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Update On When Becky Lynch Is Expected Back In WWE

Chris Stephens
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Fans expecting to see Becky Lynch back in WWE as soon as SummerSlam might be in for a bit of a disappointment. According to a report from PW Insider, Lynch is not expected to be at SummerSlam and the word going around backstage in WWE is that she won’t be back until the fall. October was discussed as when she may be back.

Lynch has not wrestled a match since WrestleMania 36. She successfully defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler on that show. Lynch would later vacate the title, giving it to 2020 Money in the Bank winner Asuka.

Lynch gave birth to her and Seth Rollins’ first child Roux in December. The pair got married on June 29th, 2021.

In WWE, Lynch is a 4x World Champion. She’s held the Smackdown Women’s Championship on 3 occasions. Lynch became the inaugural holder of the belt at Backlash in 2016. She ranks in at #2 in terms of days spent with the Smackdown Women’s title behind only Bayley. Lynch is also a 1x RAW Women’s Champion. Her title reign beginning from WrestleMania 35 all the way to the night after Money in the Bank 2020 was the longest single reign with the belt in history at 373 days.

Lynch has teased returning at the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and Money in the Bank so far this year.

AEW “First Dance” In Chicago Sells Out

Chris Stephens
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AEW’s “First Dance” event on Friday August 20th inside Chicago’s United Center has sold out. Over 12,000 tickets were sold during the presale last Friday. Tickets went on sale to the general public today and the rest sold quickly. In total, 13, 654 tickets have been distributed to the event.

Just under 5000 seats in the venue will likely be behind the stage or camera setup. It’s possible more tickets open up closer to the date of the show.

It’s a big next month for wrestling in Chicago. Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW will emanate from the Allstate Arena in the city. The show is a near sellout of over 12,000.

AEW First Dance will technically be the second ever episode of Rampage. The first edition of the show will be on Friday, August 13th, in Pittsburgh.

Other Event Ticket Sales

NJPW has just over 2000 tickets distributed for NJPW Resurgence from the LA Coliseum on August 14th.

The NWA 73rd Anniversary show in St. Louis at the end of the month is almost sold out. Capacity for the show is just under 900.

WWE SummerSlam has just under 45,000 tickets distributed.

WWE Announces Ric Flair Has Been Released

Michael Reichlin
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2-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has been granted his release. The company confirmed the news on Tuesday morning. Contrary to common practice, WWE did not wish him the best in his future endeavors.

The 16-time World Champion is one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time. His daughter, Charlotte, remains with the company.

His most recent on-camera appearance with WWE occurred back in February 2021. He was involved in a romantic storyline with Lacey Evans, who was feuding with Charlotte. The angle was dropped after Evans legitimately became pregnant.

During an interview with Ariel Helwani back in May, Flair revealed that he and Lacy Evans were both very uncomfortable with the storyline. He was angry about what WWE creative came up with, but went along with the angle in an effort to be a team player.

Ric Flair issued the following statement regarding his departure from WWE. The Nature Boy says WWE granted his request and there are no hard feelings on his end. “We have a different vision for my future.” He’s not upset and wishes them nothing but continued success.

AEW Signs TV Deal In India For Dynamite & Rampage

Chris Stephens
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AEW has signed a deal with Eurosport India to broadcast episodes of AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage. According to a report from Sportskeeda, the first broadcast will be on Sunday August 15th, 2021 which happens to be Independence Day in the country.

Eurosport India also broadcasts episodes of Impact Wrestling and NJPW. WWE is broadcast on Sony Sports India.

Tony Khan was quoted in a press release announcing the news.

“In less then two years since launching AEW DYNAMITE, we’ve started a professional wrestling revolution,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “Through our partnership with Eurosport India, we’re looking forward to showcasing the best professional wrestling that fans in India demand and deserve.”

“We were an instant success in the U.S., and now fans across the world are discovering AEW, feeling refreshed and excited about professional wrestling again. We can’t wait for fans in India to experience our dynamic storytelling, high-flying action and incredible roster of global stars and homegrown talent on a weekly basis.”

