Night RAW has seen its viewership numbers fall at a scary rate and they’ve been hitting new records low over the last few months while in the COVID-19 era. Thus, WWE could always have Kross appear on RAW for any reason.
The second situation is the war between NXT and AEW Dynamite. WWE has had main roster stars appear on NXT in the past as a way to boost viewership.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair spoke with Scott Fishman of TV Insider for a new interview.
During the chat, Flair was asked about the decline in WWE television ratings and what he thinks the disconnect is there and what WWE can do to turn things around.
Flair stated that he has been watching wrestling for a long time, but he doesn’t pay attention to the competition. He thinks the reason for the decline is the “whole thing” right now as it’s fun to watch the show at home with a large audience and he thinks that can impact it.
He put over the talent for busting their butts. Flair also thinks WWE is missing some key players but keeps marching on.
“They have that good work ethic that it will come back around. I don’t think anyone is taking it personal. It’s what is going on right now. Vince McMahon, WWE, will bounce back bigger and better a year from now.
The pandemic has stopped a lot of things. It has given a different perspective on a lot of things, but it’s not due to their attitudes or level of performance. “
Just this week, Monday’s edition of WWE Raw averaged 1.620 million viewers with a 0.47 rating in the key 18-49 demographic. The previous Friday Night SmackDown episode averaged 1.924 million viewers on FOX.
WWE has sent one main roster star to NXT and that’s Shane Thorne.
On Saturday, WWE confirmed that Throne will wrestle Bronson Reed this Wednesday night on NXT. Following the news, WWE also moved Throne’s profile from the RAW brand to the NXT page.
Before the move, there were a few months where it appeared that WWE was going to do something with Brendan Vink and Thorne as they had been briefly involved with MVP in storylines.
Several months ago it was reported that MVP was eventually going to turn on them but those plans were scrapped and WWE hadn’t done much with the tag team after it.
It should be noted that Vink is not listed on any of the rosters and there’s no word whether he’ll be headed back to NXT with his tag team partner or stay on RAW.
Updated NXT Card
Damian Priest vs. Oney Lorcan vs. Ridge Holland – Triple Threat Match (winner advances to vacant North American Title Ladder Match at TakeOver)
NXT Tag Team Champions Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner vs. Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish
Michael Jones is known to many wrestling fans by the name Virgil. He’s also wrestled under the names Vincent, Soul Train Jones, and a few other monikers. When Virgil was hired by WCW in 1996, he was placed in the New World Order. Virgil became the 8th person to join the faction on September 23rd, 1996.
Eric Bischoff was recently asked on the 83 Weeks podcast what went into the decision to hire him for the NWO angle.
“It wasn’t my idea to bring him in. I think it was a combination of a couple of different people, I think Hulk Hogan being one of them but it wasn’t his idea. He didn’t originally come to me with the idea. It might have been Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. It was the trifecta, it was that group who came to me and said ‘why don’t we do this? It’ll be fun. He’s a good dude.'”
“There was a diversity issue that was apparent to me, keep in mind this Turner Broadcasting. Turner Broadcasting was way more interested in diversity before diversity became as important as it is today.”
“We had a challenge in terms of diversity within the NWO and he was available.”
“Regardless of whose idea it was, it kind of made sense on paper. He was never brought in to be a big star, he was never brought in as a big damn deal. He was a supporting cast member for crying out loud.”
Virgil appeared as “Soul Train Jones” in a couple of segments with the Inner Circle in AEW last November.
Nattie Neidhart (aka Natalya) writes a column for the Calgary Sun. Her Uncle Bret used to do the same for many years. Natalya dedicated her column this week to Kairi Sane. The former NXT Women’s Champion has now departed WWE after the most recent set of tapings.
“This week WWE said goodbye to Kairi Sane, as she is moving on to exciting new adventures in her life. I couldn’t be more proud of Kairi and all that she’s accomplished in just a few short years after leaving Japan to chase her dreams in WWE,” Natalya says in the column.
Natalya continued to write about the first time she met Kairi. It was backstage at the Mae Young Classic. Both Natalya and Beth Phoenix noted how talented she was and how much the fans responded to her.
