John Bradshaw Layfield recently appeared on Fox News to discuss the controversy surrounding WWE’s planned Crown Jewel event. The former WWE Champion didn’t mince words, stating his belief WWE needs to follow through with the planned event as scheduled.
“My personal opinion is that they should go (to Saudi Arabia),” stated JBL. “Look at what we did with Cuba. You isolate a country all you do is impoverish that country. You want to promote change? WWE went to Abu Dhabi, did the first women’s match that had ever happened in the Middle East. The crowd was chanting, in English, ‘This is Change’.”
He continued to blame the Senators for trying to improve their approval ratings.
WWE’s planned Crown Jewel event is scheduled for November 3rd in Saudi Arabia. Recently several US Senators have spoken out regarding the event.
“I would hope that WWE will recognize on its own a conscience and conviction if there is proof that Saudi officials approved and ordered this kind of killing, and I would lean first on the United States government to do its duty so that it can lead private interests like WWE, and the first place to look is to the United States of America,” stated Senator Richard Blumenthal recently.
John Cena’s career in Hollywood continues to progress as the former WWE Champion has landed another movie role, according to a recent report from Variety. The article notes that Cena has been cast to star in the upcoming film, “Playing with Fire,” which is a film described as a family comedy that focuses on a group of firefighters that meet their match when they’re tasked with rescuing a trio of rambunctious kids.
Cena’s latest film on the big-screen was alongside Leslie Mann and Ike Barinholtz in the Universal comedy “Blockers.” He is also set to be featured in a film alongside Dwayne Johnson in “The Janson Directive.”
Other films that Cena is featured in includes “Bumblebee” that is set to be released in December that is the sixth installment in Paramount’s “Transformers” franchise as well as doing voiceover work for a character in “The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.”
Matt Hardy Teases Appearance
Matt Hardy, who has been off WWE television due to nagging injuries and done some agent work for the company, has fans talking based off a recent tweet that led to speculation he could be involved with SmackDown 1000 on Tuesday night.
It’s always possible that WWE has him do something with his brother, Jeff Hardy, as the former United States Champion is also featured on the blue brand. However, it’s likely he’ll just be in a behind the scenes role at the TV event. He wrote the following on his official Twitter account:
“I have TREASURED my time at home with my family, especially being here everyday for my boys.. But duty calls.. Back to work tomorrow.”
I have TREASURED my time at home with my family, especially being here everyday for my boys..
Charlotte Flair recently did an interview in order to promote her upcoming match against WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch at the Evolution pay-per-view event later this month in Long Island, New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum that will air on the WWE Network.
Yahoo Sports did an article on Flair who addressed the reason that she doesn’t’ appear on the E! Network’s reality show, Total Divas, despite being one of the top stars in WWE’s women’s division.
Flair stated that it comes down to her character, which has always come first and foremost and how far she wants to take the women’s division. Thus, she has worked so hard on this character and isn’t sure that lifting the curtain is the right move right now. “Especially when I first started and was a bad guy, people believed I really fired my dad! I just don’t know how that would have helped with my storyline. I almost think there’s a mystique to not knowing everything about me.”
Flair also talked about potentially tying WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus for most women title reigns in the history of WWE. The former champ stated that she doesn’t put herself anywhere near Trish as a performer or superstar when she hears that. “There’s no way I can look at it that way because I don’t look at my status as anywhere near hers. I still feel like I have so much more to prove, so much more to learn, to overcome. I would be so mortified [if that were to be mentioned]. It’s a respect thing.”
Sami Zayn recently stated who he thinks is the most underrated star under the WWE banner right now and he has some history with this talent, which is former NXT and RAW Tag Team Champion Bo Dallas. If you recall, five years ago, Zayn took on Dallas for the NXT Title. Zayn gave some praise to Dallas on his official Twitter account when he wrote, “Bo Dallas is highly underrated.”
Zayn was last seen when he suffered a loss to Bobby Lashley at the WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view event in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena on the WWE Network. MITB was the last date with the company for Zayn before he took time off. The reason for the time off was due to him undergoing shoulder surgery. The original belief was that he should be back in time for WrestleMania 35 next year. This timetable was delayed after he underwent a second surgery in August.
Natalya Praises Sasha Banks
WWE’s YouTube channel has released this video of Kayla Braxton talking to Sasha Banks, Natalya, and Bayley. In the video, Natalya praised Banks for being the true heart & soul of the division, and what the rest of the women want to be like.
As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center on the USA Network, Banks was at ringside alongside Bayley to support Natalya, who was battling Ruby Riott in a singles match.
Here are several Impact Wrestling news items coming out of Sunday’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view and Monday’s Impact tapings from Queens, NY:
– Impact is looking to bring back Alberto El Patron. The company feels his personal issues have calmed down and the upside of his name recognition outweigh the risks. The hope is to have him work the November Las Vegas TV tapings (11/11-13). Alberto has been keeping busy lately with bookings in Mexico and his role with the Combate Americas MMA promotion.
– James Ellsworth, who made a surprise appearance at Bound For Glory as Eli Drake’s mystery opponent, has turned down an offer to join the Impact roster. Ellsworth was said to be very appreciative and gracious about the offer, but is still on WWE’s radar and will be working SmackDown 1000 tonight.
– There was heat on several wrestlers for arriving late for Bound For Glory at the Melrose Ballroom. Pentagon Jr., in particular, arrived very late.
– Impact is planning to run more “undead realm” vignettes and some sort of cosmic-themed stipulation match for TV in December.
Click here to read spoiler results from Monday night’s Impact Wrestling TV tapings from Queens, NY. Impact will be running another round of tapings tonight. Check back later for those results.
Several members of the Smackdown Live Women’s division responded in interesting fashion to news of the battle royal at Evolution. The match was added to the upcoming all-women PPV last night during Raw.
WWE tagged each confirmed participant of the battle royal on Twitter last night. Several of the competitors then responded to the news. They don’t seem that impressed.
