When the NWA presents Empowerrr from the Chase in St. Louis on August 28th, it will be headlined by the Women’s Invitational Cup. Mickie James recently released the rules for the competition on Twitter.
“Rules of the 1st EVER NWA Women’s Invitational are simple,” James Tweeted. 10 women have been selected by myself & my team of advisors. The Top 10 Women we think would & could make incredible Women’s Champions to compete in the main event of Empowerrr to become not only the 1st cup holder but will then go on to Face the NWA Women’s Champion the very next night for a chance at #TheBurke on NWA 73″
James also mentioned that the NWA Women’s World Championship (aka The Burke) will be on the line at Empowerrr. Kamille will defend the title against Leyla Hirsch, who earned the right after defeating The Bunny last week on AEW Dynamite.
James continued to explain the rules of the Women’s Invitational.
“2 women will start. Order to be determined by myself & my badass team! Madusa, Gail Kim, and Jazz.”
“Every 2 minutes a new woman enters. Eliminations only by Pinfall or Submission. There will ONLY be 1 winner annually.”
10 women have been selected by myself & my team of advisors. The #Top10 Women we think would & could make incredible #WomensChampions to compete in the #MainEvent of #EMPOWERRR to become not only the #1st cup holder
Confirmed Entrants In The Women’s Invitational Cup
Entrants already confirmed for the match include:
Chelsea Green
Lady Frost
Debbie Malenko
Bianca Carelli
Tootie Lynn
Jamie Senegal
Also confirmed for the show will be a 4-team tag-team tournament, Deonna Purrazzo defending the Knockouts title against Melina and Kamille vs Leyla Hirsch.
Renee Paquette recently revealed that her non-compete clause with WWE has almost expired. Her last show with the company was SummerSlam 2020. Recently Paquette expressed that she is not closing the door on possibly working with WWE again somewhere down the line.
“I still have a good standing relationship with WWE,” Paquette said to Wrestling Inc. “There’s no ill-will or bad blood or anything like that.”
She continued to say that she has plenty of friends in WWE. Paquette doesn’t see any reason why she would not pop up and be part of something if they reached out to her.
“So many of my friends are all in WWE,” Paquette said.
“There’s definitely no reason for me to not pop up and do stuff, or not be part of stuff if they want to reach out and do some stuff,” Paquette continued. “Either it works or it doesn’t work, but there’s no obligation. I always have love for WWE.”
In the same interview, Renee spoke about getting back into wrestling once her non-compete clause with WWE has expired.
“My non-compete with WWE is nearly up,” Paquette said. “I don’t ever want to separate myself from professional wrestling, I know that’s where my fanbase comes from.”
My mom and I spent the morning making fresh peach jam with just a pinch of cinnamon. Now we’re watching Human Centipede. ?
Matt Clemente (FKA Tyler Breeze) does not believe the time is right for him to sign with AEW. The 33-year-old was released by WWE in June and is fine with taking a little time away from wrestling.
“If I go (to AEW), I don’t know if it would make a massive impact,” Breeze said (transcriptions via WrestlingNewsCO). “Now it’s kind of the norm. People are going over there, and there might be some big names going over there. Nobody knows what is happening, but I don’t think now is the right time for me to go there.”
Breeze continued to say that he’s not currently taking bookings but is getting in a lot of work at his wrestling school. Along with Shawn Spears, Breeze runs Flatbacks Wrestling school in Florida.
“I have wrestled for 14 years straight. I’m Ok with taking a little bit of a break. My body likes it, and I am getting enough wrestling at the school to keep my body good. I’m not currently taking any bookings.
Breeze also mentioned that he’s been smart with his money. When he got the call that he was released, it was not a long conversation and he was not worried about where his next pay cheque would come from.
“Luckily, I prepared and got ready for this, and when it happened, it was literally the shortest conversation of all time. ‘Bad news. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to let you go.’ ‘Ok, cool.’ ‘Do you have any questions?’ ‘No, not really. Thanks, man.’ I immediately started streaming again. I fired up everything and went into hustle mode. I’m ok with it all.”
Tyler Breeze (@MmmGorgeous) talked to me about having the honor of being the only person to work a match with Jushin “Thunder” Liger in WWE
AEW President Tony Khan made his weekly appearance on Busted Open Radio this morning. TK was on hand to promote tonight’s AEW Dynamite from Pittsburgh, PA and Friday’s AEW Rampage premiere.
As per usual, “Tony Time” yielded some newsworthy items. Here are some highlights of what was discussed:
Rampage is a great news for wrestling fans and AEW. It’s been a busy week (“Sleep is overrated”) but things are about to pick up over the next two weeks leading up to the First Dance on 8/20. Everybody in AEW has been looking forward to the launch of Rampage. It will create new opportunities and matchups for the entire AEW roster.
