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FOX Sports President & On-Air Talent Attend WWE SmackDown Live

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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There may be smoke to the fire when it comes to FOX potentially becoming the home of WWE Raw and SmackDown Live.

While the USA Network has been the home of WWE Raw for over a decade, that relationship isn’t guaranteed to last. The WWE’s contract with USA Network and NBCUniversal expires in 2019. Facebook, Amazon, and FOX have been considered the lead candidates to engage in a bidding war with NBCUniversal.

Now there is fuel to the fire regarding FOX speculation. Reporter Richard Deitsch noted on Twitter that top FOX Sports executives and a high-level on-air talent attended WWE SmackDown Live last night:

https://twitter.com/richarddeitsch/status/968864415281025026

Colin Cowherd’s attendance is particularly interesting. Cowherd’s disrespect for pro wrestling is well documented. Back in 2005, ESPN had to apologize for Cowherd’s comments on Eddie Guerrero. “Latino Heat” had just passed away and Cowherd questioned who cares about Eddie’s death.

FOX currently has a deal in place with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), but it’s also set to expire next year. There has been talks that FOX isn’t willing to give the UFC their desired $450 million deal due to tanking ratings on their major network. A saving grace in that relationship could be the strong FOX Sports 1 shows.

NXT Matches and Segments Announced for Tonight’s Show

Chris Stephens
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Tonight’s episode of NXT is a taped show from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA. The company held a set of TV tapings in the location on February 1st, 2018.

2 matches and 1 segment have been announced for the show thus far.

NXT Announced Matches and Segments

  1. Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler
    • This is a rematch from the finals of the Mae Young Classic.
    • Baszler had attacked Sane during an NXT appearance in December, taking her out of action for awhile.
    • Sane returned 2 weeks ago and attacked Baszler during her title rematch with Ember Moon.
  2. Tyler Bate vs. the Velveteen Dream
    • Velveteen Dream has been critical of independent wrestlers on social media recently. It’s not clear if this angle will work its way onto NXT programming or not, however.
    • Dream most recently defeated Kasius Ohno at Takeover and No Way Jose in single’s action last week.
    • Bate has dropped his last 3 televised matches to Pete Dunne, Roderick Strong, and TJP.
  3. Andrade “Cien” Almas Segment
    • Now that Almas has twice beaten former #1 contender, Johnny Gargano, and ended his NXT career, it’s time to find out what is next for the NXT champion.
    • WWE.com is advertising a segment involving Almas tonight could bring us closer to answering that question.

Matt Hardy Teases “Final Deletion” Style Match In WWE

Roderick Stedman
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In the days of Broken Matt Hardy, followers of his Broken Brilliance would find themselves watching online videos like The Final Deletion:

The match and production was terrible yet mesmerizing; it shouldn’t work, but it does.  It genuinely can be find as broken yet brilliant.

Since returning to WWE, fans waited for Matt Hardy to become Broken, and after a lengthy legal battle, a new Woken being was able to free itself and take over the mortal vessel that is Matt Hardy.

Slowly but surely pieces have been put in place, both inside and outside WWE.  While promotional videos are shown on RAW and at PPVs, Hardy’s YouTube channel has been busy putting together pieces of the puzzle independently from WWE.

Now Matt Hardy has used twitter to officially reveal his intention to create a WWE Final Deletion style match, called The Ultimate Deletion:

It’s not clear whether The Ultimate Deletion is going to have Bray Wyatt attached, but maybe it’d be good to show WWE and other superstars how they could do a better job than “House of Horrors” which featured Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.

For those who want to remember… here’s a reminder:

Opinion:

Is Woken Matt Hardy working?  And will The Ultimate Deletion work, or is it heading for a house of horrors burial?

Rusev and Lana Comment on Being Left Off Smackdown Again

Chris Stephens
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Rusev has not wrestled on Smackdown since Shane McMahon “duly noted” the live crowd’s “Rusev Day” chants on the February 6th show. Later that night, Rusev lost a United States Championship match to Bobby Roode.

While Rusev did appear on Smackdown last night, he did not wrestle a match and is not currently in a program which could lead to WrestleMania.

Both Rusev and Lana chimed in on Rusev not having a match last night:

Rusev and Lana are a team in the Mixed Match Challenge. They won their 1st round match against Bayley and Elias on February 13th.

https://twitter.com/LanaWWE/status/968675871602065408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cagesideseats.com%2Fwwe%2F2018%2F2%2F27%2F17061024%2Frusev-lana-not-happy-smackdown-live-wwe

Rusev and Lana

Rusev and Lana’s win in the Mixed Match Challenge 2 weeks ago was the 1st win for Lana on the WWE main roster. The real-life couple wore matching outfits for their match as well. It could be WWE is looking at finally pairing the two of them back up together on Smackdown as well.

Dana White: “Very Good Chance” Brock Lesnar Returns To UFC

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UFC President Dana White says chances are “very, very, very good” that Brock Lesnar returns to UFC later this year.

Brock Lesnar is scheduled to defend his WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania on April 8th. His WWE contract expires shortly thereafter and there’s been a lot of speculation that Lesnar has his sights set on another return to the Octagon later this year.

While Reigns was earning the right to face Lesnar on Sunday night at Elimination Chamber, Dana White tweeted a photo with the former UFC Heavyweight Champion. Lesnar was scheduled to confront his WrestleMania opponent the following night on RAW, but did not appear as advertised. Whether the no-show was a hardball-negotiating tactic by Lesnar or entirely part of the WrestleMania storyline, it’s not a secret that The Beast Incarnate is weighing his options.

Lensar has earned the reputation as an astute negotiator, getting the best possible deal for himself by pitting WWE and UFC against each other.

Should Lesnar decide that he wants to test his skills inside the Octagon once more, he’ll need to re-enter the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) testing pool for at least six months. The remaining five months on his suspension (stemming from a summer 2016 failed drug test) would run concurrently, so he could be fighting for UFC again in the fall.

Are you a UFC fan? Make our affiliate site MMANews.com your destination for MMA news!

Billy Corgan’s NWA Files New Trademark

Chris Stephens
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Since October, Billy Corgan’s National Wrestling Alliance has been developing their own characters and storylines. Much of what the company has been doing in 2018 has centered around new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Nick Aldis, and his crusade to defend the title 20x in a 60 day period.

