– As noted, this week’s RAW in Manchester saw WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne make his red brand debut with a non-title win over WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore. Dunne will be appearing on this week’s WWE 205 Live along with fellow UK competitors Mark Andrews, Jordan Devlin, Tucker, Tyler Bate, Joseph Conners and James Drake.
Below is video of The Bruiserweight talking to Mike Rome after the win on RAW. Dunne says the ovation he received was exactly what he expected because holding the title means he owns the UK. As far as Enzo goes, Dunne says tonight proved that he’s not just a cruiserweight – he’s The Bruiserweight.
– New RAW Tag Team Champions Sheamus & Cesaro returned to the ringside area after RAW went off the air and had a few words with former champions Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose. The Bar, who came out for the main event wearing Liverpool jerseys to generate big heat, started singing a Liverpool chant to resume the heat for the dark main event segment. Rollins & Ambrose spoke from the ring and gave The Bar props for being a top tag team and for winning the titles again. Ambrose & Rollins also gave props to the crowd in Manchester and there was some more mic work with The Bar but the two teams did not get physical after the show went off the air.
– As noted, Asuka is now a member of Team RAW for the women’s 5-on-5 Traditional Elimination Match at Survivor Series. She joins Team Captain Alicia Fox, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks and one other Superstar to be announced for a match against Team Captain Becky Lynch, Tamina Snuka, Naomi, Charlotte Flair and Carmella. The Empress of Tomorrow tweeted the following after being announced for team red:
– The Superstars from WWE’s United Kingdom division will be appearing on this week’s 205 Live episode from Manchester, England. Stars advertised to appear are WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne, Mark Andrews, Jordan Devlin, Tucker, Tyler Bate, Joseph Conners and James Drake. As noted, this week’s RAW in Manchester saw Dunne make his RAW debut with a non-title win over WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore.
– Sin Cara took to Twitter and confirmed that he suffered a knee injury at Sunday’s WWE live event in Spain. He was pulled from Monday’s live event in Portugal due to the injury. WWE has not commented on the injury but they did re-tweet his comments. Sin Cara tweeted (translated),
“Due to an knee injury I could not participate today in #WWELisbon. Apologies to those who attended. I hope to see you again soon.”
“For those who say it’s only entertainment.We love this sport and we put ourselves at risk for it every day.”
Stay tuned for updates on Cara’s condition going into this week’s SmackDown.
Para todos los que dicen que es solo entretenimiento! ?? Amamos este deporte y por el ponemos cada dia nuestro bienestar en riesgo. ?????? pic.twitter.com/cITIjqlJom
– This week’s WWE RAW in Manchester, England saw Sheamus and Cesaro defeat Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose to become three-time RAW Tag Team Champions. Below is video of The Bar talking to Mike Rome after the big win, which came after The New Day appeared in the crowd to distract everyone.
The Bar brags on beating The Hardys, The New Day and now The Shield. They now look ahead to their match against SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos. Cesaro says The Uso Penitentiary can’t hold them because they just don’t break bars, they are The Bar.
– WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne made his RAW debut on tonight’s show from Manchester, England. He defeated WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore in a non-title match. Above and below are videos from the debut.
– WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman have been confirmed for next week’s Survivor Series go-home edition of WWE RAW from Atlanta. Lesnar’s Survivor Series opponent, WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, and other SmackDown Superstars will likely be appearing as well.
– WWE has confirmed that Roman Reigns will make his return to TV on next week’s Survivor Series go-home edition of RAW from Atlanta. Reigns has been out of action for several weeks with the viral infection that went around the locker room. With The New Day interfering in tonight’s RAW main event, leading to Cesaro & Sheamus taking the RAW Tag Team Titles from Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose, it appears The Shield will face The New Day in another RAW vs. SmackDown match at the November 19th Survivor Series pay-per-view.
RAW General Manager & Team Captain Kurt Angle announced on tonight’s show that “son” Jason Jordan will get the final spot on the men’s Team RAW at WWE Survivor Series for the 5-on-5 Traditional Elimination Match.
It was also announced on RAW that Sasha Banks will join the women’s Team RAW. No word yet on the final spot for the women’s red brand team but it’s believed it will go to Bayley.
As noted, tonight’s RAW saw Sheamus and Cesaro defeat Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose for the RAW Tag Team Titles. The Bar will now be the red brand team to face SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos at Survivor Series.
