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Brooklyn Brawler Reveals Why He Received WWE Title Shot Against Shawn Michaels

Jon Fuentes
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The Brooklyn Brawler was recently a guest on Prime Time with Sean Mooney where he talked about several professional wrestling topics. Brawler was able to work for WWE several times over the years, but the memories that stick out to him the most were his performances in Madison Square Garden.

His most memorable MSG experience was likely his WWE Title opportunity against Shawn Michaels. His journey to earning that match was a rather interesting one:

“Okay so we’re wrestling in Madison Square Garden and we’re having a battle royal. I’m in the battle royal but I’m just a guy to get thrown out, this and that. All of a sudden Ken Shamrock who was scheduled to win the battle royal got injured in her sternum, his chest he got injured,” Brawler said.

Shortly after the injury producers went to Vince McMahon and alerted him Shamrock couldn’t win the match because he was injured. McMahon decided to make the call to put Brawler over instead:

“Put Brooklyn Brawler over, he’s local.”

McMahon didn’t realize, however, that he promised the winner of the Battle Royal a shot at the WWE Title. Brawler reminded McMahon of this at the next MSG show, and The Chairman Of The Board responded with “You got your match.”

Initially Brawler was supposed to work with Bret Hart for the WWE Title, however, during that time The Montreal Screwjob had just occurred and Shawn Michaels was the new World Champion. At first Brawler believed that Michaels was going to refuse to work with him, but to his surprise HBK was very accepting of the idea and immediately began putting the match together with Brawler:

“His finish is the Superkick if I Superkicked him people would come unglued,” Brooklyn Brawler said. “What a match we had. It was the first Garden show with DX with Chyna and Triple H on the apron on the outside of the ring. Me and Shawn Michaels in Madison Square Garden. I remember The Undertaker walking into the room, into the dressing room and looking at the line-up and it shows me in the main event, he’s underneath me and he goes, ‘what the f–k is this?’

“That’s what he said. I just said, ‘it’s not me I didn’t do it!’ Because nobody wants heat with The Undertaker. But I tell ya, my career, you couldn’t even write this the way it happened. He’s kicking out at two-and-a-half and he’s selling and doing all these crazy moves,” Brawler said .

“I mean he made me look like a million bucks. I’m telling ya and then Triple H jumps on the apron and I pop him, nail him then Chyna comes in and gives me a Frankensteiner. I mean, it was great.”

You can listen to Brawler on Prime Time with Sean Mooney by clicking this link here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNhbNKP9sB4&feature=youtu.be

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Who Produced Rollins vs. Ziggler On RAW?

Jon Fuentes
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12

Monday Night RAW was capped off by an epic main event for the Intercontinental Title, as defending champion Dolph Ziggler took on Seth Rollins.

Former WWE Superstar TJ Wilson (Tyson Kidd) produced the match, according to Fightful. It should be noted that some of the best matches on RAW for the past several months have been produced by the former Tag Team Champ.

Bobby Lashley and Roman Reigns vs. The Revival was produced by Michael “PS” Hayes. Matt Hardy and Curtis Axel’s one-on-one affair was produced by WWE Hall Of Famer D-Von Dudley.

Scott Armstrong produced the squash match between The Authors Of Pain and their ocal enhancement talents – Rex and Rick Gibson. Alexa Bliss vs. Natalya was produced by Fit Finlay.

Sarah Stock was the producer for the Six Woman Tag Team match of The Riott Squad vs Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Ember Moon. Dean Malenko was listed as the producer for No Way Jose vs. Mojo Rawley, even though the match never got underway.

Finally, Jamie Noble was the producer for Braun Strowman and Kevin Owens vs. Constable Baron Corbin and Finn Balor.

Graves Wants Hilarious T-Shirt, Undertaker & McCool Celebrate Anniversary, Ember Moon

Jon Fuentes
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9

Corey Graves Loves Anti-Saxton Merch

When Corey Graves and Byron Saxton shared the WWE commentary booth on Monday Night RAW, the former NXT star loved to burn his colleague. Now, of course, they work together on SmackDown Live after some things were moved around for the Superstar Shake-Up.

Despite the move to Tuesday nights, Graves’ love for burning Saxton remains the same. He recently showed his support for a “Shut Up Saxton” t-shirt idea on WWE Shop which was suggested by a fan:

Undertaker & Michelle McCool Celebrate Wedding Anniversary

Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker and former WWE Women’s Champion Michelle McCool recently celebrated eight years of marriage. She shared some photos from the occasion on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkgs8j8BR4l/?utm_source=ig_embed

Ember Moon Has Bank Account Shut Down Without Notice

RAW Superstar Ember Moon took to social media to call out Chase bank for closing her bank account unexpectedly and without explanation after seven years of business. She posted the following:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkgHyjihrYV/?utm_source=ig_embed

Finn Balor Shows Off Nasty Bruise From RAW Match, WWE Network Adds Mid-Atlantic Episodes

Andrew Ravens
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0

Finn Balor Documents

Former WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor decided to show off the nasty bruise that he suffered in his latest match.

As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in San Diego, CA at the Valley View Casino Center on the USA Network, Braun Strowman & Kevin Owens defeat Baron Corbin & Balor by count out. Balor shared this photo of the bruise on his back on his official Twitter account:

Mid-Atlantic Episodes

WWE’s streaming service, WWE Network, has added more episodes of Mid-Atlantic episodes. Over the past few weeks, the sports entertainment company has added episodes from the territory from the years 1983, 1984, and 1985 as the latest classic content drop.

These episodes feature a number of stars from Magnum TA to Wahoo McDaniel to Manny Fernandez. Here are the episodes that were added:

Mid-Atlantic 08-04-84 – 08/04/1984 (Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – Spartanburg, SC)

Mid-Atlantic 09-08-84 – 09/08/1984 (Dorton Arena – Raleigh, NC)

Mid-Atlantic 12-01-84 – 12/01/1984 (Pfeiffer College Gym – Misenheimer, NC)

Mid-Atlantic 02-23-85 – 02/23/1985 (Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – Spartanburg SC)

For those who are wondering, the Vault section of the WWE Network has almost 150 episodes of the promotion in total.

Updated Card For Saturday’s ROH TV Taping (6/30)

Andrew Ravens
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0

Several matches have been announced for the next set of ROH TV tapings.

Ring of Honor will hold their Fairfax Excellence event on Saturday night in Fairfax, Virginia at the EagleBank Arena.

This taping will feature the fallout from the Best in the World pay-per-view event that is slated to place on Friday night. For those who are planning to attend this event, you can buy tickets here.

