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Stone Cold Steve Austin On Who Helped Him In Making Peace With WWE

Anutosh Bajpai
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As we noted before, during a recent episode of Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Podcast, Roberts shared an old, unheard interview of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Below are some more highlights from the interview where Austin talks about abruptly leaving WWE and later making peace with the company:

‘Walking out’ of WWE in 2002:

“When I look back, I was running so hard and the level of intensity was so hot and I was just white-hot in the business and I made a knee-jerk reaction to, they wanted me to do a job in Atlanta [Georgia] in a really non-publicized match with Brock and I thought that was real piss-poor business and it was, I’ve always been willing to do business, when it was time to do business, but that wasn’t business. When you have a guy, and I never blow smoke up my own ass, but when you have a guy like me that draws big money, you don’t just job him out on a bulls–t Monday night TV, so I got to jazz up the language because that was something I was very passionate about and it really comes from my heart and my guts. That being said, I shouldn’t’ve got on an airplane and taken my ball and went home as they said. But hindsight being 20/20, yeah, I should’ve [gone] to the arena. I should’ve talked to Vince and said, ‘I’m not doing it,’ but just stayed with the company.”

How he would have handled the situation differently today:

“I would have handled the situation much differently today and it would’ve been great had I handled it differently back then. I lost a lot of money. They lost a lot of momentum. We all lost a lot of money and the crowd lost a part of the product that they loved to watch.”

Jim Ross helping him in making peace with the company:

“That was a year out of my life and because of the personality type that I am, had it not been for Jim Ross sending me a card in the mail, saying, ‘hey, if you ever want to talk, I’m here.’ And I picked up my phone and we talked for two hours and he put me back in touch with Vince and me and Vince buried the hatchet. Had it not been for Jim Ross, I had already basically told the company to go f–k themselves without saying that. I was just not going to have anything to do with them.”

Another ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin:

“I would love to see another ‘Stone Cold’ come around and I hope to see it. I really do because I would love to see my records smashed and watch what this new cat does and how he does it. But with that being said, it’s going to be tough to do, but I’m looking forward to it.”

You can check out some more highlights from Steve Austin’s interview including his comments on why he stopped wrestling here.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

Triple H Comments On A Possible Match With Kurt Angle

Anutosh Bajpai
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4

Triple H recently held a media conference call, promoting this Saturday’s NXT Takeover: War Games event. During the call, the Game talked about Kurt Angle and revealed his thoughts on a match with the Raw GM among other things. Below are some of the highlights of it:

Kurt Angle’s in-ring return at TLC:

“I think it’s awesome that Kurt’s back in the ring. When Kurt first came back to the company we said let’s take it one step at a time and see where things go. It’s funny that we had just started the process of taking Kurt through the medical and making sure he was healthy and all those things, Coincidentally, it ended up being completely a coincidence that Kurt and I had a conversation that started that process and then all of a sudden there was this opportunity and a need, and his results had just come in, so it just was a great coincidence in some ways.”

On being happy for Angle:

“I’m excited to see it, I’m happy for Kurt, To see where he’s at in his life, and see the turnaround that he’s had, and for him to come back home and get the response he has and have moments like he’s having right now, it’s awesome.”

On a possible match with the Olympic Gold Medallist:

“Would I love to get in the ring with Kurt and do something with Kurt? Absolutely, If it’s right, if it’s right for everybody, if he continues to want to stay in the ring, if I do [too], if it’s right for everybody, absolutely. Kurt’s one of the best ever. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anybody pick it up as fast and become so good so fast, as Kurt.”

It’s worth mentioning here that during the same conference call, Triple H also revealed that the cage for the War Games match will not have a roof. You can check out his comments about the upcoming match here.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

Jennifer Hudson Files Restraining Order Against David Otunga

Chris Stephens
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38

After 10 years of marriage, Jennifer Hudson has filed a restraining order against David Otunga.

Hudson’s representatives have told reporters the two have been in the process of ending their marriage for months. They are now locked in a custody battle for their 8-year-old son.

Hudson has recently been granted a restraining order against Otunga.

Hudson Files Restraining Order

Otunga’s lawyers have released the following statement regarding the restraining order:

“David Otunga has been trying to negotiate the terms of an amicable parenting agreement with Ms. Hudson for several weeks now. However, when it became apparent to Ms. Hudson that Mr. Otunga would be the parent granted residential care of the child, as a result of Mr. Otunga being the child’s primary caregiver while Ms. Hudson pursues her career all over the world, Ms. Hudson decided to file a meritless Petition for Order of Protection in an effort to gain an unfair advantage in the custody dispute.”

As a result of Mr. Otunga’s career in the WWE, Ms. Hudson felt that she could give an award-winning performance in court to portray herself as the victim.  Mr. Otunga has never abused or harassed Ms. Hudson or their son.”