Below is the updated announced card for the November 19th Survivor Series pay-per-view from the Toyota Center in Houston:
5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Team Captain Kurt Angle, Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, Jason Jordan vs. Team Captain Shane McMahon, Randy Orton, Bobby Roode, Shinsuke Nakamura, TBA
5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Team Captain Alicia Fox, Nia Jax, Asuka, Sasha Banks, TBA vs. Team Captain Becky Lynch, Carmella, Tamina Snuka, Naomi, Charlotte Flair
RAW vs. SmackDown
WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion Jinder Mahal
RAW vs. SmackDown
WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. WWE United States Champion Baron Corbin
RAW vs. SmackDown
RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya
RAW vs. SmackDown
RAW Tag Team Champions Sheamus and Cesaro vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
WWE Cruiserweight Title Match
Kalisto vs. Enzo Amore
The November 6th episode of WWE RAW was taped in Manchester, England. Here are 7 takeaways from this week’s episode of RAW:
Kurt Angle Revealed How He Got Braun Strowman To Join Team RAW At Survivor Series
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Miz TV kicked off this week’s episode of RAW. Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel joined him in the ring. Axel was sporting a neck brace after getting destroyed by Braun Strowman last week. The Miz had a message for Baron Corbin. The Miz said that he was going to beat Corbin so badly at Survivor Series, he was going to finally make the United States Championship relevant. The Miz then introduced RAW GM Kurt Angle as his guest for Miz TV.
Footage of Stephanie McMahon warning Kurt Angle last week was shown. Angle said that he is not going anywhere and added that SmackDown will always be known as the “B” show. The Miz then showed footage of SmackDown invading RAW a couple of weeks ago. The Miz then showed Kane attacking Daniel Bryan last week and Kurt Angle denied having involvement in that attack.
The Miz then blamed Kurt Angle for Braun Strowman’s attack last week and demanded an apology. Kurt Angle said that was not going to happen and The Miz told him to shut up. Angle then got in Miz’s face and Miz told him to calm down. The Miz asked why Angle put Strowman on Team RAW at Survivor Series. Angle stated that Strowman only agreed to be on the team if he could have a match with The Miz tonight. Angle then exited the ring as The Miz got on his knees and begged Angle to cancel the match.
The Miz was able to escape Strowman last week, but he won’t have that opportunity tonight as he will be trapped inside a ring with him. The Miz continues to be one of the more entertaining Superstars on RAW and this was a decent edition of Miz TV to kick off WWE RAW.
Finn Balor & Samoa Joe Joined Team RAW For Survivor Series
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Samoa Joe was scheduled to have a match with Titus O’Neil tonight on RAW. Titus and Apollo Crews made their way to the entrance ramp and Samoa Joe appeared behind them. Joe threw Crews off the ramp and then locked Titus in the Coquina Clutch. Joe finally let go and marched towards the ring.
Joe grabbed the microphone and stated that he will put anyone down that stands in his way. Joe challenged anyone from the back to come down to the ring and try to prove him wrong. Finn Balor answered the challenge and made his way down to the ring. Finn Balor and Joe proceeded to have a great back and forth match. The match ended in a double count-out, but the brawl continued on the entrance ramp. After the match, RAW GM Kurt Angle came down to the entrance ramp and said that both Balor and Joe will be on Team RAW at Survivor Series. Balor then connected with one more shot on Samoa Joe after the announcement.
The finish to the match was lame, but I’m fine with it because neither Balor or Joe needed to take a pinfall tonight. The match itself was very entertaining. Team RAW is now comprised of Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle. It is hard not to see Team RAW as the favorites heading into Survivor Series.
Kurt Angle Announced His Son As The Final Member Of Team RAW
Kurt Angle reveals that Jason Jordan is his son on RAW 7/17. Photo Credit: WWE.com
Elias and Jason Jordan had yet another match tonight on RAW. This time it was a Guitar On A Pole match. The crowd wasn’t into this match at all and the few that made noise cheered for Elias. Jason Jordan wound up picking up the victory after he struck Elias in the back with the guitar. One can only hope that this feud is finally over.
Later during RAW, Kurt Angle was shown on the phone. Angle left a message for Daniel Bryan and told him to call him back when he was feeling better. Angle explained that he had no idea that Kane was going to attack Bryan. Jordan then arrived and Angle made him the 5th member of Team RAW. Angle said that there was nobody on the roster he trusted more than his own son. Jordan and Angle then shared a hug.
