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WWE Announces Stipulation For NXT Women’s Championship Match

Robert Lentini
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WWE announced the following earlier today:

Asuka to defend NXT Women’s Title against Nikki Cross in Last Woman Standing Match

NXT Women’s Champion Asuka will put her coveted title on the line against the crazed Nikki Cross on the June 28 episode of NXT. The title showdown will be a Last Woman Standing Match, further adding to the uncertainty and chaos surrounding the huge championship contest.

The extreme stipulation was a logical next step in Asuka and Cross’s rivalry after the two brawled throughout Full Sail University on the June 14 episode of NXT. Along with Ruby Riot, they competed in a Triple Threat Elimination Match for the NXT Women’s Title. After Riot had been eliminated, Asuka and Cross fought outside the arena, only to return and eventually crash through a table, leaving them laid out in a heap of carnage.

Asuka’s record-breaking NXT Women’s Title reign has overcome many obstacles, but she has yet to face a challenger as crazy as Cross in a bout that caters to chaos like a Last Woman Standing Match. Will we see the end of The Empress of Tomorrow’s historic title reign?

Find out on Wednesday, June 28, at 8/7C on the award-winning WWE Network.

WWE Announces First Four Competitors For Mae Young Classic, 6 Strange Ladder Matches (Video)

Robert Lentini
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First Four Competitors Announced For Mae Young Classic

WWE has announced the first four competitors to be included in the Mae Young Classic tournament this summer. The four names announced are NXT Superstars Lacey Evans and Sarah Logan, Progress Women’s Champion Toni Storm and Princesa Sugehit. Princesa Sugehit has been in the wrestling business for over 20 years and is the current Mexican National Women’s Champion.

You can check out the official announcement and bio of the Superstars by clicking here.

6 Strangest Things Hung Above A Ladder

WWE has posted a new video narrated by Corey Graves that counted down the 6 strangest things hung above a ladder in wrestling. The list included Kurt Angle’s Olympic gold medals, a stun gun, custody papers, a ceramic duck and more. You can check out the entire list in the video below.

Mauro Ranallo To Call Mayweather vs. McGregor, Match Added To Money In The Bank Kickoff Show

Robert Lentini
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Mauro Ranallo To Call Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather

Showtime announced via Sporting News that former WWE SmackDown announcer Mauro Ranallo will be the lead play-by-play announcer for Conor McGregor versus Floyd Mayweather on August 26th. Ranallo retweeted the announcement once it was released:

https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/875657130220560385

The Hype Bros vs The Colons added to MITB Kickoff Show

WWE announced that Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley will reunite as the Hype Bros on Sunday to face The Colons during the Money in the Bank Kickoff Show.

Here is the updated card for WWE Money in the Bank this Sunday:

Kickoff Show: Hype Bros vs The Colons

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

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs New Day

Men’s MITB Ladder Match: AJ Styles vs Dolph Ziggler vs Baron Corbin vs Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens vs Shinsuke Nakamura

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

WWE Championship Match: Jinder Mahal (c) vs Randy Orton

EC3 Talks Potential WWE Return, What He Learned From Dusty Rhodes

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Impact Wrestling star Ethan Cater III was a guest on Sean Waltman’s, X-Pac 12360 podcast this week. EC3 spoke about what led to his WWE departure, if he’d ever return, what he learned from the late Dusty Rhodes and much more. Here are some highlights of what EC3 said about:

His departure from WWE / NXT:

“I got hurt on the road, I believe it was a Saturday Night Main Event match with Cesaro and I kinda got hurt. I had surgery and rehab so I went back to developmental to at least work on my skills or do whatever to get back on the radar. Instead, I got fired, but it’s okay, it’s a lesson to learn and it inspired me to work ever harder.”

A potential return to WWE one day:

“It’s definitely a thought I have now that I’ve accomplished a lot and kind of made a name for myself elsewhere and to be blunt and frankly honest I have a lot left to accomplish. I believe I have a lot to prove there (WWE), that I never had the chance to do or didn’t deserve at the time. But you know I’ve learned a lot about myself and know myself now that it’s definitely on my mind but it’s not something I can focus on, my commitments are with Impact.”

What he learned from Dusty Rhodes:

“Just communication, telling a story the ability to base a promo. The hook in the beginning and the conclusion being the most important part and the peaks and valleys you take them on the way, when you’re trying to tell that story. He compared it to a lot of promos to match and match to promo. You have your initial thing that catches their attention. You can have the best match of the world and your finish absolutely sucks. You have a bad match but you have a bad promo. You have an okay or bad match until the end and the conclusion is great, then you have a great promo and a great match.”

 

Get it all on this week’s brand new episode of AfterBuzz TV’s X-Pac 12360.

Roman Reigns: Not Everyone Will Like My Announcement Monday

Chris Stephens
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WWE and Roman Reigns are promoting that Reigns will make a big announcement Monday. The belief is that what Roman has to say will impact his role at this year’s SummerSlam.