Hudson’s representatives are saying the restraining order is in the best interest of the child involved.

The Rock’s Daughter Wants To Pursue Wrestling Career

Chris Stephens
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9

16-year-old Simone Garcia Johnson will be serving as Hollywood Reporter’s “Golden Globes Ambassador” for the next year. Despite the inroads her father can provide for her in Hollywood, that is not where the teenager’s passion is.

“As much as I love and admire the film industry, I don’t see myself pursuing a career in it at the moment. I plan to study business in college — NYU, hopefully — and after graduating, I want to pursue wrestling and eventually transition into talent management.” She told the Hollywood Reporter.

So basically she wants to be her Dad in wrestling and then be her Dad on the show “Ballers”.

Johnson/Fatu/Anoa’ii Family Lineage

If Simone is able to make her dream a reality, she would be a 4th generation wrestler. The Rock, Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia are the generations ahead of her.

The Maivia’s are considered “blood brothers” of the Anoai’i family. Technically they do not share the same DNA, however. Under the blood brother relation, she would be considered cousins of the Usos and Samu and Manu.

Current Plans For The Fifth Member Of SmackDown’s Women Survivor Series Team

Anutosh Bajpai
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9

A lot of people have been guessing that Paige will be revealed as the fifth and final member of SmackDown’s Women Survivor Series team this Sunday, though apparently, that’s not the case.

During the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer said that the current plans are for the former Women’s Champion Natalya to fill the mystery spot.

No word yet on what the company is planning for Paige or when or where the former Diva’s Champion could make her return to WWE programming.

As noted before Paige was backstage at this week’s episode of Raw. She was expected to join the female Raw Survivor Series team but officials reportedly altered their plans on last minute.

While there is still time for the upcoming PPV and the plans could still change, it looks more likely that her return will be saved for a later date instead of wasting it on Survivor Series, which already features a packed card.

Triple H Talks Changes to War Games Rules for Saturday

Chris Stephens
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4

The War Games match on Saturday will not follow the traditional format completely. A few rules have been tweaked.

On a media call yesterday, Triple H clarified there will be no roof on top of the cage as there has been in previous matches in addition to rule-changes which had previously been announced.

Triple H on the War Games Match Having A Roof

On Rule Changes:

“Anytime that you’ve had 20 years between something, you have the opportunity to do it in a slightly modified way. Whether that’s making it better, which is hopefully what [we’ve done],” he said. “I’m not saying that there were things that needed to be fixed but there were things that there were some concerns about and we wanted to change those and tweak them up.”

On having 3 Teams:

“It worked for us in this 3-team scenario because of the way the storyline was written. When the opportunity came up to do WarGames, the storyline naturally fit with the three groups being in there.”

On not having a roof:

“We’re not going to have a roof,” he said. “I think it’s a little bit limiting, I think the style has changed. I’m not saying that anyone’s going to do it in this match, but I think going forward, I try to think about the future. Look, Arn Anderson wasn’t doing moonsaults off the top of a cage. This allows for there to be a little bit of a different opportunity there to do some things.”

On a side note, HHH had previously mentioned Vince McMahon did not like the idea of having a roof when he pitched it to him.

On keeping true to the War Games Concept

“I don’t think personally that we’ve changed the concept of what it is, there are some small tweaks but I think they work better in today’s generation than it did in the format that was originally used.”

Official War Games Rules for Saturday

WWE has published the official rules for Saturday’s War Games Event:

“The rules of the match are as follows:

  • The three-member teams of SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain), Undisputed ERA (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly), and The Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) & Roderick Strong will wage war inside a massive steel cage that surrounds TWO rings.
  • All three teams will be contained inside separate shark cages by the entranceway, with a member from each team (as chosen by his respective squad) starting the match.
  • After five minutes, the remaining members from one team will be released from their shark cage and allowed to enter the match.
  • When another three-minute period elapses, the remaining members from a second team are released from their shark cage and enter the match.
  • Following another three-minute period, the final team’s members are released from their shark cage and enter the match.
  • Once all three teams have entered the WarGames Match, a victory can be attained via pinfall or submission.”

Billy Corgan On His Lawsuit Against Anthem, Reacts To Rockstar Spud’s Departure From Impact Wrestling

Andrew Ravens
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1

Billy Corgan recently appeared on Sean Waltman’s podcast, X-Pac12360, to talk about various topics. Here are the highlights:

Owning the NWA:

“What I love about wrestling is that it really has an unlimited schedule creativity, and who you work with and the ideas that they have. I’m very excited about the future of wrestling and NWA because I have nobody standing in my way with my crazy ideas.”

Rockstar Spud’s departure from Impact Wrestling:

“First off, I can’t believe they let him go. He’s one of the most talented people, literally can do anything. Let’s set aside his size, he’s obviously not a big guy but beyond his size. There isn’t anything he can’t do, he’s a great talker, ring technician he can put together a great match. Any spot you put him in. He really is a super talented guy.”