TNT has been very happy about the early buzz for Rampage. There’s a lot of interest and TNT has rolled out the red carpet for AEW, in terms of promotion. Tonight on Dynamite, we’ll learn more about the card for Friday’s Rampage premiere.
Dark and Dark: Elevation have helped them cultivate new talent, but Rampage is “still going to be a star-driven show.”
Dan Lambert from American Top Team and his “backup” (two great UFC champions) – that is being pushed back to next week in Houston, Texas. Lambert previously brought Amanda Nunes and Jorge Masvidal to Dynamite.
Khan called next week’s AEW Rampage: The First Dance, “The most anticipated wrestling television show in years.”
He spoke about the benefits of working with other promotions and featuring non-AEW talent on AEW programming. Khan said he has no problem helping other companies if it helps AEW at all.
AEW Rampage will not have a 4-man commentary team at all times. There are 4 hosts announced, but sometimes it will be 3 guys calling a match.
AEW Rampage premieres this Friday night at 10pm (Eastern) on TNT.
Booker T is aware of Rene Dupree’s injury accusations hurled towards Goldberg.
Dupree had been signed with WWE from 2002 through 2007. He got called up from OVW in 2003. He had been on television during Goldberg’s first run with WWE. At some point, Dupree had a pretape with the former WCW Champion. During an appearance on That 90’s Wrestling Podcast, Dupree alleged that Goldberg broke his collarbone after several botched spots where he was hit with the French flag.
On a recent edition of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T questioned why Dupree is all of sudden publicly airing out his issues with Goldberg.
“When I hear that kind of talk like that, as far as he broke my shoulder (collarbone) or whatever, the time to speak up about that collarbone thing was back then, and say, ‘What the hell are you doing? You’re about to hurt me. Hit me like that one more time and see what happens, we’re going to be in a fight.’
“I’m just saying, that’s what I would have said. I wouldn’t be talking 15 years later about how bad it hurt. We would have had to confront each other about something like that happening. I just hate to hear people talk about, ‘WWE is desperate.’ I’m sure he (Dupree) wished he was the person in that spot where still the company was ‘desperate’ but he was the guy in that spot.”
Booker T also brought up an infamous incident involving Dupree and Hardcore Holly. It’s been said that Holly put the boots to Dupree over failing to admit he racked up parking tickets after letting him borrow his car.
Do you agree with Booker T’s comments on Rene Dupree airing his grievances with Goldberg?
Bianca Belair has given her take on NXT’s potential new direction.
Reports have surfaced claiming that there are some major changes being made to the brand. The rumors have come off the heels of many NXT roster cuts. Names such as Bronson Reed, Bobby Fish, Mercedes Martinez, former NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff, and more were released.
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio recently reported that neither Triple H nor Shawn Michaels had anything to do with the talent cuts. On top of that, it’s been said that NXT will be more focused on getting talent prepped for the main roster rather than being a third major brand.
ViBe & Wrestling was able to catch up with Belair, who shined bright in NXT and has since become the SmackDown Women’s Champion. The “EST of WWE” responded to a possible repackaging of NXT.
So Good At Adapting
“NXT is home to me. They really built me from the ground. When I came to NXT I didn’t know anything so it’s an amazing place to be and no matter how long you are there, [they’re] always gonna instill something in you that can ignite the fire in you and help you to succeed no matter where you’re at.
“As far as repackaging NXT, I know no matter what happens, NXT and WWE, in general, are so good at adapting and just being successful at anything that they do. Look at the ThunderDome and how they adapted at what was happening in the world, making the ThunderDome and virtual fans being able to adapt no matter what to be successful and that’s what’s amazing about this company. Anybody that steps foot in this company, no matter what can go off and be successful inside and outside.”
Bianca Belair also talked about being inspired by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who recently went public with her mental health struggles.
The WWE release of Malakai Black was one of the most surprising occurrences in the company this year, especially because he had only returned to WWE programming after months of absence, a week before his firing.
The former WWE star provided some more insights on the circumstances leading to his release while appearing on Talk Is Jericho. He detailed a meeting with Vince McMahon that took place before his WWE release.
Black explained that he had a normal conversation with the boss two weeks before his final WWE appearance. They talked about the future plans for him:
“Two weeks before I attacked Big E, on the night of the last vignette, I had a sit down with Vince. He was convinced of it and liked it. I wanted to get his thoughts as I hadn’t seen him in six months and a lot had happened.
