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Miro Responds To Undertaker’s Comments About The Locker Room

Anutosh Bajpai
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Miro is a flagbearer of the new generation of stars who make formidable opponents in the ring but also join each other in playing video games once the show is over.

Though it’s no secret that stars from the older generations are not a fan of this changed environment in the locker room. People like The Undertaker have claimed that ‘grit’ is missing from today’s wrestling.

The AEW star responded to this sentiment during an interview with Fightful. He mentioned how he doesn’t understand the people who look at video games negatively:

“People are trying to talk bad about video games, which I never understood. We all have our downtime. Some people want to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes and do heroin and others want to play video games.”

‘Sorry, Undertaker’

Miro discussed how some of the old-timers have called it a bad thing. He went on to call out The Undertaker for his remarks:

“Some of these old timers are calling this a bad thing. I don’t think it’s a bad thing just because we have more brains now than people before doesn’t mean video games are bad.” said the former TNT champion, “Sorry Undertaker, we don’t have guns and drugs, and don’t fight each other backstage.”

Miro also revealed how he started streaming his gaming sessions after his WWE release. The former US champion said that it all happened accidentally when he was sitting at home, waiting for his non-compete clause to expire.

What’s Next For ROH Under Tony Khan

Anutosh Bajpai
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Only one event has been produced under the ROH brand since Tony Khan bought the company. Fans have been waiting to hear more about the future of the promotion.

Now a new report is suggesting that things may change in future. Per PWinsider, the word-making round is that an announcement regarding the next Ring of Honor event ‘should be coming in the next few days.’

Tully Blanchard who was shifted to ROH previously made an appearance on Rampage this past Friday. He teased that his Tully Blanchard Enterprises faction will be going after Jonathan Gresham.

This might be an indication that a match between Gresham, who currently holds the ROH world champion and Brian Cage will be built up in coming times.

The report also suggests that there won’t be any change to the ROH commentary team. Caprice Coleman and Ian Riccaboni will continue being the voices of the brand.

While it’s unknown what Tony Khan is actually planning, the belief is that Death Before Dishonor will be the company’s next PPV event during the 4th weekend of July.

It’s expected to take place in Lowell, Massachusetts. Several ROH events have been produced there in the past. It’ll also play well with AEW’s touring schedule as the July 27th Dynamite is scheduled to take place from Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Rock Praises SmackDown Promo: “That’s Good Sh*t Brother”

Anutosh Bajpai
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Pat McAfee has continued to impress people with his mic skills ever since joining WWE. This list now includes none other than The Rock.

The former NFL player cut a promo on this week’s episode of SmackDown. He challenged Baron Corbin to a match at the upcoming SummerSlam PPV.

McAfee also paid tribute to The Great One during his promo. He used the Hollywood star’s ‘millions and millions’ catchphrase while calling out the Lone Wolf, dubbing him as ‘bum ass Corbin.”

The Rock is Impressed

This promo was so good that even The Rock took notice of it. The People’s champion wrote on Twitter that this was a great promo which he enjoyed watching:

“In front of the MILLIONS…. AAAAAND MILLIONS….“BUM ASS CORBIN” That’s good shit brother! Great promo. Enjoyed watching this #ISmellIt”

The Rock has not been seen in WWE for a while. His last televised appearance came in 2019. He was involved in a segment with Becky Lynch during SmackDown’s 20th anniversary which also included Corbin.

Pat McAfee last entered the ring as a competitor during WrestleMania 38. He first defeated Austin Theory in a singles match before losing to Vince McMahon in an impromptu bout. The segment ended with Stone Cold Steve Austin coming out and delivering a stunner to everyone involved.

Cesaro’s Whereabouts Ahead of Forbidden Door

Tyriece Simon
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Former WWE talent Claudio Castagnoli (FKA Cesaro) seems to be preparing for an in-ring return.

As the All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling event Forbidden Door draws near, fans wonder who will make their debut. The speculation started when Bryan Danielson announced at AEW Dynamite on June 22 that he wouldn’t be able to wrestle Zack Sabre Jr. at the event due to injury.

However, he shared that a debuting replacement, the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club, will take his place.

Some wrestling fans speculate that Castagnoli will be making his AEW debut to take on Sabre Jr.

Fightful reports that he’s been training at Flatback Wrestling School in Orlando, Florida over the last several weeks. However, the report didn’t state that he has signed with AEW or will compete at Forbidden Door on June 26.

Forbidden Door Logo

Forbidden Door Injuries Taking A Toll

It’s unclear if Castagnoli will debut at Forbidden Door, but the event could use an extra superstar. Both AEW and NJPW are dealing with talent unable to compete at Forbidden Door because of an injury or illness.

AEW shared today that Hiromu Takahashi won’t compete on the card due to dealing with a fever. Takahashi was supposed to be in an eight-man tag team match with Sting, Darby Allin, and Shingo Takagi against The Bullet Club (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) and The Young Bucks.

The match will now be a six-man tag team match with Sting, Darby Allin, and Shingo Takagi against El Phantasmo and The Young Bucks.

Danielson vs. Sabre Jr. is a match some fans have wanted to see happen. While it’s unfortunate that Danielson’s injury has prevented it from happening, a debuting Castagnoli against Sabre Jr. could make for a great match.

However, we also don’t know if AEW has a different opponent in mind for Sabre Jr.

NJPW Star Out Of Forbidden Door Due To Fever, Updated Card

Joey Galizia
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The curse continues.

AEW announced this afternoon that top NJPW star and former multi-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion Hiromu Takahashi is dealing with a fever, and will be unable to travel to the United States for tomorrow’s AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view event.

This news comes days after fellow NJPW star Tomohiro Ishii had to be pulled due to injury, one of many changes that have occurred since the show was announced, which includes AEW world champion CM Punk missing the show due to a broken foot. Takahashi was set to team with Shingo Takagi, Sting, and Darby Allin an eight-man tag team bout against The Bullet Club (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) and The Young Bucks.

With the Timebomb out the match will now be a six-man tag. Hikuleo will still accompany his team, but will no longer wrestle.

Check out an updated look at the Forbidden Door card below.

  • Interim AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Adam Cole vs. “Hangman” Adam Page
  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Toni Storm
  • AEW All-Atlantic Championship: PAC vs. Miro vs. Clark Connors vs. Malakai Black
  • IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Orange Cassidy
  • ROH & IWGP Tag Team Championship: FTR vs. United Empire vs. Roppongi Vice
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs Replacement for Bryan Danielson
  • Bullet Club (Young Bucks, El Phantasmo) vs. Sting, Darby Allin, & Shingo Takagi
  • Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Minoru Suzuki v. Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta, Shota Umino
  • Gunn Club & Max Caster vs. NJPW Dojo (Buy-In Show)
  • Aaron Solo & QT Marshall vs. Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI (Buy-In-Show)
  • Keith Lee & “Swerve” Strickland vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado (Buy-In-Show)

Kris Statlander On Mixed Tags, Intergender Matches, Being More Than A Woman (Exclusive)

Jaychele Nicole
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AEW star Kris Statlander spoke with SEScoops correspondent Jaychele Nicole this week.

