AEW’s Sammy Guevara is being criticized for comments he made regarding Sasha Banks in 2016.
Guevara was on the RAW’s 4th Hour podcast when he spoke about seeing Banks during a WWE tryout he had. During the show, Guevara said he saw Banks and joked that he wanted to “r*pe her.” The comment has been spreading around social media today and has drawn backlash from many in the wrestling industry.
Guevara’s comment can be heard in the below Tweet:
If anyone comes in my mentions saying "he was just joking" unfollow me now.. Sammy Guevara what is this?!https://t.co/H2CNC4qFfc
Sammy Guevara has since issued the following statement in response to the controversy. He also reveals that he spoke with Sasha Banks earlier today and thanked her for teaching him a ‘gigantic lesson.’
Rhea Ripley needed to first be informed on what was going. Once that was taken care of, however, she issued a comment as well.
“Does everyone think that because I work for WWE I live on this stupid app?! I have absolutely no idea what is going on and why this human is calling me out for something I don’t know about. Someone please enlighten me on what’s happening,” Ripley Tweeted when asked by someone online why she hadn’t commented.
Evidently, someone did enlighten Ripley. She released the following statement after:
Wow. Rape isn’t something to joke about. It’s a disgusting act done by f’d up people. Grow up and stop joking about serious situations.
Sasha Banks says her and Bayley are better than Le Sex Gods.
Banks posted the following to Twitter in response to her segment on NXT beating AEW’s main event in total viewers. Jericho pointed out that his segment beat theirs in the key demo, however.
NXT’s Finn Balor revealed on Instagram over the weekend that his father has beat COVID-19.
Balor also noted that within the last year, his father has had triple bypass heart surgery, a replaced hip, and now has overcome a battle with the coronavirus. In the video posted to Balor’s Instagram, his father says that next up he wants to take on Brock Lesnar.
“In less than a year he had a triple heart by pass, a replaced hip and beat Covid-19. Brock Lesner is next #happyfathersday“
You can see the Instagram post embedded below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtutjZBcQJ/
Finn Balor Selling Black Lives Matter T-Shirts
Balor also noted on Twitter recently that his clothing line, SMILE IT’S PE&K, has come out with Black Lives Matter t-shirts. All proceeds from the shirts will go to the NAACP.
The message is very simple. Black lives matter. Until there is equality for everyone, there is equality for no one.
Balor will challenge for the NXT North American Championship this week on NXT. A triple threat match between Keith Lee, Johnny Gargano and Balor was booked by GM William Regal on last week’s show. The winner of the title match will go on to face Adam Cole for the NXT Championship on July 8th. Cole’s title defence will go head-to-head with the second night of AEW’s Fyter Fest on TNT.
NXT UK wrestler Travis Banks has released a statement in regard to allegations of sexual misconduct. Banks is alleged to have had a relationship with Millie McKenzie when she was only 17 years of age and he was her trainer.
McKenzie posted several screenshots of exchanged messages between her and Banks.
Finding a hotel I’m staying in, finding my room number and knocking on my door for hours, continuously messing me when I ask you to leave is NOT OKAY. pic.twitter.com/SKGnQjFhYj
“Millie was a trainee of mine at Fight Club: Pro. She was also a close personal friend. We would be at shows together, attend the same social events, travel together and hang out at the wrestlers house where I was living. It was through this friendship a consensual relationship was formed.”
The relationship broke down between both parties and it ended. After it ended we agreed to talk it out. We apologized to each other for any individual actions behind the relationship breakdown. After seeing these comments, I can only repeat my apology. I am truly sorry for any pain caused by the relationship.”
McKenzie responded to Banks’ apology with a series of Tweets.
How dare you Travis. I never had anything to apologise for. You manipulated your position of power over me. At 17 years of age, I had no idea what a relationship actually entailed.The mental and emotional hurt you put me through is INEXCUSABLE 1/3
Keith Lee is upset over what McKenzie has had to endure. He offered up the following words of support:
@MillieMcKenzie0 I am very….very sad. I had found you to be rather amazing since I met you. Never ever would I ever have guessed. I offer a virtual hug. And I wish you healing. Be well my dear. pic.twitter.com/X1tlkwr694
McKenzie competed in the NXT UK tournament to declare a women’s champion in 2018. She reportedly rejected a contract offer to continue with the NXT UK brand, however. McKenzie, who recently turned 20, would have been just shy of 19 when she rejected the contract offer. It was reported at the time that she rejected the offer so she could continue working in Japan.
Progress has cut ties with Banks.
I believe @MillieMcKenzie0. Travis Banks is finished at Progress. ^JB https://t.co/KQvO3cCXw9
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) June 20, 2020
Tag-team wrestling was on full display during the Wednesday night war last week. Both shows featured tag matches in the main event. On Dynamite, Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara took on the Best Friends. On NXT, Sasha Banks and Bayley defended their belts against Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart. This led to Chris Jericho and Sasha Banks having an interesting exchange on Twitter about TV ratings for the segments.
Banks has recently been claiming that her team with Bayley is the best of all time. She noted on Twitter that they are better than Jericho and Guevara’s team as well.
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) June 21, 2020
Banks was responding to a Tweet regarding the NXT main event beating the AEW main event in the ratings this week. Jericho then noted on Twitter, however, that AEW still won for that segment in the key demo (18-49, which advertisers consider to be the most important demographic.)