The Card

– KUSHIDA vs. Jonathan Gresham

– Adam Page & The Young Bucks vs. EVIL, BUSHI, & SANADA

– Kagetsu & Hana Kimura vs. Jenny Rose & Mayu Iwatani

– Women of Honor #1 Contender’s Match: Kelly Klein vs. Karen Q vs. Tenille Dashwood vs. Madison Rayne

– Women of Honor Title Match: Champion Sumie Sakai vs. Hazuki

What are your thoughts on this card? Sound off in the comment section.

Charlotte Flair Praises Paige’s Work As SmackDown GM, 205 Live Match Announced

Andrew Ravens
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Charlotte Flair Praises Paige

Former WWE RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair recently took to her official Twitter account to praise SmackDown General Manager Paige for her work as the GM of the blue brand. She wrote the following:

If you recall, Paige become GM earlier this year after it was announced that Paige’s career was over as in-ring performer under the WWE banner after she suffered a neck injury during a six-woman tag match back in late December at a live event that needed to be called off after she took a hard kick to the back from Sasha Banks that she wasn’t ready for and it stunned her.

205 Live Match

WWE has announced the first match for next week’s episode of 205 Live. That contest will be Mustafa Ali vs. Buddy Murphy in a No DQ match.

As of this writing, the sports entertainment company has not announced any other matches for this show, which will be held in Omaha, NE at the CenturyLink Center Omaha

What are your thoughts on Paige’s work as GM thus far? Sound off in the comment section.

Disco Inferno Opens Up About Heat With Cody Rhodes

Jon Fuentes
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5

Former WCW and TNA star Disco Inferno recently made an appearance on “The Matt Riviera Show” podcast to talk about several professional wrestling topics. Inferno was first asked about his issues with Ring Of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Cody Rhodes.

Inferno commented on a social media photo posted by Rhodes showing a graphic head wound that he suffered in a match against Kenny Omega. Rhodes apparently took things the wrong way and a beef between the pair started:

“ I think he completely misinterpreted what I was saying, because I wasn’t burying him….I’ve worked, I’ve been on a writing team, and I’ve been an agent, okay. So, if I’m critical of somebody, like wrestlers, like I do sometimes on the podcast…

“It’s not anything, like if I was there agent, I wouldn’t be saying right to their face.. of course the fans are going to say, ”Oh, you’re just hating him”. No, I’m not hating, this is what I did for a living… That’s the perspective that I’m critical on commentary with professional wrestling these days.”

Inferno then offered his thoughts on the large number of wrestlers suffering serious injuries lately:

“The one thing I see in the business that kind of bothers me is that, as wrestling’s gotten, like the quote unquote “evolution of wrestling” is that, you know, back in the day… when I got hurt, I hurt my back. When guy’s got hurt, they hurt their knee, they hurt their shoulder… We’re at a stage in the business where, back in the day, if guys were watching, like the way the guys work today…

“We would tell the guys, “What the hell are you doing? You guys are killing each other out there.” I’ve never seen a time in the business where guys are hurting each other. Not like hurting their shoulders or hurting their knees… They’re hurting each other, because they’re doing things that look like they hurt, and they do… Everybody was a mark for Benoit…

“You watch Benoit, Kurt Angle, and Edge all had neck injuries that were serious neck injuries… What did they do every match? German suplexes… 6, 7, 8, 9 German suplexes… You look at the move, regardless if it’s a work or not. You’re landing on your neck constantly. Constant stress on your neck that’s going to add up… you can’t do that… Alex (Wright) would do a German suplex to me one time, and it was a finish. ”

Finally, Disco discussed how he believes that modern wrestling has lost its way:

“Professional wrestling is predicated, and always has been… two guys wrestling/fighting each other. That’s the concept… so when everyone talks about psychology… If you do things that don’t look like something you would do in a fight, that’s bad psychology. Because if you’re just taking a bunch of acrobatic maneuvers and acrobatic spots… and try to insert it into the concept of professional wrestling, which is supposed to be a fight, it just does not make sense…

“Now we have this younger generation of people that grew up, that didn’t watch that wrestling, when it was like a suspended disbelief and pretending two guys are in a fight, they’ve accepted this as professional wrestling. That it’s acrobatics, it’s spots, it’s a performance… and that’s kind of where wrestling’s lost it’s way… The shows now are just a bunch of critics that kind of just applaud the performance. They’re not emotionally invested…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGKqGsDy4i4&feature=youtu.be

MLW Battle Riot Will Be A 2-Hour Network Special

Staff
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0

Major League Wrestling’s upcoming Battle Riot show (7/19) from New York City has been announced as the promotion’s first-ever 2-hour network special.

MLW: Battle Riot will air on BeIN Sports on Friday night, July 27th at 8pm ET.

The news was first reported by Sports Illustrated.

MLW CEO Court Bauer told SI that he strongly considered offering MLW Battle Riot as a traditional pay-per-view event, but ultimately it was decided that a 2-hour broadcast on beIN SPORTS was the best way to reach (and reward) MLW’s growing audience.

“I heavily considered pay per view, but I want to give the fans something special and do it for free,” said Bauer. “Some promoters put a price tag on everything and I could see the temptation here, but I want to reward fans that have been supporting us. Disruption is key for MLW, and a free two-hour special is the ultimate disruption. BeIN is a great partner and I’m glad they agree.”

The card for MLW Battle Riot is stacked (more on that below) and will be headlined by the first-ever Battle Riot match. 40 wrestlers will compete in this unconventional battle royal, with eliminations taking place when someone is pinned, submits or is thrown over the top rope. The match will start with two participants, with a new entrant every 60 seconds.

The winner of MLW Battle Riot gets a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship (currently held by Shane Strickland) “anytime, anywhere.”

If you’re in the NYC area, it’s going to be a wild show – and we’ll be in attendance. Visit Eventbrite.com for ticket information.

Updated Card for MLW: Battle Riot

Here’s the current card for MLW Battle Riot, which takes place on Thursday night, July 19th from Melrose Ballroom in Long Island City:

Battle Riot Battle Royal 

Participants include John Morrison, Pentagon, Teddy, Davey Boy Smith Jr., “PCO” Pierre Carl Ouellet, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Hornswoggle and many more.

– The Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. with Brian Pillman II) vs. ACH & Rich Swann

– John Hennigan vs. Low Ki

Also signed to appear on July 19th:

  • World Heavyweight Champion Shane Strickland
  • MLW Tag Team Champions Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix
  • Salina de la Renta
  • Barrington Hughes
  • Maxwell J. Friedman
  • Sami Callihan

For more, check out the MLW Battle Riot Control Center, hosted by Tony Schiavone:

https://youtu.be/ScXkWejH2jo

Lio Rush Reunites With Danielle Fishel Backstage At 205 Live (Video)

Chris Stephens
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4

It’s easy to see why Lio Rush is so full of himself these days. He’s got Topanga (Danielle Fishel) from “Boy Meets World” as his biggest fan.