“I remember meeting Kairi for the very first time with Beth Phoenix at the Mae Young Classic, as she stood out in such a special way to me. After watching her compete, I said to Beth, ‘Kairi is so talented in the ring. She also has a way of connecting with the audience that is so genuine and so authentic.’ Beth responded by saying, ‘The audience loves Kairi because they can feel how much heart she has and how much she loves what she does in the ring.'”
Last week on RAW, Kairi was the victim of a backstage assault by Bayley. At the time, Asuka was wrestling Sasha Banks in a RAW Women’s title match. As Asuka left the match to rescue her friend, she was counted out. This gave Banks the win and the title due to a stipulation added to the title match.
Mick Foley and David Arquette will both star in the upcoming film, 12 Hour Shift. A trailer for the film was recently released. The film was set to debut initially at the Tribeca film festival. This was canceled due to the ongoing pandemic, however. The film is a dark comedy and will be released through the Tribeca digital library tomorrow.
“It’s 1999 and over the course of one 12 Hour Shift at an Arkansas Hospital, A Junkie Nurse (Angela Bettis), Her Scheming Cousin (Chloe Farnworth) and a group of black market Organ-Trading criminals (Mick Foley, David Arquette, Dusty Warren) start a heist that could lead to all of their demise,” reads a description of the film.
The film will be the first IMDB credit for Foley this year. Some of his previous credits include:
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Chokeslam (2016)
I Am Santa Claus (2014)
Hellevator Man (currently in production.)
As for Arquette, his latest films include
Spree (2020)
Mob Town (2019)
2099: The Soldier Protocol (2019)
The MisEducation of Bindu (2019)
A trailer for the film can be viewed in the player below:
55-year-old Mick Foley also spent some time recently commenting on a potential Big E singles run.
“I believe if he can show a little different side of himself. A little bit more seriousness, a little bit more anger when the situation calls for it, that he will go down in history as one of the great WWE Superstars and I hope it happens.”
MVP is currently a member of “The Hurt Business” along with Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin on RAW. There have been rumours as of late that Vince McMahon is (or at least was) interested in rebooting the Nation of Domination stable from the late 1990s. Speaking on a podcast with former WWE writer Kazeem Famuyide, MVP says he has no interest in taking part in such an angle.
MVP On Rumored Nation of Domination Reboot
“No, no, short answer is no, because I’ve been hearing the chatter and I’ve been seeing that and I don’t wanna do the new anything. The Nation was done, it was awesome in the time that it was done. It was needed, stars were made. I don’t wanna rehash something else, I wanna bring something new, and I don’t necessarily, in our approach to The Hurt Business, me and Bobby, as you know are legitimate friends away from wrestling. We boys. Shelton is one of my closest friends. I just like making money with my friends, you know what I’m saying?” MVP said on the show.
MVP continued to say he’s excited about getting to work with Apollo Crews and Ricochet. He would also say that his current angle with The Hurt Business isn’t a statement about race.
“I have no interest in rehashing the Nation of Domination and while I do wanna present myself and Bobby and Shelton as strong black role models, successful, we’re businessmen. We’re not trying to make a statement on race. We’re trying to just make a statement.”
MVP’s last match on RAW came two weeks ago when his Hurt Business dropped a trios match to Cedric Alexander, Ricochet, and Mustafa Ali. Lashley then defeated Ali this week on RAW. MVP is also claiming to be the United States champion at the moment, though the title actually belongs to Crews.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced that, following EVIL’s defection to Bullet Club from Los Ingobernables de Japon, the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship has been vacated. It was previously held by EVIL, BUSHI, and Shingo Takagi. Their reign lasted 206 days with 2 successful defenses.
To determine new champions, NJPW will hold a single-elimination tournament with eight teams during next week’s events as part of the Summer Struggle tour. The tournament is scheduled as follows:
New NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions will be determined next week!
Today, New Japan Pro-Wrestling released a video announcement made by NJPW of America CEO, Takami Obari. He discussed how NJPW wrestlers based in the United States are not currently able to travel to Japan to partake in NJPW events.
In the meantime, NJPW Strong will be a weekly show on NJPW World. Obari mentions that it’s difficult for US-based wrestlers to compete in Japan. Starting Friday, at 10PM Eastern, NJPW Strong will be presented on NJPW World.
It will begin with New Japan Cup USA 2020, an eight-man single elimination tournament, and the winner will be eligible to challenge for the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Jon Moxley, at a later date.
