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WWE SmackDown Recap & Reaction (6/27)

Robert Lentini
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17

This week’s episode of SmackDown started with Daniel Bryan coming down to the ring. The crowd chanted his name as the SmackDown GM stood in the ring. Bryan pumped up the crowd and discussed the two huge women’s matches that will be going down tonight, Naomi versus Lana and the SmackDown Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Carmella interrupted Daniel Bryan and got booed from the crowd. James Ellsworth accompanied Carmella down to the ring. Carmella called SmackDown “the land of injustice” and claimed that she already won the MITB briefcase and that it shouldn’t have been stripped from her. Carmella quoted the rulebook and stated that “the first woman to gain possession of the briefcase wins the match”. Carmella once again brought up other Superstars that have interfered in MITB matches and said that she did nothing wrong.

Carmella went on to say that she is that much more intelligent than every female Superstar backstage and she shouldn’t be punished for that. Bryan responded by saying that Carmella made some very valid points, however never in history has someone else climbed the ladder, grabbed the briefcase and handed it to another competitor. Bryan then asked the crowd if he should cancel the match and hand the contract back to Carmella. The audience chanted “no!”. Bryan then asked if the match should happen and the crowd chanted “yes!”.

Ellsworth grabbed the microphone and told the crowd to shut up. Ellsworth claimed that the crowd in attendance are villains and then called Bryan a “stupid puppet”. An “Ellsworth sucks!” chant broke out and James rolled his eyes. Ellsworth stated that he used to look up to Daniel Bryan, but when he looks at him now he sees a “gutless, spineless coward that has no grapefruits to cut it in the ring anymore so he made up some hokey injury”.

Ellsworth and Bryan then had a stare down in the ring. Bryan looked away and started laughing. Bryan said that he probably should just fire him but tonight was about the “real” Superstars of SmackDown Live. Bryan then banned Ellsworth from the entire arena and called for security to come down to the ring. Ellsworth and Carmella pleaded with Bryan but he sat stood in the corner of the ring and laughed. Security then forcibly removed Ellsworth from the ring.

Ellsworth escaped and tried to hop over the barricade but security once again caught him. Ellsworth once again escaped and tried to leap over the barricade again but cam up short. Security then carried Ellsworth backstage as the crowd sang “na-na-na-hey-hey-hey-goodbye”. Bryan then wished Carmella luck in the SmackDown Women’s MITB Ladder Match later tonight.

Reaction: I haven’t been a fan of Ellsworth’s work in a long time. However, I am enjoying him personally attacking SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan all the sudden. It is much more entertaining than saying “duh” all the time. I enjoyed this segment. The WWE Universe still loves Daniel Bryan and it sucks he cannot be an in-ring performer in WWE anymore. I really hope that Carmella wins the briefcase again tonight. Her promos have been solid for two weeks in a row.

Hype Bros vs The Usos (if Hype Bros win they get shot at SmackDown Tag Team Championships)

Zack Ryder started out the match in control and launched Jimmy Uso across the ring. Ryder then connected with a Flapjack for a two count. Mojo was then tagged in and he continued the beatdown of Jimmy Uso. Jey Uso entered the match and Mojo Clotheslined him out of the ring. Zack Ryder tagged in and flipped onto both of The Usos outside the ring. Ryder got booted off the ring apron and fell to the floor as SmackDown went to a commercial break.When SmackDown returned, the Hype Bros were back in control of the match. Ryder missed the Browski Boot. Jimmy Uso then connected with a Splash off the top rope for the victory.

Winners: The Usos

After the match, New Day came down to the ring. Xavier Woods said that he was proud of The Usos for winning a match without running away in the middle of it. Big E said that they wanted SmackDown Tag Team Championships and that at Battleground “we are coming for you…” ( think Booker T promo on Hogan). Woods cut Big E off before he said it and interjected with “we coming for you Usos”. Kofi then rhymed and called The Usos “booty” and Woods played the trombone.

Another episode of the “Fashion Files” was shown and this time it was a parody on “Miami Vice”. A photo of the Big Boss Man was shown to start off the episode. Fandango and Breeze played good cop, bad cop and interviewed The Ascension. Fandango showed The Ascension the stick figure drawing and Konnor stated that it wasn’t them. Fandango tried to bribe The Ascension with two tickets to Eddie Money. Viktor went to take the tickets but Konor said that The Ascension only listens to thrash metal.

Tyler Breeze then brought in iced tea and food. Breeze asked why they attacked him and The Ascension once again claimed that they didn’t. A bang was heard and Breezango retreated to their office and noticed that it had been destroyed. Breezango returned to the interrogation room and Konnor and Viktor were enjoying the food. They both then nodded their head and took the tickets to the Eddie Money concert.

Reaction: I actually thought that this episode of “Fashion Files” was entertaining. I just think that Fandango and Breeze are talented performers in the ring as well. I’m all for goofy promos, but I thought it became way too silly when they were bringing squirt guns and wigs into their matches.

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Naomi (c) vs Lana

Lana attacked Naomi from behind before the match started. Lana hit the Powerbomb for a two count and Lana was furious that Naomi kicked out. Naomi booted Lana in the head and connected with a Moonsault for the victory. Lana threw a tantrum in the ring after the match.

Winner & Still Champion: Naomi

Reaction: I don’t understand what the point of this feud was. It did nothing for either Superstar and I hope that we have seen the end of it.

Becky Lynch was interviewed backstage. Lynch said that she is going to become the first woman to “legitimately” win the MITB contract.

Aiden English was in the ring and performed a song. He was quickly interrupted by Randy Orton’s theme music. Orton gave English an RKO during the commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Orton was sitting in a chair in the ring and stated that he wasn’t leaving until he gets what he wants.

Orton then stood up and threw the chair out of the ring. Footage was shown of Orton beating the hell out of the Singh Brothers and Jinder Mahal last week on SmackDown. Orton demanded a rematch for the WWE Championship. If he doesn’t get it, Orton vowed to beat the hell out of Jinder Mahal over and over again.

Shane McMahon came down to the ring and said that Orton cannot just demand another shot at the title. Orton dared McMahon to fire him and said that he will buy tickets to every show and beat the hell out of Mahal because he disrespected his family. Shane said that Orton has used the same tactics in the past on the McMahon family. Shane then granted Orton a rematch but stated that Mahal gets to pick the stipulation.

Jinder Mahal then came down to the entrance ramp with the Singh Brothers. Mahal then said that this is exactly what is wrong with SmackDown and all of the people in the crowd. Mahal said that Orton is not worthy of a rematch for the title. Jinder spoke in Punjabi and the crowd chanted “USA!”. Mahal stated that the Great Khali was his personal hero and the stipulation he has chosen will honor him. Mahal announced that the stipulation will be a Punjabi Prison Match at Battleground.

Reaction: This stipulation has been rumored for some time now. I’ll just briefly say what I have been saying for the past few weeks. Mahal’s promos are terrible. When he won the Six-Pack Challenge to become the #1 contender, he cut an excellent promo. Now that he is the WWE Champion, he speaks very softly into the microphone. It makes no sense but at this point it must be intentional because it has been going on for weeks. I do not have any interest in another Randy Orton and Jinder Mahal match. The first two weren’t entertaining at all. I’m not sure how locking them inside a Punjabi Prison will change that, but hopefully it turns out to be great at Battleground.

Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles had a conversation backstage. Kevin Owens interrupted and insulted Styles. Bryan then announced an “Independence Day Battle Royal” for next week’s SmackDown and the winner will face Kevin Owens for the United States Championship at Battleground.

Sami Zayn vs Baron Corbin

Sami Zayn interrupted Mike and Marie Kanellis’ lovefest and came down to the ring. Corbin came down to the ring with the MITB briefcase held in the air. Zayn controlled the match early. Zayn tried to leap onto Corbin outside the ring and Baron caught him and slammed him into the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Baron Corbin was still in control of the match. Corbin beatdown Zayn for the next few minutes. Zayn finally fought back but fell victim to the End of Days and Corbin won the match.

Shinsuke Nakamura was interviewed after the match. Nakamura was asked if he wanted a match with Baron Corbin and Shinsuke said that Corbin should be afraid of him.

Winner: Baron Corbin

Reaction: I am not a fan of what WWE is doing with Shinsuke Nakamura. He shouldn’t be having weekly interviews and promos. He shouldn’t be a part of throwaway matches on SmackDown with Dolph Ziggler. It should feel like an event when Nakamura is performing. I think he is incredibly talented and I think it is idiotic how WWE is using him right now. Nakamura should be booked as an elite talent that you have to pay to see him wrestle a match. Less is more with Nakamura.

He doesn’t need to be on SmackDown every week if WWE doesn’t have a big time feud booked for him. At this point, I actually can see Nakamura losing to Corbin if they have a feud and I find that asinine. There are plenty of other Superstars that can be placed in that spot to build Corbin up. I’d prefer not to see WWE cut Nakamura down because they don’t have any clue of what to do with him. It is pretty simple to me, put Nakamura in a big match and get the hell out of the way.

Women’s MITB Ladder Match: Charlotte vs Tamina vs Becky Lynch vs Natalya vs Carmella

Everyone besides Carmella started brawling outside the ring at the beginning of the match. Carmella started climbing towards the briefcase and everyone got back in the ring and shoved her down. Becky hit a Becksploder to Natalya and Charlotte in the ring. Tamina attacked Becky from behind and planted her with a Samoan Drop. Tamina then climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit an incredibly awkward looking Splash as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown retuned, Natalya planted Charlotte with a Suplex. Carmella slapped Tamina in the face outside the ring and then went for a kick but Tamina caught her. Tamina launched Carmella over the announce table but Natalya knocked her to the floor with a kick. Charlotte then launched Natalya out of the ring and Becky Suplexed her right away.

Tamina and Charlotte then started battling over a ladder in the ring. Becky then quickly tried to climb the ladder that was between them but it got knocked over. Tamina then booted Becky off the ladder. Charlotte kicked the ladder into Tamina’s face. Natalya then connected with a Clothesline that knocked Charlotte to the corner. Natalya then placed a ladder in front of Charlotte and set up another ladder in the ring.