The deal comes just as AEW is getting ready to begin airing its 2nd show. AEW Rampage will debut a week from Friday on August 13th, 2021 from Pittsburgh.

Josh Alexander: I Beat Kenny Omega 99 Times Out Of 100

Michael Reichlin
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X Division Champion Josh Alexander doesn’t know if he’ll ever get to face Impact World Champion Kenny Omega, but if he does, he thinks he beats Omega 99 times out of 100.

SEScoops correspondent Mike Shalik spoke with the Walking Weapon last week about a wide variety of topics, including:

  • How Impact Wrestling has changed since he joined in 2019
  • His vision for the X Division, as champion
  • Injuries in wrestling and how his neck is doing
  • The feeling in the locker room about outside talent appearing in Impact
  • A possible Impact x AEW x New Japan super-show
  • Ambitions to wrestle in Japan

Josh Alexander vs. Kenny Omega?

We also asked Josh Alexander about his recent back encounter with Kenny Omega on Impact TV. He says fans blew up his social media at the prospect of this match, but he doesn’t think Omega would ever agree to fight him. If they did cross paths inside the squared circle, Alexander is convinced he beats the Belt Collector 99 times out of 100.

“I do not think Kenny Omega wants to face me,” he said. “I don’t think he has any intention of ever getting in the ring with me. So I think him chirping and saying his little comments like that, that’s just his way to try to get a rise out of me and everybody else.”

Alexander continued, “It gets people talking and wanting the match. I think my social media blew up more than probably anything ever has before, just in the anticipation for that possibly being a match, so it’s what people want to see. It’s good for business and it’s good for everybody else. I think it’s something that should happen. whether it does or not, not up to me, unfortunately. If that match ever were to happen, I would bet on me 99 times out of 100.”

Check out our full interview with Josh Alexander:

https://youtu.be/9Q_lAWDE6hI

JoJo Offerman No Longer With WWE

Chris Stephens
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JoJo Offerman, the wife of the recently released Bray Wyatt, is no longer with WWE either. According to a report from PW Insider, Offerman was released from the company approximately 5-6 months ago. She had been with the company since 2013.

The daughter of former MLB player Jose Offerman, JoJo joined WWE following her time on Total Divas. From 2013-15, Offerman was the ring announcer for NXT. In 2015, she began doing ring announcing duties on the main roster as well.

Wyatt and Offerman have two children together. They welcomed their first son, Knash Sixx Rotunda, into the world on May 18, 2019. Their second child, Hyrie Von Rotunda, was born on May 28th, 2020.

Did Bray Wyatt Predict His Own Release?

A fan on Twitter recently noted that Wyatt’s last edition of the FireFly FunHouse may have predicted his own release.

“We will always have each other. As a matter of fact, I feel great. I think it’s going to be a brand new start for all of us. A new season, new friends, and a brand new me!” Wyatt says in segment. “I feel reborn! I feel reborn!”

Wyatt responded to this theory in the Tweet below:

Damian Priest Still Wants NXT Championship Run

Jake Skudder
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WWE RAW Superstar and former NXT North American Champion Damian Priest recently appeared on the Battleground Podcast. The man who teamed with Bad Bunny at WrestleMania 37 discussed several topics during the show, including the NXT Championship.

“I mean, there’s a lot of guys that I wish I could have had the opportunity to work with” Damian Priest began, discussing the talent in NXT that he didn’t get a chance to work with originally.

“Obviously, that’s not saying that we were never going to work because it’s still WWE, right? Whether it happens here or I go back or whatever. But yeah, there are definitely more moments, there are definitely championships. I wanted to be the NXT Champion” Priest continued.

Damian Priest on NXT Run

“You know, unfortunately, I didn’t get that opportunity. But again, you never know, you know, Finn Balor’s done it, you know, so I don’t see why not down the line” Priest added, citing the NXT return of Finn Balor in 2019.

“If that opportunity presents itself, I’ll take advantage of it. But at the same time, there are no regrets about how I did things. I mean, obviously, everything worked out the way it should have.”

DAMIAN PRIEST

“I got to have good experiences, I got to become North American Champion. I got to have great matches with a lot of incredible talent. So at the end of the day, it was still a successful and positive NXT run” Damian Priest concluded.

