The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles, only recently defended his SmackDown WWE Championship against Samoa Joe at the recent Super Show-Down in Australia. He now has new number one contender, Daniel Bryan, eagerly awaiting his opportunity at WWE Crown Jewel on November 2nd.
That hasn’t stopped the champ from surveying the rest of the WWE roster.
Inaugural WWE United Kingdom champion, and Big Strong Boy, Tyler Bate, recently spoke on facing AJ Styles, stating matter of factly that he believes he could “have a good one [match] with AJ.”
A Phenomenal Response
Word of this has reached Styles, and his reaction is a positive one. Speaking with DailyStar.co.uk, the WWE Champion said:
“If the opportunity presents itself, I think that him and I could have an unbelievable match.”
Tyler Bate has been making waves internationally – not only as a tag team competitor in Moustache Mountain but also as a worldwide singles competitor.
He recently headlined PROGRESS wrestling’s main event at their ‘Hello Wembley!’ event in a losing effort against PROGRESS champion, WALTER.
The two men have never met in singles competition before, but have found themselves on opposite sides of the ring on in a six-man tag bout for Chikara.
What do you think of this potential match up? Do you think we’ll ever get the chance to see it?
While not many details are available about the show, WWE has still announced a number of big names for the upcoming SmackDown 1000 and another name has been confirmed for the episode.
According to reports from Pwinsider, the Big Red Monster Kane has been confirmed for the upcoming special. Since the Undertaker has already been announced for the event, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see the Brothers of Destruction reuniting next week.
Apart from this, the company has announced that Evolution will be reuniting during the SmackDown 1000. Rey Mysterio’s return match has been announced for the show as well.
Cody Rhodes Vs. Willie Mack For NWA Title (Video)
We noted before how Cody Rhodes was scheduled to defend his NWA Worlds Championship for the first time against Willie Mack. Now the NWA has uploaded the full match between these two from the latest ROH Vegas tapings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwkiiSyJoME
The match is more than 20 minutes long. It ends with Willie delivering a couple of stunners and trying to deliver a frog splash. Cody counters the splash and delivers the CrossRhodes for the win.
After this victory, Cody is now scheduled to defend the NWA title against Nick Aldis in a rematch from All In at the upcoming NWA 70th anniversary show.
WWE Hall Of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch was released from the Carbon County Correctional Facility yesterday and she is once again on parole now, according to Pwinsider.
She was arrested back in February this year and had been in jail since then for failing to appear in court for two DUI arrests and due to multiple violations of the terms of her earlier release.
Sunny was a part of WWE from 1995 to 1998. Apart from her WWE run, The Hall Of Famer also made appearances for ECW and WCW after leaving the company. You can check out more details about her arrest here.
Randy Orton On Upcoming World Cup Tournament
The main event of this week’s episode of SmackDown saw Randy Orton defeating a returning Big Show to qualify for the WWE World Cup Tournament on the Crown Jewel PPV.
After his win, Randy joins stars like John Cena, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy who have already been confirmed to be a part of the upcoming tournament from Saudi Arabia.
Orton was interviewed backstage after his victory on the show where he talked about the upcoming PPV event and said that he has beaten all these people before and he’ll just have to do it again:
Paige suffered a career-ending injury during a Live Event in December last year, and she officially announced her retirement from in-ring competition during the Raw episode after WrestleMania 34.
Though she didn’t stay away from WWE Programming for long after retirement and the former NXT Star was introduced as the new General Manager of SmackDown on the Blue Branded Show the next night.
During a recent interview with TV Insider, Paige talked about a lot of things including having chemistry with the Miz and R Truth, paying attention to Miz’s promos and more.
While talking about her role as the SmackDown General Manager, the former Diva’s Champion claimed that she was pitching ideas at the time and Vince McMahon already had this position for her in mind:
“I actually pitched the idea, too. I knew a few months back that I pretty much wasn’t going to be wrestling anymore, so I was constantly pitching ideas of what I could do. Maybe I could manage someone and be the female Paul Heyman. I was constantly pitching. I think Vince [McMahon] already had the idea to make me general manager. That was his idea.
Apart from this, Paige also recalled how Shane McMahon helped her during the first two weeks as the GM of SmackDown Live and said that she has been having fun in the role.
In a statement released on WWE.com, Officials confirmed that Mysterio is back on ‘full-time basis’ and he will be competing regularly for the company.
While the announcement didn’t reveal the length of his new contract, previous reports suggested that the former World Champion has signed a two years deal with the company.
Not only that but the press release also confirmed Rey Mysterio for a number of upcoming events. You can check out a list of events he will be appearing on below:
Hartford, Conn. – Oct. 20
Boston, Mass. – Oct. 21
White Plains, N.Y. – Oct. 22
Cardiff, Wales – Nov. 3
Aberdeen, Scotland – Nov. 4
Birmingham, England – Nov. 5
It’s worth mentioning here that all these events are either dual branded or SmackDown exclusive shows.
Considering this and the fact that the Master of 619 will make his return to WWE programming during SmackDown 1000, it appears that he will become a regular for the Blue Brand in the upcoming days.