His lawsuit against Anthem:

“It gets super complicated with the lawsuit that I had filed because at that point anthem was on some sort of side of the fence, representing the interest of their own at that time. They were a minority owner called this company air-lux who was doing production and then Dixie Carter. Not saying they lined up against me with the lawsuit to be made to go away but it was anthem who settled the suit since they were taking over the company.”

Triple H Talks Bringing Back War Games Concept, Confidence In The Undisputed Era

Andrew Ravens
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6

Triple H recently spoke with NBC Sports to promote NXT Takeover: War Games this Saturday night on the WWE Network. Here are the highlights:

Confidence in The Undisputed Era group:

“I think they’re talented guys. You’re never 100 percent sure with anybody who walks in the door, but there are certain talent that you see come in who have an innate ability right away. Are there things we have to work on with them? Absolutely, they’re learning every day. The one thing I liked about those guys and why I was confident in ‘giving them the ball right off of the bat’ is because when we spoke and talked about things, they absorbed it. They’re sponges. They’re students of this. They want to learn.

“They’re not walking in the door going, ‘I know, I know how to do this.’ They’re walking in the door going ‘Wow, I have this opportunity to work with Shawn Michaels at the Performance Center, or with Terry Taylor, or this person, or that person.’ They can learn TV production from all of these different people. They are wide open to it. To me, that’s what makes you successful. It’s the guys that walk in going ‘ah, I got this’ that make it difficult. When you have someone who just wants to be a student, wants to learn and wants to, no matter how good they are, just take their ability to a whole other level.

“In this business, you constantly have to be willing to morph, grow, and think differently because it’s the nature of the beast. There are guys who have that hunger and desire to constantly evolve and you can see it from the first time you speak to them.”

Bringing back the War Games concept:

“For me WarGames has always been a very viable concept. It wasn’t just a name, it was a branding of a match that was meaningful in WCW. It’s something I’ve always had interest in. I’ve always liked the concept as a fan. As we move forward with NXT, it’s really started to become its own brand. We’ve had opportunities to do different things, whether that is ladder matches, or cage matches. But there was an opportunity that came along, given the weekend with Survivor Series and given the position [NXT] is in to brand something out and create something that NXT could own.

“It seemed like the perfect time to bring it out, so I dusted it off. Throughout the years, I was aware of Vince’s feelings about it. There were some things about that match that he liked and there were some things about the concept that he didn’t necessarily think worked, especially in today’s world. So I brought it back up to him and we walked through the process and I said here’s the way I think we can make this match work for us and he liked it, agreed with it, thought it worked great for NXT and was real happy to do it. So here we are.

“When you do this, the goal is not to go backwards. My goal isn’t to make people go, ‘oh is this as good as it was back then?’ I want to put a slightly different spin on it, so that it begins again and takes a life of its own because it can’t be what it was. I grew up watching it in the Dusty [Rhodes], [Ric] Flair, Four Horseman vs. the world sort of iteration of it and this cannot be that. It has to be today’s version of it. Hopefully it’ll be something that our fan base really enjoys. I think the NXT fans are going to love it. I know the talent is very excited about it. When we announced the match and word began to spread on the Internet, a bunch of main roster talent came to me and said, ‘oh my God, you’re doing WarGames? Anyway I can do something in that?’

“For me, it’s also a cool nod to Dream [‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes]. It’s cool that his vision is able to continue.”

 

 

WWE Superstars React To Ellsworth Release On Twitter

Roderick Stedman
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6

This week saw WWE release yet another superstar from their roster, James Ellsworth.  Whether you were a fan or not, he had memorable moments and added a certain something to the company.

After making the announcement, numerous superstars added their comments to Ellsworth’s release:

https://twitter.com/ScottDawsonWWE/status/930920041389969408

https://twitter.com/OfficialTAZ/status/930861323126263826

Most expect James Ellsworth to hit the independent scene as soon as possible.  He became a household name within the WWE Universe and achieved a lot in the time that he had at the company.  It’s also worth considering that this isn’t even the last time he’ll be at WWE; Ellsworth could always sign a new contract a few years down the line to return.  Popular or not, it’s a possibility.

Among all the best wishes, one WWE superstar took the opportunity to make the news a little more self-centered and build some extra heat to his in-ring persona by tweeting a special message to James Ellsworth.

https://twitter.com/HEELZiggler/status/930926226465636352

However Ziggler followed this up the next day with a Throw Back Thursday tweet showing that it’s not all about him:

https://twitter.com/HEELZiggler/status/931199944140111873

Many have actually speculated that Ziggler is trying to suggest that he is leaving the company soon as well.  However this is pure speculation and rumour built up around Dolph using the word “independent” in a tweet, but perhaps worth noting.