Former Smackdown Women’s Champion, Carmella, also responded with a reaction GIF. She didn’t respond in the actual thread, however, but she did post the following:
The Iiconics didn’t respond in the WWE thread about the match either but their recent social media activity seems to have a similar theme to Lana, Carmella, and Naomi.
In addition to the battle royal, WWE Evolution will feature Ronda Rousey defending her championship against Nikkie Bella. Becky Lynch will also face Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing match.
Tonight’s episode of Smackdown will be the 1000th to air in the show’s history. As such, WWE has planned a night of returns, reunions, and high-profile matches.
Smackdown 1000 Preview
WWE World Cup Qualifying Match
Rey Mysterio vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Rey Mysterio will return to WWE tonight. He’ll face Shinsuke Nakamura with the winner earning a spot in the WWE World Cup (to determine the best in the world.) It will be Mysterio’s first match on Smackdown since 2014.
The Undertaker At Smackdown 1000
The Undertaker has been confirmed for Smackdown 1000. While the Dead Man isn’t wrestling in a match, he’ll likely have plenty to say regarding his upcoming match with Kane against HBK and Triple H at Crown Jewel.
Evolution Reunites
Evolution was primarily a Raw brand faction but they’ll be celebrating Smackdown 1000 tonight as well. Both Randy Orton and Triple H have matches upcoming at Crown Jewel, with Orton having qualified for the World Cup last week and Triple H teaming with HBK to face the Brothers of Destruction.
It will be a coming home for Batista, as tonight’s episode is also taking place in his hometown of Washington, DC. The Guardians of the Galaxy star has openly said he’d like to return for another run with the company.
WWE World Cup Qualifying Match
Rusev vs the Miz
The Miz will take on Rusev in another World Cup Qualifying match tonight. Rusev might want to look over his shoulder to see if his rival, Aiden English is watching the match. Meanwhile, the Miz has stated he gets next crack at the WWE Championship no matter who wins at Crown Jewel between Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles.
The future of IMPACT Wrestling’s future on television has grown uncertain after it was announced that Pop TV was moving the company’s flagship show out of primetime.
Last week, news broke that Impact TV was being moved from the Thursday night’s 8PM time slot to a less desirable 10 PM start time. As a result of this setback, Impact hired former WWE executive Andrew Whitaker to help manage the PR fallout of the story.
Whitaker has a bit of a checkered past with the wrestling industry following his exit from WWE and previous occupation with GLORY kickboxing before he let go from that organization as well. More recently, Whitaker has been consulting from his own company based out of Stamford, Connecticut.
Interestingly, Whitaker has ties to the former SPIKE TV — now the Paramount Network — and the hope is that perhaps he could potentially spark interest in bringing IMPACT wrestling back there again. Unfortunately, Paramount Network has largely shifted away from the programming parameters at the old SPIKE TV with the network launching several high profile original shows including ‘Yellowstone’, which was one of the highest rated new series in 2018.
Sources close to Paramount Network have stated that the network is staying focused on that original programming rather than adding elements similar to what previously aired on SPIKE TV. Then again nothing is written in stone so it’s impossible to tell what the future might hold now that Whitaker is involved with IMPACT.
In addition to the tumultuous situation with the television deal, production is also suffering right now at IMPACT.
Michael Vettor, the head of IMPACT TV, had apparently reached out to several MLW production personnel over the past 10 days to contract them to work the Bound for Glory pay-per-view and subsequent television tapings. Several people were contacted including at least two producers and several cameramen but only one person ultimately accepted the job due to Vettor’s reputation and aggressive approach when trying to secure production staff.
This all adds up to a volatile time at IMPACT wrestling, especially after holding their biggest pay-per-view event of the year and now the company faces a ton of uncertainty going forward into late 2018 and beyond.
The Road to Power Struggle has only just begun, but NJPW isn’t pumping the brakes on one of pro wrestling’s hottest commodities as Chris Jericho returns to defend his IWGP Intercontinental Championship against EVIL on November 3rd in Osaka at NJPW’s Power Struggle event.
In a new video uploaded to the NJPW YouTube channel, Chris Jericho shared his thoughts on his opponent for the championship clash.
“Why EVIL?” Jericho asked. “Sometimes things present themselves to you. After I beat Naito in Osaka in June, EVIL came to the ring to get inside my business. To try and make a name for himself. To try and be on the same level as Chris Jericho. EVIL, that’s not possible.”
Jericho actually spoke highly of the King Of Darkness, who he assaulted in a surprise attack at New Japan’s recent King Of Pro Wrestling event, saying “[…] I like the fact that you put yourself out on the line. I like the fact that you came down and showed some balls.
So EVIL, for you to come down to the ring and attack me in June in Osaka, I was very impressed. And I didn’t forget. And I was waiting for the right time to make my move. To surprise you, to embarrass you, and to teach you a lesson.”
“You Get To Join The List, Man”
“It’s the biggest match of your career, EVIL,” Jericho claimed. “And it’s just another match for me. It’s fine. You’re just another guy on the list of people that I’ve beaten over and over again, from The Undertaker to Naito, to Shawn Michaels to Eddie Guerrero. Now, EVIL. You get to join the list, man.
“You get to be on that prestigious list of people who got beaten by the greatest of all time. That’s good for you, and that’s always bad for you. Because I’m going to kick the shit out of you, EVIL,” he promised. “I’m going to teach you a lesson. […] you’ll walk out of there a bigger star, I’m going to make you famous, I promise that – but I’m also going to beat you. November 3rd in Osaka, I will fear no evil.”
What do you think of this feud so far? Are you looking forward to this match, come November 3rd?
We have an exclusive update on Austin Aries’ status with Impact Wrestling, company attempting to ‘work’ the wrestlers backstage at Bound for Glory and plans for a ‘loose cannon’ storyline in the months ahead.
