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MITB Qualifiers Tonight On SmackDown, Next Table For 3 Special

Andrew Ravens
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Tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown Live takes place from Baltimore, MD at the Royal Farms Arena. The show will feature three Money in the Bank qualifying matches:

  • Daniel Bryan vs. Rusev
  • United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz
  • Peyton Royce vs. Charlotte Flair

Also, SmackDown General Manager Paige has revealed on Twitter that she would be kicking off the show. She sent out the following tweet:

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/993653884924186624

– Casey of Squared Circle Sirens has provided some details on an episode of Table for 3 that features former WWE RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss, WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita.

In this episode, they will be talking about Alexa’s pet pig Larry Steve, Lita’s start in Mexico, reflecting on the business, and Trish finding yoga. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on when this episode will air.

Reason Why Ronda Rousey Missed This Week’s Episode Of WWE RAW

Andrew Ravens
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7

Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey was handling some non-WWE duties on Monday night (May 7, 2018).

She did not appear on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Uniondale, NY at the Nassau Coliseum on the USA Network.

WWE has revealed that the reason she did not appear on the show is due to her currently filming for Shark Week, which begins Sunday, July 22 on Discovery.

As of this writing, there’s no word yet on if the former UFC champion is expected to return to the sports entertainment company’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW, next week as that show will be taped in London, England at the O2 Arena.

Rousey has shared this video on her official Instagram account:

https://instagram.com/p/BiXqXxSDA_Q/?utm_source=ig_embed

What are your thoughts on Rousey missing this show? Sound off in the comment section below.

Triple H Discusses Growing WWE NXT Into Global Brand

Andrew Ravens
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The vision that Triple H has for the WWE NXT brand continues to move forward.

Before NXT, which Triple H created, WWE had OVW and other developmental brands to get talents that they saw as draws ready for the big stage. At the time, the indie scene was a totally different place than it is right now.

Triple H believed that they needed to build within instead of reach out to other promotions and grab their talent. Thus, NXT was born, and later WWE created the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

During a recent interview with Planeta Wrestling, the former WWE Champion opened up on wanting to grow the NXT into a global brand. Here is what he had to say (transcript courtesy of Wrestling Inc):

“Those are our goals over time. Whether that would be in the Middle East, or India, or South America or Latin America, it all comes down to timing, they all take time and partnerships. They take significant business dealings. It is all in the process. Would I love for NXT to be this global, international brand in all the markets that I mentioned? Absolutely! It is all going to take time.”

https://youtu.be/P6TaQFkZfns

What are your thoughts on Triple H’s vision for the brand? Sound off in the comment section below.

WWE RAW Results & Live Discussion (5/7)

Eric Lynch
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The May 7th, 2018 edition of WWE RAW took place at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, and was the first episode after Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view.

– Michael Cole welcomes us to the Nassau Coliseum, and he’s joined by Corey Graves and Jonathan Coachman at the broadcast table.

– RAW GM Kurt Angle comes out to kick off the show. Ladders are set up around the stage to promote the upcoming Money In The Bank pay-per-view. Angle steps in the ring and gets on the mic, and he confirms that there will be a men’s ladder match and women’s ladder match at Money In The Bank this year. Angle says RAW will decide their Money In The Bank combatants in the ring, with two qualifying matches tonight. Braun Strowman comes out to interrupt.

Strowman gets on the mic and tells a story about not being allowed in a neighborhood treehouse when he was a kid, so he destroyed it. Angle says Braun has been on a roll lately and deserves a shot at Money In The Bank. Kevin Owens comes out to interrupt, and says he’s the one who deserves the spot. He says he’s already the RAW MVP, and rants about being more deserving than Braun. Angle starts going back and forth with Owens, but Braun interrupts and says the only thing Owens deserves is to get these hands. This leads to Angle booking Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens tonight in a MITB qualifying match, and that match starts right now. Angle’s music hits and the fans chant “You Suck” as the Olympic gold medalist heads to the back.

– Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens: The winner of this match will get a spot in the men’s Money In The Bank ladder match. The opening bell sounds and Owens unloads with strikes on Strowman to start off. Strowman grabs Owens and tosses him across the ring, knocking down the ref in the process. Owens tries to fight back, but Braun beats him down all over the ring. Braun throws Owens outside, and Owens hops over the barricade to try to escape. Braun brings Owens back to the ringside area, but Owens drops him on the floor with a tornado DDT. Strowman misses a shot in the corner and crashes into the ring post, and he doesn’t get back in the ring until the ref’s 8 count. Owens is waiting for Braun in the ring and unloads on him, and the fight spills back out to ringside. Braun hits Owens with a big running shoulder tackle into the fan barricade, and the back of Owens’ head hits the top of the barricade. Braun takes Owens back in the ring and hits the running powerslam for the three count.

Winner: Braun Strowman

– Strowman poses after the match and gets a pop from the New York crowd. Cole explains on commentary that Strowman now has a shot at the Money In The Bank ladder match, and if he goes on to win that, he gets a Title shot whenever he wants.

– We see a shot of the outside of the Nassau Coliseum as the sun sets and the flags blow in the wind.

– Roman Reigns is backstage for an interview. Reigns tells Mike Rome that he’s pissed off and he’s going to go take control of his yard. Reigns says he will mow down anyone in his way of getting back what’s his: The WWE Universal Title.

– Michael Cole introduces some pre-taped video promos from Bayley and Breezango talking about Money In The Bank.

– Kurt Angle is backstage looking at Goldust with a confused look on his face. Goldust breathes at him, and quotes “Million Dollar Baby” before telling Kurt he needs a shot at Money In The Bank. Jinder Mahal interrupts with Sunil Singh and complains that he’s not getting enough opportunity. Jinder says Reigns is getting opportunity after opportunity, while The Modern Day Maharaja gets none. Angle points out that Jinder hasn’t won a match since he came to RAW, and tells Jinder to get ready for his match. Kurt says if Jinder puts on a good show against Chad Gable tonight, he’ll consider giving Jinder a shot at MITB. Jinder walks off, and Goldust quotes another movie to Kurt before getting in his face again then walking off.