Natalya started to climb the ladder but Charlotte set up the second ladder against the one Natalya was climbing and joined her at the top of the ladder. Natalya and Charlotte traded punches and Carmella pushed the ladder over. Charlotte and Natalya fell out of the ring and Becky Suplexed Carmella in the ring. Tamina then connected with a Spear onto Becky Lynch as SmackDown went to another commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Natalya started climbing the ladder but Charlotte climbed over her. Tamina and Becky joined the party on the ladder and all four Superstars started battling. The ladder fell over and the four Superstars crashed to the mat. Carmella was once again alone in the ring and set up the ladder.

Carmella set up the ladder and took her time climbing towards the briefcase. Tamina, Becky, Tamina and Natalya then lifted the ladder and carried it with Carmella still at the top across the ring. Carmella then leaped onto Natalya and Tamina. Charlotte then bashed Tamina with the ladder and set it up with Tamina under it.

Charlotte climbed up and almost had the briefcase but Carmella prevented her. Tamina was under the ladder and lifted it up. Both Carmella and Charlotte fell off the ladder and bounced off the top rope. Tamina then leveled Charlotte with a Superkick. Tamina started to climb the ladder but Becky and Natalya Powerbombed her off of it.

Natalya then planted Becky with a massive Powerbomb in the middle of the ring. Natalya shouted that she was going break Carmella’s legs and locked in the Sharpshooter. Charlotte broke up the hold and booted Natalya in the face. Charlotte then hit the Natural Selection on Carmella. Charlotte and Natalya then battled outside the ring. Natalya threw Charlotte over the barricade and the two fought in the crowd.

Ellsworth then came through the crowd and brought Carmella into the ring. Ellsworth started to climb the ladder but Becky Lynch sprinted to the ring and booted Carmella in the face. Becky then shoved the ladder and Ellsworth landed crotch-first on the top rope. Becky then started to climb the ladder but Carmella dragged her down.

Becky tweaked her knee when she landed but knocked Carmella out of the ring. Becky started to climb the ladder again but Carmella returned to the ring with a steel chair. Carmella drilled Becky in the back with the chair and Becky fell to the mat. Carmella then climbed the ladder and grabbed the briefcase.

Winner: Carmella

Reaction: I thought that this was a great match. It was a hell of a lot better than the one that put on at the actual Money in the Bank PPV. It is kind of confusing why they didn’t just have this match at the PPV, unless it was just a gigantic stunt to try and boost SmackDown ratings. It would have been silly if Carmella didn’t win the rematch and I thought Ellsworth showing up was amusing this time around.

Overall, I thought SmackDown was entertaining this week. The main-event stole the show and next week’s SmackDown looks good with John Cena returning and the Battle Royal. I’ll a video and podcast up on tonight’s show later on at MankyMedia.com.

What did you think of this week’s episode of SmackDown? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

WWE RAW Viewership (6/26): Brock Lesnar, Women’s Gauntlet, The Balls

Scott Lazara
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8

This week’s WWE RAW from LA drew 2.976 million viewers, down from last week’s 3.102 million viewers. Last week’s show broke a seven week streak of viewership below 3 million.

RAW featured an appearance by WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, LaVar Ball and his sons Lonzo & LaMelo on MizTV and more build for Great Balls of Fire. The main event featured the first-ever women’s gauntlet match with Sasha Banks winning to become the new #1 contender.

Here is this week’s hourly breakdown courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:

  • Hour 1: 2.887 million viewers
  • Hour 2: 3.092 million viewers
  • Hour 3: 2.951 million viewers

RAW was #2 in viewership and #2 in the 18-49 demographic on cable this week.

You can see WWE’s top 10 moments from this week’s show below:

WWE SmackDown Live Results & Discussion (6/27)

Eric Lynch
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144

The June 27th, 2017 edition of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA.

– SmackDown opens up with GM Daniel Bryan coming out to the ring and asking the crowd if they’re ready for a great night tonight. Bryan says he’s proud of the evolution of the women’s division on SmackDown, and he promotes Naomi vs. Lana for the Women’s title, and then the Money In The Bank rematch. Carmella interrupts and says she should still have the Money In The Bank briefcase, and Daniel Bryan has no right to take it from her. Daniel Bryan asks the crowd if they think he should cancel the match and give Carmella the briefcase back, and they boo. The crowd chants “Yes” for the Money In The Bank rematch tonight, which prompts James Ellsworth to interrupt. Ellsworth says the fans make him sick and they are the villains, controlling their “stupid puppet” Daniel Bryan. Ellsworth says Bryan is just as pathetic as the fans, and he no longer looks up to Bryan. Ellsworth says Bryan isn’t a man now, he’s a gutless, spineless, coward who has no grapefruits to cut it in the ring so he made up a hokey injury. Bryan says he should just fire Ellsworth, but tonight it’s not about him it’s about the real wrestlers of SmackDown. Bryan says not only is he going to ban Ellsworth from ringside, but he’s banned from the entire arena. Security comes down and forcibly removes Ellsworth. Bryan wishes Carmella good luck tonight then leaves.

– The Hype Bros are shown backstage getting ready to come out to the ring.

– The Usos def. The Hype Bros: If The Hype Bros win, they get a shot at The Usos’ tag title. Mojo clotheslines Jey to the outside early on, then tags in Ryder who hits a suicide dive onto both Usos at ringside. On the way back in the ring, Jey boots Ryder in the face to take control of things. We cut to commercial, and when we come back we see Jimmy Uso get the victory with a frog splash off the top rope. After the match, The New Day comes down the ramp. They cut a promo saying they’re proud of The Usos for winning a match instead of running away from it. Big E starts to cut Booker T’s classic “Hulk Hogan, we comin’ for you…” promo, but Xavier cuts him off. The New Day and The Usos get into a rhyming battle which ends with The New Day’s music hitting and the Usos walking away.

– Tamina is backstage warming up for later tonight.

– In the latest edition of The Fashion Files, Tyler Breeze and Fandango have The Ascension in an interrogation room. Fandango tries to bribe The Ascension with tickets to an Eddie Money concert, but they decline. Breeze puts some water guns down on the table. The Ascension say it wasn’t them, and while they’re being interrogated someone trashes the Fashion Police’s office outside. The Fashion Police realize it wasn’t The Ascension, and the Ascension takes the tickets off the table and sneak off.

– Natalya is backstage warming up for the Money In The Bank match later.

– Naomi (c) def. Lana: Naomi’s Women’s Title is on the line in this one. Lana jumps Naomi before the bell, and the ref gives Naomi times to recover before starting the match. The bell sounds and Lana immediately hits her spinebuster finisher on Naomi for a two count. Naomi comes back with a kick to the head and a spit-legged moonsault for the win after a very short match.

– Becky Lynch does an interview backstage where she says she’s confident that she’ll be the first true women’s Money In The Bank winner tonight.

– Aiden English is in the ring for a song but he’s cut off by Orton’s entrance music. Orton heads down to the ring and sits in a chair, then says into the mic that he’s not leaving the ring until he gets what he wants. Orton says he wants a rematch for the WWE Title, and if he doesn’t get it he’s going to beat the hell out of Jinder Mahal in the locker room, the parking lot, the airport, then all over again next week. Orton gets ready to head to the back to look for Jinder, but he’s interrupted by Shane McMahon. Shane steps in the ring and tells Orton that they’re live and they can’t have Orton threatening the safety of the WWE Champion. Orton says he doesn’t care if he gets arrested or sued because Jinder disrespected his family and he has to pay the consequences. Orton asks Shane to make it easy and give him a rematch, instead of taking the hard way. Shane points out that The Singh Brothers crossed the line, but that Orton had used the same tactics in the past against Shane’s own family. Shane says he knows how Orton feels and gives him the rematch at the Battleground pay-per-view. Shane says the stipulation will be chosen by Jinder Mahal. Orton says he doesn’t care what the stipulation is because the WWE Title is coming back to him, which prompts Jinder Mahal to come out to the stage to interrupt. Jinder says Orton is a snake and isn’t worthy of a rematch. Jinder says something in his native language about Orton, which prompts the crowd to chant “USA.” Jinder says the crowd is prejudice, and that for his stipulation he will take inspiration from The Great Khali. Jinder says the their match at Battleground will be a Punjabi Prison match.

– Daniel Bryan is backstage on his phone telling someone that there hasn’t been a Punjabi Prison match in ten years. AJ Styles interrupts and asks Bryan about the U.S. Title. Owens interrupts, which leads to Daniel Bryan booking an Independence Day Battle Royal for SmackDown next week. The winner will get a shot at Owens’ U.S. Title at Battleground.

– Charlotte is backstage lacing up her boots for the Money In The Bank match tonight.

– Maria & Mike Kanellis are out to the stage next. They begin to speak but are immediately cut off by Sami Zayn’s entrance. Zayn apologizes to them and heads down to the ring for his match.

– Baron Corbin def. Sami Zayn: Zayn gets in control early on, but when he throws Corbin outside and goes for a suicide dive, Corbin catches him in mid-air then slams him on the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Corbin hits an uppercut and a clothesline, then goes to a bear hug on Zayn. Zayn gets out then dodges a spear and Corbin crashes into the ring post. Zayn follows up with a cross body off the top for a two count. Nakamura is watching on a monitor backstage and we’re told we’ll hear from him after the match. Corbin hits Zayn with a right hand then takes him into the corner for more punishment. Corbin sits Zayn on the top rope and goes for a superplex, but Zayn headbutts him off and Corbin crashes down to the mat. Zayn comes flying off but Corbin dodges him then hits the End of Days for the win.

– Shinsuka Nakamura is asked by an interviewer if he would want to face Corbin one on one. Nakamura says Corbin is dangerous, but he thinks Corbin is scared of him.

– We see a promo video for “arguably the greatest WWE Superstar of all time” John Cena’s return next week on SmackDown.

– It’s announced there will be a “rap battle” between The Usos an the New Day next week on SmackDown.