Aries had everybody guessing whether his bizarre from IMPACT’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view was a work or a shoot. The situation unfolded following the main event, which saw Johnny Impact capture the Impact world title. Following the finish, Aries immediately leapt up, exited the right, shouted a profanity at commentator and IMPACT executive vice president Don Callis before flipping off the crowd as he exited the arena.
Aries’ reaction had a lot of people questioning how much of what transpired was scripted. Aries’ feud with Johnny Impact grew increasingly personal in the days leading up to the show, which included deleted tweets about Johnny Impact’s wife Taya Valkyrie.
According to sources backstage at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view, Impact wrestlers were not told about the finish to the BFG main event and felt like they were being worked by management. One source who has been with the company for years told us it felt like a move the old TNA regime would have orchestrated.
Immediately after the pay-per-view broadcast ended, IMPACT media relations personnel were shopping the story to outlets such as TMZ, which had covered Aries & Johnny’s social media feud last week.
Apparently the entire program was set up because Aries wants to do his own take on the classic ‘Loose Cannon’ storyline that Brian Pillman did several years ago in WCW before leaving to join ECW. During that time, Pillman’s behavior got so out of line that he was ‘fired’ by Eric Bischoff but he later admitted that the entire situation had been planned so he could exit WCW and earn some legitimate heat when he showed up in ECW.
As of Sunday night, the plan was for Aries to start showing up in other promotions such as Ring of Honor to sell the idea that he really did ‘walk out’ at Bound For Glory. Eventually, he would return portraying a loose cannon character. Aries did not work Monday night’s Impact TV tapings and is not scheduled to be at tonight’s tapings either.
Yesterday, it was revealed that several WWE Superstars spoke to the media regarding Crown Jewel. These Superstars, speaking on the condition of anonymity, suggested to Sports Illustrated they are uncomfortable performing on the show. WWE has now reached out to the media to give a statement on the matter.
“As always, we maintain an open line of communication with our performers as we continue to monitor the situation,” WWE stated to the New York Post.
WWE Crown Jewel Controversy
The ongoing situation was covered by HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” on Sunday. Host John Oliver commented on both the upcoming event and WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble event held back in April.
“Audiences around the world were treated to wall-to-wall propaganda about the new Saudi Arabia,” Oliver said. “Including a video showing women happily driving, men dancing, and tourist-destination beauty shops, as well as constant excited compliments throughout the broadcast.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal made the following statements to media recently as well:
“I would hope that WWE will recognize on its own a conscience and conviction if there is proof that Saudi officials approved and ordered this kind of killing, and I would lean first on the United States government to do its duty so that it can lead private interests like WWE, and the first place to look is to the United States of America.”
Today was the first day of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual Super Jr. Tag League tournament, with the competition kicking off at Road To Power Struggle in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
A notable difference between this year’s Super Jr. Tag League is that NJPW has actually changed the format of the tournament. No longer is it held under single elimination rules, instead adopting a G1 Climax round-robin tournament style between the teams involved.
Road To Power Struggle Results 10.16
Toa Henare, Shota Umino, and Ren Narita defeated Yuya Uemura, Yota Tsuji, and Ayato Yoshida via submission.
Ren Narita locked in a crab as his partners kept both Yoshida and Tsuji at bay, leading to Umera to tap out.
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, and Tomoaki Honma defeated Kota Ibushi, Yujiro Takahashi, and Chase Owens via pinfall.
The match saw a succession of signature moves being hit in the lead up to the pinfall victory. Tanahashi would execute a sling blade before Honma nailed a kokeshi (!) allowing The Ace to climb the turnbuckle and hit a High Fly Flow onto Chase Owens to secure the victory.
Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa defeated Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Beretta, and Chuckie T.
Bullet Club OGs leaned into using underhanded tactics in order to come out victorious in this Firing Squad vs CHAOS confrontation.
With Chuckie T’s in control of the match, Gedo would jump into the ring and distract the referee, leading Jay White to hit a low blow which led to a Blade Runner and the win.
Super Jr. Tag League Results
Taiji Ishimori and Robbie Eagles defeated Jushin “Thunder” Liger and Tiger Mask via submission.
The debuting Robbie Eagles would land a 450 Splash to Liger’s leg – a limb that his team had been targeting throughout the match. Eagles would then lock in an inverted figure four. Liger attempted to valiantly hold on but with Ishimori keeping Tiger Mask from making the save, Liger had no choice but to tap out.
Soberano Jr. and Volador Jr. defeated Ryusuke Taguchi and ACH via pinfall
Despite the momentum being with ACH during the end of the match, Voldaor Jr. was able to counter ACH’s 450 attempt, nailing an enziguri before ACH could fly. Volador followed up with a Super Frankensteiner and picked up the 2 points for his team.
Yoshinobu Kanemaru and El Desperado defeated KUSHIDA and Chris Sabin via pinfall.
Suzuki-Gun shenanigans helped Kanemaru and El Desperado to accrue their first 2 points. Kanemaru would spit whiskey into Sabin’s eyes, allowing Desperado to hit a low blow and then a Pinch Loco for the victory.
BUSHI and Shingo Takagi defeated Sho and Yoh
This was a great match and a perfect showcase for the newest member of Los Ingobernables de Japon. Takagi would be involved with the finishing stretch of the match with Yoh, nailing a Yoshigami (Gory Bomb), Pumping Bomber, and, finally, the renamed Last Of The Dragon (formerly Last Falconry) to scoop up the win for LIJ.
Chris Jericho was added and then removed from the Casket match against the Undertaker at the Greatest Royal Rumble event that took place earlier this year.
The known reason for this change was that the Saudi Prince asked for Rusev to be in the bout and so he was re-added, however, Jericho himself thinks differently.
Inside the Ropes recently released footage from a Chris Jericho interview in which he talks about the show and says that Vince McMahon probably removed him from the bout because of his NJPW appearance:
“I would think that possibly knowing Vince, from once again New Japan is an enemy. if it’s gonna make any difference? No, but to him like I said if it takes one buy from Network that goes to New Japan World, it’s the enemy.