WWE Superstars ‘concerned’ about their status following Bray Wyatt release

Jake Skudder
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WWE announced the shock release of Bray Wyatt over the weekend. The news broke Saturday evening, and several stories regarding the backstage situation and talent have been leaked over the past couple of days.

According to a report from Fightful Select, several WWE Superstars now do not feel ‘safe’ in their roles with the company, even the upper card talent who have seen the likes of Braun Strowman and now Wyatt released.

Bray Wyatt Release Concerns Talent

The official reason for Bray Wyatt being released from WWE was ‘budget cuts,’ at least this is what the talent where told over the weekend. Many believe that there is far more to the story, but we will have to wait to hear directly from the man himself.

In addition to being a third-generation wrestler and multi-time world champion, Bray Wyatt was one of the top merchandise movers in WWE over the past decade. The general feeling amongst WWE talent has been that if Wyatt is expendable, what does that mean from everyone else?

It’s not confirmed exactly which talents are concerned about their positions, and it is likely we won’t get any names, anytime soon.

There has been a lot of talk online about Bray Wyatt now making his way over to AEW, with some hoping that he join the Dark Order stable to ‘continue the work’ of his friend Brodie Lee who of course passed away late last year.

Juventud Guerrera Cuts Promo On Chris Jericho

Chris Stephens
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This week on AEW Dynamite, the 3rd “Labor of Jericho” match will take place. Chris Jericho will face his old rival from WCW, Juventud Guerrera. Ahead of the match, Juvi posted a promo to social media directed at the former AEW World Champion.

“I want to dedicate this match to my mentor and best friend, Eddie Guerrero. So, I want everybody to be there next Wednesday and start chanting the Juice’s name! Juvi Juvi! Let’s get juicy!” he says in the video.

“MJF, I got this my friend. Chris Jericho, you took my mask but I will take your soul. Because when the Juice says so, the Juice makes so. And this is the proof, I see you Wednesday!”

AEW Dynamite Preview

The 1st Labor of Jericho saw Jericho face Shawn Spears in a match where chairs were legal for Spears but not for Jericho. Last week, the 2nd Labor of Jericho saw him take on Nick Gage in a deathmatch.

5 matches have been confirmed for the August 4th edition of Dynamite.

  1. Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes
  2. TNT Championship
    Miro (c) vs. Lee Johnson (w/Dustin Rhodes)
  3. Christian Cage (w/Jungle Boy) vs. The Blade (w/Matt Hardy)
  4. NWA World Women’s Title Eliminator Match
    The Bunny vs. Leyla Hirsch
  5. 3rd Labor of Jericho
    Chris Jericho vs Juventud Guerrera

Adam Cole’s WWE Contract Recently Expired

Alex Laybourne
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There are not many NXT (or WWE superstars) better than Adam Cole. He has wrestled across the globe and has been part of several great factions. Most notably, Bullet Club and Undisputed Era.

However, news has recently broken that Adam Cole’s contract with NXT expired last month and he has since been agreed a one-month extension while WWE try to thrash out a new deal for their star. The news was originally broken this weekend by Wrestling Inc’s Raj Giri, who confirmed that Cole’s original deal expired just after the NXT Great American Bash PPV.

The expiration reportedly took WWE officials by surprise, as most believed Adam Cole’s contract ran until December. Cole agreed on a short term, one-month extension but is said to be considering different options. This is reported as including several options that lie beyond the professional wrestling sphere.

Fans of WWE and NXT will be hoping that this short-term deal is merely giving both Cole and WWE the chance to discuss a long-term deal.

Adam Cole Has Been the Face of NXT Since Arriving

Adam Cole signed for WWE, joining their NXT brand in 2017. Since then, he has been one of the leading figures in both storylines and memorable matches. As the leader of Undisputed Era, he wrote his way into NXT history. With Cole at their helm, Era became the most successful faction on the brand. A good argument could be made for their placing in the top lists of all WWE factions.

During his time in NXT, Adam Cole has won every belt going. This includes being the inaugural North American Champion and the longest-reigning NXT champion. His title reign spanned 403 days.