– Money In the Bank Ladder Match: The winner of this one gets a shot at Naomi’s Women’s Championship. Tamina, Charlotte, Becky and Natalya all brawl out to ringside after the opening bell. Carmella is left alone in the ring to set up a ladder. Carmella starts climbing, but then the other women roll back in the ring and push her off. All of the women start fighting which leads to Becky hitting the T-bone suplex on both Natalya and Charlotte. Becky starts setting up a ladder but Tamina attacks her from behind then hits a Samoan Drop. Tamina goes up top and hits a splash on Becky. Tamina and Carmella start fighting at ringside, which leads to Tamina tossing Carmella over the announce table. Meanwhile in the ring, Charlotte chops Natalya in the chest multiple times then throws her outside. Becky grabs Natalya at ringside and hits a T-bone suplex on the floor. Back in the ring, Charlotte and Tamina fight over a folded up ladder. The ladder is upright and Becky runs in and climbs up it while Charlotte and Tamina are holding it. Charlotte and Tamina set the ladder down on the ropes, then Tamina kicks Becky off the ladder. Natalya comes in and takes out Tamina and Charlotte, then sets up a ladder in the ring. Natalya and Charlotte climb the ladder and fight at the top of it. Carmella pushes them both off the ladder, then Becky hits a suplex on Carmella. Natalya sets up a ladder and starts climbing, then Charlotte climbs up behind her. Becky and Tamina climb the other side and all four women fight on the same ladder until it falls over. Carmella starts climbing a ladder, but the other four women run in and each grab a leg of the ladder and they move it over next to the ropes. Charlotte and Carmella start going at it on the ladder, but Tamina pushes them both off. Becky and Natalya double-team powerbomb Tamina, then Natalya powerbombs Becky. Natalya puts Carmella in the Sharpshooter but Charlotte breaks it up with the Natural Selection. Charlotte and Natalya brawl out into the crowd, then James Ellsworth jumps the fan barricade and runs in the ring. Ellsworth starts climbing the ladder but then Becky Lynch pushes the ladder over and Ellsworth gets crotched on the top rope. Becky starts climbing but Carmella pulls her off and Becky starts selling a leg injury. Becky fights off Carmella, but Carmella comes back with a steel chair and drops Becky with it. Carmella climbs up and crabs the briefcase for the win. Winner: Carmella

– Carmella holds up the briefcase on top of the ladder as SmackDown goes off the air.

Mike Kanellis (Bennett) Comments on Making it to WWE After 15 Years

Chris Stephens
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3

Mike Bennett, now known to WWE fans as Mike Kanellis, had his first professional wrestling match at 17 years of age. Now 15 years later, he has achieved his dream of performing for WWE.

The 32-year old, who got his first big break in ROH in 2008, posted the following to his social media accounts recently:

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

Mike “Kanellis” Bennett Career

As a 23-year old, Bennett began performing with Ring of Honor. In 2014, he joined the Kingdom faction which at the time also included Matt Hardy and Adam Cole. The faction would eventually be reduced to just Matt Taven and Bennett however, though they would go on to have a successful run as a tag-team.

In 2016, Maria and Mike signed with TNA. They almost resigned with the company in 2017 as well, but were encouraged to wait by Kevin Owens. The couple also reached out to Paul Heyman, who encouraged them to get in contact with Triple H.

“He (HHH) emailed me back and he was really nice about everything and he was like, ‘alright,’ he was like, ‘I’ll have someone be in touch with you.’ And I’m so used to… I’m kind of jaded in [pro] wrestling, just through everything, so hearing that, he was really nice, so that was great. The most I took out of it was, ‘wow, that was really great – he was really nice about everything. Cool.’ And I was like, ‘but, if I don’t hear from anybody, I’m not going to be surprised.’ But a week later, or maybe, yeah, a couple of weeks later, I don’t know, Regal called me and they offered me a contract and I was just kind of blown away. I was just kind of like, ‘holy cow!’ I think it was like the end of January or so and I was just blown away. I remember looking at Maria and I was like, ‘yeah, they offered’ and she was like, ‘oh, well, what is it? Is it NXT?’ And I was like, ‘no, they want to bring us right up to the main roster’ and she was like, ‘holy cow!’ And I was like, ‘well, we’ve got to take it.’ And so we had to reach back out to TNA and be like, ‘oh, we’re going to go in a different direction.’ It’s this weird dynamic because you want to keep everything a secret and quiet, which is impossible to do in the [pro] wrestling business nowadays.”

Curtis Axel Embarrassed & Disgusted With The Ball Family’s Conduct On RAW

Staff
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44

Don’t expect to see Curtis Axel rocking a Big Baller Brand t-shirt anytime soon.

The Axe Man appeared on Minneapolis’ 93X Half-Assed Morning Show on Tuesday to discuss the Ball family appearing on Monday’s RAW.

Axel says he was embarrassed and disgusted with the conduct of 15-year-old LaMelo Ball, whose racial slurs resulted in WWE issuing a statement condemning the colorful language. Axel said, “They don’t need to be on TV. Get them off. It was embarrassing … The kids watch this show. It’s a kid’s program, we took it down to PG-13 and made everything kid-friendly, right? And for someone to come on there and grab the microphone and go off and do something outlandish like this and you were told… I guarantee they were told not to do it – it’s embarrassing.”

Especially in light of his family’s contribution’s to the industry, Axel can’t believe the Ball’s went into business for themselves and crossed the line with actions that required WWE to publicly distance themselves from what transpired.

“Growing up in the family business like this and seeing some guy… the whole family to me. Granted, you know the kid’s gonna be a superstar or whatever but the dad and the other guy, they do this on a program where my family’s busted their ass – it embarrasses me and it pisses me off. It sucks. They went off on their own and did whatever they did to hype themselves up, so I was disgusted with the whole thing.”

Sheamus Taking Time Off Soon For New WWE Studios Movie

Staff
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10

RAW tag team champion Sheamus will be taking a hiatus from WWE television soon to work on a new WWE Studios project, Buddy Games.

As seen last night on RAW, actor Josh Duhamel did guest commentary to promote the new Transformers movie as well as Buddy Games. Sheamus and comedian Nick Swardson will co-star, with production starting in August in Vancouver.

According to Deadline.com, Buddy Games is about a group of thirtysomething friends reunite to play the Buddy Game — a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges. “In the process, they heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship — or die trying.”

The Celtic Warrior is expected to miss approximately 6 weeks of television during production (Source: Wrestling Observer Radio).

It remains to be seen what this means for Sheamus & Cesaro’s tag title reign. The champions do not yet have a match confirmed for Great Balls of Fire, but their ongoing feud with Matt and Jeff Hardy probably means we’ll see these two teams square off once again at the pay-per-view.

Eva Marie Says She Could Return to SmackDown & “Snatch That Title Real Quick”

Jon Fuentes
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28

Former WWE Superstar Eva Marie recently did an interview with Too Fab to promote the premiere of her new movie, Inconceivable, which opens this Friday (June 30, 2017). Marie talked about The Rock’s influence on her, a possible return to WWE, and the possibility of re-appearing on E!’s Total Divas. Here’s what she had to say:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY5vDKlz0jw

Advice The Rock has given her:

“Yes, he’s awesome. I literally couldn’t ask for a better mentor. He’s done exactly what I’m trying to do, he gets it. Going into an audition or putting yourself on tape, it’s not the easiest thing to do especially because an audition is usually a camera and one person and then you have to bring to life this character. His advice to me is do the work, always put 110% effort into whatever it is that I’m doing, especially when it comes to these auditions and bringing these characters to life.

“And then, be yourself when you walk into the room, never change. Leave it all in there. Once you’re done, walk out and you’re onto the next. That’s what I’ve really tried to carry throughout the process of going in for auditions, and not taking anything too personal because there’s so many factors that come into people getting roles, whether it’s not the right look or doesn’t have the right accent or wrong color hair. The list goes on, so you gotta take it lightly and move on.”

Possible WWE return:

“Oh my goodness, for sure. WWE, for me, is where it all started. You never know, I could show up on a Monday Night Raw, I could come down to SmackDown Live and snatch that title real quick. Never leave me out, you never know what’s creeping around the corner, if you know what I mean.”

If we will see her on Total Divas again:

“You never know. It’s definitely a possibility. I love that show and I think everybody needs a little bit of Natalie Eva Marie in their life, so why not spread it everywhere.”

You can read Marie’s full interview with Too Fab by clicking this link here.

Former WWE Divas Reunited Backstage at RAW (Photos)

Jon Fuentes
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18

Last night’s (Mon. June 26, 2017) episode of Monday Night RAW provided the WWE Universe with a lot to take in, from Samoa Joe’s ambush on Brock Lesnar to the NBA’s favorite family, The Ball’s, appearance on Miz TV. One thing fans didn’t get to see, however, was the reunion of a bunch of former WWE Divas backstage; as Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle, Lilian Garcia, Christy Hemme and Sharmell all took pictures backstage during the show in Los Angeles.

It should also be noted that Eve Torres was backstage at the show as well watching the show with her son, Raeven Gracie, at ringside. You can check out the photos here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0m_a3h8dQ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV1GBjEDovq/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV1Deb6BAyI/

WWE No Mercy PPV Officially Announced For Later This Year

Jon Fuentes
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It was announced on Monday that WWE’s No Mercy pay-per-view will return later this year as a RAW-exclusive event on Sunday, September 24th from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

WWE made the news official via Twitter, and you can get tickets below if you use the promo code “WWEVIP”:

Eric Bischoff Compares Lesnar-Joe Feud to Lesnar vs. Goldberg

Jon Fuentes
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Brock Lesnar and Samoa Joe are in the midst of what is arguably been the rivalry of the year thus far. Joe won a No. 1-contenders match for the WWE Universal Title back at Extreme Rules when he defeated Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, and Bray Wyatt in a Fatal Five-Way match. Now “The Destroyer” will collide with “The Beast” at Great Balls Of Fire next month for the Universal title in the main event.

