James Ellsworth and Chelsea Green (FKA Laurel Van Ness) are calling out “Blackcat Events” for non-payment. The company booked several talents for Meet and Greets over WrestleMania weekend but at least two of them are now claiming the company never paid up.
The promotion Tweeted out the following a couple of weeks ago which only recently caught the eye of one of the performers who is claiming the company never paid them.
James Ellsworth also chimed in to mention he has not been paid and his phone calls are not being returned:
Truth is, you still owe me, @ImChelseaGreen and other $$ and you won’t return calls, texts and have us blocked on all your social media, and will have me blocked after this tweet, loser https://t.co/USGGNfgsjn
According to Black Cat Events in the above Tweets, the company attempted to run an event over WrestleMania weekend. Evidently, the event did not go ahead as planned.
In a later Tweet, Green revealed that Rikishi was another talent which did not get paid by the promotion:
If Black Cats is claiming the event never went forward, talent is still owed their deposit unless specifically mentioned in the contract. In this case, however, it looks as though Green did not get her deposit ahead of time. She posted an exchange she had with the promoter online:
Here ya go! I believe this goes under the category of “LIAR”… or “FRAUD” if you’d rather that? @BlackCat_Events this was right before you ghosted, and right after your third excuse for not paying us. pic.twitter.com/Y0wCoc4MIr
The Black Cats page then made some very derogatory comments about Green. One comment, which has since been deleted, was captured via screenshot by a quick-thinking Chelsea Green fan:
Chelsea Green finished up with Impact Wrestling at the promotion’s January tapings in Orlando.Lately, Green has been wrestling for Shimmer and Wrestle Circus.
Today is Jay Lethal’s 33rd birthday and he couldn’t have celebrated it any better over the weekend. On the 2nd night of Ring of Honor’s 2-night tour of Florida, Lethal brought out a special guest before his match with Shane Taylor.
Lethal introduced the brother of “Macho Man” Randy Savage, “The Genius” Lanny Poffo. To the delight of the live fans, the smooth voice of Poffo delivered the same poem he delivered during Savage’s coronation as the Macho King. Poffo also gave Lethal a pair of Macho Man’s famous sunglasses. After putting them on, Lethal transformed into the Black Machismo character once more.
Lethal has always been a huge fan of “Macho Man” Randy Savage. This was most apparent in TNA Wrestling where Lethal famously portrayed his alter-ego of “Black Machismo”. The character, which was an homage to Savage, was widely praised even by the original Macho Man himself.
Jay Lethal Chasing Ring of Honor World Championship
Jay Lethal is a perennial contender for the Ring of Honor World Championship. His only run with the belt thus far lasted for 427 days between June 19th, 2015 and August 19th, 2016.
In his most recent title match, Lethal was unsuccessful in de-throning Dalton Castle at the ROH 16th Anniversary show on March 3rd, 2018 from the Hammerstein Ballroom. Lethal also lost a World Title match to Cody back in December. That match took place on a Revolution Pro show from London.
Last weekend in Columbus, Lethal defeated “the Octopus” Jonathan Gresham at ROH’s Masters of the Craft 2018. Lethal then went 2-0 this weekend on the promotion’s weekend tour of Florida. He defeated Scorpio Sky in West Palm Beach on Friday and then defeated Shane Taylor on Saturday from Lakeland Florida.
The event in Lakeland was the last for ROH until they begin the War of the Worlds tour in Lowell on May 9th.
Tonight’s edition of WWE Raw takes place from Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Bell Center. The show will feature fallout from the Greatest Royal Rumble and final hype for Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view.
WWE.com is advertising the following items for the show:
– What’s next for Greatest Royal Rumble winner Braun Strowman?
– Controversy surrounds Brock Lesnar’s steel cage victory over Roman Reigns from Saudi Arabia.
– The Era of Wokenness begins with new Raw tag team champions Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt.
– Alexa Bliss, Mickie James & The Riot Squad react to Ronda Rousey giving Mickie an arm bar at the conclusion of last week’s show.
– Seth Rollins is still Intercontinental Champion after his impressive ladder match victory at Greatest Royal Rumble .
Join us here tonight for our Live Coverage of WWE Raw
Tetsuya Naito has won back the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. This is Naito’s second reign with the title after his first run with the belt almost ended in the title’s destruction.
The title change happened yesterday in Kumamoto, Japan. New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Hinokuni 2018 show featured several matches with wrestlers from Los InGobernables de Japon (LIJ) taking on members of Suzuki-Gun. In the end, it would be LIJ who would get the better of the evening, successfully defending the heavyweight tag titles and winning the IC title in the night’s main and co-main event.
Naito originally won the title from Michael Elgin on September 25th, 2016. As part of his Tranquilo perspective, Naito developed a disrespectful attitude towards the belt itself. After each title defense, Naito began chipping away at the title and breaking off pieces. He defended the title against Jay Lethal, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, and Juice Robinson before losing it to Tanahashi at Dominion 2017 in Osaka, Japan. Naito had said if he defeated Tanahashi on that night, he would have destroyed the title belt completely.
Minoru Suzuki’s reign with the title did not last long. After defeating Tanahashi for the belt at the New Beginning in Sapporo, Suzuki was able to defend it successfully against Togi Makabe in March. His match against Naito yesterday was just his second scheduled title defense.
Suzuki-gun (Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) & BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens& Yujiro Takahashi)
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, KUSHIDA & Michael Elgin defeated CHAOS(Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay & YOSHI-HASHI)
BUSHI defeated El Desperado by DQ
Hiromu Takahashi defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Title Championships Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) (c) defeat Killer Elite Squad(Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer)
Martin Stone, better known to NXT fans as Danny Burch, has signed a full-time contract with WWE. He lost his last match for Beyond Wrestling over the weekend to Josh Briggs.
We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the fields and in the streets. We shall fight on the hills We shall never surrender pic.twitter.com/WJCJXdZuDv
Burch had previously been signed to WWE from 2011 to 2014. He was used primarily as enhancement talent on NXT. Burch was released from his WWE contract in 2014 but would be back with the company the following year. He would wrestle as enhancement talent for another 3 years in NXT before reportedly signing a full-time WWE contract yesterday.
Danny Burch in WWE
One possible reason WWE has re-signed Burch to an exclusive deal is the upcoming World of Sport television tapings planned for mid-May. If Burch was a free agent, he would be free to wrestle on the World of Sport television tapings. While Burch is likely available for non-WWE shows in Europe provided they are not televised, his new deal likely prevents him from appearing for World of Sport.
Burch has wrestled 25 WWE televised matches in his career. Aside from his loss in the opening round of the United Kingdom Championship tournament, all of Burch’s televised matches have taken place on NXT. He currently has a 1-24 record. His one win came against his frequent tag-team partner, Oney Lorcan. Most recently, Burch and Oney were eliminated by Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong in the 1st round of the 2018 Dusty Rhodes Classic.
In 2014, Burch competed on the TNA British Bootcamp show. While he was successful on the show, he would not earn a spot on the Impact Wrestling roster through the show. The wrestler now known as Tanga Loa was victorious on the One Night Only: Gut Check PPV and earned a spot on an episode of Impact as a result.
Burch made his pro-wrestling debut in 2003 after having been trained by the Dropkixx Academy as well as the Frontier Wrestling Alliance.
Paige took to social media this weekend to reflect back on the last year of her life, and how so many things have changed in that span of time.
After being on the sidelines for a lengthy period of time due to Wellness Policy suspensions and various injuries, Paige finally returned to WWE earlier this year, only to suffer a career-ending injury.
In a new post on her official Instagram page this weekend, the SD! Live G.M. looked back at the last year of her life.
“I’ve posted this before but I’m feeling so happy and content with my life right now,” wrote Paige. “Everything hasn’t turned out perfectly but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Obstacles have made me the strongest and healthiest I’ve been in a long time.”
Paige continued, “A year can make a hell of a difference. Surrounding myself with positive and encouraging people have been extremely beneficial for my life. I didn’t think I would make it this far and now I can’t wait to see what my future holds! (still with the same roots though. Siisssss fix that shhh).”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiIljnGHsV0/
What do you think of Paige’s comments on the last year of her life? Sound off in the Comments section below.
WWE Hall Of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart reportedly set up a telephone call between Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Harry Smith Jr., son of the late WWE legend “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith to settle the issues between the two.
As noted, Roberts and Smith Jr. were reportedly involved in an incident at the WrestleCon event that took place during WrestleMania weekend in New Orleans earlier this month.
According to multiple sources, Smith Jr. walked up to a table where Roberts was signing autographs and without being provoked, threw a cup of scolding hot coffee in Roberts’ face. This reportedly led to security quickly coming in and breaking things up before they escalated.
Following the incident, Roberts filed charges against Smith Jr., which he apparently dropped after the aforementioned phone call set up by Bret Hart.
Harry Smith Jr. Writes About Phone Conversation
“I’d like to announce publicly and officially that I spoke with Jake Roberts on the phone today and we squashed heat we have for what happened at the WrestleCon event,” wrote Smith Jr. about squashing his beef with Roberts. “I apologized and said I would apologize publicly as Jake agreed he would be dropping any charges pressed against me.
“I’m a man of my word and I’d like to say sorry to any fans that I stressed with this situation also,” Smith Jr. added. “I wish Jake all the best and glad that we squashed the heat. I actually had spoken to Roddy Piper before he passed away about the podcast Jake and he did. I’m certainly glad we worked things out, as Roddy died [not] long after.”
What do you think of the latest developments in the situation involving Jake Roberts and Harry Smith Jr.? Sound off in the Comments section below.
When I heard that WWE was airing the Greatest Royal Rumble, I thought I was just going to see a replay of the 1992 Rumble. When the show started, I said to myself “This is not the Knickerbocker Arena. Something’s fishy.” My suspicions were confirmed when Triple H and John Cena came out for the first match instead of the The Orient Express and The New Foundation, so I turned it off and watched this week’s episode of MLW Fusion instead.
I totally just made up that story. I watched GRR and recorded Fusion, but after watching the five-hour commercial for Saudi Arabia, I wish I had just watched Fusion live instead.
Fusion’s second week offering starts with a video package highlighting the feud between Shane “Swerve” Strickland and Jimmy Havoc. Havoc has two wins over Strickland and tonight is Strickland’s night to redeem himself. Strickland says “Swerve is Confidence.” Well, I’m glad Swerve is Confidence because Havoc is Psychotic. The dude licked an axe blade.
The Dirty Blondes vs. Team TBD
Rich Bocchini and Mr. Multi-Year Deal Tony Schiavone welcome us to the show and send us to the ring where we see Colonel Rob Parker, who introduces The Dirty Blondes, Leo Brien and Michael Patrick. The Dirty Blondes are members of Parker’s newest version of the Stud Stable faction.
Team TBD, which includes Jason Cade and Jimmy (The Great) Yuta enter next. Cade and Brien start the match. We get some back story as the announcers mention that Cade was sent to a local medical facility- I’m sorry, a hospital- because of The Dirty Blondes.
The bell rings and Cade dropkicks Brien. He hits him with a forearm and tags in Yuta. They execute Poetry in Motion with Cade kneeing Brien in the face. Patrick is tagged in and Yuta locks him into a submission where he uses his feet to twist Patrick’s arms. Cade is tagged in and TBD does a backdrop/backflip combo onto Patrick.
