Shaul Guerrero was the special guest on this week’s episode of her mother’s podcast, Excuse Me. During their conversation, Shaul spoke about the pressures she has felt breaking into pro wrestling as the daughter of late WWE legend, Eddie Guerrero.
When asked by Vickie if she believed her father would be proud of her breaking into the business, Shaul replied, “I want to say he would be proud.”
She explained how her time in FCW was fuelled by pressure to be as good as Vickie and Eddie Gurrero. Shaul stressed there was a lot of pressure to “earn” her name and, at one point, felt as though she wasn’t “Latina enough for them.”
“I understood where they were coming from that they don’t want to call you by your name because if you suck we don’t want you to be a disappointment. That happened to me about two months in. I was like holy sh*t.”
Shaul Guerrero On Pressures To Be The “Ideal Diva”
Shaul noted how she never felt pressure from Vickie Guerrero. She added how she believes her family never meant to put pressure on her. Regardless, she was made to feel there were issues with her body. According to Shaul, she “needed to look more feminine” and become the “ideal Diva.”
“I was having such a hard time and the pressure was so much. I don’t know if they meant to put that pressure on me. Every rehearsal was like, ‘well your Dad did it like this.'”
She explained how she loved being compared to Eddie Guerrero as she looked up to him so much. If she drew comparisons to him because of how she moved, it was a comparison she enjoyed.
However, Shaul stated how she now wants to do things her way and do it for her. She added how she will be putting Eddie Guerrero’s legacy “to the side a little bit” as she continues her pro wrestling journey.
All Elite Wrestling’s Chris Jericho has broken down the similarities he sees between himself and WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt.
Speaking on a recent episode of his YouTube show, Saturday Night Special, Jericho praised Wyatt and his refusal to become stagnant.
“Love The Fiend, love Windham Rotunda. It’s kind of a mouthful of a name, but, such a great guy, and super smart, creative. I think this is why he reminds me a little bit of me,” Jericho said. “He will never be the same guy twice. Because that’s the secret of having longevity in show business, you can’t be the same guy. Look at David Bowie or any great actor.”
Chris Jericho has embraced several gimmick changes to his character over his lengthy career. He has never been afraid to try something new or tweak characteristics to refresh his character, allowing him the succesful in-ring longevity he refers to.
Most recently, Jericho has been embroiled in a feud with Best Friends’ Orange Cassidy. The two faced off in a matchup this past Wednesday night on Dynamite.
Despite Inner Circle’s best efforts to secure Jericho’s victory, Cassidy would emerge the winner after Jericho hit a low blow but missed connecting with the Judas Effect. Cassidy would wrap Jericho up in a pinning combination and managed to pin him for the three count.
Several WWE Superstars reportedly reached out to All Elite Wrestling to gauge its potential interest when their contracts expired. One Superstar to deny this claim is the current WWE Universal Champion, Braun Strowman.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, many of WWE’s top Superstars reached out to AEW. He stressed that there are “guys who have claimed different,” but at one point, “virtually everybody in WWE” reached out to the rival promotion. It was noted how only Roman Reigns was the only Superstar to not even inquire.
Braun Strowman, however, refutes that claim. Speaking with Heel By Nature, The “Monster Among Men” labeled Meltzer’s statement as “fake news.” He also added how he doesn’t like “being clickbait for lies.”
Strowman signed a 5-year deal with WWE in July 2019. He made his decision before All Elite Wrestling had announced that its show, Dynamite, would debut on TNT.
Superstars like Randy Orton and Edge have previously spoken to AEW prior to signing new WWE contracts. Orton is now signed to a 5-year deal. Edge negotiated with AEW before returning to discuss options with WWE.
Braun Strowman will defend his WWE Universal Championship this Sunday at WWE’s SummerSlam pay-per-view. He faces off against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
Former NXT Champion Adam Cole has shared what he believes NXT should do as the brand continues to compete with AEW Dynamite every Wednesday night.