Roman Reigns Speculation

The comment “No everyone is going to like what I say”, doesn’t reveal too much, as there are always people who don’t like anything Roman has to say. The most likely scenario is that Roman requests a match with a “good guy”.

With John Cena being advertised as a “free agent”, one has to wonder if Roman’s announcement could have something to do with him.

Netflix Releases Trailer for Upcoming Hulk Hogan/Gawker Documentary

Chris Stephens
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The Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker lawsuit has had far-reaching legal consequences. The precedent set by the case is expected to impact the future of journalism and celebrity privacy.

Netflix will be releasing a documentary on the case, and have just released the first trailer for the move:

The Many Facets of Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker

The co-founder of Paypal, Peter Thief, helped bankroll the lawsuit against Gawker. The media company had previously released private information as well.

WWE cut ties with Hogan after the tapes were released, allowing Hogan to sue Gawker for lost revenue.

More information should be revealed in the upcoming documentary.

Scott Steiner Interview Highlights: Thoughts on Dixie Carter, Hulk Hogan, Jeff Jarrett and more…

Chris Stephens
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“Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner appeared on the Ring Rust radio show recently. The former WCW champion spoke on his previous run in TNA, as well as his current run with Impact Wrestling.

Steiner also spoke on a possible WWE Hall of Fame induction, and whether or not he would accept a WWE offer for such.

Scott Steiner Interview Notes

On leaving TNA in 2012:

“When I left nothing impressed me, that’s why I left. The change of management which was a problem because Dixie Carter is an idiot and then she brought in these other idiots like Hulk Hogan. I was just like damn, ‘I got to get the hell out of here. I watched them from afar and their pockets kept getting run down and then thank God, someone else bought it, ran her out and now the right guy is back in charge being Jeff Jarrett. That’s basically who I started with before when Jeff started Impact Wrestling. I definitely wanted to come back and work for the organization again.”

On his recent return to Impact Wrestling:

“I get paid to beat people up, which is the greatest job in the world. I legally can punch someone in the face and not get arrested for it, which most human beings can’t do. Nowadays, a lawyer calls you up and you get slammed with a civil suit so it really is the best job in the world. People pay me to punch someone in the face, Josh called me up, asked me if I want to punch someone in the face, and I said, ‘Yeah, pay me and it’s on’ and that’s basically how it went down.”

On a potential WWE Hall of Fame Induction:

“I am already in a couple Hall of Fames like the Michigan Hall of Fame and the Dan Gable Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, so my accolades speak for themselves. Let’s just say I’m not losing any sleep over any Hall of Fame induction. The one Hall of Fame that I refuse to go in is the WWE Hall of Fame because do you know where it’s at? Where is it? Do you have an address? It’s a bunch of bulls**t. If they called me up, I wouldn’t go because there’s no address, you can’t go see it, so, where is it?”

Vince Russo Issues An ‘Apology’ To Eric Bischoff, Says He Embarrassed TNA (Video)

Robert Lentini
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WWE recently aired a new episode of Table For 3 on the WWE Network that featured Jim Cornette, Michael ‘P.S.’ Hayes and Eric Bischoff. During the episode, Cornette and Bischoff bonded over their dislike for Vince Russo. Cornette then challenged Vince Russo to a fight on his podcast and Russo issued Cornette a fake apology, which you can check out here. Well, Russo is back at it again and this time he is focusing on Eric Bischoff. Russo posted another fake apology and took some shots at Bischoff in the video.

Russo poked fun at Bischoff for wanting to put TNA head-to-head against RAW:

“I want to apologize, for you convincing Dixie Carter that ‘We had to go head-to-head with Monday Night Raw! It’s time, Dixie! We’re ready, we got the Hulkster! We can defeat them, Dixie!’ Yes, Eric, I believe it was you the Hulkster who were the big cheerleaders, why? It wasn’t your money. And what did you do? You embarrassed TNA, you ashamed TNA, and ya scarred TNA for life.”

Russo then went on to claim that he helped get Bischoff a job in WWE despite their dislike for each other. Russo thought it was best for business at the time and said the following:

“I said, ‘Vince, you’ve got to hire this guy. He is a great performer, you could tell great stories with him,’ I did that, Eric! Me! Vince Russo! Even though you were my archenemy, because it was right for business. You think Vince would have ever brought you into the WWE on his own? He heard the same stories about you that everybody else knew, but it was me who put you over to him that got you the job at the WWE. How ungrateful can you be?”

Russo also stated that Dixie Carter never wanted Bischoff in TNA in the first place:

“I also want to apologize that a man had to have his lips sewn to another man, for the better part of twenty years. Sounds like a bad centipede movie to me, Eric. But that was the case between you and Hulk Hogan, wasn’t it? And Eric, how do I know that was the case? Here’s how I know it was the case. Because I want to apologize that when Dixie Carter wanted to hire Hulk Hogan, you rode in on the Hulkster’s coattails and you told Dixie Carter, ‘Hulkster ain’t coming without me, brother. This is a two for one deal.’ And ya milked Dixie, for an exorbitant amount of money, when she never wanted you in TNA in the first place.”

You can check out the full video below.