Rock Star Calls ‘BS’ On Ric Flair’s 10,000 Women Claim, The Rock Praises Bruno Sammartino

Jon Fuentes
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14

– Lead-singer of legendary rock band Aerosmith, Steven Tyler, was recently interviewed by TMZ to get his reaction to two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair’s claim that he slept with 10,000 women during his heyday. Here’s his reaction:

– The Rock recently responded to a poll on Twitter asking who was the bigger wrestling hero between himself and Bruno Sammartino. Rock made the case for why Sammartino is ‘hands down’ to right choice:

Edge Offers A Possible Reason Why AJ Styles Beat Jinder Mahal For The WWE Title

Jon Fuentes
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14

On a recent edition of former WWE Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian’s podcast, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness, the duo discussed AJ Styles’ recent WWE Title victory over Jinder Mahal on an episode of SmackDown Live. The pair discussed the big title change occurring on a taping in the UK, Styles now taking on Brock Lesnar on short notice, expectations for their Survivor Series match, and so much more. You can check out the highlights here below:

Christian on UK fans getting to see a big title change:

“I think it was a pretty big moment and I think it was the right guy to do it with,” Christian said. “And I think it was kind of shocking. I don’t think anybody was expecting it, especially with the build they’ve been doing with Jinder and Brock, I don’t think anybody expected it. But do you know what? It’s good to reward the fans over there with a big moment like that because they always show up over there in the U.K., in Europe. They’re always big crowds and they’re diehards. They support it and they love it and it’s good that they get rewarded with a big moment like that. It was a shocking moment, so it was pretty cool.”

Edge on Styles replacing Mahal on short-notice for Survivor Series:

“It’s pretty cool,” Edge admitted. “It feels a little hot-shotted. I’m not going to lie, after the buildup of Jinder and everything. I just kind of assumed [the title change] would be at ‘Mania.”

Edge on the title change likely happening because of the premiere of USA Network’s new show, Damnation:

“I think there [are] probably a few factors that go in. I think USA [Network] was debuting a new TV series after. And while some of you may scoff and say, ‘WWE wouldn’t change their business for that,’ yes, they would. The Shooter was debuting and they stacked the 900th episode of SmackDown. That’s why I was there. That’s why Taker was there. They’ll do those things because they’re on the USA Network and USA Network asks for a favor, so they’ll do them a favor.”

Christian on AJ Styles vs. Brock Lesnar:

“People were complaining about it, but he’s a legit heel. People don’t want to see him win. And I know [Edge] said it might have been hot-shotted. It might have been, but it was also one of those things where people weren’t expecting it and that’s hard to do. So in that case, I like it. I think AJ and Brock will be a pretty awesome match.

“It can be seen as maybe a little bit quick. It is one of the ‘big four’ pay-per-views, right? Survivor Series? It is one of the main shows. It gives it a little bit more oomph to that show.”

Edge on Styles vs. Lesnar needing to happen at one of The Big Four:

“I’m not a big fan of giving away the big matches on I don’t want to say throwaway pay-per-views because they’re not, don’t get me wrong. If there’s going to be this match, I’m happy that at least it’s on one of the big pay-per-views, one of the original four.”

You can listen to the E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness by clicking this link here.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

EC3 Discusses Rockstar Spud’s IMPACT Wrestling Departure

Jon Fuentes
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1

IMPACT Wrestling star EC3 recently did an interview with The Mirror in the UK to discuss several professional wrestling topics. ECW discussed recent IMPACT Wrestling departures, Rockstar Spud leaving the company, and how IMPACT can re-cement itself. Here are some of the highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj6jLXd3ftY

Impact, as many fans will know, has undergone so many changes over the past year that at times it’s been a bit bewildering trying to keep up…

“Try working here.”

Those changes have included a lot of talent departures, including your good friend Rockstar Spud, from Birmingham, England.

“Oh my mate, my mate Spud has departed! He has and he is one of the most talented people I have been around and one of the biggest students of the game in this industry. Despite the hell I have put him through and what we have done to each other, I can hearken back to the good old days and what we once were, and I know deep down, in the in the cockles of my heart, that little b*****d will be just fine.”

I don’t blame you! There have been other people who have been a big part of Impact over the last few years leaving the company – Low Ki, Robbie E, Spud, Taryn Terrell and even referee Earl Hebner. What do you think Impact needs to look to do now, to re-cement itself?

“I think people over complicate changes in the business. People come, people go, no matter where a talent is, we’re all gears in a machine in a way, so things do change and just because they do change, it doesn’t mean they are changing in a negative for either the talent or the company. This place is wide open and opportunities are aplenty for people to get an opportunity, to step up and challenge for top spots, people – pun intended – to make an Impact.