I think that he probably thought ‘i’m not gonna put Jericho in this highlight match where he has the chance to steal the show, I know him and Undertaker will kill it. I don’t wanna do that’
I was going to show up in New Japan TV a week later and that makes sense to me [because] it’s a f*cking war. and I think that’s probably what happened and I think it was the right call in his mind” (transcription credit: SEScoops.com)
What do you think about this and could this have been the real reason why WWE removed Y2J from the casket match at their previous Saudi Arabia show? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
You can check out the released footage which also features Jericho talking about his Saudi Arabia trip and revealing some interesting stories from it below:
Big Show Reveals Interesting Story About Wrestling Debut
The latest episode of WWE Table For 3 featured the Big Show, Diamond Dallas Page, and Kevin Nash where the trio talked about the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW.
WWE posted a promo clip of this episode from their twitter account. In the clip as seen below, Show reveals how a meeting with Hulk Hogan during a basketball game resulted in him joining WCW and making wrestling debut:
Big Show made his wrestling debut back in 1995 while competing for WCW during their Halloween Havoc event. He faced Hulk Hogan in his debut match and defeated the Hulkster via a disqualification.
Tamina Snuka Talks Evolution
Tamina Snuka returned to WWE during the latest episode of Monday Night Raw after staying away from in-ring action for almost 9 months.
She turned heel upon her return and teamed up with Dana Brooke to face the team of Nia Jax and Ember Moon. Later it was announced that she will be taking part in the upcoming Women’s Battle Royal at Evolution.
After the show went off air, Snuka was interviewed backstage. In the interview as seen below, she talks about her return to the ring and her upcoming match at Evolution:
After it was revealed that Austin Aries wouldn’t be working the upcoming Impact Tapings following the Bound For Glory controversy, an Impact producer has claimed that the former World Champion is no longer with the company.
Producer Petey Williams spoke to The Wrestling Perspective podcast after Sunday’s Bound for Glory event, and during the episode, he was asked several questions about Aries and his status with the company.
Williams was asked if he talked to Aries after the bout and he said that he is a professional person, so he talked to both Johnny Impact and Austin after the bout to ensure that they were ok and to thank them.
When asked about A Double’s contractual status, Petey revealed that Aries does not have any more dates left with the company after the PPV, meaning that he is essentially done with the promotion.
Finally, the hosts asked if what transpired after the BFG main event was disrespectful and responding to it, the Impact Official said that he will dodge this question since the former WWE Star is not with the company anymore.
As noted before the line is still blurry and at this point, it’s still hard to say if the whole situation is a work or if Austin Aries was actually unhappy with the finish and decided to walk out of the company.
All we know for sure is that some parts of his feud with Johnny Impact did go off script and we should get a better idea about his future with the company in the upcoming days.
We noted before how WWE previously announced Rey Mysterio vs. United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in a World Cup qualifying match for SmackDown 1000 and now the company has confirmed another similar bout for the show.
WWE has announced that the Miz will take on Rusev in a one on one match on the special SmackDown episode tonight for the final spot in their Crown Jewel World Cup.
The winners in these bouts will join Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, John Cena, Kurt Angle, Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler for the eight men tournament from Saudi Arabia.
Why Raw Women’s Division Needed Sasha Banks
This week’s episode of Monday Night Raw saw Sasha Banks returning to WWE television after staying away from a wrestling ring for almost a month and causing a lot of rumors and speculations on her absence.
She was at the ringside for Natalya’s match against Ruby Riot on the show and helped Nattie and Bayley in fighting the Riott Squad after this bout got over.
After the show, this trio was interviewed backstage and in the interview as seen below, Natalya talks about Sasha’s return and how she is the heart of the Raw Women’s division:
We noted before how WWE officially announced Rey Mysterio’s return to the company through a press release last week. In the statement, they confirmed that Mysterio has signed a full-time contract with the company.
The press release also confirmed the former World Champion for a number of upcoming shows and now the company has added him to even more upcoming events.
Below you can see an updated list of events Rey is confirmed to make an appearance at, including the Survivor Series and TLC PPVs:
Updated Schedule For Rey Mysterio
October 16, Washington: SmackDown 1000
October 20, Hartford – Supershow live event
October 21, Boston – Supershow live event
October 22, White Plains – SmackDown live event
October 23, Newark: SmackDown TV
October 30, Atlanta: SmackDown TV
November 3, Cardiff: SmackDown live event
November 4, Aberdeen: SmackDown live event
November 5, Birmingham: SmackDown live event
November 6, Manchester: SmackDown TV tapings
November 13, St. Louis: SmackDown TV
November 18, Los Angeles: Survivor Series
November 20, Los Angeles: SmackDown TV
November 24, Cincinnati: Starrcade
November 27, Minneapolis: SmackDown TV
December 4, Austin: SmackDown TV
December 16, San Jose: TLC
December 29, Pittsburgh: SmackDown TV
As mentioned before, this schedule confirms that Rey Mysterio will be a regular for the SmackDown Brand after his return to WWE programming on SmackDown 1000.
The October 15, 2018 episode of WWE RAW aired live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to the takeaways below, Kane and The Undertaker responded to DX’s promo last week in the video below:
Here are 10 takeaways from this week’s show:
Dean Ambrose Helped Seth Rollins Qualify For WWE’s World Cup
Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre came down to the ring to start off the show. Ziggler told the crowd that they were looking at the best 3-men group in WWE history. McIntyre added that they don’t need a catchphrase or matching tactical vests. Footage of their victory over The Shield in last weeks main event was then shown.
Drew claimed that they broke The Shield last week because Dean Ambrose left them behind. McIntyre said that The Shield has no use for Ambrose and finally Dean has opened his eyes. Braun Strowman vowed to claim the Universal Championship at WWE Crown Jewel.