Rey Mysterio originally made his return during the Royal Rumble PPV earlier this year and had been negotiating a longer run with WWE Officials since his appearance at the Greatest Royal Rumble.
The October 9th episode of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:
Charlotte Vs. Becky Lynch Ended In A Double Count Out
Becky Lynch defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair to start off this week’s episode of SmackDown. Charlotte would become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion if she was disqualified. WWE skipped their entrances and the show started with Lynch and Flair already in the ring.
Charlotte and Becky locked up to start off the match. Charlotte went for the Figure Four right away but Lynch blocked it and shoved Charlotte across the ring. Charlotte got pissed off and connected with a Body Slam. Becky battled back and bounced Charlotte’s face off the top rope and then dragged her face across the top rope.
Becky smashed Charlotte’s face off the canvas and went for a cover but Flair kicked out at two. Lynch followed it up with a Leg Drop and then went for another one but Charlotte got out of the way. Charlotte went for a roll-up but Lynch kicked out at two. Both Superstars then connected with a Clothesline at the same time and fell to the canvas.
Flair hit Lynch with a Neckbreaker and then threw her to the corner. Becky battled back with a boot to Charlotte’s midsection and went for the Dis-Arm-Her but Charlotte blocked it. Charlotte then hit an absolutely terrible looking catapult that awkwardly sent Becky tumbling out of the ring. Flair followed it up with a Crossbody off the ring apron as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Becky and Charlotte were back inside the ring. Charlotte made her way up to the top rope but Becky caught her and slammed her to the mat for a near fall. Becky connected with an Exploder Suplex for another near fall. Charlotte connected with a few chops and then a Belly to Back Suplex and both Superstars fell to the canvas.
Charlotte hopped up and then stumbled her way up to the top rope. Becky caught her again and slammed her back down to the mat. Becky then made her way up to the second rope and went for a Crossbody but Charlotte got out of the way. Charlotte went for a roll-up but Becky kicked out and booted Flair in the face. Becky climbed back to the top rope but Charlotte tripped her up.
Becky then went for the Dis-Arm-Her but Charlotte blocked it with a few punches to Lynch’s face. Flair then planted Becky with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Lynch kicked out at two. Becky kicked Charlotte into the turnbuckle and then rolled out of the ring. Becky grabbed the SmackDown Women’s Championship and started walking away. Flair ran after her and threw her back into the ring. Becky shoved Charlotte into the referee and then grabbed the title. The referee stopped her and was about to disqualify her when Charlotte rolled Becky up for a two count. Charlotte then connected with a Spear but Becky rolled out of the ring.
Charlotte then went for a Moonsault but Becky got out of the way and Charlotte dangerously landed on the floor. Charlotte once again battled back and hit an Exploder Suplex. Charlotte rolled Becky back into the ring and connected with the Natural Selection but Lynch once again rolled to the outside. Charlotte followed her and Becky slammed her into the ring post. Becky then threw Flair into the barricade and the referee counted to ten. Charlotte and Flair continued to fight on the entrance ramp and Charlotte wound up Spearing Lynch through the LED wall on the ramp.
Samoa Joe controlled the match early before SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Joe was still in control and Jeff in a Headlock in the middle of the ring.
Jeff broke free but Joe slammed him back to the mat and followed it up with a Senton for a near fall. Jeff booted Joe in the knee and Joe collapsed to the canvas. Joe threw Jeff out of the ring and set him up against the steel steps. Joe went for a kick but Jeff got out of the way and Joe’s knee struck the steps.
Back in the ring, Jeff continued to target Joe’s injured knee and hit him with a Leg Drop. Joe knocked Hardy down with a right hand and then tried to get up but Joe’s knee gave out. Joe tried to get up once again but fell down again and the referee called for the bell.
The Miz brought WWE Champion AJ Styles down to the ring for an episode of Miz TV. The Miz asked AJ how his family was and Styles got pissed off. The Miz apologized and then brought up Styles’ opponent at Crown Jewel, Daniel Bryan. Miz mocked Bryan as being boring then introduced him as his second guest.
Bryan and AJ shook hands and Miz mocked them. Daniel joked up defeating The Miz quickly at WWE Super Show-Down and Miz stated that he will remain professional. The Miz asked AJ how Daniel Bryan ranks in terms of his opponents. AJ complimented Bryan but claimed that he will defeat him at Crown Jewel.
Daniel said he was glad that AJ said that he was better than him because he wants to defeat a worthy opponent. Bryan noted that Styles has been champion for over 300 days and has earned the right to think that way. Bryan added that deep down he knows he can beat AJ Styles.
AJ joked that Bryan hasn’t faced anyone who is phenomenal and poked at Miz. Bryan called The Miz “the two-minute man” and said that the WWE Championship match at Crown Jewel is why he fought to come back from injury. Bryan stated that his dream was to capture the WWE Championship and the only thing standing in his way was AJ Styles.
Styles got up and said that he is not moving for Bryan or anyone else. The two Superstars had a staredown as Miz joked that finally, something interesting has happened. AJ asked Bryan how good it felt to punch Miz in the face The Miz got pissed off. The Miz went on a rant and announced that he wants a title shot after Crown Jewel.