– Apollo Crews, Titus O’Neil & No Way Jose vs. Baron Corbin & The Revival: Titus and Wilder start off, and Titus throttles him into the corner. Crews quickly tags in and they double team Wilder. Wilder backs Crews into the corner and tags in Dawson. The Revival double teams Crews, and then Corbin tags in for anther double team on Crews. Corbin takes Crews outside now and throws him into the barricade. Back in the ring, Dawson tags in and continues the beat down on Crews. Crews starts to fight back, but Corbin tags back in now and drops him. Corbin drops Titus off the apron now, and Crews nails Corbin with a kick to the head. Jose and Dawson tag in now, and Jose clears the ring. Jose hits a splash in the corner on Dawson and then a Samoan Drop for a two count. Everyone hits the ring now, and when the dust settles it’s back down to Dawson and Jose fighting by the ropes. Corbin gets the blind tag as Jose continues to beat on Dawson. Corbin comes in and grabs Jose from behind, then hits the End of Days for the three count.

Winners: Baron Corbin & The Revival

– Sasha Banks vs. Ember Moon vs. Ruby Riott: This one is a qualifying match for the women’s MITB match. The opening bell sounds and Ruby gets dumped outside early on. Ruby regroups with Logan and Morgan at ringside, as Sasha and Ember go at it in the ring. Sasha and Ember go back and forth competitively until Ruby sees her opportunity and hits the ring again. Ruby drops Sasha and dumps her outside, then starts working over Ember. Sasha comes back in the ring and starts firing up until Ruby hits a double DDT move on both Sasha and Ember. Ruby throws Sasha back outside and then beats down Ember and tries keep her grounded. Ember stuns Ruby with a jaw breaker, and then Sasha runs in and cleans house. Ember ducks a clothesline and comes back with a springboard cross body on Sasha for a two count. Ember drops Ruby, and then suplexes Sasha. Ember dropkicks Ruby off the apron, which leads to Sasha hitting knee strikes on Ember. Sasha drops Ember, then Sasha hits a suicide dive onto Logan and Morgan at ringside. Ruby hits a missile dropkick off the apron on Sasha on the floor, and then Ember hits a suicide dive onto Ruby at ringside. Ember takes Ruby back in the ring for a two count. The Riott Squad briefly causes a distraction, and it comes down to Sasha and Ruby fighting on the corner. Ruby hits a Frankensteiner on Sasha off the top, but Sasha rolls through into a pin. Logan and Morgan hit the ring now and start beating on Sasha and they drag her out to ringside, as Michael Cole points out that this is a No DQ match. Bayley runs in to even the odds, but Logan and Morgan drop Bayley too. Bayley comes back and drops Logan and Morgan, then Sasha makes her way back in the ring. Ruby starts beating on Sasha now until Ember Moon comes out of nowhere and hits the Eclipse on Ruby. Ember pins Ruby for the three count.

Winner: Ember Moon

– Ember Moon has now earned her spot at Money In The Bank. She celebrates her win as the other women all recover at ringside.

– Backstage, Ember Moon does an interview about proving her doubters wrong. She says we welcomes all challenges and she’s going to grab the Money In The Bank contract.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package about Bobby Lashley. We see old footage of Bobby Lashley’s amateur wrestling career as a child and then as a Champion. It covers Lashley enlisting in the military and also joining their wrestling team. It mentions Lashley getting an Olympic try-out, but injuring his knee and not being able to. We see footage from Lashley signing with WWE and then winning championships and headlining WrestleMania. We see some still photos of Lashleys professional MMA fights, where he has a 15-2 record. We fast forward to Lashley’s recent return to WWE after 10 years.

– We then go to a pre-taped interviw with Renee Young and Bobby Lashley. Lashley tells some stories about his childhood and growing up with his sisters. At the end of the interview, Lashley looks into the camera and says he wants to tell his sisters he loves them.

– Sami Zayn is backstage in the locker room telling Kevin Owens that it seems like there’s a conspiracy against them. Kevin Owens seems bummed out about his loss to Strowman tonight, and he storms off. Sami looks frustrated and it appears there’s some tension between Owens and Zayn.

– Jinder Mahal vs. Chad Gable: The opening bell sounds and they go at it right away. Jinder dumps Gable out to ringside early on. Jinder follows him outside and slams Chad’s head onto the ring apron repeatedly. Back in the ring, Jinder locks in a bear hug, but Gable fights out. Gabel starts throwing punches, but Jinder tackles him down and then applies an abdominal stretch. Gable fights out and drops Jinder, then hits a moonsault off the top for a two count. Gable misses a shot and Jinder capitlizes with a knee to the face. Jinder picks up Gable, but Gable escapes and rolls up Jinder for a two count. Jinder chokes Gable over the top rope, then boots him in the face. Jinder hits the Khallas for the three count.

Winner: Jinder Mahal

– Sunil Singh gets in the ring and celebrates the win with Jinder. Sunil gets in Gable’s face, and Gable shoves him down. Jinder comes over and puts the boots to Gable, then slams him upside down in the corner. Jinder grabs Gable and hits repeated knee strikes to the body, then Jinder suplexes Gable over the top rope. Jinder kicks Gable out of the ring and yells at the crowd.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Alexa Bliss about wanting to rise to the top of the women’s division again. The crowd is heard chanting “asshole” as she talks. We also see a pre-taped promo from the Ascension about their intentions to turn the RAW tag division into “the waste land.”

– Zack Ryder approaches Kurt Angle backstage, and tells Kurt he wants to qualify for the MITB ladder match tonight here in his home town. Jinder Mahal storms in with Sunil Singh by his side. Jinder asks if Kurt saw what he just did, and tells Kurt to add him to the other MITB qualifying match tonight. Kurt tells him “woo, woo, woo, no, bro,” and Jinder walks off fuming. Ryder and Angle share an awkward fist bump, and they laugh.

– Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre vs. Rhyno & Heath Slater: Rhyno and Ziggler start this one off. Ziggler slaps Rhyno across the chest, and Rhyno drops him. Slater tags in and they double team Ziggle. Heath hits a big right hand on Ziggler, and then he attempts a suplex, but Dolph escapes. Drew tags in and trades punches with Slater. Slater starts firing up, but Drew shuts him down with a big boot. Drew chops Slater, then hangs him upside-down over the ropes and Ziggler superkicks Slater from the floor. Ziggler knocks Rhyno out to the floor, and then they hit a double-team Zig Zag/Claymore on Slater for the three count.

Winners: Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre

– Ziggler and McIntyre leave the ring and head to the back. We see Elias backstage warming up his guitar and getting ready to come out.

– We see a Progressive auto insurance commercial featuring Titus falling under the ring at the Greatest Royal Rumble.