For the past few weeks on RAW, the pair have been going at it via verbal exchanges and physical altercations, and things really got heated last night (6/26) when Joe jumped Lesnar from behind while he was making his way to the ring, and locked in the Coquina Clutch on the Universal Champ.

The rivalry has been well received by the WWE Universe, and former WCW President Eric Bischoff took to his podcast, Bischoff On Wrestling, to praise the work between Lesnar and Joe. Bischoff even compared the feud to the program between Lesnar and Goldberg earlier this year:

“I love that match-up,” he said. “I can’t say enough about Samoa Joe and I think just chemistry wise and intensity wise that’s a very natural match-up. So was Bill Goldberg, by the way, but Bill Goldberg and Brock Lesnar had history attached to it.”

Bischoff continued, “They did a great job with that history. They had a great angle in WWE but Joe is fresh. This has never happened before and Joe is a guy who can go toe-to-toe with Lesnar with character, intensity and the ability to make me believe it in the ring. When they are standing there eye-to-eye and chest-to-chest I believe it. I think it’s great.”

WWE Superstars Blast LaVar Ball Segment on Monday Night RAW

Jon Fuentes
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101

On Monday’s WWE RAW from Los Angeles, Lakers first round draft pick Lono Ball, father LaVar and brother LaMelo Ball appeared on the show as guests on Miz TV. LaVar and Miz went at it on the mic, LaVar ripped off his shirt to challenge The Miz, and LaMelo was caught using a racial slur on the mic.

The family’s appearance drew a ton of headlines across the sport media newswire, however, it wasn’t too well received by the WWE Universe and WWE Superstars themselves. Monday Night RAW Superstar Curtis Axel took to Twitter to comment on the ‘dumba**’ LaVall Ball’s appearance and told him to ‘stay off our stage’:

https://twitter.com/RealCurtisAxel/status/879555457764872192

Mr. Money In The Bank, Baron Corbin, commented on the WWE’s Instagram post of The Ball Family backstage and commented on the fact that LaVar cost his son millions of dollars in sponsorship deals:

Screen Shot 2017 06 27 at 9.45.54 AM

Rumor: WWE Total Divas Gets Another Cast Member

Jon Fuentes
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As we previously reported, WWE RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax were added to the WWE Total Divas reality show on E! network to replace the recently departed Eva Marie. It was also confirmed that Renee Young would not be returning to the show either, leaving another spot open on the cast sheet.

Rumor has it that SmackDown Live star and the now-former Ms. Money In The Bank, Carmella, could be the one to fill that void. Monday Night RAW Superstar Maryse recently posted a picture on Instagram while filming Total Divas, and Carmella was in the photo alongside her, sparking speculation that “The Princess Of Statin Island” could be on her way to E!:

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

It is possible that Carmella, who is currently in a relationship with Monday Night RAW Superstar Big Cass, could only be making a brief appearance on the show, or she could be joining full-time. We’ll keep you updated…

4 Matches Announced for Smackdown Live Tonight

Chris Stephens
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Smackdown tonight comes from the Valley View Casino in San Diego, CA.

It’s a somewhat historical night in the history of the brand, as the first ever non-PPV Money in the Bank match will take place.

Matches Announced For Smackdown

  • Smackdown Women’s Championship
    Naomi (c) vs. Lana
    Naomi only defeated Lana after distraction from James Ellsworth and Carmella at MITB. She agreed to defend her championship again against Lana in a backstage segment last week.

  • Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin
    Zayn defeated Corbin at Backlash, and again on an episode of Smackdown. Corbin has since gotten even at a couple of house shows however. Corbin now has the MITB briefcase as well, so that might play into things somehow.
  • The Usos vs. the Hype Bros
    Last week we saw Mojo Rawley mention that before Ryder’s injury, the Hype Bros were supposed to get a tag team title shot. They were told if they can beat the Usos this week they will earn another one. Sucks for New Day, who defeated the Usos via count out at MITB.

  • Women’s Money in the Bank Match
    Carmella vs. Natalya vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Tamina Snuka
    The 2nd ever 1st ever women’s MITB match! James Ellsworth is banned from ringside.

WWE Great Balls Of Fire: Updated Card, Rumored Matches

Staff
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Following Monday’s episode of RAW, here’s the updated card for WWE Great Balls of Fire:

  • Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe
  • Ambulance Match: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
  • Cruiserweight Champion Neville vs. Akira Tozawa
  • RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt

Based on what we’ve been seeing on WWE television over the past several weeks, some of the following matches could also wind up on the card:

  • RAW Tag Team Champions Sheamus & Cesaro vs. The Hardy Boyz
  • IC Champion The Miz vs. Dean Ambrose
  • Finn Balor vs. The Drifter
  • Enzo Amore vs. Big Cass
  • R-Truth v Goldust

WWE Great Balls of Fire takes place on Sunday, July 9th from Dallas, Texas.

NJPW G1 Schedule Released: Omega vs. Okada August 12th

Chris Stephens
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1

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced the schedule for this year’s G1 tournament.

Okada and Omega will meet in the round-robin of the portion, with their match being set for August 12th, the final night of the round-robin.

NJPW G1 Schedule

In a somewhat bizarre move, NJPW hasn’t announced each match, but rather the top two matches for each show:

Monday July 17th (A Block):

  • Hiroshi Takahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Kota Ibushi vs. Tetsuya Naito

July 20th (B Block)

  • Sanada vs. Evil
  • Minoru Suzuki vs. Kenny Omega

July 21st (A Block)

  • Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Yoshi-Hashi vs. Tetuya Naito

July 22nd (B Block)

  • Kenny Omega vs. Tama Tonga
  • SANADA vs. Minoru Suzuki

July 23 (A Block)

  • Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii
  • Togi Makabe vs. Hirooki Goto

July 25 (B Block)

  • B-Block: Kenny Omega vs. Toru Yano
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA

July 26 (A Block)

  • Togi Makabe vs. Kota Ibushi
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Hirooki Goto

July 27 (B Block)

  • EVIL vs. Minoru Suzuki
  • Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega

July 29 (A Block)

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. YOSHI-HASHI
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito

July 30 (B Block)

  • Satoshi Kojima vs. Kenny Omega
  • Juice Robinson vs. Kazuchika Okada

August 1 (A Block)

  • Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi

August 2 (B Block)

  • Satoshi Kojima vs. Minoru Suzuki
  • Kenny Omega vs. EVIL

August 4 (A Block)

  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Togi Makabe

August 5 (B Block)

  • Satoshi Kojima vs. SANADA
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL

August 6 (A Block)

  • Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii

August 8 (B Block)

  • Kenny Omega vs. SANADA
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki

August 11 (A Block)

  • Kota Ibushi vs. Hirooki Goto
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito

August 12 (B Block)

  • Toru Yano vs. Minoru Suzuki
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega

August 13

A-Block Winner vs. B-Block Winner

 

 

WWE Statement Regarding Racial Slur Used On RAW

Staff
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Monday’s RAW from Los Angeles featured guest appearances from #2 NBA draft pick Lonzo Ball, his father LaVar and his brother, LaMelo. The segment got WWE some mainstream media coverage, but was marred by 15-year-old LaMelo uttering a racial slur twice on live television.

During a special edition of Miz TV, the Ball family was there to promote their Big Baller Brand line of apparel and footwear. As the animated patriarch of the family, LaVar, was jumping around the ring shirtless and getting into it with The Miz, LaMelo was heard telling his father, “beat that n—a ass” into the live mic – twice (Video).

In a statement issued to the Los Angeles Times, a WWE spokesperson said,

The inappropriate language used by a guest during the ‘Miz TV’ segment was not scripted nor reflects WWE’s values.”

LaMelo Ball is a standout high school basketball player and already has a scholarship to UCLA.

Finn Balor and the Hardyz Comment on Teaming Together, Mention CM Punk

Chris Stephens
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2

WWE cameras caught up with Finn Balor and the Hardy Boyz after their match against Elias Samson, Cesaro & Sheamus last night.

While it hasn’t been announced yet, it seems likely Balor faces Samson, and the Hardyz challenge Cesaro & Sheamus at the GBOF PPV.

Balor and the Hardyz vs. Samson and Sheamus & Cesaro

Balor pinned Cesaro after delivering the Coup De Grace to close out the match. Although he got the win, Balor was unable to deliver much of a beating to the Drifter, who spent much of the match avoiding him. Raw GM Kurt Angle could potentially pit Samson vs. Balor at the GBOF PPV.

The Hardyz lost the Raw tag team titles just once month after winning them at WrestleMania. Last month at Extreme Rules, Cesaro & Sheamus defeated them in a steel cage match. GBOF is in 2 weeks, yet a title match between the two teams has still yet to be announced.

 

Seth Rollins: “A Club vs. Shield Rivalry Interests Me”

Chris Stephens
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10

The Shield and The Bullet Club. Two of the most dominant factions in wrestling over the past decade – and WWE has the talent under contract to make this dream feud a reality.

Former Shield member Seth Rollins has been doing the media rounds to promote the new WWE 2K18 video game, for which he is the cover star. During a recent interview with the UK Sun, Rollins spoke about a potential Shield reunion.

Seth Rollins Interview Highlights

On a Potential Shield Reunion:

“I’m sure it could happen at some point, you never know. We’re all on our own page and have one goal in mind, like we did before. We’ve all got our individual goals now.

It would take something very special to get all three of us back together with a singular goal. That was the focus before, and the reason we came together to begin with, we had a singular goal to make waves.

Now we’re on our own, with our own individual goals, so who knows, never say never, but the good thing is I see all of us being around for a long time. There will always be the possibility of us coming back together and slapping on a tac vest.”

On a Potential Club vs. Shield Reunion

“A Club versus Shield rivalry interests me, for sure. Those are guys who have made a lot of success over the years in there own world. I think that would be a fantasy warfare. Those are all good gentlemen, hardworking guys. We’d have a blast in the ring, we could make some magic if it ever came down to it.”

The entire interview can be read here. 

