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Jinder Mahal on When He Found Out He’d Win The WWE Title, Issues Message To Brock Lesnar, More

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Champion Jinder Mahal recently did an interview with Sportskeeda to react to his title win at Backlash this past weekend against Randy Orton. You can check out what he had to say here:

What was the backstage reaction to your title win? Did Mr.McMahon say anything to you after your title win?

“The backstage reaction has been very good. Vince was very happy. He was really proud of me because Vince knows how much work I’ve put in. And, I told Vince, ‘Hey Vince, my goal is to come back every week and improve. Every time you see me perform I’m going to get better on the mic, going to get better in the ring and I’ll be in better shape every week.’

“I think Vince really appreciates that and WWE is a place where they reward hard work and I’m an example of that.”

When did you find out that you’d be winning the title last night?

“I found out the day of.”

You’re now going to be a full-time WWE Champion while your counterpart on RAW, Brock Lesnar, is a part-timer. What are your thoughts on that and do you have any message for Brock Lesnar?

“I have no problem with Brock Lesnar being a part-timer because he’s earned that spot. He’s a multiple time champion in WWE, a former UFC Champion, NCAA amateur wrestling champion so his accolades speak for themselves. He’s at a point where he calls the shots and he decides whether he’ll be part-time or full-time. I’m young, I’m hungry. This is my first taste of WWE gold. I only want more and I’m not satisfied. I want to retire, when it’s all said and done, as one of the greats.

“My message to Brock is that the Maharaja does what it takes to be a true champion, a full-time fighting champion willing to take on anybody – whether it’s Brock, Cena, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns or anybody.”

John Cena Talks About Wanting To Play Vince McMahon On The Big Screen, Wrestler Deaths

Staff
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16-time world champion John Cena recently appeared on Variety’s Playback podcast to discuss his new movie The Wall, taking time away from WWE and much more. You can listen to the full episode here:

Here’s what John Cena said about:

Deaths in Pro Wrestling:

“I think it all comes down to personal choice. You look at choices in the entertainment industry, there are great entertainers that we lose too soon all because it comes down to personal choice, so it’s not necessarily the life. There are a lot of guys that did all those dates on the road and they’re fine. And there are a lot of guys who lived like there was no tomorrow and guess what: when you do that there’s no tomorrow. Like, that stuff catches up with you plain and simple, so it’s again, not [relegated] to a profession.”

“What I admire about the WWE nowadays is that even though the way we are set up, as independent contractors, they take care of us as if we are family. They offer financial assistance, onsite healthcare if you get injured. We get injury pay now. They offer secondary education. They offer a second language program. The depth that they go to make sure we are protected is… they don’t need to do that and they do it anyway. It’s a great testament to how much they care about their current talent and talent of life after the [pro wrestling] business.”

The Vince McMahon Movie Script & The Possibly Of Playing Vince: 

“That script is amazing! That is something that I read in one sitting and, like, man, I need to be a part of this movie.” Cena admitted, “man, I don’t want to get myself in hot water with him, but I’d love to. I’d love to. I just love the story. The words jump off the page. I certainly know and admire the man. He’s literally one of my heroes. He has been a friend, a father, a mentor. Whoever does that, they have a wonderfully crafted challenge in front of them because he is one-of-a-kind.”

“I think [Tom Hardy] would be a fantastic choice. I don’t know if he has final say. I think the people making the movie do, but that’s a fantastic choice. Vince is just so unique, man. I can’t wait to see the movie. They already have my ticket money.”

Impact President: WWE Not Interested In “Broken Matt” Gimmick

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Impact Wrestling President Ed Nordholm was a recent guest on Live Audio Wrestling and spoke about the legal situation involving the Hardys and the rights to the “Broken Universe.” For all the back and forth we’ve seen on Twitter, Nordholm is very confident that he will prevail:

“I don’t believe I have ownership, I know I have ownership.”

Thanks to Live Audio Wrestling for sending in this recap:

A lot of people will want to know about the relationship with the Hardys.

“I think it’s unquestionable that the ownership of the characters in the storyline resides in Impact Wrestling. I don’t think even the Hardys would dispute that. They’ve all signed contracts. Their contracts are standard contracts. Not only in the wrestling industry, but in the entertainment industry, generally, the producer of the show owns the content and it doesn’t really matter who in the creative team came up with the idea of what the character should be.

The person that owns the storyline and the character is the person who invested to take that idea and put it on TV. That’s what we did. Impact put those characters on TV, and the contracts with those people are indisputably contracts that provide their IP to Impact.”

Are you open to speaking and sitting down with the Hardys?

“Oh, of course. I was open to speaking before and I’m open now. We’ve offered many times to find an arrangement with the Hardys that would allow them to continue to use the gimmick within reasonable parameters as to what’s important to us and what would be important to them.

I understand with the dynamic of their move to the WWE and drama with which they created that launch – I understand their plan to create maximum “heat” in that period from when they announced to us that they weren’t going to sign the contracts, to the date that they revealed their new location. But I kinda half-expected that once that had been achieved, the thing would die its own natural death because as far as I know, the WWE doesn’t want the gimmick, and indeed, from every conversation I’ve had with them, I’ve been told they have no interest in it.”

So they’re not actively pursuing it from you?

“Oh god, no. We’ve been in communication because there’s all this chatter about how we’re keeping it from them. [Laughs] I’m taking heat because I’m keeping something from you. If you want it, why don’t you call me? And their answer to me has been, ‘No, not interested.'”

Back in March, the Hardys appeared on a Ring of Honor event in Manhattan announcing they would be appearing on the following Friday’s pay-per-view. What had come out was that on Friday, ROH was notified a few hours before the pay-per-view to stop utilizing these characters on their broadcast.

“We had conversations with the Ring of Honor people before the Manhattan event as to what I was gonna be good with and what they were good with. I thought we had an understanding as to where the line was going to be, and they communicated to me that they understood our position and would honour it.

It became apparent in the day before the pay-per-view event that whatever Ring of Honor was putting forward as to who was showing up, who was being teased, and actually who they intended to appear was going to be the [Broken Hardy] characters. We did what people who own intellectual property do. You can’t do that. We had an understanding. You’re not living by that understanding.”

How would you characterize the relationship now with Ring of Honor?

“Fine. I think the Ring of Honor people would have preferred had we not interfered with that show. I don’t think they hold any ill will toward me for doing what I did. I’ve had discussions with Joe [Koff, Ring of Honor COO] from time to time. There’s still opportunities for us to be working with Ring of Honor much in the same way we intended to do before the Hardy Brothers left. T

hey’ve got lots of other wrestlers within their organization that would be fun to see against our wrestlers and vice-versa, I’m sure. So hopefully as the heat from all of this dies down at some point, we can start working with them in much the same way as we intend to work with AAA or NOAH or anybody else. It doesn’t have to be an international partner for us to be wanting to bring the fans opportunities to see match-ups they want to see.”

Goldberg Talks About Wrestling For WWE Again, Getting In Ring Shape Being “Traumatizing”

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Former RAW Universal Champion Bill Goldberg recently spoke with WrestlingInc.com and stated once again that the door is always open for a potential return to the ring.

Goldberg has been honest about how difficult it was to get in ‘Goldberg’ shape at 50 years old. He made headlines in the week leading up to WrestleMania when he revealed the intense training was making him “absolutely miserable.” For everything he put his body through, Goldberg says it was worth it so his family could see him wrestle and to ‘right the wrong’ of his first run with WWE in the early 2000’s.

Here are some highlights from this recent interview wrestling WrestlingINC:

Getting back in the gym after taking time off following WrestleMania 33: 

“I’m feeling great as I am sitting in my massage chair doing this interview. How I feel now is a culmination of 50 years of battering my body; whether it’d be in football or wrestling, going to my Muay Thai gym, it’s been a life that I have accepted and a life I wouldn’t change for the world, but at the same time it’s a life of pain, so it is what it is.

“I was in the gym [last Wednesday] doing my Muay Thai. I took a month off. My body needed it; my body needed to recover from the toxic shock that I kind of put it through. It was a very traumatizing physical experience for me, so yeah, I let my body rest for a month and am back at it.”

Comparing his recent WWE run to his first stint over a decade ago:

“As a performer you want the best for your character and your business, you want to go out and do the best that you can do personally and professionally. It was a wrong that was re-written. Whatever the circumstances may have been, at the end of the day, the character finally got what it deserved and I am not talking about me, I’m talking about the character.”

Wrestling for WWE again:

“Personally and professionally, it’s something that I would have to take into consideration if it was ever presented to me again. As far as the physical aspect is concerned, as I sit and look at myself in the gym I ask myself what I am going to do with this? I don’t think it’s an impossibility, but it could be an improbability to ever get back in the ring, but never say never. Like I said the last time; you never know who is next and you never know what is next.”

The Rock Delivers Viewers For SNL, Double Main Event For Next Week’s RAW

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– This week’s episode of Main Event on the WWE Network will feature TJ Perkins vs. Gran Metalik and Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. Curt Hawkins & Curtis Axel. The matches were taped prior to Monday’s RAW from Grand Rapids.

– At the conclusion of Monday’s RAW, General Manager Kurt Angle announced two big matches for next week. Finn Balor, Samoa Joe and Bray Wyatt will square off in a triple threat match and former Shield partners Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins will collide. This is the final show before next weekend’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view.

– The Rock’s appearance on Saturday Night Live this past weekend drew big viewership for NBC. The show drew 8.272 million viewers, making it the most-watched season finale of SNL since 2011. If you haven’t already, check out:

Feud Brewing Between Kassius Ohno & Hideo Itami?

Chris Stephens
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After NXT Takeover: Chicago concluded, unsuccessful NXT title challenger, Hideo Itami, was quite distraught in the back. The normally mild-mannered Itami was confronted by Kassius Ohno, who also lost an NXT title match to Bobby Roode earlier this year.

Hideo Itami vs. Kassius Ohno

Ohno attempted to calm down Itami, but may have put himself in his crosshairs instead. The 36-year old Itami has been frustrated with his run in NXT since signing with the company in 2014. Injuries, and now his loss to Roode, have prevented him from playing a larger role in NXT, or get called-up to the main roster.

As for Kassius Ohno, the 37 year-old was released from WWE developmental in 2013, but resigned last year. He lost an NXT title shot to Bobby Roode not long after re-debuting in NXT. Ohno most recently defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas in NXT’s main event last week.

Jinder Mahal To Throw Punjabi Celebration Tonight on Smackdown

Chris Stephens
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New WWE champion, Jinder Mahal, plans to have a celebration that will be felt all the way in India tonight on Smackdown. WWE has announced that Jinder will throw a “Punjabi Celebration” tonight in honor of his championship win.

https://twitter.com/IanisaGoodDude/status/866996007812333569

Jinder Mahal as WWE champion

Jinder will most likely have to defend this title against former champion Randy Orton at some point. Also, waiting in the wings is the returning Rusev. The injured Bulgarian insisted he be granted a WWE title opportunity at Money in the Bank in July.

If WWE plans to have Jinder defend against Rusev at MITB, it will either be a heel vs. heel match, or one of them (most likely Rusev), will turn face beforehand.

Last year at MITB, Dean Ambrose captured and cashed-in the briefcase on the same night. A lot could happen with the WWE title in the next couple of months.

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Day 5 Results

Jake Skudder
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New Japan’s yearly Best of the Super Juniors tournament is now well underway.

The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as BOSJ) is essentially the Junior Heavyweight version of the G1 Climax tournament that takes place in July. Competitors are split into two Blocks and must compete with every wrestler in their block round robin style. Points are awarded for victories and the eventual winners of the two groups face off in a final match to determine the winner.