Patrick sneaks a tag to Brien, who blindsides Cade. Brien pays tribute to Dusty Rhodes with a Bionic Elbow. Upon closer examination, it looks like someone took Dusty’s body from the 80s and put Brien’s head on top of it. Eerie. Patrick is tagged in and the Blondes hit a double Bionic Elbows followed by a quick succession of elbow drops.
The announcers mention that there will be an upcoming tournament to crown the first ever MLW Tag Team Champions.
Brien uses some rest holds on Cade. Cade makes a comeback with a bicycle kick and a jumping neckbreaker. Brien tags in Patrick while Cade makes the hot tag to Yuta, who knocks down Patrick with a springboard overhead chop. He dropkicks Brien and chops Patrick some more. Patrick reverses an Irish whip, but Yuta flips over the top rope, kicks Patrick, and hits him with a diving crossbody. Brien breaks up the pin.
All four guys are in the ring now. Brien gets sent to the outside and Cade lands on him with a slingshot tope suicida. In the ring, Yuta runs to the ropes but Parker trips him. Patrick attacks with an elbow drop to the back of Yuta’s head, and that’s all it takes to get the three count and the victory for The Dirty Blondes. Wow. An elbow drop? Hey, they don’t all have to be One Winged Angels and Red Arrows.
Bocchini says that he’s “sure” Colonel Robert Parker got involved to help The Blondes win the match. Well, if he’s a heel manager, he probably did. Plus, instant replayed revealed Parker’s interference. So did watching it in real-time.
Ultimo Ninja vs. Garza Jr.
Last week we got two brothers fighting in Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix. This week, we get a “clash of cousins” between Ultimo Ninja and Garza Jr. What’s with all these luchadores fighting their own family members? It took Owen Hart kicking Bret’s leg out of his leg for the Hitman to agree to fight his brother. These guys just say “You want me to beat up my own flesh and blood? Okay.”
Ultimo Ninja comes out first. Well, I’ll be. I thought the only Ultimo out there was a dragon.
Salina de la Renta comes out next, escorted by two security guards. Following her is her charge, Garza Jr. Garza is wearing shoulder tape. He also looks like he has huge birth marks on his back, but Schiavone informs us that they are marks from suction cups that were used during Garza’s physical therapy.
The match starts with some showing followed by a quick succession of leapfrogs and counters. The two have a stand-off before more action ensues. Ninja hits a handspring back elbow and some kicks. Bocchini informs us that Garza trains in an underwater tank with an octopus. I’ve heard they’re good sparring partners.
Ninja does the “Shh” knife edge chop spot. The crowd chants for one more, but Ninja doesn’t deliver and instead opts for a spinning heel kick. Garza gets in a pair of flying clotheslines. Ninja comes running at him put Garza puts his hand up and yells “Stop!” Then, he does his best Magic Mike impression and rips off his pants to reveal his man parts. Just kidding. He’s wearing red trunks. He throws the pants in the air and Ninja tries to catch them, which leaves him open for a superkick. Garza covers for two.
Garza brings Ninja down with a double underhook slam. He puts Ninja into the tree of woe and connects with a running kick. Schiavone says “Woe, that connected.” Earn that multi-year money, Tony.
Eventually, Ninja is able to send Garza to the outside and flies with an over the top rope tope suicida onto his opponent. The ref starts a 20 count but both men make it back inside.
The announcers talk about how Garza is a rudo (heel) and Ninja is a tecnico (face). Is that considered breaking kayfabe? Do the announcers in CMLL or AAA openly talk about which guys are rudos or tecnicos? I just know that it would be weird for me to hear Michael Cole refer to The Miz as a heel in the midst of calling a match, but maybe that kind of thing is normal in lucha libre.
Ninja bodyslams Garza, which sets him up to execute a backwards somersault into a standing moonsault, which gets a two-count. Garza gets control of the match with a front dropkick, a wheelbarrow double knee gutbuster, and a headbutt. He tries to do the “Shh” knife edge chop spot as well, but the sound the chop makes is underwhelming. He goes for a monkey flip, but Ninja lands on his feet and knocks Garza down with a spinning kick to the back of the head.
Ninja goads Garza into charging at him but moves at the last second, causing his opponent to run into the ring post. Ninja climbs to the top and hits a missile dropkick. They trade pins before trading Rings of Saturn submission holds. Garza gets it on second. Ninja escapes and kicks Garza in the face. Both men are down.
They get back to their feet. Garza pushes Ninja into the ropes, where de la Renta snatches his mask right off his head. Ninja covers his face, giving Garza the opportunity to pin him with an O’Connor roll for the win. Ninja lies on the mat with a towel wrapped around his face while Garza kisses his manager’s hand.
We get a recap of the awesome main event between Pentagon and Fenix from last week. Pentagon earned a shot at Shane Strickland and the World Heavyweight Championship, which is taking place at the May 3 “Intimidation Games” TV taping.
Next is a video package for “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. He says that there is only one star currently in UFC and professional wrestling, and that’s him. Well, Tom, you’re currently suspended from one sport and the other sport you’re in is fake, so I guess your assertion is bunk. The video is also rife with highlights from his training sessions, which includes punching his trainees in the balls. I don’t know if that’s the best way to recruit prospective students.
Rob Parker is interviewed backstage, flanked by The Dirty Blondes. He talks about how he’s managed and had a hand in the success of some of wrestling’s biggest names, including Steve Austin, Sid Vicious, and Harlem Heat. Now, he’s going to do the same for The Dirty Blondes.
MVP cuts a promo on Sami Callahan, his opponent next week. He says that wins and losses matter and he needs to climb MLW’s ranking system. He made a promise to his son to be a good role model and one way he can do that is by winning the MLW World Heavyweight Title. The promo ends with MVP saying that no matter what you’ve done in the past, there’s always redemption. Well, if Impact stays in business, perhaps there WILL always be Redemption.
Shane “Swerve” Strickland vs. “England’s Most Dangerous Man” Jimmy Havoc
We get a second video package for the main event. Strickland says he’s still here, even after losing to Havoc twice. Havoc says Strickland just doesn’t know when to quit. We see Havoc’s handiwork from his hardcore match with Swerve, including putting the champ through a table and double stomping a barbed wired chair on him. Strickland ends the hype video by saying he will beat Havoc and win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Wait, isn’t he already the champion?
The tale of the tape analyzes the two competitors’ fighting styles before going back to the arena.
Strickland comes out first. He’s not announced as the World Champion nor is he wearing a title belt, so this must have been recorded before he won the championship. Ring announcer Tim Barr proclaims Strickland as being from Tacoma but the chyron says Seattle. Maybe I’m nit-picking, but I like consistency.
On a side note, I like Strickland’s theme song, “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan and Rufus.
Havoc comes out next sporting a muzzle. Strickland better hope Havoc isn’t hungry.
The match starts and Strickland comes out of the gate with a running boot to the face. Havoc answers back with an elbow smash and a short-arm lariat. He comes at Strickland, who counters with a knee strike and a top rope basement dropkick. He stomps Havoc in the corner and locks in a submission where he hooks both of Havoc’s arms with his legs, bending the right arm back. Havoc screams that his arm “doesn’t bend that way!” I don’t think the hold would be as effective if he bent it the correct way, Jimmy.
Strickland lets the move go. He whips Havoc into the corner but it’s reversed. Havoc charges but Swerve gets a boot up. He hops onto the second rope, but Havoc kicks his leg out from under him, causing the champ to get crotched onto the second rope, leaving him open for a double knee jawbreaker.
Strickland ends up on the apron, where Havoc clotheslines him on the top rope. Swerve spills to the floor. He makes it back in and eats an elbow strike. Swerve hits a spinning kick and a 619 to Havoc’s torso. Havoc tries a sunset flip pinning attempt, but Strickland escapes and kicks havoc right in the back of the head.
We cut to a commercial, and when we come back, it sounds like Bocchini is in mid-sentence.
Strickland gets sent into the corner but fires back with a roll through jumping cutter. He starts to chop England’s Most Dangerous Man, who asks for more after each one. After a few more chops, Swerve is ready to put him away with a running boot, but Havoc catches it and sends Swerve face first into the mat. The champ gets up and is immediately dumped on his head with a Canadian Destroyer. The onslaught continues with another elbow smash/short-arm lariat combination. He covers but Strickland gets out at two!
Havoc stays on the attack and traps his opponent in a Cobra Clutch with body scissors. Strickland efforts his way out of the hold. He goes for a kick but Havoc ducks and kicks the ref. Havoc goes for the Acid Rainmaker but Strickland avoids it and knees Havoc in the face. He covers for an eternity before realizing the ref is still out cold. Strickland tends to the ref, leaving himself defenseless when Havoc low blows him. Strickland gets rolled up. Havoc has a handful of tights but the pin only gets a two count.
Havoc looks to put it away with the Acid Rainmaker but Strickland ducks and hits one of his own. Havoc goes out to the apron. Strickland hits an elbow strike. Havoc falls to his butt, where he gets a superkick. He hangs off the side of the apron and tries to get himself back up. His effort is futile as Swerve sends him to the floor with a double stomp. Strickland gets Havoc back into the ring, where he sits on the mat for what seems like forever as he waits for Strickland to get to the top rope and hit the Swerve Stomp, which earns him the three count. Strickland took too long to get the move off. Havoc was pretty much staring up at Strickland waiting to get stomped. I’d like to think that if this were real, Havoc would have moved. Despite that, it finished the match and gave Strickland his much-desired victory over his nemesis.
After a quick ad for the next TV tapings, Andrea Ocampo interviews the champ. He asks the crowd four or five times who’s house it is. The crowd responds with “Swerve’s house!” Actually, it’s MLW’s house or whoever is hosting their TV taping. Swerve says he finally beat Havoc and that he overcomes challenges because Swerve is Confidence. He asks the crowd AGAIN who’s house it is before ending the promo and this week’s program.
Final Thoughts
Some of the production on this show was a little weird, like the inconsistency of Swerve saying he was going to become the champion while already being acknowledged as the champ, his hometown being announced as two different cities, and Bocchini’s mid-sentence remarks as the show was coming back from commercial. Maybe that’s not a big deal to some people, but I expect a professional television program so tighten those little things up.
While no match stands out to me this week as mind-blowingly fantastic (which is an unfair expectation for a weekly show anyway), I will say that the person who stood out the most for me this week is Col. Rob Parker. I like the angle of Rob Parker bringing back the Stud Stable and looking to take The Dirty Blondes to the top of the tag team division. They certainly wrestled well enough to convince me that they could be champions, and if they continue to employ the underhanded tactics of the colonel, I don’t see why they can’t.
I wasn’t blown away by MLW’s first World Champion. I’ve only seen Swerve once, but if someone put a gun to my head right now and asked me who I want to win the World Title match at the May 3 tapings, I would unhesitatingly say Pentagon Jr. I was mesmerized by his charisma last week. Plus, he has the in-ring talent that qualifies him as one of today’s best wrestlers. He’s already won the Impact Wrestling World Title. Is the MLW Title in his future?