I wanted to see how he was doing. We had a normal conversation. We did the attack on Big E and something about it didn’t feel right. I told my wife [Zelina Vega] as well.”
However, according to Malakai Black, the Boss looked at him with a feeling of disconnect which makes him think that he had already made his mind about the future of the former NXT champion:
“The way he looked, there was a disconnect. Not a disconnect as in, ‘I don’t get it,’ but I felt he made up his mind, even back then. It’s his company, it’s fine. When (the release) happened, Johnny Ace [John Laurinaitis] called me and even he was confused.
My wife was crying because she knew. She was about to come back and one of the main reasons she wanted to come back was because I was there.”
Malakai Black made his return to WWE programming during the May 21 episode of SmackDown. He ended up getting released after another week of absence on June 2. Black has since signed with AEW.
Eric Bischoff is not afraid to speak his mind. On the latest edition of his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff spoke about WWE’s recent talent cuts. Bischoff believes WWE is playing directly into AEW hands by presenting them with a golden opportunity to sign coveted performers as the wrestling war is heating up.
Bischoff noted that many former WWE Superstars will be free to work for AEW just as their new show Rampge is launching (this Friday night).
Much has been said about the releases and probably the signing of both CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. Both men could make surprise debuts on Rampage. Not to mention the monster among men, Braun Strowman. Then, of course, you have the wrestling world’s biggest free agent right now, the fiend, Bray Wyatt. Wyatt has been active on social media recently, teasing the return of his demonic character.
It seems as if Eric Bischoff believes at least one of these names could be used to kick off Rampage.
Eric Bischoff explained how he felt Tony Khan and the AEW branding team have done well to build interest around many of these stars. They have everybody waiting with bated breath for the next big debut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEeWehknSSg
AEW Benefitting from WWE’s Mistakes
Eric Bischoff talked about how he feels WWE have given AEW a “huge assist” by allowing so many high-profile stars to become available just as Rampage hits the air.
“I don’t want to say what AEW is doing is flawless, but it’s about as close to it as you can get.”
– Eric Bischoff
AEW has already made great strides as a company since their launch. Many talents deemed unsuitable for WWE have set their career onto a new trajectory since joining Tony Khan’s promotion. Eric Bischoff feels that the draw to AEW is made stronger by their success, and this, combined with the stature of some free agents right now, will give AEW what they need to not only compete with but beat WWE.
It is clear from his words that Eric Bischoff feels AEW have something big up their sleeves, for their third hour of television and they have Vince McMahon to thank for it.
Chelsea Green has wasted no time since her WWE release in signing for several different promotions. She is a woman eager to get back to doing what she loved. However, talking during a recent interview on Oral Sessions with Renee Paquette she spoke openly about how she struggled during her WWE stint.
Mental health is something that is not often talked about when it comes to wrestling. However, when you are signed to a company and find yourself obviously surplus to requirements, it takes its toll. Chelsea Green talked with Renee about how she felt as if she had lost the faith of WWE. A thought that she struggled with when being approached by other companies.
Loved having @ImChelseaGreen on! She’s a star, no question. I could’ve talked to this chick for hours. Give us a listen to hear all about her plans, what she wants to do in the podcast space, and what it’s like to watch our men in death matches… ?? https://t.co/qYeqOpb3tP
“In WWE, I felt like nobody had faith in me,” Chelsea Green explained. “I knew when I went in that I was hired for a reason, that they had faith in me going in. And then I felt like I lost their faith, and I don’t know where in the two and a half years that happened, or if that’s just something that happens in that company.”
“All of a sudden, I got released and all these companies have come to me and say ‘we trust you, we have faith in you, we love you, what do you want to do?’ And I’m like ‘I’m not ready for that!’ But I am ready, and I have Matt to remind me that I am ready. And I’ve really kind of put pen to paper and tried to figure out ‘what’s this new Chelsea going to be? What’s this new Hot Mess going to be?’ Again, I don’t want to go back to what I was doing before and what was easy.
Chelsea Green Embracing the Opportunity for a Fresh Start
Since leaving WWE, Chelsea Green has signed to appear for ROH, IMPACT and NWA. While a broken wrist prevented her from appearing for ROH, she is determined to not let the injury slow her down. She is rebuilding herself and her career, after having her confidence stripped away.
“I have a fresh start and I want to start over again and build the new version of the Hot Mess. But each company is different, and each company wants something different out of me. So I’m figuring it out as a I go. I’ll never forget going out to wrestle at Slammiversary and having Tommy Dreamer say ‘you already did the work. Now we all just want to go see you out there smiling and happy and we all just want you to be in that ring. So don’t even think about it.’”