– Elias is in the ring for a song. Elias leads the crowd in a “walk with Elias” chant, and says he’s on a different world from the rest of the RAW roster. He complains about being interrupted last night, and then he trashes Bobby Roode and Long Island. Elias says he will rip apart Roode’s vocal cords if he interrupts him again, and then he’ll go win the Money In The Bank ladder match. The crowd chants “Rusev Day” at Elias, and Elias tells them to shut their mouths, silence their cell phones, and hold their applause so he can sing. Elias sings about Long Island, and then Bobby Roode comes out to interrupt.

– Bobby Roode vs. Elias: The winner of this one earns a spot in the MITB ladder match. Roode starts off strong and drops Elias with a running forearm shot to the face. Roode goes up top and hits a flying clothesline. Roode waits for Elias to get up, then he boots him in the head and sends Elias rolling outside for a breather on the floor. Back in the ring Roode continues the offense and he looks for a shot off the top rope, but Elias blocks it and drops Roode. Elias puts the boots to Roode now on the mat, and then slams him down for a two count. Roode starts coming back with strikes to Elias, but Elias shuts him down with a shot in the corner. Roode escapes a slam attempt, and he hits a spinebuster on Elias for a two count. Roode hits a running clothesline in the corner, but then Elias comes back with a backbreaker for a two count. Elias pulls the padding off a turnbuckle and goes to throw Roode into it, but Roode blocks it and fights back. They trade punches in the middle of the ring until Elias drops Roode with a forearm to the face. Elias talks trash and looks for a suplex, but Roode reverses into the Glorious DDT for the three count.

Winner: Bobby Roode

– Roode’s hand gets raised after the match, and Elias rolls out to ringside and retreats up the ramp. Roode does an interview in the ring where he says he wants a shot at the MITB ladder match. Roode things after his win over Elias, he hopes he’s next in line for an MITB opportunity, because winning that would be absolutely glorious.

– Coming up: Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn vs. Finn Balor in a Money In The Bank qualifying match.

– Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins is backstage walking towards the gorilla position.

– Seth Rollins comes out to the ring and talks about his win over The Miz last night. Rollins says if there’s something he can learn from The Miz, it’s how not to be IC Champion, because Rollins wants to be a fighting champion. Rollins says he’ll defend his IC Title any time, and he issues an open challenge to anyone in the back. Mojo Rawley’s music hits, and Mojo comes out to accept the challenge. Mojo says he’s going to knock down Rollins just like he knocked down Zack Ryder. Mojo hits the ring, and Jojo does the official ring introductions.

– Seth Rollins (c) vs. Mojo Rawley: Rollins’ IC Title is on the line in this one. The opening bell sounds and Mojo starts off strong. Rollins dumps Mojo outside, but Rollins misses the suicide dive and Mojo drops him. Mojo then tackles Rollins into the fan barricade, and Rollins goes down hard. Mojo takes Rollins back in the ring and continues the beat down. Rollins finally comes back with an enziguri, then he clotheslines Mojo to the outside. Rollins follows up with a suicide dive on Mojo, and then he gets back in the ring and hits another one. Rollins takes Mojo back in the ring and hits a Blockbuster off the middle rope for a two count. Rollins misses a shot and Mojo capitlizes with a big spinebuster on the Champion. Mojo picks up Seth, but Rollins fights out with elbows to the face. Rollins drops Mojo then boots him in the face for a two count. It looks like Rollins wants to curb stomp, but Mojo stops him and slams him down for a two count. Mojo can’t believe he didn’t get the three, and he gets in the ref’s face. Mojo throws Rollins off the ropes and hits a big tackle. Mojo talks some trash, and Rollins comes back with a kick and a knee to the face. Rollins stomps Mojo’s face into the mat, then covers for the three count.

Winner & still Intercontinental Champion: Seth Rollins

– Rollins celebrates in the ring with his IC Title belt as we go to replays.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Finn Balor about his match tonight to qualify for the MITB ladder match.

– Michael Cole introduces a pre-taped interview from Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel, who say wrestling is in their DNA, and they’re going to beat the RAW Tag Champs tonight to prove they’re more than The Miz’s supporting actors.

– Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel vs. Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy: Wyatt and his brother Bo start off, but they don’t lock up. Axel tags in and Wyatt goes right for him and drops him. Matt tags in and they double team Curtis. Matt and Axel start brawling back and forth now until Dallas tags in and they double team Hardy. Dallas continues the offense on Hardy and keeps the Wroken one grounded. Bo misses a shot and Hardy capitalizes with the Side Effect. Wyatt and Axel tag in and Wyatt drops him. Wyatt taunts Axel and looks for the Sister Abigail, but Bo runs in. Wyatt boots Bo out of the ring, and Cole calls it brotherly love. Axel takes advantage of the distraction with a shot on Bray. Axel goes to the middle rope, but Wyatt catches him an drops him. Matt tags in and they hit a double-team Sister Abigail on Axel for the three count.

Winners: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt

– Matt and Bray pose with their Tag Title belts after the match.

– We see pre-taped promos from Natalya and Baron Corbin with their comments about the upcoming Money In The Bank contract opportunity.

– Roman Reigns vs. Finn Balor vs. Sami Zayn: This one is a qualifying match for the Money In The Bank ladder match, and is a No DQ match. Sami talks trash to both Roman and Finn after the bel rings, and Roman decks him with a right hand. Sami rolls out of the ring, and Reigns and Balor start going at it on the mat now. Reigns starts off strong with right hands and headbutts, but Balor stuns him with a dropkick. Reigns punches Balor onto the apron and Finn falls outside. Sami runs in the ring again, but Reigns drops him with a right hands too. Sami rolls back outside and the Big Dog stands tall in the ring. Balor gets back in the ring and starts working over Reigns, and he decks him with a dropkick. Sami gets back in and starts beating on Balor now. Reigns gets up and clotheslines Sami down, then throws Balor into the corner and hits some strikes on him. Reigns hits running big boot on Sami, and then a Samoan drop on Balor. Balor and Zayn surrounded Reigns now, and they double team the Big Dog. Balor and Zayn both stomp on Reigns as the crowd chants “Yes” and cheers. They clothesline Reigns outside, then they follow him down to the floor. Sami and Finn take turns beating on Reigns on the floor, and the fight spills out into the crowd. Reigns starts fighting back with right hands on both his opponents, but Zayn comes back with a big boot on Reigns, and Reigns falls into some production quipment on the floor. Balor hops up on a platform and hits the Coup De Grace on Reigsn on the concrete floor. Zayn then turns on Finn and drops him on the floor, and then throws him back over the barricade to the ringside area. Sami takes Balor back into the ring to continue the offense. Sami beats on Balor until Balor comes back with a Pele kick. Cole says Reigns still hasn’t moved from where Finn left him on the floor in the crowd. Balor lays into Sami with strikes, then hits an elbow drop for a two count. Sami begs for mercy and says they need to focus on Reigns, but Balor continues pummeling on Sami. Sami pulls Finn’s trunks and throws him outside, and Finn starts selling a knee injury. Sami rolls outside and charges, but Finn jumps up and stops him with a Sling Blade on the floor. Balor charges now, but ami stops him with a boot to the face. Sami pummels on Finn now, until Reigns comes flying over the barriacade onto Zayn. Reigns pummels on Zayn on the floor then throws him into the ring post. Reigns hits the drive by kick, then throws Sami back in the ring. Balor tackles Reigns from behind and Reigns falls into the ring steps. Balor gets on the apron and boots Sami in the head, then he climbs up top. Balor misses, and Sami suplexes Balor into the turbuckle. Sami looks for the big boot, but Reigns bocks it with a Superman punch. Reigns looks for a spear on Sami, but Balor runs in and hits the Sling Blade on Reigns. Balor goes for the Coup De Grace and misses, and Reigns drops him with a Superman punch. Reigns wants a spear on Balor now, but Jinder Mahal comes out of nowhere and trips Reigns. Sami boots Reigns in the face, then Balor boots Sami and hits the Coup De Grace on him. Finn covers and scores the three count on Sami.