“So the platform is there for them to do that. I wouldn’t have had an opportunity if I hadn’t have come over and made that impact as well, to get that different opportunity and change where I was and who I am. Change is good. Change is not the worse thing ever, change is not the writing on the wall or negativity, change is necessary for growth and that comes from both a talent and a company perspective.”

You can read EC3’s full interview with The Mirror by clicking this link here.

Backstage Update On WWE Talent Being Upset With Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Jon Fuentes
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9

As we’ve noted, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were sent home from WWE’s European tour last week after a taping of SmackDown Live in Manchester, England. After Zayn’s loss to Kofi Kingston on SmackDown it was reported that Owens and Zayn went against a creative decision and instead “went into business for themselves.” Owens and Zayn returned to work this past Tuesday for SmackDown Live’s taping in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Per a report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Vince McMahon planned for Owens to attack Kofi Kingston after defeating Zayn, before Big E and Xavier Woods hit the ring to beat the pair down for the save. Owens and Zayn would then run off before facing The New Day in a Tag Team match the following week. Everything went according to plan, except Owens and Zayn didn’t stay in the ring to receive their beatdown from The New Day.

WWE officials yelled at Zayn and Owens backstage before sending them home. One version of the story going around labeled the entire incident a huge misunderstanding, and Owens and Zayn actually did what they believed they were told to do. Those claims have been heavily shot down by some people, and the common belief amongst talent backstage is that Zayn and Owens went into business for themselves.

This could also help explain Owens’ recent Twitter beef with Randy Orton. A fan Tweeted about getting married in Epcot back on November 11th, and since Owens was taking his family there the same day he decided to stop in and surprise the fan during his wedding reception. The groom of the wedding sent out a Tweet about meeting Owens for dessert at his wedding, to which Owens responded that it was nice meeting him and wished him well in his new marriage. Randy Orton saw this and responded with another shot at Owens’ weight, and it all escalated to a rather personal level from there:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/929538544560992258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/929855822796087298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/929865752395513857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/929867973115904000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Emma (Tenille Dashwood) Booking Fee Correction/Updated Report

Chris Stephens
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8

Last week, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Emma’s negotiations with the Stardom promotion had fallen through. The report continued to say that Emma was asking for $2,000 per match and creative control in her contract.

This week the Newsletter issued an updated report.

Tenille Dashwood (Emma) Booking Fees

This week the Observer printed a much different report regarding Emma’s asking price. The updated report mentioned Emma’s asking price for North American independent promotions is $1500 and not $2,000. The 2k figure is for promotions outside of North America.

As for Emma requesting creative control in her contract, this appears to be somewhat disputed. The updated report states that Emma requires the ability to approve her opponent and the finish to her match but that this is also a standard request for top independent talent.

While Stardom is not a large promotion, it runs storylines and long-running angles which is different from standard independent promotions. It’s possible Emma’s management team was not aware of this and was giving the promotion Emma’s standard terms for an independent promotion.

Dashwood herself appears to be traveling a lot at the moment and is most likely not handling her own bookings.

Why the Updated Report?

The Wrestling Observer did not publish sources for either report but some assumptions can be made.

The first report mentioned that Stardom balked at Emma’s asking price which indicates the Observer was speaking to someone with negotiating abilities for the promotion. The second report sounds as though the Newsletter was spoken to by someone from Emma’s management team to clarify that her asking price was in-line with the current market. This is purely speculation, however.

This weekend Shimmer held a big set of tapings, which bodes well for the state of the women’s independent wrestling scene. Tenille Dashwood, aka Emma, will most likely find herself in the mix of that scene beginning in 2018.

Survivor Series 2018 Host City Announced

Chris Stephens
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5

WWE will be returning to the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the 2018 version of the Survivor Series. The promotion broke the news earlier today.

This coming Sunday, the 2017 version of the event will be held in Houston, Texas. In 2015, the event was held in Toronto, ON.

Survivor Series Weekend in 2018

This weekend NXT Takeover: War Games and Survivor Series will both be held in Houston, as will the following night’s edition of Raw. On Tuesday, however, Smackdown will be held in Bossier City.

WWE’s press release regarding the 2018 edition of Survivor Series from Los Angeles will include the Smackdown Live! show on that Tuesday in addition to the other 3 events. Survivor Series 2016 was also a 4-day event in Toronto.

“WWE today announced that Los Angeles will host Survivor Series Weekend in 2018 with NXT TakeOver (Nov. 17), Survivor Series (Nov. 18), Monday Night Raw (Nov. 19) and SmackDown LIVE (Nov. 22) –- all taking place at STAPLES Center over four consecutive nights.

Additional details about these events, including ticket on sale information and travel packages, will be announced in early 2018. “

NWA Title Match Announced For This Weekend

Chris Stephens
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2

Billy Corgan’s National Wrestling Alliance held their first NWA World Heavyweight championship match last weekend.