Speaking with TV Insider, Cole acknowledged the Wednesday Night Wars waging between the two companies. He stressed how “When we’re focused on our show, we’re focused on our show. We’re not thinking about what they’re doing. At least I don’t. I’m not sure what anyone else is doing.”
Cole has several friends who work with AEW, including his girlfriend, Britt Baker. He noted how conversations with them reveal they have the same mentality.
Regarding the ratings war between WWE and AEW, Cole believes the right approach is to continue highlighting NXT’s strengths.
“I think finding ways to have really exciting matches and angles and interviews. Finding ways to constantly try new things and see what sticks and what doesn’t stick and evolving the television show. They’re both fairly new television shows.”
Adam Cole argued how being on USA Network is still a new experience for the black-and-yellow brand. Because of this, NXT needed to commit to finding new and exciting ways to tell its stories.
Cole gave credit to NXT’s crew and Superstars, noting how the roster boasts talent who are “the best in the world.” He stressed that if these wrestlers are highlighted, NXT will continue to grow.
Several of WWE’s top Superstars reportedly reached out to All Elite Wrestling to see what the promotion would be willing to offer at the end of their contracts.
During a mailbag segment on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer was asked if certain names could wind up in AEW. Roman Reigns, Will Ospreay, Kota Ibushi, and even Don Callis were all mentioned. Incidentally, these were the same names Chris Jericho mentioned on a recent episode of his Saturday Night Special show. Jericho was listing who he’d like to eventually see in AEW.
According to Meltzer, Reigns is the only Superstar to never inquire with AEW. He stated how “everybody” in WWE has previously asked, even if they have claimed otherwise. He stressed how Reigns will never go to AEW.
“Roman Reigns is not going to AEW, not happening. Of all of the guys, virtually everybody in WWE including guys who have claimed different, at one point or another have called people in AEW trying to see what they can get or have had an interest.”
Meltzer continued, “Roman Reigns and there’s a couple of others but Roman Reigns is basically, of the top guys, he was the only one who never even inquired so he ain’t going anywhere.”
Superstars like Randy Orton and Edge have previously spoken to AEW prior to signing new WWE contracts. Orton is now signed to a 5-year deal. Edge negotiated with AEW before returning to discuss options with WWE.
Sonya Deville has shared her first public comments since a man was arrested after attempting to break into her home. Phillip A. Thomas II was found armed with a knife, plastic zip ties, duct tape, and mace. He had intended to kidnap Deville. Thomas had allegedly been plotting the kidnapping for 8 months.
Taking to Twitter, Deville wrote:
“Thank you everyone for your love and concern. A very frightening experience but thankfully everyone is safe. A special thank you to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for their response and assistance.”
Thank you everyone for your love and concern. A very frightening experience but thankfully everyone is safe. A special thank you to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for their response and assistance. ?
The man gained access to Deville’s porch after cutting a hole into the Superstar’s screen door. He reportedly waited there as Deville and a friend watched this weekend’s UFC 252 event. Upon trying to access the property, Deville’s alarm system triggered. Having seen Thomas in her house, she fled her home and called the police.
Thankfully, Thomas was arrested by police. He has been charged with Aggravated Stalking, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling, Attempted Armed Kidnapping, and Criminal Mischief.
“Our deputies are unveiling the suspect’s disturbing obsession with this homeowner who he had never met, but stalked on social media for years,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a press release. “It’s frightening to think of all the ways this incident could have played out had the home alarm not gone off and alerted the homeowner of an intruder.”
A Twitter account with the username @Phillip80400010 appears to belong to Thomas. It features a litany of of tweet and retweets revolving around Sonya Deville.
Read more about the Sonya Deville attempted kidnapping at the Tampa Bay Times:
Former WCW President Eric Bischoff made a surprise appearance at AEW Dynamite recently. However, the news of his cameo had leaked online beforehand and Chris Jericho is blaming an ‘NXT-reject’ for it.