I guess this is interesting because it could lead to some friction between Angle and Stephanie McMahon, or anyone that calls Angle out for placing his son on Team RAW without having to earn a spot. I’ll just say that Jason Jordan is an afterthought right now and he simply hasn’t shown that the is capable of cutting a competent promo. If Jason Jordan is at the center of everything that goes down at Survivor Series, that would mean that he would be featured prominently on RAW after the PPV. I’m not sure if that is a good thing because he hasn’t been able to generate any reaction so far.
Sasha Banks Joined Team RAW At Survivor Series
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Sasha Banks teamed up with Bayley to face Alicia Fox and Nia Jax tonight on RAW. The match went back and forth for several minutes. Sasha and Bayley teamed up to knock Nia Jax out of the ring. Back in the ring, Sasha locked in the Bank Statement on Alicia Fox for the submission victory.
After the match, Alicia Fox grabbed a microphone. Fox said that she needed Sasha Banks on the women’s team at Survivor Series. Sasha nodded her head in approval and then her themed played. Bayley looked dumbfounded that Alicia Fox didn’t ask her to be a part of the women’s team at Survivor Series as well.
I’d be surprised if Bayley isn’t added to Team RAW next week. I’m sure Alicia Fox will make Bayley prove herself again and she will wind up joining the team. I find it odd that everyone on Team RAW has to earn their spot on the team, while SmackDown’s women’s team is already set. It was also announced tonight that Asuka will be joining the RAW women’s team for Survivor Series.
Braun Strowman Could Not Keep Kane Down
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Braun Strowman faced The Miz tonight on RAW. RAW GM Kurt Angle made the match during Miz TV earlier tonight. Strowman demolished The Miz the entire match and whipped him around the ring. Bo Dallas charged at Strowman outside the ring and Braun punched him in the face. Bo Dallas hilariously sold the punch and sat up in a daze. Back in the ring, Strowman continued to beatdown The Miz until Kane came down to the ring.
Kane and Strowman stared at each other and then Kane grabbed Braun’s throat. Kane went for a Chokeslam but Braun blocked it. Strowman then used his strength to break Kane’s grip and then lifted him onto his shoulder. Strowman planted Kane with a Running Powerslam. Kane quickly sat up and Strowman Clotheslined him out of the ring. Kane landed on his feet outside the ring and Strowman couldn’t believe it. Braun was then attacked from behind by The Miz and Bo Dallas as Kane walked back up the entrance ramp. Strowman launched Dallas out of the ring and then hit The Miz with a Running Powerslam. Strowman then celebrated in the ring.
I’m glad it wont be at Survivor Series, but Strowman and Kane are clearly going to have a match in the near future to determine who is the monster on RAW. As of now, Kane doesn’t have anything to do at Survivor Series, so I am nervous that he is going to show up during the 5v5 match at the PPV. I just think Strowman is far past the point of needing to be put over by aging giants. He’s already defeated Big Show a few times, I don’t understand what a victory over Kane is going to do for him. He’s ready to become Universal Champion, unfortunately that belt seems to be stuck on Brock Lesnar most likely until WrestleMania.
Pete Dunne Made His RAW Debut
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Enzo Amore came down to the ring and cut an unnecessarily long promo. Kalisto came down to the ringside area and took a seat. Pete Dunne’s music hit and RAW GM Kurt Angle came down to the entrance ramp. Angle announced that tonight it would be a “cruiserweight versus the Bruiserweight” and Pete Dunne came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd.
Enzo actually controlled the majority of the match. Enzo went for a pinfall while using the ropes for leverage but Kalisto alerted the referee. Enzo then shouted “snitches get stitches!” at Kalisto several times. Dunne got up and hit Enzo with the Bitter End for the pinfall victory. After the match, Kalisto raised Dunne’s hand in the ring.
It was great to see Dunne on RAW tonight. I thought the United Kingdom Championship Tournament was excellent on the WWE Network earlier this year, and Dunne quickly became one of my favorite Superstars in the tournament. I love his style of wrestling and think he has unlimited potential. Unfortunately for Dunne, this was kind of a lame main roster debut. He was used as a prop for a feud between Enzo Amore and Kalisto that very few people care about. I would have enjoyed this segment much more if Dunne leveled Kalisto with a Clothesline while they were celebrating after the match. It would have made more sense because it would fit in with Dunne’s character.