The events surrounding the NWA are documented weekly through the promotion’s “10 Pounds of Gold” YouTube series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt250SjxGb4

New NWA Trademarks Filed

According to a report from PWInsider, Billy Corgan’s production company, Lightning One, has applied for a new trademark. The trademarked name is “the Dumont Network”, sometimes referred to as “the Forgotten Network”.

From 1946-1956, the Dumont Network was the 3rd network on the air along with NBC and CBS. It was also the first network to air professional wrestling. The filing of this particular trademark fits with Corgan’s interest in returning to the glory years of the NWA.

More Big Names Announced for PROGRESS in New Orleans

Jake Skudder
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PROGRESS will be making their return to the United States on April 7th/8th and will be hosting shows in New Orleans to coincide with Wrestlemania weekend. This will be the second time that the UK company has ventured over to the states following last year’s extremely successful Wrestlemania weekend shows. The Pontchartrain Convention Center will be hosting these two massive events will will feature the first ever non-UK ‘Thunderb*stard’ match as well as seeing the first ever ‘Chapter’ event outside of the United Kingdom.

Two more names have been announced for the WrestleMania weekend event and they are former UFC competitor Matt Riddle and #CCK member Chris Brookes. They join these already announced stars:

  • Travis Banks
  • Will Ospreay
  • Toni Storm
  • Mark Haskins
  • Jimmy Havoc
  • ‘Flash’ Morgan Webster
  • WALTER
  • Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake)
  • Jinny

Tickets for the two days are still available to purchase via TicketFly and are priced from $25.

First Match Announced for DEFIANT ‘Lights Out’ PPV

Jake Skudder
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DEFIANT Wrestling has announced the first bout for their upcoming ‘Lights Out’ pay per view event on March 19th. The show will be taking place at Leeds’ O2 Academy and tickets are available to purchase via DEFIANT’s Official Site.

The already announced names for this well hyped event were Rampage, Jimmy Havoc, Martin Kirby, Joe Hendry, Primate, Mark Haskins, Aussie Open, Kay Lee Ray and Millie Mckenzie…and the first bout announced is:

DEFIANT Internet Title Match – Travis Banks (c) vs WALTER vs David Starr

This will be the first time that new Internet Champion Travis Banks defends his title on PPV and it is against two of the top names on the UK circuit. Both WALTER and David Starr have become PROGRESS and wXw stalwarts and WALTER is currently the ATLAS Champion in the company (interestingly Banks is the PROGRESS World Champion), this will be a hard hitting strong style bout and is not one to be missed.

The Magnificent Seven briefcase Match will also be making a return at the ‘Lights Out’ event, with Rampage confirming his place in the bout on this past Friday’s episode of Loaded on YouTube.

https://twitter.com/DEFIANTwres/status/968083515295313923

WWE Raw Viewership Dips Post-Elimination Chamber

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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7

Viewership numbers for the Feb. 26 edition of Monday Night Raw are in and there is a slight decrease.

Raw this past Monday was able to bring in an average of 3.180 million viewers. This is down from the previous week, which took in 3.282 million. Last week’s show was praised for having the seven-man gauntlet match.

Hour-By-Hour

In the first hour of this week’s show, Raw was able to draw 3.407 million viewers. This too was down from last week’s hour one, which managed to attract 3.518 million. Hour two of the Feb. 26 edition did 3.249 million, while the third hour took in 2.884 million.

This week’s episode featured the Raw debut of Ronda Rousey. She was involved in a segment for the fallout of her Elimination Chamber contract signing. At the event, Rousey slammed Triple H onto a table. She was then slapped by Stephanie McMahon, who made a quick exit. Stephanie apologized to Rousey, but Triple H decked Kurt Angle with a sucker punch before it was all set and done.

Brock Lesnar was advertised for the show, but WWE ran an angle where the Universal champion “no-showed.” This allowed Roman Reigns to cut a shoot style promo that has been praised by fans and critics.

Stephanie McMahon Highlights Burden Of Growing Up With Vince As A Father

Roderick Stedman
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While Stephanie McMahon may appear to have a hard-skin, no nonsense attitude in the ring, a recent interview on the Lilian Garcia podcast, Chasing Glory, gave her the opportunity to open up about her experience of bullying as a child.

Stephanie’s most recent onscreen appearance has been alongside Triple H, Kurt Angle and the newly signed Ronda Rousey.

And although she is no-longer living under her father’s shadow, Stephanie admits that it wasn’t always easy being Vince’s daughter.

“I was bullied for being Vince McMahon’s daughter, you know. People either loved me just because I was Vince McMahon’s daughter, or they hated me just because I was Vince McMahon’s daughter. It used to bother me a lot that people would treat me a certain way without knowing who I was, you know. I always felt like, if you got to know me and you don’t like me, that’s fine, but at least get to know me, you know?”

When Stephanie talked to her dad about what she was experiencing, Vince said:

‘Steph, look. It’s a fact of life. Not everybody’s going to like you, but as long as you can look at yourself in the mirror, and look yourself in the eyes and know that you’re a good person, that’s all that matters.’

The RAW commissioner explained that it could be even more tough for her children who will grow up with social media, but she hopes the same advice will see them through.

That’s one of the problems with kayfabe, some don’t know where the act ends and can take things too seriously, especially with the access given by social media and the internet.

PROGRESS Wrestler Demands WWE United Kingdom Championship Match

Jake Skudder
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1

Popular PROGRESS star and member of the South Pacific Power Trip stable TK Cooper has demanded a shot at Pete Dunne and his WWE United Kingdom title.

Cooper took part in this past Sunday’s ‘Thunderb*stard’ match and “eliminated” Dunne, in actuality Pete Dunne was disqualified from the match but none the less Cooper did cause Dunne’s elimination from the bout.

Whether PROGRESS decide to offer TK a shot at the WWE United Kingdom title remains to be seen, he has asked for a match at the company’s next event ‘Chapter 65’ and although he is not contracted to WWE he did perform for the company at last year’s WrestleMania Axxess event, so he is certainly on the WWE’s radar. The likelihood of a non-WWE contracted performer getting a shot at the UK title has risen exponentially, with Zack Gibson and BT Gunn both having matches for the title in FutureShock and ICW respectively, so there is more than a good chance that TK will get his wish and a future bout with the ‘Bruiserweight’ Pete Dunne.