52-year-old champion, Tim Storm, barely defeated Nick Aldis to retain the title at an event from Championship Wrestling from Hollywood. He’ll be defending his championship again this weekend from Clarksville, TN.

NWA Open Call

Earlier this week, the NWA put out an open challenge for independent talent to challenge for Tim Storm’s championship. Several wrestlers, such as Michael Elgin and Joey Janella, threw their names in the hat.

Here is the video submitted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb5ZswbA9QM&feature=youtu.be

The challenger’s name is Jocephus Brody. He’s a nearly 300lbs man who once competed for Impact under the name Beauregard.

WWE United Kingdom Show Still Being Planned for 2018

Chris Stephens
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1

WWE’s UK division is still getting their own television show. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has been telling their UK talent a weekly show is in the works for 2018.

WWE scouted for talent on their most recent European tour and also looked at potential buildings for tapings.

WWE United Kingdom Championship

At the moment, the WWE United Kingdom championship is defended on NXT and at selected shows. Pete Dunne has defended the belt for ICW in Scotland, and Tyler Bate once defended it on a show for Progress (at a show in Orlando).

Current champion, Pete Dunne, recently made his main roster debut in victorious fashion over Enzo Amore.

Chris Jericho On If Mr. McMahon Knew About His Upcoming Match, James Ellsworth Taking Bookings

Anutosh Bajpai
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36

– Ever since it was announced that Chris Jericho will be facing Kenny Omega at the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom 12 event, people have been speculating whether or not Vince McMahon knew about this beforehand.

During his recent appearance on The Ross Report Podcast, Jericho answered this question and claimed that he would never jeopardize his relationship with Mr. McMahon:

“You know how smart I am throughout my career, and you know the relationship I have with Vince, and I would never jeopardize that, or give him any nasty surprises. So, I’ll just leave it at that.”

– James Ellsworth sent out the following tweet revealing that he will be able to take bookings from February 12th next year and can be booked via [email protected]:

Quotes via Cagesideseats.com

Lucha Underground Season 4 Details Revealed

Chris Stephens
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5

Lucha Underground will be returning for their 4th season in 2018.

While the show remaining on air is positive, Dario Cueto’s promotion will be operating under a significantly reduced budget according to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Changes to Lucha Underground

According to the report, Antonio Cue-Navarro and Alex Garcia played a large role in funding seasons 1-3 but were no longer willing to invest in the show. The El Rey Network is still behind the show, however, though their budget will not be reduced.

The show operating without the additional funding from Cue-Navarro and Garcia will mean a reduced budget for big names (i.e Rey Mysterio, Alberto El Patron) and expensive vignettes.

Some other points:

  • The belief is El Rey will commit to seasons 5 and 6 as well, airing in 2019 and 2020.
  • LuchaBlog.com reported that the performers will no longer be under exclusive contracts. This means they are free to perform for ROH, NJPW, NOAH, and Impact Wrestling.
  • Nothing is confirmed but the belief is tapings will begin in March with a projected air date for season 4 beginning in May.
  • The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that some talent were upset at the news as they are frustrated by the 7-season contracts and having not been paid since 2016, though it is unclear how many feel this way.
  • It is believed that Arolucha, the promotion involving the Harris Twins and Konnan, was hoping that Lucha Underground was done so they’d be able to scoop up the available talent.

Bobby Lashley Says He Is Like Paul Heyman’s Side Chick

Anutosh Bajpai
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Main Event Radio interviewed former Impact World Champion Bobby Lashley last week where Lashley talked about a number of wrestling related topics. Below are some of the highlights of his interview:

Being in Canada:

“I like Canada. The fans here are great. It’s always good to come up here with some good energy. Coming out to different territories after being the same area for such a long time. It’s good to get a different group of fans. I’ve heard Toronto might be next, I would be happy to go there. We are going to be going back and forth. Orlando is our home we will back there too.”

Match with Brock Lesnar:

“There’s not too much time left on my contract but I like it here. There are some big fights and big matches that people are constantly bugging me about that I have to consider. The only natural one is Brock [Lesnar]. Whether it’s in fighting or wrestling, that match needs to happen. If he retires without doing that match, it’s stupid. If I retire before doing that match, it’s stupid. I could post a picture of my kids or of me eating a Popsicle and people will ask me when I’m going back to WWE when I’ll go against Brock. It’s one of those things that if the fans want it and beg for it enough, it’ll happen.”