The former AEW World Champion talked about the incident on his Saturday Night Special stream. Jericho was explaining how the amount of people who are on social media is very small compared to the people who watch their show and he gave the example of Bischoff’s appearance:
“For example, when we had the debate and Eric Bischoff was announced on Reddit and we know the spy is, by the way. Oh, we know. He’ll never f—ing be back in AEW. NXT reject was a spy, so print that.”
Chris continued by explaining how they had two choices after the news leaked. They chose not to announce the appearance and it still surprised a lot of people:
“I was like, listen, we can announce this or we can just not announce it and don’t worry about it and see, you know, the people that know will know and maybe they’ll watch if they weren’t going to,
The people that don’t know, will still be surprised. That’s exactly what happened.” said Chris Jericho “People were super surprised that Bischoff was there and it worked out great.”
Eric Bischoff appeared as a special guest moderator for the debate between Y2J and Orange Cassidy during the August 5th episode of Dynamite and it was Bischoff’s first appearance on TNT since 2000 when WCW folded.
One of the main criticisms faced by John Cena is ending the momentum of many top acts during his long run as the face of WWE and Rusev is one of the top examples of the same.
The Cenation Leader ended the Bulgarian Brute’s undefeated streak during their match at WrestleMania 31 and many believe that the former NXT star was never able to recover from this loss in WWE.
However, during a recent appearance on The Ryback Show, Rusev talked about his relationship with Cena and the former WWE star said that he had a great relationship with John:
“[We had a] great relationship. I never had a bad experience with John. John taught me about cars because I love cars, and he taught me about cars. And I got a Mazarati because he recommended that it was a fantastic car.
I’ve been in his house for dinner.” revealed Rusev, “I think it was a christening for me – we started working a program and he invited me into his house to kind of see who I am, and we hung out. It was fun, man.”
The former US Champion also credited the 16-time world champion for teaching him everything about timing the crowd and Rusev went on to say that John is an amazing dude who will never shove you on the side:
“Every time I hung out with John, it was fun. He’s an amazing dude and he works out really hard, and he was always open for advice. He’ll never shove you on the side. He will never do any of that.”
Later in the interview, Rusev also claimed that the two still keep in touch and revealed that John Cena had texted him recently to say that he looked great.
There have been renewed talks of Adam Cole possibly being moved to the main roster after he dropped the NXT Championship to Keith Lee last month.
During a recent interview with TV Insider, the former champion talked about a number of things including his ongoing feud with Pat McAfee, being compared to Shawn Michaels and more.
When asked about a potential move to Raw or SmackDown, Cole said that he is in no rush to leave NXT as he feels that the Black and Yellow brand is blossoming into something special:
“I feel like NXT is really blossoming into something special, selfishly, I don’t want to miss out on that. I’m really enjoying my time here and feel there is more for me to do. I feel like there is more for the Undisputed Era to do. As a group, we have been a dominant force in NXT.
I’m in no rush to leave NXT.” said Adam Cole “At the same time, do I think the Undisputed Era would be effective on RAW and SmackDown? Absolutely.”
Latest backstage reports have revealed that WWE officials are planning another draft soon and they have shortlisted two dates in October for the same.
Now after Cole’s title loss, the big question is if the company could actually be planning to move him to the main roster and if the Undisputed Era leader could be moved during the upcoming drafts.
Matt Cardona finally made his AEW debut after months of rumors during the July 29 episode of AEW Dynamite and he has since made his in ring debut for the company as well.
However, reports that have come out since then have revealed that the former WWE star has not signed a long term contract with the company and his current deal is only for five appearances.
Cardona talked about his status with AEW during his recent appearance on the Not About Wrestling show and when asked about his future plans, the former IC Champion said that he didn’t get into AEW just to get a new t-shirt:
“Yeah, so I only have a couple of dates signed, but I didn’t go there just to get a new t-shirt, you know? I’m there for the long haul. That’s the goal. That’s the plan. To show the world what I can do. To win some championships, have some fun and it’s a great environment there.”