Congrats guys, proud of you! But don’t forget to add that you got SMOKED in the all important p18-49 demo (which is what advertisers care about the most) 367k to 264k! You did good…Just not good enough! ? https://t.co/3qcGIjxdck
It seemed as though both promotions chose to feature tag-team wrestling last week. On Dynamite, Kenny Omega & Hangman Page retained their titles over the Natural Nightmares. The Young Bucks defeated Kip Sabian & Jimmy Havoc. The Best Friends then defeated Le Sex Gods in the main event.
On NXT, Imperium retained their titles over Breezeango. Bayley and Banks defeated Blackheart and Nox in the main event as well.
Numerous reports and allegations have come out recently regarding Joey Ryan. He has been accused of sexual misconduct from various parties as part of the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter. Joey Ryan is currently signed to Impact Wrestling, where he has been the head of the Cancel Culture faction.
According to a report from PW Insider, Impact will not be bringing Ryan back to the company for future events and tapings. They have yet to release an official statement on Ryan’s status, however.
The promotion previously released a statement that they were looking into allegations made against multiple members of their roster.
“It is a core value of the Anthem organization that we conduct our business with respect and integrity, providing a safe and secure work environment for our employees and performers. We are following carefully the various allegations being made through social media, and are reviewing all incidents involving Impact Wrestling talent and personnel to determine an appropriate course of action,” Anthem’s statement reads.
Ryan has deactivated his Twitter account following the release of a statement over the weekend.
The Twitter account for his Bar Wrestling promotion has also been deactivated. According to a report from the SoCal Uncensored website, the venue which hosted Ryan’s promotion has severed ties with him in the wake of the allegations. Video of Bar Wrestling events has also been removed from the Highspots Network.
On the final episode of the Last Ride docuseries on the WWE Network, the Undertaker said he has no desire to ever return to the ring. Many have taken this as the Deadman announcing his retirement from pro-wrestling.
There have been teases of the Undertaker’s retirement before. Perhaps the most notable retirement tease was when Taker left his gloves, hat, and jacket in the ring after being defeated by Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 33.
Taker admitted during the show that if Vince needed him, he might come back some day.
“If Vince was in a pinch, would I come back? I guess time will only tell there,” Taker said on the final episode of the Last Ride. “In case of emergency, break glass. You pull out the Undertaker. I mean, I would have to consider that. Never say never but at this point in my life, and in my career, I have no desire to get back in the ring.”
Taker also noted that while his Boneyard match with AJ might not have been his idea send-off, it was well-received enough that he can end his career on its note.
“Is it what I envisioned when I said yes to the match? Absolutely not,” he said. “But, it was damn good and damn good was what I was looking for. It’s like, how do you top that?”
Today, New Japan Pro-Wrestling will hold the third day of the 2020 New Japan Cup. The New Japan Cup is NJPW’s annual 32-man single elimination tournament, usually scheduled for the Spring. The winner will challenge Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships at NJPW Dominion on July 12. Today’s card will hold four of the sixteen matches in the first round.
Watch exclusively on NJPW World with Japanese commentary. English commentary will be recorded and uploaded to NJPW World this week. Note: This event was held in an empty arena.
New Japan Cup 2020 Day 3 Results
Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI) def. Yuji Nagata, Yota Tsuji, Yuya Uemura & Gabriel Kidd (10:33) After the first three days of NJPW action taking place in a nondescript television studio, New Japan is back in Korakuen Hall, which has a decidedly better atmosphere even without a crowd. Minoru Suzuki went on a rampage against Uemura and Nagata, thanks to the latter eliminating him from the New Japan Cup in the first round last week. El Desperado landed a slap on Yota Tsuji that echoed throughout the hall, then hit the Pinche Loco for the pinfall victory. Only Nagata and Kanemaru are still in tournament contention. Respectively, they will face off against Kazuchika Okada and Taiji Ishimori in the second round two days from now.
New Japan Cup First Round Match: SANADA def. Ryusuke Taguchi (15:47) SANADA didn’t enter wearing his pirate, which I feel means he should be blackballed from the sport for not taking Taguchi seriously. Taguchi caught SANADA’s leg and placed him in the Paradise Lock. SANADA lackadaisically removed himself from Taguchi’s improperly applied hold and put Taguchi in the Paradise Lock. SANADA elected to attack Taguchi’s tailbone through repeated atomic drops. SANADA attempted the Skull End, but Taguchi got out of it and applied the Oh My and Garankle. SANADA was able to roll out of it and apply the Skull End with a giant swing. Taguchi attempted to fight back with a hip attack, but SANADA did one more atomic drop and then pinned Taguchi with an O’Connor roll to advance to the second round.
New Japan Cup First Round Match: SHO def. Shingo Takagi (17:06) Determined to prove himself after his loss in last year’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament, SHO immediately blasted Shingo with a brutal lariat. Shingo had a guard of some sort on his right hand, which SHO noticed and immediately went to work attacking Shingo’s right arm to try and nullify the Pumping Bomber. A left arm lariat from Shingo showed that this strategy could only ever be so effective. Shingo lifted SHO to the top rope but SHO blocked his move with a headbutt, then sunset flipped over him and hit the Powerbreaker. SHO hit a very delayed bridging German suplex for a two count. SHO set up the Shock Arrow but Shingo blocked it. An incredibly loud slap and Made in Japan from Shingo landed a near fall, then a Pumping Bomber resulted in yet another. Shingo went for the Last of the Dragon, but SHO got out of it and hit a cross-arm piledriver, followed by the Shock Arrow to score the upset. SHO will face SANADA in the second round.