Since AEW Double Or Nothing, we have seen Statlander pair up with Athena and sometimes other women in the division to take on Jade Cargull and The Baddies. Kris Statlander has long been a crowd favorite. Particularly in her Owen Hart Tournament match with Ruby Soho, Statlander was able to turn the crowd around and gain overwhelming support during the match. 

Kris Statlander On Mixed Tag Team & Intergender Matches

On the January 19 edition of AEW Dynamite, we saw Kris Statlander pair up with Orange Cassidy to take on Adam Cole and Dr. Britt Baker DMD in a mixed tag team match. This was one of the few mixed tag team matches that we have seen in AEW. 

Kris Statlander spoke with Jaychele Nicole about the possibility of there being more mixed tag team matches in AEW and her desire to participate in them. 

Statlander said, “Yeah, absolutely. I would love to. If anyone has been following my career since before AEW, they knew that at one point, the majority of my matches were intergender matches. So, I know that I can hang with the guys and be better than them. And I’m bigger than some not going to be humble about it. I’m bigger than some of the guys. Not necessarily on the roster. But you know, just in general. And, like, it’s a lot of what made me so different. And it’s like, if I didn’t have all those intergender matches, it wouldn’t have got me to the level that I’m at today.

So, as much as some people like don’t like it because of the ‘domestic violence’ it kind of ‘insinuates’. It’s like we’re wrestlers. If I take a suplex from Nyla versus I take a suplex from Orange Cassidy, it’s still a suplex, like it’s still wrestling. That’s kind of like people have to remember, like, we’re trained professional wrestlers. Most of the time when we’re in training we’re training with more guys than we are girls, unless you find an all girls wrestling school, which you most likely won’t. This just got very intergender preachy and I apologize, but yes, I would love to participate and do more mixed tag and intergender maybe, but that’s probably not gonna happen. Yeah, intergender probably not.”

Kris Statlander had participated in many intergender matches prior to joining AEW. She has had matches with the likes of John Silver, Orange Cassidy, Nick Gage, MJF and many others. 

Kris Statlander’s ‘More Than A Woman Branding’

Statlander has recently transitioned to brand herself as ‘More Than A Woman.’ During her feud with Leyla Hirsch, Kris debuted new music, new hair, and a new titantron. Her merchandise now describes her as ‘More Than A Woman.’ At the beginning of her matches, Kris signs ‘More Than A Woman’ in American Sign Language. 

When asked about where the ‘More Than A Woman’ branding came from, Stalander had this to say, “It came from the song. Not the Aliyah one, the Bee Gees one. Yeah, I had the Bee Gees version of the more than a woman song as my entrance on the Indies for a while because it was just so different. And it was just so fun. And it was one of those like, everyone knew it. Just got a crowd in a good mood before a match and stuff. Like it’s like just one of those, like, feel good songs.

And then, when I was doing the alien thing, still, I would be like, ‘Oh, she’s more than a woman because she’s an alien.’ And now it’s more than a woman leaves what I am up to interpretation by the audience now. So, it’s kind of like I can be whatever you want to be. Or whatever, however you want to perceive me is whatever you want, because being more than a woman as being more than what meets the eye and stuff like that. So I took it from the song, but then I made it more deep than it is.”

Kris Statlander’s Use of ASL

Statlander also commented about the reasoning behind her using ASL to communicate her ‘More Than A Woman’ message before her matches. 

“I think it was something that I wanted to do something different, I don’t actually know anyone that’s deaf. I don’t have a reason to know ASL. Once I started doing it, some people were raising questions about do I have a reason to use it in my life? And I don’t, I just thought it was something useful to learn. It’s kind of an underappreciated language. So, I figured, why not try something different? And it seems to be getting a really good reaction. I’m not fluent in sign language. But I could do a basic sentence like, ‘Do you want water? Are you hungry? My name is Kris.’ Like, I can do all that stuff.

But, I originally got the idea to do some side language because on the Indies, sometimes if I was a bad guy, I would do like an F and a U. So, I’d say FU to my opponent and like no one knew what it meant, butI did and it was funny to me. So, sometimes I would do that. And that’s kind of where I got the idea to find a way to incorporate sign language a little bit more just because it’s so different. And especially like if there is a deaf person watching TV, and they actually see something like that instead of just having to read the subtitles all the time. So, you can actually like focus on the action for a moment. I think it’s a cool little way to reach out to that underserved community,” she said.

If you use the quotes above, please credit the original course with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription. 

Kris Statlander On Jade Cargill & The Baddies, Slapping Stokely, Working With Willow (Exclusive)

Jaychele Nicole
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AEW star Kris Statlander spoke with SEScoops correspondent Jaychele Nicole this week.

Since AEW Double Or Nothing, we have seen Statlander pair up with Athena and sometimes other women in the division to take on Jade Cargill and The Baddies. Kris Statlander has long been a crowd favorite. Particularly in her Owen Hart Tournament match with Ruby Soho, Statlander was able to turn the crowd around and gain overwhelming support during the match. 

Kris Statlander’s Feud With Red Velvet

Kris has been in a feud with Red Velvet who she has a long history with. Prior to Kris’ recent character change, she teamed with Red Velvet and Leyla Hirsch a few times. Leyla would eventually turn on Kris and Velvet, which led to Statlander’s character change. When Hikaru Shida needed to be replaced in the Women’s Owen Hart tournament, Statlander took her place and defeated Red Velvet to advance. They also faced off on the June 10 edition of AEW Rampage where Statlander once again defeated Velvet.

Kris Statlander commented on the possibility of her feud with Red Velvet continuing despite the history of their friendship.

Stalander said, “Uh, it might. If it is, I am not complaining because she’s small and she’s very easy to throw. And you know, when we were friends I loved her to death and you know, everyone goes their separate ways sometimes friends don’t last forever, unfortunately. But I don’t mind if she’s someone that I have to see all the time.”

Statlander On Slapping The Back Of Stokely Hathaway’s Head

Statlander recently slapped Jade Cargill’s publicist Stokely Hathaway on the June 17 edition of Rampage. Following Willow Nightingale’s match with Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship, Kris Statlander came out to help rescue Willow and Athena from the beatdown that they were receiving from Jade and The Baddies (Kiera Hogan and Red Velvet). While running down to the ring, Statlander slapped Stokely on the back of the head before getting into the ring. 

Statlander had the following to say about slapping Stokely, “I mean, I saw him as I was getting ready to run out. I saw him walking down there. And I was like, ‘Oh, he deserves it because he’s annoying that he had it coming.’ So, I guess you can say, sort of planned it as in like, we all want to. But, just when the opportunity arrives. Oh, it was gonna happen for sure.”