“Maria Kanellis at Ring of Honor said the same thing. She’s like ‘you look so stressed. We’re like so happy to have you here. We just want you to go out there and do exactly what you’ve been able to do. Pick up a microphone and talk.’ And I’m like ‘hold up, what? Why is everyone so nice to me?!’”
Chelsea Green effortlessly explains the crisis of confidence that is often easily forgotten given the charismatic nature of the industry.
Finn Balor recently returned to the main roster after completing his second NXT run. Though the former champion is hoping to return to the brand for another run somewhere down the line.
The former NJPW star recently had an interview with WWE Die Woche where he talked about a number of things. He also explained how important NXT is for him.
Balor first explained how he used to think Japan was his home before encountering NXT. He then claimed that his NXT runs have been the most beautiful periods of his career and he hopes to have a third run there:
“The two times in NXT, for different reasons, have been two of the most beautiful periods in my career. Personally and professionally. I feel like I’ve grown so much in NXT and I feel part of the team. I bond with the guys that are there.
Not only the guys in the ring but the staff behind the scenes, the producers, the trainers.” said Finn Balor, “Something that I really feel attached to and feel passionate about. I’ve had two runs there and hopefully, in the future, there will be a third.”
The former NXT champion made his return to the Black and Yellow brand in October 2019. He went on to have his second reign with the NXT title during his run.
Finn Balor made his return to the main roster during the July 16 episode of SmackDown last month. He is expected to face Baron Corbin at SummerSlam.
John Cena brings a different energy to the WWE programming whenever he makes an appearance. He always seems to be a cut above the other competitors and his charisma in the ring is unmatched.
With so many stories about the company holding the performers back from unleashing their full potential, many wonder if the Cenation Leader has more creative control over his character.
John talked about this notion from fans during a recent interview on ID1OT with Chris Hardwick. While many believe the former world champion gets to do whatever he wants, Cena claimed otherwise:
“I heard it so much in WWE, ‘Well, Vince lets him do whatever he wants. That’s why he can consistently perform at a level that is acceptable and entertaining to the audience. He gets to do whatever he wants.’
Nope, I ask, I execute, I invest, and I’m meticulous with the detail, I’m consistent night in and night out, trustworthy, giving of self. The perception everyone else has is, ‘he has a better situation.'”
John Cena continued his explanation saying he is not taking away from anyone’s struggles because he has learned to appreciate everyone’s struggles:
“I’m not taking away from anyone’s struggle and I have learned to appreciate everyone’s struggle and everyone has a different struggle. I can understand where those feelings come from.”
John Cena made his most recent WWE return during the Money In The Bank PPV last month. He is currently scheduled to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal championship at SummerSlam.
Matt Riddle has made a successful transition from MMA to the world of wrestling. He has found himself a place on the WWE roster but the former UFC star believes Conor McGregor will have trouble doing the same because of the PG code.
The talk of the former UFC champion possibly trying his hands at pro wrestling has been heard many times. His recent losses have only fuelled the discussion about him potentially joining the WWE roster.
Riddle was asked about the same during his recent interview with SportsKeeda. Replying to it, he said that he doesn’t know if McGregor would pass the PG code:
“He’s Conor McGregor. The guy puts bu**s in seats. The guy has a mouth on him. I don’t know if he would pass the PG WWE code. But I guess he could do his best.
At the end of the day, it’s like Jake Paul or any of them…I don’t know how they’re doing it,” said Matt Riddle, “but they get people talking, they’re controversial, they make money with fights and drama.”
The former NXT star continued by saying that Conor would only fit in WWE if he is willing to put in the work, similar to Ronda Rousey or himself:
“Do I think he’d be a good fit for WWE? If he’s willing to do the work and work hard and put his time in, yeah.” said Riddle, “Just like Ronda was good. Just like I’m good.”
Matt Riddle was part of the UFC roster from 2008 to 2013. He was released from the promotion in February 2013 for failing his second drug test within a year after testing positive for marijuana.
ROH has announced that they are moving their upcoming Death Before Dishonor PPV out of its original destination in Lakeland, Florida.
The company made the announcement with a post on Twitter. They noted that they are moving the show out because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the state:
“Due to the recent covid surge in Florida ROH is moving the site of the Death Before Dishonor Pay Per Event. Details to follow shortly. Your safety health and well-being remain our top priorities. Thank you for your continued patronage.”
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) August 10, 2021
The PPV event was originally scheduled to take place from the RP Funding Center on September 12. There is no word yet on if there will be any change to the date of the show as well.
A total of two matches have been announced for the upcoming ROH PPV so far. One of them is the finals for the women’s world championship tournament to determine the inaugural champion.