The first round matches are as follows, and are scheduled for the premier episode on August 7th.
LEC presents the official NJPW Cup 2020 in the USA bracket!
WWE SmackDown aired from the Performance Center in Orlando. Both the Intercontinental and SmackDown Women’s Championships were defended during tonight’s episode. In addition to the takeaways below, Sonya Deville attacked Mandy Rose from behind and chopped off some of her hair before referees broke it up.
AJ Styles def. Gran Metalik to retain the IC Title
King Corbin def. Drew Gulak
Big E def. The Miz
Naomi def. Lacey Evans
Bayley def. Nikki Cross to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship
Here are 5 takeaways from this week’s show:
AJ Styles Retained The IC Title
AJ Styles. Image Credit: WWE.com
AJ Styles defended the Intercontinental Championship against Gran Metalik tonight. Lince Dorado was ringside for the match.
Match Recap: Styles controlled the match early and beat Metalik down in the corner. Styles connected with a Backbreaker and followed it up with a Vertical Suplex for a near fall.
Styles went for an Elbow Drop but Metalik got out of the way. Metalik sent Styles tumbling to the floor outside the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, AJ was back in control and perched Styles up on the turnbuckle.
Metalik booted AJ to the canvas and hit a Crossbody for a near fall. Metalik followed it up with a DDT and went for the cover but the Intercontinental Champion kicked out at two. AJ battled back with a Clothesline and knocked Metalik to the mat.
AJ set up for the Phenomenal Forearm but Metalik avoided it and hit an Enziguri. Styles booted Metalik to the mat and locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring for the submission victory. AJ Styles is still the Intercontinental Champion.
After the match, AJ Styles attacked Lince Dorado and planted him with the Styles Clash as the crowd booed.
Jeff Hardy came to the ring and said that beating Sheamus in the Bar Fight proved that he was on the right track. Hardy added that he doesn’t want to let his family and fans down again. Hardy stated that he was so grateful to be well and here on SmackDown.
King Corbin interrupted and said his head is going to explode if he has to hear about Jeff’s sobriety again. Corbin claimed that SmackDown was turning into an insane asylum. Hardy told Corbin that if he thinks everyone around him is the problem, he’s actually the problem. Gulak then attacked Corbin from behind and it led to a singles match.
Match Recap: Corbin dominated the match early and kept Gulak on the mat. Corbin connected with a Spinebuster and then locked in a Half Crab in the middle of the ring. Gulak countered into a Crossface but Corbin got his foot on the bottom rope to break the hold.
Gulak made his way to the top rope and hit a Flying Clothesline for a near fall. Corbin hit Deep Six but Matt Riddle’s theme hit. Riddle came down to the entrance ramp and Corbin got distracted. Gulak tried to capitalize with a roll-up but Corbin kicked out at two. Corbin then planted Gulak with the End of Days for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Matt Riddle rushed the ring and attacked King Corbin. Riddle hit the Ripcord Knee but then Shorty G showed up. Corbin had talked to Shorty G earlier in the show about the King’s Ransom he had out on Riddle. Shorty G planted Riddle with a German Suplex and Corbin smiled.
Big E faced The Miz tonight on SmackDown. John Morrison was ringside for the match.
Match Recap: The Miz booted Big E in the midsection and unloaded several right hands to start off the action. Big E applied an Abdominal Stretch and spanked Miz a couple of times. Big E followed it up with an elbow to the face for a one count.
The action spilled out of the ring and Big E sent Miz into the ring post. Morrison hit Big E with a cheap shot and Miz followed it up with a Dropkick through the ropes. Back in the ring, Miz applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring as Morrison cheered him on.
Big E knocked Miz to the apron and went for a Splash but Miz got out of the way. Big E crashed on the apron and fell to the floor as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Big E hit a couple Belly to Belly Suplexes and followed it up with a Splash.
The Miz hit Big E with a Dropkick to the knee and then stomped away on it in the corner. Big E battled back with a Uranage for a near fall. Big E went for a Spear but Miz countered with a knee to the face. Morrison hit Big E with another cheap shot and Miz capitalized with a Skull Crushing Finale.