AJ Styles then faced Shelton Benjamin on SmackDown. Benjamin connected with a Russian Leg Sweep as The Miz and Daniel Bryan joined commentary for the match. Shelton applied a Headlock as The Miz and Bryan argued.
Shelton then beatdown AJ in the corner of the ring. AJ battled back with a few chops and then a Pele Kick. AJ then went for a Phenomenal Forearm but Benjamin countered with a running knee that sent Styles to the floor outside the ring. Benjamin followed AJ out there and slammed Styles into the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, AJ Styles connected with a massive Clothesline and then followed it up with a sliding forearm to the face. Styles then locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring. Benjamin battled through the pain and grabbed the bottom rope to break the hold. Styles then connected with the Phenomenal Forearm for the pinfall victory. Daniel Bryan stood up and clapped for AJ as Styles raised the title in the ring.
Aiden English came down to the ring as the crowd chanted “Rusev Day!”. English announced that he will be showing the Director’s Cut of One Night In Milwaukee.
The video of Aiden English and Lana in the hotel was then played. Lana said that she wants Aiden to know how much he means to Rusev and that they really appreciate everything he has done for Rusev’s career.
Aiden claimed that Lana and Rusev both mean the world to him. Aiden then placed his hand on Lana’s arm and the video stopped. English called Rusev out and Rusev came down to the entrance ramp.
English offered to destroy the video if Rusev kicks Lana to the curb and reunite Rusev Day. Lana then joined the party and came down to the entrance ramp. Rusev asked Aiden to play the full tape and English stated that this was a family show.
Lana then said she will play the entire tape and Rusev claimed that English got hacked. Lana claimed that English’s password is “IheartRusev” and then played the entire video. English touched Lana’s arm and she immediately backed away and rejected him.
English then said the offer still stands and told Lana that when she gets bored of those Rusev Days she can enjoy an Aiden Night. Rusev then chased Aiden around the ring but English was able to escape backstage.
Randy Orton Qualified For WWE’s World Cup Tournament
Big Show faced Randy Orton in the main event of this week’s episode of SmackDown. The winner of the match would qualify for WWE World Cup at Crown Jewel. Big Show blasted Orton in the ribs to start off the match and Randy rolled out of the ring to regroup as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Randy Orton had Big Show trapped in a Headlock. Big Show broke the hold with a massive German Suplex and both Superstars crashed to the canvas. Big Show followed it up with a couple of Clotheslines and then a gigantic shoulder tackle.
Orton once again rolled out of the ring and Big Show followed him this time. Big Show rolled Orton back inside the ring and then slowly made his way onto the ring apron. Orton greeted Big Show with a Dropkick and then a DDT for a near fall.
Orton geared up in the corner and went to punt Big Show’s head but Big Show countered with a Spear for a two count. The crowd chanted “you still got it!” as Big Show got up and set up for the Chokeslam. Randy once again rolled out of the ring and the crowd booed.
Big Show hoisted Orton back inside the ring and grabbed him by the throat. Big Show connected with a Chokeslam and went for the cover but Orton was able to kick out at the last second. Big Show loaded up for the Knockout Punch but Orton once again escaped out of the ring. Orton then connected with a thumb to Big Show’s eye and an RKO for the pinfall victory.
The Big Show has made his return to in-ring action. As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Indianapolis, IN at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on the USA Network, Randy Orton beat The Big Show in a world cup qualifying match.
For those who may not know, this match marked the first time that they have gone one-on-one in a match in three years. It also marked the first match that Show worked in over a year.
After being with the company for nearly 20-years, the veteran has racked up some major accomplishments during his career which will no doubt earn him a spot in the sports entertainment company’s Hall of Fame. In September 2017 during an episode of Monday Night RAW in Omaha, NE at the CenturyLink Center, Braun Strowman defeated The Big Show in a Steel Cage match in the main event. After the match, Strowman power slammed Show through the cage, which part of it broke to close the show. The reason for this spot was to write Show off of television due to him undergoing hip surgery, which was successfully done on September 29th. WWE reportedly wanted to have The Big Show in the fifty-man Royal Rumble match at the Greatest Royal Rumble event. That didn’t happen as Show suffered a new injury around three weeks before the show while training to return from his hip surgery.
WWE has announced the first match for next week’s episode of SmackDown Live on the USA Network, which will be the 1000th episode of the blue brand. Rey Mysterio is slated to work his first match on SmackDown in years when he battles Shinsuke Nakamura in a world cup qualifying match.
WWE holds next week’s show in Washington, DC at the Capital One Arena. WWE is stacking the deck for the SmackDown 1000 show. In addition to an appearance by The Undertaker, WWE has confirmed that Batista and Ric Flair are returning for a reunion of the popular Evolution faction from the early 2000’s.
AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz and Samoa Joe, as well as Charlotte Flair, Asuka, and Naomi vs. Becky Lynch and The IIconics, is being advertised.
Mysterio has made a few appearances for WWE this year as he worked the Royal Rumble in January and was also at April’s Greatest Royal Rumble from Saudi Arabia in April. He is featured as a pre-order bonus character for the WWE 2K19 video game that comes out this month. Mysterio recently signed a new 2-year deal with WWE. The agreement reportedly includes a stipulation that he can ‘give notice’ to the company at the 18-month mark.