Cody Sends Warning to Kenny Omega, Jay Lethal Hypes ROH 16th Anniversary

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Cody Says Kenny Omega’s Time Is Up

On April 7, Cody will finally meet Kenny Omega. The match is expected to headline Supercard of Honor XII. Last month at NJPW’s The New Beginning in Sapporo, Cody gave Omega a Crossroads and was going to hit him with a chair before Kota Ibushi made the save.

Since then, the Golden Lovers have reunited and Bullet Club is in shambles. Cody believes a victory over Omega would make the world view him as the true leader of Bullet Club. He fired a warning at “The Best Bout Machine” in a new ROH video:

“What a year for the Bullet Club, the most profitable in the faction’s history. Let’s think about it. Think about those records that Marty Scurll and The Young Bucks set. That watershed agreement that everybody seems to be benefiting off of doesn’t happen unless I sign on the dotted line … There was Marty over there, Hangman over there, The Bucks, the streamers but no Kenny. Leadership, it’s not a title. You have to live it! Go ahead and bring Kota Ibushi with you because I want to see the look when he sees you in pain and the rest of the world sees me as the leader of the Bullet Club.”

Jay Lethal Wants ROH Gold Again

Jay Lethal has sent out quite the statement to ROH World champion Dalton Castle. Next Friday night (March 9), Lethal will challenge Castle in the main event of ROH 16th Anniversary. In a new promo, Lethal says Castle’s reign is coming to an end:

“Dalton Castle I have waited, not patiently, but I have waited nonetheless for this exact moment. I stand the number one contender right now for the Ring of Honor World championship. Just saying it makes my hair stand up … One more time I will become the Ring of Honor World champion.”

Former WWE Superstar Critical Over Handling Of Ronda Rousey

Roderick Stedman
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Monday night’s RAW saw the first appearance of Ronda Rousey in a WWE ring since she signed her contract on Sunday’s Elimination Chamber PPV.

The contract signing did not go to plan as Stephanie McMahon slapped Rousey after her husband, Triple H, was thrown through a table.

The following night, Rousey confronted RAW’s commissioner and her husband to demand an apology.  Stephanie squared up to the newly signed WWE superstar and looked Rousey in the eyes as she apologised for Sunday’s actions.  Triple H however was not as sorry, as he showed Kurt Angle who’s in charge, leaving Kurt Angle on the mat after a surprise punch.  Ronda stayed in the ring to check on Angle while Stephanie and Triple H left.

However one former WWE superstar has given their own opinion and shared a critical view on the recent events and introduction of Ronda Rousey to the WWE Universe.

“They take the most credible female they have in the history of the WWE, and second impression of her, and they made her look bad already”

On his radio show, Taz stated that the way Stephanie reacted on RAW made Rousey look weak.  In a previous interview with ESPN Roman Reigns said that the savagery of Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey in UFC makes them more threatening and dangerous in WWE, but Taz thinks that WWE creative has missed its mark.

“She should have went after Stephanie like she wanted to kill her […] I’m talking about legitimate police officers there holding her back, two or three or them, something. A couple of the boys, somebody. Someone needed to stop her and [keep her away]. Stephanie should have been terrified of her. Absolutely freakin’ terrified of her. But instead, Stephanie got in her face and apologized. When the girl, Ronda, demanded an apology, Stephanie had to get the upper hand and look down at her and say: ‘I’m sorry.’ That sucked! That sucked. Build the girl and get her over. She’s legit! She’s legit. What [WWE] did, sucked. Sucked!”

Taz shared the same opinion of Kurt Angle’s work on RAW as well, repeating that the segment ‘sucked’.  Taz also said that he didn’t ‘give a sh*t’ if he wasn’t placed in the WWE Hall of Fame either.

The former WWE superstar and commentator explained that Ronda Rousey should have been introduced as ‘the killer that she is’ and that the segment needed to end with Stephanie in an armbar that only Triple H could stop.  Taz explained that Stephanie isn’t a good worker, in promos or in the ring, and that standing face-to-face with Rousey showed the height difference, making Rousey look submissive and weak; not the qualities you want in a heavily invested asset.

Opinion:

I understand what Taz is saying, but at the same time Ronda Rousey is being put in a face position, not following in Brock Lesnar’s shadow or being made out as the female Brock Lesnar.  WWE and Rousey will want her to be her own individual, not a copy of anyone that’s come before.

John Cena vs. Rey Mysterio Reportedly Set For WrestleMania 34

Scott Lazara
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It looks like Rey Mysterio may be returning to the ring for WWE at WrestleMania 34 in a huge match against John Cena.

We noted before that Mysterio was backstage visiting at Monday’s SmackDown live event in San Diego, his hometown. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports that Mysterio was also backstage for tonight’s SmackDown TV tapings in Los Angeles to finalize details for the deal that will see him work WrestleMania in New Orleans. Barrasso added that Rey’s rumored opponent is Cena.

Cena returned to SmackDown on tonight’s show and earned a spot in the WWE Fastlane main event, making it a Six-Pack Challenge with WWE Champion AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler and Cena. Rey made a surprise appearance for WWE at the Royal Rumble back in January and has been rumored to be in talks with the company about a return later this year or in early 2019.

The last Cena vs. Mysterio singles match came on the July 25th, 2011 RAW. That match saw Cena defeat Rey for the WWE Title. The two would then team up at a December 28th, 2013 WWE live event in Newark, NJ. They defeated Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio that night.

WWE Mixed Match Challenge (2/27): The Miz & Asuka vs. Finn Balor & Sasha Banks

Robert Lentini
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Finn Balor and Sasha Banks faced The Miz and Asuka in the second round of the Mixed Match Challenge tonight.

The Miz grabbed the microphone before the match started and told the crowd to shut up. Balor went for the quick win with a roll-up but Miz kicked out at two. The Miz took control with a knee to the ribs and followed it up with a knee to Balor’s face. The crowd wanted The Miz to tag in Asuka but The Miz ignored them. Asuka finally tagged herself in and that meant Banks had to get in the ring as well.

