Ring Of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Cody Rhodes recently participated in an AXS TV conference call to promote the G1 Special in San Francisco. The former ROH World Champion commented on wanting to see NJPW run a tour in the United States:
“The next time you come over, if you’re NJPW, you should make a tour of it,” Cody said. “When I say a tour, I mean, let’s hit Los Angeles, let’s hit New York, let’s grow a pair — which they have — and make a run of all the ‘A’ markets and see how you do. That might be the first step into seeing what you can do consistently in the United States. “I think, next time, make a tour of it.
“They won’t, but it’d be really cool if they did. It may take some time, but I think if you hit all the ‘A’ markets you’re going to sell out or come close to it everywhere you go. And I think it’s also real important that you give them New Japan Pro Wrestling, don’t dress it up with something that they might be comfortable with … you don’t have to decorate it with American stars. What’s got them to where they are is the Japanese talent and Japanese stars. “Don’t do enough market research that you change your product.”
Rhodes went on to call 2018 an “era of choice”:
“I don’t consider this an era of competition as much as I consider it an era of choice,” Cody said. “Look at the competition and where it got us. We ran WCW out of business, we destroyed an entire region in the US in terms of their love of wrestling and WWE has had to rebuild it. I’m from Georgia, I felt the fallout of a company losing in a competition before. I don’t think it’s about competition anymore, I think it’s about choice. I hope to see more efforts made to cross those bridges.”
We are saddened to report that wrestling legend Leon White, better known to fans across the world as Vader, passed away on Monday night. He was 63 years old.
A message posted on Vader’s official Twitter account states that he was diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia last month. He fought hard and was making progress in his recovery, but ultimately his heart gave out.
Vader is widely considered one of the greatest ‘super heavyweight’ atheltes to ever lace up a pair of boots. The former NFL center had a long wrestling career, having made his debut in 1985 and competing as recently as last year.
He had memorable runs in All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, WCW, WWE and worked for various independent promotions across the world. He was a 3-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, 2-time All Japan Triple Crown Champion and 3-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
In November 2016, Vader announced that he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He underwent heart surgery back in March.
Sadly, has yet to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, despite campaigning for it on social media throughout the years. As Vader would say, it’s time.
SEScoops wishes sincere condolences to the family and friends of Leon White. RIP
It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm. pic.twitter.com/DYttSj7mk2
Loved working with Leon, loved the friendship I had with him for many years, and especially these last 8 months of his life. He will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/32cWMdH2yX
It's with sad condolences to hear that my long time friend @itsvadertime has passed away. He was a great person to manage and a great human being. pic.twitter.com/R7itvDEdpe
Maaaaan…Vader was my guy as a child and was a sweetheart when he came down to FCW to help train us. I’m forever grateful for the conversations I was able to share with him. Condolences to Leon’s son, Jesse, and the rest of his family.
R.I.P Big Leon. Did my 1st tour in Japan with you in the big seat . Thanks for showing me the ropes and yes soft shell turtle is delicious. I thought you were ribbing me pic.twitter.com/N6RTSsnCmN
Indie band The Mountain Goats have released a tribute song for WWE Superstar Sasha Banks.
“Song For Sasha Banks” was posted to the bands Bandcamp page by frontman John Darnielle on Monday.
“Last night Sasha Banks wrestled for the Money in the Bank title,” notes Darnielle, “and while she didn’t take it home this time, I’ve learned enough about where she came from and how she got to where she is now to say with confidence: The sky is the limit for you. Your walk is just beginning and the day will come when all your setbacks look like steps on a ladder.”
You can hear “Song For Sasha Banks” by The Mountain Goats Here:
Founded 1991, the Mountain Goats 2015 wrestling-themed concept album, Beat the Champ, brough in positive reviews and prompted Banks to tweet:
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) May 3, 2015
The band accepted the challenge and have been working on the tune ever since. Darnielle noted on Bandcamp, “As a territories guy I had to learn her story. I said I’d finish the song by the end of the tour; it took a little longer than that.”
Current WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar’s status with the company has been hotly debated for months now. With the reculsive champion rumored to leave the company after Summerslam, speculation has run rampant as to who he will drop the title to, as well as how WWE will handle his departure.
WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, Triple H (Paul Levesque), was asked about Lesnar’s status during Monday’s press tour for the upcoming WWE UK Championship Tournament. Triple H quickly brushed off the question,”So I think this was about the UK Tournament?” The 14-time Champion smirked.
“To be honest, I don’t have a comment on Brock, or the UFC, or any of that.”
Wether there is a plan in place or not for Lesnar and the WWE Universal Title remains to be seen, but it would seem WWE isn’t ready to say one way or the other yet.
Smackdown General Manager, Paige, and WWE host, Renee Young, recently decided to play a prank on Becky Lynch. The orange-haired Lass-Kicker arrived backstage at Smackdown but was surprised to learn that wrestlers in the back had tampered with her luggage.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkOvE7nna9H/
Becky Lynch’s Bag Smells Great
Somehow, the moral of this story turned out to be that Becky Lynch’s bag seems to smell great.
The topic of luggage was clearly still on Lynch’s mind when she Tweeted out the following:
Lynch made Billie Kay of the IIconics tap out last night to her armbar submission finish.
Praise for Becky Lynch
Lynch earned some praise recently from WWE Hall-of-Famer, Bubba Ray Dudley.
“Every time she climbed that ladder, those people were on their feet. They’re invested in her, they wanted to see her win. Hopefully, the people in the back are listening.” – Bubba Ray Dudley
Lynch was the inaugural Smackdown Live Women’s Champion, having won the title shortly after the brand extension in 2016. She won a 6-Pack Elimination Challenge at Backlash that year to win the title. She would lose the title that December at the TLC pay-per-view to Alexa Bliss, however. Lynch dropped a tables match and then a steel cage rematch to Bliss due to interference by Mickie James. She then fell out of the title picture altogether.
Matches for tonight’s episode of NXT were taped before Takeover: Chicago II inside All-State Arena. WWE is teasing they will show what happened after Takeover: Chicago II went off-air on Saturday night as well, however.
NXT Preview 6/20/18
At Takeover: Chicago II, it looked as though Johnny Gargano had defeated his rival. As medical personnel was taking Ciampa away on a stretcher, however, Gargano let his anger get the best of him. He continued the attack on Ciampa while security and others attempted to get him to stop. Somehow, the match continued on while this was all ongoing. Ciampa took advantage of Gargano being distracted by security and landed a draping DDT onto an exposed ring canvass. He then covered Gargano for a 3-count and the victory.