New Japan Cup First Round Match: Kota Ibushi def. Zack Sabre Jr. (15:15) The match began with fast-paced mat wrestling until Ibushi lost his patience and started kicking Zack in his spindly legs. Zack responded by trying to apply holds to Ibushi’s legs, but Ibushi responded by throwing heavy forearms and Zack crumbled under their force. In a classic brains versus brawn battle, Zack continued to grind down Ibushi’s limbs while Ibushi just tried to apply as much blunt force trauma as possible. The attrition favored Zack the longer the match went, but out of nowhere, Ibushi hit a running knee strike and then hit the Kamigoye for the pinfall victory.
New Japan Cup First Round Match: Taichi def. Hiroshi Tanahashi (21:51) Tanahashi entered wearing an all silver ring attire with massive shoulder spikes, reminiscent of a Road Warrior. As Tanahashi posed on the turnbuckle to the crowd that didn’t exist, Taichi got under him and powerbombed him, then delivered a Buzzsaw Kick as Tanahashi writhed in pain. DOUKI was also present, as he attacked Tanahashi with his bent pipe when he rolled out of the ring. Tanahashi finally began fighting back as Yota Tsuji pounded the mat for his hero to get up. As Tanahashi rebounded off the ropes to hit the Sling Blade, Taichi attempted a big boot but Tanahashi caught his leg and hit a dragonscrew. Tanahashi fought back but Taichi landed repeated kicks to Tanahashi’s abdomen and then planted him on his head with a backdrop driver. Taichi went for another backdrop but Tanahashi reversed it into the Sling Blade. Tanahashi hit the Sling Blade for a two count, then the High Fly Flow on a standing Taichi. He went for another High Fly Flow, but DOUKI tried to interfere only for Tanahashi to slap him away. Taichi used the distraction to hit a low blow into the Gedo Clutch, but Tanahashi kicked out at two. Taichi an Axe Bomber and an elevated powerbomb for another two count. Finally, Taichi removed his pants, hit a superkick, and put Tanahashi away with the Black Mephisto. He will face Kota Ibushi in the second round.
Taichi and DOUKI continued to attack Tanahashi after the match ended. Kota Ibushi came to Tanahashi’s rescue, and he and Taichi stood each other down in the ring, before DOUKI and Taichi teamed up on Ibushi also. Taichi hit Tanahashi with one of the IWGP Tag Team Championship belts, then posed on top of both members of Golden Ace. Taichi said on the microphone that both the IWGP Tag Team Championships and the New Japan Cup would be his.
AEW star Shawn Spears recently appeared on the AEW Unrestricted podcast. The former Tye Dillinger discussed a number of topics from his career, including his recent feud with Cody Rhodes and comparing his television time between AEW and his former home of WWE.
AEW had to hold a two day taping event at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. Several talents were unable to appear due to travel issues, but Shawn Spears was one of the talent on hand to appear on Dynamite.
“I got a great deal of television time during the course of those two days” Shawn Spears began. “I think I made a joke on Twitter? Somebody said something about my career previously [in WWE], that I was barely on TV; and I actually went back and did some number crunching.”
Shawn Spears (formerly Tye Dillinger) then revealed a crazy statistic that sheds a light on his final few years in WWE. “In those two days over the course of two weeks of taping? I was on TV for more minutes than I had in my entire 2018 [for WWE]. Those opportunities are gonna pop up and when you have to go 20 minutes on television, because we’re short staffed or time gets added or for whatever reasons? You have to be ready to adapt and that’s the world of pro wrestling.”
Do you think that Shawn Spears is being better utilised in AEW than he was in WWE? Let us know in the comments
Last year, Jerry Lawler filed a wrongful death lawsuit regarding his son, Brian Christopher, against Hardeman County in Tennessee. The suit alleges that the Hardeman County jail which housed Christopher at the time of his death failed to provide adequate supervision or care.
The trial by jury will begin on Monday, May 27, 2021, at 9:30 am ET. Lawler and his lawyers will appear in court that morning.
Christopher died on July 29th, 2018. His death was ruled a suicide. Christopher was 46-years-old at the time of his death. Lawler has stated to media he doesn’t feel it was a suicide, however.
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said to Local Memphis. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms,” he continued. “It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Hardeman County
Documents relating to the case contend that jail officials failed to provide medical care for Christopher.
“Defendants failed to refer Brian to a doctor or mental health professional at any time during his incarceration and failed to provide him with any treatment for his drug and alcohol issues while he was at the jail despite Brian’s statements concerning his use of various prescription drugs,” the suit reads.
“Brian pleaded with [the jail nurse] and jailers to take him to the hospital,” the suit states. “He thought he had a concussion. He also had a significant open wound above his eye and needed stitches…Defendants, however, refused his requests for appropriate care.”
“The Lawler family has asked me to shine a bright spotlight on all the deficiencies at the Hardeman County Jail, so that changes can be and must be made immediately,” Rosenblum told reporters. “We’re hopeful that [authorities] will come to us and say, ‘We agree that we need to make changes.’”
Major League Wrestling has announced they have cut ties with ring announcer Mark Adam Haggerty. The news comes on the heels of Haggerty being accused of sexual misconduct online.