Statlander On Working With Willow Nightingale

Statlander and Athena said on the June 22 that they had Willow Nightingale in their corner when taking on Jade and The Baddies. Willow has been a big crowd favorite and has received great reactions during her AEW appearances. Willow took on Mercedes Martinez at ROH Supercard of Honor for the Interim ROH Women’s Championship back in April. Since they, Willow has been fighting off Jade and The Baddies. 

Statlander spoke about the possibility of Willow joining her and Athena and Willow being on TV more.

“I hope so considering that we said that we had her on our side. So, it’d be great if she were able to join us. So yeah, I really hope that you know if there ever comes a time to do maybe we gotta take down Jade and The Baddies all together as a group. I do hope that she’s one that’s on our side. She’s someone that I’ve known for a very long time, way before AEW, so I love working with her,” Statlander commented.

The Possibility Of Kris Statlander Vs Jade Cargill

Kris Statlander vs Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship is a match that has been long hyped up. Many believe that Kris Statlander may be the first person to defeat Jade Cargill, and that she will be the one to take the belt away from Jade. Especially during her recent feud with Jade and The Baddies, many believes that the booking around the TBS Championship may be working towards having Kris finally challenge Jade. These two have never faced each other one on one.

When asked about the possibility of facing Jade and what fans could expect from the match, Kris said, “I’m gonna say you’re gonna see Jade’s toughest challenge ever. Yet. Ever, maybe, we’ll see. But um, I appreciate everyone that’s supporting the idea of me being the first one to beat her. That would be really cool, but we gotta get the match booked first. So don’t don’t get your hopes up until we see that graphic. Okay. That’s all I’m gonna say is, if it happens, it happens if it doesn’t. Don’t get your panties in a twist over it. Life goes on. I’ll get something one day, maybe one day will be my time to shine, but if not.”

If you use the quotes above, please credit the original course with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription. 

AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door Predictions

Joey Galizia
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This Sunday, All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling join forces to present the historic AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

Many of the top stars from AEW and NJPW are currently out of action due to injuries, but that hasn’t stopped the companies for putting together a card featuring surreal match-ups that fans never thought they’d see.

SEScoops correspondents Andrew Ravens, Joey G and I got together and run down the card for AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door.

Here are our official Forbidden Door predictions:

The Buy-In: Max Caster & Gunn Club vs. LA Dojo (Yuya Uemura, Alex Coughlin, Kevin Knight & The DKC)

Joey G: Max Caster will cut an epic rap, then get the absolute piss kicked out of him by the LA Dojo boys. (Prediction: LA Dojo)

Andrew Ravens: The match is fine and will be a fun match. I don’t see why the NJPW guys would go over and AEW needs to do a better job protecting The Acclaimed as they’re clearly over with the fans. (Prediction: Max Caster & Gunn Club)

Michael Reichlin: I’m a big fan of Max Caster whole act and the Gunn Club is good in the ring, but I see LA Dojo getting a win for ‘Team NJPW’ – although there has been no mention of formally keeping score of wins for AEW or New Japan. (Prediction: LA Dojo)

Consensus: LA Dojo

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TBA

Joey G: This will be hard to pick. I presume Danielson would have defeated ZSJ, but since that match hasn’t happened yet it feels like the Brit has to win to eventually build to that. Although, why would a mystery man be brought in just to lose? Too many questions, so instead of a winner I’ll pick who I think the surprise is. Many will guess Claudio (Cesaro), ROH champion Jonathan Gresham, or Johnny Gargano. But me? I think it’s time for a hero. (Prediction: Chris Hero)

Michael Reichlin: It’s unfortunate that Bryan Danielson is out of this one due to injury, but he’s promised a replacement that fans will be excited about. The replacement will be the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club and will also take Bryan’s spot in Blood and Guts on Wednesday. Who else could it be, but Cesaro? These two will put on a technical classic that will showcase what sets AEW and NJPW apart from the rest. Cesaro (well, Claudio Castignoli) returns and begins the best run of his career. (Prediction: Cesaro)

Andrew Ravens: The mystery opponent has to be Cesaro. He goes back with Bryan Danielson and would fit well in the group. He’s also someone that the fans will be behind in this role and would be a welcome addition to the AEW roster. It would be odd for AEW to beat this mystery person on their first night with the promotion so I’ll side with the mystery opponent who I think is Cesaro. (Prediction: Cesaro)

Consensus: Cesaro

Fatal Four-Way to Crown the First AEW All-Atlantic Champion: Pac vs. Miro vs. Malakai Black vs. Clark Conners

Andrew Ravens: It comes down to one man and one man only for me and that’s Miro. He’s been away for a while and has been booked strongly since coming back. Sure, you can make the case for the other guys, but it’s pretty obvious who should win the title here. (Prediction: Miro)

Joey G: All options are good options in what is sure to be an underrated gem. Ishii going out means the young Clark Conners gets a chance to prove himself on a big stage, and PAC, Miro, and Malakai have all gotten very over to the AEW faithful. Miro feels like he’s ready for to enter the world title scene, and while PAC would be great holding gold, Malakai could kickstart a dominant run for the House of Black by capturing gold here. I’m going Malakai. (Prediction: Malakai Black)

Michael Reichlin: I won’t get into the debate surrounding AEW adding another mid-card championship belt, or the specifics of what makes an “All-Atlantic” champion. I do like the idea of stars like Pac, Miro and Black having a reason to face each other and this match is over-stuffed with talent. I’m a huge Miro guy and he had a memorable run as TNT Champion. Between these four, I see Miro as the best choice to be champion. (Prediction: Miro)

Consensus: Miro

Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara & Minoru Suzuki vs. Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta & Shota Umino

Joey G: This will most definitely be a lot of fun, but the heels seem destined to take this one. Kingston seeing blood will distract him from going for the win, and while Yuta and Umino are great, Suzuki is evil and Jericho and Guevara are as thick as thieves. Jericho and company get the W here. (Prediction: Jericho, Guevara & Suzuki)

Andrew Ravens: This could be a toss-up as it’s just a match on the card with some history. Jericho has been getting the upper hand a lot on Kingston so I will side with the babyfaces here and Suzuki taking the pinfall loss. (Prediction: Jericho, Guevara & Suzuki)

Michael Reichlin: This could easily be one of the most enjoyable matches of the night. I expect a bunch of crazy spots, including Sammy or Yuta jumping off something high. Kingston always delivers, Jericho adds star power and Suzuki will get violent. (Prediction: Jericho, Guevara and Suzuki)

Consensus: Jericho, Guevara & Suzuki

IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy

Michael Reichlin: Cassidy can go, so don’t write this off as just a comedy match. Ospreay is one of my favorites and I still can’t believe he’s been gracing an AEW ring. I hope we get to see more from him over the next few months, if they could negotiate him doing a tour in the US. The crowd will each this one up and Ospreay will have another showcase performance. (Prediction: Will Ospreay)

Andrew Ravens: It doesn’t make much sense for Cassidy, a comedy guy, to win an NJPW title and then defend it in Japan where they book strong-style wrestling. This could be one of the better matches on the card as Ospreay will be able to tell a great story around Cassidy’s gimmick. (Prediction: Will Ospreay)