Video: Footage of Lavar Ball During Commercial Break

Chris Stephens
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2

Lavar Ball made a very interesting appearance on Monday Night Raw last night. The former football player’s son, Lonzo Ball, had recently been drafted by the Lakers.

A fan in attendance leaked video of what happened when Raw went to commercial, and apparently the show didn’t stop.

WWE Issues Apology for Lamelo Ball Comments

Fans on social media picked up on comments made by LaMelo Ball during the segment, including use of a racial slur. As a result, WWE issued a statement to the LA Times:

“The inappropriate language used by a guest during the ‘Miz TV’ segment was not scripted nor reflects WWE’s values.”

Sports Illustrated posted a censored version of the segment:

https://twitter.com/SInow/status/879518866556235777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fftw.usatoday.com%2F2017%2F06%2Fwwe-issues-statement-after-15-year-old-lamelo-ball-uses-racial-slur-on-live-tv

WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (6/26)

Robert Lentini
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This week’s episode of RAW kicked off with Roman Reigns coming down to the ring to his usual reaction from the crowd. The crowd chanted “we want Strowman!” as Roman entered the ring. Reigns paused for a minute and stared at the crowd. Finally, Reigns tried to talk but the crowd booed loudly. Reigns said that Samoa Joe applied the Coquina Clutch to him last week and put him to sleep. The crowd cheered again as Reigns brought up Braun Strowman attacking him last week.

Roman accepted Braun Strowman’s challenge for an Ambulance at WWE’s Great Balls of Fire PPV. Reigns claimed that he is going to lock Strowman in the ambulance and take him straight to hell because the WWE is his yard. Ambulance sirens echoed throughout the arena and an ambulance was shown backing into the stage area. Reigns got out of the ring and started walking towards the ambulance.

When Reigns opened the ambulance doors in the back, nobody was there. Strowman then ambushed Reigns from behind and launched him across the stage. Strowman followed him up there and Reigns was ready for him. Roman connected with a couple right hands and went for a Superman Punch but Braun caught him. Strowman then picked up Reigns and launched him into the side of the ambulance. Reigns bounced off the ambulance and fell to the floor. Strowman then shut the doors to the ambulance, bashed on the back of it and the sirens turned on. The ambulance then drove away and Strowman celebrated on the stage.

Reaction: Solid start to RAW. The crowd in the Staples Center absolutely booed Reigns out of the building. It has now been two weeks in a row that Strowman has gotten the better of Reigns. I’ve got to believe Reigns will get some revenge next week or even later tonight.

Elias Samson performed a song as Cesaro and Sheamus sat next to him. They were about to all start singing but were quickly interrupted by The Hardy Boyz.

The Hardy Boyz & Finn Balor vs Sheamus, Cesaro & Elias Samson

Matt Hardy and Sheamus started off the match in the ring. Sheamus started out on the attack and sent Hardy into the corner. Matt connected with a series of jabs and then tagged in Jeff. Jeff connected with Poetry in Motion on Sheamus. Matt and Jeff teamed up and Suplexed Cesaro. RAW went to a commercial break with The Hardys and Finn Balor in control of the match.

https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/879494553740361728

When RAW returned, Jeff Hardy was isolated in the corner. Josh Duhamel joined the RAW announce table to promote the terrible Transformers movie that just came out in theaters. The camera panned back to the ring and Finn Balor had been tagged in and he was stomping on Cesaro. Balor connected with a Dropkick for a two count. Cesaro tagged in Sheamus and he beatdown Balor.

Samson entered the match and continued the beatdown of Balor. Finn attacked Samson in the corner but Sheamus tagged himself in and slammed Balor to the mat. Balor was able to tag in Jeff and he leveled Sheamus with a Clothesline. Sheamus charged at Jeff in the corner but missed and went flying into the ring post. Cesaro dragged Sheamus out of the ring and Jeff leaped off the top rope and connected with a Crossbody onto Cesaro. RAW then went to another commercial break.

When RAW returned, Samson was in control and stomped on Jeff in the ring. Sheamus was tagged in and he continued beating Jeff down. Cesaro was tagged and climbed up to the top rope and connected with a punch for a two count. Sheamus once again was tagged in and Jeff booted him in chest and connected with a Stunner/ Twist of Fate. Jeff tagged in Matt and and Sheamus tagged in Samson. Matt then slammed Samson’s head into every turnbuckle and connected with a Bulldog. Hardy then planted Samson with a Side Effect but Sheamus broke up the pinfall.

Cesaro sent Matt into the ring post and was then tagged into match. Sheamus and Cesaro then connected with a double team move off the top rope but Balor broke up the pinfall. Balor was then tagged in and knocked Cesaro to the mat. Finn punted Samson’s head while on the ring apron and then connected with kick to Cesaro. Balor then Clotheslined Sheamus and Cesaro out of the ring. Balor then flipped onto both of them outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Balor planted Cesaro with a Slingblade and Dropkicked him into the turnbuckle. Balor then climbed to the top rope as Matt connected with a Twist of Fate to Sheamus outside the ring. Balor then hit Cesaro with the Coupe de Grace for the victory.

Winners: The Hardy Boyz & Finn Balor

Reaction: What is it with WWE and these 6-man tag matches? It is the same thing every week. This match was 25 minutes and overall was pretty entertaining. However, the amount of distractions during this match was ridiculous. There was a Twitter feed on the bottom of the screen, then a Supercard promo that popped and then the camera kept cutting to Josh Duhamel at the announce table. Half of the time the announcers weren’t even discussing the match. I may be in the minority here but it was driving me insane this entire match.

Another Goldust vignette was shown and he discussed his match with R-Truth next on RAW.

Goldust vs R-Truth

Goldust had his own personal camera man dressed in gold follow him to the ring. Goldust hid behind the camera man once R-Truth got in the ring. Goldust then attacked R-Truth before the match started. The camera man stood in the ring and filmed Goldust beating R-Truth down. Goldust then slammed R-Truth into the ring post and the match never started.

Reaction: This was just as stupid as you thought it would be.

Paul Heyman was interviewed backstage and Samoa Joe interrupted. Joe grabbed Heyman’s head and said that he will put Lesnar in the Coquina Clutch later tonight.

Kurt Angle was shown backstage spinning a wheel. Bayley picked a ball out from inside and she drew a number for the  Gauntlet Match later tonight to determine the #1 contender for the RAW Women’s Championship.

Miz TV w/ The Ball Family

Maryse is still pissed off at The Miz and once again denied him a kiss. The Ball family came down to the ring and Lonzo got a solid reaction from the Lakers fans in attendance. LaVar Ball quite literally pranced to the ring in ridiculous fashion as LaMelo Ball slowly walked behind him.

The Miz and LaVar pretty much started arguing right away. There were three manequins set up behind them and all were wearing Big Baller Brand shirts. LaVar made another “stay in your lane” joke, you know, the one that got him in hot water when he said that to Kristine Leahy of Fox Sports. LaVar then got shirtless and started circling the ring as he argued with The Miz. Dean Ambrose then interrupted and was wearing a Big Baller Brand shirt. Thankfully, this segment came to an end and led to another 6-man tag match.

Dean Ambrose, Slater & Rhyno vs The Miz, Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas

The Miz, Axel and Dallas took turns beating down Rhyno in the beginning of the match. Ambrose was tagged in and took control of the match. The crowd in attendance was absolutely dead at this point. Slater and Rhyno threw The Miz onto Axel and Dallas outside the ring. RAW then went to another commercial break.

When RAW returned, The Miz was in control of the match and connected with a few Yes Kicks to Slater. Heath fought back and slammed Miz to the mat. Bo Dallas was tagged in and beatdown Slater before he could tag out of the match. Axel entered the match and was greeted with a Neckbreaker from Slater. The Miz tagged in and Slater connected with a kick and both Superstars fell to the mat.

Rhyno and Bo Dallas were tagged into the match. Rhyno planted Bo with a Spinebuster for aa two count. Dean Ambrose chased The Miz around the ring. Axel punched Rhyno on the ring apron and then Bo Dallas rolled him up for the victory.

Winners: The Miz, Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas

Reaction: If you are a fan of LaVar Ball and the Big Baller Brand, you may have enjoyed this segment. I thought it was garbage. WWE got what they wanted out of it. LaVar Ball gifs went viral on Twitter and people probably tuned in to see the segment. In a feud that has involved a grandfather clock and a bear riding a tricycle, this segment fit right alongside the never-ending pile of crap that is this Ambrose and Miz feud. I wouldn’t be as bothered by it if it didn’t circle around the Intercontinental Championship.

The Miz was interesting on SmackDown and had probably the most entertaining run of his career there. On RAW, he is back to being a comedy act. Dean Ambrose is the definition of boring right now. He brings nothing to the show and the crowd doesn’t give a damn when he is in the ring. Ambrose was once a badass as Jon Moxley and was cool as hell as a member of The Shield. Those days are gone and he is now wearing Big Baller Brand shirts, bear costumes and dressing up as a camera man. This segment was pure trash, but it wasn’t for wrestling fans. I’m sure those new viewers that tuned in won’t stick around as WWE continues to phone in their TV shows every week.

Paul Heyman was shown backstage waiting for Brock Lesnar to arrive. Heyman appeared to be pissed off and kept checking his phone.

Enzo Amore came down to the ring and said that he has been trying to get in contact with Big Cass all week. Enzo called Cass down to the ring and Cass accepted the offer. Cass still had the same entrance music with Enzo singing it for some reason. Cass had his fist in the air the entire time he walked down to the ring.

The crowd booed Cass and Enzo said that he knows that reaction hurts Cass. Enzo stated that Cass was right about a lot of the things he said to him last week. Enzo admitted that his mouth was too big for his own good. Enzo said that Cass was his brother and that is a bond that he doesn’t want to break. Enzo said that he still wants to become RAW Tag Team Champions with Cass.

Cass grabbed the microphone from Enzo and said that Enzo never knows when to shut up. Cass said that he was ashamed of what he did last week. Cass then apologized and asked for Enzo’s forgiveness. Enzo forgave him and the two hugged in the ring. Cass then attacked Enzo on the entrance ramp as the crowd chanted “a**hole”. Cass then picked Enzo up above his shoulders and threw him down the entrance ramp.