From 1993 to 2000, Danielle Fishel played the role of Topanga on the show “Boy Meets World.” She then reprised the role from 2014 to 2017 in the spin-off series, “Girl Meets World.”

Fishel is a huge wrestling fan. Her current favorite wrestler appears to be 205 Live’s, Lio Rush. She followed him in PWG as well.

That Topanga is a big wrestling fan is more or less impressive depending on what age group you fall into. WWE cameras caught last night’s backstage meeting between Rush and Fishel.

Fishel, who has attended PWG shows in Los Angeles in the past, was backstage at last night’s Smackdown and 205 Live shows from Ontario, California. Fishel has posed for pictures with Rush at PWG shows as well.

She was active on social media during Rush’s 205 Live debut.

Rush struggled to get one of his expensive bracelets off his wrist before his match last night could begin. Fishel commented that she should give Rush a costume bracelet as a gift.

Lio Rush on 205 Live

Rush’s WWE career got off to an auspicious start late last year. The 23-year-old earned some heat for making an insensitive remark after Emma (Tenille Dashwood) was released. Perhaps as a result of this, Rush has been working a gimmick of a cocky, arrogant, young up-and-comer since being announced as heading to the cruiserweight division.

Rush has continued to engage in Twitter battles with his fellow WWE Superstars in 2018 as well. He’s been involved in back and forth social media arguments with Cedric Alexander and Ricochet.

The Rock Recalls Losing To Hurricane Helms

Chris Stephens
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20

The Rock and Gregory Helms have only met in single’s action once. It was a NO DQ match from March 10th, 2003. Despite the Rock being arguably the greatest sports entertainer of all time, it was Hurricane Helms who came out the victor that night.

The Rock and Helms were often involved in backstage skits together during this time. Recently, Helms posted video of one of the segments to his Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkhtjbNHJFs/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=10o52vnkczmr8

The Rock took to Twitter to offer praise to Hurricane. He also explained why he lost to Helms in their only match back in 2003.

“Dude always a pleasure working with you. Never an ego and always down to do whatever it took to entertain the fans. And to be honest, I only did “the job and put you over” because you paid me in hamburgers.”

Hurricane Helms in 2018

Hurricane Helms began the year by being a surprise entrant in the men’s 2018 Royal Rumble. He has since continued competing for promotions such as Ring of Honor and Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore.

Helms also played a key role in the most recent WWE documentary on Matt and Jeff Hardy. As a long time friend of the brothers, Helms is shown on camera often speaking on what the brothers have gone through over the years.

The 43-year-old is a former 3x cruiserweight champion (2x WWE, 1x WCW), European champion, Hardcore champion, and twice won the WWE tag team championships. Most recently Helms wrestled two matches on ROH’s State of the Art tour in Texas.

Team Hell No Comments On Reunion

Chris Stephens
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7

Last night on Smackdown, Kane returned to WWE and saved Daniel Bryan from a 2-on-1 beatdown at the hands of the Bludgeon Brothers. Kane and Daniel Bryan previously formed “Team Hell No” in 2012-13 and even won the WWE tag team championships.

Renee Young attempted to interview the team after Smackdown last night. It appears Bryan and Kane are a little out of sync so far, however.

Smackdown General Manager, Paige, revealed Team Hell No will challenge the Bludgeon Brothers at Extreme Rules for the Smackdown tag-team championships.

Team Hell No: Daniel Bryan and Kane

Daniel Bryan and Kane became a team in 2012. That spring, Daniel Bryan was left at the altar by AJ Lee. Instead of choosing to marry Bryan, AJ accepted the role as Raw General Manager offered to her by Vince McMahon. She then proceeded to deny Bryan championship matches and instead booked him in a match against Kane at SummerSlam.

Bryan’s anger began to get the better of him. After Bryan defeated Kane at SummerSlam, the same began to be the case for Kane. Lee, still serving as the General Manager at the time, then ordered both Kane and Bryan to attend counseling with Dr. Shelby.

Coincidentally (or perhaps not), a similar storyline is currently underway on Raw with Bayley and Sasha Banks. The two former friends will attend mandatory counseling next week as ordered by Kurt Angle.

Team Hell No as WWE Tag Team Champions

Bryan and Kane won the tag team championships at Night of Champions 2012. They defeated the team of Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for the belts. They would hold the titles for 245 days before dropping them to Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins at Extreme Rules 2013 nearly 5 years ago.

During their title reign, Team Hell No defended the titles 8 times on WWE programming. They defeated teams such as the Rhodes Scholars, Ziggler and Big E, and 3MB.

Will Team Hell No defeat the Bludgeon Brothers at Extreme Rules? Let us know what you think in the comments section below:

Kevin Owens Joins Shania Twain On Stage at Concert (Video)

Chris Stephens
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11

Kevin Owens lived out one of his biggest dreams last night. He attended the Shania Twain concert in Montreal, QC, Canada and was brought up on stage by the singer. Owens only returned to Twitter earlier this year in the hopes he would be able to convince Twain to sing the song “When” at the concert last night.

Owens even brought a wrestling-styled sign to the concert for Twain which he was able to bring on stage with him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkg3gqqgrnR/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=3j1niuegm6rt

Kevin Owens Loves Shania Twain

While Owens might be a huge Shania Twain fan, he confused the date of her Montreal performance last week. Owens spent hours posting on social media last Tuesday that he was going to see Shania Twain that night. When he discovered he had confused the date, Owens turned on himself.

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/1009064499884806144

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/1009063057694347265

Kevin Owens Twitter Bio

“I got verified again so that I can beg Shania Twain to play my favorite song “When” at her concert this summer in Montreal because I’ll be there. I’m serious.”

Last Tuesday Owens sent out a Tweet reading the following:

“Hello @Shania Twain! I’m Kevin. I’m a @WWE wrestler and fellow Canadian,” Owens wrote in a since-deleted Tweet. “I had quite a rough couple of days. I was thrown off a very tall ladder by an awful man. I’m really hurting … What would make me feel better is hearing you sing ‘When’ at your concert in Montreal tonight.”

6 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (6/26)

Robert Lentini
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14

The June 26th episode of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:

Harper Accepted Daniel Bryan’s Challenge

Daniel Bryan Smackdown 6 26

This week’s episode of SmackDown kicked off with an episode of Miz TV. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers were the guests. The Miz asked Harper & Rowan why they attacked Daniel Bryan last week and hesitantly held the microphone towards them.