The second match which has been confirmed for the show is the Pure championship match where the #1 contender Josh Woods would challenge for the title.
There is no word yet on where ROH officials are planning to move the PPV. We will keep you posted when the company announces more details about the new destination for the show.
The story of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan potentially joining the AEW roster has been the buzzing topic among fans in recent times. Former WWE and current AEW star Mark Henry recently commented on the same.
The world’s strongest man recently had an interview with New York Post where he talked about a wide variety of topics including the upcoming Rampage premiere, different in philosophies of AEW and WWE, and more.
Discussing the potential of the two former world champions joining the roster of AEW, Henry claimed that such an addition would be great for any company:
“I think it would be great for [any company] because you have unbelievable talent and two of the more master psychologists that I’ve worked with, guys that you sit down and you think, what’s not being done in pro wrestling?
When you have a mindset of, ‘I want to do something everybody else don’t do,’ then automatically you are ahead of the game. You already have everybody.”
Mark Henry On Four Men Commentary Booth For Rampage
AEW recently announced that Rampage will feature a four men commentary booth. This news concerned fans as many believed that it will lead to conflict between the announcers and restrict them from showing their full potential.
When asked what challenges it will bring for him, Mark Henry claimed that the four men booth is kind of a safety mechanism that has been put in place by Tony Khan because he is new to the role:
“I’m the new guy. They already have a great relationship and they can put on a great show. I think it’s a safety mechanism. I think just in case that I get on there and I’m not good, (AEW president) Tony (Khan) had to put the safety mechanism in place and throw Chris (Jericho) out there just in case we have to save this thing.
I don’t think he has that to worry about. I think we’ll start off a four-man booth and I think once they realize that I can handle it we’ll go to a traditional three-man booth.”
AEW Rampage will premiere on TNT on Friday, August 13. It will feature Excalibur, Taz, Chris Jericho, and Mark Henry as the commentators of the show.
Former WWE star Daniel Bryan is said to be interested in competing for NJPW. The current IWGP US champion Lance Archer is not backing away from a fight if he does show up at the company.
The NJPW and AEW star recently had an interview with WrestlingInc where he talked about things such as the success of AEW through the pandemic era and more.
One of the reasons why Bryan has chosen AEW over WWE is said to be the freedom to compete in NJPW as well. When asked about these rumors and potentially facing the former world champion, Archer said that he hears the same rumors as everyone else:
“I hear the same rumors you hear. I’m only talent, so I just kind of step in the ring, and if he wants to show up, I’ll gladly kick his butt too, that’s kind of how I view any of the rumors. That just makes it fun for any pro wrestling fan because you hear those rumors, and you just never know who’s gonna show up where, when and how.”
Lance Archer went on to praise Bryan as one of the best in the world before also commenting on the rumors of CM Punk showing up in AEW as well:
“I think he’s one of the best in the world, He’s always proven himself time and time again wherever he’s gone. He’s an amazing talent. Wherever he goes, it’s gonna be a good show, but if he shows up and tries to fight me, sorry, bad luck, brother, if he (CM Punk) shows up, he shows up, and I’ll kick his ass too.”
Apart from this, the IWGP champion also discussed the upcoming Rampage episode from Chicago on August 20 selling out very quickly and more.
Ember Moon was expected to compete in a one-on-one match on this week’s episode of NXT but she was deemed unfit by the doctors and pulled from the show.
The former women’s champion took on her Twitter recently to comment on this development. She claimed that this has been an extremely rough month for her and she is angry with the situation:
“@wwenxt This has been an extremely rough month,” wrote Ember Moon, “I am angry and gutted! I was really looking forward to this match and getting back on track but just got another pothole in the road. I’m sorry!,”
.@wwenxt This has been an extremely rough month, I am angry and gutted! I was really looking forward to this match and getting back on track but just got another pothole in the road. I'm sorry! https://t.co/ZcX0hPqII2
— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) August 10, 2021
The former Raw star has not wrestled since the July 13 episode of the Black and Yellow brand. She competed against Dakota Kai on the show and lost the bout.
Moon was expected to face Sarray on this week’s episode of the show but WWE announced in the evening that “Moon was declared unable to compete by the NXT Medical Staff earlier today.”
The announcement did not provide any further details on the reason behind this decision. The NXT star herself did not reveal the reason for her troubles either so it’s hard to say when we might see her returning to the ring.
The August 10, 2021 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.
WWE NXT Results
Dakota Kai def. Sarray.
LA Knight def. Andre Chase.
Odyssey Jones def. Trey Baxter
Boa def. Drake Maverick.