Reaction: I thought this went on a little too long. It was obvious what was going to happen, but I’ve still got to give Enzo credit here. His reaction to Cass revealing himself as the attacker last week was great and he did a very good job with his promo tonight. I’m sure that Cass and Enzo will have a match at Great Balls of Fire. I don’t envision a scenario where Cass doesn’t simply beat the hell out of Enzo. Cass will hopefully do well as a Superstar.

I’m more interested in the future of Enzo. He is not the best in the ring, but his promo skills are off the charts. The problem is that WWE is so damn watered down right now, I feel like we won’t get to see the best of what he has to offer. I’m just worried that we are going to see Enzo in some kind of useless feud with the Titus Brand or be turned into a jobber. I wish managers were still a big part of WWE because I think Enzo would be excellent in that role. I have a feeling he is going to become a very minor part of RAW every week following the conclusion of this feud.

Big Cass threatened Corey Graves at the announce table. Cass said that Kurt Angle has told him that he cannot lay a finger on him. Cass told Graves to stay out of his business from now on and brought up Corey Graves having “dirt” on RAW GM Kurt Angle.

Seth Rollins vs Curt Hawkins

Hawkins controlled this match early but Rollins took control after a couple of minutes. Rollins connected with a knee to Hawkins’ face for the victory.

After the match, Bray Wyatt appeared on the jumbotron and cut a promo. Wyatt said that he will melt away Rollins’ lies with fire and that he will cleanse Rollins with the flame of a true god. Bray claimed that he was inside Rollins’ mind and that he was everywhere. Wyatt told Rollins to give in to his true self or he will burn.

Winner: Seth Rollins

Reaction: I don’t give a damn about this feud at all. I am so sick of Wyatt’s scripted promos. They have no meaning behind them. There are still thousands of people putting on their cell phone flashlights whenever Wyatt appears for some reason. I’m guessing we have already seen the best of Bray Wyatt in WWE. He finally got a run with the WWE Championship and the WWE booked him in an absolutely horrific feud with Randy Orton that culminated in back-to-back terrible matches at WrestleMania 33 and Payback.

Wyatt was then brought to RAW in the Superstar Shake-Up and is back to cutting these ominous promos and claiming he is a god. Is everyone supposed to just forget how terrible Wyatt’s WWE Championship run was? All I took from Wyatt’s WWE Championship run is that the WWE does not believe in, thus I have lost interest. I’ll be writing the same thing next week during RAW when Bray cuts another useless promo.

Brock Lesnar was shown arriving at the arena. Paul Heyman came down to the ring to cut a promo. Heyman called Samoa Joe a “Samoan dumbass” and introduced Brock Lesnar. Samoa Joe attacked Lesnar from behind on the entrance ramp and applied the Coquina Clutch. Lesnar’s face turned bright red but Lesnar was able to fight out of the hold. Lesnar drove Joe into the LED screen but Joe once again locked in the Coquina Clutch. Members of the WWE locker room came out and pulled Joe off of Lesnar.

Reaction: This segment accomplished what it needed to. Samoa Joe needs to seem like a threat to Lesnar and seeing him take down Lesnar with the Coquina Clutch accomplished that. Having said that, I have been waiting 2 hours for that segment and it lasted about a minute.

Lince Dorado vs Neville

Akira Tozawa was ringside for this match. Shawne Merriman was in the front row directly behind him. Dorado connected with a few kicks and knocked Neville out of the ring. Dorado then flipped onto Neville outside the ring. The action returned to the ring and Neville quickly locked in the Rings of Saturn for the submission victory.

After the match, Tozawa got into the ring and was about to fight Neville. Titus O’Neil interrupted and said that Neville will be defending his Cruiserweight Championship against Akira Tozawa at Great Balls of Fire.

Winner: Neville

Reaction: Neville and Tozawa will put on a great match at Great Balls of Fire and hardly anyone will care. The Cruiserweight Division has completely flatlined and I don’t know too many people that tune into 205 Live regularly. It is staggering how many feuds there are on WWE programming that have zero buzz behind them.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/879524061604233217

Michael Cole stated that Roman Reigns escaped the ambulance and is now looking for Braun Strowman.

Paul Heyman was interviewed backstage. Heyman made fun of Joe for sneaking up from behind to apply the Coquina Clutch to his client, Brock Lesnar. Heyman was sweating bullets and cut a promo on the match between Lesnar and Joe at Great Balls of Fire. Heyman cut an entertaining promo and said that Lesnar was going to defeat Joe at Great Balls of Fire and Joe’s manhood was going to crawl back into his stomach.

Alexa Bliss had a discussion with Nia Jax backstage. Bliss said that the two of them are both judged on how they look and that was not right. Bliss said that there was not a single woman in the Gauntlet Match later tonight that can drag her down. Bliss stated that Nia Jax doesn’t need it, but went on to wish her luck anyway. Nia responded and said that no she doesn’t need luck and vowed to win the match and take the RAW Women’s Championship away from Alexa Bliss at Great Balls of Fire.

Gauntlet Match To Determine #1 Contender For RAW Women’s Championship

Bayley vs Nia Jax

Bayley and Nia were the first two Superstars in the match. Bayley stomped on Nia’s foot to start off the match and connected with a couple of forearms. Nia picked Bayley up and launched her into the turnbuckle. Nia leveled Bayley with a Clothesline and beat her down in the corner. Bayley fought back and connected with a knee. Bayley climbed to the top rope and connected with an Elbow Drop to the back of Nia’s head. Nia kicked Bayley into the turnbuckle but Bayley once again knocked Nia to the mat. Bayley attempted to climb up the ropes but Nia knocked her down and planted her with the Samoan Drop for the victory.

Winner: Nia Jax

Mickie James vs Nia Jax

Nia controlled the match early and launched Mickie across the ring. Nia stomped on Mickie James as she was against the turnbuckle. Jax locked Mickie in the Bear Hug in the middle of the ring. Mickie fought out of the hold and connected with a series of kicks. Mickie then connected with a Mick Kick but Nia was unfazed. Nia then shoulder tackled Mickie for the victory.

Winner: Nia Jax

Dana Brooke vs Nia Jax

Nia quickly knocked Dana to the mat and connected with a Leg Drop for the victory.

Winner: Nia Jax

Emma vs Nia Jax

Nia grabbed Emma by the hair but Emma broke free and connected with a couple of Dropkicks. Emma climbed to the top rope and attempted a Crossbody but Nia caught her and planted her with a Samoan Drop for the victory.

Winner: Nia Jax

Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax

Sasha connected with some slaps and a Jawbreaker to start out the match. Nia then charged at Sasha but Banks got out of the way and Nia fell out of the ring. Sasha attempted a Suicide Dive but Nia caught her. Sasha wiggled free and shoved Jax into the ring post. Sasha then hit the Double Knees onto Nia outside the ring. Sasha got back in the ring and RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Nia was in control and had a Chin Lock applied to Sasha Banks. Sasha powered to her feet but Nia simply tossed her out of the ring. Sasha got back into the ring and connected with Double Knees on Nia in the corner. Nia bounced Sasha off the ropes and leveled Banks with a Clothesline for a two count.

Nia once again threw Sasha out of the ring and instructed the referee to start counting. Sasha got back into the ring but Nia immediately knocked her to the mat. Nia taunted the crowd and then slammed Banks to the mat again. Nia connected with an elbow for a two count.

Nia threw Sasha out of the ring once again and the referee started counting. Banks got back into the ring and connected with a couple of punches. Nia once again knocked Sasha to the mat and stomped on her. Nia hit a Leg Drop on Sasha’s leg and Banks screamed in pain. Nia then rolled Banks out of the ring and once again the referee started counting.

Sasha got back into the ring and Nia locked in the Bear Hug. Nia then lifted Sasha up for a Suplex but instead just threw her to the mat. Nia went for the pinfall but Sasha kicked out at two. Nia went for another Leg Drop but Sasha got out of the way. Sasha then hit a knee to Nia’s jaw and both Superstars fell to the mat. Sasha locked in a standing Bank Statement but Nia powered out of the hold.

Nia hit the Samoan Drop but Sasha rolled to the ring apron. Nia then rag-dolled Sasha around the ring by her hair. Jax lifted Banks above her shoulders and Sasha desperately connected with a series of elbows. Sasha then locked in the Bank Statement in the middle of the ring and Nia Jax tapped out.

Winner & #1 contender for RAW Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks

After the match, RAW GM Kurt Angle came down to the ring and raised Sasha’s hand. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss then came down to the ring and raised the RAW title in front of Sasha. Banks then Dropkicked Bliss and grabbed the title and raised it above her head.

Reaction: I thought the Gauntlet Match was decent. I would have just preferred to have seen Nia Jax win the whole thing and face Bliss at Great Balls of Fire. Banks and Bliss can put on a better match, I just would like to see Nia be booked as a monster. Sure, she ran through 4 Superstars tonight but ultimately fell short. I would have also preferred to see Nia simply pass out due to the Bank Statement. Instead, she gave up and tapped out. In my opinion, it just made her look completely beatable and lessened the impact of her defeating Bayley, Mickie James, Dana Brooke and Emma.

Overall, I thought this week’s episode of RAW was pretty abysmal. There was no Stone Cold Steve Austin appearance, instead we got LaVar Ball. The best part of the show was the Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar segment. We get to see one more week of that and then the Great Balls of Fire PPV. After that, Lesnar will most likely be gone for a bit after the RAW following Great Balls of Fire. There is just nothing else on RAW that is that interesting. I don’t understand how WWE can have all this talent, all of these writers and this is the best that they can come up with. RAW and SmackDown lack innovation, creativity and compelling storylines. It has been that way for some time now and it is remarkable to me that they haven’t changed things up or put in an effort to improve the show. I have posted a video and podcast review of this week’s episode of RAW on MankyMedia.com.