Winner: Finn Balor

– After the match, Jinder walks through the crowd stares at the three competitors laying in the ring. Finn Balor has now qualified for the Money In The Bank ladder match. Reigns gets to his feet at ringside as Balor celebrates in the ring. Michael Cole signs off and RAW goes off the air.

MITB Qualifying Matches Set For Tonight’s Episode Of WWE RAW

Andrew Ravens
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WWE has announced two big Money in the Bank qualifying matches for tonight’s RAW:

  • Ember Moon vs. Sasha Banks vs. Ruby Riott
  • Sami Zayn vs. Finn Balor vs. Roman Reigns

Money In The Bank takes place on Sunday, June 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets.

WWE is in Uniondale, NY at the Nassau Coliseum for tonight’s Monday Night RAW. As of this writing, no other matches and segments have been announced for this show. This is the post-Backlash episode and features the fallout from the event.

Mick Foley’s WWE Network Series Could Be Returning, Triple H Hypes NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4

Andrew Ravens
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6

– The WWE Network could be bringing back the series about the life of WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley.

According to a report by PWinsider, there has been some internal talk within the sports entertainment company about doing a second season of “Holy Foley!” on the WWE Network, which features Foley, his daughter Noelle and the rest of the family. The first season aired in 2016 and lasted for ten episodes.

– The WWE NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 event takes place on Saturday, August 18, 2018, in Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center and will air on the WWE Network.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 11, 2018. Triple H sent out the following to hype the upcoming event as well as tickets going on sale:

“It’s time for @WWENXT to make history and TAKE OVER Brooklyn…again. #NXTTakeOver: Brooklyn is LIVE from the @barclayscenter the night before #SummerSlam, Saturday, August 18th. Tickets on sale THIS Friday, May 11th at 10 am ET on http://NXTTickets.com .#WeAreNXT.”

What are your thoughts on this series returning for a second season? Sound off in the comment section below.

Footage Of John Cena – Nikki Bella Breakup Featured In New Total Bellas Promo

Andrew Ravens
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4

New footage from Total Bellas of the breakup between John Cena and Nikki Bella has surfaced online.

The couple announced their separation just last month after dating since 2012 and being engaged for a year. Cena and Bella teamed up together for the first time back at WrestleMania 33 in 2017 where they defeated The Miz and Maryse.

After the match, Cena proposed to Bella. It’s been reported that they were scheduled to get married on May 5, 2018, before separating.

The third season of Total Bellas is slated to premiere on May 20, 2018, on the E! Network and as a way to promote the upcoming season, a new promo has been released online that breaking up at the :22 mark of this video below.

In a press release that was put out to the public prior to the split, the television network was hyping that the season would see Cena and Bella go through the ups and downs as they plan their wedding and face the challenges that go into preparing for the big day.

Do you plan on watching the new season? Sound off in the comment section below.

Kevin Owens Recently Signed 5-Year WWE Contract

Staff
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RAW Superstar Kevin Owens recently signed a new 5-year deal with WWE that will keep him with the company through 2023.

During an interview with Canada’s TVA Sports, Kevin Owens told Pat Laprade (translated):

“Hopefully I do not see why I will not finish my career with WWE. I just recently signed a new five-year contract with them. I do not intend to go anywhere [when] my contract ends. If the WWE wants to continue, if I want to continue and my family is ready for me to continue, I do not see why it would not happen.”

Now in the 18th year of his professional wrestling career, the married father of two says he’d be very proud of what he’s accomplished in the ring.

“If it ends tomorrow, I would be very satisfied with the career I had as a professional wrestler.”

Other topics discussed include Canadian wrestling legends and why Montreal won’t be hosting a WWE pay-per-view any time soon. Visit tvasports.ca to read the full interview.

Kevin Owens: 18-Year Veteran

Owens would have good reason to satisfied with his accolades, as he’s held many championships throughout his career. Prior to joining WWE, he held the Ring of Honor World Championship and the the PWG Championship three times. He signed with WWE in 2014 and went on to have a lengthy reign as NXT Champion.

Since joining the main roster in May 2015, Kevin Owens has held the WWE Universal Championship, the Intercontinental championship twice and the United States title three times.

PROGRESS Announces US Summer Tour

Staff
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UK wrestling promotion PROGRESS returns to the United States this summer.

The USA Coast To Coast Tour 2018 will run from August 4th-12th.

While the event dates have yet to be announced, the tour will hit Boston, Seattle, Detroit, New York City and Chicago.

Click here to view our latest news articles covering PROGRESS.

Marina Shafir & Jessamyn Duke Report To WWE Performance Center

Staff
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WWE sent in word that former MMA fighters Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke have reported to the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

Shafir and Duke are part of MMA’s “Four Horsewomen” along with Ronda Rousey and NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler. As WWE.com puts it, “MMA’s Four Horsewomen have arrived in WWE in full force.”

Duke was a pro MMA Fighter from 2012-2016. She fought as a bantamweight for various promotions including the UFC and appeared on UFC’s “Ultimate Fighter” series back in 2013 as part of “Team Rousey.”

Shafir fought for Invicta and Lights Out Promotions. She is engaged to NXT Superstar Roderick Strong and has been seen ringside for many of Strong’s NXT matches.