The promotion released only the following statement in regards to the matter:
“Working with Major League Wrestling has been an exhilarating experience so far,” Haggerty said in a press release announcing his signing earlier this year. “From the moment I was welcomed into the locker room to the second I signed that contract, every step of the way has proven to validate this journey I’ve been on for the past 3 years. To go from hoping and praying that maybe I’ll get somewhere someday to announcing the biggest names in the world on national television every week is positively incredible. I cannot thank Court Bauer and the folks at MLW enough for putting their faith in me and bringing me along for this exciting ride. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Joey Ryan has issued a statement regarding the recent accusations made against him. Ryan has been accused of sexual misconduct online. He is one of many named as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
Ryan’s statement reads as follows:
“I have been watching along with all of you as the #speakout movement has spread across the internet. I am also aware that my name has been mentioned as part of the discussion.”
His statement continued:
“I have been contemplating how to respond to everything that has unfolded in the last three days. This is an important topic and it truly deserves the time it is getting, even if it is uncomfortable.”
“After speaking with my attorney, I have been advised not to respond to any specific allegations at this time. And the truth of the matter is, I do not want to spend time dissecting which parts of stories are true, which parts are different from what I remember and which things being said are outright false. It is important for me to use this platform to take responsibility and not attempt to minimize the feelings of anyone that was hurt by me in order to save face.”
“So Instead, I would like to take this opportunity to share some parts of my private life with everyone. It is not a part of my life that I am proud of, but taking responsibility is important. Today, I must take responsibility for the way I behaved in the past, and I will do that right now.”
“As I am sure you are all aware, several years ago, and all in a very short period of time, a lot of things changed in my life. The ‘dick flip’ went viral. I started traveling the world and living a ‘rock n roll lifestyle.’ I came into contact with a lot of people, including women. And, the truth is, I did not always treat people with respect. And I will acknowledge that it was possible that I pursued people that I thought were interested in me and invaded their personal space and made them feel uncomfortable in the process.”
This dude is a lying sack of fucking shit, I used to be friends with Joey but the allegations him now and about to come out about him without an doubt are 100% true… https://t.co/5E9181Z7Ay
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) June 21, 2020
Joey Ryan’s Statement Cont’d
“Nearly two years ago, my ex-wife and I were separated. The separation impacted me greatly and I been to reflect on the person I had been previous to it, and the person that I wanted to be. During that self-reflection, I was not proud of what I saw. As a result, I entered counselling in October 2018 and still attend every week to this very day. I have been on prescription medication. I have worked every day for nearly two years to be a person that respects not only people’s boundaries, but respects people. If you felt that you were a person that I did not treat with respect, I apologize. Aside from this post, I have been reaching out to some of the people involved and we have had positive interactions and started the healing process.”
“I have worked hard to make wrestling a safe and welcoming place for everyone. I will make up for my shortcomings of the past by working harder in the future to continue to do that. With all of the different social movements happening right now, we need to take this opportunity to listen and learn and continue to strive every day to do better.”
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently did a Q&A on Facebook and commented on a number of interesting topics.
During the session, a fan asked how his storyline with Jason Jordan was supposed to end. If you recall, Jordan had neck surgery in early 2018.
At the time, WWE announced that Jordan wouldn’t be able to return in time for WrestleMania 34. The procedure Jordan underwent is called a minimally invasive posterior cervical microdiscectomy.
Angle responded with, “I’d imagine that Jason and I would have wrestled at WrestleMania.”
Clearly, that didn’t happen. Instead, WWE booked the pro wrestling legend in a feud with Baron Corbin that resulted in Angle losing his retirement match to the heel wrestler at WrestleMania 25 in 2019.
Jordan still hasn’t been cleared to return to in-ring action. Since then, the former NXT Tag Team Champion has been working as a producer for the company.
In January, it was reported that he was doing better but still had issues gripping and making a fist. It’s been reported by Dave Meltzer that the likelihood of Jordan wrestling again isn’t likely.
Wade Barrett is keeping the possibility of a return to in-ring action open.
The former WWE star recently did an interview for the Wrestling Inc. Daily Podcast where he noted that while he has put more of a focus on his acting career, he still has the ambition to perform in the ring.
“I am not retired in any sense of the word, in terms of pro wrestling. I love doing commentary, and I love working with NWA, as that’s been a goal of mine, for a long time,” said Bennett. “I started off in FCW working for Dusty Rhodes and being the color commentator down there in 2008 to 2009, and I’ve always loved it, ever since. So, I’m really enjoying working with NWA on that. Obviously, things are shut down at the moment, and I don’t know when it’s all coming back. But at some point, it will kick off again.
He continued, “In terms of in-ring, maybe at some point; if the right place, the right time, the right offer, comes in. Then, I can see myself dusting off the boots…I might need some new trunks, as they might have gotten thrown out, but I still have the boots.”
Barrett decided to leave WWE in 2016 and hasn’t wrestled a match since then. Part of that was due to his passion for acting as well as there not being many viable alternatives in terms of wrestling promotions in the United States.
Barrett has stayed in the pro wrestling business where he has worked as a wrestling commentator for various promotions.