The crowd chanted “Daniel Bryan!” and Miz told them to shut up and to stop disrespecting the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. The Miz rolled footage of Daniel Bryan saying that he was ready to take on the biggest and baddest Superstars in WWE last week during a backstage interview with Renee Young.

Footage of Bryan’s entrance last week on Smackdown was then shown. Bryan entered first in the Gauntlet Match and came down to the ring as Harper & Rowan were still on the entrance ramp. There was a brief staredown, which led to The Bludgeon Brothers attacking Bryan during the Gauntlet Match.

The Miz went on a rant and claimed that Bryan cannot stand when someone has more attention than him and tried to steal The Bludgeon Brother’s glory last week. The Miz boasted about defeating Bryan in the Gauntlet Match in only a few seconds and asked The Bludgeon Brothers if they want to be grips on his new hit film. Harper and Rowan slapped the microphone out of Miz’s hand and walked towards him.

Bryan’s music hit and he immediately told The Miz to shut up. Daniel said that The Bludgeons cost him a title shot last week and noted that he is not afraid of them. Daniel added that size is not nearly as important as heart and said that he wanted a fight. Bryan asked which one of them was going to fight him first. Harper grabbed the microphone and said “you just never learn, do you, Daniel? Well, you are going to tonight”.

Rusev Warned AJ Styles

Rusev SmackDown 6 26

Rusev faced Xavier Woods tonight on SmackDown. Rusev knocked Woods to the mat with a shoulder tackle to start off the match. Woods battled back with a boot to the face and a chop to Rusev’s chest. Woods leaped towards Rusev but Rusev was ready and planted him with a Spinebuster as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Rusev had Woods trapped in a Bear Hug in the middle of the ring. Xavier connected with a Jawbreaker to the break the hold and hit Rusev with a few jabs to the face. Woods went back to the chops and then dropped Rusev with a spinning forearm to the face.

Xavier booted Rusev in the face and followed it up with a DDT for a two count. Woods connected with a Superkick and then charged at Rusev. Rusev countered into a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Xavier went for the spinning forearm again but Rusev ducked under it and delivered a Machka Kick to Woods’ face. Rusev then locked in the Accolade in the middle of the ring for the submission victory.

After the match, Rusev said tonight was not about Xavier Woods, trombones or pancakes. Tonight was about AJ Styles. Rusev said that he knows AJ is watching and he knows that he is scared because he punched Aiden English in the face last week. Rusev claimed that he was going to break the door down to AJ’s house and take his title and that it is going to be a great Rusev Day.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1011769361261121536

Jeff Hardy & The Usos Defeated SAnitY

Hardy Usos SmackDown 6 26

Jeff Hardy was scheduled to defend the United States Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura tonight on SmackDown. Nakamura sustained an injury last night and wasn’t medically cleared to compete. Hardy issued an open challenge for the United States Championship and Eric Young accepted the challenge. Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe from SAnitY were ringside for the match.

Young went after Hardy right when the match started and stomped him down in the corner of the ring. Jeff battled back and connected with a Neckbreaker. Hardy climbed up the turnbuckle but Young rolled out of the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Eric Young was in control of the match and was targeting Hardy’s neck. Young applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring and Jeff clapped his hands to try to get the crowd behind him. Hardy battled to his feet but Young whipped him into the turnbuckle for a two count. Young followed it up with a Clothesline for another near fall.

Jeff connected with a Jawbreaker and followed it up with a Clothesline. Hardy planted Young with an inverted Atomic Drop and then a Dropkick for a two count. Young escaped the Twist of Fate and both Superstars hit a Clothesline at the same time. The Usos came down through the crowd and attacked Dain and Wolfe ringside.

Young threw Jey Uso into the ring and Jey Speared Young to the mat. The match ended in a DQ and then a brawl then broke out. Hardy & The Usos got the upper hand as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

The match then turned into a 6-man tag team bout. Dain connected with the Divide on Jey Uso and tagged in Wolfe. Wolfe slammed Jey into the barricade and then tagged in Eric Young. Eric Young knocked Jey to the mat with a shoulder tackle and then choked Jey on the bottom rope. Dain tagged back in and booted Jey in the ribs and followed it up with a Suplex for a two count.

Dain knocked Jimmy off the ring apron and connected with a Splash on Jey in the corner. Young got back in and blasted Jey in the face as Dain held Jey in the corner. Jey shoved Young out of the ring and tried to tag in Jeff but Young dragged Hardy off the apron.

Killian tagged back in and charged at Jey in the corner. Jey got out of the way and Dain crashed into the ring post. Jimmy and Wolfe tagged in at the same time and Jimmy greeted Wolfe with a Clothesline. Jimmy followed it up with a Samoan Drop and then made his way to the top rope. Jimmy connected with a Crossbody and went for the cover but Wolfe kicked out at two.

Hardy knocked Young out of the ring and then Dain knocked Jeff to the outside. The Usos teamed up for a series of Superkicks that finally knocked Dain to the outside. Jey hit Dain and Young with a Suicide Dive on the outside of the ring. Jeff Hardy tagged in as Jimmy hit Wolfe with a Superkick. Hardy immediately climbed to the top and hit a Swanton Bomb on Wolfe for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1011777862771277824

Becky Lynch Won Again

Becky Lynch Smackdown 6 26

Becky Lynch faced Sonya Deville on this week’s episode of SmackDown.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1011778183165829126

Becky wrestled Sonya to the canvas to start off the match. Deville hopped back to her feet and decked Lynch with a shoulder tackle. Deville took a break to taunt the crowd and turned around into a boot to the midsection from Becky. Sonya wrapped her arms around Becky’s midsection and whipped her down to the mat. Lynch battled back and sent Deville to the outside of the ring. Becky followed her out there and threw Sonya over the announce table as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

Deville was back in control of the match when SmackDown returned. Deville applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring as Mandy Rose cheered her on from ringside. Becky broke free but Sonya planted her with a Spinebuster for a two count. Sonya then connected with a kick to the face and went for the cover but Lynch was able to kick out at two.

Sonya went back to the Headlock as the crowd got behind Becky Lynch. Becky battled to her feet to break the hold but Sonya immediately slammed her into the turnbuckle. Lynch exploded out of the corner and connected with two Clotheslines and a kick to the face. Lynch followed it up with an Exploder Suplex for a two count.

Deville drove her knee into Becky’s midsection for another two count. Sonya missed with a knee and Becky connected with a flying forearm to the face for a near fall. Lynch got pissed off and grabbed Deville’s arm for the Dis-Arm-Her. Sonya countered into a roll-up for a two count and then connected with an Enziguri for another near fall.