Joey G: A match that will exceed all expectations both due to Ospreay’s incredible in-ring agility and Cassidy’s even better character work and sloth-style. However, as much as OC is loved he’s gonna get destroyed by the Aerial Assassin’s Hidden Blade. (Prediction: Will Ospreay)

Consensus: Will Ospreay

AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm

Joey G: Rosa and Storm on paper are perfect opponents for one another, so the real hope is that the match is as great as the talent in the ring. Only bad thing about this is that Rosa is still early on in her reign so the outcome is all but determined. (Prediction: Thunder Rosa)

Andrew Ravens: AEW has built up Storm very well in this role and it’s been a fun feud to follow along with. Thunder is still way too early in her title reign to lose the title here and I think that may hurt the crowd reactions to the match. (Prediction: Thunder Rosa)

Michael Reichlin: If you remember what I wrote about Thunder Rosa before Double or Nothing, my opinion hasn’t changed much for this latest match. Her title reign is underwhelming and she hasn’t risen to the occasion as someone who can carry the division, but they haven’t built up her challenger enough to warrant a title change yet. (Prediction: Thunder Rosa)

Consensus: Thunder Rosa

Winner Takes All: ROH World Tag Team Champions FTR vs. IWGP World Tag Team Champions United Empire (Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan) vs. Roppongi Vice

Joey G: This feud has seemed weird from the start, but that won’t stop me from enjoying three very different tag teams tying it up in what should be another fun contest. The most exciting path is that of FTR, because if they grab all the gold that sets up a potential rubber match with the Young Bucks as the main event of ALL OUT 2022 for everything, including the AEW belts. That’s too good of a story to pass up on. (Prediction: FTR)

Michael Reichlin: FTR are the top tag team in the world, but I don’t see them putting another pair of belts on them. That gets complicated, as we saw with Belt Collector Kenny Omega. Cobb and O-Khan retain by pinning one of the members of Roppongi Vice. (Prediction: United Empire)

Andrew Ravens: I believe AEW is heading towards a Young Bucks vs. FTR feud eventually whether that be as early as All Out or at a later date so I do expect them to lose the titles here. It’s a toss-up as to who will win the match, but I’ll side with Jeff Cobb and Great-O’Khan going over as they can always lose the ROH titles whenever needed. (Prediction: United Empire)

Consensus: United Empire

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page vs. Adam Cole

Michael Reichlin: Okada is finally wrestling in an AEW ring and that’s just crazy to me. The dream matches that are now possible should make for some special events in the year ahead. As for the match at hand, I don’t see an AEW wrestler winning the IWGP championship and then going to Japan to defend it regularly. Between White and Okada, I think White retains and these two continue their feud. (Prediction: Jay White)

Joey G: Tony Khan said on the Forbidden Door media call that Okada wasn’t available for AEW television until this past week, so the build of this match was very scattered. That aside, all four competitors are very unique and VERY OVER, so this contest is sure to be red-hot. However, we know whose era this is. (Prediction: Jay White)

Andrew Ravens: White just won the title and it doesn’t make much sense to have AEW talent go over to defend a title in Japan. I see White retaining here and beating either Page or Cole so that still sets up a future White vs. Okada match. (Prediction: Jay White)

Consensus: Jay White

Bullet Club (Young Bucks, El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) vs. Dudes with Attitudes (Sting, Darby Allin, Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi)

Joey G: This might be the match I’m most excited for even though it was only announced last week. If you’ve never seen Hiromu Takahashi in action you are in for a treat. My main prediction? Sting will jump off of the top of the United Center. (Prediction: Dudes With Attitudes)

Andrew Ravens: I see this as being a pick-em type of match as either team could go over. I side with Dudes with Attitudes just because some NJPW need to go over on this show and with Allin and Sting being on the team, it makes even more sense. (Prediction: Dudes with Attitudes)

Michael Reichlin: This is another match that seems thrown together but will probably rule. With the grab-bag of competitors involved, how could it not? The Bucks are the AEW World tag team champions, but Sting and Darby are a special act that knows how to get the job done. (Prediction: Dudes with Attitudes)

Interim AEW World Championship Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jon Moxley

Andrew Ravens: Moxley wins it here. I would be shocked to see Tanashi pick up the win. AEW doesn’t have short-term champions so it wouldn’t make sense for an interim champion to have a short reign as the purpose is to fill the role until the actual champion comes back and then the two champions fight. (Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Michael Reichlin: This might be a surprising pick, but I’m giving this one to Tanahashi. This is a dream match with two of the top pro wrestlers in the world, no question. At the end of the day, I think this comes down to politics. More specifically, I could see Tony Khan putting the Interim AEW World title on Tanahashi, as a gesture of good faith towards New Japan, setting up the eventual Tanahashi vs. CM Punk unification match. Maybe we do see Moxley vs. Punk in a few months, but I don’t see AEW pulling the trigger on that match just yet. (Prediction: Hiroshi Tanahashi)

Joey G: While not the original main event for this first ever dream card, no star has carried the spirit of AEW like Moxley has, and him getting the opportunity to go up against one of the greatest of all-time in Tanahashi has made this substitute feel like a big deal. Moxley gets the win and gets to actually defend the company’s top belt in front of fans, something he was denied during his first reign. (Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Consensus: Jon Moxley

There you have it, our AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door predictions. Check back after the event for our Results and news coming out of the show.

Windham Rotunda Files To Trademark The name, ‘Wyatt 6’

Joey Galizia
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Former WWE champion and two-time Universal champion Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) has filed a new trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The Eater of Worlds applied for the term “Wyatt 6,” which is his current handle for his social media channels and could potentially be his new in-ring moniker whenever he returns to the squared circle.

Rotunda made the filing on June 21st through wrestling attorney Michael E. Dockins, who has helped a number of top stars secure trademarks with the USPTO.

The “Wyatt 6″ trademark is intended to cover the categories: hats, Shirts, Sweatshirts, Bandanas and Hooded sweatshirts.”

Rotunda was released from his WWE contract back in July of 2021. Reports have since surfaced that there were constant creative clashes between himself and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and their falling out led to Rotunda being pulled from programming.

His final WWE match was against Randy Orton on night one of WrestleMania 37 a bout he worked as The Fiend and lost.

Rotunda has been largely absent from the wrestling world since his WWE departure, setting his sights instead on film projects. He has hinted in several cryptic tweets that he will be making some sort of return in the near future.

WWE SmackDown Superstars Turn Heel

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Two WWE superstars on the SmackDown brand have turned to the dark side.

Face and heel turns happen all the time in the wrestling business. Very few stay on one side of the fence for a long period of time. There are exceptions such as John Cena but even he was a heel at one point in his WWE career.

For one WWE tag team, the time spent as babyfaces has come to an end.

The Viking Raiders Turn Heel

The VIking Raiders
(via WWE)

WWE had been advertising the return of former WWE Raw Tag Team Champions, The Viking Raiders. The way the company was promoting the team’s return was sort of like a re-debut.