Now, Ciampa is saying his feud with Gargano is over and he is moving on to new goals.
This is an important match tonight for both Superstars. Belair has been coming on as of late and looks as though she could be the next to graduate into the NXT Women’s Championship picture.
As for Dakota Kai, she was beaten soundly by Shayna Baszler in her last match but finally stopped being intimidated by the champion, which is a moral victory of sorts for her.
Belair defeated Aliyah fairly soundly last week and then was involved in a dispute backstage with Kai, leading to this match tonight. Kai was being interviewed about her match with Baszler when Belair interrupted, upset she wasn’t being interviewed after her decisive win over Aliyah.
2) The War Raiders vs TM-61
TM-61 have been taking shortcuts to win matches as of late. They will need to find plenty of shortcuts to beat the surging War Raiders, however. With the Authors of Pain having been called up to the main roster (that did happen, right?), NXT’s tag division is wide open.
Currently, the Undisputed Era and teams for the UK division have been feuding over the titles.
TM-61 named the War Raiders as a team they believe they can beat in a recent interview. This upset Hanson and Ray Rowe, who will look to prove them wrong tonight.
As Rusev let go of the Accolade (camel clutch) last night following his victory in the Gauntlet match, the emotion on his face was visible. The 33-year-old has been with the company since September 2010. He will wrestle in his first ever WWE Championship match at Extreme Rules next month.
WWE.com caught up with Rusev and Aiden English following last night’s Smackdown.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before for a World Heavyweight Championship,” Rusev explained. “I couldn’t miss the chance. Aiden was there the whole way and Lana, of course, helping me morally in everything.”
Rusev vs AJ Styles at Extreme Rules 2018
Rusev and Aiden appear upset that Styles took a shot at Aiden last night. Following Rusev’s victory in the Gauntlet match, Styles came to the ring. While Styles and Rusev would shake hands, Aiden pulled his hand away from Styles just before they could shake. Styles then decked Aiden and knocked him to the ground for his trouble.
“We’re trying to have this feel-good moment, all fun and games, and all of a sudden (Styles) just punches him,” Rusev said. “I thought it was the wrong move.”
Rusev and AJ Styles have met twice in single’s competition. Both matches took place this year and both matches ended in DQs. Styles defeated Rusev via DQ on the March 13th, 2018 edition of Smackdown via DQ and again on the April 17th, 2018 version of Smackdown.
Rusev has won his last 2 single’s matches. He defeated Samoa Joe on the June 12th, 2018 edition of Smackdown. His match before then he defeated Daniel Bryan to successfully qualify for the Money in the Bank match. His only other single’s match since WrestleMania, however, was a loss to the Undertaker. Rusev was defeated by the Deadman in a Casket Match from the Greatest Royal Rumble in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Chris Jericho’s cruise this fall will feature talent from both Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling. As part of their involvement, Ring of Honor will be holding a “Sea of Honor” tournament with the winner receiving a shot at the ROH World Championship at a later date.
Jericho recently revealed the 1st round matches for the tournament.
The cruise runs from October 27th, 2018 to October 31st, 2018. The boat will sail from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas.
Sea of Honor Tournament
Jay Lethal vs BJ Whitmer
Christopher Daniels vs Delirious
Marty Scurll vs Rhett Titus
Silas Young vs Flip Gordon
Mark Briscoe vs Will Ferrara
Hangman Page vs Frankie Kazarian
Cheeseburger vs Beer City Bruiser
Jay Briscoe vs Kenny King
Also of note regarding the tournament, is that the Young Bucks are not entered. Jericho and the Bucks have teased forming a 3-person team named “The Bucks of Jericho” on the cruise.
The current IWGP Intercontinental Champion posted the following to his Instagram:
Yesterday, WWE announced they had parted ways with Smackdown talent, Big Cass. The announcement was made just hours before Smackdown went to air from Toledo, OH last night.
Also of note regarding Cass’ release is that it did not come with the normal wishing well in his future endeavors statement. WWE also chose not to wish Enzo Amore well on his future endeavors when he was released either. All other recently released WWE Superstars, including Austin Aries, Rich Swann, Darren Young, Emma, and Summer Rae were wished well by the company.
What Was Big Cass Fired For?
Sports Illustrated is reporting that multiple sources have told them that Cass’ drinking on the most recent European tour was an issue. Evidently, Cass was intoxicated often and in public during the tour. His attitude while drinking was also said to be an issue. According to SI’s Justin Barrasso, company officials were happy with Cass’ match at Money in the Bank and were surprised at his release, his attitude problems notwithstanding.
Cass was no stranger to heat while he was with WWE. There had been reports not long after he was brought up to the main roster with Enzo that Cass could be obnoxious in his political views, namely those regarding Donald Trump. Last month, Cass also upset officials when he reportedly went off-script during a segment. Cass’ character was involved in a scene with a little person dressed up as Daniel Bryan. Even though he was told not to go overboard with his beating of the little person, Cass did exactly that.
William Morrissey was signed to WWE in 2011 after being trained by Hall of Famer, Johnny Rodz. Prior to his signing, Cass played basketball for New York University. Despite being with the company for 7 years, Cass never won a title in either NXT or the main roster.
Rey Mysterio is currently negotiating a three year deal with the company which will allow the former WWE Champion to work a part-time schedule, according to LuchaCentral.
Mysterio has made a couple of appearances for WWE this year and he returned to the company after nearly 3 years of absence at Royal Rumble in January
He also wrestled in the 50 Men Battle Royal at the Mega Live Event in Saudi Arabia in April where he entered at #28 and was eliminated by Baron Corbin.
Rey has been negotiating a deal with the company ever since his return in January and Triple H is said to be the person in charge of the discussion between the two parties.
However, things have been moving slowly and after almost 6 months of his comeback at Royal Rumble, we’re still not sure when Mysterio may return to the company for a longer run.
Though these latest updates coincide with a previous report which claimed that the Masked Star wants to work a part-time schedule in WWE, opposed to the full-time contract Officials were offering him.
And after this report, it seems like Officials have agreed to his demand of a part-time schedule and it appears to be only a matter of time before Rey Mysterio is back into the WWE fold.