AEW star Shawn Spears recently appeared on the AEW Unrestricted podcast. The former Tye Dillinger discussed a number of topics from his career, including his recent feud with Cody Rhodes and ‘being a fan’ in attendance for the shows filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So the idea was Tony’s [Khan] actually the night before television” Shawn Spears revealed, discussing how he and MJF were asked to be ‘fans’ for the shows. “He called me and we talked for about 20 minutes. He [Tony Khan] said ‘I have this idea, I want to put you and MJF in the crowd. And I kind of just want to give you guys free rein to go out and do what you guys want to do.'”
Shawn Spears and MJF
“I thought that was a hilarious concept” Spears would then reveal. “And you pretty much can’t ask for a better charismatic dance partner than MJF. So when they kind of put us out there? They just said, ‘yeah, do whatever you want, have some fun.’ I’m like well, can I eat food while I’m out there? I’ll be hungry. They’re like ‘yeah go ahead and MJF’s like ‘can I have a glass of wine?’ That was a bad idea, well for him cause he’s a lightweight.”
Shawn Spears would then discuss the importance of being given that time to showcase his character on AEW television. “I tell this to some young talent, being out there as an audience member is an opportunity in itself. You might not get that television time in the ring, performing, or you might not get that promo time backstage in a segment, or live mic in the ring.”
Spears elaborated further, saying “that in itself? Being an audience member is an opportunity, the camera is going to catch you. I said it recently to a few other talents. I said, we’re out in the crowd I think was a couple weeks ago I said ‘I dare you to steal the camera from me, I dare you. If you can do it? Then I’m not doing a good job, and I think that’s when I tailgated on the back of a golf cart. So it’s just finding different ways to stand out, show some personality without taking away from the actual in-ring product.”
Have you enjoyed AEW’s presentation during the coronavirus pandemic? Let us know in the comments
WWE Superstar and 24/7 Champion R-Truth recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump. The former Ron ‘The Truth’ Killings appeared on the WWE Network show to discuss a number of topics from his recent career.
These would include his mini-feud with Rob Gronkowski over the 24/7 title and his brand new game show format that will be coming to WWE Network on July 14th.
The R-Truth Game Show
“This game show is like, no other game show” R-Truth revealed on the show. “I got a whole cast, a whole crew man has helped me put this thing together.”
R-Truth elaborated further, saying “a lot of my ingenuity goes with it. As a matter of fact?, I keep a count of the points. There’s a lot of prize and prizes that I’m giving away so a lot of laughs. What you’re gonna see, who knows?”
Truth would finish by describing some of the actual format and games on the show. “I got trivia games, I got scavenger hunts man. I got picture games, I got so many games on there. And so many good prizes, great prizes. And I got a slew of celebrity guests.”
Originally the show was reported on back in 2017, with R-Truth slated to be the host even back then. Reportedly there was a pilot filmed that was never released on WWE Network or in any other fashion publicly.
Are you looking forward to R-Truth’s new game show on WWE Network? Let us know in the comments
Legendary WWE Superstar The Undertaker recently appeared on the After The Bell podcast w/Corey Graves. ‘Taker tackled a number of topics during the episode, including the evolution of his character in WWE and the biggest regret that he has in terms of a tweak he made for the ‘Deadman’ character.
It’s arguable that The Undertaker is the greatest character in the history of WWE, and the man behind the Phenom, Mark Calloway; would change the style and presentation of the character when he felt it was getting too ‘stale.’
Undertaker on ‘Evolving’
“If I started to feel like it was becoming monotonous or stale? Then I would really kind of go into the think tank and figure out ‘okay what can I present?'” Undertaker began on the podcast. “What…what’s a different angle on this thing? Our business, as you will know, it’s a flavor of the week business.”
Undertaker would elaborate further, saying “especially now, because there’s so much exposure, guys get so much [screen time] you know? Even back then it was like that. I was really cognizant of that, I want to keep this…I want to keep this character fresh.”
‘Taker would then state that he would consider a change of pace for the Undertaker character whenever he felt it was necessary. “If I started feeling stale? Then in my head I would start thinking like, ‘okay, my audience must be feeling this too.'”
Whats your favourite iteration of The Undertaker? The original, Phenom, Booger Red or American Badass? Let us know in the comments
Jimmy Havoc will be entering a rehabilitation program for substance abuse and mental health. AEW announced the news recently on social media. Havoc is one of several wrestlers recently accused of sexual misconduct and/or assault as part of the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter.
AEW released a statement that they will evaluate his status with the company and address it after he has finished his rehabilitation program.
“We wish Jimmy Havoc all the best as he receives treatment and counseling in an effort to overcome the mental health and substance abuse challenges in his life.”
We wish Jimmy Havoc all the best as he receives treatment and counseling in an effort to overcome the mental health and substance abuse challenges in his life. pic.twitter.com/mh0hudsPuW
Shortly after the promotion was announced, Havoc was officially signed to AEW in February of 2019. He is currently part of a tag-team with Kip Sabian. Havoc and Sabian challenged unsuccessfully for the AEW tag team Championships on the May 28th, 2020 show.
The 36-year-old Havoc began his career in 2004. He is a former Progress Champion and once held the promotion’s tag titles along with Mark Haskins as well. Havoc is a former Hardcore champion with Defiant and won CZW’s Tournament of Death 16 back in 2017.
Anthem Sports and Entertainment has released a statement regarding recent allegations made against several members of their roster. In the wake of the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter, several wrestlers have been called out for inappropriate conduct.