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Impact Wrestling Announces Commentary Team For Slammiversary

Robert Lentini
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Impact Wrestling has announced the following:

Impact Wrestling Taps MLB/NHL Announcer Robert Flores For Slammiversary

Don West Comes Back For Color Commentary Duties

NASHVILLE (June 13, 2017) — IMPACT Wrestling is dipping into the high-profile sports world for a little broadcasting help at Slammiversary 15, a pay-per-view extravaganza on July 2 in Orlando, Florida.

IMPACT has signed Robert Flores to be the lead announcer for Slammiversary, to work alongside longtime IMPACT color commentator Don West, who is making a one-night return behind the microphone.

IMPACT faced an announcing dilemma for Slammiversary as broadcasters Josh Mathews and Jeremy Borash are wrestling in a tag-team match as the animosity between the two has boiled over in recent weeks.  Borash and Joseph Park will team up against Mathews and “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner, one of the most powerful and feared wrestlers of all time.

Flores is a studio host appearing across MLB Network’s programming, including MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning daily studio show, MLB Tonight.  In addition to MLB Network, Flores is a studio host for NHL Network and contributes across MLB Advanced Media’s digital properties, including MLB.com and Sports On Earth.

Flores joined MLB Network and NHL Network in 2016 from ESPN, where he most recently anchored SportsCenter, ABC’s college football studio updates and ESPN2’s Fantasy Football Now.  Flores joined ESPN in 2005 as an ESPNews anchor and later contributed to a variety of studio shows, including Baseball Tonight, NBA Fastbreak and Friday Night Fights.

Flores is a lifelong pro wrestling fan.

“I’m excited to have a part in this year’s Slammiversary and grateful to Jeff Jarrett for this unique opportunity,” Flores said.

Flores said the match that he’s most excited to announce is for the X-Division Championship. “I’m a fan of high-flyers,” Flores said.

A Texas native, Flores earned his bachelor’s degree in radio and television from the University of Houston in 1992. Flores attended J. Frank Dobie High School in Houston and is a member of their JFD Hall of Fame.  His wrestling roots are engrained in his Houston childhood.

“To play a role in Slammiversary alongside Don West is really cool,” Flores said.  “Slammiversary is an event 15-years in the making, and the best always separate themselves on the biggest stages – be it the in the wrestling ring or the World Series.

“I can’t wait to see what the IMPACT Wrestling stars do on July 2nd at Slammiversary.”

Don West broke onto the broadcasting scene in the 1990s on the Shop At Home Network.  He was the popular, loud, energetic, abrasive salesman, pitching countless products on late-night television – and he even was in a parody video (portrayed by actor Will Ferrell) during a segment of Saturday Night Live.

West spent about 10 years as a color commentator for IMPACT Wrestling, dating back to the company’s first-ever event on June 19, 2002.

“I am so excited to be a part of IMPACT again and to be a part of the great Slammiversary weekend,” West said.  “As an avid sports and baseball fan, it will be a great honor to work next to Robert Flores as I have admired his professionalism for years.  When Jeff Jarrett asked me to do this, I had only one response, ‘YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!’”

“It will be great to see and hear Don West back on an IMPACT Wrestling broadcast; no one brings more energy and excitement to a broadcast than Don,” said Jeff Jarrett, the Chief Creative Officer for IMPACT Wrestling.  “Having a broadcaster on Slammiversary at the level that Robert Flores has achieved is unbelievable.  We are so excited to have RoFlo in the IMPACT family – and broadcast booth.”

WWE Considering Hosting WrestleMania In London, Goldust On Superstar Ink (Video)

Robert Lentini
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WWE considering London as a host city for WrestleMania

The Independent posted an article recently about WWE considering bringing their biggest event of the year to London. A survey was sent out this week to fans that attended WrestleMania 33 in Orlando. The survey asked fans about their interest in future venues. The selections on the survey included New York City, Toronto, London and other cities.

As noted in the article, the last major WWE PPV held in England was SummerSlam in 1992. The event was held in Wembley Stadium in front of 80,000 fans. In the main-event, the British Bulldog defeated his brother-in-law Bret Hart to capture the Intercontinental Championship.

Goldust on new episode of Superstar Ink

WWE has uploaded a new episode of Superstar Ink. In the episode, Goldust gets a tattoo to honor his father, Dusty Rhodes.

Austin Aries On His WrestleMania Experience, Eye Injury, Samoa Joe Versus Brock Lesnar

Robert Lentini
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Austin Aries recently had an interview with Sports Illustrated’s “Extra Mustard”. Aries spoke about wrestling topics and also promoted his book, Food Fight: My Plant-Powered Journey From The Bingo Halls To The Big Time. Here are some highlights from the interview:

His experience at WrestleMania 33:

“WrestleMania is the pinnacle. My music was the very first thing that hit that night, and there was an energy when I walked out there that was unlike anything I’ve ever walked out in front of. The enormity hit me, and it was a very special moment.”

Eye injury he suffered in a match against Shinsuke Nakamura:

“Nakamura didn’t kick me that hard, or at least not as hard as he kicked me other times. It just happened to catch me at the right spot, and I didn’t protect as I would have liked.