A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE Evolution PPV. As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Indianapolis, IN at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on the USA Network, Becky Lynch defended the SmackDown Women’s Title against Charlotte Flair in the opening match, which saw it end by double count-out.
Flair would then spear Lynch through part of the stage. Later in the show, SmackDown General Manager Paige announced that Lynch would defend the SmackDown Women’s Title against Flair in a Last Woman Standing Match at the Evolution PPV.
Lynch and Flair also wrestled at Saturday’s (October 6, 2018) WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia on the WWE Network that saw Lynch retain after being DQ once she hit Flair with the title.
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.
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
What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.
Two WWE RAW Superstars have made to the move to the 205 Live brand. WWE was taping this week’s episode of the cruiserweight show on Tuesday night in Indianapolis, IN at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse before SmackDown Live went live on the USA Network.
During the taping, which will air on the WWE Network on Wednesday night, Mike and Maria Kanellis made their debut on the brand once Mike interrupted a match between Lince Dorado and Lio Rush.
If you recall, Maria and Mike made their debut as a couple on WWE television at last year’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event by cutting a promo about how everyone would know what the Power Of Love was all about.
It’s been an exciting time for the married couple since then as Mike is now approaching one-year of sobriety and they had their first child, daughter Freddie Moon. When Maria announced that they were expecting, she was taken off the road with the sports entertainment company.
She was last seen on WWE television during the RAW 25 Anniversary show back on January 22, 2018 where WWE honored her as well as Jacqueline, Trish Stratus, Bella Twins, Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Lilian Garcia, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool, Terri Runnels as women who contributed to the company’s success.
Former WWE Champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Netflix announced on Tuesday that he will start in a film called “John Henry and The Statesmen” that is currently in pre-production. The details are still sketchy but it will see him work with the director of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jake Kasdan, again and that Johnson will star as the titular folk hero. Rock posted the following:
“Inspired to bring to life one of my childhood heroes, John Henry, in JOHN HENRY & THE STATESMEN. “In this movie, I’ll lead an ensemble of the most popular folklore figures and legends from different cultures around the world. @NETFLIX is the perfect partner & platform to bring these global folklore icons to life,” Rock said in part of his statement.
PWinsider.com has confirmed that former WWE Champion Kane will appear at Smackdown 1000, which takes place on October 16th at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC.
The Undertaker, Michelle McCool, Torrie Wilson, Vickie Guerrero and WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long are also signed to appear. AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz and Samoa Joe, as well as Charlotte Flair, Asuka and Naomi vs. Becky Lynch and The IIconics, are being advertised.
Dolph Ziggler recently opened up on the dealings with WWE creative and if he has ever considered leaving the company while on the CBS Sports’ In This Corner podcast with Brian Campbell.
The current WWE RAW Tag Team Champion stated that no matter what situation that a star finds themselves, whether that be in the middle of something huge or you become world champion, the moment it’s not about you and not making these great gains because of something out of your hands then you shouldn’t be in this business. He brought up other examples whether that means the fans turned on you or you’re not the world champion, or you don’t like what WWE creative has given you, the talent must push forward.
Consider Leaving WWE
Ziggler also talked about through all of his ups and downs while being in the company if he ever considered walking away. He brought up how he hasn’t gone away in 13 years, which he thinks is pretty ridiculous. He believed that he needed to do that and even asked for it but was declined by WWE management.
However, over the past two years, he kept asking and was finally told yes. Ziggler stated that he can assure the fans that every Monday for RAW, he’s talking to the boss [WWE Chairman Vince McMahon] about how to make the product better. “[Fans gets on me] for teasing that I’ll be leaving, but it might be soon or it might be never.”
John Cena returned to NBC’s “Today” show as a co-host on Tuesday as well as to promote his new Elbow Grease book for kids. During the show, he talked about a wide range of topics including starring in the Project X movie with Jackie Chan in China, WWE Super Show-Down in Australia, and more.
As seen at Saturday’s (October 6, 2018) WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia on the WWE Network, Cena showed off his new look for the first time on WWE programming, which sees him with longer hair. This led to a lot of talk about it online from fans and wrestlers.
Cena addressed it by stating that the reason he made this change was due to the request of the director of the movie with Chan and thought that was a fine idea. He did point out that the jokes and the criticism started when he showed up to Super Show-Down this past weekend with the new cut.
His relationship as well as split from Nikki Bella has been heavily featured in the mainstream news to the point that he talked about it several months ago on “Today.” When asked about his current status, he noted that at the time that he made those comments months ago, he was vulnerable and genuine but doesn’t regret talking about it. However, he does believe now that his personal life should be personal. Cena did note that he did recently see her and everything was alright.
The October 9th edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.
– Randy Orton vs. The Big Show is announced right off the bat for later tonight.
– Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch (c): We kick off tonight’s show with a Women’s Championship match. If Becky gets disqualified, she loses the Title. Both women are hesitant to engage off the opening bell, but they finally lock up and trade holds on the mat. Becky connects with a couple of kicks and looks for the Disarm-Her, but Charlotte escapes. Charlotte takes out Becky’s knee, which gives Charlotte a moment to recover. Becky takes Charlotte back down to the mat and works over her left shoulder. Charlotte comes back and dumps Becky outside, then follows up with a suicide dive to the ringside floor. Back in the ring, Becky takes back control with a t-bone suplex for a two count. Charlotte mounts a comeback with a suplex of her own, and then she goes up top for a shot but misses. Becky hits an ezniguri and Charlotte is down. Becky climbs the turnbuckle, but Charlotte gets up and drops her on the top rope. Becky latches on to Charlotte’s arm from the top rope, and they tumble down to the ring as Becky looks for the Disarm-her. Charlotte blocks the hold and picks up Becky for a sit-down powerbomb for a two count. Becky gets frustrated and rolls out to ringside to grab her Women’s title. It looks like Becky is going to walk away and try to get counted out. The ref’s distraction leads to a cheap shot on Charlotte. The ref threatens to DQ Becky, but Charlotte then rolls up Becky from behind out of nowhere for a two count. Charlotte sends Becky outside and looks for a big suicide dive to the outside but misses. Becky wastes some time, and Charlotte comes back with a t-bone suplex on Becky on the ringside floor. Back in the ring, Charlotte hits the Natural Selection on Becky, but then Becky immediately rolls out to ringside so Charlotte can’t pin. Charlotte rolls outside, and they brawl back and forth until the ref counts them both out.
Winner: Double count-out
– Charlotte and Becky continue to brawl up the ramp until Charlotte spears Becky through some screens on the stage. Referees and trainers come out to check on them as both women are down. Charlotte appears to be bleeding from her arm or wrist.
– Jeff Hardy is shown backstage putting his facepaint on. He’s in a singles match with Samoa Joe next.
– Before the match, we go to video packages looking at the careers of Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe.
– Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy: Joe and Jeff trade strikes in the opening moments until Joe headbutts Hardy down to the mat. Joe’s left leg is wrapped up as he’s selling an injury. Joe hits a senton for a two count, and then he applies a shoulder lock on Hardy. Hardy fights up to his feet and drops Joe with a forearm to the face. Hardy follows up with the inverted atomic drop, and then a shot to Joe’s bad knee. Jeff focuses in on Joe’s bad knee now and keeps him grounded. Joe rocks Hardy with a shot to the face from his knees, but as Joe goes to stand up, he falls back down and sells his knee. Joe is unable to stand up on his injured knee, so the ref calls the match because Joe can no longer compete.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
– Joe does not look happy as he sells his knee injury and Jeff celebrates.
– We go to a video package looking at Randy Orton’s career and his recent actions.
– A reunion of Evolution is announced for SmackDown 1000 next week, featuring Batista, Ric Flair, Triple H and Randy Orton.
– The Miz comes out to the ring next as he gets ready for the latest edition of Miz TV. We go to commercial break.
– Back from the break, we see a replay of Charlotte and Becky going through the tron earlier. SmackDown GM Paige has an announcement to make regarding the Charlotte/Becky feud — she is booking them in a Last Woman Standing match for the Women’s Title at WWE Evolution.
– Back to the arena, the ring is now set up for Miz TV, and The Miz is on the mic. The Miz introduces AJ Styles first. Miz asks AJ how the family is, and AJ doesn’t seem happy with Miz. Daniel Bryan comes out next, and he enters the ring and shakes hands with AJ. The Miz is disgusted by their handshake, and says that isn’t what the people want to see. Bryan says maybe Miz would rather talk about the match they had against each other, but it wouldn’t take very long. Bryan insinuates that Miz wasn’t a worthy opponent for him, but AJ Styles is the most worthy opponent because he’s defended the WWE Title for over 300 days. Bryan says he’s glad AJ thinks he can beat him, because deep down Bryan knows he can beat AJ. AJ says Bryan hasn’t faced anyone phenomenal since coming back from his injury. Bryan calls Miz a two-minute-man, in reference to their short match Bryan won. Bryan says his dream wasn’t to come back and fight this jerk Miz, his dream was to win the WWE World Championship. AJ and Miz then change subjects and talk about how good it feels to punch The Miz in the face. Miz says Bryan stole his opportunity, because his shoulder was up during the pin and the ref was out of position. Miz says AJ is just another version of Daniel Bryan except with a southern accent. Miz says the reason why the WWE Title doesn’t headline pay-per-views anymore is because of AJ. Miz says no matter which one of them wins at Crown Jewel, Miz wants them next. Miz says AJ should wipe the smile off his face, because he has to face Shelton Benjamin tonight in a non-Title match.
– AJ Styles vs. Shelton Benjamin: Miz and Bryan are on commentary for this one. The opening bell sounds and Shelton starts of strong. Benjamin hits a big back body drop on AJ, and then pummels on him in the corner. AJ fires back with chops and strikes. Shelton misses a shot and AJ capitalizes with the Pele kick. They roll out to ringside and Shelton slams AJ in to the fan barricade. Back in the ring, AJ fights back with a clothesline and a running forearm shot. Shelton misses a shot near the apron, and AJ fires back with the Phenomenal Forearm for the three count after a short but competitive match.