With the high number of releases happing in WWE this year, including the recent shock release of Bray Wyatt, it would seem unlikely that they would be happy for Adam Cole to walk away also. Hopefully, a new deal can be reached and we can all carry on watching Cole and Kyle O’Reilly fight forever.

Jon Moxley Talks the Original Plan for Wild Thing Entrance Theme

Alex Laybourne
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When Jon Moxley came to the ring to the sound of Wild Thing many fans were a little confused. Why change it? Talking in a recent interview with Cincy 360, Mox talked about the original plan for the theme. The original intention was for a one night only use of the song for his now infamous exploding barbed wire deathmatch with Kenny Omega. However, because the rights didn’t come through in time, plans needed to be changed.

“So we’re doing this Exploding Barbed Wire match,” Moxley said. “And I was being compared to the innovator of that, who’s called Atsushi Onita, who’s a Japanese wrestler who came out to that (song). A month before Tony (Khan) was like, we’re talking about it and Tony, who is the owner and booker and so forth, he goes ‘should we get ‘Wild Thing’ for that?’ Just for one night for the Exploding Match. And I was like ‘no that’s too derivative. No, it’s too much.’ And then a week before I started thinking about it again and I was like ‘well it might be cool for one night. People might get the reference. Just for that one night, I was like ‘let’s do it.’ By then it was too late, and we couldn’t get the rights for it or whatever.

Jon Moxley Is Happy with His New Entrance Theme

However, Tony Khan did manage to get the rights and surprised Jon Moxley with the tune ahead of his match with Yuji Nagata. The Japanese reference was still there for the Onita comparisons.

“But then it came through a couple of weeks later, and I was in the ring with Yuji Nagata. And I thought it was the ‘Season of the Witch’ playing. I was like ‘why is Season of the Witch playing right now?’ And after the match, I heard it was like the original, the Troggs ‘Wild Thing.’ I was like ‘oh, they must’ve got ‘Wild Thing’ after all. That’s my music now.’ And they then changed it to the X version, the Major League version. So, it kind of just happened by accident. But if the people like it, I like it. So that’s all that matters. I’m into it, it’s cool.”

There is a funny irony about a man like Jon Moxley getting ushered to the ring by a tune such as Wild Thing. However, somehow, it works perfectly.

Josh Alexander Wants to Face AEW Star at Bound for Glory

Alex Laybourne
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Since winning the X Division Championship in April this year, Josh Alexander has ridden high. Facing challenges from not only within IMPACT Wrestling but from AAA and New Japan Pro Wrestling also. Now, the man dubbed the Walking Weapon has his eyes set on a star from rival promotion, AEW.

“Black Taurus, you were AAA’s best. If we look at my title reign, I’ve beaten someone from New Japan that’s supposedly the best, someone from AAA that’s supposedly the best, I have run through the entire IMPACT X-Division. So maybe I need to look elsewhere.” Josh Alexander said in a tweet sent out by IMPACT.

 “We’re talking about all these different promotions coming at Bound for Glory. AEW, yeah, you know who I’m talking about. I’m saying you give me your best, and we will see which division matters most in this company.”

Josh Alexander Wants to Defend His Belt Against the Best

Josh Alexander never backs down from a fight. He is a fighting champion in every sense of the word. This is demonstrated by his recent match with Black Taurus at Homecoming and the 60-minute Iron Man match with TJP.

It is not clear who exactly in AEW Alexander is calling out, but there are plenty of names on the roster who could be a good fit. Professional wrestling is seeing a throwback style resurgence since opening the ‘Forbidden Door’. Champions from one promotion contracted to others. It is a great time to be a pro-wrestling fan.

As a current champion, Josh Alexander knows the importance of keeping the belt in the company that employs him. Especially with Kenny Omega holding the IMPACT World Championship right now. When IMPACT Bound for Glory comes around, and Alexander’s opponent is announced, he will be fighting extra hard to make sure the belt stays where it belongs.