WWE fans might remember MMA’s horsewomen having a confrontation with Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Bayley at last year’s Mae Young Classic. With Shafir and Duke now officially working under the WWE banner, the stage is set for both Charlotte and Ronda Rousey to have the backing of their respective crews when that eventual showdown occurs.

Roman Reigns On His Backlash Victory (Video), Cesaro Talks Watching PPV From Home, Rusev

Jon Fuentes
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Roman Reigns On Defeating Samoa Joe At Backlash

WWE posted an interview between Cathy Kelly and Roman Reigns, who describes the pride he feels over his win against Samoa Joe at Backlash. Reigns said that Joe had been saying a lot of things about him in recent weeks, and his victory solidifies that this is still his yard:

Cesaro On Watching Backlash From Home

Not all WWE Superstars were used on last night’s Backlash pay-per-view (PPV) event. While there were no Tag Team Title matches on the show, that meant that SmackDown Live’s team, The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro), didn’t have a spot on the card.

The Swiss Superman took to Twitter to comment on what it was like watching the event from home instead of performing:

Rusev On Bobby Roode Twerking During Rusev Day

A segment during last night’s Backlash event featured Elias being interrupted by the likes of The New Day, Rusev and Aiden English, No Way Jose, and Bobby Roode. In the end everyone (except Rusev and English) were dancing with Jose’s conga line – including Roode. Roode actually twerked a bit for the crowd.

Rusev took to Twitter to comment on The Glorious One’s twerking abilities:

Carmella Fires Back At Wrestling Critics On Twitter, Natalya Pays Tribute To Owen Hart

Jon Fuentes
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Carmella Goes Off On Backlash Performance Critics

Last night SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Carmella successfully retained her title against Charlotte Flair during the Backlash pay-per-view (PPV). There were a few sloppy spots during the match that fans called The Princess Of Statin Island out for on Twitter.

Carmella decided to respond to some of these comments on Twitter; ranging from people telling her she has no in-ring talent, to others saying she’s nothing more than eye candy. Check it out:

https://twitter.com/deejaykage/status/993465105991036929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mandatory.com%2Fwrestlezone%2Fnews%2F951927-carmella-responds-to-fan-backlash-comments-on-just-being-eye-candy

https://twitter.com/BrianAn56619818/status/993461240801394689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mandatory.com%2Fwrestlezone%2Fnews%2F951927-carmella-responds-to-fan-backlash-comments-on-just-being-eye-candy

Natalya Pays Tribute To Owen Hart

RAW Superstar Natalya took to social media to pay tribute to her late uncle Owen Hart, who would’ve turned 53-years-old today. Hart passed away back in May of 1999 after taking a fall from the top of the rafters in a stunt gone wrong at the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri for the Over The Edge PPV. He died from internal bleeding and blunt force trauma at a nearby hospital:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiegDB0h5rC/?utm_source=ig_embed

Reason Why Edge & Christian Were Backstage At WWE Backlash PPV

Andrew Ravens
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0

We now know why two former WWE World Heavyweight Champions were backstage at the Backlash pay-per-view event.

On Sunday afternoon (May 6, 2018), a report surfaced online that stated WWE Hall of Famer Edge and Christian were spotted in Newark, New Jersey, which was the site of the Backlash PPV event.

This led to speculation that they could appear on the broadcast. As seen by watching the show that was not the case.

According to a report by Mike Johnson of PWinsider, the reason they were in town but didn’t appear on the broadcast of the show is to prepare for production of the second season of The Edge & Christian Show on the WWE Network, which is set to begin filming on May 25.

Do you plan on watching the second season of this show? Sound off in the comment section below.

WWE Teases Another Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar Match

Andrew Ravens
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It looks like we haven’t seen the last of Roman Reigns’ quest to dethrone WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar.

Despite that fact that Reigns has already lost to Lesnar twice in the past month (at WrestleMania 34 and Greatest Royal Rumble), WWE.com’s preview for tonight’s RAW ponders if Reigns’ victory of Samoa Joe at Backlash will “finally” put him a position to battle The Beast. 

Lesnar is not currently advertised for Monday’s RAW TV event from Long Island, nor is he booked for next week’s European tour.

Brock Lesnar’s next advertised appearance is scheduled for the May 21st edition RAW in Albany, NY.

The Universal Championship was not defended at Backlash, so there’s a good chance Lesnar will be in action at next month’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view on June 17th from Chicago.

Do you want to see another match between Reigns and Lesnar?

John Cena Posts Cryptic “Heel Turn” Tweet, Vader Looking To Wrestle Again

Jon Fuentes
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John Cena Posts Cryptic Tweet

John Cena is notorious for posting cryptic content on his Instagram page, and he didn’t disappoint this time around. The Leader Of The Cenation has posted a photo that shows a figure hitting another person with a steel chair, captioned by the phrase “heel turn.”

Cena could be referring to a number of things; likely last night’s controversy with Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe’s main event match at Backlash. Fans started to walk out of the arena in protest of Reigns’ continuing to be shoved down their throats – not to mention the match was a snoozer. Many have called for The Big Dog to turn heel instead of being pushed as WWE’s top babyface.

He could also be referring to the hype from fans to have himself turn heel. This has been an ongoing debate for years now, so perhaps Cena is simply having his fun with fans’ minds and making them speculate. You be the judge:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiehQbUglv9/?utm_source=ig_embed

Vader Teases A Return To Wrestling

WWE and WCW Legend Vader has been battling severe health issues as of late and has been keeping fans updated via social media. He recently took to Twitter and noted that he’s hoping to get a medical release soon that will allow him to continue wrestling:

The Reason WWE Can’t Mention Bobby Lashley’s First Run With The Company

Jon Fuentes
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Former ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley made his return to the WWE last month on the night after WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans when he interrupted Elias and delivered a massive Suplex.

As of late Lashley seems to have developed an alliance with Braun Strowman on Monday Night RAW, as the pair defeated Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at last night’s Backlash pay-per-view (PPV) event.

One thing that some WWE fans are wondering about, however, are why commentators on RAW aren’t mentioning Lashley’s previous success with the company. Per Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, it turns out that they want to flush out his relationship with current United States President Donald Trump.

Trump, who is a WWE Hall Of Famer in the celebrity wing, is currently a very controversial figure in the country. He selected Bobby Lashley to represent him at the Battle Of The Billionaires for WrestleMania 23 over 10 years ago.

Although this happened over a decade ago, WWE doesn’t seem to want to offend anybody by bringing up Lashley’s past and possible rekindling the memory that Lashley and Trump were aligned together on WWE TV.