There were rumblings about the Ronda Rousey vs. Nia Jax match for the Raw Women’s Championship possibly closing the Money In The Bank PPV and it was a little surprising to see that it didn’t happen.
Now in an update, Pwinsider reveals that this Championship bout including the finish where Alexa Bliss cashed in her MITB Contract was indeed slated to main event the PPV at one point.
However, the Officials changed their mind sometime during the weekend and the Men’s ladder match, which of course was won by Braun Strowman ended up being the closing bout of the night.
Top Ten Raw Moments
After yesterday’s episode of Raw, WWE released a video of top 10 moments from this week’s episode of the Red Branded Show on their Official YouTube account.
The list includes moments like Dolph Ziggler’s surprising Championship victory over Seth Rollins, the backstage brawl between Sasha Banks and Bayley after their match, B-team’s promo and more.
It is topped by the opening segment of the show which saw Ronda Rousey going the Steve Austin route and assaulting everyone on her way including the Raw General Manager Kurt Angle. You can check out the full video below:
The June 19th episode of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, OH. It was the first episode of SmackDown following WWE Money in the Bank 2018. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:
Carmella Superkicked Asuka
SmackDown GM Paige kicked off this week’s episode of SmackDown by going over the events that took place at Money in the Bank. Paige hyped Extreme Rules next month and stated that there will be 5 Superstars competing in a Gauntlet Match tonight and the last Superstar remaining will face AJ Styles at Extreme Rules for the WWE Championship. Big E, Rusev, The Miz, Samoa Joe, and Daniel Bryan will be the Superstars competing in that match.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella then skipped down to the ring. Carmella retained her title at Money in the Bank over Asuka due to outside interference from a returning James Ellsworth.
Carmella got in the ring and said that she just wanted to be real with everyone for a moment. She said that she dealt with a lot of confidence issues growing up and that it was really hard for her. She added that she worked harder than everyone and that she something beautiful in herself before anyone else did.
Carmella added that she wants every young boy and girl who feels that they aren’t good enough to look in the mirror and say “Mella is money!”. Carmella then cackled and said that she has been moonwalking and trash talking since she was in diapers. She added that the real message is to just give up because you can work twice as hard as her and you will still only be half as good.
She then boasted about winning the MITB contract, defeating Charlotte Flair and then defeating Asuka this past Sunday at Money in the Bank. She then claimed that she won the match all by herself even though Ellsworth interfered in the match. She boasted about making the Empress of Tomorrow bow down to the Princess of Staten Island.
Asuka’s music hit and Ellsworth came down to the ring dressed up as Asuka. James then took off the Asuka mask and shared a hug with Carmella. Ellsworth grabbed the microphone and shouted, “no one was ready for Ellsworth, especially Asuka”. James told everyone to shut up because he had something special to say to his princess.
Ellsworth shouted that he was back to serve the greatest woman in history and pointed to Carmella. James said that Carmella is better than Charlotte, Lita, Trish Stratus, Mother Teresa, Beyonce, Ronda Rousey, and Asuka. Carmella stuck her tongue out and raised the SmackDown Women’s Championship in the air.
Asuka (the actual one) then stormed down to the ring and Carmella backed to the corner. Ellsworth took off what remained of the Asuka costume and got in Asuka’s face. Asuka booted him in the midsection but turned around into a Superkick from Carmella. The SmackDown Women’s Champion and Ellsworth then retreated up the entrance ramp as Asuka stared at them from the ring.
Becky Lynch battled Billie Kay tonight on SmackDown. Peyton Royce accompanied Kay to the ring. Before the match, The IIConics poked fun at Toledo and called the crowd smelly animals. Peyton Royce imitated Becky Lynch and said that Becky is never going to amount to anything and am so much better off as Charlotte Flair’s sidekick. Kay advised Lynch to keep living in the past because her present is abysmal.
The announcers played up the fact that there is no way Becky Lynch is 100% following the MITB Ladder Match before the match started. They also spoke about Lynch coming so close to winning the Ladder Match on Sunday and tonight was a chance for her to pick up some momentum.
Lynch took down Kay to start off the match and punched her in the face as the crowd chanted “Becky!”. Becky connected with an Exploder Suplex that sent Kay out of the ring. Lynch followed it up with a Dropkick through the ropes and rolled Kay back into the ring. Billie tried to escape once again and Becky caught her with a couple uppercuts and rolled her back into the ring. As Lynch was trying to get into the ring, Kay grabbed her and slammed her into the ring post as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Billie was still in control and had Lynch in a Headlock in the center of the ring. Becky battled to her feet but was quickly knocked down by a forearm to the chest. Kay distracted the referee and Peyton Royce connected with a knee to Lynch’s face. Billie went for the cover but Lynch kicked out at two.
Kay applied the Headlock again but Becky broke the hold by slamming Billie into the turnbuckle. Lynch followed it up with a boot to the ribs and then a flying forearm off the top rope. Lynch followed it up with a Clothesline and then a boot to the side of Kay’s face. Becky hit another Exploder Suplex for a two count.
Becky got frustrated and charged at Kay in the corner. Peyton Royce hopped up on the ring apron for a distraction but Becky threw her to the floor. Lynch threw Kay out of the ring and then hit Royce with a Suicide Dive. Back in the ring, Becky countered a roll-up attempt and applied the Dis-Arm-Her to Billie Kay for the submission victory.
Jeff Hardy Brought Back The Face Paint & Warned Nakamura
Jeff Hardy had a bizarre pretaped promo on Shinsuke Nakamura. Hardy wasn’t facing the camera as he described what Nakamura did to him last week. Hardy started that Shinsuke’s actions didn’t unsettle him at all and that they actually did the opposite.
Hardy then turned around and had face paint on. Hardy added “my eyes were closed before but now they are open. Shinsuke, I see you”. Jeff opened his eyes and he had clear contracts in.
Later on SmackDown, Renee Young caught up with Shinsuke Nakamura backstage. Nakamura claimed that he didn’t lose at Money in the Bank because he is still standing. He then accused the referee of counting too fast and that it was unfair that he didn’t count in Japanese. Nakamura then warned Hardy that he will close his eyes if he needs to.
The Usos came down to the ring and cut a promo about SAnitY coming to SmackDown tonight. Jey and Jimmy welcomed SAnitY to the Uso Penitentiary and then SAnitY’s music hit. Eric Young, Killian Dain, and Alexander Wolfe made their way down to the ring for the match.