Ilja Dragunov def. Pete Dunne
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Face-To-Face Segment
Face-to-face segment with Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly took place. The segment was mediated by NXT general manager William Regal.
Cole and O’Reilly have a 1-1 record against each other since the Undisputed Era broke up as O’Reilly defeated Cole in an unsanctioned match at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver this April. On the flip side, Cole defeated O’Reilly at NXT Great American Bash last month.
Two weeks ago, Cole defeated Bronson Reed in the main event. Post-match, O’Reilly attacked Cole with a steel chair and suplexed him onto the steel steps. Just last week, WWE stated Cole wasn’t currently medically cleared to compete due to the attack.
Their match at TakeOver 36 will be a best 2 out of 3 falls match. Kyle picked a normal singles match while Cole picked a street fight and if it goes to a third fall then Regal will pick the stipulation, which would be a steel cage.
Cole knocked Kyle for thinking that he’s as good as him and at TakeOver, Cole vowed to prove Kyle wrong. Kyle brought up beating Cole at Stand and Deliver. The segment ended with security holding back Kyle and Cole.
WWE had advertised that NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez would break her silence on this show about Kai and she did just that. It was right after the opening match.
Two weeks ago, Kai turned against Gonzalez and laid her out with a kick. Last week, Kai explained her actions in a video package as she took credit for giving Gonzalez her start in NXT and said Gonzalez was selfish for going after the NXT Women’s Championship because she felt it was her time for that opportunity.
Gonzalez stated that Kai wanted the belt then she would get her chance and vowed to rip Kai apart.
Dakota Kai vs. Sarray
Ember Moon vs. Sarray in a singles match was supposed to take place. However, Dakota Kai ended up taking Moon’s place in the match as WWE announced just hours before the show that Moon was not medically cleared.
This kicked off the show. Kai dominated the majority of the match. Kai won the match with a big boot in about 12 minutes. Sarray looked good and kept strong for her first loss.
Ilja Dragunov made an appearance on this show to further hype his upcoming title match with NXT UK Champion WALTER at the NXT TakeOver 36 event.
He cut a promo about how the fans will witness chaos and rage. He said an unbeatable reign will come down as he becomes NXT UK Champion. Pete Dunne came out and said that Ilja owes him a thank you for what he did as NXT UK. Pete said that without him, NXT UK wouldn’t be known and Ilja would have no opportunity at TakeOver 36.
Ilja said he’s not here because of Pete and brought up Dunne never beating WALTER. Ilja challenged him to a match. Dunne accepted it. This was the main event.
This was a really fun match that was hard hitting. WALTER came out to the ring and watched on. Pete with the Bitter End for the win. Post-match, WALTER tried to attack Ilja, but Ilja fought back and stood tall in the ring.
The semifinals of the NXT Breakout Tournament started on this show as Odyssey Jones took on Trey Baxter. Jones went over in a short match.
As a result of the win, he will advance to face either Duke Hudson or Carmelo Hayes in the finals.
In the first round of the tournament, Jones defeated Andre Chase while Baxter defeated Joe Gacy. When it’s all said and done, the winner of the Breakout Tournament will receive a future shot at the NXT title of their choosing.
LA Knight quickly beat Andre Chase. Post-match, Ted Debiase came out to the ring while Cameron Grimes stood in the middle of Knight and the WWE Hall of Famer.
Ted had just returned last week to offer Grimes some advice after Knight turned on Grimes in their tag team match. Ted stated Grimes can be whatever he wants to be and to follow his heart. Ted thought it would be a good idea for Knight to put the title on the line again. Knight said at TakeOver 36 he will wrestle Grimes for a third time with the Million Dollar Title on the line and if Knight wins then Ted will become his new butler. Ted said that he is a gambling man and his money is on Grimes so he accepted.
Two new matches have been announced for the upcoming WWE NXT TakeOver 36.
On Tuesday’s episode of NXT, the promotion confirmed the matches. First up, is WWE Million Dollar Champion LA Knight vs. Cameron Grimes. The stipulation to go along with this match since it’s their third encounter in which Knight has won both matches before is if Grimes loses then Ted Dibiase will become Knight’s new butler.
The other match is Kyle O’Reilly vs. Adam Cole. They had a segment on the show where it was revealed the bout will be a Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match. The first fall is a singles match while the second fall is a Street Fight and if it goes the distance then the third fall will be a Steel Cage match.