Seeing himself as Paul Heyman’s side chick:

“I’m going to send Paul [Heyman] another tweet. Paul will reach out to me out of nowhere with a tweet or text. Those are the times where Brock kind of pisses him off a little bit. Then he calls me and sees how I’m doing. Then him and Brock make up and he disappears. I think Paul says if Brock pisses him off enough and he needs to bring someone in to shut him up I’m the man. But then they make up and he leaves me alone. Then I get another tweet out of nowhere and then he disappears again. It’s kind of like the boyfriend and girlfriend, where the boyfriend says he’s going to cheat on her and then she cooks him dinner and he changes his mind. Heyman is a big tease to me. I am the side chick. I’m okay with it. The side chick usually gets whatever she wants at the end of the day. Maybe it’ll happen one day – Lesnar vs Lashley.”

Shane McMahon’s First Comment After Raw Invasion, Roman Reigns Hypes Upcoming Match With Triple H

Anutosh Bajpai
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– As seen on SmackDown Live this past Tuesday Night, the Raw roster took revenge for SmackDown’s Invasion last month by attacking the stars of the Blue Brand during the final segment of the program.

After the show, the SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon didn’t update his twitter for a while and he broke his silence via the following tweet telling Raw to expect their receipt this Sunday:

– As we noted before The Game Triple H announced that he’ll be going head to head with the Big Dog Roman Reigns at the upcoming WWE Live Event from Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 8th. After the announcement, Roman Reigns made the following tweet hyping his upcoming match with the Cerebral Assassin next month:

Big Cass On Missing Upcoming WrestleMania

Anutosh Bajpai
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Big Cass was on the verge of receiving a singles push when he suffered a knee injury back in August this year. He is expected to stay on the shelf for at least 9 months which means he’ll be forced to miss the upcoming WrestleMania 34 event.

During a recent interview with Sun Herald, Cass discussed missing the 34th edition of the Show Of Shows Among other things. Below are some of the highlights from his interview:

Missing WrestleMania:

“It’s very frustrating to miss WrestleMania, It’s very disappointing. I was on quite a roll at the time. The night I got hurt, during a commercial break, I cut a promo and loaded up to the fans. It felt good to have the fans boo me.”

Splitting up with Enzo Amore:

“Enzo and I came up in the system together and busted our butts for many years, we hit a major reception in NXT, but it tapered off at live events in WWE. We both knew it was the right time to split up.”

Taking advice from the likes of Triple H and Undertaker:

“Triple H, Reigns, Cena and the Undertaker are people who I usually go to for advice, These are people who I respect and I take whatever advice they give me.”

His relationship with Carmella:

“It’s tough because we’re on different brands, I’m on Raw, she’s on Smackdown. It’s real difficult, but we make it work.”

Gargano vs. Pete Dunne Next Week On NXT, Sullivan-Ohno

Scott Lazara
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– Below is a new video with an inside look at the WWE NXT “Takeover: WarGames” main event for this Saturday night in Houston at the Toyota Center. As noted, the match will feature The Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly vs. The Authors of Pain (Akam, Rezar) & Roderick Strong vs. SAnitY’s Killian Dain with NXT Tag Team Champions Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPTEG80Owe4?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

– As noted, WWE recently announced that Johnny Gargano vs. WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne would take place before Takeover at the Toyota Center. NXT General Manager William Regal announced on tonight’s show that Gargano vs. Dunne will air on next Wednesday’s NXT episode. Ruby Riot vs. Sonya Deville will also be taped before Takeover to air next Wednesday.

– Lars Sullivan remains undefeated after his match with Raul Mendoza on tonight’s NXT episode, going into his match with Kassius Ohno at Takeover on Saturday night. Below is a post-match segment with Lars and Ohno from tonight:

WWE NXT Recap & Results (11/15)

Robert Lentini
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Street Profits vs Tino Sabbatelli & Riddick Moss

Dawkins and Sabbatelli started off the match. Dawkins connected with a shoulder tackle and tagged in Montez Ford. Dawkins and Ford Dropkicked Moss out of the ring. Sabbatelli clubbed Ford in the back of the head and then tagged in Moss who had made his way back to the ring apron. Moss planted Ford with a Belly to Back Suplex and then posed for the crowd.

Sabbatelli was tagged back in and continued the beatdown of Ford. Sabbatelli took a break to mock Dawkins on the ring apron. Ford leaped across the ring and tagged in Dawkins. Sabbatelli got distracted by Ford on the ring apron. Tino knocked Ford off the ring around but turned around into a big time punch from Dawkins for the pinfall victory.

Winners: Street Profits

Raul Mendoza vs Lars Sullivan

Lars trapped Mendoza in the corner and connected with a massive Splash. Sullivan followed it up with a ridiculous Powerslam and then stood over Mendoza. Lars lifted Mendoza up by his head and bashed him in the face several times. Sullivan then slammed Mendoza to the mat and covered him for the easy victory.

After the match, Lars grabbed Mendoza again but Kassius Ohno came down to the ring. Lars laughed in Ohno’s face and left the ring. Sullivan and Ohno will battle at NXT TakeOver: WarGames this Saturday night.