Winner: AJ Styles
– Bryan claps for AJ after the match as Styles poses in the ring for the fans.
– The broadcast team introduces a video package looking at The Big Show’s highlights from recent years. He faces Orton tonight in a World Cup qualifying match.
– Up next: Aiden English has more video footage on Lana from Milwaukee.
– Aiden English comes out to the ring wearing a Happy Aiden Day shirt. Aiden refers to his video as “One Night in Milwuakee.” Aiden directs us to the jumbotron for the “direct’s cut” of his video. The full video shows Lana saying “I want you….. to know how much you mean to Rusev.” She goes on to praise Aiden for everything he has done for his career. Aiden thanks Lana for her kind words, and says they both mean the world to him. It looks like Aiden goes in to kiss Lana, and then the video pauses. Aiden says before the plays the video, he wants Rusev to come out. Rusev comes out, and he’s got a mic. Aiden says we all know what happens next in the video, but he tells Rusev he has an offer for him. Aiden says he won’t play the video and he’ll delete it, if Rusev kicks Lana to the curb and brings Aiden back. Lana comes out to join Rusev. Rusev tells Aiden to play the full tape, but Aiden doesn’t want to. Lana now says if Aiden won’t show it, Lana will. Rusev tells Aiden he got hacked, because his password was “iheartrusev.” Lana shows the full video, which shows Lana turning down Aiden’s advances. The footage shows Lana leaving the room as Aiden tries to apologize. Back in the ring, Aiden looks stunned. Aiden says fine, you got him, but he tells Lana the offer is still on the table for when she gets sick of Rusev Days. Rusev hits the ring now and beats down Aiden. Rusev looks for a big boot, but Aiden dodges it and rolls out of the ring. Aiden retreats up the ramp as Rusev and Lana hug in the ring.
– Rey Mysterio is announced for next week’s SmackDown 1000, and we go to a video package looking at his career in WWE.
– Rey Mysterio vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a World Cup qualifying match is then announced for next week’s show.
– The Big Show is shown backstage heading towards the Gorilla position.
– Randy Orton vs. The Big Show: The Big Show knocks Orton out of the ring early on, and Orton circles the ring appearing to consider his game plan. Back in the ring, Orton fights off Show and hits a DDT for a one count. Orton starts targeting Big Show’s knee now, and then stomps on his hands before applying a chin lock. Big Show drops Orton back and then lays into him with punches. They run the ropes and Big Show hits a running shoulder tackle. Show calls for the chokeslam, but Orton rolls out to ringside. Big Show rolls out and takes Orton back in the ring, and Orton connects with a dropkick on the apron. Orton follows up with a draping DDT from the middle rope for a two count. Big Show comes back with a spear, and then he calls for the chokeslam again, but Orton once again rolls out to ringside. Big Show grabs Orton by the skull and yanks him back onto the apron and in the ring. Big Show hits the chokeslam, but Orton gets the shoulder up. Big Show looks for the knockout punch, but Orton rolls out to the apron, and then pokes Big Show in the eye when the ref can’t see. Orton follows up with the RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
– In the replays we see the ref’s view was obstructed by Big Show’s back while Orton thumbed his eye. Orton celebrates in the ring as we go to a graphic showing the current qualifiers for the World Cup: John Cena, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton. SmackDown goes off the air as Orton poses on the turnbuckle.
Earlier this year, one-half of The Bludgeon Brothers, Erick Rowan, suffered a bicep injury during SummerSlam. Rowan and Luke Harper successfully retained their SmackDown Live Tag Team Titles against The New Day. Due to Rowan’s injury, however, they were forced to drop the titles two days later on SmackDown Live.
The Bludgeon Brothers lost a No Disqualification match to The New Day. Rowan was praised for working the grueling match while hurt. Nonetheless, he soon underwent surgery to repair the injury. He was initially given a timeframe of four to six months for his return to the ring.
PWInsider now reports that Rowan is in Birmingham, Alabama and will meet with doctors for a post-surgery check-up. No further details were given on when fans can expect him back. We’re left with the initial four to six months timeframe given. Once healthy, however, it will be interesting to see if WWE retains Rowan and Harper as The Bludgeon Brothers.
Perhaps WWE will have something different in mind for them instead.
What do you want to see from Rowan upon his return to WWE?
SmackDown Live General Manager Paige can’t compete inside a WWE ring. The 26-year-old has been medically suspended from ever competing for the professional wrestling juggernaut inside the ring again. She suffered a neck injury that could have serious ramifications on her longterm health if aggravated. For now, she retains a regular WWE TV role as General Manager of Tuesday nights.
Despite the disappointment of not being able to compete in the ring, Paige still holds out a bit of hope. This hope comes from seeing the amazing journey of current SDL star Daniel Bryan. Bryan was once in a very similar position to Paige. He was medically barred from competing inside the WWE ring as well. Up until earlier this year, he also served as SDL General Manager.
Upon Bryan’s resignation to return to full-time Superstar status, Paige was given the role. She spoke about being inspired by Bryan during a recent interview with TV Insider. Here’s what she had to say:
“His injury was a bit different, but he is still a superstar to me. Here is a guy who did not give up. It took three years since the last time he was in the ring. It gives me hope. I know it probably won’t happen for me because of the prognosis. But I just want a miracle to happen. Bryan is definitely an inspiration and would want to walk in his footsteps.”