New Day Cost Ambrose & Rollins Their RAW Tag Team Championships
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Sheamus and Cesaro asked RAW GM Kurt Angle for another chance at the RAW Tag Team Championships earlier tonight. Angle said it would be their last shot at the titles and made the match the main event of this week’s RAW. Rollins and Ambrose controlled the match early and leaped onto Sheamus and Cesaro outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Cesaro booted Ambrose in the face and hit him with an uppercut. Sheamus entered the match and continued the beatdown on Ambrose. Dean eventually was able to battle back and leaped across the ring to tag in Rollins. Seth hit a Suicide Dive onto Sheamus outside the ring and then planted Cesaro with a Falcon Arrow in the ring for a two count.
Cesaro connected with a massive uppercut on Rollins for a two count. Rollins connected with a Superkick to Cesaro and Sheamus. Ambrose then hit the Dirty Deeds on Sheamus but Cesaro broke up the pinfall. The New Day’s theme hit and Woods, Kingston and Big E appeared in the crowd. Kurt Angle rallied his troops backstage and the RAW roster surrounded the ring. Angle then instructed them to chase after the New Day in the crowd. Sheamus capitalized on the distraction and Brogue Kicked Seth Rollins in the ring. Sheamus then pinned Rollins and Cesaro prevented Dean Ambrose from breaking it up. The Bar are once again the RAW Tag Team Champions.
Sheamus and Cesaro will now face The Usos at Survivor Series. I’m all for this if it leads to a match between The Shield and New Day at the PPV. I think that match would be awesome. I was looking forward to the match between The Usos and Ambrose & Rollins, but I’m not going to complain about Sheamus & Cesaro becoming the champs again and getting a spot on the Survivor Series card.
Sheamus and Cesaro defeated Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose in the main event of tonight’s WWE RAW in Manchester, England to become the new RAW Tag Team Champions.
WWE actually sent out a ‘spoiler’ push notification to WWE app users prior to RAW, which upset some fans on social media.
This is the third RAW Tag Team Title reign for The Bar. Ambrose and Rollins won the titles back on August 20th at WWE SummerSlam, defeating Cesaro and Sheamus.
The Bar will now face SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos at the November 19th WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view.
Former WWE Superstar Michelle McCool is teasing that we could see her in a WWE ring once again. After tweeting that she just finished reading Charlotte and Ric Flair’s new book Second Nature, Charlotte asked if she’d be up for one more match.
McCool, a former Women’s Champion who retired from in-ring action 2011, said she’s been “dying for someone to ask” and is impatiently ‘waiting by the phone’ hoping for the call.
Asuka is now official for Team RAW at WWE Survivor Series. Team Captain Alicia Fox announced her for the women’s team after a win over an enhancement talent tonight in England.
It was also announced on RAW that Samoa Joe and Finn Balor will be fighting for the red brand at Survivor Series. Team Captain & RAW General Manager Kurt Angle added both men to the team after their singles match ended in a brawl on the floor.
Below is the updated announced card for the November 19th Survivor Series pay-per-view from the Toyota Center in Houston:
5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Team Captain Kurt Angle, Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, TBA vs. Team Captain Shane McMahon, Randy Orton, Bobby Roode, Shinsuke Nakamura, TBA
5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Team Captain Alicia Fox, Nia Jax, Asuka, TBA vs. Team Captain Becky Lynch, Carmella, Tamina Snuka, Naomi, Charlotte Flair
RAW vs. SmackDown
WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion Jinder Mahal
RAW vs. SmackDown
WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. WWE United States Champion Baron Corbin
RAW vs. SmackDown
RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya
RAW vs. SmackDown
RAW Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
WWE Cruiserweight Title Match
Kalisto vs. Enzo Amore
Following Sunday’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view, Impact Wrestling will be taping months of television this week from Ottawa, Canada.
The Smyth Casting agency put out a call looking seeing “PAID background actors” to sit in the audience for the shows.
Interested parties will be paid $12.50 per hour for 4 hours of “work.” Applicants are allowed to “work” more than one day and “may be given signs to hold.”
“You are encouraged to look at wrestlers on the website (https://impactwrestling.com/) and make your own signs, that would be very helpful – and you will get more face time on TV!!”
Paying 75 fans $50 per day to 75 fans to attend 4 days of tapings would see Impact coughing up $15,000 – not counting Smith Casting’s fees.
During an interview with The Mirror, Nia Jax commented on her recent hiatus from WWE. There was rampant speculation online that Nia was unhappy with her pay and booking, but Nia says it was nothing more than WWE cycling the talent they use on live events.
“Well actually I had live events off for the last couple of weeks because that’s just how it worked out, for cycling and stuff, so I got a little rest from TV because I wasn’t in anything storyline-wise, so I had a little rest there. But yeah, it’s been great. I love what we do, I love the storytelling, especially being such a different character and obviously a different size than everybody, we get to play on that and it’s always cool to see where we can go in the ring.”