More On Bray Wyatt’s Release From WWE

Chris Stephens
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Bray Wyatt was released by WWE yesterday after having been with the company for 12 years. According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, Wyatt had been out of action with a medical issue and had just gotten cleared to return.

“He’d been out for medical reasons, and he had just gotten cleared,” said Dave Meltzer. “I guess when he got cleared they evaluated the situation and he was told that due to budgetary reasons that he is being cut. The basic gist is he’s another high-contract guy. Whether it’s because of concern over the medical reasons is the real reason or they did not come up with a reason to justify his salary, I don’t know which of that it is but that is the basic deal with him.”

https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1421616058776133635

Wyatt had been expected to return in August and had been booked on some shows.

“Dave Meltzer reported that Wyatt was told by John Laurinaitis that his release was due to budget cuts. He was preparing to return in August and was booked on some shows,” wrote Josh Nason from WON. 

“One source pointed the finger squarely at WWE President Nick Khan and CFO Kristina Salen, stating that they are so “obsessed” with the company not being even one iota in the red on the financial ledgers,” PW Insider’s Mike Johnson wrote.

Serena Deeb Provides Update On Knee Injury

Chris Stephens
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Serena Deeb posted a video on Instagram updating fans on her current injury status. Deeb missed all of March and April with a knee injury. In her recent video, Deeb reveals her knee has been giving her problems in matches lately.

“Recently, I hit a roadblock and I wanted to address it and be honest. I see everything. ‘Serena should be on Dynamite more. Serena should be on pay-per-view more. Serena is the best.’ You’re right. The truth is, right now, I’m hurt. I’m injured. My knee has been playing up for a while and bothering me in matches. I tried to fight through the pain.”

“Yes, right now, I’m injured and I’m hurt,” Deeb continued. “But I will be back to AEW and I will be back to once again be champion and I will remind each and everyone one of you that not only am I the best women’s wrestler in the world, I’m the best wrestler in the world. I am Serena Deeb, the woman of a thousand holds.”

Deeb wrestled six times after returning from injury in May. She defined the NWA Women’s title twice in AEW. She defeated Red Velvet on Dynamite and then Riho at Double or Nothing’s Buy-In event. Deeb then lost the NWA title to Kamille at the When Our Shadows Fall PPV. She would team with Kylie Rae and defeated Skye Blue and Thunder Rosa on NWA Powerrr after the PPV. Deeb defeated Tesha Price on Dark Elevation at the end of June. Her last match in AEW came on Dark Elevation as well when she teamed with Tay Conti and defeated Jazmin Allure & Vertvixen.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CR_oTbFALbw/?hl=en

Transcriptions via Fightful

AEW Files To Trademark “King of Harts”

Chris Stephens
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All Elite Wrestling filed to trademark the term “King of Harts” on July 28th with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Martha Hart began selling Owen Hart merchandise on Pro Wrestling Tees not long after the Dark Side of the Ring documentary aired on Vice. Many of the items available have the “King of Harts” nickname on it. Sales of the merchandise go to benefit the Owen Hart Foundation.

Chris Jericho spoke about AEW possibly doing something to honor Owen in an interview with Sportkeeda last year.

“I think the family realises there’s other places to go other than WWE, there’s a lot of other Halls of Fame and a lot of other places where Owen could get some of the accolades that he deserves, 21 years later.”

“I’d love to see (Martha) do something with AEW. I think the spirit of Owen Hart lives on in AEW for sure.”

Owen Hart Wins 1994 King of the Ring

Owen Hart began using the nickname shortly after winning the 1994 King of the Ring tournament. His brother Bret Hart had won the tournament the previous two years. Just a few months earlier, Owen had defeated Bret in the opening match of WrestleMania 10. Bret then defeated Yokozuna in the main event of that same show to win the WWF Championship, however. Bret and Owen would then face each other at SummerSlam 94 inside a steel cage.

The states purposes of the trademark are listed as:

“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.”

Backstage News On Bray Wyatt’s Release From WWE

Chris Stephens
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Bray Wyatt’s release from WWE is being considered surprising to many within the wrestling industry. It is also being reported that this is not a case of him having asked for his release.