It Looks Like MITB Will Feature Three Ladder Matches

Jon Fuentes
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WWE’s next pay-per-view offering, Money in the Bank, takes place from Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena on Sunday, June 17th.

After last year’s event featured the the first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank match, there are a few indications that the 2018 installment will feature a third MITB briefcase up for grabs. As seen below, advertising for the show features three briefcases – red, white and blue.

31198487 375810876235914 4368581145667829760 n

For what it’s worth, the Allstate Arena website states, “For the first time ever … a men’s and women’s ladder match with Superstars from Raw and SmackDown Live.”

Last year Carmella won the first-ever female MITB ladder match and would cash-in last month to win the SmackDown Live Women’s Championship from Charlotte Flair. Baron Corbin won the men’s MITB ladder match, but failed to cash it in on Jinder Mahal during an episode of SmackDown Live.

It should be interesting to see who leaves the Allstate Arena with the briefcases this year.

Total Divas Returning For Seasons 8 & 9

Staff
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3

WWE’s hit reality series Total Divas on the E! Network has been renewed for two more seasons. Season 8 premieres this fall.

According to a press release sent out by WWE, the cast will include familiar faces “and even a blast from the past.” The show follows “several powerful and inspiring” female Superstars and gives viewers an exclusive look inside their professional and personal lives.

Amy Introcaso-Davis, E!’s Executive Vice President of Development and Production, said, “We are thrilled to have celebrated the 100th episode of this popular franchise and are grateful to announce two additional seasons. The series will continue to give a rare glimpse at a beloved cast of strong, diverse women whose big personalities, unique relationships and aspirational lifestyles have proven to resonate with our audience.”

E! cameras were on hand during WrestleMania 34 weekend from New Orleans. Based on tweets from the Superstars over the past several months, Natalya, Naomi, Lana, Paige, Sonya Deville and Liv Morgan are expected to be part of Season 8.

Total Bellas, the Total Divas spinoff series about Nikki and Brie Bella, returns to E! on Sunday, May 20, at 9/8 CT for Season 3.

Undercover Boss & Carpool Karaoke To Feature WWE Episodes

Staff
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Popular reality shows Undercover Boss and Carpool Karaoke will soon feature WWE-themed episodes.

Carpool Karaoke

WWE Superstars Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, Naomi, Natalya and The New Day were in New york City on Monday filming for the Apple Music series Carpool Karaoke.

Go on a star-studded, song-filled car ride in this original series. Each episode features an unexpected celebrity pairing sharing a car, singing along to their personal playlists, and embarking on adventures.

Season 2 is coming soon to Apple Music.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BierjGWHkHs/

Undercover Boss

CBS released a teaser for the upcoming season of Undercover Boss, which features footage shot at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL.

The new season, which premieres on May 11th, features a special ‘Celebrity’ theme, with famous people going undercover to seek potential seeking talent to appear in their own upcoming projects. Celebrities featured in the promo include NFL legend Deon Sanders, Broadway star Idina Menzel, Olympic Gold Medal gymnast Gabby Douglas and more.

No word yet on when the WWE-themed episode will air, but we’ll provide an update when that information is available.

MLW Coming To NYC July 19th For FUSION TV Taping

Staff
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Major League Wrestling’s rapid expansion continues. Following up on the successful launch of the new FUSION television series, the promotion has announced a live event from New York City coming this summer.

MLW invades the new Melrose Ballroom in Long Island City on Thursday, July 19th. This event will be a television taping for MLW FUSION.

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, May 12 at 10 AM ET at MLWTickets.com.

MLW talent signed on to appear include:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Strickland
  • Pentagon Jr.
  • Rey Fenix
  • MVP
  • Barrington Hughes
  • Maxwell J. Friedman
  • Sami Callihan
  • Salina de la Renta
  • ACH

 

Catch Major League Wrestling: FUSION Friday nights at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on beIN SPORTS.  Learn more about MLW’s new TV series: MLW.com/fusion.

MLW Fusion Results & Full Episode: May 4, 2018

Staff
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This past Friday was May 4th, prompting everyone and their mother to tell me “May the 4th be with you,” a clever little pun in reference to Star Wars. Well, on the May 4th edition of MLW Fusion, there were certainly of lot of STARS having a lot of WARS in the ring.

Yes, that was the best way I could think to start this column. My apologies.

My corny joke aside, there were certainly a lot of feuds being revved up this week. Let’s break it down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49p0b4hSrgY

The show starts in the arena. Jimmy Havoc comes down to the ring. We see footage of a brawl between Havoc and Joey Janela from Walemania. Havoc gets on the mic and calls Janela out. Janela comes out. The two men brawl into the crowd and to the back of the arena. That’s the last we see of them.

Low Ki comes out next in an outfit that says “I may be a contract killer, but I like to look professional.” A video package shows a previous incident that he had backstage with MVP. During the melee, Low Ki attacked an MLW matchmaker. Announcers Tony Schiavone and Rich Bocchini tell us Low Ki was suspended by MLW for the attack on the official. Back in the ring, Low Ki gets a mic and complains about the suspension. He says that his stable, Black Friday Management, always collects its debts and will collect its debt from MVP. MVP doesn’t like the sound of that and makes his way down to the ring, but his opponent for the night, Sami Callahan, comes from behind him. Oh God, he’s a got a bat! Oh, thank God, he’s only choking MVP with it, not trying to bash his eye out. The chaos is broken up and we go to the opening video package.

Schiavone and Bocchini welcome us and talk about the main event between MVP and Callihan.

Simon Gotch vs. ACH

“Filthy” Tom Lawlor comes out with Team Filthy, which includes the former Vaudevillain, Simon Gotch, and another man whose name is not acknowledged. Lawlor says that due to his injured left forearm, he cannot compete tonight against ACH, therefore Gotch will fight in his place.

ACH comes out next. The ref helps him spar before the bell rings. That’s something I’ve never seen before.

The two competitors start off with a collar and elbow tie up and some chain wrestling. Gotch gets ACH into a cross armbreaker but ACH escapes. Gotch breaks ACH down with a European uppercut, stomps, and kicks. He eventually traps ACH in a chinlock using his legs. ACH gets a rope break. Gotch locks in another rest hold but ACH elbows his way out of it. He comes back with chops but Gotch kicks him in the face. We go to commercial.

When we come back, Schiavone is talking about rope breaks. A rope break must have occurred during the commercial, but we don’t get that context. I’m not a fan of commercials during wrestling matches, but at least WWE will have its announcers tell you what happened while you were watching the 900th commercial promoting the show about 2Pac and Biggie.