Those are my thoughts for this week’s episode of MLW Fusion. Come back next week for more recaps and analysis. Have a good week!
WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble aired live last night from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Female Superstars were not allowed to participate in the show. During the broadcast, WWE aired promotional material that featured female wrestlers, which was also against the rules. Saudi Arabia General Sports Authority tweeted out an apology in regards WWE showing female Superstars during WWE Greatest Royal Rumble last night.
The General Sport Authority would like to apologize to the viewers and attendees of last night’s WWE event that took place in Jeddah, over the indecent scene involving women that appeared as an ad before a segment. It would like to confirm it’s total disapproval of this, in the shadow of its commitment to eliminate anything that goes against the communities values.
The authority has made sure to ban showing of any segment that involves women wrestling or any scenes related to it, and stipulated that to the company (WWE). The authority also disapproved any promotional stuff with pictures or videos showing women in an indecent way, and emphasized on commitment of this rule. And it’s a commitment that the authority would still commit to forever in all of it’s events and programs.
WWE aired an advertisement featuring Sasha Banks, Carmella, Naomi, Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Bayley and male Superstars singing along to a song to promote dual-branded PPVs moving forward. WWE Backlash on May 6th will feature Superstars from both RAW and SmackDown. This advertisement was shown in King Abdullah Sports Stadium last night during the show.
Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet posted a video of fans in the stadium reacting to the female Superstars:
It appears as though last night’s Greatest Royal Rumble event will not be the last WWE show held in Saudi Arabia in 2018.
Uncensored Wrestling confirmed on Twitter that Turki Al-Sheikh announced another major WWE event will be held in the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh in November. No further information has yet been released on the show, whether this could be another special live feature for the WWE Network is yet to be determined but with the success of the Greatest Royal Rumble and the global buzz that WWE has generated from the show it is definitely not out of the realms of possibility.
— Uncensored Wrestling ?? (@Uncensored_WWE) April 27, 2018
Last night’s Greatest Royal Rumble event also stirred up some controversy, most notably the fact that no Women’s division performers were permitted on the show. Early on in the broadcast WWE played a video promoting the culture change that Saudi Arabia had been experiencing over the past few years, including the fact that Women were now permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia.
Former Women’s Champion Sasha Banks appeared to be unimpressed with the segment, she tweeted “I’m so inspired” during the event. Whilst this is a cleverly worded tweet it could easily be seen as a sarcastic jab, check out her comments below and let us know what you think in the comments.
I’m so inspired
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) April 27, 2018
Last night’s Greatest Royal Rumble event from Saudi Arabia was historic for many reasons…Daniel Bryan broke the record for longest time ever spent in a Rumble match at over 1 hour and 5 minutes and Braun Strowman eliminated 13 men, the most ever in a Rumble match.
But one of the most talked about moments from last night’s event came from one of the most unlikely circumstances. If you watched the show then you almost certainly know that I am referring to THAT Titus O’Neil botch.
For those who are unaware Titus had an unfortunate stumble whilst entering the first ever 50 man iteration of the Rumble match, the production crew appeared to cover the botch well with a quick camera change to the ring before again focusing on Titus recovering from under the ring apron. Vince McMahon reportedly found the situation “hilarious” and decided to focus on the botch with multiple replays.
Titus has now taken to Twitter to react to the unfortunate slip and it appears as though he is going to use this opportunity to get those checks “right into the bank.”
Check out Titus’ reaction below and tell us if you think he tripped intentionally in the comments.
It was AT THIS MOMENT….???
My @WWE#WWEGGR Idea For The Greatest Royal Rumble Moment was Born ? @WWEShop Get That MERCH ready!!! I’m about to slide….These extra Checks right into the bank? pic.twitter.com/tX4ykdpl9x
WWE has released the official poster for the upcoming United Kingdom Championship tournament which takes place June 18th and 19th from the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London, England. WWE announced earlier this month that several NXT Superstars would be making their way across the pond for these very special two nights and now the official poster has been revealed…
The main event of Night 1: British Strong Style vs Undisputed Era is the featured match and the poster shows WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne alongside Trent Seven, Tyler Bate, NXT North American Champion Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong. This huge 6 man tag team bout materialised during NXT Takeover: New Orleans from this past Wrestlemania weekend. Pete Dunne was paired with Roderick Strong in the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and Strong turned on his partner to align himself with the former Ring of Honor stars and become the newest member of the Undisputed Era. This will also be the first official bout for the British Strong Style stable under the WWE banner when Tyler Bate, Trent Seven and Pete Dunne head to the Royal Albert Hall as a unit.
Revolution Pro Wrestling has confirmed that the main event for May 11th’s Epic Encounter show will now be for the British Heavyweight Championship. Reigning Champion Tomohiro Ishii defeated Zack Sabre Jr has part of the company’s Wrestlecon show in New Orleans over Wrestlemania weekend to capture the prestigious UK Title.
Ishii will not be the only New Japan Pro Wrestling star making his way to York Hall on May 11th, NEVER Openweight Champion and Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki will be defending his Rev Pro Undisputed Tag Team Titles alongside Suzuki-Gun member Zack Sabre Jr against CCK’s Chris Brookes and Travis Banks. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay will also be in action when he faces El Phantasmo and Jeff Cobb will be teaming with Matt Riddle to face Aussie Open’s Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis.
The card for the event is now as follows:
Fred Yehi vs. Josh Bodom
El Phantasmo vs. Will Ospreay
Rev Pro Undisputed British Cruiserweight Title Match – Kurtis Chapman (c) vs. David Starr
Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) vs. The Chosen Bros (Jeff Cobb & Matthew Riddle)
Rev Pro Undisputed British Tag Team Title Match – Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr.) (c) vs. CCK (Chris Brookes & Travis Banks)
Just in case you were wondering The Undisputed British Heavyweight title will be on the line when these two men meet for a second time on Friday May 11th
Ring of Honor has announced more stars for their upcoming ‘Honor United’ tour across the United Kingdom in May.
Joining the already confirmed New Japan Pro Wrestling stars Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano and IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions EVIL and SANADA of Los Ingobernables de Japon will be these Ring of Honor Champions:
ROH World Champion Dalton Castle
ROH World Television Champion Silas Young
ROH World Tag Team Champions The Briscoes
First-ever Women of Honor Champion Sumie Sakai
ROH has also confirmed that the Women of Honor will be heading overseas as part of the three date tour. Tenille Dashwood, Brandi Rhodes and Kelly Klein will be joining inaugural Women of Honor Champion Sumie Sakai.
Other already confirmed Ring of Honor Stars include “The American Nightmare” Cody, Jay Lethal, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Adam Page, Bully Ray, The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia and TK O’Ryan), Punishment Martinez, Kenny King and Shane Taylor.
The three dates for the tour are as follows and tickets are available to purchase via the official ROH website.
May 24, 2018 — Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, Scotland, 7:30 p.m. local time
May 26, 2018 — Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London, England, 6 p.m. local time
May 27, 2018 — The Doncaster Dome, Doncaster, England, 6 p.m. local time
The UK wrestling scene was hit with the news earlier this week that World of Sport would officially be returning for a 10-part series. The tapings for these shows are scheduled to take place May 10th/11th/12th from EPIC Studios in Norwich, England.
Several of the UK’s top stars have reacted to the news that ITV are bringing back the once hugely popular series. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay asked “Wouldn’tit be interesting if they could Elevate the product and show the nation the true evolution of British Wrestling. Wonder how or better yet who could do that…???”
Several names have already been rumored regarding the potential stars that will be making their way to the new ITV show, including the first ever PROGRESS Champion Nathan Cruz, El Ligero, Mark Haskins and Alex Cupid. One name that likely will not be returning to the series is Zack Gibson, who recently appeared as part of WWE’s Wrestlemania Axxess shows and is slated to be signing with the WWE UK roster at some point in the near future. Gibson did appear on the one-off New Year’s Eve special that aired back in 2016 in a match against El Ligero.
So @WOSWrestlingITV is coming back as a series. Wouldn’t it be interesting if they could Elevate the product and show the nation the true evolution of British Wrestling.
Wonder how or better yet who could do that…???
— Will Ospreay • ????????? (@WillOspreay) April 25, 2018
Ronda Rousey had a pretty impactful pro wrestling debut at WrestleMania 34 but prior to commencing a pro wrestling career, she had to suffer from 2 dominating UFC loses.
In previous interviews, Rousey had opened up about her losses and the effect they had on her. During a recent Q&A session with Hollywood director Peter Berg at the Wild Card West boxing gym, she once again talked about her UFC defeats.
Ronda said that she did a whole lot of crying after her undefeated streak broke but claimed that time is a great teacher and best things have come from the worst things:
“I did a whole lot of crying, isolating myself, (husband Travis Browne) held me and let me cry and it lasted two years, I couldn’t have done it alone. I had to learn from experience. From the worst things, the best things have come as a result. Time is a great teacher. It’s that belief that time passes, even bad times.”
Ronda Rousey had a 12 fight undefeated streak before it was broken by Holly Holm at UFC 193 via knockout in the second round.
Her second loss came at the hands of Amanda Nunes via TKO in the first round and after this defeat; she left UFC and joined WWE for building a career in Pro Wrestling.
Westwide Xtreme Wrestling (wXw) has announced that PROGRESS ATLAS Champion and member of the Ringkampf stable WALTER will be challenging Ilja Dragunov for the wXw Unified World Championship in the main event of Superstars of Wrestling on May 5th.
If you’ve never heard of WALTER then he is certainly a performer that should be on your radar. The Austrian powerhouse has been dominating the Tag and Heavyweight divisions in wXw, PROGRESS and PWG over the past couple of years and he is now being slated as a future WWE/NXT signee (even if he denies any sort of negotiations). The de-facto leader of the Ringkampf stable (alongside Timothy Thatcher and previously NXT roster member Axel Dieter Jr) has a ton of potential on the world stage and has already garnered critical praise from the likes of Dave Meltzer, who gave his PWG All-Star Weekend bout against Zack Sabre Jr from October 2017 a 5 star rating.
This announcement just adds extra spice to an already impressive card featuring the likes of Tenille Dashwood challenging Toni Storm for the wXw Women’s Championship and ROH legend Christopher Daniels taking on Bobby Guns for the wXw Shotgun Title. WWE legend Billy Gunn, former ROH World Champion Jay Lethal and 16 Carat Gold winner Absolute Andy will also be in action.
Less than 10 tickets remain for this incredibly stacked card which takes place in Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen next weekend. You can watch the show later that week via the wXw Now On Demand service, further information can be found via the tweet below or through wXw’s official website.
3 time IWGP Junior Heavyweight and former 1 time IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion Kota Ibushi recently spoke to Tokyo Sports in Japan to discuss a variety of topics surrounding the Bullet Club, his role in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Cody Rhodes and more.
Ibushi has become embroiled in a Bullet Club ‘civil war’ alongside his ‘Golden Lovers’ tag team partner Kenny Omega. The pair have been feuding against Cody Rhodes, Hangman Page and at times The Young Bucks. When discussing the storyline Kota stated: “I don’t know why the Bullet Club members have to fight each other. I want it to end. It doesn’t interest me at all, I just don’t want to be caught up in it anymore.”