A brawl before the match started and SAnitY beatdown The Usos. Dain connected with a Splash in the corner and then delivered a Splash to Jimmy Uso. Wolfe then lifted Jey in the air and Young planted Jey with a Neckbreaker off the second rope. SAnitY then posed over The Usos.
Gallows & Anderson got another chance at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships tonight when they faced the Bludgeon Brothers. Gallows & Anderson lost to Harper & Rowan this past Sunday on the Kickoff Show before WWE Money in the Bank.
Harper and Rowan started off the match in control. Rowan perched Gallows up on the top rope and started punching him in the face. Rowan joined Gallows on the top rope and planted him with a massive Superplex. Rowan went for the cover but Anderson broke it up. The Bludgeon Brothers brought Anderson out of the ring and slammed him into the ring apron.
Back in the ring, Rowan connected with a Splash on Gallows for a near fall. Harper tagged in and continued to beatdown Gallows. Rowan got back in and dropped a knee into Gallow’s midsection. Gallows tried to fight back but Rowan quickly knocked him back down with an elbow to the face.
Harper tagged in and clubbed Gallows in the back. Harper sent Gallows to the corner and Gallows connected with a boot to Rowan on the apron. Gallows then kicked Harper in the face as Anderson made his way back to the ring apron. Anderson tagged in and made his way to the top rope. Anderson connected with a Crossbody and followed it up with a Spinebuster for a two count.
Rowan got back into the ring and Anderson was able to send him back to the outside. Harper then planted Anderson with a Side Slam for a two count. Gallows pulled Rowan off the apron and Rowan booted him into the timekeeper’s area. Harper then Powerbombed Anderson as Rowan was the legal man. Rowan then covered Anderson to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Rusev Will Face AJ Styles For The WWE Championship At Extreme Rules
Daniel Bryan was the first Superstar in the Gauntlet Match. The winner of the Gauntlet Match will face AJ Styles at WWE Extreme Rules for the WWE Championship. Bryan made his entrance quickly after the Bludgeon Brothers won their match and there was a brief staredown on the entrance ramp.
Big E was the second Superstar in the Gauntlet Match. Bryan and Big E locked up in the middle of the ring. Big E lifted Bryan in the air and launched him across the ring but Daniel landed on his feet. They locked up again and Big E overpowered Daniel brought him to the mat.
Bryan hopped back up but was once again thrown across the ring by Big E. Big E followed it up with a shoulder tackle. Bryan brought Big E to the canvas and locked in a Dragon Sleeper Hold in the middle of the ring. Big E broke the hold with a punch to the face. Bryan drove his knee into Big E’s back and kept him on the mat.
Big E battled to his feet and elbowed Bryan in the face. Big E then connected with an overhead Belly to Belly Suplex that sent Bryan to the apron. Big E then hit a Splash on the apron and Bryan fell to the floor outside the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Bryan missed with a diving headbutt and Big E went for the cover. Bryan kicked out but Big E locked him in the Torture Rack in the middle of the ring. Bryan escaped and leveled Big E with a Clothesline. Bryan slammed Big E into the middle turnbuckle and delivered a few Yes Kicks in the corner.
Bryan perched Big E on the top rope and connected with a Hurricanrana that sent Big E to the opposite corner. Bryan geared up as the crowd chanted “yes!”. Bryan hit two running Dropkicks in a row but Big E hit a Clothesline when he went for a third. Big E connected with a Backbreaker and went for the cover but Bryan was able to kick out at two. Daniel wrestled Big E to the canvas and went for the Yes Lock.
Big E blocked it and then Bryan went for a Triangle submission. Big E lifted Bryan in the air but Daniel escaped and slammed Big E’s knee into the mat. Bryan went for the Heel Hook but Big E was already at the ropes. Daniel hit a couple uppercuts but Big E shrugged them off and sent Bryan to the corner. Big E sent Bryan to the apron and hit him with a Spear that sent both Superstars to the floor outside the ring.
The crowd chanted “this is awesome!” as the action returned to the ring. Bryan escaped the Big Ending and launched Big E into the ring post. Bryan then hit the running knee for the pinfall victory. Big E was eliminated from the Gauntlet Match. Samoa Joe was the next Superstar in the match to face Daniel Bryan.
Joe beatdown Bryan in the corner to start off the match. Joe hit a series of chops that turned Bryan’s chest red and knocked him to the canvas. AJ Styles was shown watching the match backstage as Joe continued to beat the hell out of Bryan in the ring. Bryan battled back with some chops and kicks. Bryan charged at Joe but Joe was ready and planted him with an awesome Powerslam for a two count.
Samoa Joe went back to the chops and then delivered a kick to Bryan’s midsection. Bryan once again battled back with chops and kicks and the crowd chanted “yes!” at every impact. Joe caught Bryan and planted him with a Powerbomb. Joe then locked in the Boston Crab in the middle of the ring.
Joe transitioned into the Crossface as Bryan screamed in agony and reached for the ropes. Joe grabbed Bryan’s arm but Bryan extended his leg to reach the bottom rope and break the hold. Joe went for a kick to the chest but Bryan caught his leg and took him down with a Dragon Screw. Bryan slammed Joe’s leg into the ring post a couple times and followed it up with an uppercut. Samoa Joe battled back with an Atomic Drop, a boot to the face, and a Senton for a two count as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Joe was still in control of the match. Bryan battled back and the two Superstars started trading massive chops to the chest. Joe went for the Coquina Clutch but Bryan escaped and threw Joe out of the ring. Bryan connected with a knee to the face off the ring apron and then brought Joe back into the ring. Bryan climbed to the top rope and connected with a Dropkick.
Bryan fired himself up as the crowd chanted “yes!”. Daniel hit Joe with a series of Yes Kicks in the middle of the ring. Joe grabbed Bryan’s leg but Bryan connected with an Enziguri with the free leg. Bryan then went for the running knee but Joe rolled out of the ring. Bryan bounced off the ropes and tried to dive at Joe but Joe caught him in the Coquina Clutch. Bryan pushed off the barricade to escape the hold and leaped in the ring at the count of 9. Joe didn’t make it back to the ring and was counted out.