Here are the results from Day 5 of the tournament which is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com.

 

Non Tournament Matches

Hirai Kawato & Tomoyuki Oka b. Katsuya Kitamura & Shota Umino – Kawato took the win for his team with a Boston Crab in around 7 minutes

Taichi & TAKA Michinoku b. Will Ospreay & Jado – Taichi took the win for his team after hitting the Tenshojujiho on Jado

Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll b. Raymond Rowe, Hanson, David Finlay & Ricochet – Tonga took the win for Bullet Club after hitting the Gun Stun on Rowe

Satoshi Kojima, Juice Robinson, Jushin Thunder Liger & Dragon Lee b. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI – Juice Robinson took the win for his team after hitting the Pulp Fiction on EVIL

BOSJ B Block Matches

Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. Volador Jr. – Kanemaru hit the Deep Impact to take his tournament tally to 2-1 (4 Points). Volador is now on 1-2 (2 Points)

Tiger Mask IV b. ACH – Tiger Mask wins in another upset with his Crucifix Hold. He is now 2-1 in the tournament (4 Points). ACH is now at 1-2 (2 Points)

El Desperado b. Ryusuke Taguchi – Desperado wins again with his Pinche Loco, he is now 3-0 (6 Points). This was Taguchi’s first loss, he is now at 2-1 (4 points)

KUSHIDA b. BUSHI – KUSHIDA finally gets his first win to take his tally up to 1-2 (2 Points). This was BUSHI’s third consecutive loss 0-3 (0 Points)

WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (5/22)

Robert Lentini
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Bray Wyatt kicked off this week’s episode of RAW and told the people in the crowd to stand up. Wyatt claimed that he was going to win the Fatal 5-Way match at Extreme Rules to become #1 contender for the Universal Championship. Wyatt also said that he would then conquer the beast Brock Lesnar and become Universal Champion. Bray claimed that their are no friends in his world, only followers. Wyatt said that he sacrificed Samoa Joe and Seth Rollins. Bray also claimed that Finn Balor couldn’t defeat Brock Lesnar.

Wyatt then said that Roman Reigns claims that this is his yard, but that Wyatt owns the world. Roman Reigns interrupted and still had bandages on his arm and shoulder. Reigns got in the ring and dared Wyatt to say it to his face. Wyatt laughed and said that he was the only one on RAW that can beat Brock Lesnar. Reigns disagreed and stated that he is going to win at Extreme Rules and go on to defeat Brock Lesnar. Reigns said that he wasn’t worried about Extreme Rules right now. Instead, Reigns was worried about how is going to get Bray Wyatt out of his yard.

RAW GM Kurt Angle came down to the entrance ramp and made a match between Reigns and Wyatt.

Reaction: Wyatt cut a solid promo here. I like Reigns’ new attitude. His promos are short and he gets right to the point. I couldn’t stand Reigns when he was cutting goofy promos. There really isn’t that much to complain about with Roman Reigns now.

Roman Reigns vs Bray Wyatt

Wyatt tried to hit Sister Abigail right away but Reigns blocked it and booted him out of the ring. Wyatt got back into the ring and slammed Reigns to the mat. Bray then bit the bottom rope and laughed. Wyatt charged at Reigns in the corner but Reigns was ready and knocked him down with a Clothesline. Reigns beatdown Wyatt in the corner as dueling “lets go Roman!” and “Roman sucks!” chants broke out in the arena. Wyatt knocked Reigns to the mat with a shoulder tackle and Samoa Joe came down to the ring.

Joe applied the Coquina Clutch to Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt was disqualified. Bray Wyatt then attacked Reigns but Joe locked him in the Coquina Clutch. Seth Rollins sprinted to the ring and attacked Joe. Rollins connected with a kick that sent Joe out of the ring. Wyatt went to attack Rollins but Reigns planted him with a Superman Punch. The theme song for Extreme Rules then started blaring as everyone awkwardly stared at each other. Rollins and Reigns didn’t attack each other. Finn Balor didn’t come down to the ring either.

Winner via DQ: Roman Reigns

Reaction: The match itself was a few minutes of basic moves. The “brawl” at the end was anticlimactic and silly. It just ended so abruptly with “Hellfire” blaring and everyone staring at each other.

Rollins and Reigns were shown backstage. Reigns told Rollins that he didn’t need his help. Rollins said that he wasn’t out there to help him, he was out there to fight Samoa Joe. RAW GM Kurt Angle then joined the party and made a tag match for the main event of tonight’s RAW. Samoa Joe & Bray Wyatt will face Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns later tonight. The Drifter Elias Samson then walked by strumming his guitar. Angle informed The Drifter that he has a match tonight against Dean Ambrose.

Akira Tozawa vs Ariya Daivari

Tozawa won this match quickly with a Senton off the top rope. Brian Kendrick was shown backstage watching the match. Kendrick said that he will destroy Tozawa tomorrow night in their Street Fight on 205 Live.

Winner: Akira Tozawa

Sasha Banks was interviewed backstage about her match tonight against Alicia Fox. Noam Dar and Alicia Fox interrupted and made fun of Sasha for not having anyone by her side. Noam Dar went to say something else to Sasha but Banks got right in his face and Dar backed down. Sasha Banks then walked away.

Elias Samson performed a song in the middle of the ring. During the song, Samson said that the crowd should say goodbye to Dean Ambrose. Ambrose cut the performance short by interrupting and coming down to the ring.

Dean Ambrose vs Elias Samson

The Miz and Maryse joined commentary for this match. Ambrose controlled the match early and applied an Arm Bar. Samson battled out of the hold and knocked Ambrose to the mat. Samson then beatdown Ambrose in the corner and smashed his head off the ring apron. Samson followed it up with a knee to Ambrose’s head as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Samson was still in control and had Ambrose in a Chin Lock. Ambrose battled out of the hold but Samson knocked him to the mat with a Clothesline. Samson went for another Clothesline but Ambrose reversed it into a Neckbreaker. Ambrose climbed to the top rope and went to leap onto Samson but Samson hit Ambrose with a knee to the face while Ambrose was in midair.

https://twitter.com/HEEL_TEM/status/866819161745391616

Ambrose hit the Lunatic Lariat and The Miz sprinted down to the ring. The Miz then punched Elias Samson in order to disqualify Ambrose. Dean then chased Ambrose around the ring and finally caught him. Ambrose went for a Dirty Deeds on Miz but Samson attacked Ambrose from behind. Samson then planted Ambrose with a Swinging Neckbreaker. The Miz and Maryse clapped for Samson on the entrance ramp.

Winner via DQ: Elias Samson

Reaction: The musical performance before the match was painful. However, Samson looked good in his in-ring debut on RAW. While it is entertaining, I hope Extreme Rules marks the end of the feud between Ambrose and Miz. I’m just tired of it and want to see someone new vying for the Intercontinental Championship.

Big Cass was shown trying to wake up Enzo Amore. Enzo was apparently attacked backstage and knocked out. RAW GM Kurt Angle showed up and assured Enzo that he would get to the bottom of this. Enzo was then taken away by the medical staff. Big Cass got in Angle’s face and stated that Angle better hope he finds out who did this before he does.

Finn Balor came down to the ring to cut a promo. Balor was quickly interrupted by Paul Heyman. Heyman ran down the list of Superstars in the Fatal 5-Way at Extreme Rules and said that Brock Lesnar will make whoever wins a victim. Heyman came down to the ring and said that Balor wasn’t an underdog. Heyman said that he believed in his heart that Balor is the most talented in-ring performer in WWE today. Heyman then extended his hand and wished Balor good luck at Extreme Rules. Balor and Heyman then shook hands.

Balor stated that he was glad that Heyman was here and that it was no surprise that Lesnar wasn’t there. Balor told Heyman to give Brock Lesnar a message. The message was simply “Finn Balor will beat Brock Lesnar”. Karl Anderson interrupted and came down to the ring with Luke Gallows.

Finn Balor vs Karl Anderson

RAW went to a commercial break as Anderson and Gallows were making their way down to the ring. When RAW returned, Anderson was in control but Balor quickly fought back. Balor knocked Anderson to the mat and stomped on him several times. Anderson battled back and connected with a series of punches. Anderson had a Chin Lock applied for a moment but Balor battled out of it with elbows to Anderson’s chest. Anderson then planted Balor with a Backbreaker and applied the Chin Lock again.

Balor once again battled out of the hold and connected with a kick to Anderson’s head. Balor connected with another kick while Anderson was perched up on the top turnbuckle. Anderson fell to the floor outside the ring. Balor then hit a Dropkick on Gallows outside the ring. Back in the ring, Balors went for the Coupe De Grace but Anderson got out of the way. Anderson then hit a Spinebuster for a two count.

Finn stomped on Anderson’s midsection and Anderson rolled out of the ring. Balor then Moonsaulted onto Gallows and Anderson outside the ring. Balor hit a Slingblade and followed it up with a Dropkick that knocked Anderson to the mat. Balor then hit the Coupe De Grace for the victory.

Winner: Finn Balor

Reaction: Balor humorously messed up during his promo and accidentally said “Vital 5-Way” instead of Fatal 5-Way. Paul Heyman came down to the ring and worked his magic. I actually want to see a match between Brock Lesnar and Finn Balor. I wanted Balor to attack Lesnar right when he returned simply because he never lost the Universal Championship. Balor and Anderson put on a solid match as well. Thankfully, this match didn’t end in a DQ because we have already seen two of those tonight.

Alicia Fox vs Sasha Banks

Banks launched Fox across the ring to start off the match. Sasha quickly went for the Bank Statement but Fox grabbed the ropes. Alicia then rolled out of the ring but Sasha hit her with a Dropkick through the ropes. Sasha then threw Fox back in the ring but was distracted by Noam Dar. Fox kicked Banks in the head and went for a roll-up but Sasha kicked out at two. Sasha connected with Double Knees in the corner. Banks then hung Alicia up in between the ropes and hit Double Knees again for the victory.

After the match, Sasha slapped Noam Dar in the face. Fox then hit Sasha with a scissors kick.

Winner: Sasha Banks

Kalisto was backstage talking with Apollo Crews. Kalisto told Crews that he was fighting Titus O’Neil’s battles. Kalisto asked Crews if he was the one that attacked Enzo Amore backstage. Crews denied it and Titus O’Neil. Titus asked Kalisto if he wanted to be a part of the “Titus Brand”. Kalisto said no and O’Neil said that Crews is going to teach Kalisto a lesson in respect tonight.

A Goldust video promo was shown. Goldust is back to his original character and stated that the “Golden Age” is back.

Alexa Bliss was interviewed backstage about her Kendo Stick on a Pole match against Bayley at Extreme Rules. Alexa Bliss hit Bayley with a kendo stick last week on RAW and showed no remorse tonight. Bliss said that she is going to make sure Bayley’s entire body is covered with welts after Extreme Rules. Bliss stated that Bayley is not capable of being extreme. Bliss claimed that she was going to turn Mickie James’ dreams into nightmares tonight.

Apollo Crews vs Kalisto

Crews controlled the majority of this match. O’Neil started shouting at Crews and Apollo became distracted. Kalisto then hit the Salida del Sol for the victory. After the match, O’Neil screamed at Crews in the ring.

Winner: Kalisto

Reaction: This quick match wrapped up a pretty boring second hour of RAW. I thought O’Neil managing Crews was a decent idea. However, it won’t help Crews at all if he continues to lose short matches.