Asuka dominated right away and landed a flurry of kicks and followed it up with a Hip Attack. Asuka went for the It Kicks but Sasha blocked it. Banks then hit Double Knees and controlled the next couple of minutes of the match. Banks took a break to taunt The Miz and it cost her. Asuka connected with a big knee to the face and then tagged The Miz back in.

Balor and The Miz went back and forth for a minute. Balor got the upper-hand and connected with a Clothesline. Finn went for the cover but Asuka broke it up. Sasha sprinted into the ring and knocked Asuka to the floor outside the ring. Banks got onto the ring apron and leaped to connect with Double Knees to Asuka. Back in the ring, The Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale and Banks had to break up the cover at the last second. The Miz was pissed off and started bickering with the referee. Balor hit the Slingblade and followed it up with the Coup de Grace.

Finn went for the cover but once again Asuka broke it up. Sasha got back in the ring and locked in the Bank Statement on Asuka. Balor then locked The Miz in a submission hold. Asuka reversed the Bank Statement into an Arm Bar and Balor got distracted by it. The Miz capitalized and rolled Balor up for the victory.

The Miz and Asuka have advanced to the third round of the Mixed Match Challenge. Alexa Bliss & Braun Strowman will battle Naomi & Jimmy Uso next week.

bliss strowman naomi uso

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfubHHOnnTR/?hl=en&taken-by=wwe

You can check out this week’s episode of the Mixed Match Challenge by clicking here.

5 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (2/27)

Robert Lentini
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The February 27th episode of WWE SmackDown Live aired live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Here are 5 takeaways from this week’s show:

John Cena Was Given Another Chance To Make It To WrestleMania

john cena smackdown 2 27

John Cena kicked off this week’s episode of SmackDown. Cena brought up the Fatal 5-Way WWE Championship match at Fastlane and said that he wanted to be a part of that match. Cena added that he didn’t want to be handed a spot and will do whatever it takes to earn a spot in that match.

SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon came down to the ring. Shane broke down Cena’s idea and noted that if Cena won he would be walking into WrestleMania the 17-time champion. The crowd started to chant “Rusev Day!” and Cena stopped Shane from talking so the crowd could continue the chant. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan then interrupted and made his way down to the ring.

Bryan got into the ring and shook John Cena’s hand. Bryan said that he actually thought that he and Shane were on the same page tonight. Daniel Bryan then said he will give Cena an opportunity to earn his way into the match. Bryan announced that Cena will face WWE Champion AJ Styles tonight in the SmackDown main event. If Cena defeats Styles, he will be added to the WWE Championship match at WWE Fastlane.

Shane McMahon Ate Popcorn As Dolph Ziggler Caused Chaos

shane mcmahon ate popcorn smackdown 2 27

Sami Zayn faced Baron Corbin tonight on SmackDown. Kevin Owens was on commentary for the match. Corbin controlled the match early as Kevin Owens poked fun at Baron’s hairline on commentary. Sami battled back and bounced Corbin’s head off the announce table. Corbin responded with a big right hand and slammed him into the barricade.

Corbin charged at Sami but Zayn was ready and knocked Baron over the barricade. Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan were shown arguing backstage. Shane was pissed off that Daniel Bryan was allowing Kevin Owens to be on commentary for the match. Bryan stated that Kevin Owens was very entertaining and provided insight from a Superstar’s perspective. SmackDown went to a break with Zayn in control of the match.

When SmackDown returned, Sami launched Corbin into the ring post. Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan were once again shown arguing. This time Shane had popcorn and stated that he knew Owens was going to get involved in the match. Sami planted Corbin with a Tornado DDT for two. Dolph Ziggler came out of nowhere and Superkicked Kevin Owens. Corbin then hit the End of Days on Dolph Ziggler for the pinfall victory. After the match, Dolph Ziggler hit a Zig Zag on Corbin in the ring.

Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan were shown for a third time backstage. Daniel Bryan said that it looks like Shane has everything under control around here and asked if he could go home to see his family. Shane thought that sounded like a great idea and threw another piece of popcorn in his mouth as SmackDown went to a break. Shane McMahon bumped into Sami and Owens and he was still eating popcorn. He informed them that Daniel Bryan just left and they should try to catch up to him so that they are not late for the family dinner.

This show has completely beaten me down at this point. It is absolutely terrible. Instead of watching a wrestling match, we now have to watch Shane McMahon watch a match while eating popcorn. I cannot wait until this storyline with Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon is over.

Carmella Looked At Her Phone & Ruby Riott Defeated Naomi

carmella looked at her phone

Ruby Riott faced Naomi tonight on SmackDown. Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan of the Riott Squad were ringside for the match. Charlotte and Becky Lynch also came down to the ring. The match went back and forth for a moment and then SmackDown went to a break.

Carmella was shown on her phone backstage in the middle of the match because she is going to answer questions from the WWE Universe later tonight. The match then quickly ended as Ruby Riott won via pinfall after hitting the Riott Kick.

This match was really amazing. We got a commercial break right away, Carmella on her phone and WWE’s upcoming events scrolling on the bottom of the screen during it. It was almost as if the outcome didn’t really matter at all and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

The Bludgeon Brothers Sent A Message To New Day & The Usos

bludgeon brothers smackdown 2 27

New Day came down to the ring to a cut a promo about The Usos. New Day will once again be facing The Usos at WWE Fastlane for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Big E made a joke about his inner thighs being warm and repetitively asked Kofi to spritz him. Kofi sprayed water on Big E’s thighs as the crowd sat in silence. Hilarious stuff. New Day vowed to win the match at Fastlane and go on to WrestleMania

The Usos interrupted and came down to the ring. They bragged about winning at Hell in a Cell against New Day. They said that New Day is running around looking like a box of Skittles and it is annoying them. The Usos complained that they haven’t been on WrestleMania in a long time and that this year was their time. The Usos vowed to run through New Day at Fastlane like they always do and New Day will be on the sidelines at WrestleMania.