McIntyre stated that he will defeat Seth Rollins tonight to qualify for WWE’s World Cup. Ziggler vowed to defeat Dean Ambrose in their qualifying match tonight as well. The Shield’s music hit and Rollins and Ambrose came out to the entrance ramp. Rollins said that The Shield is alive and well. Seth added that he is going to defeat McIntyre tonight and prove that he is the best in the world.
Dolph asked where Dean Ambrose is and Seth said that Dean runs on his own time and that he always shows up. Reigns vowed to keep the Universal Championship at Crown Jewel and force Braun Strowman to the back of the line. Rollins stated that he loves Philadelphia because it is a fighting town. Seth then told McIntyre that he wanted to have their qualifying match right now as RAW went to a commercial break.
McIntyre started off the match in control and trapped Seth in a Headlock. Rollins escaped and connected with a boot to McIntyre’s face. Drew responded with a boot of his own but Rollins fought back and sent McIntyre tumbling out of the ring. Rollins went for a Suicide Dive but Drew caught him and connected with a Belly to Belly Suplex to the floor outside the ring.
Drew exposed the steel under the ring apron but it allowed Rollins to regroup and get back to his feet. Rollins slammed Drew into the ring apron and then threw him into the barricade. Ziggler ran down to the ring as McIntyre hid under the ring. Seth tried to grab McIntyre but Drew slammed Rollins’ shoulder into the steel under the ring as RAW went to another break.
When RAW returned, McIntyre and Rollins were battling on the top turnbuckle. Seth escaped and caught McIntyre in the Tree of Woe. McIntyre escaped and launched Seth across the ring. Drew climbed to the top rope but Rollins jumped up there with him and connected with a Superplex. Seth went for the Falcon Arrow but McIntyre countered into a Falcon Arrow of his own for a near fall.
Rollins hit McIntyre with an Enziguri and then Clotheslined Drew out of the ring. Rollins hit Ziggler with a Suicide Dive and then delivered another one to McIntyre. Seth went for the Stomp but Dolph pulled the top rope down and Rollins fell out of the ring. Dean Ambrose attacked Ziggler from behind as Seth hit McIntyre with the Stomp outside the ring. Rollins leaped into the ring at the last second to win the match via count-out.
Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns had a conversation backstage. Rollins said that Ambrose is on lunatic time but he knew he’d show up. Ambrose got pissed off and walked away after saying that he has his own stuff to deal with tonight.
Ember Moon and Nia Jax teamed up to face Dana Brooke and Tamina tonight on RAW. Ember and Dana started off the match by locking up in the middle of the ring. Dana shoved Moon to the corner and bounced her head off the turnbuckle a few times.
Dana followed it up with a shoulder tackle but Ember got right up and connected with a Clothesline for a two count. Tamina tagged in and applied a Headlock to Moon in the middle of the ring.
Moon escaped but Tamina knocked her back to the canvas with a boot the to the face. Nia tagged in and had a stare down with Tamina. Jax shoved Tamina to the corner of the ring and then hit her with a headbutt. Tamina showed off her power and planted Jax with a Samoan Drop for a near fall.
Dana tagged in and Nia immediately launched her across the ring. Nia then connected with a Splash and tagged in Ember Moon. Ember quickly climbed to the top rope and hit Dana with the Eclipse for the pinfall victory. After the match, Tamina went after Nia Jax and Ember Moon got in the way.
Tamina and Ember then teamed up to throw Nia out of the ring. Ember tried to throw Tamina to the outside but Tamina held on. Dana Brooke then snuck up from behind and threw them both to the outside. There will be a Battle Royal at Evolution and the winner will get a shot at a title.
RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Rousey brought up the Bella Twins betraying her last week and demanded that Nikki and Brie come down here and give her an explanation.
The Bella Twins came down to the entrance ramp and Nikki claimed that everyone in the crowd paid to see them tonight. Nikki told Ronda that they don’t owe her an explanation. Nikki claimed that Rousey is a loser and that she never deserved a title match.
Nikki said that she has done more in the ring than Rousey will ever do. Nikki boasted being the longest reigning Divas Champion. Rousey stated that she tried to be respectful and that everything that the Divas era stood for made her sick to her stomach.
Ronda added that she was too idealistic to see that The Bellas are the embodiment of stereotype. Rousey claimed that she has never seen two people as desperate for attention as Nikki and Brie. Ronda then claimed that the Bellas leached off of the names of their man and the crowd erupted in a “yes!” chant.
Brie claimed that Ronda was jealous because they have broken more barriers than Rousey ever has. Ronda ran down all her accomplishments and claimed that the only door Nikki ever knocked down was the door to John Cena’s bedroom. Ronda added that John eventually threw her out of that same door.
Ronda challenged The Bellas to come down to the ring but Nikki decided to dance instead. A security team then surrounded Nikki and Brie and Ronda took them all out. Nikki and Brie retreated as Rousey trash talked some more from the ring. Ronda Rousey will defend her RAW Women’s Championship against Nikki Bella at WWE Evolution.
"You guys weren't there to support me. You were there because there was a camera pointed at me…never in my life have I seen such DESPERATION for attention!" – @RondaRousey to The @BellaTwins #RAW#WWEEvolutionpic.twitter.com/M2yDS8fBWD
Dolph Ziggler Qualified For The World Cup At Crown Jewel
Dean Ambrose squared off against Dolph Ziggler in a World Cup qualifying match. Dean started off the match in control and applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Ambrose then connected with a Suplex and went for the cover but Dolph was able to kick out at two.
Ziggler battled back with an elbow to the face and followed it up with a Neckbreaker for a near fall. Dolph went for a Crossbody but Ambrose caught him and connected with a Fallaway Slam that sent Dolph out of the ring. Ambrose followed Ziggler out of the ring and slammed him into the barricade. Back in the ring, Ziggler slammed Ambrose face first to the canvas from off the top rope as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Ambrose had Ziggler trapped in the Cloverleaf in the middle of the ring. Ziggler was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold and then went for a Splash in the corner. Dean got out of the way and slammed Dolph to the mat for a two count.