Ibushi also went on to say that he does not “want to bring backstage drama into the ring. I want to wrestle in the ring, and have the stories develop and amaze people there and there alone. Even as I tag (in the Golden Lovers) I want to make a mark, show results on my own. Ibushi also commented on the man who calls himself the defacto leader of the Bullet Club; Cody Rhodes. “I liked my match with Cody (at Wrestle Kingdom). I like him as a wrestler; to just have a normal match, I’m looking forward to it. Win or lose, I want this to be the end of all this, put it behind us and move on.”
Credit to Chris Charlton @reasonjp for the translation.
https://t.co/x4esZmhU2m Ibushi ‘I don’t know why the Bullet Club members have to fight each other. I want it to end. It doesn’t interest me at all, I just don’t want to be caught up in it anymore’ #njdontaku
DEFIANT Wrestling will be presenting their latest PPV offering ‘No Regrets’ tonight from 7pm UK time (2pm Eastern, 11am Pacific) emanating from England’s Newcastle-upon-Tyne. DEFIANT GM and former WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett/Stu Bennett will be on hand for proceedings and has promised a night of incredible action.
The card is now complete and all of DEFIANT’s Championships will be on the line, here is how the card stacks up:
30-Person #1 Contenders Rumble Match
Austin Aries vs Rampage (Defiant Championship)
Millie McKenzie vs Kay Lee Ray – Last Woman Standing (Women’s Championship)
Travis Banks vs Walter (Internet Championship)
Mark Haskins & Jimmy Havoc vs Aussie Open (Tag Championship)
Martin Kirby vs No Fun Dunne
The ‘No Regrets’ PPV will be available to purchase via the FITE App for $14.99 or on DEFIANT’s own Access DEFIANT On Demand streaming service. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial right now if you head over to this page.
Access Defiant costs just $8.99 per month and features the entirety of the WCPW back catalogue, including the Pro Wrestling World Cup, WCPW True Legacy featuring Kurt Angle vs Cody Rhodes, Stacked ’17 featuring Will Ospreay vs Marty Scurll and much more.
New Japan Pro Wrestling announced back in March that they will be returning to the United States for another ‘G1 Special’ event on July 7th.
The legendary Cow Palace in San Francisco, California will be hosting the event, the venue can potentially hold up to 13,000+ which would be a huge step up from the 2,300 fans in attendance for last year’s G1 Specials at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Last year’s event saw the crowning of the first ever IWGP United States Champion as part of a two night tournament, this was eventually won by ‘The Cleaner’ Kenny Omega. Whether NJPW will be holding another tournament centered around the US title and current holder Jay White remains to be seen.
New Japan has now released the ticket information and pricing for the event, which you can find below or via NJPW1972.com:
TICKETS ON SALE:
Tuesday May 01, 10AM (US Pacific time)
A lot was at stake for WWE to upset Saudi Officials for anything at the Greatest Royal Rumble event and it appears to be the reason why Sami Zayn missed the show.
WWE flew in every possible superstar for last night’s mega Live Event so the revelation that Sami Zayn will not be a part of the show was very surprising for the fans.
The statement company released on the matter saying that they are “committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs” didn’t clear things either.
Now after a new report from Pro Wrestling Sheet has come out, it appears that the sole reason behind it was that the company officials didn’t want to upset Saudi Government for anything.
According to the site, Sami wasn’t a part of the event due to the same reasons why there were no Women’s matches on the card for the Greatest Royal Rumble -to respect the local culture in Saudi Arabia
Wrestling Observer further reports that the backstage interview of Zayn following this week’s Raw as seen below, was supposed to be the storyline explanation for his absence but the company decided to release the above-mentioned statement after the story picked up.
For those who don’t know, Sami is a superstar of Syrian descent. It’s believed that the company kept him away from the event due to Syria’s strained diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, which could have upset Government Officials if Zayn had competed at the Live Event.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s heel turn at WrestleMania 34 was seen as the start of a long-lasting feud between him and AJ Styles so their match at the Greatest Royal Rumble was expected to be just a stop on their rivalry instead of being a culminating bout.
Now WWE has confirmed that their match at the show was not the last encounter we’ll see between the two by announcing a rematch for the upcoming Backlash PPV next month.
The match between Nakamura and Styles at last night’s show ended in a double count-out after AJ speared the Japanese star onto the announcer’s table and they both kept brawling outside as the referee counted to ten.
Though the duo didn’t stop fighting even after the bell rang and the segment ended with the WWE Champion delivering a phenomenal forearm to the former NXT Star onto to the ringside floor.
After the show went off air, WWE announced on their website that the Phenomenal One will once again defend his title against the former NXT Champion at the upcoming dual branded PPV.
Following the announcement, here is the updated Backlash match card:
WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. The Miz
Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Carmella (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass
WWE Backlash will take place on May 6, 2018, at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
WWE Greatest Royal Rumble aired live on April 27th from the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Here are 10 takeaways from the special event:
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is ready. Are you?
Triple H battled John Cena to kickoff the Greatest Royal Rumble event. Triple H made his entrance first and got an awesome reaction from the crowd. Green strobe lights lit up the arena as Triple H marched down the ramp with a bottle of water. Triple H posed on the entrance ramp and spit the water in the air as the crowd erupted.
John Cena made his entrance to a tremendously positive reaction from the crowd. Dozens of children lined the entrance ramp and Cena high-fived them all as he came down the entrance ramp. Fireworks went off as Cena slid into the ring. Triple H was shown staring in the sky and relishing the moment as Cena posed in the ring.
The bell rang as Cena and Triple H circled each other in the ring. The two legends locked up in the middle of the ring to start off the match. Triple H shoved Cena to the mat and had a giant smirk on his face while doing it. Some “Cena sucks!” started up in Jeddah as the two locked up once again. Cena shoved Triple H on his ass and did the “you can’t see” taunt as the crowd cheered.
Both Superstars stared at each other as the energy from the crowd reigned down upon the ring. Cena and Triple H locked up once again in a battle of strength. Triple H got the advantage and pushed Cena to his knees. Cena powered back to his feet, but Triple H booted him in his crotch and then shoulder tackled him to the canvas.
Triple H then did the “you can’t see me” taunt and whipped Cena to the ropes. Cena exploded with a shoulder tackle of his own. Triple H hopped right back up and bounced Cena’s face off the top turnbuckle. Triple H then punched Cena in the face and the crowd started to boo him. Triple H did Cena’s taunt once again, Cena snuck up behind him for a roll-up for a two count. Triple H connected with a Clothesline for another two count.
Triple H launched Cena into the turnbuckle and John crumbled to the canvas. Triple H did it once again and started strutting in the ring. Triple H took his sweet time going over to Cena in the corner and then punched him in the face. Cena battled back with a couple of jabs, but Triple H quickly locked in a Sleeper Hold in the middle of the ring. Cena broke free and connected with a couple of shoulder tackles. Triple H bounced back with another Clothesline and Cena and his jean shorts splatted on the mat.
Cena got back up and traded fists to the face with Triple H. Triple H bounced Cena’s temple of his knee and went for the cover, but Cena was able to get his shoulder up at the last second. Triple H went for the Pedigree but Cena countered and slammed Triple H to the mat. Cena raised his hand in the air and went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Triple H got back up and connected with a Back Body Drop. Triple H did the “suck it!” taunt and went for the cover but Cena powered out at two.
Cena threw Triple H to the corner and The Game went flying over the top rope and crashed on the floor outside the ring. John slammed Triple H shoulder-first into the ring post and then rolled Triple H back into the ring. Cena scaled the turnbuckle and went for a Dropkick, but Triple H countered into a Spinebuster/ Powerbomb for another two count.
Both Superstars got back up and traded punches for the face. Cena tripped up Triple H and locked in the STF in the center of the ring. Triple H shrieked in agony as he slowly crawled towards the ropes. Triple H wound up booting Cena away and then planted him with a Spinebuster for a two count.
Triple H brought Cena to the corner and hopped up to the second rope to deliver some punches to the face as the crowd counted along. Cena escaped at four and this time connected with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena followed it up with the Attitude Adjustment, but Triple H kicked out at two. Cena went for another AA, but The Game countered into a Pedigree. Triple H went for the cover, but Big Match John kicked out at two. Triple H countered another AA into a roll-up for a two count.
Cena quickly locked in the STF once again in the middle of the ring. Triple H reversed into a Crossface and bent Cena’s face back in the middle of the ring. Cena showed off his power and lifted Triple H onto his shoulders. Cena connected with an Attitude Adjustment, a slingshot into the turnbuckle and a third Attitude Adjustment for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Cena grabbed a microphone and said that it was an honor to be a part of an event like this. Cena added that regardless of what is going on in his life, he was not going to miss this event for the world. Cena thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for allowing him to be a part of something so special. Cena told the crowd to enjoy the rest of the night and high-fived fans as he made his way up the ramp.
Opinion: This was a great way to start the Greatest Royal Rumble. The crowd absolutely loved seeing two legends of the industry battle in the ring. If you have been watching WWE for a long time, you have seen this match a bunch of times and nothing really special happened in the ring here. However, the appreciation from the crowd was great to see and their energy made this match much better than it would have been if it occured on an episode of RAW or at a PPV in the states.
Cedric Alexander Retained The Cruiserweight Championship
Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter
Cedric Alexander defended his Cruiserweight Championship against Kalisto tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Kalisto started up a “Lucha” chant before the two Superstars locked up to start off the match. Kalisto walked on his hands and planted Alexander with a Hurricanrana.
Kalisto knocked Cedric out of the ring and then flipped onto him. The action returned to the ring for a moment, but Alexander booted him out of the ring. Alexander sprinted across the ring and flipped onto Kalisto on the outside. Back in the ring, Cedric went for a cover but Kalisto kicked out at one.
Alexander connected with a beautiful Dropkick for a two count. Alexander then applied a Bear Hug in the middle of the ring. Kalisto tried to escape, but Alexander wouldn’t let go and slammed him back down to the canvas while maintaining the Bear Hug.
Kalisto escaped with an Arm Drag and followed it up with a boot to face. Kalisto connected with a springboard Crossbody and followed it up with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Kaliso elbowed Alexander in the jaw, but Cedric responded with a Michonuku Driver for two. Kalisto battled back with a kick to the face and Alexander looked rattled while perched up on the top turnbuckle. Kalisto went for a Hurricanrana, but Alexander blocked it. Kalisto headbutted Alexander and connected with an awesome Spanish Fly for a two count.
Alexander and Kalisto traded shots in the center of the ring. Alexander went for the Lumbar Check, but Kalisto countered into a Hurricanrana into the corner. Kalisto then went for the Salida del Sol, but Cedric was ready for it and countered into the Lumbar Check for the pinfall victory. Cedric Alexander is still the Cruiserweight Champion.
Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt Won The Vacant RAW Tag Titles
Sheamus & Cesaro faced Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt for the vacant RAW Tag Team Championships tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Matt Hardy started off Cesaro the match by trading “delete!” and “The Bar!” taunts. Hardy connected with a shoulder tackle and tagged in Bray Wyatt.