Matt Hardy vs Sheamus (Winner Picks Stipulation At Extreme Rules)

Matt Hardy controlled the beginning of the match and Clotheslined Sheamus out of the ring. Cesaro and Sheamus had a discussion outside the ring and Matt Hardy attacked Sheamus. Sheamus got the upper-hand and slammed Matt into the ring apron. Sheamus hung up Hardy on the top rope and ran into him and Matt went flying into the barricade outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Sheamus climbed up to the top rope and hit a Clothesline for a two count. Matt went for a roll-up and Sheamus kicked out at two. Matt slammed Sheamus’ head into all three turnbuckles several times and the crowd broke out in a “delete!” chant. Sheamus responded and slammed Hardy to the mat and RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Sheamus was still in control and had Matt in a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Matt got back to his feet as Jeff cheered him on ringside. Sheamus planted Matt Hardy with White Noise for a two count. Sheamus perched Matt Hardy up on the top turnbuckle and Jeff Hardy hopped up on the ring apron. Sheamus got distracted and Matt Hardy planted him with a Tornado DDT.

Hardy connected with a Side Effect for a two count. Sheamus blocked the Twist of Fate and hit Matt with a knee to the face. Sheamus went for the pinfall but Hardy grabbed the bottom rope to break the count. Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick but Matt Hardy rolled out of the ring. Jeff Hardy then leaped onto Cesaro outside the ring. Sheamus then kicked Jeff in the back through the ropes. Matt Hardy then connected with the Twist of Fate for the victory.

After the match, Matt Hardy announced that the RAW Tag Team Championship match will take place in a steel cage.

Winner: Matt Hardy

Reaction: A Steel Cage match works for me. I have enjoyed this feud and am looking forward to their match at Extreme Rules.

Austin Aries vs Tony Nese

Neville was ringside for this match. Aries controlled the match early and connected with an elbow off the second rope for a two count. Aries launched himself over the top rope and landed on Nese outside the ring. The action returned to the ring and Aries got distracted with Neville. Nese took advantage of that and attacked Aries’ knee as Neville clapped in an office chair ringside.

Aries battled back and connected with a couple of chops to Nese’s chest. Aries leaped off the second rope but Nese hit him an elbow while he was in midair. Aries applied a Guillotine submission hold. Nese fought out of it but Aries immediately locked in the Last Chancery for the victory.

After the match, Neville attacked Nese and applied the Rings of Saturn. Aries mockingly gave Neville two thumbs up from the entrance ramp.

Winner: Austin Aries

Reaction: The crowd was painfully silent for this match and were also quiet for the match between Tozawa and Daivari earlier in the night. The feud between Austin Aries and Neville was interesting at first but now it feels like it has been going on forever. I’m not sure if putting the Cruiserweight Championship on Austin Aries at Extreme Rules will garner any more interest in 205 Live. It might be worth a shot because I can’t imagine too many people are watching 205 Live every week. Neville and Aries will battle in a Submission Match at Extreme Rules.

Mickie James vs Alexa Bliss

Mickie controlled the beginning of the match and taunted Alexa. Mickie kicked Bliss in the face and followed it up with an elbow to the jaw. Bliss connected with a right hand and hit a DDT for the victory. After the match, Alexa Bliss grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring. Bliss struck Mickie James in the back with the kendo stick. Bayley came down to the ring and grabbed the kendo stick. Alexa Bliss rolled out of the ring and retreated backstage.

Winner: Alexa Bliss

Reaction: Alexa Bliss hit Mickie with a vicious kendo stick shot. The “I’d rather be at SmackDown” sign directly behind her was even more vicious.

Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins vs Bray Wyatt & Samoa Joe

Seth Rollins’ music played after Bray Wyatt entered the ring for some reason. Corey Graves chalked it up to mind games from Bray Wyatt. Samoa Joe then came down to the ring.

Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt started off the match. Rollins hit Joe off the ring apron and then threw Bray Wyatt out of the ring. Rollins then beatdown both Wyatt and Joe outside the ring and brought Wyatt back into the ring. Rollins got distracted by Joe while on the ring apron and Wyatt shoved him off and Rollins smashed into the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Rollins connected with a Dropkick and knocked Bray to the mat. Rollins tagged in Reigns and Roman leveled Wyatt with a couple of Clotheslines. Reigns planted Bray with a Samoan Drop and then geared up for the Superman Punch. Bray then did his spider walk and Joe attacked Reigns from behind. Joe continued the attack on Reigns and slammed Roman into the barricade outside the ring.

Joe continued to beatdown Roman Reigns in the ring for the next few minutes. Bray Wyatt was tagged in and he continued to beat the hell out of Reigns. Reigns hit a Drive By on Samoa Joe outside the ring. Bray Wyatt knocked Seth Rolins off the ring apron and then Reigns threw Wyatt out of the ring. Samoa Joe rolled Bray Wyatt back in the ring and Wyatt tagged Joe in the match. Reigns finally was able to tag in Seth Rollins.

Rollins connected with a Slingblade on Joe and then threw him out of the ring. Rollins then hit a Suicide Dive onto Joe and Wyatt outside the ring. Back in the ring, Rollins hit a Crossbody onto both Joe and Wyatt. Bray went for a Sister Abigail onto Rollins but Reigns broke it up. Reigns then knocked Wyatt out of the ring and went for a Superman Punch on Samoa Joe. Joe got out of the way and Reigns accidentally leaped onto Rollins.

Seth and Reigns then argued in the ring. Bray Wyatt dragged Reigns out of the ring. Bray Wyatt hit the Sister Abigail on Reigns outside the ring and Samoa Joe applied the Coquina Clutch to Seth Rollins in the middle of the ring. Rollins didn’t submit but passed out due to the hold.

Finn Balor had a conversation with RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage. Balor asked for a match next week against one of the four Superstars he will be competing against in the Fatal 5-Way at Extreme Rules. Angle informed Balor that he will face Samoa Joe and Bray Wyatt in a Triple Threat match next week. Angle also announced that Roman Reigns will face Seth Rollins next week on RAW. Angle then referred to himself as a great GM and RAW went off the air.

Winners: Bray Wyatt & Samoa Joe

Reaction: I found RAW to be remarkably boring tonight. The main-event was decent, but there was just zero energy in the crowd the entire night. I’m looking forward to the Fatal 5-Way match at Extreme Rules, but this build has been very uneventful. The injury to Braun Strowman is really hurting RAW right now because Strowman was becoming a star.

What did you think of this week’s episode of RAW? Let us know in the comments below.

ROH Report: Omega, Cody & Young Bucks vs. Will Ospreay, Okada & the Briscoes

Chris Stephens
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0

ROH TV
airdate: May 22nd 2017 (Fite App)
Tokyo, Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgEJH88oFA8

This week on Ring of Honor television, matches were from the company’s shows from Tokyo in late February. In addition to wrestlers from ROH, many NJPW stars were featured as well.

1. NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships
Delirious, Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Sanada, Bushi, & Evil (Los Ingobernables)(c)

Surprisingly, the only ROH wrestler in this match was Delirious, and he’s actually the ROH booker. He likes to wrestle when they go to Japan though, so he was on the card here.

Sanada and Delirious ended up being the two legal wrestlers in the ring at the end of the match. Delirious looked like he was a little too unorthodox for Sanada, but Evil bashed Delirious in the head with a chair when the refs back was turned.

After that, Sanada put him in the “Skull and Bones” and made him tap for the win.

Winners: Los Ingobernables ( 1st title defence- later lost titles to “Taguchi Japan”)

2. NEVER Openweight Championship
Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Punishment Martinez

35 year-old Luis “Punishment” Martinez is a 13-year pro who is just now starting to get a break. Originally trained at the Monster Factory in New Jersey, Martinez wrestled the indies until heading to Ring of Honor’s school for additional training in 2015. He has since had a short-lived alliance with Kevin Sullivan that boosted his name value some.

He got a big opportunity here in a match against a well-known NJPW champion. While Goto has since dropped the title to Minoru Suzuki, he is a 3x NJPW Cup winner, 1x IWGP Intercontinental champion, and multi-time tag team champion as well.

Goto countered the “South of Heaven Chokeslam” into the GTR to retain the championship.

Winner: Hirooki Goto (1 of 3 successful title defences he had before losing the title to Suzuki on April 27th 2017) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6IIURNdHlI

3. Kenny Omega, Cody & the Young Bucks (Bullet Club) vs. The Briscoes, Will Ospreay & Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS)

There were lots of really innovative spots between the Young Bucks and Will Ospreay early. When Ospreay was dazed on the apron the Bucks would both super-kick him off, only for him to fall into the arms of Cody and Omega, who placed him back on the apron to be super-kicked again. This happened a few times.

Ospreay ended up taking a lot of Bullet Club offence before making a hot tag into Okada, who cleaned house, followed by Mark Briscoe doing the same. As with most Young Buck matches, there was a lot to keep track of.

Mark Briscoe and Okada gave Omega consecutive elbows from the top, leading to Okada attempting a rainmaker clothesline on his challenger from WrestleKingdom 11. Omega countered the rainmaker with a jumping knee however, but then ran right into a standing spanish fly by Ospreay. Okada tagged in Ospreay and Omega tagged in Cody, and they would be the final two legal wrestlers in the match.

Ospreay hit a hesitation dropkick in the corner followed by a Falcon Arrow for a near-fall. After dodging a diving attack however, Cody countered Ospreay’s springboard cutter into the Cross Rhodes and got the pin.

Winners: Bullet Club (Cody pinned Ospreay)

Finn Balor vs. Karl Anderson Announced for RAW Tonight

Chris Stephens
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4

2 of the original 4 members of Bullet Club will square off tonight when Finn Balor goes one-on-one with Karl Anderson. The match was announced by WWE less than an hour before the star of tonight’s Raw.

The Original Bullet Club

Anderson and Balor played a larger role in forming the Bullet Club than any other 2 superstars. The name, Bullet Club, comes from a combination of their nicknames at the time: Balor, as Prince Devitt, was “the Shooter”, and Anderson was “Machine Gun” Karl Anderson.

Prince Devitt grew frustrated when he was unable to defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi, as did Karl Anderson for the same reasons. The two “good guys” both turned heel and began bringing the tactics of the nWo into NJPW.

The other 2 original 4 members were Bad Luck Fale, who served as Balor’s “Personal Bouncer” at the time, and Tama Tonga, who is the son of Haku, aka Meng.

Stipulation Added for Extreme Rules Match

Chris Stephens
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13

Austin Aries will challenge Neville for the Cruiserweight championship on Sunday June 4th at the Extreme Rules 2017 PPV. The event will be held inside Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD.

Recently, WWE announced the title match will be a “submissions match”.

Austin Aries vs. Neville at Extreme Rules 2017

This will be the 3rd Cruiserweight championship match in a row for Aries. He failed to win the title at WrestleMania, and again at Payback from Neville.

In their 1st title match at WrestleMania 33, Neville clawed at Aries’ eye to gain the advantage and the win. At Payback, Neville got himself intentionally disqualified to save his title, leading to the upcoming 3rd bout at Extreme Rules.

WWE RAW Results & Discussion (5/22)

Eric Lynch
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1,186

The May 22nd edition of WWE RAW aired live on the USA Network from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.

– Bray Wyatt comes out to the ring first to open up tonight’s show. Wyatt cuts a promo about how he is the only one on the WWE roster who can “slay the beast.” Roman Reigns comes out to interrupt. Wyatt says he’s the only one who can beat Lesnar, but Reigns says that’s not going to happen because he’s going to be the one getting the Universal Title shot. RAW GM Kurt Angle interrupts next and says he’s impatient, so he wants to see Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt right now. Angle orders a referee to come out and ring the bell. Oh it’s true, it’s damn true.