We’ll just add it to the list of sacrifices that anyone who has done this for a length of time has made, physically, with our bodies. We accept that because we love what we do. In some ways, it may be a blessing in disguise. 

I don’t know where my path would have taken me had that not happened. I do know where it took me after it did – to go into commentary on 205 Live, then transition onto Raw, which led to my opportunity at WrestleMania and a great series of matches with Neville. If that came out of the broken eye hole, it’s a fair trade-off.”

Samoa Joe getting a shot at Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship:

“Joe is a man who doesn’t fear Brock Lesnar. He has been doing this a long time, and he’s been in the ring with legends, main eventers, and Hall of Famers. Joe is a cool cat and a cool customer. I’m sure he’s preparing, but I don’t think he’s sweating it. I think he’s looking forward to it as much as I’m looking forward to watching.”

Backstage Update On Braun Strowman’s Return To WWE TV

Robert Lentini
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Braun Strowman has recovered from elbow surgery and has been cleared to return to the ring. According to The Wrestling Observer, Braun Strowman’s return date has yet to be confirmed, but it looks like he will be performing at the upcoming WWE PPV Great Balls of Fire. The most likely opponent would be Roman Reigns, as the two Superstars have unfinished business.

Strowman was originally supposed to wrestle Roman Reigns at Great Balls of Fire before his injury, so that would be the most likely plan when he returns to WWE television. As of now, Braun Strowman is still scheduled to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship in the main-event of SummerSlam.

NXT Highlights: Asuka and Nikki Cross Brawl All Over Full Sail

Chris Stephens
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The main event of this week’s NXT was a women’s championship 3-way elimination match. Asuka would once again defend her title against Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross.

NXT
June 14th 2017
Full Sail University

1. Drew McIntyre vs. Rob Ryzin

  • No highlights of this match were posted.
  • This was a showcase match for Drew.
  • McIntyre wins a quick bout, finishing him off with a Yakuza kick.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

2. Authors of Pain vs. Anthony Dominguez & William Freyday

  • Only Akam wrestled for AOP in this match. Rezar just stayed on the outside and talked with Paul Ellering.
  • Akam finished off the local talent, and his partner finally came into the ring after the match to deliver the Super Collider.
  • They cut a promo about how Heavy Machinery were foolish to challenge them.
  • This brought out Heavy Machinery and the 2 teams stared each other down for a moment.
  • Paul Ellering got in between the four of them and ordered his team to back away.

Winners: Authors of Pain

3. The Velveteen Dream vs. Raul Mendoza

  • The Velveteen Dream does not appear to be going by Patrick Clark anymore.
  • He wins clean here with a very Macho Man-esque flying elbow drop.

4. NXT Women’s Championship Match
3-Way Elimination Match
Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross (Sanity)

  • Cross picked up the first pin by eliminating Riot with a corkscrew neck breaker while Riot was draped on the top rope.
  • Asuka and Cross then just started to have a wild brawl.
  • They brawled to the back and the ref waved the match off.
  • In the final move of the brawl Cross hit Asuka with a cross body that took both of them through a table.

Lucha Underground Recap: Cage Commits Homicide!

Chris Stephens
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4 matches in the 1st round of the Cueto Cup aired on last night’s Lucha Underground episode. Additionally, a murder took place in the show’s final scene.

Lucha Underground
S03E22
Boyle Heights, LA

  • Pentagon Jr. walks into Dario Cueto’s office in the show’s opening scene. He says he is all healed up and ready to come back.
  • Cueto offers him a spot in the Cueto Cup, with a match that night.
  • Pentagon accepts but says that if he doesn’t win Aztec gold, he is going to break his bones.

1. Cueto Cup 1st Round Match
Mala Suerte (Rabbit Tribe) vs. the Mack

  • This was a back and forth match, with Suerte getting a surprising amount of offence in.
  • Mack hit a pounce and then a stunner and got the 3 count.

Winner: the Mack

  • In the back, Cage is lifting weights and admiring his new robotic hand that gives him super strength.
  • Cueto tells him that a city councillor, a powerful man, wants to meet with him.
  • Cage first tells Cueto he isn’t interested, but then ends up taking his card.

2. Cueto Cup 1st Round Match
Pentagon Dark vs. Argenis

  • Pentagon Jr. got the bulk of the offence here, but Argenis was also given time to get his offence in.
  • Pentagon hit the package pildriver and pinned him.

Winner: Pentagon Dark

  • After the match Pentagon looked as though he was just going to leave the ring, but old habits die hard. He walked over to Argenis and gave him his arm-breaker, seemingly breaking his arm.

3. Cueto Cup 1st Round Match
Texano vs. Famous B w/Brenda

  • Famous B and Brenda were dressed up in western gear, and B cut a promo before the match. He told Texano he wanted to manage him and would do the right thing and lay down so he could pin him.
  • Texano started to pin him but stopped the count at 2. Texano gave him a sit down powerbomb and then pinned him.