Miz went for the cover but somehow Big E kicked out at two. Miz locked in the Figure Four in the middle of the ring but Big E was able to make it to the bottom rope to break the hold. The referee caught Morrison going for another cheap shot and kicked him out from ringside. Big E applied the Stretch Muffler submission for the pinfall victory.
Lacey Evans squared off against Naomi tonight on SmackDown. Before the match, Lacey Evans mocked the #NaomiDeservesBetter hashtag and vowed to make everyone really feel sorry for Naomi tonight.
Match Recap: Evans drove Naomi to the corner to start off the match. Naomi broke free but Evans planted her with a Powerbomb in the center of the ring. Lacey wrapped Naomi around the ring post and booted her in the back of the head.
Evans trapped Naomi’s hair in the steel steps and got back into the ring in hopes for a count-out victory. Naomi escaped and made it back into the ring and the match continued. Evans went for the Woman’s Right but Naomi countered into a cover for the pinfall victory. After the match, Lacey Evans went to the announce table and demanded that people start a Lacey deserves better hashtag.
Match Recap: Nikki beat Bayley down in the corner and unloaded several right hands to her face. Cross went for a Neckbreaker but Bayley blocked it. Nikki sent Bayley out of the ring and the champ took a moment to regroup.
Nikki brought Bayley back into the ring and hit her with a Dropkick. Bayley battled back and connected with a Leg Drop for a two count. Nikki slammed Bayley into the ring post and followed it up with a Crossbody outside the ring. Cross then posed on the announce table as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Bayley hit Nikki with a Suplex and then sent her to the corner of the ring. Nikki battled back and hit a Crossbody for a near fall. Cross followed it up with a Tornado DDT and went for the cover but Bayley kicked out at two. Nikki slammed Bayley on the ring apron for another near fall.
Cross had the Boss ring (brass knuckles) and threw it at Sasha outside the ring. Cross launched Bayley into the barricade before rolling her back into the ring. Sasha hopped up on the apron but Alexa tripped her up. Nikki hit Sasha with a Dropkick and made her way to the top rope. Nikki hit a Crossbody and then rolled up Bayley for a two count. Bayley then connected with the Rose Plant for the pinfall victory. Bayley is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
After the match, Nikki Cross refused help from Alexa Bliss and shoved her to the canvas. The lights in the arena went out and The Fiend showed up behind Alexa. The Fiend circled Alexa before locking in the Mandible Claw.
Opinion: I thought this week’s episode of SmackDown was a very solid show. Deville’s attack on Mandy Rose was very well done and it seems like we could be getting a Hair vs. Hair match at SummerSlam. I’m also intrigued as to where The Fiend, Strowman, and Alexa Bliss storyline is going.
Vince McMahon first stated during a recent shareholder’s meeting held earlier this month that the company has a backup plan if WWE is unable to film in Florida anymore.
Of course, the state has been a hot spot for the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of it, WWE has been taping television and holding pay-per-view events from Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE has several back-up plans in place if they are no longer allowed to film TV content in the state because of the virus.
However, per the report, there’s a belief that WWE can’t be shut down in Florida. The reason for the belief is due to Linda McMahon’s Super PAC (Political Action Committee) pledging to spend $18.5 million in the Sunshine State for Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is also loyal to Trump.
There was a source who told Meltzer that McMahon has DeSantis “by the balls.” DeSantis has stated that he wants WWE to bring WrestleMania back to his state.
That won’t be allowed to happen until the virus is handled and sports leagues are able to resume somewhat regular operations with fans. McMahon has had a study prepared and now has several different locations as a back-up plan.
It was noted that one of the potential back-up locations is the WWE TV studios, which is near WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT. This is where WWE filmed the Firefly Fun House Match between John Cena and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for WrestleMania 36.
Meltzer stated that if they had to do film there then they can make that setting look similar to the setup they’ve used at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando.
The only problem with this plan is that WWE wouldn’t have easy access to contracted wrestlers in order to use them as fans.
Not only is WWE holding its SummerSlam pay-per-view event next month but will be hosting a second show just one week after it.
Pwinsider.com has updates on these two events. First up is SummerSlam, which had been reported to potentially be held at an outdoor location with the idea of having some fans in attendance.
There was even some talk of holding the show on a beach or a ship or at a location in the northeast. Per the new report, Summerslam is scheduled to take place at the WWE Performance Center.