– Roman Reigns def. Bray Wyatt via DQ: Reigns starts off strong but Wyatt stops his momentum with a side suplex. Wyatt whips Reigns into the corner and Reigns comes back with a clothesline. Reigns hits a series of clotheslines on Wyatt in the corner, but Wyatt comes back with a spear. Both men are down when Samoa Joe’s music hits and the Samoan Submission Machine hits the ring. Joe looks back and forth between Bray and Roman, then locks Roman in the Coquina Clutch. Joe locks the hold on Wyatt next, then Seth Rollins hits the ring. Rollins chases off Joe, then Reigns drops Wyatt with a Superman punch. Rollins and Reigns stand in the ring and stare down Joe and Wyatt at ringside.

– We see Reigns telling Rollins backstage that he doesn’t need his help. Rollins says he wasn’t there for Roman, he was there for Joe. Kurt Angle walks in and books them in a tag match against Joe and Bray later tonight. “The Drifter” Elias Samson walks in and Kurt Angle books him in his first match tonight against Dean Ambrose.

– Akira Tozawa def. Ariya Daivari: Tozawa starts off strong with strikes and a senton drop for a two count. Daivari comes back with a clothesline for a two count of his own. Kendrick is shown backstage and he’s answering questions from the announcers. Tozawa and Daivari trade boots and knees to the face until Tozawa drops him with a hurricanrana. Tozawa follows up with a German suplex and a senton drop from the top rope for the win.

– Sasha Banks does an interview backstage saying she’s going to win tonight and get away from Alicia Fox. Alicia and Noam Dar walk in and they have a brief exchange with Sasha. Sasha gets in their faces and they back off.

– Elias Samson def. Dean Ambrose via DQ: Samson is in the ring to play a song with his guitar before the match. The Miz is on commentary for this one. Samson controls the majority of the opening moments of this one. Samson hangs Ambrose’s over the end of the ring, rolls outside, and hits a running knee. Samson continues to control the pace back in the ring until Ambrose fires up with some elbows to the head. Ambrose boots Samson in the head and hits a swinging neckbreaker. Ambrose goes up top and comes flying off, but Samson stops him with a knee to the face. Samson follows up with a boot to the head, and Ambrose comes back with a clothesline. The Miz hits the ring and hits Samson to get Miz disqualified. Ambrose chases Miz down after the match, but Samson makes the save and drops Ambrose with a swinging reverse neckbreaker.

– Enzo Amore has been attacked backstage and he’s shown unconscious on the floor. Big Cass freaks out as referees check on Enzo. Medics check on Enzo who says he doesn’t know who attacked him. They help Enzo away, and Kurt Angle promises they’ll get to the bottom of it. Cass says Angle should hope he finds who did it before Cass finds them.

– Finn Balor comes out to the ring and says it sounds like Balor Club is there and “we” have our hands full with a five-way match at Extreme Rules. Balor is quickly interrupted by Paul Heyman who introduces himself and says he’s here to scout potential victims for his client Brock Lesnar. Heyman runs down the five competitors in the #1 contendership match at Extreme Rules, and says Lesnar will make them all victims. Heyman steps in the ring and says he doesn’t see Balor as an underdog, and Heyman calls him the most talented in-ring performer in WWE today. He says he’s most intrigued by the possibility of Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor for the Universal Title. Heyman shakes Balor’s hand and wishes him good luck in the five-way at Extreme Rules. Balor says he’s going to win at Extreme Rules and will go on to beat Lesnar for the Universal Title. Karl Anderson’s music interrupts, and we have a match.

– Finn Balor def. Karl Anderson: Balor starts off strong and stomps a mud hole in Anderson. Gallows interferes from ringside and allows Anderson to take control. Balor stops Anderson’s momentum with a Pele kick then some elbows to the face. Balor hits a dropkick then some chops to the chest. Balor kicks Anderson in the head and sends him falling to the outside. Balor kicks Gallows a couple times from the apron for good measure. Anderson gets back in the ring and hits a spinebuster on Balor for a two count. Anderson goes for a powerbomb but Balor gets out and stomps on Anderson. Anderson rolls outside and Balor hits a suicide dive onto both Anderson and Gallows on the floor. Back in the ring, Balor hits the Sling Blade and a dropkick. Balor goes up top and hits he Coup De Grace for the win.

– Kalisto and Apollo Crews are seen talking backstage when Titus interrupts. Titus tries to recruit Kalisto to The Titus Brand first, but then suggests Crews vs. Kalisto tonight. Crews seems to agree and walks off.

– Sasha Banks def. Alicia Fox: Sasha controls things early on, but Noam Dar distracts her and Alicia drops her from behind. Alicia slams Sasha’s head into the middle turnbuckle, but Sasha comes back and hangs Alicia up across the middle ropes in the corner. Sasha follows up with the double knee drop for the win. Dar gets in Sasha’s face after the match and Sasha slaps him. Alicia hits Sasha from behind then hits the scissor kick.

– We cut to a Shattered Dreams production with Goldust cutting a promo about gold never wearing or rusting. He says he’s back in the director’s chair and he controls when R-Truth’s film will end. He says the golden age is back and finishes up an old school-style Goldust promo.

– Alexa Bliss does an interview backstage where she says Bayley won’t be able to get extreme at Extreme Rules. She says she’s going to beat Mickie James tonight like she’s going to do to Bayley at Extreme Rules.

– Kalisto def. Apollo Crews: Crews keeps Kalisto grounded early on and hits a suplex for a two count. Titus shouts instructions from ringside and distracts Crews, which leads to Kalisto dropping Crews and getting the pinfall victory. Titus gets in Apollo’s face after the match and Apollo looks confused.

– Matt Hardy def. Sheamus: Jeff Hardy and Cesaro are both at ringside for this one. Matt goes for the Twist of Fate early on but Sheamus avoids it and rolls outside. They brawl around ringside where Sheamus takes control of things. Jeff gets a “Brother Nero” chant from the crowd. Sheamus takes Matt up to the apron and hits the 10 Beats of the Baron, but he stops early and bumps Matt down to the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Sheamus hits a flying clothesline off the top rope for a two count. Matt attempts a comeback but Sheamus stops him and hits a rolling senton for another two count. Sheamus hits the White Noise for a two count, then Hardy hits a tornado DDT for a two count of his own. Matt hits the Side Effect then goes for a Twist of Fate, but Sheamus escapes. Sheamus hits Matt with some elbows then a running knee to the face. Sheamus goes for the Brogue Kick but Matt ducks it and rolls outside. Cesaro tries sneaking up behind Matt but Jeff runs up on the apron and jumps on Cesaro to make the save. Matt rolls back in the ring and hits the Twist of Fate on Sheamus for the win.

– After the match, Matt and Jeff choose their stipulation for the Tag Title match at Extreme Rules. Matt announces that their match with Sheamus and Cesaro will be a steel cage match.

– Austin Aries def. Tony Nese: Neville is watching from ringside. Nese escapes a Last Chancery attempt early on and rolls outside. Aries follows up with a suicide plancha onto Nese, then he takes things back into the ring. Aries taunts the crowd for a moment and Nese capitalizes, dropping Aries and pummeling on him. Nese starts working over Aries’ bad knee. Aries gets up and comes jumping off the middle rope, but Nese blocks him with an elbow to the face. Aries reverses a suplex attempt and gets Nese in a front face lock. Aries drops Nese down to the mat and flips over to lock in the Last Chancery for the win via submission. Neville is not pleased, and he beats down Nese after the match for losing. Neville puts Nese in the Rings of Saturn.

– Alexa Bliss is seen getting ready for her non-title match up next.

– Alexa Bliss def. Mickie James: Mickie starts off with some forearm shots and kicks. Mickie hits a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Alexa comes back and hits a DDT for the win after a very short match. After the bell, Alexa grabs a kendo stick from under the ring and hits Mickie with it. Bayley comes out for the save and chases off Alexa. Bayley helps Mickie to the back.

– Samoa Joe & Bray Wyatt def. Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins: Rollins unloads with right hands on Wyatt to start things off. He throws Wyatt outside, and tells Roman this is easy. Rollins follows Wyatt outside and throws him into the fan barricade, then pummels on Joe. Joe distracts Rollins and Bray throws Rollins into the fan barricade. Reigns tags in and Joe distracts him from the apron, allowing Wyatt to attack Reigns from behind and drop him. Joe tags in and keeps Reigns grounded. He whips Reigns into the corner, hits a back splash on him, then a Pele kick. Wyatt tags in and lays into Reigns with right hands. Wyatt hits a running clothesline on Reigns in the corner for a two count. Wyatt throws Reigns outside where Joe brawls with Reigns. Reigns throws Joe into the ring post, then he drops Wyatt’s throat across the top rope. Joe and Rollins tag in and Rollins drops Joe. Joe rolls outside and Rollins hits a suicide dive onto both Joe and Wyatt on the floor. Back in the ring, Rollins goes up top but Joe stops him with punches. Wyatt and Joe go up on the turnbuckle with Rollins, but Rollins fights them off. Rollins hits a double cross-body off the top rope onto both Wyatt and Joe. Wyatt and Joe get up and double team Rollins until Reigns makes the save. Reigns goes for a Superman punch on Joe, but Joe side-steps it and Reigns accidentally punches Rollins instead. Rollins is not happy. Wyatt pulls Reigns out to ringside, and Joe runs up behind Rollins in the ring and locks in the Conquina Clutch. Rollins is out cold and the ref calls for the bell.

– Joe and Wyatt exchange words in the ring after the match as Kurt Angle watches on a monitor backstage. Finn Balor approaches Angle backstage and asks for a match next week. Angle says Balor will take on Joe and Wyatt in a triple threat. Angle also books Rollins vs. Reigns for next week. “Damn, I’m a great GM.”

PROGRESS Heading to New York City

Jake Skudder
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1

PROGRESS has announced that they will be heading to New York on Saturday August 12th. The yet to be named show will be taking place at the Elmcor Centre in Queens.

This will be PROGRESS’ second ever event in the United States after their Wrestlemania weekend show in Florida this year. If you are based in NY and have the opportunity to go then then you really should.

If you’ve never seen a PROGRESS Show before then a good place to start would be Chapter 13, the card features Finn Balor, WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne, Zack Sabre Jr and more. This show is available to view for free on their YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it2coTptmlM

WCPW Cancel ‘Loaded’ Shows due to YouTube Ad Policy

Jake Skudder
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14

WCPW recently announced that their free weekly ‘Loaded’ shows would be making a return to the What Culture YouTube channel in June, unfortunately this will no longer be the case.

YouTube recently made a change to their Advertising Policy and as such has deemed Professional Wrestling ‘non advertiser friendly.’ This has caused a seismic shift in the revenue that can be generated for wrestling content on the video sharing platform.

To put this in to context WCPW released a match from their recent Pro Wrestling World Cup show between Rey Mysterio and Alberto El Patron. As of writing that video has had around 1 Million views and the ad revenue it has generated is a paltry $43.

What Culture released the following statement on their own YouTube channel as well as a video confirming the cancellation of their shows:

“In a decision that has not been made lightly, WCPW must today announce that the forthcoming weekly Loaded shows at Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre will no longer be going ahead.

Effective immediately, our June 9, June 16, June 23, June 30, July 14, July 28, August 4, August 11, and August 18 shows have been pulled from our events pages, and refunds will be issued automatically to anyone who has purchased tickets to these events.

All other announced dates, including our PPVs and all Pro Wrestling World Cup dates are unaffected by this. Our initial June 2 show will also be going ahead as scheduled, and all tickets purchased for this are still valid.