Winner: Texano

  • A video hyping up the Lucha Underground championship match between Rey Mysterio Jr. and Johnny Mundo aired.

4. Cueto Cup 1st Round
Drago w/Kobra Moon (Reptile Tribe) vs. Aerostar

  • Drago was led to the ring in a collar and chain by Kobra Moon, after having joined the Reptile tribe last week.
  • Kobra Moon would get involved frequently during this match, allowing Drago to go on offence.
  • Aerostar attempted to steal Drago’s Dragon’s Lair, but Drago countered it into his own version of the move and got the 3 count.

Winner: Drago

  • After the match, Drago beat down Aerostar on order of Kobra Moon.
  • Commentary played up how conflicted Drago looked during the match.

Cage vs. City Councilman Delgado Scene

  • Cage arrives at the councilman’s office. Delgado tells him he can never take the glove off, and Cage doesn’t object.
  • Delgado then starts to say that Cage works for him, and Cage didn’t like that. He continued that Cage would soon have power beyond his dreams and that they would work together. Cage grabbed him by the throat and pushed him against the wall, though moments later composed himself and apologized.
  • Delgado accepted the apology, but then said Cage was still “acting like a man”.
  • This angered Cage and he reared back and punched the guy. The camera panned out to reveal guts and blood on Cage’s hand and arm.
  • Cage said “I’m not a man, I’m a machine!”
  • He then stepped over a headless councilman’s body, stepped on an eyeball, and left the office.

Buff Bagwell Announces Retirement Tour

Chris Stephens
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Marcus Alexander Bagwell, better known to wrestling fans as Buff Bagwell, is retiring. The 47-year old former nWo member plans on touring one more time however. He has sent word to promoters and is currently taking bookings (press release below).

Bagwell has been active on the independent scene the last few years. He toured Australia earlier this year as well. He is currently part of a lawsuit (along with Raven) against WWE for royalties from use of their likeness on the WWE Network.

Buff Bagwell Comments on Career and Retirement

“BYE BYE BUFF DADDY (1990-2018 Retirement Tour)

Woodstock, GA, May 31, 2018– Approaching his 28th year in the world of professional wrestling and sports entertainment, Marcus “BUFF the STUFF” Bagwell, or as many have referred to him over the years as his entrance music shouts “BUFF DADDY”!!! has made a definitive decision that as of May 2018 he will lace up his boots for the last time and put the block buster to rest.

When asking Buff about the retirement decision he simply said:

‘When going with the Buff Daddy character I knew it was going to be a blessing and a curse.’  The blessing was, it was always an over exaggerated part of me so it was easy and a lot of fun to do, but when you call yourself BUFF!! You better damn sure live it and be in that gym 4-5 times per week.

Going into my 28th year in ring performing and with injuries and a few major surgeries over these last few years I really wanted to end my in-ring career still looking and performing like Buff Bagwell.

Marcus Buff Bagwell is one of the most professional workers currently on the independent wrestling scene. His dedication to the professional wrestling world and the Buff Bagwell character goes unmatched by anyone currently working independent dates. This former 5 time WCW tag team champion and former NWO member is not only a very recognized draw to any promotion throughout the world, but goes above and beyond giving the fans and the promotion an experience to reflect on for many years to come.

Buff will be doing every media outlet, podcast and wrestling news sites over this next year promoting his BYE, BYE BUFF DADDY tour. If you’ve had Buff as a guest or if this would be the first time ever, your show will be filled with surprises as one of the best story telling guest you could ever have.

For booking inquiries on Buff Bagwell, please contact MEP Worldwide Office at (330) 837.1697 or email at [email protected].”

PJ Black (Justin Gabriel) Injured in Base Jumping Accident, Breaks Leg, Loses Finger

Chris Stephens
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PJ Black, who wrestled as Justin Gabriel in WWE, is believed to have been injured recently in a base jumping accident. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Black suffered a broken leg and lost a finger in the accident.

The injury was also mentioned on Edge and Christian’s most recent podcast as the reason Black won’t be on the Australian House of Hardcore tour.

PJ Black Base Jumping Injury Woes

This is the 3rd time the current Lucha Underground star has been injured this way. Base-jumping involves leaping from a cliff, or similar geological structure, while wearing a wing-suit or a parachute.

Last fall, Black broke both ankles base-jumping and was on the shelf until early 2017. Last week, Black posted photos of stitches being removed after another base-jumping accident.

Black, as Justin Gabriel, wrestled with WWE from 2008-2015. He signed with Lucha Underground in 2015 and is currently a member of the World Wide Underground stable, with Johnny Mundo, Taya and Jack Evans.

WWE Money In The Bank 2017 Match Card & Predictions

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

naomilana money in the bank

Build: This feud started last week on SmackDown when Lana made her debut. Lana demanded to be added to the women’s MITB ladder match. Naomi laughed at her and cracked a few jokes at her expense. Lana then said she wanted to face Naomi for the title. SmackDown commissioner stated that title shots needed to be earned and Lana threw a tantrum and left the ring. Later that night, Lana interfered in Naomi’s match and tripped her up on the ring apron.