The statement sent to media reads as follows:
“It is a core value of the Anthem organization that we conduct our business with respect and integrity, providing a safe and secure work environment for our employees and performers. We are following carefully the various allegations being made through social media, and are reviewing all incidents involving Impact Wrestling talent and personnel to determine an appropriate course of action.”
when i was still training i was 100% groomed and sent unwanted photos by dave crist but any time i spoke about it i felt like i didn’t have a voice because i was a 20 year old trainee or was laughed at because ‘hE sHoWs EvErYoNe HiS dIcK’.
Who wants to see Mike Elgins dick pic? I still have the convo, unwanted photo, and emails he tried to send me under a fake name in 2016. @JordynneGrace tried to help me bring this to light when his first scandal came out but the wrestling media didn't care #SpeakingOut
For the last two days, several wrestlers have been speaking out about sexual misconduct and other offenses rampant in pro-wrestling. They are using the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter.
Former Impact Wrestling referee, Kris Levin (aka Kid Ref) also posted a statement online. According to Levin, he was released from his position with Impact shortly after making statements to a 3rd party regarding an investigation into sexual harassment. He also noted that the company “ghosted” him after the meeting. TNA World Champion Moose then issued a response.
WWE SmackDown aired from the Performance Center in Orlando. Mandy Rose joined Miz TV during tonight’s show. AJ Styles held an Intercontinental Championship presentation, Bray Wyatt returned with an episode of Firefly Fun House, and Matt Riddle made his SmackDown debut.
SmackDown Results (6/19)
Matt Riddle def. AJ Styles in a non-title match
Shorty G def. Mojo Rawley
New Day def. Lucha House Party
Sasha Banks def. Nikki Cross
Here are 5 takeaways from this week’s show:
Matt Riddle Debuted With A Win Over AJ Styles
Renee Young introduced new Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles to begin the show. Several WWE superstars surrounded the ring to watch the presentation. Styles told everyone surrounding the ring that this is as close as they are going to get to the Intercontinental Championship.
Young stated that the IC Title was the one championship that he hadn’t captured and asked what it meant to him. Styles said winners find a way to win and the cream always rises to the top. AJ told Renee that she wasn’t the right person to present him the title and told Daniel Bryan to come in the ring and put the title around his waist.
Bryan got into the ring as Styles told him to put the belt around his waist and congratulated him. The crowd chanted “no!” as AJ continued to demand that Bryan have some respect and put the title on him. Daniel held the title in his hand and Styles stated that Bryan is a coward if he doesn’t put it around his waist.
Daniel put the title on AJ and congratulated him. AJ shouted at Bryan to tell him congratulations like a man. Bryan grabbed a microphone and congratulated AJ on being the better man last week. Daniel told Styles that he respects his ability in the ring and that AJ has the opportunity to be the greatest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history.
Bryan challenged Styles to show up every week and defend the Intercontinental Championship against the superstars in the locker room. Daniel started naming superstars to challenge for the title and AJ Styles cut him off. Styles stated that only a select few will get a title shot and Bryan is at the back of the list.
Daniel said that Styles should be willing to defend the title against Drew Gulak because he pinned AJ recently on SmackDown. Styles shouted that he is not giving handouts, and that if people want an opportunity at the title has to earn it. Matt Riddle interrupted and joined Styles in the ring.
Riddle kicked off his flip flops as the crowd chanted “bro!”. Styles cut off Riddle and said that he just sees another human being looking for a handout. Riddle stated that while Styles is the “face that runs the place”, he is “the bro that is going to run the show”. Styles got pissed off and hit Riddle with a cheap shot. Matt battled back and booted AJ Styles out of the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, AJ Styles faced Matt Riddle in a non-title match.
Match Recap: Riddle planted AJ with a German Suplex and Styles landed on the back of his head. Riddle followed it up with two Gutwrench Suplexes for a two count. AJ connected with a Jawbreaker and backed Riddle to the corner. Matt hit a kick to the face out of nowhere for a near fall.
Matt hit the Broton and applied a front facelock in the middle of the ring. Styles escaped but Riddle stayed on him and unloaded jabs to his midsection in the corner. Riddle took his off AJ for a moment and Styles capitalized with a Dropkick. Styles Clotheslined Riddle to the ring apron and then booted him onto King Corbin ringside.
Riddle and Corbin traded words as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Styles was back in control of the match. Riddle battled back and planted Styles with a Fisherman’s Suplex. Matt followed it up with another Broton for a two count. Riddle locked in the Bromission in the middle of the ring but Styles countered into a cover for a near fall. Stlyes then locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring. Riddle fought through the pain and reached the bottom rope to break the hold.
AJ got out of the ring and shoved Daniel Bryan before hopping on the apron. AJ hopped back down and started arguing with Daniel Bryan. Styles then got back on the apron and went for the Phenomenal Forearm. Riddle caught him and hit the BRO Derek for the pinfall victory.
Opinion: I enjoyed this match and it was an impressive debut for Riddle. I would have preferred not to see AJ Styles lose his first match after winning the Intercontinental Championship. Having said that, this rivalry should be great and I’m looking forward to Styles versus Gulak next week.
Renee Young sat down with Jeff Hardy for a backstage interview. Hardy lost to Sheamus at WWE Backlash and had a blank stare on his face before the interview began.
Jeff said that it has been a roller coaster since returning from his injury and he has been trying to turn his life around. Hardy added that his life has been amazing but the bad times can haunt him.