She also commented on joining the cast of Total Divas and reveals that we’ll see a softer, more vulnerable side compared to what fans are used to seeing from her TV character.
“Yes, definitely. They will definitely see something completely different. On Raw I’m the big mean girl who goes and beats everybody up, on Total Divas they will see a softer vulnerable side of me that definitely isn’t see on Raw. And some very goofy stuff between Alexa and I. Team Rude is definitely in full effect.”
Nia Jax returned to WWE television last week in a match against Bayley.
– Tonight’s “Guitar on a Pole” match on RAW was the first in almost 20 years. That match saw Jason Jordan pick up a win over Elias. The last “Guitar on a Pole” match happened on December 14th, 1998, and saw Jeff Jarrett defeat Steve Blackman.
– As noted, Becky Lynch vs. James Ellsworth will take place at Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown in Manchester, England. There’s now speculation on Ellsworth taking Becky’s Team Captain spot for the women’s 5-on-5 Traditional Elimination Match at Survivor Series as Ellsworth tweeted the following. Also below is a new backstage promo from Ellsworth:
– Going into tonight’s RAW in England WWE has a new poll asking fans who will Braun Strowman attack next – The Bar, Kane or WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz. As of this writing, 53% voted for The Big Red Monster while 31% voted for The Miz and 16% voted for Cesaro & Sheamus.
– As seen below, tonight’s RAW broadcast opened up with a graphic in memory of the victims of Sunday’s mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas:
Austin Creed’s YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown, is in the middle of it’s 2017 Madden 18 Tournament. Previous years have been dominated by The Champ: Seth Rollins. He is still undefeated and continues his pursuit, looking to add a third championship to his cabinet.
Previous match ups have included Baron Corbin VS Kofi Kingston, as well as Titus O’Neill VS The Miz; both showdowns saw the former football athletes struggle. While Corbin and Kingston were able to stay relatively lighthearted, with smiles and laughs on both sides, The Miz was unable to stop talking for the entire 26 minute video as he took on the head of Titus Brand Worldwide. It’s difficult to not feel sorry for Titus as he sat silently throughout the unwarranted barrage of advice and taunts; however, it’s also extremely amusing and enjoyable.
The Hollywood A-Lister advanced through to the next round of the tournament in a 24-09 win and will come up against a member of The Miztourage: Curtis Axel, who beat Brian Kendrick 37-0.
The latest Madden 18 game to feature on Austin Creed’s YouTube channel was between two WWE superstars making their debut in the tournament: TJ Perkins and Luke Gallows. This match-up potentially represents the most experienced video game player, overall, against the least experienced. TJP based his in-ring persona on retro gaming, using 8-bit logos and music to support his character, which seems to be most inspired by Megaman games.
The only knowledge Luke Gallows was able to pick up before the start of the match, came from his old friend “Uncle AJ”; unfortunately it still wasn’t very helpful and Gallows had to sit as he was beaten by a nerd.
The beauty of this episode is found in the continuous jokes that each superstar bounces off. They both have a great rapport with each other and work together, especially as TJP appears to look up towards Gallows, constantly wanting a Too Sweet. While he destroys his inexperienced opponent, it seems as though TJP just wants to be liked by his older relative, and at the same time – his older relative just wants to fit in. It’s an amusing insight into an unusual combination that wouldn’t be seen in-ring together.
Opinion:
Recent rumours have run around the internet about Gallows and Anderson potentially leaving the company, fueled by the removal of WWE from their Twitter descriptions. Whether these rumours are true or not, it’s clear to see that Luke Gallows is a respected and admired superstar in the locker room.
WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne made his main roster debut at Monday’s RAW tapings from Manchester, England.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore came out for a promo but was interrupted by RAW General Manager Kurt Angle. Angle announced that Enzo would be competing in a triple threat match involving Kalisto and the debuting Bruiserweight. Dunne got the pinfall victory in what appears to have been a non-title match.
According to fans in attendance, Pete Dunne got the biggest pop of the night up until that point. Check out our ongoing WWE RAW Spoilers from Manchester.
New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 12 show on January 4th 2018 just got launched into the stratosphere. As well as announcing some high profile title bouts we now have the unbelievable treat of seeing Chris Jericho perform outside of a WWE ring for the first time in decades.
When Jericho appeared in a pre-taped promo video during Sunday’s Power Struggle it ignited the world of pro wrestling, and many fans were left wondering how this will play out. Here are the three questions that we have following the blockbuster announcement:
Is Chris Jericho Done with WWE?