The Viking Raiders ended up appearing on the June 24 episode of SmackDown with a new attitude.

Erik & Ivar attacked Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Shanky from behind. After the vicious beatdown, The Viking Raiders explained their new no-nonsense approach.

The team said they were tired of being sidelined and claimed that now nobody is safe from their wrath of destruction.

It appears now, The Viking Raiders have gotten into a feud with The New Day.

Another Day, Another AEW Star Suffers Injury

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AEW just can’t catch a break.

The company has been pelted with talent injuries left and right. The promotion’s current world champion, CM Punk, has been sidelined after undergoing surgery.

Bryan Danielson was expected to compete at Forbidden Door and Blood & Guts but that’s now off the table due to an undisclosed injury.

Kenny Omega has been out for months due to multiple injuries. There are plenty of other AEW stars out of commission to the point where a mega list has been created.

You can add another one to the already brutal list.

Jungle Boy Injured

Jungle Boy scaled
(via AEW)

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reports that Jungle Boy has now sustained an injury. Details are scarce at the moment.

Jungle Boy is in the midst of a personal feud with Christian Cage. Cage had served as a mentor to the Jurassic Express member before turning heel. Christian hit Jungle Boy with the Killswitch after a tag team title loss and then nailed him with the Conchairto.

Jungle Boy is considered to be a top star of the future for AEW. Depending on the length of his injury, it could be yet another devastating blow to the company. If he’s out for a long period of time, it would force AEW to once again change plans.

We’ll keep you updated on the status of Jungle Boy once more details surface.

Dax Harwood Says He Didn’t See ‘Eye To Eye’ With MJF On The Pinnacle

Anutosh Bajpai
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Pinnacle was a popular but relatively short-lived group in the history of AEW. Dax Harwood of FTR believes it may have been the most mishandled thing in all of modern wrestling. The FTR recently had an interview with Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post. Among other things, they talked about the rise and fall of The Pinnacle.

Cash Wheeler first talked about the recent controversy involving the former leader of the group, MJF. He said that he hopes the young star gets what he wants:

“With Max right now, I don’t really know. I try to stay out of all the office business because I’m not very good at it and I’m not very good at hiding my emotions as it is. It’s just, I hope he gets what he wants. I know what it’s like to be in a spot where you don’t feel like where you want to be. So I hope he finds that.”

Most Mishandled Thing In Modern Wrestling

MJF Faction
MJF with Pinnacle

Discussing the end of the group, Wheeler said that he feels like they could have done things differently. Dax Harwood then shared his belief that it could have been one of the biggest angles in the modern wrestling history before claiming that he didn’t always see eye to eye with MJF on the plans for the faction:

“You called us to talk to FTR. I’m not here to talk about Max. I don’t care what Max does. I will say this, I think the Pinnacle may be the most mishandled thing in modern wrestling history because that could have been one of the biggest angles in the world, one of the biggest groups in the world. Max and I always didn’t see eye to eye and I’ll leave it at that.”

Apart from this, the duo talked about things such as the upcoming Forbidden Door PPV and what it would mean for them to win the IWGP tag team championships. The ROH tag team champions are set to compete in a triple threat match against the IWGP tag champs United Empire and Roppongi Vice in a winner takes all match at the show.

Kenny Omega Gives An Update on the AEW Video Game Release Date

Anutosh Bajpai
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Fans have been waiting patiently for the AEW Fight Forever Video Game. While a timeline for its release is still not set, Kenny Omega is hoping that it will be ready before the end of this year. The former AEW champion recently had an interview with Fightful. He discussed things such as his recovery from the various injuries and more.

Providing an update on the development of the game, Omega mentioned how he didn’t know what ideas they would be able to implement in their budget when he first took on the project. Now they’re at the stage where the creative process is almost complete. They are now fine-tuning things:

“Now it’s almost time for me to find something else within this project to do because the creative process is almost complete where we know how the matches will flow. We know some of the systems. We know how the action-reaction type stuff [will work]. It’s now in a process of being tuned and then finely tuned from there.”

Kenny Omega Undergoing Plasma Treatment on Shoulder & Knee (Video)

When AEW: Fight Forever May Come Out

Kenny Omega then mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the game. It got to a point where it seemed like they would never be able to release it. Though now with the help of some old contacts that have now joined the project they are hoping to get it out before the end of this year:

“It got to a point where it seemed bleak like maybe we would never release this thing, but we kind of got past that. We hopefully can be on schedule to make sure that we get this game out by this year. Hopefully, fingers crossed.”

Apart from this, Kenny Omega also talked about the upcoming Forbidden Door PPV. He mentioned how his NJPW run was arguably the most important phase of his career. He said that he is very happy and satisfied that they have been able to create a forum with AEW where different companies can work together.

You can check out Omega’s full interview below:

Tony Khan Addresses Jeff Hardy’s DUI Arrest

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jeff Hardy forced Tony Khan and AEW to make major changes to their plans when he got arrested for driving without a license while being intoxicated earlier this month. The AEW owner recently took part in a media call to promote the Forbidden Door PPV. Among other things he also addressed the actions of the Charismatic Enigma.

Khan first mentioned how Jon Moxley also battled with alcohol addiction but he did the right thing by seeking help. What Hardy did was completely different and per Tony, this is why they handled the situations differently:

“With Jeff [Hardy], it’s totally different. The way it went down is totally different and that’s why the statements and the way we handled the two things are different. In this case, I don’t think there is any comparison. Jeff is doing much better. As I understand, Jeff is in treatment. I don’t want to say too much about what is going on because it’s his business, but I’m here for him for whatever he needs. I’m really glad nobody got hurt.”

‘It’s His Last Chance’

Though Tony Khan later said that he’d be remiss if he didn’t give Jeff the credit for finally doing the right thing. The AEW president claimed that this is Hardy’s last chance:

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t give Jeff a lot of credit for now doing the right thing. This is why we said Jeff has to the right thing if he wants to stay with AEW. It’s [his] last chance.”

Khan mentioned how Moxley didn’t put anyone at risk with his actions and so the two things cannot be compared. He also revealed his recent talk with Matt Hardy where he told the AEW star that they will support his brother through his treatment.

AEW Star Wants To Help The Company Gain More Female Viewers

Anutosh Bajpai
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One of the main goals of Wardlow is to help grow AEW in all directions. This includes helping the company boost their female viewership as well.

The heavyweight recently had an interview with Forbs. He talked about things such as his early days in wrestling, getting paid $5 for shows and more.

Speaking about his goals in the company, Wardlow said that he is very in tune with numbers. He explained that his main goal is to help expand the viewership numbers in all categories, including the female viewership:

“I’m very in tune with numbers, and my main goal for AEW is, I want to be the reason we have more viewers. I want to be the reason the female viewership goes up.

I want to be the reason that 18-49 demographic goes up.” said Wardlow, “I want to be the reason our ratings are higher,”

The former IWC star also discussed the recent influx of talent in AEW. Some fans are not happy with outside stars taking the spotlight from talents such as him but the AEW star explained that it’s good for them.