Young stated that the rivalry with Sheamus has been uncomfortable to watch because he kept bringing up Jeff’s struggle with substances. Hardy said that just because Sheamus called him a pathetic junkie, that doesn’t mean that it is true. Jeff stated that the truth is that he is an alcoholic and an adrenaline junkie. Hardy claimed that Sheamus is just another bully and another obstacle in his way to redemption.
Later on the show, Sheamus responded to Jeff calling him a bully. Sheamus laughed and said he is a bully. Sheamus claimed that people like Jeff Hardy deserve to be bullied and his only regret is not crushing voice box at Backlash. He then said that next week he is going to give a toast to Jeff Hardy.
The Miz and John Morrison came down to the ring to begin the 2nd hour of SmackDown. Miz apologized for pulling Morrison off of Strowman at Backlash and costing him the Universal Championship. Miz and Morrison blamed it on the rules being changed shortly before the match that made it so the person that got the pin was the Universal Champion. They wanted to be co-champions and claimed that threw them off.
Mandy Rose then joined them in the ring for an episode of Miz TV. Morrison and Miz claimed that Sonya Deville was the better fighter and Mandy was always trying to steal the spotlight. Rose said she was going to leave but Miz & Morrison stopped her. Sonya Deville marched down to the ring in a black suit.
Rose told Sonya that she is the one that tried to sabotage her career and personal life and that she is done with her. Sonya said she is not done because she is sick of Mandy Rose getting the spotlight. Deville stated that Mandy Rose hasn’t done anything with her opportunities besides make out with Otis poolside.
Mandy asked Sonya what she wants from her and that unlike Sonya, Otis is loyal. Rose pointed out that Sonya is alone and it is silly for to hold on to these petty resentments. Deville stated that she is trying to figure out why she isn’t getting the Mandy Rose treatment and claimed that it was all about looks.
Deville vowed to rip apart Mandy piece by piece. Rose and Deville started trading shots and Mandy got the better of the exchange. Sonya hid behind Miz and then retreated out of the ring. Mandy slapped Miz in the face and left the ring to end the segment.
Opinion: Mandy and Sonya tried but this storyline has grown stale. I honestly thought it was over and I don’t have much interest in it continuing.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Bayley joined commentary during tonight’s show. Nikki Cross wound up attacking them from behind and challenged Sasha to a match. Bayley accepted the match for Sasha as SmackDown went to a break.
Match Recap: Banks controlled the action early and beat Nikki down in the corner. Cross battled back and leveled Sasha with a Dropkick. Banks sent Nikki out of the ring and went for a Dropkick but Nikki trapped her in the ring skirt. Cross unloaded some punches to Banks before rolling her back in the ring.
Nikki climbed to the top rope but Banks rolled back outside. Nikki hit a Crossbody off the ring apron and rolled Banks back into the ring. Cross hit a Splash in the corner and went for a Bulldog but Banks blocked it. Sasha hit Nikki with a Backstabber and went for the cover but Cross kicked out at two.
Cross bounced Sasha’s face off the turnbuckle several times and then planted her with a DDT for a near fall. Sasha went for the Bank Statement but Cross countered into a roll-up for a two count. Banks then hit Nikki with a Meteora for the pinfall victory.
Universal Champion was shown backstage awaiting the new episode of Firefly Fun House. Wyatt waved to the camera and said it has been way too long. Bray said that he has joined a book club, learned all the latest TikTok moves, and learned how to knit.
Ramblin’ Rabbit interrupted and claimed Wyatt was just sitting in the corner for a few weeks because he lost to Braun Strowman at Money in the Bank. Wyatt thanked Rabbit for reminding him and that in defeat he realized he went about this the wrong way.
Strowman’s music hit and the Universal Champion got in the ring. Braun said that their story is over but Wyatt disagreed. Wyatt then appeared in old school gear and told Braun that he created him and he will destroy him. Bray added that Strowman knows how to find him, all he has to do is follow the buzzards.
Opinion: It is good to have the old version Bray Wyatt back for now. It will be interesting to see which version of Bray battles Braun Strowman for the title. Riddle’s debut and the new episode of Firefly Fun House were really the only notable things that happened during tonight’s show.
After weeks of hype, Matt Riddle has made his in-ring debut on the main roster.
The former NXT star did so during Friday’s episode of SmackDown on FOX when he interrupted AJ Styles’ Intercontinental Title celebration in the opening segment.
He faced Styles in a non-title match that was taped earlier this week from Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. Riddle went over with his finisher.
The former UFC star wrapped up his successful run under the NXT banner when he competed in a Fight Pit match against Timothy Thatcher with special guest referee Kurt Angle during the May 27th episode of NXT. He lost the bout.
Just two nights later on SmackDown, WWE had the Hall of Famer Angle announce the main roster call up of the Riddle. the company had been promoting his arrival ever since with vignettes.
It turns out that WWE officials had a manager in mind for the new SmackDown star. WWE offered Angle to manage Riddle on the main roster, but Angle turned down the opportunity due to him being committed to an outside business.
Riddle has also stated that he thought the real money would have been in him attacking the Angle instead of being introduced by him.
Jack Gallagher is no longer under contract with WWE.
PWInsider.com reported that Gallagher was released on Friday. WWE announced the news via a statement, which you can read here:
“WWE has come to terms on the release of Jack Gallagher (Jack Claffey).”