The Bludgeon Brothers then got into the ring and Powerbombed Daniel Bryan. The Miz then sprinted to the ring as he was the next Superstar in the match. The Miz planted Bryan with the Skull Crushing Finale and pinned him. Bryan was eliminated and The Miz disrespectfully threw Bryan out of the ring and taunted him.
The final two Superstars in the Gauntlet Match were Rusev and The Miz. Rusev started off in control and planted Miz with a Dropkick for a two count. Aiden English was ringside for the match and cheered Rusev on as he beatdown Miz in the corner. Rusev connected with a Fallaway Slam for a near fall. WWE Champion AJ Styles was once again shown backstage watching the match as The Miz sent Rusev out of the ring. The Miz followed it up with a Dropkick through the ropes as English shouted at Rusev to get up because “this is our day”.
The Miz slammed Rusev into the barricade and then threw him back into the ring. Miz delivered a boot to the face and went for the cover but Rusev kicked out at two. The Miz then applied a Chin Lock in the center of the ring. Rusev battled to his feet and broke the hold with a couple of jabs to The Miz’s ribs. Miz connected with a Neckbreaker for another two count.
Miz hit a Clothesline in the corner and then made his way to the top rope and bashed Rusev in the head for a two count. The Miz applied a Chin Lock and raked at Rusev’s eyes while the referee wasn’t in position. The crowd got behind Rusev as he inched his way to the bottom rope to break the hold.
Rusev connected with a boot to the face and then traded shots with The Miz in the middle of the ring. Rusev connected with a flurry of kicks and then followed it up with a massive spin kick that sent Miz to the floor. The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev geared up in the corner. The Miz dodged the Machka Kick and went for the Skull Crushing Finale but Rusev blocked it.
Rusev hit another kick to the side of The Miz’s head for a near fall. The Miz rolled out of the ring to try to regroup but Rusev followed him and quickly brought him back inside. The Miz hung up Rusev on the top rope and then threw Rusev into the steel steps. The Miz went for a cover back in the ring but Rusev was able to kick out at the last moment.
The Miz connected with a few It Kicks in the ring and went for another one but Rusev dodged it. Rusev went for the Accolade but Miz countered into a DDT for a two count. The Miz mocked Daniel Bryan by doing the “yes chant” in the corner and then ran towards Rusev. Rusev was ready and connected with the Machka Kick that knocked The Miz to the mat. Rusev then locked in the Accolade for the submission victory. Rusev will now face AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules.
After the match, WWE Champion AJ Styles walked down to the ring with the title on his shoulder. Styles slid into the ring and placed the title in between them on the canvas. AJ and Rusev stared at each other and AJ extended his hand. Rusev shook AJ’s hand and then Aiden English extended his hand. English pulled his hand away and then mocked AJ Styles. AJ then punched English in the face and exited the ring. Rusev started yelling at English as SmackDown went off the air.
Opinion: Tonight’s episode of SmackDown was awesome. The Gauntlet Match lasted nearly an hour and there wasn’t a dull moment. Big E & Bryan had a fantastic match to kick it off and then Bryan & Joe followed it up with another great bout. It will be interesting to see where the Daniel Bryan/ Bludgeon Brothers storyline leads to leading up until Extreme Rules in four weeks. Rusev is a great choice to face AJ Styles for the title because the crowd is behind both of them. There have been rumors that Rusev and Aiden English will be going there seperate ways soon and we may have seen the beginning of that at the conclusion of tonight’s SmackDown.
What did you think of this week’s episode of SmackDown? Let us know in the comments below.
A new #1 contender for the WWE Title was crowned on SmackDown Live.
Rusev beat Big E, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, and Samoa Joe in a Gauntlet Match on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Toledo, OH at the Huntington Center on the USA Network.
This match ended up serving as the main event of this episode, which was the post-Money in the Bank show for the blue brand.
As a result of this win, Rusev will now challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Title at the upcoming Extreme Rules pay-per-view event that 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.
The Card
– Multi-Man Match to Determine New #1 Contender for WWE Universal Title: Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley vs. More Superstars TBA
SAnitY has finally made their WWE television debut as members of the main roster.
As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Toledo, OH at the Huntington Center on the USA Network, the group was supposed faced off against The Usos in a tag team match. However, they beat down the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions and there was no match.
If you recall, the sports entertainment company decided to call up the group that consists of Eric Young, Killian Dain, and Alexander Wolfe from NXT to the main roster and placed them on the SmackDown brand shortly after WrestleMania 34 in April.
WWE has aired vignettes to hype their debut since then. They recently made their live event debut earlier this month at a live event in Waco, Texas.
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on the creative plans in place for them by the sports entertainment company.
What do you think WWE should do with the former NXT stable?
Ring of Honor has made a change to a key match at the upcoming Best in the World PPV.
Originally, the promotion announced that Punishment Martinez would take on Adam Page in a singles match at this show. However, the promotion had to make a change to this contest once Martinez was able to capture the ROH World Television Title by defeating Silas Young over the weekend at an event in Dallas, TX at Gilley’s Dallas.
Now, Martinez will defend the TV Title against Page in a Street Fight at Best in the World.
JUST ANNOUNCED: New #ROH World TV Champion @ROHPunishment will defend against @theAdamPage in a BALTIMORE STREET FIGHT at #ROHBITW!
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) June 19, 2018
This event 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. The promotion will be announcing more matches soon.
Shawn Michaels continues to talk about potentially working another match.
The WWE Hall of Famer recently went on record by stating that he would consider working another match if the opportunity came about.
He did bring up the idea of working a tag team match with Triple H if he did decide to compete one more time in a WWE ring.
While in the UK this week, Michaels spoke with the Daily Star about various topics. In this interview, he continued to talk about his hesitation on working another match at this stage in his life. “I am guilty of not really wanting to work for a living. To put me in a singles match at [WrestleMania] it’s a very strenuous and anxious process, once you get in there it’s phenomenal,” Michaels said. “But to get ready for it is 100% work, and I don’t want to put myself or my family through that to go out and try and steal the show at 52 for God’s sakes.” “If you take the younger version of me and put me in with [the younger guys] course it would be a blast,” Michaels said. “But at the same time I would like to be the younger version of me and be the ring with Harley Race and Buddy Rodgers. That’s something that can’t happen in real life. … Fans want me to nip up and have everything look like it’s 1996 or 1997, that’s never gonna happen as Father Time waits on no man.”