Bray ran into a boot to the face in the corner and Sheamus tagged in. Sheamus stomped on Bray in the corner and followed it up with a knee to the face. Wyatt responded with a Clothesline and tagged Hardy back in. Matt and Bray connected with a Leg Drop and a Senton on Sheamus. Bray Wyatt and Hardy then gave themselves a round of applause and the Jeddah crowd joined in on the fun.
Matt planted Sheamus with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Sheamus blocked the Twist of Fate, and Cesaro connected with a cheap shot to Hardy as the ref was distracted. Sheamus shoved Hardy out of the ring and Cesaro hit another cheap shot. Sheamus brought Matt back into the ring and applied a Headlock.
Cesaro tagged in and continued the beatdown of Hardy. Sheamus got back in the match and dropped a knee onto Hardy’s chest for a two count. Sheamus quickly applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd got behind Hardy. Matt broke the hold with a Jaw Breaker, but Cesaro tagged in and planted him with a Gutwrench Suplex for two.
Sheamus tagged in and connected with an elbow to the face for another two count. Hardy finally was able to battle back and planted Sheamus with a Side Effect. Wyatt and Cesaro tagged in and Bray knocked Cesaro to the mat with a Clothesline. Wyatt knocked Sheamus off the apron and leveled Cesaro with a Crossbody for a two count.
Sheamus tagged in and connected with the White Noise. Matt Hardy ran into the ring and broke up the cover and then planted Cesaro with a Twist of Fate. Bray Wyatt planted Sheamus with the Sister Abigail and then tagged in Hardy. Bray lifted Sheamus up and Hardy planted him with the Twist of Fate for the pinfall victory. Matt and Bray are the new RAW Tag Team Champions. Sheamus & Cesaro will now join the SmackDown roster after WWE’s Superstar Shakeup.
Opinion: Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt will certainly be interesting as the new tag champs. It was pretty obvious that The Bar wasn’t going to win the titles back after they have already been announced for SmackDown’s roster. RAW’s tag division has been poor as of late, hopefully Hardy & Wyatt can bring it back to life.
Jeff Hardy Is Still The United States Champion
Jeff Hardy defended the United States Championship against Jinder Mahal at Greatest Royal Rumble. Hardy started off the match with a Dropkick that sent Mahal out of the ring. Jeff connected with a leaping Clothesline off the barricade. Jinder rolled into the ring as Hardy hopped up on the ring apron.
Sunil Singh grabbed Jeff’s leg and Jinder capitalized with a punch to the face. Mahal connected with a series of knees to Hardy’s midsection and then stomped on him in the corner a couple of times. Mahal launched Jeff into the turnbuckle and Hardy fell to the mat. Mahal brought him back to his feet, only to drop him back down with a Neckbreaker for a two count.
Jinder knocked Jeff back down and then taunted the crowd as they booed him. Jinder went for a Gutbuster, but Hardy countered into a Leg Drop for a two count. Hardy barely connected with a Whisper in the Wind for a two count.
Jeff connected with a Dropkick in the corner and then dragged Mahal back to the middle of the ring. Sunil hopped on the ring apron again and Mahal tried to hit the Khallas, but Hardy blocked it. Jeff then hit the Twist of Fate and followed it up with the Swanton Bomb for the pinfall victory. Jeff Hardy is still the United States Champion.
Opinion: The crowd really wasn’t into this match and it is hard to blame them. Hardy and Mahal have zero chemistry in the ring. Every single Mahal match is pretty much the same. I just find him remarkably boring and I’m glad that Jeff Hardy retained. That means that Hardy will face Orton at WWE Backlash and we will be spared of yet another Orton vs. Mahal match.
The Bludgeon Brothers Dominated The Usos Again
The Bludgeon Brothers defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Usos tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. The Bludgeon Brothers have absolutely dominated Jimmy & Jey on recent episodes on SmackDown. However, this past Tuesday things changed when Naomi distracted Harper & Rowan on the entrance ramp. This allowed Jimmy to defeat Rowan and The Usos picked up some momentum heading into this title match.
Harper and Rowan started off the match in control and took turns beating down Jey Uso. Rowan connected with a Backbreaker and followed it up with a Splash for a two count. Harper tagged in and went for a big boot, but Jey ducked and Harper tumbled out of the ring.
Jimmy tagged in and connected with a Crossbody outside the ring. Jimmy then delivered another Crossbody to Rowan outside the ring. Back in the ring, Jimmy hit a third Crossbody off the top onto Harper for a one count. Jimmy connected with a spin kick, but Harper got right back up and elbowed Jimmy in the face.
Jey tagged in and The Usos teamed up on him in the corner. Jimmy tagged back in and The Usos hit both Harper and Rowan with Superkicks. Jey connected with a Splash off the top rope for a two count.
Rowan dragged Jimmy out of the ring and booted him in the face. Rowan then tagged in and Harper slapped him in the face to fire him up. Harper and Rowan then Powerbombed Jimmy Uso for the pinfall victory. The Bludgeon Brothers retained the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Opinion: This match was much better than their bout at WrestleMania 34. The Bludgeon Brothers remain dominant and it will be interesting to see who steps up on SmackDown to try and rip the titles away from them. I’m looking forward to SAnitY showing up soon on the blue brand and causing Chaos. I think a match between SAnitY and The Bludgeon Brothers would be an absolute war and I hope we get to see it soon.
Seth Rollins Escaped With The Intercontinental Championship
Photo Credit: @WWEUniverse on Twitter
Seth Rollins put his Intercontinental Championship on the line in a Ladder Match against Samoa Joe, The Miz & Finn Balor at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble.
Joe beatdown Rollins in the corner to start off the match as Balor connected with a Dropkick to The Miz. Joe connected with an Enziguri to Balor and then ran into a boot from Rollins. Seth connected with a double Blockbuster off the second rope to The Miz and Samoa Joe.
Rollins and Balor battled in the middle of the ring. Seth Dropkicked Finn out of the ring and followed it up with a Suicide Dive. Rollins connected with another Suicide Dive to The Miz and then grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Samoa Joe and The Miz grabbed the ladder and a tug of war broke out. The Miz and Rollins teamed up to slam Joe into the ring apron. Finn then flipped from the ring onto Rollins and The Miz.
Joe bashed Finn with the ladder and made his way into the ring. Joe set up the ladder under the IC Ttle, but Rollins interrupted with a chop and the ladder fell to the canvas. Joe tripped Seth up and Rollins fell face-first into the ladder on the mat. Joe chopped Finn across the chest and then headbutted him.
Balor knocked Joe on top of the ladder and followed it up with a Double Stomp that sent Joe rolling out of the ring. Finn set up the ladder and started climbing towards the belt. The Miz dragged him down and booted him in the face. Miz made his way up the ladder but Rollins brought him back down and slammed him to the ladder. Seth Clotheslined Miz out of the ring and then glanced at the title suspended above the ring.
Rollins and Balor battled on top of the ladder. The Miz and Samoa Joe got back into the ring and shoved the ladder and Seth & Finn crashed to the floor outside the ring. The Miz tried to form an alliance with Joe. Joe shook Miz’s hand and then decked him with a shoulder tackle.
Joe set up the ladder in the corner, but it fell back to the mat when he walked away. Joe improvised and connected with a Body Slam on top of the ladder. Joe successfully set up the ladder in the corner this time and launched Rollins into it. Joe then bashed the ladder on Miz’s chest and The Miz rolled out of the ring.
Balor hit a Slingblade and Dropkicked Joe into the ladder in the corner. The ladder fell on top of Joe and Balor climbed up the turnbuckle. Both The Miz and Rollins joined him as Joe got back up. Joe struck The Miz with the ladder and then Powerbombed Rollins as Seth connected with a Superplex to Balor at the same time.
The Miz got back into the ring and connected with the Skull Crushing Finale on Joe on top of the ladder. Joe rolled out of the ring and The Miz was all alone in the ring with the ladder. The Miz set up the ladder under the title and started climbing. Rollins sprinted into the ring and met The Miz on the ladder with a punch to the face. The Miz shoved Seth off the ladder, but Balor quickly hopped on the ladder and traded shots with Miz.
The Miz dragged Balor to the mat and planted him with a Neckbreaker. Rollins climbed up the ladder, but The Miz regrouped and shoved the ladder over. The Miz then planted Rollins with a DDT and picked up the ladder. Miz bashed Rollins in the midsection with the ladder and then hit Balor in the face with it.
Finn knocked The Miz on top of the ladder in the middle of the ring and connected with the Coup de Grace. Balor set up the ladder under the belt and made his way up. Samoa Joe got back into the ring and dragged him down. Balor connected with an overhead kick that knocked Joe to the canvas.
Balor started climbing again, but Joe dragged him back down and locked in the Coquina Clutch. Finn escaped and delivered a Double Stomp to Joe’s chest. Up the ladder Finn went again as the crowd cheered him on. Joe brought him back down and planted him with a Uranage.
Joe made his way up the ladder, but Finn was able to get up and shove it over. Joe bounced neck-first on the top rope and crashed to the floor outside the ring. Finn made his way to the top of the ladder and was inches away from becoming the new Intercontinental Champion. Seth Rollins leaped from the top rope to the top of the ladder and ripped the title down to remain the Intercontinental Champion. Finn Balor put his head in hands in disbelief on top of the ladder as Rollins laid on the canvas with the title.
Opinion: I loved the finish to this match. The entire match was very entertaining, but the way it ended was perfect. Both The Miz and Samoa Joe are now on SmackDown as a result of the Superstar Shake-Up, so it wouldn’t have made sense for them to win the match. It is refreshing to see someone besides The Miz hold the IC Title. Seth is one of the best performers in the business and there are a bunch of feuds I’d like to see him have on RAW as the Intercontinental Champion.
Styles vs. Nakamura Ended In A Double Count-Out
Photo Credit: @WWEUniverse on Twitter
AJ Styles defended his WWE Championship against Shinsuka Nakamura tonight at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34 to retain the title. After the match, Nakamura hit Styles with a low blow and followed it up with a Kinshasa outside the ring. Nakamura has hit several low blows on Styles on recent episodes of SmackDown as the rivalry has become personal. Nakamura has refused to comment on his actions and has instead elected to say “no speak English” when questioned.
Shinsuke started off the match in control and focused his attack on AJ’s arm. AJ countered and started stretching out Nakamura’s arm as well. Shinsuke escaped and rolled out of the ring to regroup as the crowd booed. Nakamura paced around the ring before finally sliding back in.
AJ and Shinsuke locked up in the middle of the ring. Styles got the advantage and applied a Headlock. Nakamura shoved AJ to the ropes and the referee broke up the hold. Nakamura placed his head on AJ’s chest and waved his arms to taunt him. Nakamura stood in the middle of the ring and shouted “come on!”. Styles obliged and planted Nakamura with a Dropkick.
Nakamura connected with a boot to AJ’s knee and then stomped on him on the ring apron. Shinsuke rolled out of the ring, smiled and then kneed Styles in the face. Nakamura leaped off the ring apron and hit another knee to the back of Styles’ neck. Nakamura rolled AJ back into the ring and went for a cover but AJ kicked out at one. Nakamura knocked AJ to the corner for Good Vibrations and then hit another knee to the face for a two count.