The feud escalated last night on SmackDown. Lana hasn’t gotten over Naomi insulting her and once again got involved in Naomi’s match. Last night on SmackDown, Naomi defeated Tamina while Lana watched the match at ringside. After the match, Lana snuck up behind Naomi and slammed her to the mat. Lana then raised the SmackDown Women’s Championship in the air while standing over Naomi.

Prediction: I would be stunned if Lana defeated Naomi this Sunday at Money in the Bank. Lana hasn’t proven herself on the main roster as a wrestler yet. While it would certainly be impressive if Lana won the SmackDown Women’s Championship, it would make Naomi look very weak. The best case scenario here is that Lana and Naomi put on a great match. Naomi retains the title but Lana shows that she can hang with her in the ring.

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs New Day

usosnewday

Build: The New Day made their SmackDown debut in late May. They switched brands during WWE’s Superstar Shake-Up, but an injury to Kofi Kingston delayed their debut. Upon arriving to SmackDown, New Day immediately set their sights on The Usos and their SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The Usos and New Day have been cutting promos on each other for the last few weeks. Last night on SmackDown, New Day teamed up with Breezango to face The Colons and The Usos. Xavier Woods scored the victory for New Day and Breezango after hitting Primo with a Double Stomp off the top rope.

Prediction: I expect this feud to continue after Money in the Bank. I’ve enjoyed The Usos reign with the SmackDown Tag Team Championships and think it will continue for a bit. I see The Usos picking up a victory this Sunday, but ultimately dropping the titles to the New Day at SummerSlam.

Men’s MITB Ladder Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn vs Baron Corbin vs Dolph Ziggler vs AJ Styles 

money in the bank men 2017

Build: All six of these Superstars will be battling for a shot at the WWE Championship at any time of their choosing. United States Champion Kevin Owens was originally left out of this match. Owens demanded to be added to this match and SmackDown commissioner made him the sixth participant. Last week on SmackDown, Baron Corbin attacked Shinsuke Nakamura after his victory over Kevin Owens. SmackDown went off the air with Corbin standing tall after planting Nakamura with the End of Days. On last night’s SmackDown, Shinsuke Nakamura closed out SmackDown by hitting Corbin with a Kinshasa and grabbing the MITB briefcase that was suspended above the ring.

Prediction: I think it would feel rushed if Shinsuke Nakamura won the briefcase this Sunday. Kevin Owens is the current United States Champion and it wouldn’t make sense for him to win the match. AJ Styles doesn’t need the briefcase at all, as he is a former WWE Champion and will most likely recapture the title again in the future anyway. Both Baron Corbin and Sami Zayn would make sense to win this match. Corbin seems like the most likely choice to to win this match. I think the match will come down to Zayn and Corbin battling on the top of the ladder. Corbin will get the upper-hand and grab the briefcase as Sami Zayn once again comes up short.

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

womens money in the bank

Build: Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Natalya, Tamina and Carmella will make history at Money in the Bank as they compete in the first ever Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Charlotte has been beaten down several times by Tamina, Natalya and Carmella since joining the SmackDown roster during the Superstar Shake-Up. Charlotte has been built up as the biggest threat to Naomi’s SmackDown Women’s Championship. Charlotte defeated Natalya last night on SmackDown. Tamina lost her match against Naomi last night on SmackDown. Becky Lynch and Carmella were both shown watching Charlotte’s match against Natalya last night.

Prediction: Even though she is being booked as a dominant force in the SmackDown women’s division, Charlotte Flair is the last Superstar I would pick to win this match. I think a heel will win this match and I think that heel is going to be Carmella. I wouldn’t be surprised if James Ellsworth and his non-existent chin get involved in this match as well.

WWE Championship Match: Jinder Mahal (c) vs Randy Orton

mahal orton mitb

Build: Jinder Mahal defeated Randy Orton to capture the WWE Championship at Backlash. Since then, Mahal has cut several promos bragging about defeating Orton and bashing the WWE Universe for not respecting him. Last night on SmackDown, Mahal made things personal and stated that he was going to dismantle Randy Orton in front of his father, Cowboy Bob Orton, at Money in the Bank. Orton then snuck up behind Mahal and delivered an RKO. WWE Money in the Bank will take place in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis.

Prediction: Continuing with the theme of heels winning big matches, I expect Jinder Mahal to defeat Randy Orton and retain his WWE Championship. Hometown matches haven’t gone well for WWE Superstars lately, Bayley recently lost her RAW Women’s Championship to Alexa Bliss in her hometown of San Jose at Payback. I’m sure Mahal will have help from the Singh Brothers in this match and it will eventually become too much for Randy Orton to overcome. Mahal revealed on SmackDown that Orton’s father, Cowboy Bob Orton, will be in the front row for this match. Hopefully, Mahal gets in his face and does something to get the entire crowd to hate him during this match.

What are your Money in the Bank 2017 predictions? Share yours in the comments below.

Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather Fight Officially Announced

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Earlier today, Floyd Mayweather posted on social media that a boxing match between himself and Conor McGregor has been made official for August 26th. McGregor and Mayweather will fight inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and it will be the main event of a Showtime PPV.

Conor McGregor is currently the UFC Lightweight Champion and Floyd Mayweather is coming out of retirement for this bout. If Mayweather defeats McGregor, he will become 50-0 in his professional boxing career.

Make sure to head on over to MMANews.com for all the latest MMA news and for future updates on the dream match between McGregor and Mayweather.

Road Dogg Responds To SmackDown Criticism, Jim Ross On Brock Lesnar Versus Samoa Joe

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Road Dogg responds to fan criticism of Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance not being aired last night on SmackDown

Former WWE Superstar and now SmackDown producer Road Dogg responded to fan criticism of Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance not being aired during SmackDown last night. A fan tweeted directly at Road Dogg to voice his displeasure in the decision to not show the entrance. Road Dogg responded with the following:

Another fan joined the discussion and didn’t buy Road Dogg’s excuse for SmackDown not airing the entrance. Road Dogg also responded to that fan:

Fans have also been critical of Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance being altered since joining the main roster. Pyro sounds have been added to Nakamura’s entrance since Nakamura made his WWE main roster debut following the Superstar Shake-Up. The pyro sounds can be heard during Nakamura’s entrance in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F54g3QFJX3A

Jim Ross says Brock Lesnar versus Samoa Joe at Great Balls of Fire is going to be a classic

Jim Ross recently spoke to Busted Open about the upcoming Universal Championship match between Brock Lesnar and Samoa Joe at Great Balls of Fire. In regards to the match, Jim Ross stated the following:

“I believe those two guys are gonna have a whole hell of a lot to say about their presentation in Dallas. I really do. I also believe that each guy is an alpha male. They’re going to bring each other their best, there’s gonna be locks up that would make some people leave wrestling school. So, I believe Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar is going to be a classic.”

Jim Ross also stated in the interview that he still wants to call their match at Great Balls of Fire.

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Rusev Cleared To Return To The Ring (Report)

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It sounds like fans of Rusev won’t have to wait much longer for the Bulgarian Brute’s return to WWE TV. Ryan Satin of ProWrestlingSheet.com reported on Wednesday that Rusev has been officially cleared by doctors to return to the ring. Rusev reportedly met with WWE doctors on Tuesday and was given the go-ahead.

Rusev has been out of action since the spring. He went under the knife in March to repair an injured shoulder.

The ex-United States Champ surfaced on Twitter in May in a video demanding a title match at Money In The Bank, directed towards Shane McMahon.

Major Update On Kurt Angle’s WWE In-Ring Future, Lana Taunts Naomi On Social Media

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Top WWE Superstar rumored to be opponent for Kurt Angle  

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE officials are planning on doing a match between Triple H and Kurt Angle in the future. RAW GM Kurt Angle currently has a storyline going on RAW in which he is receiving messages on his phone. Angle and RAW announcer Corey Graves have also had several discussions and Angle has even come down to the announce table in the middle of the show to talk to him. Stephanie McMahon has been off TV since she fell through a table at WrestleMania 33. Kurt Angle was named the new RAW GM the night after WrestleMania 33. Stephanie McMahon should be making her return to RAW soon and will begin working with her new RAW GM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa7CH-Z9d90

Lana taunts Naomi on social media

Lana has been sending out a bunch of tweets about her SmackDown Women’s Championship match this Sunday at Money in the Bank. Lana made her SmackDown debut a week ago and asked to join the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. All the Superstars in the match laughed at her, but Naomi grabbed the microphone and poked fun at her. Lana hasn’t let that go and interfered in Naomi’s match last week. On last night’s SmackDown, Lana watched Naomi’s match against Tamina from ringside. After the match was over, Lana attacked Naomi and then celebrated over her with the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Naomi will look to get revenge this Sunday as she defends her title against Lana at Money in the Bank.

Here are some of the tweets Lana has been sending out recently about the match:

Charlotte On Making History At MITB, John Cena Voices Animated Character (Videos)

Robert Lentini
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WWE has posted a new video of Charlotte talking about the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match this Sunday. Charlotte stated that this is another opportunity for to be a part of women’s history and that she couldn’t have picked a better group of women to do it with. Charlotte also admitted that she is nervous because she has never worked with ladders, but still wants to steal the show during Sunday’s PPV. You can check out the full interview in the video below.

John Cena took to Twitter to post the trailer for the animated film Ferninand. Cena voices the main character of the film and it will be released in theaters on December 15th.

205 Live Highlights: Austin Aries Addresses His Future

Chris Stephens
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205 Live this week was from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Austin Aries made his first appearance since Extreme Rules, and an unfortunate angle from Raw was continued.