Cardona continued by saying that the past couple of weeks at AEW were great and even though some people didn’t like his performance, he can’t wait to do more work with the company.
Cardona formerly known as Zack Ryder was one of the stars who were released by WWE as part of their budget cuts in April earlier this year, ending his 15-year long stint with the promotion.
It’s a well-known fact that AJ Styles is close friends with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson and the Phenomenal One had stated before that he spent all his time backstage in WWE with the Good Brothers.
The former TNA star returned for his Twitch stream recently where he answered questions from fans, and talked about things like who should be the next Intercontinental Champion and more.
Since Gallows and Anderson are no longer with the company, a fan asked who is Styles’ closest friend on the WWE roster now and AJ took the name of Xavier Woods from The New Day and Samoa Joe:
“I think that out of everyone – he’s on the injured list right now, but still, probably the guy I’ve known the longest is Xavier Woods/Austin Creed, I’m trying to think who else would be in there. Like, Samoa Joe would be my closest on RAW.”
Styles also praised both Dolph Ziggler and Jeff Hardy for their selling saying that Ziggler is one of the best in WWE right now and Jeff Hardy is right up there with the Show Off.
Last week’s episode of SmackDown saw the WWE TV debut of Joseph Parks aka Abyss. The company then announced that AJ Styles will defend his IC against Hardy at this week’s episode of the show.
The NBA Playoffs have disrupted the upcoming AEW Dynamite schedule. The promotion recently posted an updated schedule complete with content set to air on YouTube during Dynamite’s normal timeslot Wednesdays at 8 PM est.
There will be no Dynamite on Wednesday this week due to the NBA Playoffs. Part 1 of All Out 2019 will air on AEW’s YouTube page beginning at 8 PM EST. Dynamite this week will air on Saturday at 6 PM or after the NBA game is over.
There will also be no episode of Dynamite on August 26th, 2020. The episode will instead air the following night at 8 PM. AEW will air part 2 of All Out 2019 on its YouTube channel Wednesday, August 26th at 8 PM.
On Wednesday, September 16th, 2020, a special 1-hour episode of Dynamite will air after the NBA game is over. The following night a full episode will air beginning at 8 PM est.
The Saturday, August 22nd episode of Dynamite will feature Cody vs Brodie Lee for the TNT championship.
Also, fans in Canada should note that next Saturday’s episode of Dynamite will air at 10 PM on TSN. The show will air on TSN 2.
Lance Storm recently caused some controversy due to statements he made regarding intergender wrestling. Storm says that he has spoken with many female wrestlers who are uncomfortable with such matches but are afraid to speak up due to feeling as though it could cost them bookings.
Storm recently appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio and clarified his comments.
“The vast majority, I won’t say all but so many of the girls that came through (his school) when class was getting to the end, so many of them said ‘I’m not really comfortable with this inter gender thing, am I going to have to do that?'” Storm said.
“I would tell them the same thing I’d tell guys that are like ‘I’m not really comfortable with the idea of getting color, do I have to do that?’ The answer is you can always say no but you have to realize that that could hurt your chances of ever getting booked again.”
Storm also spoke about some wrestlers who disagreed with his stance when he came out with his comments last week.
“I was annoyed at the higher-end women in the business that jumped out with ‘oh but I really like doing it!’ And it’s like yeah, but it’s not about you.”
Lance Storm On Intergender Wrestling in WWE vs At Independent Shows
Storm then said he’s more concerned with intergender wrestling on the indie scene than in a bigger company. This is due to WWE having a human resource department and agents whereas independent shows do not have people in these roles.
“If you’re in WWE. Like if Nia Jax wanted to end up having a match with Pat Buck. Does anybody think there’s going to be some sexual harassment or pressure there? Of course not.”