Shinsuke applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd got behind Styles. AJ battled to his feet and connected with elbows to the ribs to break the hold. AJ planted Nakamura with a Facebuster and both Superstars fell to the mat as the crowd started cheering.
Styles hit Nakamura with a forearm to the face and then delivered another one in the corner. AJ lifted Nakamura onto his shoulders and dropped him neck-first across his knee for a two count. The crowd was on their feet and waving their arms back and forth as Styles remained in control. Shinsuke missed with a kick, but quickly recovered and connected with a kick to the face. Nakamura remained on the attack with a couple knees to the face and then slammed Styles to the mat.
Shinsuke geared up in the corner and went for the Kinshasa but Styles countered into roll-up for two. Styles then locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring and Nakamura screamed in agony.
Nakamura rolled through and reached the bottom rope to escape the Calf Crusher. Shinsuke connected with a kick to the side of AJ’s head and then draped Styles across the top rope. Shinsuke connected with a running knee to the midsection for a two count. Nakamura grabbed his knee in pain from the Calf Crusher as he made his way back to his feet.
Shinsuke perched AJ up on the top turnbuckle and then joined him up there. AJ slid between Shinsuke’s legs and then dragged him down and Nakamura fell face-first into the top turnbuckle.
Both Superstars got back up and traded punches in the middle of the ring. AJ hit a flurry of elbows and Nakamura dropped to the mat. Nakamura got back up and hit a series of jabs and then transitioned into an Arm Bar in the center of the ring. Styles escaped and connected with the Pele Kick.
Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Nakamura ducked and AJ almost struck the referee. While the ref’s back was turned, Nakamura delivered a low blow to Styles for a two count.
Nakamura geared up in the corner again and went for the Kinshasa, but AJ was ready and hit a forearm to the face that sent Shinsuke out of the ring. AJ followed him and tackled Nakamura over the announce table beside the ring. AJ punched Nakamura in the face and then threw Shinsuke into the barricade. The referee called for the bell as both Superstars were counted out. The crowd booed at the result as AJ continued his attack. Styles sprinted at Nakamura and Clotheslined Nakamura over the barricade.
AJ grabbed a steel chair and struck Shinsuke in the back with it. AJ then connected with a Phenomenal Forearm to Nakamura outside the ring. Styles’ music hit and AJ rolled back into the ring with the WWE Championship. AJ raised the title in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheered.
Opinion: I thought tonight’s match was much better than the one at WrestleMania 34. The finish to this match absolutely sucked, but it makes sense for this feud to continue. Styles versus Nakamura needs to headline a PPV soon and they need to tear the house down.
The Undertaker Buried Rusev
Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter
Rusev faced The Undertaker in a Casket Match at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Aiden English accompanied Rusev down to the ring. The crowd erupted when The Undertaker’s music hit. Fire shot up from the stage as The Undertaker emerged from the smoke. Taker made his way down the ramp as cell phone lights illuminated the arena. The Undertaker stopped at the casket outside the ring for a moment before getting into the ring.
The bell rang as The Undertaker looked at the casket as it was opened. Rusev rolled out of the ring out of fear as Aiden English tried to motivate him. Rusev slowly got back into the ring for a moment, only to roll out once again. The Undertaker had seen enough and followed him out there. Taker connected with a punch and brought Rusev back to the ring.
Rusev beatdown The Undertaker in the corner and posed in the ring. That wound up costing him as Taker regrouped and blasted Rusev in the face with a punch. The Undertaker followed it up with a shoulder tackle and then walked across the top rope and dropped a shot across the neck of Rusev.
The Undertaker rolled Rusev on top of the casket and Rusev freaked out. Rusev retreated to the entrance ramp as English assured Rusev that he was fine. The Undertaker charged at Rusev outside the ring, but Rusev was ready and threw him into the barricade. Taker shrugged it off and launched Rusev into the barricade.
The Undertaker slammed Rusev’s head into the announce table and then set him up on the ring apron. The Undertaker connected with a Leg Drop across Rusev’s throat and then rolled him back into the ring. The casket was opened as Undertaker rolled him into it. Aiden English got in the way and prevented the casket door from being closed. English retreated up the entrance ramp as The Undertaker slowly walked towards him. Rusev rolled out of the casket and the action returned to the ring.
Rusev brought The Undertaker to the corner and connected with a few shoulders to the ribs. Undertaker and Rusev then traded shots in the ring as the crowd cheered when Undertaker connected. The Undertaker hit a massive punch to the face and Rusev collapsed to the canvas. The Undertaker delivered a headbutt, but Rusev battled back with a spin kick that knocked The Undertaker down.
Rusev applied the Accolade in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheered on The Undertaker. Rusev let go of the hold and stomped on Undertaker’s back. Rusev asked for the casket to be opened, but didn’t realize that The Undertaker sat up behind him. Undertaker grabbed Rusev by the throat and planted him with a Chokeslam.
The Undertaker threw Rusev into the casket but Aiden English hopped into the ring. The Undertaker connected with a Chokeslam to English and followed it up with a Tombstone Pilediver. Undertaker then rolled English into the casket with Rusev and closed the lid to win the match. The Undertaker then posed in the ring as fireworks went off all around him. The Undertaker then raised his fist on the top of the entrance ramp before heading backstage.
Opinion: Well, this match was pretty much what everyone expected. Rusev got in some offense, but The Undertaker won the match easily. There was nothing special about this match at all, other than getting to see The Undertaker perform in the ring.
Brock Lesnar Is Still The Universal Champion
Brock Lesnar defended his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns tonight in a Steel Cage Match at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Lesnar defeated Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 34. Paul Heyman grabbed the microphone to introduce his client, Brock Lesnar.
Lesnar connected with two German Suplexes to start off the match. Brock then hit a third German Suplex and stood over Reigns as he slowly made his way back to his feet. Lesnar then hit a fourth German Suplex and stood over Reigns once again.
Brock waited for Reigns to get up and then planted him with an F5 as the crowd cheered. Lesnar laughed and went for another F5, but Reigns escaped and hit three Superman Punches in a row. Reigns geared up in the corner and went for a Spear, but Lesnar caught him. Reigns escaped up to the top of the cage, but Lesnar caught up to him and grabbed Roman by chest protecter. Lesnar punched Reigns to the canvas and then Brock climbed to the top of the cage. Roman got up and grabbed Lesnar by the legs to drag him down. Reigns then planted Lesnar with a Powerbomb off the top rope.
Samoa Joe was shown backstage watching the match. Joe will face Roman Reigns at WWE Backlash. Roman connected with a Spear and then followed it up with another one. Reigns bounced off the rope and delivered a third Spear to Brock Lesnar. Reigns went for the cover but Lesnar kicked out at two. Reigns called for the cage door to be opened and made his way towards it. Paul Heyman slammed the door into Reigns’ face and then Lesnar hit a second F5 for a two count.
Heyman slid a steel chair into the ring as Lesnar took his gloves off. Brock went to hit Roman with the chair, but Reigns quickly got up and connected with a fourth Spear for another two count. Roman struck Lesnar in the back a few times with the steel chair. Roman hit another Superman Punch and then geared up for another Spear. Reigns connected with a fifth Spear through the cage and both Superstars fell to the floor outside the ring. It was then announced that Brock Lesnar hit the floor first after being Speared through the cage. Thus, Brock Lesnar is still the Universal Champion.
Opinion: At this point, I have no interest in seeing Roman Reigns versus Brock Lesnar again. This match did nothing for me at all, but it looks like this feud will continue to the end of time.
Braun Strowman Won The Royal Rumble Match
Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter
50 Superstars competed in a Royal Rumble match tonight at WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble event.
#1. Daniel Bryan was the first entrant in the match.
#2. Dolph Ziggler entered the match second and locked up with Daniel Bryan in the middle of the ring. Ziggler brought Bryan to the corner and connected with a right hand. Dolph tried to eliminate Bryan, but Daniel was able to hang on to the top rope.
#3. Sin Cara was the third entrant and joined Ziggler and Bryan in the ring. Sin Cara connected with a Moonsault onto both Bryan and Ziggler. Sin Cara planted Ziggler with a Powerbomb and then hit a Crossbody to Bryan. Sin Cara followed it up with a Swanton Bomb to Bryan. Dolph hit a Superkick to Sin Cara and then Clotheslined him over the top rope. Sin Cara was the first Superstar eliminated.
#4. Curtis Axel was the fourth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Axel stomped on Bryan in the corner and then walked into a couple of jabs from Ziggler.
#5. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry was the fifth entrant in the match. Henry immediately lifted Axel over the top rope and to the ring apron. Henry then hit Axel with a headbutt to eliminate him.
#6. Mike Kanellis entered the match at number six. Henry waited for Kanellis as he made his way down the ramp. Mike got into the ring and was immediately eliminated by a Clothesline from Mark Henry.
#7. Hiroki Sumi was the seventh entrant. Sumi got into the ring and had a stare down with Mark Henry. Mark Henry quickly eliminated Sumi, but then Bryan and Ziggler eliminated Mark Henry from behind.
#8. Viktor entered the match at number eight and was quickly eliminated by Daniel Bryan.
#9. Kofi Kingston was up next and he tried to eliminate Bryan immediately. Daniel escaped and booted Kofi in the chest.
#10. Tony Nese entered the match and connected with a flurry of kicks to Kofi Kingston. Nese tried to eliminate Kofi, but Kingston escaped and knocked Nese to the canvas. Bryan delivered an uppercut to Nese as Ziggler stomped on Kofi in the corner.
#11. Dash Wilder entered the match and went after Tony Nese. Wilder then connected with a Clothesline to Bryan.
#12. Hornswoggle was the twelfth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Hornswoggle helped Bryan eliminate Dash Wilder.
Hornswoggle lifted Kofi Kingston onto his shoulders and planted him with a Samoan Drop. Hornswoggle climbed up the turnbuckle, but Ziggler greeted him with a Superkick. Hornswoggle bit Ziggler in the hand but Nese booted him in the face and Hornswoggle was eliminated.
#13. Primo entered the match and botched a springboard attempt and tripped to the canvas. Kofi planted Bryan with a Tornado DDT.
#14. Xavier Woods joined the party and celebrated with Kofi Kingston in the ring. Kofi wound up on Woods’ back on the ring apron as Primo tried to pry Xavier’s fingers off the ropes. Woods climbed to the top with Kofi on his back and Kingston leaped and connected with a Crossbody onto Ziggler and Bryan. Tony Nese tried to dance with Woods and Kingston in the ring. That didn’t work out too well for him as they tossed him over the top rope to eliminate him.
#15. Bo Dallas was the fifteenth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Bryan planted Kingston with a Suplex in the middle of the ring as Bo stomped on Woods in the corner.
#16. Kurt Angle came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Angle quickly eliminated Bo Dallas and Primo. Ziggler then hit a Superkick to Kurt Angle. Dolph charged at Angle but Kurt caught him and launched him over the top with a Belly to Belly Suplex.
#17. Scott Dawson entered the match and and beatdown Angle in the corner.