Winner: Lars Sullivan

Gargano was shown backstage with NXT GM William Regal. Johnny Gargano versus Pete Dunne for the UK Championship was announced for next week.

Mercedes Martinez vs Ember Moon

Moon and Martinez locked up to start off the match. Martinez got the upper-hand and applied a Headlock. Moon broke free but Martinez knocked her to the canvas with a shoulder tackle. Martinez locked in another Headlock on the mat in the middle of the ring. The crowd cheered Moon on as she powered to her feet. Martinez broke the hold and punched Moon in the face. Ember responded with a boot to Martinez’s face.

Ember connected with a Dropkick for a two count. Moon launched Martinez into the turnbuckle and hit a Clothesline. Moon charged at Martinez but Mercedes was ready and planted Ember with a Spinebuster for a two count as NXT went to a commercial break.

When NXT returned, Moon went for a roll-up but Martinez kicked out at two. Moon missed with a kick and Martinez hit a chop that echoed throughout the arena. Moon fell to the mat in pain and Martinez picked Ember back up and planted her with a Suplex. Martinez didn’t let go and followed it up with two more Suplexes for a two count.

Mercedes went for another Suplex but Moon blocked it and connected with an Enziguri. Moon followed it up with a Hurricanrana then sent Martinez out of the ring. Ember then hit a Suicide Dive as the crowd chanted “NXT!”. The action returned to the ring and Moon climbed up to the top rope. Martinez got back up and booted Ember in the face. Martinez connected with the Tower of London for a two count. Martinez quickly went for another cover but Moon kicked out again.

Martinez went for another Suplex but Moon reversed it into a roll-up for a two count. Martinez got tangled up in the ropes and Moon connected with a knee that knocked Mercedes to the canvas. Moon then hit the Eclipse for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce and Kairi Sane appeared as Moon stood in the ring. Those four Superstars will compete for the vacant NXT Women’s Championship in a Fatal 4-Way match at NXT TakeOver: Wargames.

Winner: Ember Moon

NXT Champion Drew McIntyre came down to the ring. McIntyre grabbed the microphone and congratulated Almas on getting his title shot at NXT TakeOver: Wargames. McIntyre said that Almas and Vega are now in trouble. McIntyre wondered if Almas was ready for the big stage at WarGames. Drew then challenged Andrade “Cien” Almas to come down to the ring and face him like a man. McIntyre joked that Zelina Vega may not let Almas off the her leash for the night.

Zelina Vega then came down to the entrance ramp and twirled her hair while staring at McIntyre. Almas finally joined her and he quickly took off his suit jacket and charged the ring. McIntyre took off his shirt and launched it into the crowd. McIntyre and Almas traded shots as Vega climbed up to the top rope. Vega leaped onto to McIntyre but Drew caught her. Almas chop-blocked McIntyre in the knee and then planted him with the Hammerlock DDT. Vega then grabbed the NXT Championship and shouted at Almas that the title will be his. Vega then tossed the title on top of McIntyre and exited the ring with Almas.

Drew McIntyre will defend his NXT Championship against Andrade “Cien” Almas this Saturday at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.

Big Cass Introduced On Total Divas

Roderick Stedman
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On August 21st Big Cass was injured during a Street Fight with Enzo Amore; he tore his ACL and will be sidelines until after Wrestlemania 34.

The video underneath shows the moment that Big Cass tore his ACL on RAW as he went over the ropes and landed awkwardly outside the ring….

Since the injury, Big Cass has had surgery and is attending rigorous rehabilitation to repair his knee, but hasn’t made many promotional appearances for WWE.  However this recently changed as he attended an interview with the Sun Herald to promote WrestleMania 34.

In the interview Big Cass explained his relationship with the fans of WWE and how he felt he was doing within the company.

“It’s very disappointing. I was on quite a roll at the time. The night I got hurt, during a commercial break, I cut a promo and loaded up to the fans. It felt good to have the fans boo me.”

Big Cass also appears on tonight’s episode of Total Divas as the 7 foot tall superstar is dating Carmella, who features in the latest season of the WWE TV show on E! along with Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax.  Here is a preview of Big Cass’s introduction by Carmella:

As filming began for season 7 in June 2017, the timing suggests that Total Divas could cover aspects of Big Cass’s injury, from Carmella’s point of view.  I doubt she’ll be flaunting the Money In The Bank briefcase as much while Big Cass sits sidelined for 6 months.

An important aspect of this is the possibility of an insight behind Big Cass’s in-ring persona.  Since breaking away from Enzo Amore, he has turned heel and consistently booed by the crowd.  This may give fans the opportunity to see a more realistic aspect of Big Cass that has been hidden behind strong characters and gimmicks throughout his WWE career.  His initial introduction to Total Divas comes across as extremely shy and uncomfortable in the preview, but this is probably due to have cameras following him and his girlfriend around all the time.

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