Ambrose made his way to the top rope but Dolph got up and joined him up there. Ziggler went for a Superplex but Dean blocked it and threw Ziggler back down to the mat. McIntyre then rushed down to the ring but Rollins was right behind him. Seth and Rollins traded punches and then Dean took out McIntyre with a flying Clothesline. Rollins tried to help Dean up but Ambrose shoved Seth away. Ambrose then rolled into the ring and Ziggler greeted him with a Superkick to the face for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Rollins got into the ring with Ambrose and asked what his problem was. Ambrose shoved Rollins away and started walking up the entrance ramp. Seth chased after him and started arguing with him on the stage. Reigns interrupted and tried to calm down the situation. RAW GM Baron Corbin came down to the entrance ramp and announced that The Shield will once again face Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre tonight.
Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush came down to the ring after Finn Balor defeated Jinder Mahal in a short match. Rush shouted that nobody looks or smells (weird) like Lashley as Bobby posed on the turnbuckle.
Lashley then faced Tyler Breeze and Tyler actually got in some offense at the start of the match. Breeze went for a Crossbody but Lashley caught him and planted him with a gigantic Suplex.
Lio Rush continued to shout into the microphone as Lashley threw Tyler across the ring. Breeze battled back with a Dropkick but Lashley quickly turned the tables with a Powerslam.
Rush tried to get a “Lashley!” chant going as Bobby slammed Breeze to the canvas for the easy pinfall victory. Lio once again started shouting “Lashley!” over and over again and ended it with a chuckle into the microphone as Bobby posed in the ring.
Trish Stratus & Lita Called Out Alexa Bliss & Mickie James
Trish Stratus and Lita came down to the ring to promote their tag match against Alexa Bliss and Mickie James at WWE Evolution. Lita said that it was good to back home and hyped up WWE Evolution one week from Sunday.
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James quickly interrupted and came down to the entrance ramp. Bliss joked that Lita and Trish thought they were going to embarrass them at Evolution. Mickie vowed to put an end to Stratusfaction at Evolution. Bliss and Mickie then mocked Trish pointing all the time and joked that they haven’t been in the ring in a long time.
Bliss stated that nostalgia is fleeting and that they have no chance against the two top women on the RAW roster. Mickie added that they compete every night all around the world and that this is going to be so easy at Evolution.
Trish and Lita then referenced the “practice” joke from Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia crowd applauded. Lita and Trish then said that they do need some practice and challenged Alexa and Mickie to come down to the ring right now. Bliss and Mickie made their way halfway down the ramp and then retreated backstage.
Kurt Angle had a brief conversation with Chad Gable and Bobby Roode backstage. RAW GM Baron Corbin interrupted and informed Angle that he will be facing The Authors of Pain in a Handicap match tonight on RAW.
AOP quickly won the match as Corbin applauded from the entrance ramp. Akam and Rezar removed the mask to reveal that it wasn’t Angle in the ring. Kurt Angle then snuck up behind Corbin and hit an Angle Slam on Baron Corbin on the entrance ramp.
Angle then danced around a bit as the crowd cheered him on.
Natalya faced Ruby Riott tonight on RAW. Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan accompanied Riott to the ring for the match. Before the match, Natalya brought out Bayley and the returning Sasha Banks to protect her from the Riott Squad.
Ruby started off the match in control and connected with an elbow to Natalya’s face for a two count. Ruby then applied a Headlock but Natalya quickly broke the hold with an Arm Drag. Riott battled back with a DDT and went for the cover but Natalya kicked out at two. Natalya then launched Ruby out of the ring and then punched her in the face when she got back inside.
Natalya quickly locked in the Sharpshooter but Sarah Logan broke it up before Ruby tapped out and the match ended in a DQ. The Riott Squad knocked Bayley and Sasha Banks out of the ring and isolated Natalya in the ring.
Sasha and Bayley attacked the Riott Squad and took them out. Banks connected with a Backstabber to Morgan and Bayley followed it up with a Bayley to Belly. Natalya then planted Ruby Riott with a German Suplex to conclude the segment.
Elias came down to the ring and claimed that he had lunch with Eagles QB Carson Wentz earlier today. Elias said that Wentz told him that he hates playing for the filthy people of Philadelphia. Elias then poked fun at the ridiculous Gritty mascot and said he was a spitting image of everyone in the crowd.
Apollo Crews interrupted and came down to the entrance ramp. Crews said it was his turn to interrupt Elias because everyone else is doing it. Elias stated that tonight is not the night that is going to make a star out of Crews.
Crews admitted that he is not really that funny and that none of that matters when he steps inside the ring. Elias joked that he has heard that Crews is really talented but he has never seen it. Apollo said that he has sat in the back and watched some many people pass him by. Crews added that he is sick of it and Elias took off his microphone.
Elias tried to attack Crews but Apollo dodged it. Apollo then lifted Elias over his head and held up for several seconds. Crews then dropped Elias to the canvas and posed in the corner as Elias retreated up the entrance ramp.
Braun Strowman yelled at Ziggler to carry his weight and start off this match. Ziggler and Rollins locked up in the middle of the ring and Dolph quickly applied a Headlock. Dolph shouted at Strowman that he can do this all day as Rollins battled to his feet.
Seth broke free and planted Ziggler with a Body Slam. Ambrose tagged in and hit Dolph with a Clothesline for a two count. Rollins tagged back in and hit Ziggler with a shoulder tackle. Dean and Seth started arguing again and Reigns tagged himself in to try to calm things down. Braun Strowman took out everyone with a Clothesline and then Ziggler hit Reigns with a DDT for a two count as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, McIntyre planted Reigns with a Spinebuster and then tagged Ziggler back into the match. Reigns took back control as Strowman pleaded for a tag. Ziggler tagged in McIntyre instead and Reigns greeted him with a Clothesline.