The WWE Hall of Famer has had a storied career in the professional industry and will go down as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
He has held every big championship that WWE has to offer and had some classic matches as well as a feud with the biggest names in pro wrestling. Those names would include The Undertaker, Steve Austin, Triple H, and Ric Flair.
What are your thoughts on Michaels potentially wrestling one more match?
The results are in from day two of the WWE NXT UK Title tournament.
The sports entertainment company held the tapings at Royal Albert Hall in London, England on Tuesday afternoon. This event will air on the WWE Network on June 26th.
Here are the spoilers for the show:
Tyler Bate and Trent Seven defeated Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong to become the new NXT Tag Team Champions. Charlie Morgan defeated Killer Kelly Noam Dar defeated Flash Morgan Webster, Travis Banks and Mark Andrews in a Fatal 4 Way to become the new #1 contender to the WWE UK Title. NXT North American Champion Adam Cole retained over Wolfgang. NXT Champion Aleister Black and Ricochet defeated EC3 and The Velveteen Dream NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler retained over Toni Storm by count out. WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne retained over Zack Gibson. After the match, Triple H, Dunne, GM Johnny Saint, NXT Superstars and the entire UK roster came out to the ring and stood in the ring while Triple H thanked the crowd.
The June 19th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, OH, and is the first episode after Sunday’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view.
– Fans have now been seated in the Huntington Center and this week’s episode of SmackDown Live will be starting shortly.
– Tonight’s broadcast opens with SmackDown GM Paige backstage talking about what happened at Money In The Bank on Sunday. She says we’re now just 4 weeks away from Extreme Rules, and tonight they’ll determine who will face AJ Styles at that pay-per-view. She announces a gauntlet match later tonight with Big E, Rusev, The Miz, Samoa Joe, and Daniel Bryan all fighting it out for the shot at AJ’s WWE Title.
– Women’s Champion Carmella comes out to the ring and gets on the mic. She makes some jokes about not lacking any confidence, because Mella Is Money, and she tells the rest of the roster that they could work twice as hard as her and only be half as good. She talks about beating Charlotte twice, and then beating Asuka all by herself. Asuka’s music hits, but instead James Ellsworth comes out again dressed as Asuka. He takes his mask off and shares a laugh about it with Carmella. Ellsworth gets on the mic and makes fun of Asuka. He says he’s back, and he’s back to serve the greatest woman in history — “better than Charlotte, Lita, Trish Stratus, Mother Teresa, Beyonce, Ronda Rousey, and Asuka.” Asuka’s music hits again, and this time the real Asuka comes out and hits the ring. Asuka steps to Ellsworth and they exchange words. Asuka kicks Ellsworth down, and then Carmella hits a cheap shot on Asuka. Carmella and Ellsworth escape up the ramp while Asuka recovers in the ring.
– Still to come: Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows vs. The Bludgeon Brothers
– Becky Lynch is shown backstage looking in the mirror and putting goggles on her head.
– The Iiconics come out and cut a brief promo calling the fans in the building smelly animals, and then they trash Becky Lynch. Becky’s music hits, and we have a match.
– Becky Lynch vs. Billie Kay: The opening bell sounds and Becky starts off with a flurry of punches. She hits a suplex and Billie rolls outside to recover. Becky and Billie fight around ringside until Billie throws Becky into the ring post. Billie takes control of this one now and beats Becky own around ringside. Back in the ring, Peyton cheap-shots Becky from ringside while the ref isn’t looking. Becky finally starts fighting back and hits a flying punch off the turnbuckle, and she follows up with some clotheslines and a kick. Becky hits a suplex for a two count. Becky gets distracted by Peyton at ringside, but Billie is unable to capitlize on it and Becky dumps her outside. Becky goes flying off the apron and hits Peyton. Back in the ring, Billie looks for a roll-up, but Becky quickly locks in the Disarmher for the win via submission.
Winner: Becky Lynch
– Becky celebrates in the ring while Peyton helps Billie to the back.
– The broadcast team shows us some footage of Shinsuke Nakamura beating on Jeff Hardy previously on SmackDown. We then go to a pre-taped promo from Jeff Hardy, where Jeff talks about Nakamura’s attack on him last week. Jeff talks about the effect this attack had on him, and he turns around to show he has eyes painted on his eyelids. He opens his eyes and has some white contact lenses in, and he looks into the camera and tells Nakamura that he sees him.
– We see a promo video for Sanity featuring their silhouettes on a wall. They make their SmackDown debut next against The Usos.
– Daniel Bryan does an interview backstage where he talks about his intentions to win tonight’s gauntlet match, and he makes Renee Young say she thinks he’s going to win tonight.
– The Usos comes out to the ring and they get on the mic to talk about their upcoming match against Sanity. They talk about Sanity trying to make a name for themselves tonight, and they welcome them to the Uso penitentiary.
– The Usos vs. Sanity: The Usos attack before the opening bell, but it turns into a three-on-two assault by Sanity. Killian Dain, Alexander Wolfe and Eric Young continue to beat down Jimmy and Jey with double team moves. Sanity poses in the ring before leaving, and this match is over before it ever began.
Winners: No contest
– Shinsuke Nakamura does an interview in the back about his loss at Money In The Bank on Sunday. He also addresses Jeff Hardy, and he warns Hardy not to ever cross him again.
– Karl Anderson & Luke Karlson vs. The Bludgeon Brothers (c): The Bludgeon Brothers’ Tag Titles are on the line in this one. Rowan and Gallows start this one off throwing big strikes. Gallows hits a big boot on Rowan and then he knocks Harper outside. Anderson looks for a suicide dive on Harper, but Harper catches him and slams him down. Meanwhile in the ring, Rowan drops Gallows and then takes him up to the turnbuckle. Rowan hits a superplex on Gallows for a two count, and then Rowan and Harper double team Anderson at ringside. Back in the ring, Rowan hits a splash on Gallows for a two count. Harper tags in now and continues the offense on Gallows. Rowan tags back in and keeps Gallows grounded with a head lock. Harper is back in now and they take turns pummeling on Gallows. Gallows fires back with a big boot and an uppercut. He kicks Harper down, and then he tags in Anderson. Anderson comes flying in off the top rope with a splash on Harper. Anderson follows up with a spinebuster on Harper for a two count. Anderson dumps Rowan down to the floor, and the distraction leans to Harper hitting a side suplex for a two count. Rowan drops Gallows at ringside, and then Rowan tags in. Rowan and Harper hit the double team powerbomb on Anderson for the three count.