#18. Goldust entered the match at number eighteen. Goldust threw Woods over the top rope, but Xavier was able to hang onto the bottom rope and saved himself on the ring apron. Daniel Bryan connected with a flying knee off the top rope to Kofi Kingston.
#19. Konnor came down to the ring and went after Kofi in the corner. Woods saved his partner and the two teamed up on Konnor.
#20. The twentieth Superstar to enter the Royal Rumble match was Elias. Elias strummed his guitar and cut a promo while walking down the entrance ramp. Elias asked the crowd to shut their mouths as he slid into the ring. Elias eliminated Woods, Kingston and Konnor at the same time.
#21. Luke Gallows ran down the ramp as Bryan and Kurt Angle battled in the ring. Bryan connected with the Yes Kicks, but Angle caught his last kick and went for the Ankle Lock. Bryan escaped, but Angle planted him with an Angle Slam. Elias then eliminated Kurt Angle from behind.
#22. Rhyno was up next and he went after Dawson in the corner of the ring.
#23. Drew Gulak sprinted down the ramp and immediately attacked Daniel Bryan. Gulak and Dawson traded chops in the middle of the ring. Gulak got the upper-hand and tried to eliminate him in the corner of the ring.
#24. Tucker Knight of Heavy Machinery in NXT marched to the ring and beatdown Dawson in the corner. Knight knocked Elias on his ass and then tried to Suplex Gulak, but Drew countered into a Sleeper Hold. Knight shrugged him off and eliminated Gulak over the top rope.
#25. Bobby Roode entered his first Royal Rumble match and quickly planted Dawson with a Spinebuster. Roode hit a Blockbuster on Elias and then eliminated Goldust with a Dropkick. Bobby connected with an Atomic Drop to Dawson and then eliminated him.
#26. Fandango jogged down the ramp and delivered a couple of chops to Tucker Knight. Elias escaped elimination and rolled back into the ring.
#27. Chad Gable entered the match and planted Fandango with an Arm Drag. Gable lifted Knight onto his shoulders and dropped him to the canvas. Bryan and Gable then traded shots.
#28. Rey Mysterio was up next and got an awesome reaction from the crowd. Mysterio eliminated Luke Gallows with a Hurricanrana. Mysterio planted Gable with a DDT and then battled Elias in the corner.
#29. Mojo Rawley sprinted to the ring and immediately eliminated Fandango.
#30. Tyler Breeze had a conversation with Fandango on the entrance ramp before getting into the ring. Mojo blasted Breeze off the apron, but Fandango caught him. Breeze got back on the apron and Mojo quickly shoved him to the floor to eliminate him.
#31. Big E brought pancakes into the ring and started throwing them at Tucker Knight. Big E locked in the Abdominal Stretch, but Knight escaped. Big E planted Knight with the Big Ending and then eliminated him. Big E threw a couple of pancakes at Knight while he was laying on the floor.
#32. Karl Anderson entered the match and battled with Daniel Bryan. Anderson planted Roode with a Spinebuster and then posed in the ring. Big E decked him with a Clothesline and then threw him over the top rope. Anderson hung on and got back into the ring.
#33. Apollo Crews was the next Superstar in the match and went right after Gable. Crews connected with a standing Moonsault to Gable and then eliminated him.
#34. Roderick Strong from Undisputed Era in NXT came down to the ring and started chopping everyone in sight. Strong planted Roode with a Backbreaker and then delivered an awesome one to Mysterio. Roderick then eliminated Rhyno with a knee to the face.
#35. Randy Orton was the next entrant and the crowd erupted when his music hit. Orton leveled Mojo and Crews with a Clothesline. Orton hit Anderson with a Powerslam and then connected with a ridiculous RKO to Apollo. Orton eliminated Anderson, Mojo Rawley and Apollo Crews.
#36. Heath Slater entered the match and beatdown Elias in the corner. Slater tried to eliminate him but Elias was able to hang on.
#37. Babatunde from NXT joined the party and towered over everyone in the ring. Babatunde leveled Roode with a shoulder tackle and then stomped on Bryan in the corner.
#38. Baron Corbin came down to the ring and planted Rey Mysterio with the Deep Six. Corbin leveled Strong with a Clothesline and then Chokeslammed Roode over the top rope to eliminate him. Corbin then launched Strong over the top rope and Roderick was eliminated.
#39. Titus O’Neil tried to slide into the ring and tripped on the entrance ramp and went tumbling under the ring in an incredibly embarrassing/hilarious moment.
#40. Dan Matha from NXT was next up and went after Rey Mysterio in the corner. Cole, Graves and Saxton couldn’t stop laughing as WWE rolled countless replays of Titus tripping on the entrance ramp.
#41. Braun Strowman entered the match and quickly eliminated Babatunde and Dan Matha. Strowman then eliminated Big and Heath Slater.
#42. Tye Dillinger came down to the ring and joined everyone in trying to eliminate Strowman. Braun escaped and eliminated Titus O’Neil and Tye Dillinger. Orton connected with a Dropkick to Strowman and Mysterio followed it up with a 619. Orton hit Strowman with an RKO as Baron Corbin eliminated Rey Mysterio. Orton eliminated Corbin and then Elias eliminated Orton.
#43. Curt Hawkins was next up and he was eliminated with ease by Braun Strowman. Elias threw Strowman into the ring post a couple of times and then stomped on him in the corner.
#44. Bobby Lashley entered the match and posed next to the trophy on the entrance ramp as fireworks went off behind him. Lashley decked Elias with a Clothesline and then eliminated him. Bryan got back into the ring and connected with Dropkicks to Strowman and Lashley in the corner.
#45. The Great Khali was next and the giant made his way down the ramp to a great reaction from the crowd. Khali hit Lashey, Bryan and Strowman with a chop. Lashley and Strowman then teamed up and eliminated Khali. Strowman and Lashley then connected with Clotheslines and both Superstars fell to the canvas.
#46. Kevin Owens marched down to the ring and delivered a Cannonball to Strowman and Lashley. Bryan booted Owens in the face and sent him to the ring apron. Owens got back in the ring and planted Bryan with a Pop-Up Powerbomb.
#47. Shane McMahon entered the match and went after Kevin Owens. Shane hit an elbow to the face and then delivered a couple of punches. Shane stomped on Lashley in the corner, but Owens got back up and attacked Shane from behind. Shane planted Owens with a DDT and then danced around the ring. Shane and Bryan teamed up and hit Owens with a bunch of Yes Kicks.
#48. Shelton Benjamin went right after Shane McMahon and unloaded a flurry of punches to Shane. Benjamin leveled Bryan with a shoulder tackle and then kneed Lashley in the face. Owens shouted that everyone needed to team up and eliminate Strowman.
#49. Big Cass came down the ramp as Daniel Bryan waited for him in the ring. Cass will face Bryan at WWE Backlash. Big Cass beatdown Bryan and then delivered a big boot Strowman. Shane McMahon climbed to the top rope and hit the Coast 2 Coast Dropkick to Strowman.
Jericho paused on the entrance ramp as Owens shouted at him to go away. Jericho connected with a Lionsault on Owens and then Dropkicked Cass on the ring apron. Jericho connected with a Codebreaker to Benjamin and then eliminated. Chris Jericho shrugged and locked in the Walls of Jericho on Kevin Owens in the middle of the ring.
Big Cass broke it up with a boot to Jericho’s face. Lashley connected with a Brainbuster to Big Cass. Bryan delivered a German Suplex to Owens and then went back to the Yes Kicks in the corner. Daniel followed it up with a couple Dropkicks and then shouted at Shane to go for the Coast 2 Coast again. Strowman hopped up on the apron and grabbed Shane by the throat. Strowman then Chokeslammed Strowman through the announce table.
Strowman eliminated Lashley, Jericho and Owens. Bryan and Strowman traded shots. Bryan tried to get Braun over the top rope but Braun escaped. Big Cass booted Bryan in the face and then eliminated him. Cass taunted Bryan after he threw him over the top rope.
It was now down to Big Cass and Braun Strowman. Big Cass unloaded a couple of punches and tried to Clothesline Braun over the top but Strowman held on. Cass went for a boot but Braun caught him and crotched him on the top rope. Braun then ran into Cass and knocked him to the floor to win the Greatest Royal Rumble match.
Opinion: The 50-man Royal Rumble match was very entertaining. It was long as hell, but it had some awesome moments. Braun Strowman picked up the victory and I have absolutely no problem with that. Big Cass eliminating Daniel Bryan also makes sense, as the two will battle at WWE Backlash. Overall, WWE Greatest Royal Rumble was a solid show. There were definitely a few matches on the card that didn’t deliver, but for the most part I was entertained. My main complaint is that this show was long as hell. The crowd didn’t have much energy left in towards the end of the event.
What did you think of WWE Greatest Royal Rumble 2018? Let us know in the comments below.
50 Superstars competed in a Royal Rumble match tonight at WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble event.
#1. Daniel Bryan was the first entrant in the match.
#2. Dolph Ziggler entered the match second and locked up with Daniel Bryan in the middle of the ring. Ziggler brought Bryan to the corner and connected with a right hand. Dolph tried to eliminate Bryan, but Daniel was able to hang on to the top rope.
#3. Sin Cara was the third entrant and joined Ziggler and Bryan in the ring. Sin Cara connected with a Moonsault onto both Bryan and Ziggler. Sin Cara planted Ziggler with a Powerbomb and then hit a Crossbody to Bryan. Sin Cara followed it up with a Swanton Bomb to Bryan. Dolph hit a Superkick to Sin Cara and then Clotheslined him over the top rope. Sin Cara was the first Superstar eliminated.
#4. Curtis Axel was the fourth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Axel stomped on Bryan in the corner and then walked into a couple of jabs from Ziggler.
#5. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry was the fifth entrant in the match. Henry immediately lifted Axel over the top rope and to the ring apron. Henry then hit Axel with a headbutt to eliminate him.
#6. Mike Kanellis entered the match at number six. Henry waited for Kanellis as he made his way down the ramp. Mike got into the ring and was immediately eliminated by a Clothesline from Mark Henry.
#7. Hiroki Sumi was the seventh entrant. Sumi got into the ring and had a stare down with Mark Henry. Mark Henry quickly eliminated Sumi, but then Bryan and Ziggler eliminated Mark Henry from behind.
#8. Viktor entered the match at number eight and was quickly eliminated by Daniel Bryan.
#9. Kofi Kingston was up next and he tried to eliminate Bryan immediately. Daniel escaped and booted Kofi in the chest.
#10. Tony Nese entered the match and connected with a flurry of kicks to Kofi Kingston. Nese tried to eliminate Kofi, but Kingston escaped and knocked Nese to the canvas. Bryan delivered an uppercut to Nese as Ziggler stomped on Kofi in the corner.
#11. Dash Wilder entered the match and went after Tony Nese. Wilder then connected with a Clothesline to Bryan.
#12. Hornswoggle was the twelfth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Hornswoggle helped Bryan eliminate Dash Wilder.
Hornswoggle lifted Kofi Kingston onto his shoulders and planted him with a Samoan Drop. Hornswoggle climbed up the turnbuckle, but Ziggler greeted him with a Superkick. Hornswoggle bit Ziggler in the hand but Nese booted him in the face and Hornswoggle was eliminated.