Becky climbed up the turnbuckle but Mandy hopped on the ring apron and distracted her. Deville threw Lynch to the mat off the second rope for two count. Deville stayed on the attack but Becky knocked her into Mandy Rose. Lynch then quickly locked in the Dis-Arm-Her for the submission victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1011782267662950400

Asuka Will Have Title Rematch At Extreme Rules, Will Face Ellsworth Next Week

Ellsworth SmackDown 6 26

James Ellsworth had a conversation with Tye Dillinger backstage. Ellsworth insisted that he was a 10 without the Asuka mask on. Dillinger disagreed and told him he was a 1.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1011782648803549184

Ellsworth then came down to the ring and got booed out of the building. James said that there are two types of men in the world. Men who have graduated high school and wear sandals, and then men like him.

Ellsworth complained about Asuka attacking him last week and said that he knows Asuka is here tonight. James added, “listen up babe, this is a man’s world”. Ellsworth then claimed to love and respect women and stated that he has a love life so hot that you can fry an egg on it.

James then took off his shirt and said that he wasn’t ready for Asuka last week but he is ready this week. Ellsworth called Asuka out but SmackDown GM Paige came down to the ring. Paige stated that Ellsworth knows that Asuka isn’t here and that she is in Japan with her family.

Paige announced that Carmella will once again be defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Asuka at Extreme Rules. Ellsworth claimed that Asuka didn’t deserve another shot at the title. James then claimed that he has noticed how Paige has been looking at him and said that Paige was out here to ask him on a date.

Paige then rubbed Ellsworth’s arm and asked him if he was available next Tuesday night. Paige added that they are not going to on a date next Tuesday, Ellsworth will instead be facing Asuka in a match.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1011785078324826119

Team Hell No Returned & Will Battle The Bludgeon Brothers For The Titles At Extreme Rules

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Daniel Bryan battled Harper in the main event of this week’s SmackDown. Rowan was ringside for the match.

Harper started off the match by bringing Bryan to the outside of the ring. Harper slammed Bryan into the barricade and tried to throw him into the ring post but Bryan escaped back into the ring. Harper followed him and leveled Bryan with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Chin Lock.

Bryan broke free and sent Harper back to the outside. Bryan went for a Suicide Dive but Harper caught him and slammed him face-first into the announce table. Harper then connected with a big boot to the face that sent Daniel flying over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Harper had Bryan trapped in a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Bryan quickly battled to his feet to break the hold but Harper sent him to the corner of the ring. Harper connected with a chop to the chest and Bryan stumbled away. Bryan ducked under a Clothesline but was planted with a Side Slam for a two count.

Harper drove his elbow into Bryan’s back and followed it up with a Senton for another two count. Harper went back to the Headlock in the middle of the ring but Bryan once again battled out of the hold. Harper connected with a punch to the face that knocked Bryan back down to the mat.

Daniel got up and booted Harper in the face. Bryan followed it up with two running Dropkicks in the corner. Bryan went for a third but Harper caught him and connected with a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Harper once again applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring as the crowd chanted for Daniel Bryan.

Bryan battled to his feet and broke the hold with a kick to Harper’s knee. Harper connected with a Dropkick that squandered Bryan’s momentum once again. Harper hit Bryan with a chop to the chest and Bryan responded with a chop of his own. Harper shrugged it off and headbutted Bryan to the corner of the ring.

Harper perched Bryan on the top rope and joined him up there. Bryan hit a flurry of punches to Harper’s face and then planted him with a DDT off the top rope. Daniel connected with a few Yes Kicks in the middle of the ring and then rolled up Harper for a two count.

Harper missed with a Clothesline and Bryan locked in the Yes Lock in the middle of the ring. Rowan got into the ring and attacked Bryan to break up the hold. The match ended in a DQ as the Bludgeon Brothers beatdown Bryan in the corner of the ring. Harper climbed to the second rope as Rowan was about lift Bryan in the air.

Kane’s music hit and Bryan rolled out of the ring. Kane got into the ring and had a staredown with Harper and Rowan. Kane grabbed then both by the throat but the Bludgeon Brothers broke free. Bryan connected with a double Dropkick to the Bludgeon Brothers and then hit Rowan with a running knee to the face. Kane then delivered a Chokeslam to Harper that sent him out of the ring.

The crowd chanted “Team Hell No!” as Kane and Bryan looked at each other in the ring. Kane walked towards Bryan but Bryan shook his head and walked away. Bryan stopped and hugged Kane as the crowd cheered. SmackDown GM Paige then came down to the entrance ramp and announced that Team Hell No will face the Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Extreme Rules.

Opinion: Well, Team Hell No returning should be fun for however long it lasts. The rest of this week’s episode of SmackDown was pretty forgettable.

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https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1011791387896045570

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kfX_ykxmbg

What did you think of this week’s SmackDown? Let us know in the comments below.

Kane Returns On WWE SmackDown Live, New Match Booked For Extreme Rules

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Kane has made his return to WWE television.

As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena on the USA Network, Daniel Bryan faced off with Luke Harper in the main event and almost had the match won until Erick Rowan got into the ring to attack Bryan, which caused the DQ.

This led to the SmackDown Tag Team Champions attacking Bryan after the match until Kane walked down to the ring to make the save.

It was then announced by SmackDown General Manager Paige that Bryan and Kane would challenge Harper and Rowan for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles at Extreme Rules.

The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.

The Card

– Singles Match: Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley

– WWE Title Match: AJ Styles © vs. Rusev

– WWE SmackDown Tag Team Title Match: Luke Harper & Erick Rowan © vs. Daniel Bryan & Kane

– WWE Raw Women’s Title Match: Alexa Bliss © vs. Nia Jax

– WWE SmackDown Women’s Title Match: Carmella © vs. Asuka

– WWE Raw Tag Team Title Match: Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy © vs. Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas

Intergender Set For Next Week’s SmackDown

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WWE has announced the first match for next week’s episode of SmackDown Live on the USA Network.

Asuka will face James Ellsworth in an inter-gender singles match. The match was made by SmackDown General Manager Paige after Ellsworth called out the former NXT Women’s Champion.

In addition to Asuka facing Ellsworth next week, she’ll also challenge Carmella for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules.

This marks Ellsworth’s first match in a WWE ring since returning at TLC. 

Next week’s SmackDown will take place from Omaha, NE at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

the sports entertainment company.

Title Match Added To WWE Extreme Rules PPV, Updated Card

Andrew Ravens
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WWE has announced a new title match for the upcoming Extreme Rules pay-per-view event.

As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena on the USA Network, SmackDown General Manager Paige announced that Carmella would defend her SmackDown Women’s Title against Asuka at this event.

The Extreme Rules pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the PPG Paints Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured.