Storm also said that he’s spoken with male students who were uncomfortable with intergender matches as well.
He also spoke about the idea that getting rid of intergender wrestling would take away opportunities for women in the business.
“I disagree because if intergender is not an acceptable booking practice, especially at the indy level, you have to book more women.”
Major League Wrestling’s Head of Wrestling Operations, Jared St. Laurent, issued a statement recently regarding Davey Boy Smith Jr. The statement is in response to recent reports that Smith was unable to work for Impact Wrestling due to his contact status with MLW.
“(Smith) had an offer from Impact to do a program with Ken Shamrock but his MLW contract prevented it, which is tough because it’s a contract where he’s not getting paid a regular salary, just per appearance,” wrote Dave Meltzer in the most recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The report would continue to say that Smith has drawn interest from both AEW and WWE.
Smith’s MLW contract is believed to be up in December.
MLW Responds To Report Regarding Davey Boy Smith Jr.
MLW then posted the following comments from St. Laurent on Smith’s status with MLW.
“I want to address some misinformation put out there. I had talks with Impact about Davey Boy possibly crossing over and doing some dates. We had a very positive conversation with Impact. Scott D’Amore and Impact were great to deal with and we were absolutely open to it. We gave Davey several options for how we could make this work as well as help him out financially during the pandemic. Davey opted to do nothing, unfortunately. It could’ve been a win/win for all 3 parties. It’s a shame but that is the full story,” the statement reads.
“On a personal level, I’ve known Davey for almost 2 decades. It’s sad to see him elect to end his tenure with yet another company on such a sour note.”
It was also reported recently that MLW sent WWE a cease and desist letter in regards to Smith appearing on an episode of the Bump.
“MLW also sent a cease-and-desist to WWE after Smith appeared on “The Bump.” Smith is scheduled to at least make a WWE appearance inducting his father into the Hall of Fame, but that may be some time off,” Meltzer wrote.
An obsessed fan has been arrested after breaking into the Florida home of Smackdown Superstar, Sonya Deville. The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that Phillip A. Thomas of South Carolina was arrested early this morning. He has admitted to breaking into Deville’s home and that he had planned to kidnap her.
The police department has said that Thomas had been planning the kidnapping attempt for 8 months. He had a knife, plastic zip ties, duct tape, and mace on him at the time of his arrest. He has been charged with aggravated stalking, armed burglary of a dwelling, attempted armed kidnapping, and criminal mischief.
Reports are that the suspect cut a hole in Deville’s screen door around midnight last night to gain access to her porch. He remained there as Deville and a friend watched the UFC PPV. Thomas then attempted to enter the home through a sliding glass door at 2:43 AM. This triggered Deville’s alarm system. Deville then spotted Thomas on her property, fled the premises, and called the police.
“Our deputies are unveiling the suspect’s disturbing obsession with this homeowner who he had never met, but stalked on social media for years,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a press release. “It’s frightening to think of all the ways this incident could have played out had the home alarm not gone off and alerted the homeowner of an intruder.”
Cody Rhodes has been a big supporter of the AEW TNT Title, which is widely considered the secondary title for the promotion.
His support dates back to when the title was first announced even before he won it. Rhodes responded to a fan on Twitter where he noted that he doesn’t believe in midcard titles. He also thinks the person makes the belt and not the title making the titleholder.
The response came after a fan had asked, “Shouldn’t the world championship be more important than the TNT championship?”
He wrote, “Man/woman wearing any belt defines it, not the other way around. I don’t believe in “Mid card” titles.”
Another fan noted most believe the World Heavyweight Title should be the most important title.
Cody tweeted, “She’s a looker alright! My goal is to make it the most important and coveted belt of all time. (The walk from my office to the entrance tunnel on Wednesday was maybe my favorite bts moment ever. Stopped folks in their tracks)”
Cody successfully defended the title against Scorpio Sky on last Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. As of this writing, Rhodes currently doesn’t have an opponent lined up for the AEW All Out PPV event.