Gotch throws ACH with a gutwrench suplex followed by some corner stomps. With the ref distracted, Lawlor chokes ACH with his left hand. The announcers speculate whether Lawlor’s left forearm injury is real. If history is any indicator, I would say “no” (see Orton, “Cowboy” Bob).

ACH gets control back by kicking Gotch’s leg out from under him and booting him with a basement single leg dropkick. Gotch stops an ACH attack, hits a sunset flip with a roll through, and kicks ACH. Gotch attempts a German suplex, but ACH rolls through, grabs Gotch’s legs, and gets the three count.

The rest of Team Filthy fly into the ring and beat up ACH. Lawlor uses his flip flops as weapons and Schiavone sells it like he’s using a steel chair. Team Filthy make their way to the top of the aisle where they’re interviewed by Andrea Ocampo. Gotch says that ACH is going to the ICU and Lawlor says he’s five million times better than the man his team just left lying in the ring.

Schiavone runs down the MLW Top 10 rankings. The list includes:

  1. Pentagon Jr.
  2. Jimmy Havoc
  3. MVP
  4. Low Ki
  5. Tom Lawlor
  6. Sami Calligan
  7. Rey Fenix
  8. Jeff Cobb (Lucha Underground’s Matanza Cueto)
  9. Joey Janela
  10. Barrington Hughes

The champion that these 10 men are all after is, of course, Shane “Swerve” Strickland.

Speaking of Swerve, we get a video package in which the champ says he’s fighting for his kids. Hey, that’s what MVP said last week! They both can’t fight for their kids! One of them is going to have to be selfish and fight for themselves.

A commercial for the June 7 MLW TV taping airs. On that night, the first ever MLW Tag Team Champions will be crowned.

The show comes back with a promo package from Maxwell Jacob Friedman, who does the same 1% gimmick as EC3. In fact, he has a striking resemblance to Dixie’s nephew. MJF tells the home viewers that if the roles were reversed, they’d be like him, but unfortunately, they’re not. Schiavone calls him an “egotistical little jerk.” There’s something charming about Tony Schiavone getting angry. I can’t wait until the day that someone in MLW does something so egregious that Schiavone condemns them “straight to hell.”

Vandal Ortagun vs. “One Man Demolition Machine” Mike Parrow

Ortagun is a Turkish kickboxer while Parrow is just a big s—kicker. Ortagun gets a tiny bit of offense in here and there. However, Parrow just ends it with a barrage of power moves, including a fallaway slam into the corner, a gorilla press, a chokeslam, and finally a sit out powerbomb, which garners him the three count. During the match, Colonel Rob Parker came out to observe the 300-pound Parrow. With the match over, Parrow meets the Colonel in the aisle and they shake hands. It looks like Parker has another big hoss in his Stud Stable.

Andrea Ocampo is in the back with Salina de la Renta. De la Renta is distracted by something off camera, which turns out to be Shane Strickland. She tells Strickland not to get too comfortable with the World Heavyweight Title around his waist and then flashes the “Cero Miedo” hand sing.

Next up is a promo from Havoc. He tells Janela that whenever they fight, they bring out the best and worse in each other and Havoc learns something new about himself every time. Havoc proclaims himself the King and says that Janela will experience havoc the next time they step into the ring together. He threatens that Janela will bleed, so he better “bring a towel” because he’s going to lick all of the blood off of him. He licks his lips and I am officially uncomfortable.

Ocampo knocks on Team Filthy’s dressing room door and notifies Lawlor that MLW officials have proclaimed him healthy enough to compete next week against ACH. Lawlor gets indignant. Gotch tricks Ocampo into thinking he’ll talk to her outside but then slams the door on her.

We are shown a recap of Sami Callihan’s attack on MVP from the start of the show. Callihan cuts a promo in the back where he makes fun of MLW’s production (see, it’s not just me). He says he gets off on pissing people off and running their day. If that’s the case, then he must have been rock hard when he busted Eddie Edwards’ eye with the baseball bat. He makes fun of MVP’s redemption story and tells MVP that he’ll have to tell his son that he’s a failure. Man, this guy is a d—. He ends by saying he’ll be the MLW Champion.

Sami Callihan vs. MVP

While Callihan makes his way down to the ring, Schiavone and Bocchini wonder what kind of bat Callihan is using. With his baseball background, I trust Schiavone’s analysis when it comes to bats. If he ever goes into a soliloquy about lattes, my ears will be perked.

MVP doesn’t wait for his entrance as he storms the ring and goes right for Callihan. They brawl to the outside. MVP tries to chop Callihan but misses and chops the ring post instead. Callihan rams his head into the post and MVP collapses into a fan’s chair. Callihan orders the fans out of his way. He runs to the seated MVP and connects with a discus elbow. I really thought something more devastating was going to happen there. He runs at MVP again, but the former WWE US Champ, trips Callihan and sends him face first into the chair.

MVP throws Callihan back into the ring, but man from Anonymous, Ohio rolls to the outside. MVP follows and is met with Steven Seagal-like eye gouging from his opponent. Bocchini says they’re tied in the Top 10 rankings. Wait a sec…

3. MVP

6. Callihan

Nope, not tied, Rich.

Callihan gets back in the ring and the ref starts a 20 count on MVP, who’s in pain on the outside.

After a commercial break, Callihan rips off MVP’s Breathe Right strip. That’s just too far. You can tell a man he’ll be a failure to his children, but you DON’T pull off his Breathe Right strip!

MVP gets the advantage with a delayed vertical suplex. Callihan sends MVP to the outside. He jumps off the apron for an attack but MVP catches him and slams him with an apron uranage. Both men are on the floor now and get back in right before the ref’s 20 count is over. They get to their feet and trade punches. MVP goes for a kick but Callihan punches him in the leg. He comes off the rope but is thrown with a release belly to belly suplex. MVP chops him in the throat, drives his knee into his face, and drops the Ballin’ Elbow. He covers with a fisherman suplex for two. He sits Callihan on the top rope and climbs to the second rope. Callihan slips down to the mat and tries to pull MVP down with a powerbomb but MVP holds on. Callihan goes between MVP’s legs and kicks his left ankle out from under him. He gets MVP on his shoulders and brings him down with a Samoan driver.