The Card

– Singles Match: Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley

– WWE Title Match: AJ Styles © vs. Rusev

– WWE Raw Women’s Title Match: Alexa Bliss © vs. Nia Jax

– WWE SmackDown Women’s Title Match: Carmella © vs. Asuka

– WWE Raw Tag Team Title Match: Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy © vs. Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas

What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.

Details On Shinsuke Nakamura’s Injury

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More details have surfaced regarding the injury that Shinsuke Nakamura sustained.

As we noted earlier on the site, Nakamura was set to challenge Jeff Hardy for the United States Title in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena for this week’s episode of SmackDown Live. However, Nakamura was pulled after WWE had announced that he suffered an injury on Monday.

In an update, both Pwinsider.com and Dave Meltzer have been able to confirm that Nakamura was pulled from the show after an incident where he was bitten by a dog. Thus, WWE would not clear him to perform in the ring.

So here’s the situation. Before Monday’s live event Bakersfield, CA, local police brought in a dog to sniff around the building as part of a security check. As the dog passed by Nakamura, the dog sniffed Nakamura and then proceeded to bite Nakamura on the leg.

The sports entertainment company has yet to clear him for in-ring action but Nakamura was backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown TV event. It was noted that his leg is still very sore from the incident.

What are your thoughts on this odd story? Sound off in the comment section.

List Of Superstars For WWE NXT UK Roster

Andrew Ravens
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It appears that a list of superstars that will be part of the WWE NXT UK roster has been revealed.  The WWE held two NXT UK Championship Tournament specials last week that aired on Monday and Tuesday on the WWE Network.

Here is a list of the talents that will be part of the roster going forward for WWE’s newest brand:

  • Mark Andrews
  • Travis Banks
  • Tyler Bate
  • Joe Coffey
  • Mark Coffey
  • Joseph Conners
  • Noam Dar
  • Eddie Dennis
  • Jordan Devlin
  • Pete Dunne
  • Jack Gallagher
  • Sam Gradwell
  • Saxon Huxley
  • Amir Jordan
  • El Ligero
  • Dave Mastiff
  • Trent Seven
  • Ashton Smith
  • Tyson T-Bone
  • Flash Morgan Webster
  • Wild Boar
  • Kenny Williams
  • Wolfgang
  • Isla Dawn
  • Jinny
  • Killer Kelly
  • Charlie Morgan
  • Nina Samuels
  • Toni Storm

WWE has already announced several TV taping dates for the rest of this year for the brand.

The first tapings will take place on July 28th and July 29th in Cambridge, England followed by the next set of tapings going down on August 25th and 26th in Birmingham, England, and October 13th and 14th in Plymouth, England. The final set of dates that were announced will go down in Liverpool, England on November 24th and November 25th.

What are your thoughts on this roster? Sound off in the comment section.

Dalton Castle Comments On Cody Rhodes’ Plan For ROH World Title At All In

Andrew Ravens
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Dalton Castle is set to make the biggest title defense thus far in his reign as ROH World Champion.

Castle will defend his title against Cody Rhodes and Marty Scurll in a Triple Threat Match at the Best in the World pay-per-view event, which takes place on Friday, June 29, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland at the UMBC Event Center. The event will air on traditional PPV outlets and the FITE TV app.

Cody has gone on record in the past by stating in previous interviews that he plans to win the ROH World Title at this show that way he can put it on the line against Nick Aldis at ‘All In’ that way it would be a title for title match as Aldis’ NWA World Heavyweight Title would be up for grabs at All In.

“Absolutely not,” Dalton replied when asked if he feels pressure to retain his title during a recent media conference call to promote Best in the World (transcript courtesy of Wrestling Inc).

“That’s pressure Cody’s putting on himself thinking too far ahead. What’s the saying? Putting the carriage in front of the horse. He has made these plans for this world championship he has yet to win. He forgets that if he wants to bring that title to ‘All In’ and challenge Nick Aldis for his title he has to first get through Dalton Castle.”

It didn’t take long for the son of the late great WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes to respond to the comments made by the ROH World Champion as he wrote the following on his official Twitter account:

What are your thoughts on Castle’s comments? Sound off in the comment section.

WWE SmackDown Live Results & Discussion (6/26)

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The June 26th edition of WWE SmackDown took place at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA.

– The Miz is in the ring to kick off this week’s SmackDown Live broadcast with a Miz TV segment. The Miz welcomes his guests – The Bludgeon Brothers, Luke Harper and Eric Rowan. They slowly make their way down to the ring and stand in front of Miz. The Miz says they have something in common, they both dismantled Daniel Bryan. The crowd chants for Daniel Bryan, and The Miz tells them to shut it and stop disrespecting SmackDown’s tag team champions. The Miz says since The Bludgeon Brothers are the strong silent type, he’s going to roll some video footage showing last week. The Miz continues trashing Bryan, saying Bryan always tries to steal their thunder and he’s the true villain here. The Miz jokes that The Bludgeon Brothers were auditioning to be new members of The Miztourage, and Harper slaps the mic out of Miz’s hand. They start walking towards The Miz, but then Daniel Bryan’s music hits and he comes out to interrupt. Bryan says he takes issue with The Bludgeon Brothers attacking him, and he’s not afraid of them or The Miz. Bryan wants to fight all of them, and asks which of them will fight him first. Harper takes the mic from Miz and says Daniel never learns his lesson, but he’s gonna tonight. It sounds like Harper has accepted the challenger. Bryan heads to the back.

– The New Day is shown backstage with their assistant making milkshakes. Xavier Woods takes on Rusev in singles action next in a match sponsored by Sonic.

– Xavier Woods vs. Rusev: The New Day and Aiden English are all at ringside for this one. The opening bell sounds and Woods starts off with a headlock. Rusev comes back with a shoulder block and works on keeping Xavier grounded. Woods comes back with some strikes and a headscissor takedown, then dropkicks Rusev from behind. Rusev comes back with a spinerbuster for a two count. Woods fights back and hits a tornado DDT for a two count of his own. Rusev dodges a shot and shuts Woods down again with a Samoan drop. They fight in the corner and Woods dodges a few shots, but Rusev catches him with a kick to the head. Rusev follows up with the big boot and the Accolade for the three count.

Winner: Rusev

– After the match, Aiden English joins Rusev in the ring to celebrate. Rusev gets on the mic and cuts a brief promo warning AJ Styles that he’s going to take his WWE Title at Extreme Rules on July 15th.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Jeff Hardy in facepaint and white contact lenses talking about his threshold for pain being higher. We go to the broadcast table where Tom Phillips tells us about Shinsuke Nakamura’s injury, and that Jeff Hardy will be fighting in an open challenge tonight instead of facing Nakamura as originally scheduled.