WrestleVotes reported that WWE was hoping to finalize plans for SummerSlam and its location on Friday. It should be noted that WWE has yet to confirm where the event will take place after announcing that it had nixed its original plans to hold it in Boston at the TD Garden Arena.
WrestleVotes was the first to report that WWE’s internal calendar was updated to reflect that the company will broadcast WWE Payback on Sunday, August 30th.
Pwinsider has confirmed the report and added that it will also take place from the WWE Performance Center. WWE utilized the Payback PPV title from 2013 through 2017.
Although Matt Cardona has joined AEW that doesn’t mean that he’s under a long term deal.
Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, is currently working on a five appearance deal with the company, according to Wrestling Inc.
It appears to be a tryout situation for the former WWE Intercontinental Champion with the possibility of him signing a longer deal should he impress AEW executives including AEW President Tony Khan.
Ryder had been on the sidelines while he awaited his WWE non-compete deal to expire from April through July 15th. Of course, he was let go during the company’s massive layoffs and furloughs.
The public reason given at the time was that the cuts were due to budget cuts related to the coronavirus. It turns out that the firings came during the same quarter that WWE had its most profitable time to date.
Cardona made his promotional debut this past Wednesday night when he saved Cody Rhodes from an attack by the Dark Order. This came right after Rhodes had successfully retained the AEW TNT Title over Warhorse.
Cardona will team with Cody to face John Silver and Alex Reynolds next Wednesday night on Dynamite in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place on TNT.
After making a strong impression on the microphone and in the ring against Cody on Dynamite 2 weeks back, AEW has signed Eddie Kingston. The 18-year veteran pro has had stints with ROH, the NWA, CHIKARA, Impact Wrestling, CZW, and PWG.
“I learned a long time ago, in this life, you never lose, you learn,” Kingston said following his match with Cody on Dynamite. “I learned tonight that Cody is the better man, he’s the better grappler, he was the better fighter. But just tonight. I’ve been doing this for a very long time … I have nothing else in this life that I love doing.”
“So whether AEW brings me back or not, I’m going to keep going. I’m going to keep going until the wheels fall off,” Kingston continued. As it turns out, AEW will be bringing him back regularly as an official member of its roster.
Kingston spent 2019 with the National Wrestling Alliance. He formed “Outlaw Inc” along with former ROH World Champion, Homicide. In 2018, Kingston managed “The OGZ” in a feud against Konnan and LAX. The OGZ consisted of former LAX members Homicide and Hernandez.
Members of the New Day have been doing what they can to raise awareness about racial injustice. Kofi Kingston and Big E have been wearing armbands each week on Smackdown with the names of people who have lost their lives at the hands of police including Breonna Taylor, Tamla Horsford, Botham Jean, Freddie Gray and many others.
Big E spoke to Yahoo Sports about New Day using their platform to make a statement. He said when they went to Vince McMahon with the idea of taking a knee on Smackdown, he was in total support.
“When Kofi and I got to the Performance Center that day, we felt like we had to do something,” Big E said. “We went and had a conversation with our boss, Vince McMahon, and he was completely on board. We felt like that even if it was just a five-second gesture, it was important to let people know that the things that affected them, we were feeling too. We’re not above this because we’re on TV or because we make money, we’re still people. I was born Black, I will die Black, I have lived my life as Black American much longer than I will ever be a WWE wrestler.”
Big E would continue to say although he doesn’t know how to solve a systematic problem, it is important to him to do something with the anger and frustration he feels about it.
“It really weighed on me. I felt that even though I didn’t know how to change the structure or end systemic racism, I wanted to do something with my anger and frustration, I wanted to do something positive and we were all on the same page with that.”
Eric Bischoff is reportedly making his AEW debut next week.
Reddit user SpaceForce1, who previously provided correct Dynamite spoilers after being a member of the crowd at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, reports that Bischoff will appear during next Wednesday’s taped Dynamite episode on TNT.
Bischoff will reportedly appear during the debate segment between Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy. AEW previously announced that the debate will feature a special guest moderator, which apparently is Bischoff.
There is no word yet on if Bischoff will work with AEW past this segment. He has been without a job in pro wrestling since being released from his role as SmackDown Executive Director in October 2019, just a few months after WWE hired him in June 2019.