Strowman tagged in and hit Reigns with a Splash in the corner. Strowman started shouting at McIntyre and Ziggler again and Drew tagged himself in. McIntyre stomped on Reigns in the corner and Strowman tagged himself in.
McIntyre and Strowman barked at each other a bit before Strowman sent Roman to the corner of the ring. Roman connected with a boot to Braun’s face and then planted him with a Samoan Drop. McIntyre and Ziggler knocked Rollins and Ambrose off the ring apron before Reigns could tag out.
Ziggler and McIntyre hit Reigns with the Claymore/ Zig Zag. McIntyre went for the cover but Ambrose and Rollins broke it up at the last second. McIntyre leaped off the top rope but Reigns hit him with a punch to the face. Ambrose tagged in and Clotheslined McIntyre out of the ring. Rollins and Ambrose then sent Strowman out of the ring and followed it up with stereo Suicide Dives onto Ziggler and McIntyre.
Strowman caught Rollins and Ambrose but Reigns hit Braun with a Superman Punch. Back in the ring, Ambrose hit McIntyre with Dirty Deeds and went for the cover. Dolph shoved Rollins into Ambrose to break up the cover. Ambrose and Rollins started arguing again and Dean went for Dirty Deeds after Rollins shoved Ambrose. Dolph shoved Rollins out of the ring and then hit Dean with the Zig Zag for a two count.
McIntyre went for a Claymore on Ambrose but Reigns hit him with a Superman Punch. Strowman charged at Roman in the corner but Reigns got out of the way and Strowman hit the ring post. McIntyre went for another Claymore on Reigns but Roman got out of the way and McIntyre hit Strowman. The Shield then delivered a Triple Powerbomb to Ziggler and Dean pinned him for the win. Reigns, Rollins, and Ambrose hugged it out and made their way up the entrance ramp.
Braun Strowman then got back into the ring with a pissed off look on his face. Strowman grabbed Ziggler and shouted that he was going to get these hands. Braun planted Ziggler with a Running Powerslam and then turned around into a Claymore from McIntyre.
Former WWE RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks made her return to WWE television.
As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center on the USA Network, Banks was at ringside alongside Bayley to support Natalya, who was battling Ruby Riott in a singles match.
She had been off of TV since last month after it was revealed that she is dealing with an undisclosed injury. As a result of this, WWE made the call to have her pulled from the Mixed Match Challenge series. It was reported at the time that Banks was taking time off for what was being described as a “health-related issue.”
Banks has been advertised for Evolution since the event was officially announced and appears to still be planning to work that event. As of this writing, she’s doesn’t have a match announced for this show. It’s always possible that she is either booked a key program before then or is added to the battle royal that will see the winner receive a championship match.
The Evolution pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Long Island, New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and will air on the WWE Network.
Ronda Rousey is one of WWE’s biggest stars, but before her professional wrestling career, she made a name for herself in the UFC. For several years Rousey was the queen of mixed martial arts (MMA) and undefeated inside the cage. That all changed against Holly Holm, and subsequently Amanda Nunes as well.
Now, Rousey is the RAW Women’s Champion in WWE and is preparing to headline the company’s first-ever all-female pay-per-view (PPV). She will defend her title against Nikki Bella at Evolution. Now that Rousey is one of wrestling’s bigger stars, she has left Conor McGregor to take over that role in MMA.
Recently, the Irishman was involved in a post-fight brawl that erupted after his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov. This was largely sparked by his bus attack this past April in New York. While it may simply be a promotion tactic, Rousey tells TMZ that she’s not a fan of it:
“I understand promoting fights and having to sell them. I really do. But, I don’t think people have to get arrested in order to do that. I think I’ve been able to prove that you can make a fight exciting and make people really wanna see it without crossing any legal lines.
“I think that Khabib jumping out of the Octagon was not as bad as throwing objects at a bus, because my friend Rose Namajunas was on that bus. My friend Michael Chiesa missed his fight because [he got cut by the glass].
“I think, if you’re gonna draw the line there, you should have drawn it before that. I just feel like there has to be equal treatment all the way across the board, I don’t think that anyone should get special treatment because they’re a bigger draw.”
What do you think about Rousey’s comments on McGregor’s UFC melee?
For more MMA News please visit our sister site over at MMANews.com!
The spoilers from the Impact Wrestling TV taping that took place on Monday, October 15th, 2018 in Queens, NY at the Melrose Ballroom has surfaced online.
The promotion will hold another set of tapings on Sunday night and we’ll have those posted on the site that night. These matches and segments will air over the coming weeks on POP TV.
Impact Wrestling TV Taping Results
– Impact Wrestling X-Division Champion Brian Cage defeated Rich Swann to retain. Following the match, Sami Callihan entered the ring and faced off with Brian Cage. This led to Callihan pointing to the video screen that showed the finish of the Bound for Glory six man tag where Sami pinned Cage. He told Cage that was what was coming for him. A brawl broke out with Cage standing tall.
– Impact Wrestling Champion Johnny Impact walked out to the ring to cut a promo about how crazy Bound for Glory was. He stated that he always wanted to be the World Champion and now that dream had a reality. He brought up overcoming adversity but now knows that all of his training and fighting has come to this moment. He believes the business is what “we make it.” He ended it by stating that he’s going to be a fighting champion. Fénix then comes out and challenges him for the title next week. Impact accepts the challenge. – Killer Kross defeats Tommy Dreamer (via ref stoppage) – Taya Valkyrie defeats Katarina. Post-match, Taya says she no longer respects Tessa Blanchard after how she won on Sunday.