As mentioned previously, Y2J has not performed outside of the WWE umbrella for an extremely long period of time, he has himself mentioned that he didn’t ever intend to wrestle for anyone other than Vince McMahon before he retired. The announcement of the ‘Alpha’ vs Omega has blown this right out of the water…
There have been multiple reports over the past few months of unrest within the WWE locker room, now while much can be attributed to hyperbole it cannot be understated how there’s no smoke without fire. There is a very good chance that we will see Jericho inside a WWE ring once again, remember that it isn’t unprecedented to see someone perform at a Wrestle Kingdom and then appear in WWE as early as the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles performed this feat last year.
This could easily be Jericho just wanting to test himself against one of the best in the world, but there could be deeper issues at play here.
Will This Be The First and Only Match Between These Two?
You may or may not be aware of the upcoming ‘Jericruise.’ Chris Jericho sent out the following Survey Monkey gauging interest for a Rock n’ Wrestling themed cruise and he recently announced that The Young Bucks would be part of the festivities.
The Bucks are very good friends with their fellow ‘Elite’ stablemate…Kenny Omega. There’s a very good chance that after the January 4th bout Jericho and Omega will face off once again in 2018 as part of this off shore event.
Did Jericho want Kenny as part of the cruise and New Japan would only agree if he took part at Wrestle Kingdom? There’s a very good chance of it.
How Will This Impact NJPW’s Global Expansion?
Whether you’re already a fan of New Japan or not, you have to admit that this is the most high profile bout in recent company history. Yes, Omega had one of the most incredible trilogies in wrestling against Kazuchika Okada, but this is a multiple time WWE champion making the jump back to one of his former stomping grounds.
If promoted correctly, the NJPWWorld site could see a huge influx of fans across the United States, Europe and beyond subscribing to see some of the most dynamic in ring work on the planet, even beyond this dream bout.
Are you looking forward to this mega matchup? Let us know in the comments.
This past Sunday’s NJPW Power Struggle event saw ‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll defeat Will Ospreay to be become the second ever British holder of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Scurll proclaimed before the bout that there are three guarantees in life: “death, taxes and Marty Scrull beats Will Ospreay.”
The Villain’s American home Ring of Honor touted his success at the event by issuing the following statement:
“Early Sunday morning in the United States, ROH star and Bullet Club member ‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll captured the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship from ‘The Aerial Assassin’ Will Ospreay at Power Struggle! This was the latest victory for Scurll in a feud that has spanned at least three continents!
Just as he did for the ROH World Television Championship, Scurll defeated Ospreay, surprising the ‘Aerial Assassin’ with a quick pin.”
Several other ROH stars were present at Power Struggle and you can read the full write up on rohwrestlng.com using the tweet below.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a new blog entry over at his official website where he gives his thoughts on various topics. Here are the highlights:
Ric Flair’s ESPN 30 for 30 documentary:
“Big week for wrestling themed documentaries as Tuesday Nov 7 the Ted DiBiase film, The Price of Fame, will debut nationwide in theaters for one day only at 7 pm in all time zones. Plus the Ric Flair 30 for 30 from the brilliant Rory Karpf premiers at 10 pm ET on ESPN. I’ve seen the Flair docudrama three times and it is a gripping, raw, honest story from the man himself on his professional life that damn near destroyed his personal life. Rory did an amazing job over two years to get this body of work to our TV’s. I can’t encourage you enough to watch both these amazing bodies of work that will likely stay with you for a long, long time and I say that in the truest sense of the word.”
Sunday’s Bound for Glory PPV:
“Most fans want great execution and logical booking and some things are much better being ‘predictable’ than not. That’s simply my two cents. BFG was a solid show that had its share of booking issues but the look of the show and the looks of the small arena was good. However, like many fans often proclaim, I would have made some tweaks to the card. The goals of any rasslin creative entity should always be to attempt to put the talents in a position that they can best excel based on their skill sets and the overall makeup of the card. The overuse of duplicate or like spots with extensive gimmick use does no one any favors on anyone’s card.”
Chris Jericho facing Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12:
“Just my take but how any of us can complain about Jericho vs Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in January of 2018 is a head scratcher. It was excellent booking and creative and the two Winnipeg natives will rock the Tokyo Dome and sell tickets. This is the best way for them to monetize this window of opportunity without question. It’s been a long time since the Dome went clean on January 4 and this match should certainly help regarding that matter. I read where the NJPW goals was to sell 30,000 for WK12 which is a tremendous number but the Dome’s capacity for baseball is 55,000 and obviously a bit more for wrestling. I’m looking forward to calling this match on AXSTV a few days after it originally airs.”