Callihan finds his bat in the corner and picks it up. The ref tries to take it away without success. MVP grabs the bat and the two men fight over it, which ends when MVP pushes Callihan into the ref. The mishap allows MVP to execute the Playmaker. However, with the ref incapacitated, a huge mystery man runs down to the ring and strikes MVP with a falling side slam. The ref comes to and Callihan covers, but only gets two. MVP makes one last stand with a fireman’s carry cutter and right hand to the mystery man. When he turns around, Callihan gives him a low blow, allowing him to execute the Cranial Contusion and grab the victory. He celebrates the win with the mystery man, who carries him out of the arena.

The announcers hype next week’s fights between Havoc and Janela and Lawlor and ACH.

In the back, Ocampo interviews Shane Strickland, who says he feels confident. He steps into his dressing room but finds something that stops him in his tracks. The camera enters the room and we see a shrine on the wall containing candles, skulls, and pictures of Strickland. The image of a skull is on the mirror, and the last image we see is of Strickland looking into the mirror. From the angle of the shot, Strickland’s face lines right up with the skull, as if Pentagon is sending the message that Strickland’s fate will be sure death. I’m sure he won’t kill him. I’m sure he just wants the title, right? Right???

Final Thoughts

Like I said at the start of this column, this week’s show built up a lot of feuds, including Havoc vs. Janela, Team Filthy vs. ACH, and MVP vs. Callihan. The chaotic atmosphere was established at the beginning of the show, and except for the squash match in the middle, it kept up until the end of the main event.

Mike Parrow was impressive in his big man role. If he becomes the new addition to Stud Stable, who knows how much power Colonel Parker can amass. Perhaps he can bring the big guy to the World Title; or maybe the big guy will have a hand in the Dirty Blondes becoming the first Tag Team Champions.

The build to the upcoming title match between Strickland and Pentagon is coming along nicely, with Pentagon now playing mind games with the champ. I’m excited to see what happens in the next few weeks.

Those are my thought for this week’s show.

Next week’s show will be on May the 11th.

I don’t have any jokes about that date.

Um…

Okay, see you then.

Roman Reigns Reacts To His Win Over Samoa Joe At WWE Backlash

Andrew Ravens
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Despite his recent losses, Roman Reigns came out on top in his last match.

Reigns defeated Samoa Joe in the main event of Sunday’s (May 6, 2018) WWE Backlash pay-per-view event in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center on the WWE Network.

It was originally reported that AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Title would serve as the headliner of this show.

However, plans changed, and they put “The Big Dog” in the main event after he lost to Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title at both WrestleMania 34 and the Greatest Royal Rumble event last month.

WWE has posted this interview of Cathy Kelley talking to Reigns after the event. He noted that this win was all about pride and that it proved that if someone is doubting you, then you can do anything in regards to Joe talking trash to build this match.

Reigns added that he would conquer every single day and that’s why this is his yard. You can watch it here:

What are your thoughts on Reigns’ statement? Sound off in the comment section below. 

Details On Who Produced Matches At WWE Backlash

Andrew Ravens
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People are still talking about Sunday’s (May 6, 2018) WWE Backlash pay-per-view event in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center on the WWE Network.

It was an interesting show that peaked with the opener that saw Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins successfully retain his title over The Miz in an entertaining bout.

The show had a controversial finish in the WWE Title Match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura that saw the match end a double count out despite it being a No DQ Match.

Finally, the main event saw Roman Reigns beat Samoa Joe, which ended the three and half hour show.

Before the event went live, the match order leaked and revealed who was the producer of each match. You can see the order here:

Tyson Kidd produced The Miz vs. Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship.

Sarah Stock produced Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax for the RAW Women’s Title.

Arn Anderson produced Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton for the United States Title.

Scott Armstrong produced the Elias segment.

Jamie Noble and Dean Malenko produced the match between Big Cass and Daniel Bryan.

John Laurinaitis produced Charlotte Flair vs. Carmella for the Smackdown Women’s Title.

Jamie Noble produced AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Title Match.

Mike Rotunda and D-Von Dudley produced Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

Michael Hayes produced Reigns vs. Joe.

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

 

Braun Strowman Posts Cryptic Message, The Miz On Being At The Top Of His Game

Andrew Ravens
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– Braun Strowman had WWE fans talking after he sent out a tweet following his tag team match victory alongside Bobby Lashley over Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at Sunday’s (May 6, 2018) WWE Backlash pay-per-view event in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center on the WWE Network.

https://twitter.com/BraunStrowman/status/993333854005088256

– Speaking of the Backlash PPV, WWE has released this clip from The Miz’s appearance on Talking Smack where he talked with Renee Young and Peter Rosenberg about losing to Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins in the opening match of the event.

Aside from announcing that he would be in a Money In the Bank qualifying match on Tuesday’s SmackDown Live, he spoke about how he is still on top of his game right now despite the loss.

He added that he always moves the needle and makes his show the most must-see TV.

What do you think of Strowman’s message? Sound off in the comment section below. 

Chris Jericho vs Tetsuya Naito Confirmed For NJPW Dominion

Chris Stephens
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2

Chris Jericho attacked Tetsuya Naito Friday at Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka, Japan. The two had previously been involved in a brawl at the New Beginning earlier this year.

New Japan Pro Wrestling has officially confirmed that Jericho will face Naito on the June 9th Dominion show from Osaka, Japan.

NJPW Dominion in Osaka

Jericho vs Naito will be contested for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Naito defeated Minoru Suzuki for the title recently but has since refused to wear it or bring the belt to the ring. Kevin Kelly cleared up on commentary that Naito does this because he feels New Japan Pro Wrestling has too many title belts. Jericho versus Naito will likely be the semi-main event for the show.

Three other matches have been announced for the show thus far and the promotion has also revealed Rey Mysterio Jr will compete in single’s action. They have not, however, announced who the legendary Luchador’s opponent will be.

Lineup Announced so Far:

  • Rey Mysterio Jr. vs TBA
  • NEVER Openweight Championship
    3-Way Match
    Hirooki Goto (c) vs Michael Elgin vs Taichi
  • IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
    Evil and Sanada (c) vs the Young Bucks
  • IWGP Intercontinental Championship
    Tetsuya Naito (c) vs Chris Jericho
  • IWGP Heavyweight Championship
    Best 2-of-3 Falls
    Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Kenny Omega

It was Okada who challenged Kenny Omega to main event Dominion this year. Following his victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi, Okada said he wanted to make his next title defense special and so he needed to face Omega. He pointed out that the last time he faced Omega at Dominion, it went to a time limit draw.

The Young Bucks challenged Evil and Sanada to a heavyweight tag team championship match at Wrestling Dontaku last week.

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