– Ethan Page defeats Trevor Lee – Allie defeats Alisha Edwards. Edwards was beatdown afterward until Keira Hogan saved her. Pentagon Jr. defeats Homicide – LAX defeat The Heavenly Bodies – Gama Singh defeats Rohit Raju – Su Yung defeats Keira Hogan – Killer Kross & Moose defeat Fallah Bahh & KM
– Impact Champion Johnny Impact defeated Rey Fenix to retain. Post-match, The OGz attacked Fenix. Pentagon hit the ring for the save with a chair to close the show.
What are your thoughts on these results? Sound off in the comment section.
Don Callis’ current situation with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is certainly an interesting one. Callis recently missed the last three days of the G-1 card due to his obligations with IMPACT Wrestling. He was even left off the “King Of Pro Wrestling” pay-per-view (PPV) and reportedly hasn’t been called for any future NJPW shows.
In Japan, it’s believed that Callis’ duties with IMPACT will prevent him from returning. All of this could simply be a miscommunication, however. It’s possible Callis works several big shows a year while maintaining his responsibilities with IMPACT. With that being said, the entire ordeal seems to be bothering IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho.
Callis and Jericho are great friends, as Callis was the man responsible for setting up “Y2J’s” feud with Kenny Omega last year. Jericho took to Twitter recently to comment on the matter. Here’s what he had to say:
“Not using @CyrusOverHuge over huge for ANY AND ALL commentary is a big mistake and just plain stupid. @njpw1972”
Not using @CyrusOverHuge over huge for ANY AND ALL commentary is a big mistake and just plain stupid. @njpw1972https://t.co/uJBzsCnVJK
Nikki Bella and Ronda Rousey continue to promote their upcoming clash at WWE Evolution. The pay-per-view (PPV) will be the WWE’s first all-female show in history. It all goes down from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on October 28th. Recently, Bella revealed that she and Rousey’s match at Evolution will headline the PPV.
Rousey will defend her RAW Women’s Title against the longtime WWE star. Initially, Rousey and The Bella Twins were allies on WWE TV. They even teamed up to defeat The Riott Squad at WWE Super Show-Down in Australia. However, on the following episode of Monday Night RAW, Nikki and Brie attacked “The Rowdy One.” It was later announced that the former UFC champ would face Nikki at Evolution.
Recently, Rousey took to social media and called Nikki and Brie “DoNothingBellas” in an Instagram post:
“No exaggeration these pictures were taken only minutes apart. That was my mistake. I should have known better than to trust the backstabbing Bellas….
“Don’t miss #RAW tonight cause @thenikkibella and @thebriebella are gunna learn betraying me was the stupidest thing they ever could have done. And considering their extensive record of idiocy, that’s really saying something. #DoNothingBellas”
Bella didn’t take too kindly to this, posting a lengthy response to Rousey’s not too long after. Here’s what she had to say:
“In response to your post @rondarousey You may think I’m a “DNB” but that’s because you been here for what maybe 20 RAW’s? I’ve been here for almost 12 years. Since day one I have wanted change for the women at WWE.
“This “DNB” has been in the ring with Victoria, Natalya, Krissy Vaine, Shantelle Malawski, Taryn Terrell, Brooke Adams, Michelle McCool, Layla, Vickie Guerrero, Melina, Mickie James, Maria, Katie Lea, Jillian Hall, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Gail Kim, Candice Michelle, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Awesome Kong, Naomi, Cameron, Eva Marie, Jojo, Summer Rae, Kaitlyn, Tamina, AJ Lee, Paige, Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Riott Squad and more.
“I defended a championship for 301 days, I have executive produced and starred in two reality shows, one about women’s wrestling, while on the road wrestling, I even broke my neck for this business. So if you want to talk about a “DNB” look at yourself, because in this Evolution of women’s wrestling, you’re the “DNB” #bellalution#evolution video edit by @xoxocharlotteflairxoxo”
A battle royal has been announced for the upcoming Evolution PPV. Tamina, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Ember Moon, Nia Jax, Alicia Fox, Dana Brooke, Asuka, Mandy Rose, Lana, Carmella, Sonya Deville, Naomi, and Torrie Wilson have been confirmed as participants in this contest. WWE is expected to announce more competitors shortly.
The Evolution pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Long Island, New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and will air on the WWE Network. The company will be announcing more matches for this all-women’s PPV event in the coming weeks. Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella for the WWE RAW Women’s Championship is expected to serve as the headliner.
Updated WWE Evolution Card
Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James
NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler
WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair – Last Woman Standing Match
Battle Royal: Tamina, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Ember Moon, Nia Jax, Alicia Fox, Dana Brooke, Asuka, Mandy Rose, Lana, Carmella, Sonya Deville, Naomi, Torrie Wilson – Winner will receive a championship match
What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.
Matt Riddle has signed with WWE, and there are some high expectations for his career with the company. Even from Riddle himself. Riddle was an indy darling for several years, making the transition to professional wrestling from mixed martial arts (MMA). After working for some of the top promotions around the world, WWE inked Riddle to a deal earlier this summer.
Riddle is now competing on NXT, and fans are expecting to see him on the main roster sooner than most young talents. Recently, Riddle was interviewed on “The Ariel Helwani MMA Show” to discuss his journey in wrestling. During the interview, Riddle was asked about his expectations for his run with WWE. Riddle offered up a very interesting answer.
He noted he’d like to win the NXT Championship three months from now. After that, he’d like to be called up to the main roster, with his sights set on Brock Lesnar. Not only does Riddle want to headline WrestleMania with “The Beast” for the Universal Title, but he wants to end Lesnar’s professional wrestling career:
“In my perfect world I’m champion in like, three months,” Riddle said. “And then I’m on the main roster and I’m challenging Brock Lesnar. And I want to retire Brock Lesnar. That’s the perfect world. Maybe Brock Lesnar, main event WrestleMania for the Universal Title, and if he loses he retires.”
Up next on #HelwaniShow: Very excited to speak to @SuperKingofBros about his rise to wrestling stardom and life after MMA