This comes after a story about him surfaced as part of the #SpeakingOut Movement. He joins a few names including Jordan Devlin, Ligero, Dave Lagana, Joe Coffey, Jim Cornette and his wife Stacey.
A woman named Becky came out alleging the WWE Superstar got her drunk on New Years’ Eve in 2014 after he poured straight spirits into her glass. This is when he allegedly made unwanted advances and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
In her accusation, she claimed to have resisted his advances, but when she tried to push him off, he grabbed onto her. As a result, he hanged onto her skirt that caused it to rip. She left the party after that.
Gallagher earned a place in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic in 2016, but was eliminated from the tournament by Akira Tozawa in his second-round match.
Gallagher later worked in the Cruiserweight division and on its weekly television show, 205 Live.
Michelle McCool sides with WWE fans over the belief that The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania shouldn’t have ended.
Of course, Taker suffered his first loss at the event in 2014 at WrestleMania 30 to Brock Lesnar, which at the time had shocked the world.
While doing an interview with Digital Spy, McCool noted that she didn’t want the streak to end, but understands that it was a business decision. Despite this, she was shocked that it was decided upon by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.
“The streak is just so big to me and as a fan being selfish, I didn’t want the streak to end like a lot of other people. Obviously, it’s business. There were no questions asked when they asked Mark to do it and obviously he’s a consummate professional. But it was shocking. I think I was just as shocked as a lot of people, it was so crazy.”
The Undertaker’s most recent contest and possible last bout came at this year’s WrestleMania 36 pay-per-view event in a Boneyard Match against AJ Styles. The legendary pro wrestler went over the former WWE Champion.
Since that time, there’s been speculation as to whether this was the retirement match for “The Deadman.” Time will tell, but we could get that answer when the fifth and final episode of Taker’s docuseries on the WWE Network airs this Sunday.
Dave Lagana has resigned from his position with the National Wrestling Alliance. The promotion has also announced they will be halting the production of new content pending a change to their management team.
The NWA posted the following message to its social media accounts today:
“Pursuant to allegations made by pro wrestler Liz Savage on her Twitter account, 6/18/2020, NWA VP David Lagana has resigned his position, effective immediately. As well all production of NWA content is temporarily halted, pending a restructuring of executive management positions.”
Pursuant to allegations made by pro wrestler Liz Savage on her Twitter account, 6/18/2020, NWA VP David Lagana has resigned his position, effective immediately. As well all production of NWA content is temporarily halted, pending a restructuring of executive management positions.
The NWA had been building momentum until the pandemic halted production of new shows earlier this year. The promotion had been airing 1-hour episodes of NWA Powerrr exclusively on YouTube as well as producing PPV events.
This year’s Crockett Cup tournament was postponed after the outbreak. In lieu of producing new content, the NWA’s YouTube channel features interviews with wrestlers, wrestlers watching their first matches, and features on legends from the NWA’s past.
“You won’t find a bigger Rusev fan than me,” Aldis said. “I remember pretty much from the beginning, I would be like, ‘God, Rusev is money.’ I would text him [David Lagana] all the time, ‘God, Rusev is money,’ and he’d be like, ‘I know,’ and I remember when he first showed up on TV and they were doing kind of the Ivan Drago kind of stuff with him and Lana was very much playing that role. I was like, ‘This is money. This is perfect.’”
NXT UK stars Jordan Devlin and Ligero have each released statements regarding recent allegations made against them. Devlin and Ligero are two of several names from the UK scene who have recently been accused of offenses as part of the #SpeakingOut hashtag on Twitter.
Jordan Devlin released a 3-part statement on Twitter regarding the allegations:
“I didn’t even want to address the hurtful allegation made against me, but for the sake of my followers and friends on this platform that may for whatever reason be unsure, I’m going to address this once,” Devlin Tweeted.
“The recent allegation made against me is completely and utterly false and I deny it entirely. This is a case of a malicious personal agenda being executed against me on the back of a very brave telling of true experiences by other women. I completely denounce it.”
“This is all I will say on the matter, and I am now working with a legal team to help decide how to proceed from here.”
Ligero also released a statement on Twitter regarding the accusations.
“The current story that has been released by Violet O’Hara/Claire-Michelle Oldfield is neither accurate nor true. This is a completely false allegation and whilst I’ve done other things in my life that I deeply regret, this isn’t an accurate or truthful portrayal of events,” Ligero Tweeted.
Matt Riddle has released a statement through his attorney regarding recent allegations made against him. A user on Twitter alleges that Riddle engaged in sexual misconduct with her in 2018.
According to statements from Riddle’s lawyer, these accusations are attempts to harass and humiliate him.
“The allegations by this independent female performer are completely false and another attempt to harass and humiliate Mr. and Mrs. Riddle and try to tarnish their reputation in the community,” the statement reads.
“We have been aware for the last two years of this performer stalking the Riddle family.”
“In 2019, our firm had drafted a pleading against this performer to seek an injunction for cyberstalking in the Circuit Court for Orange County, Florida.”
Matt Riddle is scheduled to make his debut on the Smackdown brand tonight. He was introduced as the newest member of the roster by Kurt Angle recently.
Riddle recently left NXT after losing the tag titles to Imperium and then dropping a match to Timothy Thatcher. He had won the tag titles along with Pete Dunne before the pandemic hit. Riddle first signed with WWE in 2018.