WWE presents the NXT TakeOver 36 event on Sunday, August 22, 2021 in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center and will air on Peacock. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming weeks. Here is the updated card:
Updated WWE NXT TakeOver 36 Card
WWE NXT Champion Karrion Kross vs. Samoa Joe
WWE NXT UK Champion WALTER vs. Ilja Dragunov
WWE NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez vs. Dakota Kai
Kyle O’Reilly vs. Adam Cole – Best 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match (1st Fall is a Singles Match, 2nd Fall is a Street Fight and the 3rd Fall is a Steel Cage Match)
WWE Million Dollar Champion LA Knight vs. Cameron Grimes – If Grimes Loses, Ted Dibiase Becomes Knight’s New Butler
Former NXT superstar Mercedes Martinez has shared her thoughts on her WWE release.
On August 6th, WWE decided to cut 12 NXT talent unexpectedly. Among those cuts was Martinez, who had been with the company for a year. In a Twitter post, Martinez gave her first comments since being let go.
“My life…I never thought I would ever make it to the WWE. I stayed dedicated, hustled, grinded, and sacrificed more than I could ever imagined to reach that goal. It took 20yrs…but I wouldn’t change anything bc the universe has a way of making things work out,” said Martinez.
My life..I never thought I would ever make it to the WWE. I stayed dedicated, hustled, grinded, and sacrificed more than I could ever imagined to reach that goal. It took 20yrs…..but I wouldn't change anything bc the universe has a way of making things work out. pic.twitter.com/Jsir9DY2zo
Martinez’s last appearance in NXT was on June 29th in a mixed-tag team match with Jake Atlas against Boa and Xia Li. In the match, Li landed a spinning heel kick that resulted in Martinez receiving a concussion. The referee stopped the match, and Martinez had to go to a local hospital. She has not given an update on her current condition.
The news of Martinez’s release after suffering a concussion on NXT is disheartening. However, she has shown gratitude for her time with the company.
…”I truly want to thank @tripleh, @wwe, and @WWENXT for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I understand this business is never a guarantee for anything and that sometimes the risk is higher than the reward. I’m grateful, blessed, and humbled,” said Martinez.
In her posts, Martinez seems ready to return to in-ring competition. “…The BEST of me is still yet to be unseen. I’m rebuilding myself, and I know my worth, always have. My drive, dedication, perseverance, and my hard knocks stubbornness says I have more to prove,” said Martinez.
It is unclear when Martinez can compete again or if she has a doctor’s clearance to wrestle.
Shortly after the announcement, Moon took to Twitter to share a statement of frustration. The tweet read:
“.@wwenxt This has been an extremely rough month, I am angry and gutted! I was really look forward to this match and getting back on track but just got another pothole in the road. I’m sorry!”
Also scheduled for Tuesday, NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez will confront Dakota Kai. The New Zealand native turned on the women’s champ on the July 27 episode of NXT, stating that she was no one’s “sidekick”. The two will face each other for the NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver 36 on Sunday, August 22.
Also scheduled for Tuesday’s episode:
Ilja Dragunov will appear
Odyssey Jones will face Trey Baxter in the semifinals of the NXT Breakout Tournament
A special look at the feud between Samoa Joe and NXT Champion Karrion Kross
General Manager William Regal will act as a mediator for a face-to-face segment featuring Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly
.@wwenxt This has been an extremely rough month, I am angry and gutted! I was really looking forward to this match and getting back on track but just got another pothole in the road. I'm sorry! https://t.co/ZcX0hPqII2
— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) August 10, 2021
The betting odds for most of the matches that will take place at the WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view event have been released.
The card for the show that takes place next Saturday from Las Vegas, Nevada at Allegiant Stadium is still being finalized. So far, seven matches have been announced for the show.
Roman Reigns is a favorite to retain the Universal Title over John Cena while Bobby Lashley is favored to retain his WWE Title against Goldberg. Edge is also favored to beat Seth Rollins in their first-ever singles match together. They’ve shared the ring while working the past two Royal Rumble matches.
There are no titles favored to change hands. The favorites to win are listed as – while the underdogs are listed with +. Odds call for all three titles to change. Here are the betting odds, courtesy of Bet Online:
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns -500 vs. John Cena +300
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley -600 vs. Goldberg +350
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H -125 vs. Charlotte Flair +150 vs. Rhea Ripley +250
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair -200 vs. Sasha Banks +150
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos -400 vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio +250
CM Punk is reportedly showing promise in his in-ring training. On July 21st, Fightful Select reported that Punk was in talks for an in-ring return and that his destination is likely All Elite Wrestling.
Since January, Punk has been training in-ring for his role in the upcoming Starz TV series “Heels.” A new report suggests that Punk is looking good in training and has sources impressed.
According to wrestlers and Heels cast members who have worked with Punk over the past six months, the overall impression on Punk’s in-ring training has been very promising.