This is a decision that we absolutely did not want to make, but unfortunately it has been taken out of our hands by YouTube.

Owing to a change in their monetisation policy, which has now classified wrestling as “non-advertiser friendly”, it is no longer financially viable for WCPW to produce a weekly free show of the quality our fans deserve.

Since the change the WCPW YouTube channel has seen its advertising income decimated, with our recent match between Alberto El Patron and Rey Mysterio Jr earning only $44 despite receiving over 1,100,000 views. This is a reduction of around 98% in what would have been Loaded’s main source of revenue.

Without that money, it is simply not possible to organise, set-up, manage, produce and edit a free-to-air show on the scale we had intended, and we’ve been left with no choice but to alter our business model. We’re not alone in this either, as other promotions, journalists, and fans have seen their ability to make a living from their content jeopardised entirely by this change.

While we support YouTube in their endeavours to make the site a safer and more tolerant place to visit, we reject entirely the classification of wrestling as a whole as “inappropriate content”. As such, in the coming weeks WCPW will be partnering with other like-minded individuals and organisations to start a campaign aimed at reversing this sweeping change.

Wrestling is not about violence. Wrestling is about scripted entertainment, amazing feats of athleticism and, most of all, story-telling. We want to thank all of our fans for their continued support, and we hope to have more positive news for you soon.”

New Day Returning To SmackDown TV This Week

Chris Stephens
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22

The longest reigning tag team champions in WWE history, the New Day, are expected to debut on Smackdown this week, PWInsider.com has confirmed.

It will be the first appearance on Smackdown since being written off of Raw via an injury angle with the Revival. Kofi Kingston needed ankle surgery, so the Revival was booked to beat the team 2 weeks in a row, injuring Kofi in the process.

New Day on Smackdown

During their sabbatical, Big E and Kofi Kingston did a promotional tour in India, while Xavier Woods focussed on his “UpUpDownDown” YouTube channel, and WWE’s partnership with Rocket League.

The team being moved to Smackdown opens up the possibility for several new storylines. With a heel team holding the tag titles, New Day could move immediately into title contention.

The heel side of Smackdown’s tag division is a little shallow at the moment, with only he Colons and Usos. Expect to either see a babyface team turn heel, or the Singh Brothers to enter the division shortly.

Candice LeRae Speaks on Husband Johnny Gargano’s Condition

Chris Stephens
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3

Saturday’s NXT: Takeover Chicago show ended with the sudden betrayal of Johnny Gargano by his longtime tag-team partner Tommaso Ciampa. The story-telling for this angle actually goes all the way back to the Cruiserweight Classic.

Gargano’s real-life spouse, Candice LeRae, who made an appearance on NXT television in a battle royal recently, offered a statement on Gargano’s condition.

https://twitter.com/candicelerae/status/866361676903350273

Ciampa & Gargano Split

Ciampa & Gargano met in the 1st round of the Cruiserweight Classic last year, with Ciampa coming out the victor. In that match, Gargano had second thoughts before using dirt-underhanded tactics to beat his partner/opponent. This allowed Ciampa the opportunity he needed to win the match.

During the match at Takeover, Gargano pushed Ciampa out of the way of a ladder attack, and took the brunt himself. The story is that Gargano is so loyal to his partner that he is willing to take losses and beatings rather than have the same happen to his partner. Ciampa isn’t afraid to do the opposite to Gargano however, even though he does seem somewhat reluctant. While Ciampa’s character might appreciate his longtime partner, he is willing to take him out if it furthers his career.

His approach might remind you of someone:

https://twitter.com/ProjectCiampa/status/866468088170115072

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Day 4 Results

Jake Skudder
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1

New Japan’s yearly Best of the Super Juniors tournament is now well underway.

The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as BOSJ) is essentially the Junior Heavyweight version of the G1 Climax tournament that takes place in July. Competitors are split into two Blocks and must compete with every wrestler in their block round robin style. Points are awarded for victories and the eventual winners of the two groups face off in a final match to determine the winner.

Here are the results from Day 4 of the tournament which is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com.

Non Tournament Matches

Volador Jr, Tomoyuki Oka & Shota Umino b. ACH, Katsuya Kitamura & Tetsuhiro Yagi – Oka took the win for his team in just under 7 minutes with a Boston Crab on Yagi.

Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado b. Tiger Mask IV & Hirai Kawato – Desperado secured the win with a Pinche Loco on Kawato

Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA – EVIL hit his namesake manoeuvre on KUSHIDA to take the win in around 13 minutes. Naito destroyed the IWGP Intercontinental Championship after the match

Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Yujiro Takahashi b. Raymond Rowe, Hanson & David Finlay – Yujiro took the win for Bullet Club after hitting the Pimp Juice on Finlay

https://twitter.com/MartyScurll/status/866102511844773888

Best of the Super Juniors A BLOCK Matches

Will Ospreay b. TAKA Michinoku – Ospreay hit the OsCutter to take his tournament tally to 2-1 (4 points), TAKA is now on 1-2 (2 Points)

Marty Scurll b. Jushin Thunder Liger – Scurll locked in the Crossface Chicken Wing to take his tally up to 2-1 (4 Points), Liger suffered his third loss, he is now at 0-3 (0 Points)

Taichi b. Dragon Lee – Taichi hit the Last Ride to take his tournament tally up to 2-1 (4 Points), this was Dragon Lee’s first loss so he is also now on 2-1 (4 Points)

Ricochet b. Hiromu Takahashi – Ricochet hit the Kings’ Landing in around 12 minutes to take his tournament total up to 2-1 (4 Points). This was Hiromu’s second loss, he now on 1-2 (2 Points)

 

Jinder Mahal: “I Plan On Being WWE Champion For A Long Time” (Video)

Robert Lentini
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75

Jinder Mahal made history on Sunday night by capturing his first WWE Championship Sunday night at Backlash.

Backstage after his big win, Mahal stated his intention to hold WWE’s top prize for a very long time. He also addressed his doubters in the WWE Universe by telling them to get used to him with the gold.

You can check out the full backstage interview in the video below.

WWE also uploaded this photo of Mahal and the Singh Brothers posing with the WWE Championship after Backlash.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUYPfP7ARa1/

WWE Backlash 2017 Recap & Reaction

Robert Lentini
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129

Kickoff Show:

Tye Dillinger defeated Aiden English.

Main Card:

Dolph Ziggler vs Shinsuke Nakamura

The Chicago crowd sang along as Shinsuke Nakamura made his way to the ring. Nakamura went for a kick to start off the match but Ziggler was able to get out of the way. The crowd chanted “Nakamura!” as the two Superstars circled each other in the ring. Ziggler rolled Nakamura up for a two count and then locked in an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring.

Nakamura battled to his feet and reversed the hold but Ziggler made it to the ropes to break the hold. Nakamura dared Ziggler to charge at him and Dolph obliged. Nakamura kneed Ziggler in the chest and knocked him to the mat. Shinsuke then shoved his boot in Ziggler’s face and Dolph rolled out of the ring. Nakamura followed him out there and clubbed him across the back.

The action returned to the ring and Ziggler hit a Neckbreaker while Nakamura was hung up on the ropes. Ziggler took control of the bout and applied a Chin Lock in the center of the ring. Dueling “lets go Ziggler!” and “Ziggler sucks!” chants broke out in the crowd as Nakamura broke the hold. Ziggler connected with a big time Dropkick for a two count.

Ziggler hit an elbow to Shinsuke’s chest for a two count. Dolph then taunted Nakamura and shoved him to the mat. Ziggler referred to Nakamura as “boy” and headbutted him in the face. Nakamura connected with a kick to Dolph’s face and both Superstars fell to the mat. Nakamura connected with a series of kicks and then launched Ziggler into the turnbuckle. Shinsuke hung Ziggler up on the top rope and then kneed him in the midsection for a two count.

Dolph elbowed Shinsuke in the face and went for a roll up but Nakamura kicked out at two. Shinsuke quickly applied a Triangle submission but Ziggler’s foot was on the ropes and the hold was broken. Dolph planted Shinsuke with a massive DDT for a two count. The crowd once again chanted “Nakamura!” as the two Superstars got back up to their feet. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa but Ziggler avoided and hit the Fameasser for a two count.

Ziggler was first to his feet and posed for the crowd. Dolph had a massive grin on his face as he stomped his feet on the mat. Dolph went for the Superkick but Shinsuke blocked it. Ziggler then hit the Zig Zag but Nakamura powered out at two. Nakamura connected with a kick to the back of Ziggler’s neck. Shinsuke went for a Suplex but Ziggler landed on his feet and connected with a Superkick to the back of Nakamura’s head for a two count.

Dolph elbowed Nakamura in the back of the head and kicked him the chest. Nakamura got back to his feet but Dolph spit directly in his face. Ziggler went to sweep out Nakamura’s legs but Shinsuke caught him and kneed him in the midsection several times. Ziggler was leaning on the bottom rope and Nakamura hit a knee to his face on the ring apron.

Shinsuke climbed to the second rope and went for a Kinshasa but Ziggler avoided it. Ziggler went for another Superkick but Nakamura was ready for it and planted him with an Exploder Suplex. Nakamura then geared up in the corner and connected with a Kinshasa for the victory.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

Reaction: I thought this match was solid but I was expecting more. It was still an entertaining match, but I was hoping for something special. The match started off much slower than I anticipated, but the last few minutes were great. Shinsuke Nakamura is a rare talent and is already incredibly over with the WWE Universe. Hopefully, WWE has big things planned for Nakamura in the near future. I wouldn’t mind seeing Ziggler and Nakamura have another match because I think that it would turn out much better than this one.

Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs Breezango

Tyler Breeze came down to the ring in his janitor costume from “Fashion Files”. Fandango controlled the match early and danced around in the ring as Tyler Breeze mopped the ring apron. Breeze was then tagged in and started mopping the ring. The crowd chanted “mop!” as Breeze shoved it in Jey Uso’s face. Jimmy then connected with a right hand and knocked Breeze to the mat. The crowd then booed as Jey broke the mop and threw it out of the ring.

Jey climbed up to the top turnbuckle and Breeze rolled out of harms way. Jey hopped down and climbed to top of the other turnbuckle and Breeze rolled away again. This continued a few more times until Jey finally gave up. Breeze then connected with a kick to Jey’s head for a two count. Fandango was tagged in. Jey Uso was then also tagged in and Tyler Breeze changed his costume into an old lady with a cane.

Old Lady Breeze was then tagged in and the crowd chanted “lets go grandma!”. Breeze connected with a Dropkick to both members of The Usos. Grandma Breeze then hit the Bronco Buster on Jey Uso. Jey Uso then hit Breeze with a Dropkick of his own and launched Breeze’s wig into the crowd. Jimmy Uso got back into the match and continued the beatdown on Tyler Breeze. Jey Uso then threw Breeze’s dress out of the ring and it landed on JBL’s head.

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Fandango was tagged in and he connected with a kick for a two count. Fandango followed it up by hitting a DDT for a two count. Tyler Breeze was tagged and Jey Uso accidentally Superkicked Jimmy Uso in the face. Breeze tried to flip onto both of The Usos outside the ring but was caught and thrown over the barricade. Fandango then flipped onto both of The Usos outside the ring. Fandango climbed to the top rope but was Superkicked in the face. The Usos then pinned Fandango to retain their titles.