205 Live
June 13th 2017
New Orleans, LA

1. Cedric Alexander vs. Ariya Daivari

  • Alexander defeated Noam Dar on Raw, after Dar was distracted by his face-timing “fluffy button”, Alicia Fox. Daivari is coming off a win as well, having defeated Gran Metalik on Main Event.
  • Alexander was getting the upper hand when Noam Dar came down to ringside while again speaking to Alicia Fox through FaceTime. Dar’s phone was pictured on the big screen.
  • As Dar approached the ring, Cedric gave him a dropkick and took the phone. He hung up on Fox, then kicked out of a roll-up by Daivari.
  • After kicking out, Alexander hit the Lumbar Check and pinned Daivari.
  • He tried to tell Noam that things between them are over, but that doesn’t appear to be working for him.

Winner: Cedric Alexander

Austin Aries Addresses WWE Universe

  • Aries mentioned he has some injuries which will keep him out for awhile.
  • As he’s talking, “the Premiere Athlete” Tony Nese comes to ringside and starts running Aries down.
  • This brings out Jack Gallagher, who told Nese he was “no Austin Aries”.
  • Nese tried to attack Gallagher, but was thwarted, and thrown from the ring.

2. Akira Tozawa vs. TJP

  • Earlier in the show, we saw Tozawa backstage with Titus O’Neil. The leader of the Titus brand was trying hard to recruit Tozawa.
  • TJP and Rich Swann spoke briefly before the match. Swann told TJP that he had started to make the 205 Live fans believe in him again (not sure that’s true).
  • Tozawa won with a series of german suplexes, followed by a diving Senton for the pin.

Winner: Akira Tozawa

  • After the match, Titus O’Neil celebrated in the locker room, but was interrupted by Neville.
  • Neville said that Tozawa was only next in line for disappointment if he challenged him for the cruiserweight championship.
  • O’Neil told Neville, that Tozawa is the future of 205 Live.

Scheduled NXT Matches for Tonight: Asuka Defends Her Championship

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This week NXT is from Full Sail University, as we countdown to Takeover: Brooklyn III. The event will be held the night before SummerSlam, on August 19th, inside the Barclay’s Centre.

Tonight as many as 6 matches will take place, including an NXT Women’s championship title defence.

Matches for NXT Tonight:

Unless NXT airs some matches out of order (which has happened before) these should be the matches which air tonight:

  • Kassius Ohno vs. Aleister Black
  • Ember Moon vs. Peyton Royce w/Billie Kay
  • the Velveteen Dream vs. Raul Mendoza
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Rob “Terra” Ryzin
  • the Authors of Pain vs. Local Talent
  • NXT Women’s Championship Match
    Triple Threat, Elimination Rules
    Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross (Sanity) 

Finn Balor Speaks on “the Demon”, Reforming the Club, and His Unique Ab Workout

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Finn Balor recently spoke with the Australian media, and indicated he was available to wrestle at this year’s WrestleMania.

Additionally, Balor spoke of why he hasn’t wrestled as the demon in quite a while, and his pursuit to recapture the Universal championship.

Finn Balor Interview Highlights

On why he deserves a shot at the Universal title:

“Perhaps considering the fact I never actually lost the Universal Title, maybe at some point I’ll be granted a rematch — maybe against Samoa Joe or Brock Lesnar,”

On his decision to finish the match at SummerSlam:

“Obviously I hit the deck, my shoulder was out of place and it was kind of a make or break moment. Do you call for the doctor, abandon the match, be the guy who is forever remembered as the guy who blew an opportunity at Summerslam? Or with your left hand reach down, grab your right arm, pull it back into place and go and finish the match?

I wasn’t about to sacrifice many years of hard work for a little bit of a scratch on the shoulder.

Obviously it turned out a lot worse than first expected, but the show must go on and I’m glad I did what I did.”

On missing this year’s WrestleMania:

“It was quite an interesting scenario, because the reality was I actually was fit and I was ready and I was back wrestling, there was just no space on the card at WrestleMania,” Balor revealed.

“Obviously I had done my part in the rehabilitation, but it was kind of too late situating anything to do with the card. There was literally no space left, no opponents left, that was the reality of it.”

On the Demon character:

“The Demon character is something I draw on occasion. It’s something that requires a lot of focus to tap into and really requires the right situation for me to sort of draw on that darker side of my personality.

Since I’ve been back on Raw, the opportunity hasn’t really presented itself to tap into that side and I’ve had such a good time being back I haven’t wanted to change.

I quite like walking out in my sweet new Balor club jacket. popping my collar and being Mr Cool.”

On Reforming the (Bullet) Club in WWE:

“To me it was a moment in time. That moment for me was four years ago. A lot has changed in those four years.

Myself, Luke, Karl have a lot of history together and AJ (Styles) is on Smackdown, the possibility of perhaps reuniting in the future, sure it’s tasty to a lot of people. I think individually right now we’re all stronger on our own paths.

Maybe that will change in the future. We may need to reassemble the troops, but for now I think we’re all doing fine.”

On how to get great abs:

“It’s a very simple answer, how to get my abs so defined. I have a very healthy diet of a lot of laughter. If you laugh all the time, you’re consistently flexing your abdominals all the time.

You can be doing abs all day long. Watch a lot of comedy, listen to funny TV shows and podcasts and have a general positive outlook on life and Bob’s your uncle.”

The full interview can be read here.

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