CM Punk and Stephen Amell in Heels (Photo: Starz)
CM Punk’s Training
The latest update from Fightful cited multiple sources who have seen Punk in the ring this year. One person said Punk looked “completely healthy,” especially as compared to the tail end of his WWE run.
Punk has not wrestled in seven years after leaving WWE. His last match was the 2014 Royal Rumble Match on January 26, 2014, at the Console Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Another source said Punk looked so good in the ring that they wondered if he’d been training in private leading up to being in the ring with them. Punk showed virtually no ring rust, which is amazing considering the 7-year layoff.
As of this time, there is no official word about CM Punk signing a deal with AEW. The two sides have negotiated in the past, but never came to terms. Although now it seems that Punk is ready to make a comeback in professional wrestling.
Monday’s edition of WWE Raw averaged 1.790 million viewers with a 0.49 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic. This is down from last week’s 1.821 million viewers and the 0.51 rating. Just four weeks back in front of live fans, this episode of Raw had its lowest viewership so far in the post-ThunderDome era.
Here’s the rest of the viewership breakdown for Monday Night Raw, courtesy of Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics:
Raw was expected to be up at least a little as it was the first show to not go up the Olympics, which it had been over the last two weeks. There was no strong competition at least on broadcast television.
This episode featured Drew McIntyre vs. Baron Corbin, Karrion Kross vs. Jeff Hardy, Alexa Bliss vs. Dewdrop, Sheamus vs. Ricochet, Damian Priest vs. John Morrison, Nikki ASH vs. Rhea Ripley, and Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles.
Next week will be the go-home edition of Raw for the SummerSlam pay-per-view event.
SmackDown Viewership
The episode drew an average of 2.047 million viewers in the overnight ratings, up from the previous week that did 1.909 million viewers. In the 18-49 demographic, it did a 0.61 rating, which was up from the 0.57 rating the week before. The final ratings were 2.169 million viewers, up from last week’s 2.043 million viewers.
It has been a difficult few weeks for WWE Superstars, particularly on the NXT brand, with the company releasing several names across the developmental system.
WWE are back tonight with a live programme after two weeks of taped shows on SyFy. According to a new report from WrestleVotes, the tensions behind the scenes at NXT are sky-high.
“The mood at the PC today ahead of tonight’s NXT show…. hooooooo boy. Tensions running high, to say the least,” the Twitter leaker noted.
Tensions in NXT
WWE has confirmed several matches and moments for this week’s episode of the show, including Adam Cole, who may well be on his way out of the company in the next few weeks himself.
It isn’t surprising that there may be some issues backstage at the taping; with 12 members of the NXT brand released this past Friday, this is probably the first time that many Superstars have been around the locker room as a whole since then.
Here’s the current lineup for NXT on USA Network tonight:
Sarray vs. Ember Moon
Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly meet for a “Face to Face” segment mediated by NXT General Manager William Regal
Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez addresses Dakota Kai and their Takeover 36 match
WWE Superstar Matt Riddle recently spoke to Sony Sports India. The ‘Original Bro’ discussed several topics during the interview, including his ongoing beef with WCW legend Goldberg.
The two Superstars have gone back and forth over the years, with Riddle questioning Goldberg’s work rate as a performer. Riddle did however reveal that he spoke to the former WCW Champion recently.
“I’ll say this. I had my interaction with Goldberg, bumped into each other, he’s not my bro, I get it, you’re not my bro” Riddle began. “I kept calling him bro and he didn’t like that whatever, you know me, I’m not the best listener.”
“Then I talked to him after the match, we had a disagreement, you know, I think he has the belief… and it worked for him… all he needs is a couple of moves in wrestling to be one of the best, and he has the Spear and the Jackhammer” Matt Riddle continued.
“My philosophy is you gotta be good at everything, you gotta talk, you gotta be able to walk, you gotta be able to grapple, you gotta be able to suplex, you gotta be able to do it all, so we disagree on that.”
MATT RIDDLE ON GOLDBERG
“I saw Bill the other day before he challenged Bobby Lashley and he was walking to the Gorilla Position and I was standing there and I was with Damian Priest at the time and he says hi to everybody” Riddle added.
“And then Goldberg comes up to me gives me a look. He was making a face and then he goes, ‘Hey, congratulations kid….’ and I was like, ‘Oh man, Goldberg is kind of nice’, so I gave him a little handshake and he went out and challenged Bobby and then he was coming out, through Gorilla again and I was like, ‘Hey Goldberg, good stuff’ and as he gave me a fist bump he says, ‘I only need two moves’ so I was like, ‘Oh man, the guy’s still got it'” the Original Bro concluded.