Big E interrupted and boasted about hosting WrestleMania while The Usos were in the back eating catering. Big E added that they didn’t get to WWE because of their daddies and said that they weren’t on the sidelines like The Usos at WrestleMania because they rushed the field and took what was theirs. Big E stated that they will become the 5-time Tag Team Champions at WWE Fastlane and there is nothing that The Usos can do about it.

The Bludgeon Brothers interrupted and slowly walked towards the ring. They brought their mallets into the ring and both The Usos and New Day retreated.

This promo started off painfully awkward but wound up being great. New Day was trying way too hard to be funny and they failed miserably. The Usos came down to the ring and rescued the promo. Big E’s response was also very good. As I’ve said before, I’ve just seen this match far too many times recently to get excited for it.

I thought the Bludgeon Brothers were doomed when SmackDown aired those terrible vignettes before they debuted. I actually find them entertaining and am looking forward to their ascent in SmackDown’s tag division.

It Is Now A Six-Pack Challenge For The WWE Championship At  Fastlane

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Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Aiden English tonight. John Cena’s music hit while Nakamura was on the entrance ramp. Cena stopped and pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Nakamura did the same as SmackDown went to a break.

Cena then faced AJ Styles in the main event of SmackDown. If Cena won he would be added to the WWE Championship match at WWE Fastlane. Dueling “lets go Cena” and “Cena sucks!” echoed throughout the arena as the match started. Cena connected with a Tornado DDT for two as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Cena was back in control and connected with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena lifted AJ onto his shoulders but Styles escaped. AJ then hit an awesome Neckbreaker for a two count. Cena went for a super Attitude Adjustment off the second rope but AJ escaped and planted Cena with a Powerbomb for two.

Dolph Ziggler was shown watching the match backstage on a monitor. Cena slammed AJ to the mat as Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens were shown talking while watching the match on a monitor. I cannot wait to see who is watching the match backstage next!

Cena hit a Clothesline in the ring for a two count. AJ connected with an Enziguri as SmackDown went to a commercial break. Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment for a two count during the commercial break. When SmackDown returned, AJ connected with a Clothesline for two. AJ missed with a Moonsault and Cena locked in the STF in the middle of the ring.

AJ broke free and hit the Phenomenal Forearm for another two count. AJ went for the springboard 450 Splash but Cena got his knees up. Cena connected with an Attitude Adjustment and went for another one but Styles escaped out of the ring. Cena chased after him but AJ got out of the way and Cena crashed into the steel steps. AJ Styles stopped the referee from counting Cena out.

Cena slammed AJ Styles through the announce table with an Attitude Adjustment. Cena rolled back into the ring and the referee started counting. A fan reached out his hand and helped AJ Styles up and AJ got back into the ring at the count of 9. Cena went for another Attitude Adjustment but AJ countered into the Calf Crusher. Cena rolled through and lifted AJ Styles onto his shoulders and planted him with an Attitude Adjustment for the victory.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn’s music hit and they made their way to the entrance ramp. Baron Corbin attacked Cena from behind and they all started beating down Cena and Styles. Dolph Ziggler came down to the ring and took out Corbin, Zayn and Owens. Ziggler then punched Styles in the face and Cena planted Dolph with an Attitude Adjustment as SmackDown went off the air.

Tonight’s main event was a pretty good match. John Cena being added to the main event at Fastlane makes things more interesting. I’d be surprised if he won the title at Fastlane but anything is possible.

I used to really enjoy SmackDown. I thought it flowed better than RAW and it usually had basic storylines that allowed the focus to be on the action in the ring. Now, I find myself disliking this show more and more every week. The constant shots to Superstars watching a match backstage serve a purpose, but they are shown way too much throughout the show every week. It has become comical and would make for a great drinking game if you took a shot every time a Superstar is shown backstage standing awkwardly to the side of a monitor and watching it at a bizarre angle.

I would prefer them to promote a Carmella Q&A during an entrance or before a match, rather than right in the middle of a match. SmackDown has also fallen in love with on screen text and emojis. It is over the top and makes me feel like I’m watching a cartoon for toddlers.

Then there is the biggest issue with this show, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan. I think they are both awesome and was pumped when it was announced that they were going to be the SmackDown GM and Commissioner. On their first episode, they said that the focus of SmackDown was going to be about the Superstars in the ring. Now the show is far too focused on the bitterness between Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon. It has become the exact opposite show that it was supposed to be and RAW is now consistently more entertaining.

WWE Fastlane Updated Card: John Cena Added To The Main Event

Scott Lazara
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11

John Cena defeated WWE Champion AJ Styles in a non-title match on this week’s SmackDown and per the stipulation, Cena has earned a spot in the main event of the WWE Fastlane pay-per-view to make it a Six-Pack Challenge.

Fastlane takes place on March 11th from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH and will be the final WWE pay-per-view before WrestleMania 34.

Below is the updated confirmed Fastlane card:

Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE Title
John Cena vs. Sami Zayn vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens vs. Baron Corbin vs. AJ Styles

WWE United States Title Match
Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode

SmackDown Tag Team Title Match
The New Day vs. The Usos

SmackDown Women’s Title Match
Ruby Riott vs. Charlotte Flair

WWE SmackDown Live Results & Discussion (2/27)

Eric Lynch
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The February 27th episode of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca.

– WWE SmackDown opens up with Tom Phillips welcoming us to the Staples Center. John Cena comes out to the ring to kick off the show. Cena gets in the ring and talks about not having a road to WrestleMania, and he wants a shot at the WWE Title at Fastlane. Shane McMahon comes out to interrupt and questions Cena wanting to put himself in the Title picture. Daniel Bryan comes out to interrupt next, and says they will give Cena and opportunity, because that’s what they do on SmackDown. Bryan says if Cena wins his match tonight, he’ll be in the WWE Title match at Fastlane. Bryan reveals that tonight Cena will have to face WWE Champion AJ Styles in a non-title match, and if Cena wins, he earns a spot in the WWE Title match at Fastlane. Cena leaves, and Shane seems to approve of Bryan’s idea.

– Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin is coming up next.

– We see some pre-taped promos for the mixed tag team challenge after SmackDown.

– Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn: Kevin Owens is on commentary for this one. The opening bell sounds and Corbin backs Zayn into the corner. Zayn fights out of the corner, but Corbin drops him with a lariat. Corbin takes Zayn outside and beats him down next to the barrier. Corbin charges, but Zayn throws him over the barricade. Zayn takes Corbin back in the ring and beats on him, while Shane and Bryan watch on a monitor backstage. Zayn works on keeping Corbin grounded in the ring, and a “Rusev Day” chant breaks out in the crowd. Shane and Bryan are still bakstage watching, and they disagree over allowing Owens to be on commentary. Back in the ring, Zayn comes flying off the top, but Corbin swats him out of mid-air. Corbin follows up with a chokeslam backbreaker, and then a lariat for a two count. Zayn knocks Corbin outside and then attempts a suicide dive, but Corbin catches him and launches Zayn into the table. Zayn and Corbin start fighting back in the ring, and then Dolph Ziggler comes out of nowhere and attacks Owens at ringside. Meanwhile in the ring, Corbin hits the End of Days on Zayn for the three count.

Winner: Baron Corbin

– After the match, Ziggler attacks Corbin from behind with a Zig Zag. We go backstage to Shane and Daniel, who still seem to be disagreeing about the treatment of Sami and Kevin. Bryan says he’s leaving the night, so it sounds like Shane is in charge by himself for the rest of the night.

– Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn confront Shane in the back, and they complain about Ziggler attacking. Shane informs them that Daniel Bryan has left for the night, so they’ll be dealing with Shane the rest of the night.

– Ruby Riott vs. Naomi: The Riott Squad is ringside, and so are Charlotte and Becky. Naomi sends Ruby rolling outside for a breather. The six women come face to face at ringisde as we go to commercial. Back in the ring, Ruby takes control until Naoim starts firing up with kicks. Naomi hits a series of kicks, and finishes with a springboard heel kick off the middle rope for a two count. Naomi misses a shot off the top, then misses a kick but Ruby sells it. Naomi misses a shot in the corner, and Riott comes back with a kick to the face for the three count.

Winner: Ruby Riott

– Charlotte and Becky chase off the Riott Squad after the match.

– We’re backstage with the Fashion Police, who are interrupted by an actor from Unsolved. The Fashion Police taunt him, saying that all their cases get solved, and they could help solve his case. The New Day walks in and they make some “Big E” and “Biggie” puns, relating to the Unsolved series.

– The New Day comes to the ring to talk about recapturing the Tag Team Titles. Big E requests that Kofi sprays cologne on his crotch area, and Kofi does several times. They discuss their strategy for Fastlane, and say they’ll go on to Party in New Orleans for WrestleMania as the Tag Champs. The Usos come out to interrupt and trash The New Day for coming out dancing and dressing like skittles. The Usos say they’ve been overlooked for WrestleMania year after year, and they won’t be on the sideline any more. The New Day says they didn’t get here because of their daddies like The Usos. Big E gets in their face, and they slap the mic away from him. They get in each other’s faces, then the Bludgeon Brothers interrupt. The Usos leave, and then The New Day leaves, as Rowan and Harper stand tall in the ring.

– We see footage from earlier today of Aiden English and Rusev approaching Shane McMahon. They want an opportunity, and Shane gives one — to Aiden. Shane books Aiden in a match against Shinsuke Nakamura.

– Bobby Roode does an interview in the back, where Randy Orton quickly interrupts and announces his intentions on capturing the U.S. Title from him.

– Aiden English is in the ring with Rusev beside him. English sings a song and Rusev cheers him on. English is in action next.

– Aiden English vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: English starts off strong, but Nakamura shuts him down with a knee. Nakamura continues to tee off on English, then takes him outside. English distracts the ref, and Rusev hits a cheap shot on Nakamura. Back in the ring, English starts beating Nakamura down in the corner. Nakamura kicks English away, then gets distracted by Rusev. English capitlizes with a shot in the corner and a version of the Death Valley Driver for a two count. English looks for a splash in the corner, but Nakamura avoids it. English hits a splash off the top, but Nakamura comes back with a flying kick to the face. Nakamura takes English to the corner for the Good Vibrations, then a running knee strike. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa next, and that’s it for this match.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

– After the match, Cena interrupts Nakamura’s exit and hits the ring.

– John Cena vs. AJ Styles: Cena hits an elbow to the face early on to take control of the main event shortly after the opening bell. Cena works over AJ in the corner now with right hands and kicks. AJ starts firing back with chops to the chest, but AJ stuns him with a DDT. Cena comes back with a back suplex and then the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena looks for the AA, but AJ escapes and hits a fireman’s carry into a neckbreaker. Cena comes back with a shot in the corner and a powerslam for a two count. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are shown watching backstage, as is Baron Corbin. Cena takes AJ up top for an AA, but AJ escapes and hits a spin out powerbomb for a two count. Dolph Ziggler is also backstage watching. Cena grabs AJ and hits the electric chair drop for a two count. Cena follows up with a running clothesline for another two count. Cena goes for another one, but Styles stops him with a boot to the face. Cena comes back and connects with an AA, but Styles kicks out at 2. AJ comes back with a lariat now, and goes for a Lionsault but misses. Cena hits the Code Red for a two count, then the STF. AJ escapes and hits a shot to Cena, then hits a Phenomenal Forearm off the top for a two count. Cena comes back and hits an AA, then goes for a second one but AJ escapes. Cena follows him outside and hits an AA on AJ through the announce table. Cena rolls back in the ring and the ref starts counting. AJ rolls in at the 9 count. Cena charges, but AJ locks Cena in the Calf Crusher. Cena escapes and hits the AA for the three count.

Winner: John Cena

– After the match, Kevin Owens’ music hits for his entrance, but Baron Corbin then runs in from the crowd and attacks Cena from behind. Owens and Sami hit the ring next, and they all start beating down Cena and AJ. Ziggler runs in for the save and starts superkicking the heels. Ziggler hugs AJ, but then attacks him and throws him outside. Cena grabs Ziggler and drops him, as SmackDown goes off the air.

Booker T Praises WWE Talent, Says He’s Sick Over Jason Jordan Missing WrestleMania

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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11

Booker T digs the current crop of WWE talents.