What do you think about Paige drawing inspiration from Bryan’s WWE comeback?
Current SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions The New Day are arguably the best trio in professional wrestling today. The squad consisting of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods have proven dominant over the past several years. The New Day have faced the best tag teams WWE has to offer.
However, there’s one team that sits above all that the three men have yet to share the ring with. That team being New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring Of Honor’s The Elite (The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega). The two teams had a run-in with one another at E3 earlier this year. Their chemistry as entertainers got fans excited about a possible professional wrestling program.
New Day member Kofi Kingston spoke about this on a recent media call to promote tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live. Here’s what he had to say:
“It would be The Elite. It would be The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. I think it’s something that from the moment we came out, people were like, ‘Oh, is this going to happen? I mean, The Young Bucks and Kenny, and The New Day, there are three of you’.
“They are so talented, and they’ve been able to do so many cool things all over the world, especially in Japan, which are… the way they’ve been able to do those cool things. I think it’s kind of a fantasy match-up that people have been waiting with bated breath to see.
“But, you never know what’s going to happen in the WWE. Never say never, and I hope that it does happen at some point in time, but I guess we will have to wait and find out.”
What do you think about a potential New Day vs. Elite match?
Monday’s edition of WWE RAW averaged 2.374 million viewers, an increase over 2.302 million the previous week. This ended WWE’s streak of declining (and historically low) RAW viewership.
Here are the hourly numbers, courtesy of ShowBuzzDaily.com:
Hour 1: 2.533 million viewers
Hour 2: 2.388 million viewers
Hour 3: 2.200 million viewers
Although WWE stopped the week-to-week ratings slide, RAW was not among the Top 10 most-watched programs on cable for the night. NFL Monday Night Football, the Yankees vs. Red Socks MLB playoff game, ESPN Sports Center and cable news programming all had more total viewers.
RAW featured fallout from Saturday’s Super Show-Down pay-per-view, a reunion of DX and the announcement of Shawn Michaels coming out of retirement, the Bella Twins turning on Ronda Rousey and more. To catch up on this week’s Raw, check out:
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has offered his theory as to why there was one match booked for the upcoming at the Crown Jewel event.
Daniel Bryan quickly beat The Miz to become the new #1 contender for the WWE Title at the WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia on the WWE Network. It was later announced that AJ Styles would defend the WWE Title against Bryan at the Crown Jewel event.
Ray discussed this match during a reason episode of Busted Open Radio on Sirus XM where he brought up his theory on why this match was made. He reflected on WWE’s first event in the country, Greatest Royal Rumble, where Rusev was supposed to wrestle The Undertaker but it was changed to Chris Jericho vs. Taker and then back to Rusev. Ray thinks that the reason for the multiple changes was due to the Saudi Prince wanting Rusev in the match and influenced WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to make this match for this event.
Ray continued by stating that the prince was a Rusev fan and that’s reason he was added back to the match. Thus, he thinks that maybe the prince wanted Styles vs. Bryan as WWE is dealing with people who bought the show.
“Hypothetically, this guy said ‘This is the match I want’ and Vince is going to accommodate him because it’s an ungodly amount of money.” “He added that “you give them the show that they want to see, you wrap it around a network special and you turn it into something.”
WWE presents the Crown Jewel pay-per-view event on November 2nd, 2018 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Saud University Stadium and will air on the WWE Network.
Buddy Murphy was able to beat Cedric Alexander to win the title at Saturday’s (October 6, 2018) WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia on the WWE Network.
As a result of this win, it marks the first reign as WWE Cruiserweight Champion for Murphy and his first title win on the main roster.
Murphy recently spoke with Mirror Sport about his achievement and how his time in NXT was dark. However, he was able to get through it and come out on the other side.
After having a successful stint in NXT that included a run as an NXT Tag Team Champion, he was not used for a lengthy amount of time in a major way. However, Murphy reinvented himself when placed on the 205 Live brand that features all cruiserweight stars. “Going through NXT and being lost in the dark, so to speak, not really having a direction or seeing a light at the end of the tunnel,” Murphy stated. “[Super Show-Down] was the light at the end of the tunnel, and [it] doesn’t get much better than that.”
Obviously, this feud will continue as Alexander is owed a rematch for the strap against Murphy and it could come on an upcoming episode of 205 Live or the next main roster pay-per-view event for the company, which is Crown Jewel that takes place next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
PROGRESS Wrestling has announced that LAX will be heading to the company in December. The company will be holding a weekender of events on Saturday December 8th and Sunday December 9th.
This will be the UK PROGRESS debut for the team. Santana and Ortiz had an incredible bout against Chris Brookes and Jon Gresham as part of the United States Coast to Coast tour back in August. The New York City stop of the tour featured the match that many fans have described as the best ever tag bout in PROGRESS history.
Chapter 80: Gods And Monsters and Chapter 81: Pour Some Progress On Me will be two of the biggest outside London for the company this year. The company recently held a mega event in Wembley Arena that drew the biggest crowd in English wrestling for 30+ years. Headlined by an incredible bout between Tyler Bate and WALTER for the PROGRESS World Championship which is available to view online in its entirety for free.