RAW Superstar Big Cass spoke recently spoke with Sam Roberts at the Ringside Fest event in New York City. Cass spoke about his recovery from ACL surgery, what he’s been up to during his time away and how long he’ll be out of action.
Cass tore his ACL on the August 21st edition of Monday Night RAW during a match against Enzo Amore. He felt and heard a pop in his leg and knew immediately that he tore his ACL, which has an 8-9 month recovery period. He described it was an emotional situation and told Sam Roberts that he was very, very angry at the time.
Big Cass’ current physical rehabilitation routine includes training twice a day. Cass says he’s been working with John Cena’s trainer Rob McIntyre. He plans to return bigger, better and stronger than ever. If he stays on track, he should be back in the ring shortly after WrestleMania 34.
During his time away, Cass and Carmella bought a house in Tampa. In addition to playing video games and watching shows, Cass said he’s been brushing up on his Spanish in hopes of making himself even more valuable to WWE.
Cass and Carmella are featured on the new season of Total Divas. Cass said it’s “very, very weird” being on a reality TV show but acknowledges that’s what he signed up for.
You can listen to the full 10-minute discussion here:
The November 6th edition of WWE RAW was taped in Manchester, England and will air in the evening on the USA Network.
– WWE Intercontinental Champ The Miz opens the show with a special edition of Miz TV. He briefly cuts a promo about United States Champion Baron Corbin, before introducing tonight’s guest, RAW GM Kurt Angle. Angle comes out to the ring to a loud ovation from the UK fans. Miz complains to Angle about Braun Strowman attacking him last week, and he blames the whole situation on the Olympic gold medalist. Angle decides the proper way to deal with this is booking The Miz in a singles match against Braun Strowman, tonight!
– Jason Jordan def. Elias: This one was a “Guitar on a Pole” match. Elias sang a song about the UK and Jason Jordan before the match. Elias reached the guitar on the pole first, but moments later Jordan snatched it away and used it on Elias for the win.
– There’s a backstage segment with Kurt Angle and The Bar.
– Asuka def. A jobber: Asuka defeated a local enhancement talent in a quick match. This one was described as a squash match similar to Asuka’s previous RAW squash.
– Samoa Joe vs. Titus O’Neil – No Contest: Before the match, Joe attacks Titus and beats him down. With Titus laid out, Joe gets on the mic and issues an open challenge to anyone in the back. Finn Balor’s music hits and it appears he’s answering the challenge.
– Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor – No Contest: This one is called off as turns into a big brawl at ringside with officials desperately trying to break it up. Kurt Angle comes out to try to help restore order and he announces that both Joe and Balor are on Team RAW for the eight-man Survivor Series match.
– It’s announced that the Tag Team Champs Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose will defend their Titles tonight.
– We see Kurt Angle backstage with Jason Jordan. Angle decides that Jordan will be the 5th member of Team RAW for Survivor Series.
– Sasha Banks & Bayley def. Alicia Fox & Nia Jax: Sasha Banks scores the win for her team after locking the Banks Statement on Fox for the submission. After the match, she chooses Bayley and Sasha for the women’s Team RAW at Survivor Series
– Braun Strowman def. the Miz via DQ: This one was a non-title match. Things came to an end when Kane ran in and attacked Braun, causing the ref to call for the DQ. Strowman starts to get the upper hand oan Kane, but The Miz and Miztourage join in and beat down Strowman. Strowman powers up and ends up fighting them all off one by one.
– Cruiserweight Champ Enzo Amore comes out to the ring for a promo about Kalisto, who is at ringside. Kurt Angle comes out and announces that Enzo will be taking on UK Champion Pete Dunne in a surprise match.
– Pete Dunne def. Enzo Amore: This one was a non-title match. Dunne wins with the Bitter End. Kalisto celebrates with Dunne after the match
– It’s announced that WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar will be appearing on next week’s RAW
– There’s a backstage segment with RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss.
– It’s announced that several WWE UK competitors will be on this week’s edition of WWE 205 Live.
– RAW Tag Team Champions Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro & Sheamus: The Tag Team Titles were on the line in this one. During the match, The New Day’s music hits and they come out to tease another attack on RAW. Before The New Day can do anything, Kurt Angle shows up with members of the RAW roster behind him. The distraction leads to Sheamus hitting a Brogue Kick on Ambrose for the three count, and we have new Tag Team Champs.