We’re approaching WrestleMania and things already seem to be set. Roman Reigns is scheduled to take on Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal championship, while Ronda Rousey will likely team with Kurt Angle to take on Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. Shinsuke Nakamura is set for a WWE title opportunity after winning the Royal Rumble, but some speculate that Cena will challenge him for that right at WWE Fastlane.

One man who won’t make it to the “Showcase of Immortals” is Jason Jordan due to an injury. During a recent appearance on the Sam Roberts Wrestling podcast, Booker T talked about today’s WWE talent and Jordan’s inability to compete at WrestleMania:

“I praise guys like Elias, going out there doing their thing. Jason Jordan, right now man I’m sick about Jason Jordan being on the shelf. I wanted to see him go out and have his WrestleMania moment. Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens rising from the ashes of what he was doing, the independent scene for 15 years. The Finn Balors of the world that I’ve seen do remarkable, spectacular things with Neville many, many years ago.”

Booker T went on to say that he’s very optimistic for the future of the WWE.

Bayley Reflects On First-Ever Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, Comments On Rivalry With Sasha Banks

Andrew Ravens
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2

Former WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bayley spoke with The Mirror in the UK about various topics including her Elimination Chamber experience, her friendship with Sasha Banks and more.

As seen at Sunday’s WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on the WWE Network, Alexa Bliss successfully retained her Raw Women’s Title over Bayley, Mandy Rose, Mickie James, Sonya Deville, and Sasha Banks in the first-ever Women’s Elimination Chamber Match.

“I haven’t been able to read any tweets or anything like that because I just feel like I’ve been on such a high since last night. It’s been just incredible to know that we are doing all these matches and being able to be in the same kind of spotlight as the guys. We all put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure that WWE giving us these opportunities, they don’t feel like they made a mistake, or that we’ve failed them or anything. We do put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure we have a really good performance and I feel like last night everybody did such a great job of really making this history-making match a memorable one. I honestly felt comfortable as soon as the bell rang. I was really intimidated going into it obviously and really scared of all the things that could go wrong, or anybody getting hurt, but I felt really comfortable. And it felt like the crowd was so ready for it and so into it. I think it turned out perfect… except I didn’t win. Not quite perfect (ha ha). But pretty perfect.”

She was also asked if she feels the time is right for her rivalry with Banks to be renewed.

“I would love for that to happen and I really do think that we have such a great chemistry and it’s just a natural bond, that it doesn’t matter when it happens, we can pick it up anywhere. Not to sound cocky or anything, but I just think we have a really good connection. Whenever we have the time to tell that story, we would be able to. And last night after what she did, I think now is a good time! So I would love to start that up and get some payback.”

 

Opinion: Its Time For WWE To Introduce Women’s Tag Titles

Roderick Stedman
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The short answer, in my opinion, is yes, but it’s a lot more complicated than just a simple one word answer.  Having said that, let’s explore the details around having a women’s tag team championship within WWE.

Why Have A Women’s Tag Team Championship?

WWE have been pushing the women’s division over the last year with more historic moments than ever before.

The latest to feature was Sunday’s women’s elimination chamber match, which is took place after the WWE Universe saw the first ever women’s royal rumble in January.

An alternate way of thinking about the recent developments is to compare them to those of the men’s division.  It appears as though the women’s division is catching up to the men’s, without actually installing anything new or truly ‘groundbreaking’.

The other thing that the elimination chamber match showed was the emphasis on partnerships in the women’s division.  All of the competitors had an alliance of some sort, and although one of the main angles of the match was on betrayal, it also highlighted just how well tag teams could work.

Therefore, if WWE are looking to continue the trend that they’ve shown over the past year or so in the women’s division, the creation of a tag team championship seems like the obvious next step when developing the female roster.  This would also open up new avenues and opportunities (creatively) within women’s professional wrestling which, if done correctly, would have a long-lasting positive impact.

The main reason why WWE may be considering creating a women’s tag team championship is purely due to the recent recruitment drive that has seen the locker room expand and move from strength to strength.  There has been a significant increase in the number of female superstars over the last 2 years, enough to warrant the need for an extra challenge.

Who Would Be Tag Team Champions?

This is the biggest question that will impact WWE.  The likes of Absolution and Riot Squad are pre-made heel teams, perfect to fit in tag team matches straight away.  Thinking historically, another example would have been the Bella Twins who were prime candidates for past champions.

But there will need to be enough legitimate tag teams to make up a consistent field of superstars who will sustain the title race and continuous competition, without detracting from the main Women’s Championship.  Therefore each brand will require at least 8 – 10 dedicated superstars to work as tag teams, in addition to those who are competing for the existing championship title.  With their current numbers (approximately 12 female superstars each) RAW and SmackDown Live aren’t in a position to create their own brand specific tag team titles.

So it seems more likely that a tag team championship would be created in time for, or just after WrestleMania 35.

To make the decision easier, WWE could look at who they want to push for the singles championships.  It seems as though there are a solid 4 superstars who WWE will look keep in the championship picture.

It will be the likes of Becky Lynch, Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Naomi, who WWE could look to when it comes to forming solid tag team partnerships.  Carmella could also work well, but the Money In The Bank contract adds an extra complication.

When And How Would This Happen?

As I’ve already pointed out, the slight short fall in numbers will hold this developmental idea back until this time next year, after further recruitment drives/promotions from NXT.  But a installing a new championship is something that WWE have done extremely recently with the cruiserweight division and the UK championship.

An alternative way to create a tag team championship within the women’s division is to wait until the brand split is over.  There is more than enough strength in depth for a singles and tag team championship if the brand divide wasn’t in place.

And with the new PPVs listed for after WrestleMania, many believe that the brand split is coming to an end.

Conclusion:

Is it possible?  Not without further recruitment/promotion or the end of the split brands.

Is it likely?  The way WWE have been pushing for the women’s division to match up with that of the men’s, it seems more than likely that we’ll see female team tag champions before the summer of 2019.

Is it a good idea?  Without a doubt.  Tag team matches aren’t new to the women’s division, there’s no risk involved if done correctly.  There should be an increase in drive and competition between the superstars as more is on offer for them to compete for.  It would give motivation and purpose to those who may be considered in the mid card of the division.

This isn’t a possibility, this is a must.