– WWE U.S. Champion Jeff Hardy makes his way down to the ring to find out who will be facing him in tonight’s open challenge for the belt.

– Naomi and Lana are backstage arguing about their dance-off. The cast of GLOW walks in an they briefly talk to Naomi and Lana and say that they should be working together instead of arguing. Naomi and Lana seem to come to an agreement.

– Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Eric Young: Sanity is at ringside, and Jeff’s U.S. Title is on the line. The opening bell sounds and Young immediately rushes hardy and beats him down in the corner. Hardy fights back and looks for the Twist of Fate, but he doesn’t quite execute it and Young rolls outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Young fires up and drops Hardy with a shot to the face. Young takes Hardy into the corner and puts him a dragon sleeper on the turnbuckle until the ref reaches his 5 count. Young wrenches Hardy’s neck and works on keeping the Champion grounded. Young stomps on Hardy, but Hardy gets to his feet and fights back in the corner. Hardy rolls up Young for a two count, then Young fires back with a lariat for a two count of his own. Young picks up Hardy and Hardy stuns him with a jawbreaker. Hardy blocks a shot and fires back with right hands, then drops Young with a forearm shot and an atomic drop. Jeff dropkicks Young down as the crowd chants “Delete.” Hardy looks for the Twist of Fate, but Young escapes and they both clothesline each other down. While both men are down, The Usos walk in from the crowd and they confront the other two Sanity members at ringside. Young rolls out o the ring to join the brawl at ringside, and he starts fighting with Jey Uso. The ref calls for the bell as this one falls apart. Young wins by DQ, so Hardy keeps the belt. The Usos/Sanity brawl spills into the ring as Hardy and Young brawl again. Hardy and The Usos clear out the ring as we go to commercial.

Winner via DQ: Eric Young

– The Usos & Jeff Hardy vs. Sanity: This one got made into a six-man tag during the commercial break. Kilian starts off with Jey Uso and drops him with a shot off the ropes. Wolfe tags in and continues the offense on Jey, then Young tags in for the double team for a two count on Uso. Uso tries to fight back, but Young drops him with an elbow to the face then stomps on him. Killian tags back in and puts the boots to Uso. Jimmy finally gets the hot tag and Wolfe tags in as well. Jimmy comes in and cleans house and hits a Samoan drop on Wolfe. Jimmy follows up with a cross body off the top for a two count. Jimmy connects with some kicks and pins, but Young breaks it up. The aprons clear now as everyone brawls through the ring. Jimmy hits superkicks on Killian and Young, but Killian doesn’t go down. The Usos hit two double superkicks on Killian until he falls out to ringside. Jey hits a suicide dive on Killian and Young, while Wolfe and Jimmy go at it in the ring. Jimmy hits a superkick, then Jeff tags in and hits the Swanton Bomb on Wolfe for the three count.

Winners: The Usos & Jeff Hardy

– The broadcast team informs us that Daniel Bryan vs. Luke Harper has been made official for tonight.

– Becky Lynch is backstage warming up. She’s up next against Sonya Deville.

– Becky Lynch vs. Sonya Deville: Sonya misses some kicks early on and Becky tackles her. Sonya starts to mount a comeback, but Becky stuns her with a kick. They trade arm holds until Becky sends Sonya through the ropes down to the ringside floor. Sonya pulls Becky outside and they fight at ringside over the announce table. Back in the ring, Sonya comes back and takes Becky down for a two count. Sonya works on keeping Becky grounded with a head lock. Becky fights up to her feet and comes back with a t-bone suplex for a two count. Sonya comes back with a knee strike out of the corner for a two count of her own. Mandy Rose causes a distraction from ringside and Sonya continues the offense. Becky grabs Sonya and knocks her into Mandy on the apron, then locks Sonya in the Disarm-her for the win via submission.

Winner: Becky Lynch

– Becky celebrates in the ring as Mandy recovers on the floor from having her partner slammed into her.

– James Ellsworth is backstage wearing an Asuka mask and he exchanges small talk with Tye Dillinger in the hallway.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Zelina Vega, who is next to “Cien” Almas. She says SmackDown has no challenges for Almas, and everyone should stay out of his way.

– James Ellsworth skips down to the ring as we see a replay of his interaction with Asuka last week. Ellsworth gets on the mic and says there are two types of men in this world: Men who graduated high school and talk about their feelings, and then real men like him who stand up for what they believe in. He says Asuka attacked him for no reason last week, and he knows she’s here tonight. Ellsworth tells Asuka it’s a man’s world, and when you mess with the bull you get the horns. Ellsworth says he loves and respects women, and he has a love life so hot you can fry an egg on it, and women love him too. He says when it comes to Asuka, there’s no love or respect, and he takes his hoodie off and slams it down. Ellsworth says he wasn’t ready last week, but he’s ready this week, and he dares Asuka to come down and face him tonight. Instead, SmackDown GM Paige comes out. Paige comes down to the ring and says Ellsworth knows that Asuka isn’t here this week. Paige books Carmella to defend her Women’s Title against Asuka at Extreme Rules. Ellsworth says Asuka doesn’t deserve a rematch, and he thinks Paige really came out to ask him out on a date. Paige says Ellsworth is right, and says they have a date next Tuesday. Ellsworth says yes, but Paige corrects herself and says it’s not a date with her, it’s a date with Asuka, and it will be a one on one match. Ellsworth doesn’t look so happy anymore, and Paige heads to the back.

– The Bludgeon Brothers are shown backstage, with Harper staring into the camera. Daniel Bryan is elsewhere backstage with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson helping him warm up for his match tonight.

– Daniel Bryan vs. Luke Harper: The opening bell sounds and Harper immediately backs Bryan into the corner and connects with an uppercut. Bryan dodges a shot and fires back with some kicks to Harper. Harper stuns him with a right hand and then takes Bryan out to ringside where he throws him into the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Bryan starts to fight back, but Harper shuts him down with a big clothesline. Harper rakes the eyes of Bryan and then works on keeping him grounded. Bryan sends Harper through the ropes out to ringside and he looks for a suicide dive, but Harper catches him and slams him down onto the announce table. Harper hits a running big boot on Bryan on the floor and Bryan falls into the timekeeper’s area. Back in the ring, Harper continues the offense with strikes in the corner. Bryan dodges a shot and runs the ropes, but Harper catches him with a spinning side slam for a two count. Bryan starts coming back with some kicks and he hits a series of dropkicks in the corner. Harper stops one and hits a Michinoku Driver on Bryan for a two count. Bryan tries to come back with some right hands, but Harper connects with a dropkick and both men are down. Harper lays into Bryan with chops and punches in the corner now, and he sits Bryan on the top turnbuckle. Bryan punches Harper down and hits a tornado DDT. Bryan hits the Yes Kicks until Harper stops one and hits a kick of his own. Harper misses a clothesline and Bryan looks for the Yes Lock. Harper struggles but Bryan locks it in, and then Eric Rowan runs in and breaks it up for the DQ.