Winners & new RAW Tag Team Champions: Cesaro & Sheamus
Former WWE/ECW star Rob Van Dam will be making his way to ICW’s biggest event of the year: Fear & Loathing X on November 19th.
RVD was slated to face ICW’s Lionheart but now another name has been thrown into the mix…Liverpool’s Number 1 Zack Gibson will be making this match a Three Way Dance.
Gibson is one of the top talents on the UK circuit, he has been plying his trade as part of PROGRESS, ICW, OTT and Revolution Pro for years and he also starred as part of the World of Sport reboot this past New Year’s Eve. Gibson will be looking to make a name for himself on the worldwide stage when he faces the One of a Kind star.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has been making some big moves recently, most notably with the signing of Chris Jericho vs Kenny Omega for January 4th’s Tokyo Dome show.
NJPW has now also announced some of the teams heading into their upcoming World Tag League event starting on November 18th, the event will be shown live and for FREE on Njpwworld.com.
Former NXT star Sami Callihan will be making his NJPW debut when he joins forces with Juice Robinson. Callihan had previously been rumored to debut as part of the ‘Switchblade’ promo packages leading up to the Power Struggle event this past Sunday. Jay White was eventually revealed as ‘Switchblade’ after much speculation.
Lucha Underground star Jeff Cobb will also be making his way to New Japan for the World Tag League. Cobb had previously been slated to join forces with Matt Riddle, however his confirmed partner for the tournament has been unveiled as NJPW standout Michael Elgin.
Sports Illustrated broke the news on Monday that former WWE Superstar John Morrison is coming to MLW: Never Say Never. This is the ‘big name former WWE Superstar’ in talks with MLW that we reported here exclusively last week.
Morrison will team up with MLW: One Shot main eventer Shane “Swerve” Strickland in a tag match against Jimmy Havoc and Darby Allin in a hardcore match.
The backstory for the match is that Strickland and Sami Callihan were attacked at MLW: One Shot out by hooded assailants,later revealed to be Darby Allin and Jimmy Havoc. Strickland reached out to Morrison to help get revenge.
Morrison told SI, “I’m preparing for this match the same way I prepared for John Cena and Randy Orton, or the same I would prepare to wrestle Kenny Omega or Tetsuya Naito. I’ve got all this experience and I’ve wrestled for all the major companies in the world, but the way that Strick, Havoc, and Allin think about wrestling is new to me and I’m ready for that challenge.”
Former stars of What Culture’s WCPW brand have officially launched their new Pro Wrestling themed YouTube channel and website. Cultaholics is headed up by former WCPW GM Adam Pacitti, Sam Driver, ‘King’ Ross Tweddell and Jack King. Their first video can be seen below:
This new venture stemmed from a mass exodus of WCPW staff back in September, Adam Blampied, Adam Pacitti, Ross Tweddell, Sam Driver and Jack King left the company to ‘pursue other projects’ which lead to the formation of Cultaholics.
This shift in personalities also lead to the re-branding of WCPW to Defiant Wrestling, their debut show is taking place on Monday iPPV December 4th.
Defiant Wrestling will be making their long anticipated re-debut on Monday December 4th when they present #WeAreDefiant live on iPPV.
The card for the event has started to take shape and Defiant GM Stu Bennett/Wade Barrett has promised an electric night for the rebranding of WCPW. The card currently stands as follows:
Marty Scurll (c) vs Joe Hendry vs Martin Kirby – Defiant Championship Match
Kay Lee Ray vs Veda Scott – Defiant Women’s Championship Match
Primate vs Jimmy Havoc – Defiant Hardcore Championship Match
Mike Bailey (1) vs David Starr (0) – Best Of Three Series, #1 Contender For Internet Championship
Pastor William Eaver vs Moose – Liam Slater Special Guest Referee
Chris Jericho is certainly keeping busy during his time away from WWE.
In addition to touring with Fozzy, planning his Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager cruise and gearing up for a match against Kenny Omega at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 12 event, Jericho also recently filmed a TV special for the Travel Channel which premieres later this month.
Jericho announced on Instagram that ‘The Legend Of With Chris Jericho’ will air on the Travel Channel on November 17th at 11pm (Eastern).
The 30-minute special will feature Jericho traveling to the deserts of Utah to find the hidden treasure of Butch Cassidy, the notorious bank and train robber.
Jericho teases, “You won’t believe what I found” and said he got to dress up like a cowboy and blow up explosives.