Concern Surrounding WrestleMania Main Event, Backup Plans In Place

Jon Fuentes
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39

It looks like the recent steroid accusations made against Roman Reigns have stirred up some concern from WWE officials over the main event of WrestleMania.

Reigns won the first-ever Seven Man Elimination Chamber match this past weekend to earn his spot opposite Brock Lesnar in the main event of WrestleMania 34. The two men will be competing for the Universal Championship. In recent weeks, however, accused steroid ring leader Richard Rodriquez tells filmmaker Jon Bravo that Reigns, as well as several other celebrities and WWE Superstars, were clients of his. Rodriguez claimed evidence of Reigns’ involvement would be revealed soon:

“That information with us communicating with Roman via text messages will be provided to the appropriate party which will then be disclosed prior to our documentary that’s going to be filmed soon,” said Rodriguez.

Dave Melter of Wrestling Observer Radio recently confirmed that there is indeed some concern backstage about the accusations and how it could affect their plans for WrestleMania. If the claims against Reigns are serious then WWE would need a backup plan for the main event against Lesnar.

There could also be some serious concern with Lesnar. Nobody knows why he was a no-show for RAW last night after being advertised for the show for the past several months. He was recently spotted in Las Vegas taking photos with UFC president Dana White, perhaps using it as a negotiation tactic against WWE.

It should also be noted that in a recent Instagram post from Jon Bravo, Lesnar was tagged as a hashtag in the caption of one of his photos. The photo’s caption suggested more WWE Superstars would be named in the steroid scandal, so perhaps Bravo hashtagging Lesner into the post is his way of hinting that “The Beast” could also be involved.

Regardless, Meltzer reports that WWE is currently keeping Braun Strowman’s WrestleMania schedule open in case any changes need to be made to the main event:

“I don’t know if they are going to go with Strowman and Reigns with Brock Lesnar but if something happens with Lesnar, obviously Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman is the only match that you could put in that spot.

“If something happens with Roman Reigns and something still could, Strowman is also the only other guy you could put in that spot as well. There is concern about Roman Reigns for sure but right now the idea is that he’s the main event at WrestleMania. There is a Braun Strowman back up plan clearly in place.”

If Strowman isn’t needed, however, he will likely be paired up with Elias for a feud at “The Showcase Of The Immortals”:

“They could go with Strowman vs. Elias, if they have Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.”

H/T RingsideNews for the transcriptions

Ronda Rousey Comments On Triple H’s Sucker Punch To Kurt Angle, What Happened After RAW?, John Cena On His Undertaker WrestleMania Challenge

Jon Fuentes
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– On last night’s closing segment of Monday Night RAW; Ronda Rousey, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kurt Angle attempted to clear the air from their incident at Elimination Chamber. Angle was pressured into admitting that he lied about Triple H and Stephanie’s comments regarding Rousey. Angle apologized and Stephanie apologized to Rousey for slapping Rousey at Elimination Chamber after she put Triple H through a table.

Before Triple H and Stephanie left the ring, however, “The Game” hit Angle with a punch (that actually missed) and knocked him down. Rousey tended to Angle as RAW went off air. “The Rowdy One” took to Twitter to comment on Triple H’s sucker punch on Angle:

– The dark main event of Monday Night RAW after the show went off air on the USA Network featured John Cena and Roman Reigns teaming against RAW Tag Team Champions The Bar. Reigns and Cena won the match, however, The Bar retained the titles. There was said to be a lot of comedy and mic work during the bout.

– As we’ve noted, John Cena teased a WrestleMania match with The Undertaker this April before stating that match is “impossible.” Check out the segment via WWE’s Twitter here:

Rumored Match For John Cena At Fastlane

Jon Fuentes
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12

On last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW John Cena discussed his plans for a road to WrestleMania. After failing to win the Elimination Chamber match this past weekend, which would’ve guaranteed him a spot on “The Show Of Shows” to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship, Cena’s WrestleMania plans are currently up in the air.

Cena proceeded to challenge The Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania, which sent the crowd into a ridiculous frenzy. Unfortunately Cena silenced that by saying that a match with The Undertaker was “impossible.” He proceeded to say he would be on tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live to further address his plans for New Orleans this April. Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc. reports on the latest episode of the Wrestling Inc. podcast that Cena is getting ready for a feud with Shinsuke Nakamura.

Nakamura and Cena are expected to go one-on-one at Fastlane on pay-per-view (PPV) next month. Nakamura will challenge the WWE Champion for the strap at WrestleMania after winning the Men’s Royal Rumble match last month. AJ Styles is currently scheduled to defend the WWE Title against Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler, and Baron Corbin in a Fatal-Five Way at Fastlane. The winner will go on to defend the title against “The Artist” in April.

WWE On Brock Lesnar Missing RAW, Rey Mysterio At WWE Live Event (Photo), Sheamus’ Nasty Post-RAW Battle Marks (Photo)

Jon Fuentes
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– Brock Lesnar had been scheduled for several months to be appearing on last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW, however, he ended up being a no-show. Roman Reigns cut a tremendous promo on “The Beast” for not showing up as advertised and claimed he has no respect for the industry. WWE.com posted the following about Lesnar not showing up for the event:

Why wasn’t Brock Lesnar on Raw as scheduled?

After Universal Champion Brock Lesnar failed to meet his WrestleMania challenger, Roman Reigns, face-to-face on this week’s Raw, WWE.com reached out to The Beast’s advocate for an explanation or, at the very least, a rebuttal to The Big Dog’s incendiary critique of the champion on the broadcast. Unfortunately, Heyman has not responded to requests for comment.

Reporters have also contacted the office of Raw General Manager Kurt Angle, but following Triple H’s attack on the WWE Hall of Famer in the wake of Stephanie McMahon’s confrontation with Ronda Rousey, Angle remains unavailable.

Stay with WWE.com as more details on Lesnar become available.

– Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio was in attendance for last night’s WWE SmackDown live event in his hometown of San Diego, California. He took the following picture with Sin Cara after the show:

– On last night’s RAW one-half of the RAW Tag Team Champions, Sheamus, took some pretty nasty chest chops from Titus O’Neil. “The Celtic Warrior” posted the following picture of his red chest after the match:

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