Both PW Insider and the Wrestling Observer have stated that the reason for Wyatt’s release was “budget cuts” similar to the other recent roster cuts. According to the Wrestling Observer, there were plans for Wyatt to return in August.

John Laurinitis is said to be the one who called Wyatt today and informed him. The reason Wyatt was given for his release was budget cuts.

“Dave Meltzer reported that Wyatt was told by John Laurinaitis that his release was due to budget cuts. He was preparing to return in August and was booked on some shows,” wrote Josh Nason from WON.

“One source pointed the finger squarely at WWE President Nick Khan and CFO Kristina Salen, stating that they are so “obsessed” with the company not being even one iota in the red on the financial ledgers,” PW Insider’s Mike Johnson wrote.

According to the report from PW Insider, people backstage in the company were shocked by the release based on how well Wyatt’s merchandise tends to sell. Johnson also wrote that one source had said to him that Vince McMahon and Bray Wyatt’s relationship could run hot and cold at times as well.

Alexa Bliss, Braun Strowman, Matt Hardy & More React To Bray Wyatt Release

Chris Stephens
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News of Bray Wyatt’s release from WWE is drawing strong reactions from across the wrestling world. Numerous wrestlers, including Wyatt’s former family member Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss and Matt Hardy have all commented.

Alexa Bliss has turned her Twitter private today. The FITE app caught a screen grab of her comments regarding Wyatt before she did so, however.

Mickie James Reacts To Bray Wyatt’s Release

Mickie James offered the following comments regarding Bray Wyatt’s release from WWE.

“I think what you meant to say was: “Thank you so much for coming up with such an incredible gimmick(time & time again)one so cool & over, we really didn’t know how to book it right. So we just gave it to someone else so we can still make ALL the money off of it & let you go”

James then clarified her comments should not be taken as anything negative against Alexa Bliss.

“This isn’t against Alexa. I love her. She’s an incredible performer who is killing it in a role she was given. She always does. We as artists take every role we’re given & turn it into gold. He, she, they both did that. Like it/not. Facts are facts. So sorry if that offends you.”

Samoa Joe Talks Getting Cleared for NXT Takeover 36 Match

Jake Skudder
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WWE NXT Superstar Samoa Joe recently appeared on WWE’s After The Bell podcast. The Samoan Submission Machine discussed several topics during the show, including his return to the ring at NXT Takeover 36 on August 22nd.

“I kept it simple. It was just getting healthy. A lot of times, people have a tendency to overcomplicate their problems and make them worse and adding to them by adding extra pressure” Samoa Joe began on the podcast, discussing his return to in-ring health.

“My focus was simply to just get healthy. No other expectations to put on it, no expectations to return to the ring. No expectations, other than getting back to where I should be and getting my brain healthy and my body healthy.

SAMOA JOE

Joe also discussed the actual injury and how it was beyond anything he had suffered with before. “It was a much worse type of injury than I had dealt with before. It scared me, it scared a lot of people I cared about” Joe added.

“It became very easy to make that the focus as far as what I wanted to do when I came back. Inevitably, it all hinged on making sure I was alright and feeling good and when I came back to the ring, I didn’t want to come back in a 70% or 60% capacity” Joe revealed.

“I wanted to make sure I could come back and give the best I could to the fans. I do play my cards close to my chest, but that’s just the belief I have” the former NXT Champion concluded. 

Jon Moxley vs Hiroshi Tanahashi Being ‘Considered’ for AEW All Out PPV

Jake Skudder
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AEW is reportedly looking at a major AEW vs NJPW match for their upcoming All Out PPV event on September 5th. Hiroshi Tanahashi made an appearance in a pre-taped segment on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, and according to Dave Meltzer, Moxley will be facing the Japanese legend at the PPV in Chicago.

“What I do know is that fairly recently, at 4am, Jon Moxley had a discussion” Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio. “I don’t know the night, I think it was the night of the taping – with Tony Khan.”

“He had an idea for a match which I believe is for the September 5 pay-per-view. And Tony Khan liked the idea. I knew it was a top New Japan wrestler, I didn’t know the name of who it was, but I know about the discussion” Meltzer concluded.