She’s a looker alright!
My goal is to make it the most important and coveted belt of all time.
There is speculation that WWE could be bringing back Saturday Night’s Main Event as the company filed new trademarks for it back on August 11th.
Whether this leads to the theme of the show being brought remains to be seen.
Saturday Night’s Main Event aired a few times per year on NBC from 1985 until 1991 before going to FOX in 1992 and then it went on hiatus. The company brought back the show on NBC from 2006 until 2008.
The “Saturday Night Main Event” trademarks are for the following:
“Toys, namely, action figures, accessories therefor; dolls; cases for action figures; toy wrestling rings; toy vehicles; board games; hand-held units for playing electronic game other than those adopted for use with an electronic display screen or monitor; tabletop action skill games; playing cards; puzzles; stuffed toys; plush toys; toy belts; knee and elbow pads for athletic use; toy foam hands; costume masks; costume masks; novelty face masks; Christmas tree decorations”
“Cardboard and paper hangtags; packaging, namely blister cards; paper for wrapping and packaging; collector albums for sticker collectables; stickers; sticker albums; collectable photos; photo albums; photographs; framed pictures; labels, namely printed paper labels; folders; paper place mats, paper table mats, paper napkins; paper tablecloths; paper table linens; paper lunch bags; postcards; greeting cards; pictures; calendars; posters; decals; temporary tattoo transfers; trading cards; brochures, magazines and newspapers concerning sports entertainment; coloring books; children’s activity books; souvenir programs concerning sports entertainment; books concerning sports entertainment; books featuring pictorial biographies; comic books; picture books; book covers; paper book markers; notebooks; memo pads; note pads; date books; address books; agenda books; markers; pens; pencils; calendars; pencil sharpeners; pencil cases; rubber stamps; stamp pads; chalks; paper banners; printed paper signs for doors; drawing rulers; erasers, rubber erasers, chalk erasers, blackboard erasers; bumper stickers; window decals; lithographs; paper party bags; paper party favors; stencils for tracing designs onto paper; paper gift wrap; paper cake decorations; paper; stationery; indoor ornaments of paper”
“Downloadable ring tones, graphics and music via a global computer network and wireless devices; decorative refrigerator magnets; video and computer game tapes, video and computer game discs, video and computer game cassettes, video and computer game cartridges, video and computer game CD-roms, video output game machines for use with televisions; video and computer game software; cinematographic and television films, namely, motion picture films in the nature of sports entertainment; pre-recorded phonograph records, pre-recorded compact discs, pre-recorded video tapes, pre-recorded video cassette tapes, pre-recorded DVDS and pre-recorded audio cassettes, all featuring sports entertainment; interactive video game programs and computer game cartridges; mouse pads; disposable cameras; sunglasses; sunglass cases; prescription glasses; and optical cases, namely, cases for spectacles and sunglasses; walkie talkies, protective helmets; sports helmets”
WWE also recently filed trademarks for several NXT and NXT UK wrestlers in addition to The Heritage Cup, NXT UK Heritage Cup, Raw Underground and Intercontinental Championship.
Former WWE Superstar Rusev/Miro recently appeared on The Ryback Show podcast. The ‘Bulgarian Brute’ would discuss a number of topics from his time with the company; including his ‘Rusev Day’ run, NXT and working with John Cena.
Ryback himself referred to John Cena on the podcast, bringing up a story that involved (previously) company COO Triple H making a major claim to the The Big Guy.
Ryback on Triple H Comments
“This goes back when I was there and Hunter told me…when I was in that top position, or working in that top position; and then the contract negotiations were coming up” Ryback began on the podcast.
Ryback would then refer to arguably his biggest run with WWE, which was back in 2012. The ‘Big Guy’ was ascending the card and would eventually get a Hell In a Cell main event against then WWE Champion CM Punk.