Winners & still Tag Team Champions: The Bludgeon Brothers
– Harper and Rowan hold up their Tag Titles and then head to the back. Before they make it backstage, Daniel Bryan comes out to the ring and walks past The Bludgeon Brothers. They have a brief stare-down on the ramp, but Bryan keeps walking past them. The 5-man gauntlet match to determine the #1 contender for AJ’s Title is up next.
– The Miz is shown warming up in his locker room. Rusev is backstage getting a pep talk from Aiden English. Samoa Joe is backstage warming up, and Big E is shown getting carried through the hallway by Kofi and Xavier. They’re all getting ready for tonight’s gauntlet match main event.
– 5-man Gauntlet Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Big E will start off this gauntlet. The opening bell sounds and Big E overpowers Byan early on. Bryan tries to wrestle Big E down to the mat, but Big E picks him up and tosses him down. Bryan finally gets a hold of Big E on the mat and he locks in a dragon sleeper. Big E escapes, but Bryan connects with several kicks. Bryan works over Big E’s arm and takes him down to the mat again. Big E escapes and hits a belly to belly suplex, and then he lays Bryan across the apron and hits a running splash. Big E beats Bryan down round ringside and rams him into the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Bryan starts mounting a comeback, but he misses a splash off the top rope and Big E takes advantage. Bryan fights back with a clothesline and both men are down. Big E charges at Bryan, but Bryan drop-toe-holds him into the middle turnbuckle. Bryan hits a series of kicks on Big E in the corner, then takes him up to the top rope. Bryan hits a Frankensteiner off the top, and Big E is hurt. Bryan hits some running kicks in the corner, but after the second one Big E comes back with a big clothesline. Big E hits a backbreaker for a two count. Big E goes for a submission, but Bryan reverses it into a Yes Lock attempt. Big E breaks free, but Bryan is still able to apply a triangle choke. Big E looks for a powerbomb, but Bryan escapes and works over Big E’s knee. Big E misses a clothesline and Bryan hops out to the apron. Big E runs the ropes and spears Bryan through the ropes down to the ringside floor. Back in the ring, Big E misses a shot in the corner and hits the ring post. Bryan capitalizes with a knee to the face and covers for the three count, and Big E has now been eliminated.
Samoa Joe is out next, and now its Joe vs. Bryan. Joe starts off strong and backs Bryan into the corner with strikes. Bryan starts to fire back with some kicks and they run the ropes, but Joe catches him with a spinning powerslam. Joe lays into Bryan now with kicks and chops. Bryan fires back with some kicks and chops of his own. Bryan looks for a huricanrana, but Joe powerbombs him down. Joe puts Bryan in a crab, and then an STF, and then a crossface. Bryan finally gets his foot on the rope and ref breaks the hold. Joe throws a kick but Bryan catches it and takes Joe down by the leg. Bryan starts working over Joe’s knee now and he smashes it against the ring post. Joe comes back with a big boot and a senton for a two count. Joe boots Bryan in the face a few times and lays into him with chops. Bryan comes back with some chops of his own, but Joe ties him up in a sleeper hold. Bryan sends Joe through the ropes, and both men are down. Bryan’s chest is red from chops. Bryan gets on the apron and goes flying off with a knee to the face of Joe on the floor. Back in the ring, Bryan hits a missile dropkick on Joe. Bryan follows up with more kicks on Joe while he’s grounded. Joe blocks a kick, but Bryan follows up with an enziguri. Bryan looks for a knee to the head, but Joe dodges it and rolls outside. Bryan follows him outside, but Joe catches him in the Coquina Clutch at ringside. Bryan fights free and gets in the ring before the ref’s 10 count, but Joe is just a second too late, and the ref counts out Joe for the elimination.
Before Bryan’s next opponent in the gauntlet can come out, Luke Harper and Eric Rowan come back out and hit the ring. They quickly beat down Bryan and leave. The Miz comes out and hits the ring fast, then immediately hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Bryan. Miz pins Bryan for the three count, and now Bryan is eliminated.
Rusev is out next, and Aiden English is with him. It’s down to Miz vs. Rusev now, and the winner will get a shot at AJ Styles’ WWE Championship at Extreme Rules. Rusev takes the fight to Miz early on and controls this one. The Miz tries to mount a comeback and hit a shot in the corner, but Rusev catches him and slams him down for a two count. AJ Styles is shown backstage watching on a monitor. Rusev charges at Miz, but Miz ducks and dumps Rusev outside. The Miz follows up with a dropkick to Rusev on the floor, and The Miz briefly gets distracted by English. Miz and Rusev fight back into the ring and Miz boots him in the face for a two count. The Miz hits a backbreaker and neckbreaker for another two count, and then he chokes Rusev in the corner until the ref breaks it up. The Miz hits a running clothesline in the corner and then goes up top. The Miz hits a flying axe handle strike on Rusev for a two count. The Miz gauges Rusev’s eyes when the ref isn’t looking, then takes him down again. Rusev blocks a shot and boots Miz in the face, then they start trading punches in the middle of the ring. Rusev fires up and boots Miz down, then hits a splash in the corner. Rusev follows up with a spinning heel kick and Miz goes down. Rusev looks for the big boot, but Miz dodges it. The Miz looks for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Rusev overpowers him and escapes. They fight in the corner, which leads to Rusev kicking Miz in the head for a two count. The Miz rolls outside to kill some time before Rusev follows him out. This leads to Miz throwing Rusev into the ring steps, then back in the ring. The Miz kicks Rusev several times, then hits a DDT for a two count. Miz wastes some time mocking Danie Bryan, which leads to Rusev dropping Miz and locking him in The Accolade for the win.
Winner: Rusev
– Rusev and English celebrate after the match. Rusev will be getting a Title shot at Extreme Rules. AJ Styles’ music hits and the Champ comes down the ramp. AJ steps in the ring and sets down the WWE Title and has a stare-down with Rusev. AJ and Rusev shake hands, and AJ reluctantly goes to shake Aiden English’s hand, but Aiden yanks his hand away at the last second. AJ punches Aiden down and leaves. Rusev helps Aiden up as SmackDown goes off the air.
WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated tag team performers in the history of the industry Bubba Ray Dudley recently made some comments on the fan support for WWE Smackdown Live competitor Becky Lynch.