Jon Moxley vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

With Jon Moxley calling out Tanahashi on this week’s episode of Dynamite, it appears as though this is the aforementioned match that Meltzer was alluding to.

All of the recent excitement surrounding CM Punk and Bryan Danielson signing with AEW means that this news has been lost somewhat in the shuffle, but it is arguably the biggest match in the ‘Forbidden Door’ angle thus far.

What do you think of Jon Moxley vs Hiroshi Tanahashi on an AEW PPV? Let us know in the comments

Bray Wyatt Released from WWE

Jake Skudder
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0

WWE has confirmed the news that Bray Wyatt has been released from the company. The news broke this evening on Twitter, where WWE officially confirmed the news.

Wyatt has been off of WWE programming for some time, since the WrestleMania 37 PPV event in Florida.

There have been rumors of Bray Wyatt not being happy with the overall creative direction of The Fiend character, however these are conflicting with the reports that Wyatt has a major part to play in his own creative.

Bray Wyatt Released from WWE

‘The Fiend’ character for Bray Wyatt is arguably some of his best work on the WWE main roster, however his original ‘cult leader’ Wyatt Family persona is also lauded by fans and critics, especially in hindsight.

There’s no news on when Bray was made aware of his release, however we can expect him to now be sitting out a 90-day non-compete clause.

Several former WWE Superstars have gone on to sign with AEW, such as Malakai Black, who also played a dark character on-screen for WWE and NXT prior to that. Black was able to appear in AEW earlier than expected, due to a clerical error which meant he had a 30-day non-compete rather than the standard 90 for a main roster Superstar.

Cain Velasquez Making a Return To Wrestling For AAA Promotion

Jake Skudder
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0

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and one time WWE Superstar Cain Velasquez has revealed that he will soon be making his return to pro wrestling, although not with WWE.

Speaking on In the Corner with Cyrus Fees, the former UFC Heavyweight confirmed that he will be making a returning to Mexican promotion AAA.

“I’m doing a show in December for AAA,” Velasquez revealed on the podcast. “For me, I love AAA and I’m going to keep doing that right now.”

“I love WWE as well, but I have to first develop myself in order for me to go out there” Cain Velasquez continued. “I’m going to keep doing stuff and have fun with it.”

Cain Velasquez Returns To AAA

Cain Velasquez joined AAA back in 2019, before making his way to WWE. Velasquez signed a three match deal with the promotion.

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion made his first appearance for AAA at TripleMania XXVII, where he teamed with AEW’s Cody Rhodes and Psycho Clown to take on Black Taurus, Karrion Kross and Texano Jr.

Velasquez was released from WWE back in April 2020, after only having one televised match against Brock Lesnar that only lasted 88 seconds. That contest took place at Crown Jewel 2019, where Tyson Fury also faced former WWE Superstar Braun Strowman.

Interestingly, AAA has an ongoing working relationship with AEW, IMPACT and NWA as part of the ‘forbidden door’ angle. Although it isn’t likely right now, we may well see Velasquez appear on an All Elite Wrestling show at some point in the future.

Hager vs Velasquez in a cage anyone?

Do you think that Cain Velasquez will one day be brought back to WWE? Let us know in the comments

Kurt Angle Explains Why He Turned Down Offers From AEW And Impact Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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Kurt Angle was offered contracts by both AEW and Impact Wrestling after his retirement match in WWE but the Olympic Gold Medallist turned them down. The former world champion recently had an interview with Fightful where he discussed a number of things.

He also explained why he turned down offers from both promotions during the interview. Angle claimed that he wishes he could take the offers. However, he explained that after his long career his body is too banged up to continue wrestling:

“Well, I had had AEW, TNA, they’ve offered, but I can’t do it, I wish I could. My body’s too banged up, I’m 52 years old, just trying to live my life now and try to live it in less pain.  And I’m in a lot of pain right now, so I’m suffering from the career that I’ve had, but I don’t regret it.”