AEW President & CEO Tony Khan previously praised the former WCW President during the 83 Weeks podcast hosted by Bischoff and Conrad Thompson. Khan stated that there would be no AEW without Bischoff.
“Just so you know, and over the course of this conversation I’m sure it will come across, I am such a huge fan of your work and you are such an incredible innovator in the business,” Khan said to Bischoff during the 83 Weeks interview.
“I wouldn’t be here and there would not be an AEW without you and there would not be wrestling on TNT right now without you,” Khan continued. “You gave me the opening to talk to the President of TNT to talk about the previous success you’d had on his network which he didn’t realize because it’s been 20 years.”
Here is the announced line-up for next Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite episode on TNT:
* Jon Moxley defends the AEW World Championship against Darby Allin
* The Dark Order vs. FTR and The Elite in a 12-man tag team match
* MJF delivers another State of the Industry Address
* Matt Cardona’s in-ring debut, teaming with TNT Champion Cody vs. The Dark Order’s John Silver and Alex Reynolds
* Chris Jericho debates Orange Cassidy with a special guest moderator
Peyton Royce took to social media recently to open up about her experience with depression. The 27-year-old posted a photo from last year taken just weeks before her wedding to Shawn Spears. Royce said that even though on the outside everything was going great in her life, inside she was dealing with depression.
“I was dealing with the lowest low I’ve ever experienced. My mental health was suffering more than I had ever dealt with & I felt like I could not get myself together. I felt like I was letting so many people down including myself & I just couldn’t pick myself up,” Royce said in the post. She would continue to say that many people who suffer from mental illness look fine on the outside.
“Everyone is going through something. Be kind & know that everyone is dealing with whatever it is, the best they can. The more love, support & kindness we can show each other might help someone feel less alone. Even if they seem happy & confident like they’ve got it all together… They could be a fantastic fibber.”
Real name Cassandra Arneill, the Australian was signed to WWE in 2015. Along with her partner, Billie Kay, she debuted on the main roster in April of 2018.
WWE exceeded expectations in the 2nd quarter of 2020. The company recorded $223.4 million in revenue generated resulting in $43.8 million in total profits. They had been expected to generate approximately $231 million in revenue and $12 million in profit. Even though WWE generated less revenue than expected, they earned more profit due to decreased operating expenses.
“Revenues were $223.4 million as compared to $268.9 million in the prior year quarter reflecting the timing of the Company’s large-scale event in Saudi Arabia; Revenues reached a record $514.4 million year-to-date, representing 14% growth from the prior year period,” reads a WWE report on their financials this quarter.
In comparison, quarter 2 for 2019 saw the company bring in $268.9 million in revenue and $10.4 million in profit.
WWE Records Record Profits
WWE has saved money by producing television shows from the Performance Center and taping multiple episodes in a row. This has led to an increase in profits even with the decline in revenue.
The company has also seen an increase in subscribers to the WWE Network. There are currently 195,000 more subscribers to the Network than what had been projected for this time.
“Our second quarter financial performance was strong and demonstrated our ability to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “We continue to adapt our business to the changing environment, focusing on the development of new content for global distribution platforms and increasing audience engagement to drive growth and value for our shareholders.”
It should also be noted that WWE’s financials this quarter were unaffected by the talent releases in April. WWE continued paying main roster talent until mid-July, meaning they were all still being paid throughout Quarter 2. Some have been critical of WWE for cutting talent during a pandemic at a time when they were on pace for record profits.
On an investors call yesterday, Vince McMahon noted that profits will likely be down once the company starts touring again. With social distancing guidelines in place, it will make running live shows a more financially risky situation.
Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall’s Nightmare Factory wrestling school sent in the following press release Thursday evening:
Nightmare Factory, the premium training facility owned and operated by AEW’s Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall, today announced its new development camp to propel the next generation of professional wrestling talent.
Starting on Monday, Sept. 21, the inaugural class of 25 aspiring male and female wrestlers will experience the unparalleled three-month curriculum at the world-class Nightmare Factory facility in Norcross, Ga. The premium Nightmare Factory facility, which encompasses 43,000 square feet, includes four wrestling rings and a complete Olympic style weight room. AEW filmed several closed-set DYNAMITE shows at the Nightmare Factory earlier this year.