What did you think of this week’s episode of RAW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

WWE RAW Results & Live Discussion (6/26)

Eric Lynch
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The June 26th edition of WWE RAW aired live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

– RAW opens up with Roman Reigns coming down to the ring. Cole, Graves and Booker T are on commentary. The crowd boos Reigns which prompts Reigns to tell the crowd if they let him finish they might like this. Reigns says Strowman attacked him like a coward last week, and Reigns accepts his challenge for an ambulance match at Great Balls of Fire. Reigns says he’s going to take Strowman straight to Hell because this is his yard. A siren plays and an ambulance backs up into the arena next to the stage. Reigns gets out of the ring and walks over to the back doors of the ambulance. Reigns opens it and it’s empty. Strowman runs in from behind and attacks Reigns. He throws Reigns up onto the stage where the two men brawl back and forth. Reigns goes for a Superman punch but Strowman catches him and throws him into the side of the ambulance. Strowman hops off the stage and picks up Reigns then throws him into the ambulance. The siren hits and the ambulance slowly drives off.

– Elias Samson is in the ring with his guitar, and Sheamus and Cesaro are by his side. Their song together gets interrupted by The Hardy Boyz’ entrance music, and we have a match.

– The Hardy Boyz & Finn Balor def. Elias Samson, Sheamus & Cesaro: Sheamus works on Matt Hardy until Cesaro and Finn get the tags, then Finn takes over. Balor stomps on Cesaro until the ref pulls him off. Cesaro tags in Sheamus who hits the Ten Beats of the Baron on Balor, then Samson hits a cheap shot on Balor from the apron. Samson tags in and works over Balor, then tags Sheamus back in. Balor dodges a splash in the corner and tags in Jeff Hardy. Jeff hits a running forearm shot on Sheamus, then an inverted atomic drop for a two count. Jeff goes for a Twist of Fate but Sheamus escapes. Jeff throws Sheamus into the ring post then goes for a Swanton, but Cesaro pulls Sheamus out to ringside for the save. Jeff jumps down onto Cesaro at ringside, then he knocks Samson off the apron. While Jeff is getting back in the ring, Sheamus knees him in the face for a two count. Samson tags in to work over Jeff, then Sheamus comes back in and hits a backbreaker. Sheamus stomps on Jeff then yells at the crowd, then Jeff comes back with a kick and the Twist Of Fate. Matt Hardy gets the hot tag and elbows Samson in the face. Matt slams Samson’s face repeatedly into all three turnbuckles in one corner. Matt follows up with a running bulldog and the Side effect. Sheamus runs in and throws Matt into the ring post. Sheamus and Cesaro hit the double team White Noise on Matt, but Finn Balor breaks up the pin. Cesaro gets distracted by Balor, then Matt hits a jawbreaker on Cesaro. Balor tags in and clears the ring. Balor kicks Samson in the head off the apron, then back in the ring Balor clotheslines Cesaro outside. Sheamus runs in but Balor throws him outside too, then Balor hits a suicide dive on both Cesaro and Sheamus at ringside. Back in the ring, Balor hits the Sling Blade then a running dropkick. Balor goes up top but Sheamus gets on the apron. Matt grabs Sheamus off the apron and hits the Twist of Fate on him at ringside, then Jeff takes out Elias Samson. Back in the ring, Balor comes off the top with the Coup De Grace on Cesaro for the win. Balor and the Hardys celebrate in the ring after the bell.

– In the latest Shattered Dreams Production, Goldust says it’s showtime and there’s something magical in the air. Goldust says tonight we’ll see The Shattered Truth, and “the golden age is back.”

– Goldust vs. R-Truth – No Contest: Goldust makes his entrance with a special cameraman in front of him wearing gold. R-Truth hits the ring and Goldust uses his cameraman as a human shield. The ref doesn’t call for the opening bell. Goldust reaches around the cameraman to cheap-shot R-Truth, and Goldust beats him down while his cameraman films. Goldust poses on the corner then leaves.

– Paul Heyman does an interview backstage where he confirms that Brock Lesnar will be in the building tonight, and he will come out to the ring to call out Samoa Joe for a fight. Joe runs in and grabs Heyman from behind. Heyman says he’s just an advocate. Joe doesn’t hurt Heyman and just warns him that he’s ready for Lesnar tonight.

– Backstage, we see Bayley with Kurt Angle. Bayley draws a number for tonight’s Women’s Gauntlet match.

– The Miz and Maryse are out to the ring for Miz TV, and Maryse is still mad at The Miz despite what Miz says. Miz announces his guests LaVar and LaMelo Ball, who are the brother and father of new LA Laker Lonzo Ball. Lavar and LaMelo hit the ring, then introduce Lonzo. Everyone sits down, and Miz thanks them for joining him. Lonzo says he’s happy to be here as a Laker for the first time. The Miz says he’s happy to be partnering them, but Lamar takes issue with that and say there’s no partnership. LaVar says they’d need to partner with someone higher, and the Miz is a little too low. He says Miz isn’t on his son Lonzo’s level. Miz says he’s the Michael Jordan of WWE, and Lavar tells Miz to stay in his lane. The Miz takes his jacket off so Lavar takes his shirt off and they square off. Dean Ambrose’s music hits and he makes his way down to the ring. Lavar runs around the ring in a circle, then we’re told Miz and his entourage will be facing Ambrose, Heath Slater and Rhyno.

– The Miz, Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas def. Dean Ambrose, Heath Slater & Rhyno: Rhyno gets some offense in on Miz early on, but Miz comes back after an Irish whip into the corner. Miz pummels on Rhyno then tags in Dallas who continues. Axel tags in next who stomps a mudhole in Rhyno. Axel whips Rhyno into the corner but Rhyno explodes out with a clothesline. Ambrose tags in and drops Axel with a series of clotheslines. Ambrose clears the apron then attempts a Dirty Deeds on Miz, but Miz escapes. Slater and Rhyno run in and throw Miz outside. Slater tags in to become the legal man, but Miz and Dallas double team him to take control. Miz hits a series of kicks on Slater, then Dallas tags in again and hits some knee drops. Axel tags in next and continues working over Slater until Slater drops him with a neckbreaker. Miz tags in but Slater drops him with a spinning heel kick. Rhyno and Dallas get the tags and Rhyno drops him with a shoulder block. Rhyno hits a splash in the corner then a spinebuster, but Miz breaks up the pin attempt. Ambrose chases Miz outside, then Axel hits a cheap shot on Rhyno behind the ref’s back. Dallas immediately rolls up Rhyno for the win.

– Paul Heyman is shown pacing back and forth in the parking area waiting for his client Brock Lesnar to arrive.

– Cole introduces a video package highlighting Enzo & Cass’ rise and fall. Enzo is then shown arriving to the arena alone.

– Enzo comes out to the ring and says he’s not doing too good. Enzo says he can’t get a hold of Cass in private because he’s been ducking his calls. Enzo says he needs to talk to Cass man to man right now. Cass accepts the invite and comes down to the ring. Enzo says he knows the fans booing him hurts him, just like Cass hurt him last week. Enzo says some of the things Cass said about his last week were true. Enzo says they’re still brothers, and he won’t let Cass break that until they become WWE Tag Champs. Cass says Enzo doesn’t know when to shut up. Then Cass apologizes, and asks Enzo to accept his apology then extends his hand. They shake hands and hug, then head up the ramp. When they arrive at the top of the ramp, Cass turns around and clotheslines Enzo town. He then throws Enzo down the ramp and leaves as referees check on Enzo.

– Seth Rollins is up next.

– Back from commercial, Cass runs up to the announce table and threatens Corey Graves. Cass says Angle told him he can’t lay a finger on Graves, and says Graves must have some good dirt on Angle. Cass warns graves to stay out of his business.

– Seth Rollins def. Curt Hawkins: They lock up to start off then Hawkins hits some knees to the midsection. Hawkins drops Rollins with a clothesline for a one count. Hawkins pummels on Rollins then hits a back suplex for another one count. Hawkins hits a vertical suplex then puts Rollins in a headlock. Rollins comes back with an elbow and a Pele kick, then throws Hawkins outside and hits a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Rollins hits the Sling Blade then hits a cross body off the top. Hawkins blocks one superkick from Rollins, but Rollins goes for a second superkick and this one connects. Rollins follows up with a knee to the face for the win.

– Immediately after the match, the lights go out and Bray Wyatt appears on the big screen. Wyatt says he’s going to save Rollins and cleanse him. Wyatt tells Rollins to “give into yourself” or he will bur.

– Dana Brooke and Mickie James are backstage drawling their numbers for the Women’s Guantlet match.

– Brock Lesnar pulls up into the back of the arena and heads inside with Paul Heyman.

– Sasha Banks draws her Gauntlet match number and seems happy with it.

– Paul Heyman comes out to the ring and points out that his client Brock Lesnar strikes fear into everyone he comes across. Heyman says Samoa Joe is the one person who doesn’t fear Lesnar, and he also pulled a cheap shot on Lesnar. Heyman says Joe knew the locker room would clear out to separate the fight, so he didn’t fear throwing the cheap shots. Heyman says he isn’t impressed and he thinks Joe is a Samoan dumbass. Heyman says Joe should be afraid, and that now the bathroom break is over and it’s time to hit record. Heyman introduces Lesnar, who he says is going to call Joe out for a fight right now. Brock Lesnar comes out to the ramp, but before he starts walking down Samoa Joe hits him from behind. Joe tries to get the Coquina Clutch locked in on Lesnar, but Lesnar fights out and pushes him back into the screens on the stage. Joe locks it in again and Lesnar continues to fight, but Joe seems to get the Coquina Clutch locked in. The Revival and some referees come out to pull off Joe, as Lesnar recovers on the stage. Lesnar looks stunned as we go to commercial.