Winners & Still Smackdown Tag Team Champions: The Usos

Reaction: I have no idea what I just watched. First of all, the costumes were entertaining but it instantly turned the match into a joke. Half the time I had no idea which member of The Usos was in the ring. The entire match was chaos and I couldn’t help but be entertained by it. Having said that, I would have preferred an actual wrestling match for the titles. However, I’m not going to complain too much about JBL getting a dress thrown on his head. That was a wonderful moment.

Sami Zayn vs Baron Corbin

Zayn knocked Corbin out of the ring. Zayn went to flip on him outside the ring but Corbin avoided it. Sami then bounced off the top rope and flipped back into the ring. Zayn then posed in the ring and Corbin mockingly clapped outside the ring. Corbin got back into the ring and beatdown Sami for a minute. Zayn then hit a Dropkick and knocked Corbin out of the ring.

Zayn was favoring his lower back as he rolled out of the ring. Corbin sent Zayn into the barricade but Sami leaped on top of it and hit a Moonsault onto Corbin. Back in the ring, Zayn connected with a right hand in the corner. Corbin lifted Zayn up and smashed him into the turnbuckle. Corbin then stomped on Zayn’s injured back and connected with a Backbreaker.

Corbin controlled the next few minutes of the match and the crowd started chanting “ole!”. Corbin yelled at Zayn to “stay down” and connected with a right hand. Byron Saxton said that Sami doesn’t know when to stay down. Sami leveled Corbin with a Clothesline. Zayn hit a Crossbody off the top rope for a two count. Corbin connected with a massive Clothesline for a two count.

Corbin hit another Backbreaker for a two count. Zayn hit a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for a two count. Zayn went for a Tornado DDT but Corbin blocked it. Sami went for the Exploder Suplex in the corner but it was also blocked. Corbin then planted Zayn with Deep Six for a two count. Zayn then connected with a Helluva Kick for the victory.

Winner: Sami Zayn

Reaction: Wow. I thought this was just going to be another  typical Sami Zayn match where he hangs around and ultimately loses. The finish to this match completely caught me off guard. I hope that that means that Sami Zayn will actually get the push he deserves. Now, I’m completely confused as to what WWE is doing with Baron Corbin. I thought he was going to win the Intercontinental Championship at Wrestlemania and that didn’t turn out to be the case. I figured that tonight was a guaranteed victory Corbin and I was also wrong about that. I figured Corbin would have a title around his waist by now. Instead, he is losing on a regular basis.

Jinder Mahal pulled up in a car. The Singh Brothers hopped out of the car and laid down a rug. Jinder Mahal got out of the car and was immediately interviewed. Mahal said that Americans hate him because of the way he looks and the way he talks. Mahal said that he was going to turn that hatred into something positive. Mahal said that he will turn the doubters into believers tonight and win the WWE Championship.

James Ellsworth came down to the ring and cut a goofy promo about being the Michael Jordan of sports entertainment.

Carmella, Natalya & Tamina vs Becky Lynch, Naomi & Charlotte Flair

Tamina and Becky Lynch started off the match. Tamina took control and headbutted Becky Lynch into the corner. Natalya was then tagged in and Becky beat her down. Charlotte entered the match and continued the beatdown on Natalya. Natalya grabbed Charlotte’s hair and slung her to the mat. Charlotte connected with a series of chops on Natalya and followed it up with a knee to the midsection. Charlotte then taunted Tamina and Carmella.

Carmella distracted Charlotte on the ring apron and Natalya connected with a Clothesline. Tamina got back into the match and stomped on Charlotte a couple of times. Tamina, Natalya and Carmella then took turns stomping on Charlotte in the corner. Carmella hit a couple of elbows to the neck of Charlotte and then applied a Chin Lock. The crowd got behind Charlotte as she battled out of the hold.

Charlotte tagged in Naomi and she immediately hit a Crossbody onto Carmella. Naomi then hit a series of kicks and knocked Carmella to the mat. Naomi kicked Tamina in the head while she was on the ring apron. Carmella capitalized on the distracted and beatdown Naomi. Carmella moonwalked in the ring and then yelled “woo!” at Charlotte.

Tamina entered the match and punched Naomi in the stomach and applied a Chin Lock. Naomi battled out of the hold but Tamina knocked her back to the mat and tagged in Carmella. Carmella went for a Bronco Buster but Naomi got out of the way. Tamina got back into the match and tried to prevent Naomi from tagging anyone else in. Naomi went to tag in Becky Lynch but Carmella pulled her off the ring apron.

Natalya was tagged in and Naomi sent her to the mat. Becky Lynch was tagged in and she knocked Carmella and Tamina off the ring apron. Becky planted Natalya with a Suplex and connected with a forearm to Natalya’s face for a two count. Lynch climbed to the top rope but Tamina shoved her off.

Becky knocked Tamina off the ring apron but Natalya knocked her to the mat and went for the Sharpshooter. Becky reversed it into the Dis-Arm-Her but Carmella broke up the hold. Charlotte threw Carmella out of the ring and then Tamina connected with a kick to Charlotte’s face. Natalya then applied the Sharpshooter to Becky Lynch for the submission victory.

Winners: Carmella, Natalya & Tamina

Reaction: This match was decent. The Welcoming Comittee was the right team to win this match. I’m glad Ellsworth didn’t get too involved in this match. Instead, Carmella, Natalya and Tamina picked up the victory on their own.

United States Championship Match: Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles

Styles controlled the match early and Styles rolled out of the ring to stop his momentum. Styles chased after him and Owens rolled back into the ring. The crowd chanted “stupid idiot” at Kevin Owens as he connected with a chop to AJ’s chest. Styles hit a Dropkick and knocked Owens to the mat. Owens slammed AJ’s head into the turnbuckle and followed it up with a massive Clothesline for a two count.

Owens applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Owens broke the hold to knee Styles in the back and then applied the hold again. Owens planted Styles with a DDT and hit three Sentons in a row for a two count. Owens went right back to the Chin Lock and barked at the referee to ask Styles if he wanted to quit. The crowd started chanting “AJ Styles!” as AJ made his way back to his feet.

Styles broke the hold but Owens knocked Styles to the mat. AJ got back up and connected with a kick to the side of Owens’ head. AJ connected with several strikes and then knocked Owens to the mat with a Clothesline. Styles then hit a flying forearm for a two count. Styles planted Owens with a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Owens hit a Superkick and a Pumphandle Neckbreaker for a two count.

AJ went for a Styles Clash on the ring apron but Owens blocked it. Owens then slammed AJ’s leg into the ring post and launched him into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Owens connected with a Cannonball as Styles was propped up in the corner. Owens then wrapped up AJ’s leg in the bottom rope and hit a Cannonball on AJ’s injured right leg. Owens then applied an Ankle Lock on AJ’s injured leg in the middle of the ring.

Styles was able to break the hold by reaching the bottom rope. Owens brought Styles up to the second turnbuckle and lifted him onto his shoulders. Styles reversed it into a Powerbomb and Owens went flying to the mat. AJ then got onto the ring apron and went for the Phenomenal Forearm but his injured leg gave out. Owens then planted Styles with a DDT for a two count.

Owens slapped Styles in the face and AJ countered with a Pele Kick and both Superstars fell to the mat. Styles went for a Superplex off the top rope but Owens reversed it into a Suplex of his own. Owens then went for the pin but AJ kicked out at two. Styles rolled to the ring apron and Owens joined him there. Owens went for a Suplex and Styles reversed it into a Suplex of his own onto the ring apron. Owens spine smashed off the ring apron and he screamed in pain on the floor outside the ring.

Owens threw Styles into the timekeeper’s area. Styles leaped off the barricade and hit the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles went for the Styles Clash on the announce table but his foot fell through one of the openings on the table. Owens then rolled back into the ring and AJ Styles was counted out.

After the match, Owens hit a Superkick to the back of AJ’s head. Styles then limped backstage after Owens left.

Winner & Still United Champion: Kevin Owens

Reaction: I really enjoyed this match and thought it was very well done.. Owens targeted AJ’s leg and in the end it ultimately cost Styles the match. The finish absolutely sucked but it made sense. I hope this leads to another match between these two Superstars. There was no reason to take the United States Championship off of Kevin Owens right now.

Erick Rowan vs Luke Harper

Rowan controlled the match early. Harper climbed to the second rope and Rowan knocked him off. Harper’s head bounced off the steel steps. Rowan then hit a Dropkick that sent Harper into the barricade. Rowan slammed Harper into the barricade and punched him in the head several times. The action returned to the ring and Harper hit a Splash for a two count.

The crowd became restless as Rowan continued to control the match. A faint “lets go Harper” chant broke out as Rowan slammed Harper to the mat. Rowan hit a Clothesline for a two count. Harper climbed to the top rope and went for a Splash but Harper rolled out of the way. Harper slammed Rowan’s head into the announce table outside the ring. Harper got back into the ring and then bounced off the ropes and hit a Suicide Dive onto Rowan outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Harper hit a Senton and a big boot for a two count. Harper then hit a Sideslam for a two count. Rowan connected with a kick and then Powerbombed Harper in the middle of the ring. Harper battled back and hit a Superkick. Rowan then started talking to his mask outside the ring. Harper then hit a Clothesline for the victory.

Winner: Luke Harper

Reaction: I’m not a fan of Rowan’s gimmick at all. Harper picks up the victory, but this match felt meaningless and will hopefully be forgotten about by Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown. I have very little interest in a feud between Rowan and Harper.

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

Orton attacked Jinder Mahal during the introductions. Orton threw Mahal over the announce table and then started punching him in the face. Orton then threw Mahal in the ring and the match officially started. Orton connected with right hands and went for an RKo. Mahal blocked it and rolled out of the ring. Orton followed him out of the ring and leveled Mahal.

The action returned to the ring and Mahal once again escaped to the outside. Mahal slammed Orton into the led board on the ring apron. Jinder threw Orton into the ring and applied a Chin Lock. Orton broke the hold and Jinder Mahal locked in an Arm Bar. There were dueling “lets go Jinder!” and “Jinder sucks!” in the crowd. Orton fought out of the Arm Bar and knocked Mahal to the mat.

Mahal battled back and connected with a knee to Orton’s chest for a two count. Orton launched Mahal over the top rope. Orton then slammed Mahal onto the announce table. The match returned to the ring and Mahal once again took control. Mahal applied a submission hold and continued to target Orton’s left shoulder. Orton finally battled out of the hold. Mahal charged at Orton in the corner but Orton got out of the way and Mahal slammed into the ring post.

Orton and Mahal battled on the top rope. Mahal knocked Orton down but Randy took out Jinder’s leg and he fell onto the top rope. Orton then hit a Superplex for a two count. Both Superstars got back up to their feet and traded punches. Orton knocked Mahal to the mat with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Powerslam. Orton grabbed his left shoulder in pain after delivering the Powerslam.

Orton hit a Fallaway Slam for a two count and once again grabbed his left shoulder. Mahal battled back and connected with a Neckbreaker for a two count. The crowd has been pretty quiet for the past 5 minutes of the match. Orton hit a DDT while Jinder was hung up on the second rope. Orton geared up for the RKO but Mahal rolled out of the ring.

Randy Orton followed Mahal out of the ring but the Singh Brothers got in his way. Orton threw both of them into the barricade, but Mahal capitalized on the distraction. Mahal slammed Orton into the ring post twice and then brought him back into the ring. Orton hit an RKO out of nowhere but the Singh Brothers dragged Mahal out of the ring before Orton could attempt a pinfall.

Orton then slammed both of the Singh Brothers onto the announce table. Orton hit a double DDT on the Singh Brothers while they were hung up on the second rope. Mahal then came up behind Orton and hit the Khallas to win the WWE Championship. Mahal brought the title into the crowd and posed as the crowd booed.