Designed by head trainers Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall, the rolling curriculum incorporates programming never before presented in a wrestling school. In addition to customized workouts and fitness regimes, students will engage with prominent nutrition counselor Carolyn Fazio to develop meal plans, and participate in exclusive seminars on topics such as HD makeup, the history of American wrestling and “Wrestlenomics,” an in-depth look at the past and present of the wrestling economy.
Aspiring wrestlers can apply for the first Nightmare Factory camp at www.NightmareFactoryGa.com. Camps are limited to 25 athletes and open to men and women of any level of wrestling experience. New camp sessions will begin every three months. The opening camp commences on Sept. 21, followed by the second session in early January 2021.
“I’ve had the best trainers throughout my career, and now I feel a responsibility to pass on the fundamentals and traditions of our sport and entertainment medium to aspiring wrestlers,” said Cody Rhodes, co-head trainer of Nightmare Factory and EVP of AEW. “What I love the most about the Nightmare Factory is its push towards the future and innovation, as well as its focus on the history of wrestling and how it has shaped our current business climate.”
To ensure the safety of all athletes and staff, temperature screenings and COVID-19 tests are required to enter the facility. Refer to www.NightmareFactoryGA.com for policies and information.
About Nightmare Factory
Nightmare Factory is a premium training facility owned and operated by Cody Rhodes and QT Marshall. Located in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross, Ga., the 43,000 square feet facility includes four wrestling rings and a comprehensive Olympic-style weight room. Its new three-month development camp launches on Sept. 21, 2020. For more info, check out @NF_Training (Twitter) and www.NightmareFactoryGa.com.
AEW Dynamite scored another decisive win over WWE NXT this week in total viewers and the key Adults 18-49 demographic. Courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:
AEW: 773,000 viewers, 0.30 rating (6th on cable for the night)
NXT: 707,000 viewers, 0.18 rating (28th on cable for the night)
NXT narrowed the gap in viewership this week, but Dynamite nearly doubled the WWE brand in the key demo.
By comparison, Monday’s edition of WWE Raw averaged 1.62 million viewers with a 0.47 demo. Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline points out that AEW & NXT combined did more viewers than the third hour of Raw, which sunk to an all-time low of 1.46 million viewers.
AEW and NXT combined beat the third hour of RAW in viewers this week.
AEW viewership slipped 8.5% from 845,000 last week. Dynamite saw Jon Moxley & Darby Allin defeat Brian Cage and Ricky Starks, MJF deliver his State of the Industry address, a successful title defense by Kenny Omega & Hangman Page, Cody’s lstest TNT Championship defense against Warhorse, the debut of Matt Cardona and much more. (Results & Takeaways)
NXT viewership was up a nice 15% from last week’s 615,000. Top matches included Dexter Lumis defeating Finn Balor & Timmothy Thatcher in a North American title qualifying match, Johnny Gargano defeating Roderick Strong, Imperium in action and Isaiah Scott beating Jake Atlas. (Results & Takeaways)
In what’s becoming a running joke, AEW executive VP Cody referenced that Dynamite outdrew celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s show Guy’s Grocery Games in the key demo.
Last week on Smackdown, Kofi Kingston revealed he’ll be out of action for 6 weeks. Kingston told Big E it’s time for him to show the world what he can do as a singles wrestler. Booker T recently addressed Big E as a singles wrestler on his ESPN Hall of Fame radio show and YouTube channel.
Booker T On Big E As A Singles Wrestler
“I think Big E is going to have to shed a few things in order for people to look at him like the world champion,” Booker said on the show.
“Big E still trying to be the New Day is not going to work for him as far as him working at the top of the card. I’m talking about being the main attraction. I’m talking about being the guy that the company has put in position to be the guy.”
“You can’t rehash something that you’ve been doing for so long and think that’s what’s going to take you to the next level,” Booker continued.
Booker and Brad Gilmore then spoke about wrestlers evolving their characters throughout their careers.
“I talked to Big E maybe a year and a half ago and I could tell he wasn’t in the best place,” Booker continued. “I think it was right after Kofi won the title actually and I said ‘trust me bro, your time is coming. Your run is going to actually happen.’ And he looked at me and I could see he was almost like ‘Nah, it ain’t going to happen.’ I said ‘trust me, it’s going to happen for you cause you’re talented, just keep doing what you’re doing.'”