– Neville vs. Lince Dorado: This one is a non-title match. Akira Tozawa is sitting at ringside behind a purple velvet rope. Neville and Dorado trade strikes in the opening moments until Dorado drops Neville with a dropkick. Dorado throws Neville outside then hits a suicide somersault. Back in the ring, Dorado hits a cross body off the top for a two count. Neville grabs Dorado by the mask and kicks him. Neville follows up with the Rings of Saturn for the win via submission after a very short match. Neville and Tozawa stare each other down after the match. Tozawa takes his jacket off and comes into the ring. Titus comes out with a mic and tells them not to fight for free, because he just finalized a match between the two of them at Great Balls of Fire. Titus says Akira is officially under contract with Titus Worldwide.

https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/879523762399461376

– Emma is backstage with Kurt Angle where she draws her number for the Gauntlet match.

– Paul Heyman does an interview in the back where he trashes Samoa Joe for attacking Lesnar from behind. Heyman says the fight at Great Balls of Fire won’t be a quick one, and Lesnar will victimize Joe.

– Nia Jax is shown leaving Kurt Angle’s office when Alexa Bliss approaches her. Bliss asks what number she drew, but Jax doesn’t answer. Bliss tries to warm Nia up to her and says they both get judged because of their appearance. Bliss offers some words of encouragement to Jax, and Jax says she appreciates it but doesn’t need it. Jax says she’ll see Bliss and the Women’s title at Great Balls of Fire.

– Women’s Gauntlet Match: There will be two competitors in the ring at all times, and when one gets beaten by pin or submission they will be eliminated and another one will enter. The last woman standing wins a shot at Alexa Bliss’ Women’s Championship. Bayley and Nia Jax start off. Bayley starts off with a kick on Nia, but Nia quickly comes back and takes control of the match. Nia works on Bayley in the corner then hits headbutt. Nia gets in the ref’s face and Bayley takes advantage with some strikes. Bayley goes up top and hits a flying elbow for a two count. Nia comes back with a Samoan Drop on Bayley for the three count, and Bayley is eliminated. Mickie James is out next. Nia gets Mickie in a bear hug, but Mickie fights out and hits a series of kicks. Mickie hits the Mick Kick then goes for a DDT, but Nia escapes. Nia throws Mickie down, then drops her again with a running clothesline for the three count. Mickie is eliminated and Dana Brooke is in next. Dana goes for a summersault splash in the corner but Nia blocks it and throws Dana down. Nia follows up with a running leg drop for the three count, and Dana is eliminated. Emma is in next. Emma pulls Nia’s neck down across the top rope from the outside, then rolls in and hits some dropkicks. Emma comes flying off the top rope, but Nia catches her in mid-air with a Samoan Drop for the three count. Emma is eliminated, and the final entrant Sasha Banks is in next. Sasha hits a jawbreaker on Nia and slaps her across the face, then throws her outside. Sasha goes for a suicide dive, but Nia catches her in mid-air. Sasha fights away from Nia and pushes her into the ring post. Sasha gets on the apron and hits a flying knee onto Nia on the floor. Back in the ring, Sasha hits some knee strikes but Nia drops her with a clothesline. Nia throws Sasha outside and tells the referee to count. Sasha crawls back in and Nia stomps on her. Nia powerslams Sasha then throws her back outside. Sasha gets back in the ring and starts to fight back but Nia drops her and throws her to the outside again. Sasha climbs back in and Nia gets her in a bear hug then slams her down. Nia goes for a suplex but Sasha gets out. Nia goes for a leg drop but Sasha rolls away and hits a running knee to the face. Sasha goes for the Banks Statement but Nia fights out and drops Sasha. Sasha comes back with an unorthodox looking choke and Nia taps out. Winner: Sasha Banks

– After the match, Kurt Angle’s music hits and the RAW GM comes out. Angle steps in the ring and raises Sasha’s hand, but then Alexa Bliss comes out to interrupt. Alexa holds up her Women’s Title and Sasha dropkicks her out of the ring. Sasha grabs the Women’s Belt and holds it up before throwing it outside to Alexa. Kurt Angle raises Sasha’s hand again as RAW goes off the air.

Big Show Reveals The Worst Thing He Has Ever Done in WWE

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE Tag Team Champion partners The Big Show and Chris Jericho reunited on an episode of Jericho’d podcast, Talk Is Jericho, to talk about Show’s run through the professional wrestling industry. During their conversation, Show as asked what the worst thing he ever did in his WWE career was, to which he responded that it was the Baby New Year segment:

“There [has] been a lot of stuff I’ve done has been absolutely horrendous. But I think for me personally, the worst thing I’ve done was when Vince [McMahon] made me do the ‘Baby New Year’ thing because it was so freakin’ awkward. He had me in a freakin’ diaper with a New Year hat and he wanted me dancing and all I could think of, it was like some billionaire masturbating video where he [has] got some fat guy. You can imagine Vince in some dark room looking at it on a big screen, like, ‘yeah, now s–t in the diaper, you fat bastard! s–t in the diaper! That’s it!’ It was just so uncomfortable.”

Show believes that Vince McMahon made him to the embarrassing segment to motivate him to lose weight:

“I got fat, so he goes, ‘so you’re a fat New Year Baby. Maybe you should lose some weight.’ But that’s the kind of relationship I’ve had with him, ‘he’s getting fat – I need to motivate him. Let me embarrass him.’ Do you know what I mean? The diaper worked.” The Big Show added, “that insane, crazy Vincent Kennedy McMahon actually does know more than I do. He’s actually a smart guy. Believe it or not, he’s a brilliant individual. That’s funny. That literally was the most awkward thing I’ve done.”

Corey Graves Blasts Dean Ambrose’s Intercontinental Title Run

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live announcers Corey Graves and JBL once again took to the WWE Network Exclusive show Bring It To The Table to give their opinions on a variety of professional wrestling topics, and as always, they didn’t hold back. You can check out the highlights from the show here:

JBL on Jinder Mahal’s career not being made by winning the WWE Championship:

“You’re not going to be made just because you get a championship, okay? It can jumpstart you, obviously. Look at David Arquette [who] got the WCW [World Heavyweight] Championship. It certainly didn’t make him. Jinder Mahal is a guy who got jumpstarted because of that world championship. And I think when he walks out, he looks like a world champion. When you see him with that title, you think, ‘that’s what a world champion should look like.'”

Graves admits his initial doubt about Mahal’s title reign: 

“Last time we did this show, I wasn’t sure [about Mahal’s world title reign], I wasn’t sold, but to John’s point, you see him come out with the championship, and The Singh Brothers, and the suit, he looks legitimate. And, it’s great, Jinder looks like a big deal, like a big time champion.”

Graves says there was nothing memorable about Dean Ambrose’s run as Intercontinental Champ:

“No offense to Dean Ambrose, but I don’t really know anything memorable that Dean accomplished while as Intercontinental Champion other than losing to Miz.” Graves added, “I’m being honest. I’d say it to his face.”

Graves on the Universal Title being on an upswing after initially being “snakebitten”:

“On the RAW side of things, you’ve got Brock Lesnar who has the Universal Championship. And, for the first time maybe since its inception, the Universal Championship actually means something. It has kind of been snakebitten. You had Finn [Bálor] win it for the first time go down with an injury, they played hot potato with Kevin Owens and the Goldberg scenario.

“Finally, as we head towards Great Balls Of Fire, you have Samoa Joe, a legitimate number one contender and you have Brock Lesnar who is a legitimate threat no matter what championship he holds and that for the first time is a really big, big time, big fight feel, and I can’t wait for it.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Quote: I Can Still Hear Vince McMahon’s Voice in my Head

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE announcer and current Impact Wrestling announcer Josh Mathews recently did an interview with Wrestle:List to talk about the future of Impact Wrestling and who helped him the most along the way in his career. You can check out the highlights from the interview here below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZwtFbivNt8

Future of Impact Wrestling:

“I think you can expect to see a lot more from Impact. This is nothing against the people who were in charge before this new regime took over, but we sort of laid dormant and didn’t really attempt to get out there and do different things. For someone like myself, who is always trying to find different angles and marketing angles.”

Who helped him the most throughout his career in professional wrestling:

“There are quite a few people who helped me on the way. When I first started I was in the car with Michael Cole and Taz and learned a tremendous amount from them. I also learnt from Jim Ross and Paul Heyman had a tremendous influence on my career. When Paul Heyman was the lead writer for Smack Down, and Smack Down was produced on Tuesday, postproduction was done on a Wednesday, and the show was put out on Thursday, Paul would be there for the edit of the show. We would be there; Michael Cole, Paul [Heyman], Taz and myself would be in the studio until 5 o’clock in the morning and changing the call of the show. Those guys would be in the booth, and learning from Paul [Heyman] how to do this from a commentary standpoint.

“When you sit down and do the main shows you’re working directly for the man who owns the company [Vince McMahon] and he’s listening to every word you say. He also had a tremendous effect on my career and still continues to to this day. I can hear him in my head when I call things, “Don’t scream at me” and “Don’t over sell this” I can hear it. That has molded me in to the play-by-play announcer I am today.”

You can read the full interview by visiting this link here.

Mike Bennett Explains How Kevin Owens Helped Him Sign With WWE

Jon Fuentes
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Former Ring Of Honor (ROH) and Impact Wrestling stars Mike Bennett (who now goes by Mike Kanellis in WWE) and Maria Kanellis have made their ways to the WWE. The pair made their debut in a brief segment at the Money In The Bank pay-per-view (PPV) earlier this month shortly before the main event. Mike Bennett recently joined former WWE Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian’s podcast, E&C’d Pod Of Awesomeness, to talk about he and Maria’s arrival in WWE.

During the interview, Mike explained how WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens helped him sign with the company. Bennett say she contacted Paul Heyman about a potential WWE run, who connected him with Triple H. Hunter told Bennett that someone would be in touch with him shortly, however, he never heard anything back for weeks. In that time Bennett was leaning towards signing back with Impact, until Owens caught wind of that decision and decided to call Mike up and convince him to wait things out:

“What are you guys doing? I heard you guys were resigning with TNA, I don’t think you should do that. That is a stupid idea. You should come here.”

Owens convinced Bennett to wait about a week before making a decision, and in that time, William Regal called Mike and Maria up and offered them a spot right up on the main roster.

You can listen to the interview by clicking here.

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