He mentioned how someone like CM Punk brings a lot more eyes to the product. The former Pinnacle member said that it’ll only help the company grow and put more eyes on talents who have taken a backseat when they start getting pushed again.

WWE Star Defends Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar SummerSlam Match

Anutosh Bajpai
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Brock Lesnar made his surprise return during the June 17 SmackDown and immediately reignited his feud with Roman Reigns. WWE was then quick to announce a rematch between the two for the SummerSlam PPV. A lot of fans were not happy with this decision but Corey Graves believes it’s not such a bad thing.

The Raw commentator talked about people’s reactions on the latest After The Bell episode. Graves first said that the Last Man Standing stipulation gives him the feeling that it’s going to be the last chapter of this rivalry. He then explained that while people have seen this match before, it’s been a draw every time:

“Of course, you’ve got people whining and complaining, ‘Oh, we’ve already seen this.’ You’re right, you have seen it, and every time you’ve seen it, has it not been awesome? Every time Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns are in the same ring, is it not magic?

Does the arena, or in this case a stadium, not rise to its feet to watch two behemoths who have proven themselves to be worth every dime because they are box office draws?”

WWE had originally planned for Randy Orton to challenge the Tribal Chief at the biggest party of the Summer. However, The Viper has been dealing with some injuries that could keep him out of action for the remainder of the year.

How do you feel about WWE booking yet another Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar match? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

What Happened With Ronda Rousey After WWE SmackDown Went Off The Air

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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That’s a wrap for the June 24 episode of WWE SmackDown and there was a little something for the fans in attendance after the FOX broadcast.

This week, the blue brand saw Drew McIntyre and Sheamus team together against The Usos. They were fighting to keep their spots in the Money in the Bank ladder match as Paul Heyman pulled some strings behind the scenes.

Drew and Sheamus emerged victorious and will indeed be featured in the MITB match.

We also saw a women’s MITB qualifier between Tamina and Shotzi. Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura was the first match on the show and that was also a qualifying match.

Shotzi and Sami are moving on to Money in the Bank on July 2.

After The Broadcast

Once SmackDown went off the air, there was a dark match. It was WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya.

The two had been featured in an in-ring segment during the live airing. It ended with Natalya throwing a baby stroller at Ronda.

Rousey ended up scoring the victory via armbar in their dark match.

There were also two WWE digital exclusives. Featured were interviews with Raquel Rodriguez and Lacey Evans. The two defeated Sonya Deville in a handicap match.

AEW Rampage Results (6/24/22): Forbidden Door Go-Home Show, Andrade vs. Fenix, HOOK

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage was taped following Dynamite from the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Wisconsin. It was the final AEW TV show before Forbidden Door this Sunday night. In addition to the takeaways below, Aaron Solo & QT Marshall vs. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi was announced for the Buy-In before Forbidden Door.

Rampage Results (6/24/22)

  • Andrade El Idolo def. Rey Fenix
  • Mercedes Martinez & Serena Deeb def. Laynie Luck & Sierra
  • Hook def. The DKC
  • Jeff Cobb def. Cash Wheeler

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Andrade El Idol def. Rey Fenix

Andrade El Idolo squared off against Rey Fenix in the first match on tonight’s episode of Rampage. Fenix caught Andrade with a Hurricanrana but Andrade responded with one of his own.

Fenix hit an Enziguri and followed it up with a German Suplex for an early near fall. Rey climbed to the top rope but El Idolo got up. Andrade shoved Rey off the top rope and to the floor as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, the action returned to the ring, and Andrade connected with a Body Slam. El Idolo climbed to the top turnbuckle but Rey once again broke it up. Fenix hit a chop to the chest but Andrade battled back.

Andrade got Fenix in the Tree of Woe and hit him with a Double Stomp for a two count. Fenix battled back and leveled Anrade with a Dropkick. Rey followed it up with a Cutter for a near fall. Rey went for a Frog Splash but Andrade got his knees up just in time.

Rey dodged Andrade and sent him crashing into the ring post. Back in the ring, Fenix hit an inverted Spanish Fly off the top rope but Jose (Andrade’s assistant/manager) got El Idolo’s foot on the rope to break up the cover.

Jose then gave Andrade a tablet but referee Aubrey Edwards caught it. Andrade went for a poke to the eye but Fenix blocked it. Fenix knocked Andrade out of the ring with a kick and hit him with a dive. Rush caught Fenix with a low blow while the referee was distracted. Back in the ring, Andrade hit the Hammerlock DDT for the pinfall victory. Rush ripped off Fenix’s mask and Pentagon Jr. made the save.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1540521491233644545?s=20&t=7Bt3aRZrDVgt-JiotRrczw

Serena Deeb & Mercedes Martinez Picked Up A Win

ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez and Serena Deeb faced Laynie Luck and Sierra tonight on Rampage. Deeb and Martinez dominated the match and won via submission. Deeb and Martinez had submission holds applied and Luck & Sierra quickly tapped out. Martinez and Deeb got in a shoving match with each other after the match.

HOOK def. The DKC

The DKC (a student at NJPW LA Dojo) faced Hook tonight on Rampage. Hook applied a Knee Bar to begin the match but DKC reached the ropes. Hook unloaded some strikes in the corner of the ring and followed it up with a Suplex. Hook unloaded some more strikes before applying RedRum for the submission victory to remain undefeated in AEW.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1540524769145225218?s=20&t=7Bt3aRZrDVgt-JiotRrczw
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1540525928769544192?s=20&t=7Bt3aRZrDVgt-JiotRrczw

Jeff Cobb def. Cash Wheeler

Cash Wheeler faced Jeff Cobb in the main event of this week’s episode of AEW Rampage. Before the match, Mark Henry interviewed both wrestlers. Wheeler admitted that he’s a tag team wrestler and competing in singles action isn’t exactly his forte. Cash added that Jeff Cobb is a real tough opponent but he will never back down from a fight.

Cash noted that FTR have a chance to make history in the winner’s take all match this Sunday at Forbidden Door. Jeff Cobb stated that he respects FTR but they run their mouths too much about wanting more gold. Cobb claimed that he and the Great-o-Khan will leave Forbidden Door with all the gold.

Wheeler and Cobb locked up in the middle of the ring to start off the match. Jeff showed off his strength and shoved him down. Wheeler tried to lock in a headlock but Cobb was too strong. Cash went for a shoulder tackle but Cobb barely moved. Cash connected with a Dropkick and got the headlock applied as Chris Jericho announced that Jeff Cobb was his “Sports Entertainer of the Week”.

Cobb escaped the headlock and applied one of his own. Cash escaped and connected with a Dropkick. Jeff responded with a Suplex and Wheeler rolled out of the ring to regroup as Rampage went to the final commercial break of the night. When Rampage returned, Jeff Cobb was still in control of the match. Wheeler went for a Tornado DDT but Cobb blocked it. Cobb went for Tour of the Islands but Cash countered into a cradle for a near fall.