Kurt Angle On Deals Offered By AEW And Impact

Kurt Angle also went into the details of the deals he was offered by both the promotions. According to him, AEW offered him a seven-match deal while Impact wrestling wanted him on board for just one match:

“AEW, I think it was like a seven-match deal, TNA I think they were just gonna do one match, but I just felt like my final matches in WWE, I knew that I’d lost a step, I wasn’t the same as I was in my prime, and I didn’t like the person I was, the performer I was.

So if I can’t perform at that level that I was in my prime, I’m not gonna do it anymore. And that’s why I turned down the offers from AEW and TNA.”

Kurt Angle wrestled his retirement match in WWE at WrestleMania 35. He chose Baron Corbin as his opponent for the bout and lost to the lone wolf during the event.

Karl Anderson – “I’m getting texts from unhappy WWE wrestlers”

Jake Skudder
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AEW, IMPACT and NJPW Strong star Karl Anderson recently took to Twitter to react to comments from Vince McMahon during the recent Q2 investor’s call for WWE.

McMahon slated All Elite Wrestling and said that they are not competition in the way that WCW was competition for them back in the Monday Night Wars era of the late 90s.

“I don’t consider them [AEW] competition in the way that I would consider WCW back in the day,” Vince McMahon claimed during the Q2 earnings call. “Not anywhere near close to that.”

Karl Anderson on Vince McMahon Comments

“And I’m not so sure what their investments are as far as their talent is concerned, but perhaps we can give them some more”, McMahon continued, taking somewhat of a pot shot at the former WWE Superstars that AEW has signed recently.

Karl Anderson was none too pleased about the comments from the WWE CEO. The former WWE Superstar in his own right revealed that there are people who still work on the WWE main roster who are ‘unhappy’ in their working environment.

“The amount of unhappy texts I get from people there, well, the whole professional wrestling world is waiting for ya,” Karl Anderson wrote on Twitter. “@IMPACTWRESTLING @AEW @njpw1972 Gonna talk about it on @TalknShop.”

Do you think that AEW could end up becoming competition to WWE at some point? Let us know in the comments.

Original Bullet Club Members Trade Shots On Twitter

Chris Stephens
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“Machine Gun” Karl Anderson and Tama Tonga are 2 of the original 4 members of Bullet Club. Anderson left NJPW in 2016 for WWE, however, setting the stage for the Guerrillas of Destiny to take over as the faction’s top heavyweight tag team.

Now, however, Anderson is in the Elite with former Bullet Club members Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and the Young Bucks. On Impact Wrestling recently, Jay White aid he was not allowing Anderson and Gallows back in the group. Don Callis then noted that it should be White asking for permission to join the Elite. So, tension has been brewing between the two stables.

The rivalry brewing between the Elite and Bullet Club spilled over onto Twitter recently. Anderson Tweeted out a photo “The Elite Squad” from Fight for the Fallen leading to the exchange with Tama.

This led to Tama Tonga responding with the following:

“I would argue with you, but we’re past that. Your good brother philosophy is shallow deep. The day is coming,” Tonga Tweeted.

Anderson then responded, asking Tonga to not make him “Kill what I created.”

“Don’t do this Tama.. I’ve been holdin off on Killin the Bullet Club for good. Please don’t make me kill what I created. I’m beggin u”

John Cena and Roman Reigns In Action After SmackDown In Dark Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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The dark main event after last night’s episode of SmackDown saw both John Cena and Roman Reigns competing on the opposite sides in a six-man tag team match.

The Cenation Leader formed a team with Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio. The Tribal Chief on the other hand was joined by his cousins and the current SmackDown tag team champions The Usos.

The match continued for several minutes before the referee got knocked out during a spot. Roman Reigns took the opportunity to deliver a superman punch to all three of his opponents including Cena.

Though John Cena came back from this attack. He dodged a spear from Roman and converted it into an Attitude Adjustment, getting a big pop from the crowd.

The 16-time world champion delivered another AA to Jimmy Uso. He covered Uso for the pin and picked the win for his team as the referee woke up.

This week’s episode of SmackDown saw Finn Balor getting attacked by Baron Corbin when he was about to sign a SummerSlam match contract against Roman Reigns.

John Cena then came out and signed the contract, making his long-rumored Universal title match against the Head Of The Table official for the upcoming event.

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