Winner via DQ: Daniel Bryan

– Harper and Rowan beat down Bryan in the ring after the bell. Harper and Rowan slap each other across the face and then double team Bryan. Harper and Rowan look for the powerbomb Doomsday Device, but then Kane’s music hits and the Big Red Machine slowly walks down to the ring. Kane steps in the ring and goes at it with the Bludgeon Brothers. Harper and Rowan look to double team him, but Bryan makes the save. Kane and Bryan lay out the Bludgeon Brothers and clear the ring. Bryan has a look of disbelief on his face that Kane just returned out of nowhere to save him. Kane and Bryan have a stare-down and then hug in the ring. Bryan and Kane lead the crowd in a “yes” chant, and then Paige comes out. Paige books a match between The Bludgeon Brothers and Bryan/Kane for the Tag Team Titles at Extreme Rules. Paige heads backstage as Team Hell No celebrates in the ring and SmackDown goes off the air.

WWE Announces TV Deals With USA Network And Fox Sports

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WWE has officially announced their television deals with the USA Network and Fox Sports.

This news was first reported a few months ago but on Tuesday afternoon the sports entertainment company made it official.

WWE’s television contract was slated to expire in 2019 with the USA Network, which led to them holding meetings with the USA Network, FOX, Disney, CBS, Amazon, and YouTube.

At the time, there was a lot of speculation that WWE could sign with Fox. The reason for the potential move would be due to UFC leaving Fox as the UFC and WWE’s TV deals expire around the same time. UFC ended up signing their next TV deal with ESPN.

It’s been reported that NBC Universal declined to agree to the deal that WWE proposed to keep SmackDown Live on the USA Network. However, the TV network wanted to keep WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW, and would be willing to pay them big money in order for that to happen.

WWE noted in a press release that was issued on Tuesday that Monday Night RAW would remain on the USA Network while SmackDown Live would move to Fox and air each Friday on Fox broadcast network. Both deals are for five years. 

It’s been reported that Fox is paying WWE $1 billion over the five years for the rights to SmackDown Live. The deal averages out to around $205 million annually for the broadcast rights. NBCUniversal had reportedly paid around $30 million annually for SmackDown rights back in 2010.

WWE will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET on June 27 to discuss the contents of this release. The Company’s Co-Presidents, George A. Barrios and Michelle D. Wilson, will host the conference call.

Shinsuke Nakamura Injured, Pulled From Title Match On SmackDown Live

Andrew Ravens
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An injury has caused a change to a title match involving Shinsuke Nakamura on tonight’s WWE SmackDown Live.

Originally, the sports entertainment company announced that Nakamura would challenge Jeff Hardy for the United States Title. However, that has changed as WWE announced through social media on Tuesday afternoon that Nakamura suffered an injury at Monday’s WWE live event and is not medically cleared to compete on tonight’s show.

As of this writing, there’s no word yet on exactly the injury Nakamura sustained or how long he’ll be out of action for. Thus, Hardy will now issue an open challenge for his title on SmackDown Live.

WWE is in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena for tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live. WWE has already announced two matches for the show – Rusev vs. Xavier Woods and Peyton Royce vs. Becky Lynch. Also, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan will appear on Miz TV.

Paul Heyman Rather Watch Commercials Than RAW, Seth Rollins Calls Out Drew McIntyre (Video)

Jon Fuentes
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Heyman Rather Watch Commercials Than RAW

Glenn Rubenstein of Wrestling Inc. Tweeted out a mention to Paul Heyman during last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW, asking if The Advocate was watching the show.

Heyman responded by saying that RAW is built around challengers instead of a once in a lifetime athlete like Brock Lesnar. Heyman then said that the commercials were actually the best part of the show:

Rollins Calls Out Drew McIntyre

Last night Seth Rollins was on the verge of recapturing the Intercontinental Championship from Dolph Ziggler. Rollins and Ziggler main evented the show and were putting on an absolute classic.

Initially McIntyre accompanied Ziggler to the ring but was thrown out backstage by the referee during the match. Just when it looked like Rollins was about to win the match, McIntyre came out to break things up and attacked Rollins. The Architect won the match via disqualification, however, the title could not change hands.

Backstage WWE pulled Rollins aside for an interview. Rollins said he’ll stomp on McIntyre’s face and knock his teeth out for standing in his way of the Intercontinental Title:

WWE Follows The Young Bucks On Twitter, What Happened After RAW?

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Follows A Young Buck On Twitter

There have been plenty of rumors going around as to whether or not the WWE could sign The Young Bucks to a deal soon. The Bucks are currently enjoying success with Ring Of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), as well as selling out their self-funded All In event with Cody Rhodes.

WWE’s Twitter page shows that they recently followed Matt Jackson of The Young Bucks, sparking some speculation from fans on social media. Here’s a screenshot of who WWE is following:

WWE

What Happened After RAW?

The dark match main event for Monday Night RAW last night was Elias vs. Jinder Mahal. Unfortunately the match never got to finish as both Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns hit the ring and attacked both Elias and Mahal.

They celebrated with the crowd after clearing the ring to send them home happy and end the show.

Tatanka Comments On His WWE Career

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE Superstar from the ’90s Tatanka recently did an interview with Ringside News to talk about his run with the company. He first talked about not having ever won WWE gold during his run and how the meanings of titles have changed over the years:

“People were asking me at today’s signing, “Well, we’ve never seen you with a championship belt.” The belts were different. In today’s business, they’ve lost there meaning because they exchange hands too much.

“The belts back then, they were a tool to get someone over the top. The company also used other ways to get people over, like having a two-year undefeated streak. When it comes to the belts if you’re already a fan favorite, you don’t need a belt.” 

Tatanka then revealed his favorite televised loss of his WWE career:

“While they referred to me as The Undefeated Native American Tatanka. I finally had that first defeat against Ludvig Borga on tv, with the help of Yokounza with Mr. Fugi, it really meant something. You know, fans were like, “Oh my gosh!” 

Finally, Tatanka offered his thoughts on Ludvig Borga:

“They(WWF) really liked him and wanted to push him. Not like a Hulk Hogan but they wanted to give him a strong push, but he just didn’t get the flow of things in the ring. He was too robotic. They used him to defeat me so they could elevate his career. So it shows you just how important that two-year streak was.”

H/T NoDQ.com for the transcriptions

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