#13. Primo entered the match and botched a springboard attempt and tripped to the canvas. Kofi planted Bryan with a Tornado DDT.
#14. Xavier Woods joined the party and celebrated with Kofi Kingston in the ring. Kofi wound up on Woods’ back on the ring apron as Primo tried to pry Xavier’s fingers off the ropes. Woods climbed to the top with Kofi on his back and Kingston leaped and connected with a Crossbody onto Ziggler and Bryan. Tony Nese tried to dance with Woods and Kingston in the ring. That didn’t work out too well for him as they tossed him over the top rope to eliminate him.
#15. Bo Dallas was the fifteenth entrant in the Royal Rumble match. Bryan planted Kingston with a Suplex in the middle of the ring as Bo stomped on Woods in the corner.
#16. Kurt Angle came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Angle quickly eliminated Bo Dallas and Primo. Ziggler then hit a Superkick to Kurt Angle. Dolph charged at Angle but Kurt caught him and launched him over the top with a Belly to Belly Suplex.
#17. Scott Dawson entered the match and and beatdown Angle in the corner.
#18. Goldust entered the match at number eighteen. Goldust threw Woods over the top rope, but Xavier was able to hang onto the bottom rope and saved himself on the ring apron. Daniel Bryan connected with a flying knee off the top rope to Kofi Kingston.
#19. Konnor came down to the ring and went after Kofi in the corner. Woods saved his partner and the two teamed up on Konnor.
#20. The twentieth Superstar to enter the Royal Rumble match was Elias. Elias strummed his guitar and cut a promo while walking down the entrance ramp. Elias asked the crowd to shut their mouths as he slid into the ring. Elias eliminated Woods, Kingston and Konnor at the same time.
#21. Luke Gallows ran down the ramp as Bryan and Kurt Angle battled in the ring. Bryan connected with the Yes Kicks, but Angle caught his last kick and went for the Ankle Lock. Bryan escaped, but Angle planted him with an Angle Slam. Elias then eliminated Kurt Angle from behind.
#22. Rhyno was up next and he went after Dawson in the corner of the ring.
#23. Drew Gulak sprinted down the ramp and immediately attacked Daniel Bryan. Gulak and Dawson traded chops in the middle of the ring. Gulak got the upper-hand and tried to eliminate him in the corner of the ring.
#24. Tucker Knight of Heavy Machinery in NXT marched to the ring and beatdown Dawson in the corner. Knight knocked Elias on his ass and then tried to Suplex Gulak, but Drew countered into a Sleeper Hold. Knight shrugged him off and eliminated Gulak over the top rope.
#25. Bobby Roode entered his first Royal Rumble match and quickly planted Dawson with a Spinebuster. Roode hit a Blockbuster on Elias and then eliminated Goldust with a Dropkick. Bobby connected with an Atomic Drop to Dawson and then eliminated him.
#26. Fandango jogged down the ramp and delivered a couple of chops to Tucker Knight. Elias escaped elimination and rolled back into the ring.
#27. Chad Gable entered the match and planted Fandango with an Arm Drag. Gable lifted Knight onto his shoulders and dropped him to the canvas. Bryan and Gable then traded shots.
#28. Rey Mysterio was up next and got an awesome reaction from the crowd. Mysterio eliminated Luke Gallows with a Hurricanrana. Mysterio planted Gable with a DDT and then battled Elias in the corner.
#29. Mojo Rawley sprinted to the ring and immediately eliminated Fandango.
#30. Tyler Breeze had a conversation with Fandango on the entrance ramp before getting into the ring. Mojo blasted Breeze off the apron, but Fandango caught him. Breeze got back on the apron and Mojo quickly shoved him to the floor to eliminate him.
#31. Big E brought pancakes into the ring and started throwing them at Tucker Knight. Big E locked in the Abdominal Stretch, but Knight escaped. Big E planted Knight with the Big Ending and then eliminated him. Big E threw a couple of pancakes at Knight while he was laying on the floor.
#32. Karl Anderson entered the match and battled with Daniel Bryan. Anderson planted Roode with a Spinebuster and then posed in the ring. Big E decked him with a Clothesline and then threw him over the top rope. Anderson hung on and got back into the ring.
#33. Apollo Crews was the next Superstar in the match and went right after Gable. Crews connected with a standing Moonsault to Gable and then eliminated him.
#34. Roderick Strong from Undisputed Era in NXT came down to the ring and started chopping everyone in sight. Strong planted Roode with a Backbreaker and then delivered an awesome one to Mysterio. Roderick then eliminated Rhyno with a knee to the face.
#35. Randy Orton was the next entrant and the crowd erupted when his music hit. Orton leveled Mojo and Crews with a Clothesline. Orton hit Anderson with a Powerslam and then connected with a ridiculous RKO to Apollo. Orton eliminated Anderson, Mojo Rawley and Apollo Crews.
#36. Heath Slater entered the match and beatdown Elias in the corner. Slater tried to eliminate him but Elias was able to hang on.
#37. Babatunde from NXT joined the party and towered over everyone in the ring. Babatunde leveled Roode with a shoulder tackle and then stomped on Bryan in the corner.
#38. Baron Corbin came down to the ring and planted Rey Mysterio with the Deep Six. Corbin leveled Strong with a Clothesline and then Chokeslammed Roode over the top rope to eliminate him. Corbin then launched Strong over the top rope and Roderick was eliminated.
#39. Titus O’Neil tried to slide into the ring and tripped on the entrance ramp and went tumbling under the ring in an incredibly embarrassing/hilarious moment.
#40. Dan Matha from NXT was next up and went after Rey Mysterio in the corner. Cole, Graves and Saxton couldn’t stop laughing as WWE rolled countless replays of Titus tripping on the entrance ramp.
#41. Braun Strowman entered the match and quickly eliminated Babatunde and Dan Matha. Strowman then eliminated Big and Heath Slater.
#42. Tye Dillinger came down to the ring and joined everyone in trying to eliminate Strowman. Braun escaped and eliminated Titus O’Neil and Tye Dillinger. Orton connected with a Dropkick to Strowman and Mysterio followed it up with a 619. Orton hit Strowman with an RKO as Baron Corbin eliminated Rey Mysterio. Orton eliminated Corbin and then Elias eliminated Orton.
#43. Curt Hawkins was next up and he was eliminated with ease by Braun Strowman. Elias threw Strowman into the ring post a couple of times and then stomped on him in the corner.
#44. Bobby Lashley entered the match and posed next to the trophy on the entrance ramp as fireworks went off behind him. Lashley decked Elias with a Clothesline and then eliminated him. Bryan got back into the ring and connected with Dropkicks to Strowman and Lashley in the corner.
#45. The Great Khali was next and the giant made his way down the ramp to a great reaction from the crowd. Khali hit Lashey, Bryan and Strowman with a chop. Lashley and Strowman then teamed up and eliminated Khali. Strowman and Lashley then connected with Clotheslines and both Superstars fell to the canvas.
#46. Kevin Owens marched down to the ring and delivered a Cannonball to Strowman and Lashley. Bryan booted Owens in the face and sent him to the ring apron. Owens got back in the ring and planted Bryan with a Pop-Up Powerbomb.
#47. Shane McMahon entered the match and went after Kevin Owens. Shane hit an elbow to the face and then delivered a couple of punches. Shane stomped on Lashley in the corner, but Owens got back up and attacked Shane from behind. Shane planted Owens with a DDT and then danced around the ring. Shane and Bryan teamed up and hit Owens with a bunch of Yes Kicks.
#48. Shelton Benjamin went right after Shane McMahon and unloaded a flurry of punches to Shane. Benjamin leveled Bryan with a shoulder tackle and then kneed Lashley in the face. Owens shouted that everyone needed to team up and eliminate Strowman.
#49. Big Cass came down the ramp as Daniel Bryan waited for him in the ring. Cass will face Bryan at WWE Backlash. Big Cass beatdown Bryan and then delivered a big boot Strowman. Shane McMahon climbed to the top rope and hit the Coast 2 Coast Dropkick to Strowman.
Jericho paused on the entrance ramp as Owens shouted at him to go away. Jericho connected with a Lionsault on Owens and then Dropkicked Cass on the ring apron. Jericho connected with a Codebreaker to Benjamin and then eliminated. Chris Jericho shrugged and locked in the Walls of Jericho on Kevin Owens in the middle of the ring.
Big Cass broke it up with a boot to Jericho’s face. Lashley connected with a Brainbuster to Big Cass. Bryan delivered a German Suplex to Owens and then went back to the Yes Kicks in the corner. Daniel followed it up with a couple Dropkicks and then shouted at Shane to go for the Coast 2 Coast again. Strowman hopped up on the apron and grabbed Shane by the throat. Strowman then Chokeslammed Strowman through the announce table.
Strowman eliminated Lashley, Jericho and Owens. Bryan and Strowman traded shots. Bryan tried to get Braun over the top rope but Braun escaped. Big Cass booted Bryan in the face and then eliminated him. Cass taunted Bryan after he threw him over the top rope.
It was now down to Big Cass and Braun Strowman. Big Cass unloaded a couple of punches and tried to Clothesline Braun over the top but Strowman held on. Cass went for a boot but Braun caught him and crotched him on the top rope. Braun then ran into Cass and knocked him to the floor to win the Greatest Royal Rumble match.
Brock Lesnar defended his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns tonight in a Steel Cage Match at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. Lesnar defeated Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 34. Paul Heyman grabbed the microphone to introduce his client, Brock Lesnar.
Lesnar connected with two German Suplexes to start off the match. Brock then hit a third German Suplex and stood over Reigns as he slowly made his way back to his feet. Lesnar then hit a fourth German Suplex and stood over Reigns once again.
Brock waited for Reigns to get up and then planted him with an F5 as the crowd cheered. Lesnar laughed and went for another F5, but Reigns escaped and hit three Superman Punches in a row. Reigns geared up in the corner and went for a Spear, but Lesnar caught him. Reigns escaped up to the top of the cage, but Lesnar caught up to him and grabbed Roman by chest protecter. Lesnar punched Reigns to the canvas and then Brock climbed to the top of the cage. Roman got up and grabbed Lesnar by the legs to drag him down. Reigns then planted Lesnar with a Powerbomb off the top rope.
Samoa Joe was shown backstage watching the match. Joe will face Roman Reigns at WWE Backlash. Roman connected with a Spear and then followed it up with another one. Reigns bounced off the rope and delivered a third Spear to Brock Lesnar. Reigns went for the cover but Lesnar kicked out at two. Reigns called for the cage door to be opened and made his way towards it. Paul Heyman slammed the door into Reigns’ face and then Lesnar hit a second F5 for a two count.
Heyman slid a steel chair into the ring as Lesnar took his gloves off. Brock went to hit Roman with the chair, but Reigns quickly got up and connected with a fourth Spear for another two count. Roman struck Lesnar in the back a few times with the steel chair. Roman hit another Superman Punch and then geared up for another Spear. Reigns connected with a fifth Spear through the cage and both Superstars fell to the floor outside the ring. It was then announced that Brock Lesnar hit the floor first after being Speared through the cage. Thus, Brock Lesnar is still the Universal Champion.