Winner & New WWE Champion: Jinder Mahal

Reaction: I don’t hate this at all. Yes, it is completely random for Jinder Mahal to become WWE Champion. It is also completely boring when Orton is WWE Champion. I love how pissed off people are that Mahal is WWE Champion. It is thoroughly entertaining. This match wasn’t anything special, but some of the angry faces on people in the crowd were priceless. Overall, Backlash was a decent show. I’m looking forward to this week’s SmackDown and seeing the reaction Mahal gets when he walks out with the WWE Championship.

What did you think of WWE Backlash 2017? Let us know in the comments below.

WWE Backlash 2017 Results

Eric Lynch
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WWE Backlash 2017 took place on May 21st at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.

Backlash Kickoff Show

– During the kickoff show, Eric Rowan makes a silent appearance walking by the announce table with a new mask on.

– Dolph Ziggler does an interview backstage where he says he would have watched the footage of Nakamura’s matches to prepare for tonight, but there is no footage. Ziggler says he’s going to put on a clinic again Nakamura and shut up his “fan boys.”

– Tye Dillinger def. Aiden English: English cuts his usual singing promo before the match and trashes his hometown of Chicago. Dillinger starts things off strong but English comes back with a swinging neckbreaker and stomps a mud hole in Dillinger in the corner. English goes up top but Dillinger tosses him off. Dillinger goes to follow up with a splash but he misses and English suplexes him for a two count. English starts getting emotional, but he composes himself and grabs Dillinger by the head. English hits a powerslam then goes back up top for a senton bomb, but Dillinger rolls out of the way then hits the Tye Breaker for the win.

– Eric Rowan sits down at the Kickoff show announce table and puts a bag on it. Rowan is silent, and takes his mask off with pieces of his hair stuck to it. Booker T tries to break the tension by telling Rowan he looks jacked and has been working out. Rowan throws his pulled-out hair on the table then messes with Peter Rosenberg’s clothes, before leaving in silence.

WWE Backlash 2017

– Shinsuke Nakamura def. Dolph Ziggler: They start off with hammerlocks and wrestling holds, but Nakamura takes control with some kicks. They continue to exchange basic wrestling holds in the opening moments until Nakamura drops Ziggler with a knee to the mid section. Nakamura follows up with a knee drop, then stomps on Ziggler in the corner. Ziggler comes back with a neckbreaker and applies a couple holds with the help of a fistful of Nakamura’s hair. Ziggler dropkicks Nakamura in the face then hits an elbow drop for a two count. Ziggler hits a headbutt, but Nakamura comes back with a knee and a spinning heel kick. More knees by Nakamura for a two count. Nakamura goes for an armbar but Ziggler reaches the ropes. Ziggler fights out of a suplex attempt, leg kicks Nakamura then hits a DDT for another two count. Ziggler dodges a knee attempt by Nakamura, then Ziggler hits the Fameasser for a near-fall. After a series of missed kicks, Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for another near-fall. Ziggler sets up for a powerbomb, but Nakamura fights out and hits a series of strikes on Ziggler. Nakamura gets Ziggler in a front face lock, then goes for a reverse suplex but Ziggler escapes. Ziggler superkicks Nakamura to the back of the head, and both men are down. Ziggler grabs Nakamura by the hair and hits some elbows and kicks to the head. Ziggler spits in Nakamura’s face, then Nakamura fights back with a punch and kick. Nakamura tackles Ziggler then hits some knees and elbows of his own. Nakamura knees Ziggler on the side of the head then goes up top. He goes for a flying knee of the top, but Ziggler dodges it. Nakamura elbows Ziggler then hits the Exploder. Nakamura follows up with the running knee to the head for the win.

– We go to another Fashion Police segment where Fandango and Breeze are up to their nose in fashion felonies and clothing catastrophes.

– The Usos (c) def. Fandango & Tyler Breeze: Breeze is wearing a bald cap, blonde mustache, and janitor outfit. Fandango starts off strong with a hurricanrana on Jey, then they both tag in their partners. The referee allows Breeze to take the mop in the ring with him and he trips Jimmy with it then shoves it in his face. Jey tags in, punches Breeze in the face then breaks the mop over his knee. Jey goes up top but Breeze rolls away before he jumps, so Jey comes down. Jey goes to the other turnbuckle that Breeze rolled towards, so Breeze rolls the other direction. When Jey finally gets frustrated and picks Breeze up, Breeze drops him with a kick to the head. Fandango and Jimmy tag in and Fandango reverses a sunset flip and hits a leg drop. Breeze resurfaces dressed as an old lady and Fandango tags him in. Breeze lays out both Usos with dropkicks, then he hits a bronco buster on Jey. Jey comes back with a dropkick, then tags in Jimmy who hits another one on Breeze. Jimmy rips of Breeze’s old lady dress and throws it at JBL (accidentally) at ringside. Fandango gets the hot tag and cleans house. He hits a spinning heel kick on Jey then lays into him with chops to the chest. Fandango hits a tornado DDT off the corner for a near-fall on Jimmy. Breeze tags in (dressed as himself) and works on Jimmy. Jey gets the blind tag and they double team Breeze. Jey accidentally superkicks Jimmy when Breeze ducks it. The Usos roll outside and Breeze jumps on them, but The Usos catch him and throw him over the fan barricade. Fandango hits a suicide dive on the Usos at ringside, then heads back in the ring. Fandango goes up top, but Jimmy grabs Fandango’s leg then Jey catches him with a superkick and immediately pins for the win.

– Sami Zayn def. Baron Corbin: Zayn starts off strong and Corbin gets frustrated. Corbin finally slows Zayn down with some knee strikes, but Zayn levels Corbin with a dropkick that sends Corbin rolling outside. Zayn is selling a lower back injury. They brawl around ringside, with Zayn hitting his signature moonsault off the fan barricade onto Corbin. Back in the ring Zayn is moving slow and selling his back, and Corbin takes advantage with a bear hug. Zayn fights out and Corbin charges towards him, but Zayn ducks and pulls down the top rope causing Corbin to fall outside. Corbin comes back in the ring and hits a spinebuster on Zayn for a two count. Corbin takes his time beating down Zayn until Zayn comes back with a lariat out of nowhere. Zayn fires up and hits another clothesline and an elbow to the face. Zayn climbs up top and hits a cross body on Corbin for a two count. Corbin comes back with a big clothesline for a two count of his own. Corbin hits a chokeslam into a backbreaker for another near-fall. Corbin takes Zayn up top but Zayn punches him in the head and hits a sunset flip powerbomb for a two count. Zayn goes for a t-bone suplex but Corbin fights out. Zayn hits a cruicifix pin for two. Corbin comes right back with the Deep Six for two. Zayn stops Corbin’s offense with a boot to the face, then follows up with a Heluva Kick for the win.

– A limo pulls up with India flags on it, and the Singh Brothers roll out a carpet for Jinder Mahal. Jinder steps out and an interviewer approaches him, but he shuts her down. Jinder starts cutting a promo on how Chicago is full of haters who hate on him because of how he looks and talks. Jinder says he will take the WWE Championship back to India, then speaks to his people in his native language.

– James Ellsworth makes his way to the ring and calls the Chicago fans a bunch of sausages. Ellsworth puts himself over then introduces his home girl Carmella.

– Natalya, Tamina & Carmella def. Charlotte, Becky & Naomi: Ellsworth causes a distraction early on which leads to to the heels shutting down Charlotte. They use frequent tags to keep beating down Charlotte. Naomi gets the hot tag and hits a series of kicks on Carmella. Naomi gets distracted by Tamina at ringside which leads to Carmella beating down Naomi from behind. Carmella hits the bronco buster on Naomi in the corner for two. Naomi fights off Carmella and Natalya, then Tamina tags in and drops her. Naomi almost gets the hot tag to Becky, but Carmella drops Becky from behind before she can tag in. Natalya tags in but Naomi drops her with a hurricanrana. Naomi tags in Becky who cleans house. Becky hits some kicks on Natalya, then a t-bone suplex. Becky hits a forearm to the face for a two count. Becky goes up top but Tamina pushes her off. Natalya goes for a Sharpshooter, but Becky escapes and puts her in the Disarmher. A series of run-ins from their partners leads to Natalya once again going for a Sharpshooter on Becky, and this time she successfully locks it in. Becky taps out and Natalya scores the win for her team via submission.

– Kevin Owens (c) def. AJ Styles: Owens’ U.S. Title is on the line in this one. Owens avoids a dropkick attempt by AJ early on and rolls outside. Back in the ring, Owens catches AJ with a kick and starts beating him down. Owens dodges another dropkick and stomps on AJ. AJ’s third dropkick attempt connects and Owens is down. Owens comes back with some knee strikes and a chin lock to slow the pace down. Owens hits three Senton drops consecutively for a two count. Owens continues to work over AJ until AJ stuns him with a Pele kick. AJ blocks a punch and fires back with a series of elbows to Owens’ face. AJ follows up with a running forearm to the face for a two count. AJ hits a running clothesline on Owens in the corner, then a facebuster for a two count. AJ gets Owens in the Fireman’s Carry then drops Owen’s head on his knee for another two count. AJ goes for his signature springboard moonsault reverse DDT, but Owens dodges it and superkicks AJ. Owens follows up with a pumphandle neckbreaker across his knee for a two count. They exchange punches in the ring until Owens drops AJ’s throat across the top rope. They go out to the apron and AJ looks like he’s going to Styles Clash Owens onto the ringside floor, but Owens fights out and throws AJ into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Owens hits a cannonball in the corner. AJ is selling a knee injury, so Owens ties AJ’s leg up in the rope in the corner and does a cannonball onto his leg. Owens follows up with a Boston Crab, then an ankle lock. Owens takes AJ up to the top turnbuckle, but it backfires on him as AJ hits a sunset flip powerbomb on the Champion. AJ sets up for a Phenomenal Forearm, but his bad leg causes him to slip. Owens follows up with a double underhook DDT for two. Owens smacks AJ in the head a few times and AJ comes back with a Pele kick. AJ goes for a superplex, but Owens reverses into a brainbuster off the middle rope for another two count. AJ rolls out to the apron and Owens goes for a suplex. Styles reverses into a suplex of his own, right onto the corner of the ring apron. Styles jumps off the fan barricade with a forearm shot, then takes Owens ontop of an announce table. Owens fights his way off and AJ’s leg falls into a hole on the table. AJ’s leg gets caught up in the hole and in some wires, and Owens rolls back in the ring to win via countout and retain the U.S. Championship. Owens rolls outside and superkicks AJ in the back of the head before he leaves.

– Luke Harper def. Eric Rowan: Rowan starts off by driving Harper into the corner and laying into him with right hands. Rowan drops Harper with an elbow to the face, then takes him back in the corner for more strikes. Harper comes back with some shots of his own, then he goes up top but Rowan pushes him down onto the ring steps. Rowan follows Harper out to ringside with a baseball slide dropkick, then he throws Harper into the fan barricade. Rowan brings Harper back in the ring and continues the offense. Rowan hits two powerslams on Harper, then a pumphandle backbreaker. Rowan drops Harper with a lariat for a two count. Rowan climbs up top and goes for a splash, but Harper rolls out of the way. Rowan appears to be climbing towards his mask at ringside and reaching towards it, but Harper stomps on him. Rowan rolls outside and Harper follows and clotheslines him into the fan barricade. Harper slams Rowan on the announce table then hits a suicide dive on him. Harper rolls Rowan back in the ring and hits a springboard senton on him. Harper follows up with a big boot but Rowan kicks out at two. Harper hits a tilt-a-whirl side slam for another two count. Rowan fights back with a spinning heel kick and a powerbomb for a two count. Rowan and Harper trade stiff chops in the middle of the ring until Rowan attempts another powerbomb. Harper fights out of this one and hits two superkicks on Rowan. Harper follows up with a discus punch for the win.