Jeff lifted Cash up for a Powerbomb but Wheeler was able to counter into a Hurricanrana. Wheeler went for the cover but Jeff powered out at two and the match continued. Cobb then planted Wheeler with the Tour of the Islands for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1540530113665720321?s=20&t=BQu2Zp8zxxloA9cHKskCqg

After the match, absolute chaos broke out as Will Ospreay battled with Orange Cassidy on the entrance ramp. Eddie Kingston then attacked Jericho on commentary as Rampage went off the air.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1540530737497210880?s=20&t=7Bt3aRZrDVgt-JiotRrczw

Natalya Cosplays as Ronda Rousey – WWE Smackdown Reactions (6/24/22): Getting Blue Ep. 10

Steve Fall
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Join us as we run down The Good, The Bad and What The Heck?! moments from this week’s SmackDown.

Plus, we’ll name the show’s MVE (Most Valuable Entertainer).

Subscribe to the SEScoops YouTube Channel and comment below to let us know what you think!

WWE Raw Superstars to Appear on SmackDown Next Week

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WWE SmackDown will be getting an added boost from some Monday Night Raw talent.

The June 24 episode of SmackDown is in the books. Drew McIntyre and Sheamus have been readded to the Money in the Bank ladder match after being forced to defeat The Usos in order to get back in the match.

Sami Zayn also qualified for the match after he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura. On top of that, Shotzi earned her place in the MITB match by beating Tamina.

Raw MITB Participants Appearing on SmackDown

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Just before the main event of this week’s SmackDown started, it was announced that all Raw Money in the Bank participants on the men’s and women’s sides will be making their way to the July 1 episode of SmackDown.

This will be the go-home show before Money in the Bank, which takes place the following evening.

There are still two participants left to determine for the men’s MITB match, while only one spot remains for the women’s ladder match.

WWE SmackDown Results (6/24/22): Ronda Rousey & Natalya, Title Match, Money in the Bank Qualifiers

Robert Lentini
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The June 24 episode WWE SmackDown aired live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Drew McIntyre and Sheamus teamed up to face The Usos in the main event. SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey appeared in a segment with Natalya. Sami Zayn battled Shinsuke Nakamura in a Money in the Bank qualifying match.

WWE SmackDown Results (6/24)

  • Sami Zayn def. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Money in the Bank qualifying match
  • Raquel Rodriguez & Lacey Evans def. Sonya Deville in a Handicap match
  • Gunther def. Ricochet to retain the Intercontinental Championship
  • Sheamus & Drew McIntyre def. The Usos to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Sheamus & Drew McIntyre Have To Qualify For MITB Again

Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring with Angela the sword to begin tonight’s show. McIntyre claimed that Roman Reigns keeps ducking him and it seems like he is going to have to force his hand. McIntyre vowed to become Mr. Money in the Bank and noted how Brock Lesnar was just given one at SummerSlam. Drew stated that he hopes Lesnar and Reigns beat the hell out of each other so he can cash in and hit them with a Claymore.

Sheamus interrupted with Ridge Holland and Butch. The Brawling Brutes joined McIntyre in the ring and Sheamus claimed that McIntyre was just put in the MITB ladder match because Adam Pearce feels bad for him. Sheamus added that McIntyre’s experience with the MITB contract is watching someone else cash in and take his title.

Paul Heyman interrupted with Adam Pearce by his side. Heyman spoke about the Last Man Standing at SummerSlam and claimed that Roman Reigns will emerge victorious. He said that Pearce has a special announcement to make. Pearce noted that neither McIntyre and Sheamus won their qualifying match and after some influence by Heyman, WWE management has overruled his decision.

Pearce announced that neither Sheamus nor McIntyre will be a part of the Money in the Bank ladder match. Adam added that they can get back into the match if they defeat The Usos tonight. Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos joined the party and high-fived Paul Heyman. Sheamus and McIntyre stared at each other to end the segment.

Sami Zayn Qualified For The Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Shinsuke Nakamura faced Sami Zayn in a Money in the Bank qualifying match on tonight’s SmackDown. Sami controlled the action early and sent Shinsuke to the outside. Zayn connected with an Exploder Suplex that launched Nakamura into the barricade. Sami tried to win the match via count-out but Shinsuke got back into the ring before the ten count. Nakamura knocked Sami to the canvas as SmackDown went to a commercial.

When SmackDown returned, Sami was back in control of the match and taunting the crowd. He hopped to the middle turnbuckle but Nakamura attacked him. Sami booted Shinsuke away and leaped off the turnbuckle into a roundhouse kick from Nakamura for a two count. Zayn responded with a Michinuko Driver for a close two count.

Nakamura and Sami battled on the turnbuckle. Sami knocked him down but Shinsuke popped right back up and crotched Nakamura on the top rope. Zayn avoided the Kinshasa and rolled Shinsuke up using the ropes for leverage. The referee caught Sami and stopped counting. Nakamura capitalized with a strike for a near fall.

Shinsuke connected with a spin kick to the face and went for the Kinshasa but Sami got out of the ring. Nakamura chased Sami around the ring and caught him with the Kinshasa. Nakamura rolled Sami back into the ring but Sami caught him with a Helluva Kick for the pinfall victory. Sami Zayn has qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

Viking Raiders Returned

New Day competed in a dance-off with Jinder Mahal and Shanky tonight on SmackDown. Shanky was having a good time and Jinder Mahal got annoyed. Shanky shoved Jinder away and Mahal retreated. Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) returned and beat New Day & Shanky down.

Sonya Deville then spoke with Adam Pearce and mocked him for the way he’s treating the women’s division right now. Deville claimed that the women’s division was saying Pearce is in over his head. Sonya wondered why she hasn’t had a match on SmackDown yet but Raquel Rodriguez gets a qualifying match. Pearce then told Sonya that she’d be facing Lacey Evans & Raquel Rodriguez in a Handicap match next.

Raquel Rodriguez & Lacey Evans Picked Up A Victory

Sonya Deville faced Lacey Evans and Raquel Rodriguez in a Handicap match. Shayna Baszler and Xia Li accompanied Deville to the ring. Evans and Rodriguez got the win after Lacey hi the Woman’s Right. After the match, Baszler and Li attacked from behind. Rodriguez and Evans held strong and knocked them out of the ring.

Natalya Dressed Up Like Ronda Rousey

Natalya came to the ring with a baby stroller and was dressed like Ronda Rousey as SmackDown went to a commercial break. Natalya spoke as if she was Rousey and claimed that she is the saddest woman on the planet.

SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey’s theme hit and she made her way to the ring. Ronda said that the closest Natalya will ever get to becoming a main attraction in the company is dressing up like her. A brawl then broke out and Natalya hit Ronda with the stroller. Natalya then retreated out of the ring to end the segment. Ronda Rousey will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Natalya at WWE Money in the Bank.