Becky appeared at the Money In The Bank PPV this past Sunday as one of the Women’s roster Superstars competing in the MITB match. Bubba Ray’s comments on Becky were reflecting the huge fan reaction to the ‘Lass Kicker,’ he stated that “Every time she climbed that ladder, those people were on their feet. They’re invested in her, they wanted to see her win. Hopefully the people in the back are listening.” WWE Raw Superstar Alexa Bliss eventually won the bout and cashed in her Championship opportunity later that night successfully against Nia Jax.
Do you feel that Becky Lynch is a Superstar that WWE should be doing more with? Should she be the next challenger for Carmella’s Smackdown Live Women’s Championship? Let us know your comments below.
A new match has been announced for tonight’s WWE SmackDown Live.
This match will have gold on the line and is a rematch from WWE’s most recent PPV. As seen on the pre-show of Sunday’s (June 17, 2018) WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view event in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena on the WWE Network, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan successfully retained the SmackDown Tag Team Titles over Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
SmackDown General Manager Paige announced on her official Twitter account this afternoon that The Bludgeon Brothers would defend the titles against Anderson and Gallows on tonight’s SmackDown Live.
“#MITB was exciting! … but that was Sunday. This is Tuesday and tonight is #SDLive! So let’s make an exciting title match… Soooo the tag team champions, the #BludgeonBrothers will defend their titles against @LukeGallowsWWE and @KarlAndersonWWE.”
WWE is in Toledo, OH at the Huntington Center for tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live. As noted, Sanity making their SmackDown debut against The Usos and Becky Lynch wrestling Billie Kay has already been confirmed.
Also booked for this show is a Gauntlet Match to determine who will challenge WWE Champion AJ Styles at WWE Extreme Rules. The match will see Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz vs. Samoa Joe vs. Rusev vs. Big E.
Independent promotion Chikara has begun announcing the teams for their upcoming ‘King of Trios’ tournament. King of Trios is Chikara’s biggest event and the annual extravaganza has been a staple of the promotion since 2007.
One of the announced teams, dubbed ‘The Nexus Alliance’ will see former WWE Superstars Darren Young, Justin Gabriel and Michael Tarver team for the first time since their run as part of the Nexus stable in WWE.
Justin Gabriel (now known as PJ Black) has arguably been the most active member of the team since his departure from WWE in 2015, having appeared for the likes of Global Force Wrestling, IMPACT, Lucha Underground and UK promotions such as XWA UK, IPW:UK, Rev Pro, 5* and PCW.
Darren Young took part in his final WWE match in October of 2017 at a house show teaming with Curt Hawkins in a losing effort against Goldust and Titus O’Neill. The former WWE Superstar’s only other recognised independent appearance this year came at Big Time Wrestling in May.
Michael Tarver’s last independent appearance came in January for Brain Buster Pro Wrestling where he won their Heavyweight Championship.
King of Trios is set to begin on Labour Day weekend.
One WWE star has made his return to in-ring action after being on the sidelines with an injury.
That star is 205 Live talent Noam Dar, who competed at day two of the WWE NXT UK Title tournament on Tuesday (June 19, 2018) at Royal Albert Hall in London, England by surprising the crowd when he took part in a Fatal Four-Way bout, which will air on the WWE Network on June 26th.
the other wrestlers involved in this match were Mark Andrews, Morgan Webster, and Travis Baxter.
The cruiserweight star has been out of action following a knee surgery in November 2017 after suffering a meniscus tear during a Fatal Four-Way bout on RAW. Once his injury was announced, the expected recovery time was five months before he could return to the ring. He just passed the six-month mark. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on what the sports entertainment company has planned for Dar on 205 Live on the WWE Network.
What are your thoughts on what WWE should do with Dar going forward?
PROGRESS has announced that their ATLAS Championship will be defended at their upcoming Chapter 72 event ‘Got Got Need’ from the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London.
Reigning Champion and British Wrestling Legend Doug Williams will be defending his belt against Michael Dante. Fans who aren’t aware of Dante will most likely know his former tag team partner from the Sumerian Death Squad…Aleister Black.
Dante earned his opportunity to challenge Williams at Chapter 71 when he defeated Damien Corvin. Williams himself became the Heavyweight/’Big Lads’ division Champion at Chapter 69 ‘Be Here Now’ when he defeated WWE UK star Joesph Conners, Rampage Brown and Rob Lynch in a fatal four way match.
This announcement follows the news that PROGRESS World Champion Travis Banks will be defending his title against the ‘World Cup’ winner Chuck Mambo. Banks recently took part in the WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament and is likely going to be part of the UK roster going forward however this has not yet been confirmed.
John Cena found himself in quite a predicament with the Ford Motor Company not too long ago.
The company sued the 16-time WWE World Champion for selling a Ford GT he bought that included a contract saying he couldn’t sell it until two years after he had purchased it. Cena got the Ford GT in September of 2017. He sold the vehicle a month later. After Cena sold the $450,000 Ford GT, the motor company sued him that November.
In addition to the cost of the car, Ford was seeking $75,000 in damages. Cena claimed the terms of not being allowed to sell the car were not made aware to him and he asked the judge to throw out the case in February.
According to a report from Autoblog, Cena and Ford have come to an out-of-court settlement on the matter. Cena will give Ford an undisclosed amount in the form of a settlement, and Ford is prepared to donate it to charity.
Cena released the following statement on the matter:
“I love the Ford GT and apologize to Ford, and encourage others who own the car to respect the contract. I am pleased we could resolve this matter outside of court, and that a worthy charity will benefit from one of the most iconic cars in the world.”
A big title change occurred at Tuesday’s WWE NXT UK Title Tournament taping.
The sports entertainment company held day two of the tapings at Royal Albert Hall in London, England this afternoon. This event will air on the WWE’s streaming service, WWE Network, on June 26th.
At the tapings, Tyler Bate & Trent Seven, known as Moustache Mountain, beat Undisputed ERA’s Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly to win the NXT Tag Team Titles. The win marks Bate & Seven’s first reign with the titles. WWE.com has since published a story announcing the news.
The Undisputed ERA held the titles up to this point for over 200 days as they won the straps from Sanity (Alexander Wolfe and Eric Young) back in November of 2017 during an episode of NXT on the WWE Network.
We will have full spoilers from this taping later this afternoon.