After participating in possibly the finest tag-team match in our company's history, we can't wait to have #LAX with us in Manchester and Sheffield. Few tickets remainhttps://t.co/k9jcAjxzBapic.twitter.com/xp7pSYqRtf
DEFIANT Wrestling has announced WALTER’s opponent for the Fight or Flight PPV. The DEFIANT Internet Champion was due to face Chris Ridgeway, the UK based grappler unfortunately has to pass up on the title shot due to illness. DEFIANT sent out the following regarding the situation:
“Chris Ridgeway has unfortunately withdrawn from this Thursday’s Fight Or Flight in Sheffield due to illness. Ridgeway had been scheduled to compete for the Defiant Internet Championship against current champion Walter at the event. General manager Primate has announced that the Internet will now decide who faces Walter. You can cast your vote below until 7pm on Tuesday, with the winner subsequently announced on Twitter.”
The company decided to run a poll for the next challenger. Aussie Open’s Mark Davis will be taking on the Austrian heavyweight. Both Davis and WALTER are masters of the open hand strike, this will not be a bout for the feint of heart.
Here’s the full card for Fight or Flight:
Rampage vs Gabriel Kidd – World Championship
Will Ospreay vs El Phantasmo – Internet Contenders
Joe Hendry vs Martin Kirby – No DQ, No Countouts
Roxxy vs Lana Austin
Omari vs John ‘Bad Bones’ Klinger
Alpha Bad vs Hunter Brothers
Jimmy Havoc & Mark Haskins vs Anti-Fun Police
The show takes place on October 11th and will be available to view via Access DEFIANT.
WWNLive, which is the parent company of EVOLVE, has announced several new live events in their newsletter on Tuesday afternoon. It was revealed that EVOLVE would return to Livonia, MI on Nov. 9th and Chicago, IL on Nov. 10th for shows that will feature WWE 205 Live star Mustafa Ali in action. It was noted that he would be in main event quality matches. His opponents at these shows will be announced at a later date.
Ali, AR Fox, The Skulk, Austin Theory with Priscilla Kelly, Anthony Henry, JD Drake, Josh Briggs are advertised for both events while DJ Z is only booked for the 11/9 show and Darby Allin and EVOLVE Champion Shane Strickland are booked for the 11/10 show.
It was also announced that there would be a new WWN Champion will be crowned at EVOLVE 114 on October 28th in Ybor City, FL as a one night tournament to fill the championship that Joey Janela was forced to vacate due to injury will take place.
There will be eight competitors in four singles matches. The winners of those four matches will then compete in a ladder match with the WWN Championship belt hanging from the ceiling of The Orpheum. The wrestler who grabs it will be the new WWN Champion. It was noted that they will announce the participants in the next newsletter.
The EVOLVE/SHINE event in Queens, NY on December 8th has been moved to the following week on December 15th.
WWE is slated to hold two sets of NXT UK TV tapings this Saturday and Sunday in Plymouth, UK at the Plymouth Pavilions. Before they hold tapings, members of the WWE’s United Kingdom roster are doing a one-week training camp in London.
Wrestletalk broke the story and noted that the camp is being called a Performance Center crash course as they plan to focus on strength and conditioning training as well as drills with Robbie Brookside, Johnny Moss, and James Mason being in charge of the camp alongside head of the Performance Center, Matt Bloom.
The days will include seven to 13 hours of both training and classes. This camp is meant to be kept as a secret as WWE has not publicized this and those who plan to participate have not mentioned it on social media.
It should be noted that there is a media day for the WWE in the UK on Thursday. Those main roster members are said to be under the belief that the UK TV will be announced at this time.
Regarding the TV deal, once all of the tapings for the NXT UK brand was announced a few months ago, WWE was working at the time to make a TV deal with what is believed to be with BT Sports. However, the deal was not closed due to them running into a problem.
At the time, WWE had already announced that the shows would be on the WWE Network. The original idea was to air the episodes on a UK TV platform then adding them to the WWE Network later. The reason for this is due to getting the most viewers possible for the show.
Bobby Lashley’s new hype man, Lio Rush, had to deal with bullies when he was younger. The Man of the Hour released a video on Twitter today which features Rush talking about an encounter he had with a bully when he was younger.
“True Story: When i was a young boy, a bully tried to light the #ManOfTheHour on fire. Fast Fwd to present day. Now I’m hot like a fire
! #LioHatesBullies”
“That guy tried to light me on fire,” Rush said. “I was 12 years old, 7th grade, middle school, I remember it. He tried to light me on fire, I stopped him from lighting me on fire. But you know what happened? You know what happened about 15-16 years later? Now the Man of the Hour is on fire! I’m hot like a fire right now!”
Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley On Monday Night Raw
Rush’s “main man” Bobby Lashley was victorious last night on Raw. He defeated Kevin Owens in single’s action. Owens would need help to the back and was later placed on the injured list. He is expected to undergo minor knee surgery and be out indefinitely.
Rush was shown in the back later with Lashley interrupting a promo by Bayley and Finn Balor.