Gunther Retained The Intercontinental Championship

Gunther defended the Intercontinental Championship against Ricochet tonight on SmackDown. Ludwig Kaiser accompanied Gunther to the ring. Gunther dominated the action early and delivered a Body Slam to Ricochet. Gunther followed it up with a big boot to the face and then an uppercut that sent the challenger to the canvas.

Ludwig instructed Gunther to stay on Ricochet and the champion applied a Half Crab in the middle of the ring. Ricochet screamed in pain and Gunther transitioned into a Crossface. Ricochet was able to escape and reach the ropes to break the hold.

Ricochet hit an Enziguri but Gunther stayed on his feet. Ricochet hit a knee strike but Gunther responded with a big Clothesline and some chops to the chest. Gunther connected with a German Suplex and a massive Dropkick. Gunther then planted Ricochet with a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory to retain the Intercontinental Championship.

Shotzi Qualified For The Women’s MITB Ladder Match

Shotzi faced Tamina Snuka tonight in a qualifying match for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Shotzi was originally supposed to face Aliyah but that match was changed for an unknown reason. Tamina controlled the match early and connected with a shoulder tackle. Snuka followed it up with a Powerslam for a near fall.

Shotzi battled back and hit Never Wake Up for the pinfall victory. Shotzi has qualified for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. After the match, Max Dupri said that the lighting was not good enough and his client will not debut tonight.

Sheamus & Drew McIntyre Qualified For The MITB Ladder Match

Sheamus & Drew McIntyre faced Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos in tonight’s main event. Before the match, Pat McAfee cut a promo and challenged Happy Corbin to a match at SummerSlam.

McIntyre and Sheamus argued over who will start off the match. Jimmy attacked McIntyre but Drew shrugged it off and responded with a Clothesline. Sheamus and Jey then tagged in. Jey connected with a slam and followed it up with a Senton. Drew battled with Butch outside the ring and threw him into the barricade. The Usos hit Sheamus and McIntyre with a couple of dives through the ropes as SmackDown went to the final break of the night.

When SmackDown returned, Sheamus hit the Irish Curse Backbreaker on Jey. McIntyre tagged in and walked into a Superkick. Street Profits, Sami Zayn, Butch, and Ridge Holland all started brawling outside the ring. Back in the ring, Drew McIntyre hit Jimmy Uso with a Claymore for the pinfall victory. Sheamus & McIntyre have once again qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

Damian Priest Talks Bad Bunny Returning To WWE

Steve Fall
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WWE Superstar Damian Priest recently spoke with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston about Bad Bunny returning to a WWE ring.

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“You know it comes down to he (Bad Bunny) had a perfect time in his schedule that he was like I’m not doing anything, I’m gonna move to Florida just to train and completely invest all my energy and time into this. You know he’s not someone that just wanted to just come in and then leave or just promote something. He wanted to get invested, if he gets that time again where he could devote himself I believe we’ll see Bad Bunny in the WWE ring again.”

Updated Mega-List of AEW Injuries

Andrew Ravens
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Both AEW and WWE have several wrestlers out of action right now due to injury.

While WWE has the likes of Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton on the sidelines, Orton with a back injury that needs surgery and Rhodes out with a torn pec, the number of injuries in AEW is concerning. 

All of the injuries in AEW have caused various storylines to be changed. Here’s a list of all the wrestlers out with injuries: 

  • Kenny Omega
  • Bryan Danielson
  • CM Punk 
  • Kyle O’Reilly
  • Red Velvet
  • The Bunny 
  • Penelope Ford
  • Buddy Matthews 
  • Jake Roberts
  • Skye Blue

As previously reported, Adam Cole was on this list as he was banged up, but he’s cleared and will work a fatal 4-way bout at Forbidden Door for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title against champion Jay White, Hangman Adam Page, and Kazuchika Okada.

O’Reilly is out with an injury as President Tony Khan said on the AEW podcast that he’ll be out of action for a while. He didn’t say what the exact injury was. 

Matthews noted on Instagram that he has a shoulder injury but he’s still lifting weights and can wrestle.

Roberts is out of action with bladder surgery which is the reason why he wasn’t with Lance Archer in the main event of Dynamite.

Impact Wrestling’s Gisele Shaw Announces She Is Transgender

Andrew Ravens
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Gisele Shaw, who wrestles for Impact Wrestling, has come out as transgender. 

She did so while speaking with the San Francisco Chronicle and Breakfast Television in Canada 

“There is really no perfect time to be coming out,” Shaw told The Chronicle. “It’s my journey. Now just felt right for me. Today I’m fully living my life to the fullest, truly, authentic, freely and I am a transgender and I’m very proud,” she said on Breakfast Television.

She has been wrestling for seven years after being trained by Lance Storm and has won titles for RevPro, Pro-Wrestling EVE, and Progress. 

“People are going to have opinions, but whatever they say, it doesn’t define who I am,” Shaw continued. “I know who I am and I am true to myself.”

Shaw also spoke about the support she has received from her sisters after sharing the news: 

“Coming from an Asian background, being the oldest, there was an unsaid rule, the expectation was that I would carry the family name, that I would set an example, that I would take care of my sisters. There was a lot of pressure from my parents to be great,” Shaw said. “My sisters were so important, asking ‘How can you feel like you have failed as a parent? Gisele gets to live her dream. If you want us to look up to someone, why not someone living their dream and being the best version of themselves?’ That was an eye-opener for my parents.”

Executive Vice President of Impact Wrestling Scott D’Amore also spoke to the Chronicle where he called her a valued member of their roster and her role “will not be affected or in any way changed by her disclosing she’s transgender to the wider public.”

The chronicle also spoke to current Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace who said that they have mutual trust and respect. 

Shaw is currently scheduled to face Rosemary on next Thursday’s edition of Impact Wrestling.

Stephanie McMahon Acknowledges Father’s Investigation During ‘All Hands On Deck’ Meeting (Report)

Jon Fuentes
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Stephanie McMahon reportedly acknowledged her father’s ongoing investigation during an “all hands on deck” meeting.

PWInsider reports that WWE held an “all hands on deck” meeting yesterday, in which Stephanie McMahon acknowledged the ongoing investigation into her father, Vince McMahon.

Stephanie is acting as chairman and CEO of WWE after her father stepped down last week. She reportedly said “everyone” is aware of the investigation by the WWE Board of Directors, clarifying her father has “stepped back.”

Also, she added that she loves Vince and WWE, and will do “everything she can” for the company moving forward.

It was also noted that Stephanie McMahon has been “actively involved” in meetings that would usually see Vince involved in the past.

Vince McMahon is currently under investigation for sexual misconduct, along with John Laurinaitis, for an alleged payout he made to an employee he was having an affair with.

Although Vince has stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE, he’s still very much involved creatively backstage on Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live.

In fact, its been reported several times that he’s been in great spirits backstage.

If that wasn’t enough, even after the allegations surfaced and became public, as well as after his stepping down as chairman and CEO, Vince made brief television appearances on both RAW and SmackDown last week.

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