– Jinder Mahal def. Randy Orton: Randy jumps the bell and beats down Jinder from behind while he’s talking to the Singh Brothers at ringside. They brawl out to ringside and the bell has still not yet officially rung. Orton throws Jinder over the announce table then pummels on him. Orton throws Mahal back in the ring and the referee separates them and allows Mahal to recover before ringing the opening bell. Jinder recovers and the ref calls for the opening bell. The two competitors charge each other with strikes and Orton attempts an RKO early on, but Jinder rolls outside. Orton follows him out and drops him on the floor with a clothesline. Mahal throws Orton into the ring apron and Orton starts selling his left shoulder. Back in the ring, Jinder continues working the shoulder. Orton breaks free and works on Jinder’s knee before hitting him with a few European uppercuts. Jinder comes back with an armbreaker DDT and Orton is once again selling his bad shoulder. Jinder follows up with a knee drop for a wo count, then goes back to the shoulder. They spill out to ringside where Orton back suplexes Mahal onto the announce table. Back in the ring, Mahal comes back with a series of repeated knee drops and a choke. Jinder misses a spear in the corner and slams into the ring post. Jinder goes up top but Orton crotches him on the turnbuckle. Orton superplexes Jinder off the top rope and both men are down. They slowly get up and trade strikes until Orton drops Jinder with a spinning powerslam. Orton hits a fallaway slam for a two count. Orton hits a backbreaker, but he clutches his injured shoulder after delivering it. Orton pulls Jinder across the middle rope and DDTs him. Orton gears up for an RKO but Jinder rolls outside. The Singh Brothers get in Orton’s face so he drops them both. Jinder capitlizes on the distraction by pushing Orton into the ring post twice. Jinder throws Orton back in the ring and as soon as they get in Orton hits an RKO. Orton is unable to pin right away, and the Singh Brothers pull Jinder out to ringside. Orton rolls outside and suplexes both Singh Brothers onto announce tables. Orton takes the Singh Brothers onto the ring apron and hits his DDT through the middle rope on both of them. Jinder sneaks in the ring behind Orton and hits the Cobra Clutch slam for the win! Jinder is the new WWE Champion! Mahal takes the WWE Title belt into the crowd and holds it in the air. He comes back to ringside and celebrates on top of the announce tables with his new Title belt. Jinder rolls into the ring with the Singh Brothers and holds up the Title belt as Backlash goes off the air from Chicago.

The Miz Names One Good Thing About Both John Cena And Nikki Bella

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During the WWE’s recent European Tour, WWE Superstars The Miz and Maryse did some promotional work for the company in France. The Miz was asked a variety of pro wrestling topics and you can check out the best highlights here:

Why he holds the Intercontinental Championship so close to his heart:

“As a kid, growing up, my heroes all had the Intercontinental Championship. Ultimate Warrior, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Mr. Perfect, Ric Rude, all of them. And they were the people I looked up to and wanted to be like. So coming to WWE, the one championship I wanted was the Intercontinental Championship. Not only that, I wanted to make it as prestigious as it was when I was a kid, but I also wanted my name to be synonymous with the Intercontinental Championship. That’s exactly what I’m doing and why I have such a pride for that title.”

If he can say one good thing about John Cena and Nikkie Bella:

“One good thing about Nikki Bella and one good thing about John Cena? They’re both gone from the WWE right now. There’s your good thing for both of them. Oh, you’re a big John Cena fan? Are you gonna cry because he’s not gonna be at the show today? What are you five?”

What goals he has left to accomplish in wrestling:

“I have so much more to do. Even though I’ve accomplished so much in WWE as well as having a franchise in The Marine, it’s still not enough for me. I always want more. I think that’s the drive we both (he and Maryse) have. Right? With all you’ve (Maryse) accomplished don’t you want more? It’s always what’s next. It never stops.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Cody Rhodes: There’s Money All Over The Place Outside WWE

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes joined Busted Open Radio recently to talk about what his professional wrestling career has been like since departing from WWE. Rhodes talks about having more freedom on the independent circuit, traveling the world, and money being all over the place outside WWE. You can check out what he had to say here:

Feeling freer in his career since leaving WWE:

“Definitely. I probably could have been a bit more free in my time in WWE. I think if anything this has taught me, or it showed me where my balls were if that makes sense. It put me in a position now where I’m gonna be but free. There’s nobody who’s gonna put a gun to my head other than, like Bubba eloquently put it, the fans at this point. And that’s hands down wherever I go to wrestle. I’m still not exclusive anywhere. In wherever I go it’s been free and it should be nothing but free from here on out.”

Wrestling all over the world after departing from WWE:

“Yeah and I think a big shock, and it wasn’t what I was looking for, Dave Meltzer actually mentioned this to me, I wrestled the other night in a cow palace. A show in the cow palace and it wasn’t for WWE, and he asked me, well is it financially similar? And it’s ridiculous. There’s money all over the place in professional wrestling. Wherever there’s a good product and consistent fans, it’s a – you don’t need it. I needed WWE to build my name and get the brand to where it’s gotten me today. If you look at somebody like The Young Bucks – The Young Bucks could go to WWE if they want whenever, if they wanted to, but they would go for reasons of a match they wanted to have or to be a part of a WrestleMania. They definitely don’t need it. Their brand is making money hand over foot and turning out match of the year performances on a regular basis. They’re a model to me for anybody who thinks you need or there’s a roadmap you have to follow. There is not.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Ryback Doesn’t Think WWE Should Expand Into India

Jon Fuentes
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On the latest episode of former WWE Superstar Ryback’s podcast, Conversation With The Big Guy, Ryback discussed Jinder Mahal’s recent push into the main event picture on SmackDown Live, WWE trying to expand in the Indian market, and much more. Here are the highlights:

Jinder Mahal’s push:

“Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with giving a new guy an opportunity. That’s how you discover if you’ve got guys that can hang or not. The thing with him is it’s going to determine, and, obviously, if he’s given any amount of time on the pay-per-view, that’s his time to show what he can do. And, again, I just think it’s… there’s always a reason. They do what they want. It’s their company and they can get any amount of mileage out of him they want, no matter what the match quality is because if they just want a heel to keep in that position, they’ll find a way to make money with it for a while until they want to dump it, but, like, if he goes out there and performs at a high level, they might keep him there longer. Do you know what I mean? Like, so we’ll see.”

Not understanding why the WWE is trying to expand in India:

“I don’t know why. They have the TV deal, but people don’t have any f–king money out there, so I don’t know why they’re trying to [appeal to that market]. I heard that the merchandise sales out there aren’t good. No s–t! Like, I’ve been to India. They don’t have money. There [are] certain people that do, but the ones that do, I’m pretty sure aren’t f–king watching fake fighting.”

Visiting India making him appreciate living state-side even more:

“Man, I don’t know. I’ve been there. It is a unique place, that’s for sure. You realize how good we have it over here when you go to places like that.” Ryback added, “you realize just how overpopulated the world is and how bad [it is]. It’s bad.”

Not feeling safe in India during a mall appearance: 

“I’ve been there for my media appearances years ago for WWE and I had to do a mall appearance, like 13,000, 14,000 people on like a tri-level mall,” Ryback recalled. “They had to run me out of there. When it was over, the people started rushing the barricades and we had only one WWE security guard with me and that was it. I swear to God, it’s the only time I’d been concerned for my safety ever. And they ran me out of there, threw me in a van, and drove me straight to the airport and flew me home.”

You can read the full interview, in which Ryback talks about hating going to places like India and a mishap with the embassy there alongside Dolph Ziggler and Kofi Kingston, here.

Chris Jericho Offers an Interesting Solution to The Cruiserweight Division’s Problems

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Superstar Chris Jericho recently did an interview with Busted Open Radio to discuss his recent run with the company. Jericho talked about the current issues with the WWE’s Cruiserweight division, presented a solution to the problem, and also talked about all the talent he put over this year. Check out the highlights here:

Fixing the Cruiserweight Division’s current problems:

“There’s a lot of that but also, how much more can you do? Also, you say Cruiserweights – you remember things differently than what there were. People say ‘Attitude era was great we want the Attitude Era.’ I’m like, really? Did you forget when Mae Young gave birth to a hand? Did you forget about the Katy Vick necrophilia angle? Really think about what you’re saying. So the Cruiserweight division in WCW, while the style was innovative, a lot of people really didn’t give a damn. I remember vividly, vividly working in a Clash Of Champions, Jericho vs. Eddie Guerrero. And you think ‘Oh my gosh, what a dream match.’ It was for the Cruiserweight championship, and nobody gave a sh*t.

“They sat on their hands the whole show and I remember just – I think it was in Nashville or something, but nobody cared. Not one person making noise. Which you might think is crazy, but that’s the way it was. So when you see 205 Live and people are making noise, we went through it too. And it’s like you said, the style isn’t that different from a Seth Rollins, a Jericho, I think I see every single person does an a-tope from Samoa Joe to Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn – so what is the difference? I don’t really know. If you’re going for the characters and personality then that’s “the heavyweight guys.” So what do the Cruiserweights do to try and break through? I don’t know. Neville is a great character but he needs a great babyface to work with.

“And here’s what I think could work, I think if you put Enzo Amore as a Cruiserweight, and put Enzo vs. Neville for the title, have Enzo win it, watch people get interested in the Cruiserweight division. And people at home are going ‘Ah Enzo can’t work!’ It’s not about that. It’s about getting people to care about the title. Get Enzo in there, have him win it, and watch people start to get involved in the 205 Live. Then Neville has someone to work with. He doesn’t have a baby face to work with. He really doesn’t, that’s super genuinely over with the crowd. That will help.”

All the young talent he put over this year:

“Yeah I am, and it’s funny too because even the Dean Ambrose feud, I know a lot of people didn’t like the Asylum match but that whole feud was based around Dean Ambrose being called the Lunatic Fringe, but never doing anything loony. You can’t just call yourself that. So that’s when I came up with the potted plant, smash it over his head. Then he comes back and destroys my light-up jacket because I don’t want that anymore, cause that’s a babyface thing – which I have now brought back into the Fozzy show cause that gets a great reaction as it should. But he destroys the jacket, then I put him in a stray jacket, then I beat the sh*t out of him and we have this big match that culminated into the thumbtack bump. All that stuff was designated to get more of a spotlight onto him and his character.

“Same what I did with AJ, same what I did with Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns, the matches we had always tore the house down. Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, it was a great year to work with all those guys because work wise I can still teach them and keep up with them if that’s the word you want to use. Eclipse them if that’s the word you want to use. But they all have the same attitude I have in my “generation.” They just want to have a great match. They don’t really care about this, that, or the other thing, we just want to have as good a match as possible. And I can help with the character of that.

“I remember where I used to have this thing where I wear the scarf and I refuse to take it off. I won’t take it off. Then finally the babyface takes it off and holds it, and what’s he gonna do with it? I would have Seth Rollins blow his nose it in, or have Roman Reigns put it on and prance around – people would love it. Finn Balor did that too. It gives these people who haven’t really had a chance to show what a character is, the character of being jus this guy who is going to screw with Chris Jericho. And of course I said accordingly you have your match right there, you’re off to the races. it was fun doing that and helping the guys. And also it was good for me, it helped me hone my style and evolve my way of doing things. It was definitely one of my favorite years ever.”

Listen to the full interview at this link.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

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