Unfortunately, the timing was completely off. There was no chance that Ryback was going to be given the belt in October of 2012. Even though Ryback had a huge wave of momentum behind him at the time and the support of live crowds? The Rock was due to face the WWE Champion at the Royal Rumble in January, and the marquee match for that night was pencilled in with CM Punk entering as said WWE Champion.
“He (Triple H) goes, ‘Ryan,’ and he was just shooting me straight, he goes; ‘we’re never gonna have another marquee name after [John] Cena ever again. He’s the last one.” These comments seem to echo those previously made by Vince McMahon. McMahon stated that WWE’s ‘brand’ is the attraction, not the actual names on the marquee/card.
Even still, it is very enlightening to hear that one of WWE’s top brass behind the scenes believes that there won’t be another megastar in the company. With the Roman Regins experiment having seemingly failed over the last 5/6 years maybe ‘The Game’ has a point?
Do you agree with Triple H? Let us know in the comments
WWE SmackDown aired from the Performance Center in Orlando. It was announced that Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville will battle in a Hair vs. Hair match at SummerSlam. Kalisto also made his return during the show.
Asuka won the Triple Brand Battle Royal to earn a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship
Sheamus def. Shorty G
Gran Metalik def. Shinsuke Nakamura
Big E def. John Morrison
Here are 5 takeaways from this week’s show:
RETRIBUTION Attacked The SmackDown Locker Room
Retribution took over SmackDown last week
WWE had extra security of every entrance of the Performance Center to prevent RETRIBUTION from getting inside.
Big E was scheduled to face John Morrison in the first match of the night but RETRIBUTION surrounded the ring.
RETRIBUTION beat Big E and Morrison down as Cole and Graves ran away. RETRIBUTION then retreated as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
The Miz told Morrison that he was on the phone with Maryse and would have helped if he could. King Corbin arrived and said that they need a leader against RETRIBUTION. Big E gave a brief speech before Sheamus interrupted. Sheamus told Big E that he was alone and vulnerable.
Sheamus said that RETRIBUTION wouldn’t dare to interfere in his match because he is not afraid of them. Big E told Sheamus that if he had any sense at all he would realize that he is not alone.
Later on the show, Big E battled John Morrison as Miz joined commentary. The lights flickered in the Performance Center once again as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, the SmakcDown locker room was surrounding the ring as Big E and Morrison were still competing.
RETRIBUTION was shown backstage attacking WWE officials with baseball bats and chairs. The superstars got the word and rushed backstage to battle RETRIBUTION. Big E locked in the Stretch Muffler submission for the victory. Sheamus leveled Big E with a Brogue Kick after the match.
Asuka Won The Battle Royal To Earn A SmackDown Women’s Championship MatchAt SummerSlam
Asuka. Image Credit: WWE.com
Sasha Banks and Bayley came down to the ring as security was now surrounding the ring behind the plexiglass.
Banks said tonight is about SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley and the crowd chanted “you suck!”. Bayley stated that not even a McMahon can hold them down and that they are about to find out the lucky idiot that is going to face her at SummerSlam. Bayley and Banks then took over ring announcing duties and kicked Greg out of the ring. They then introduced the participants of the Battle Royal before Asuka attacked them both.
WAIT A MINUTE!!!@WWEAsuka is in the Triple Brand Battle Royal!
Match Recap: The IIConics, Liv Morgan, and Ruby Riott were eliminated immediately and brawled outside the ring. Tamina eliminated Nikki Cross and leveled Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox with a Clothesline. Bianca Belair hit Tamina with a Spear and then launched her out of the ring. Lacey Evans eliminated Naomi and then quickly got eliminated by Blackheart.
Baszler locked Blackheart in the Kirifuda Clutch and brought her to the apron. Evans then tripped Shotzi up to eliminate her. Tegan Nox eliminated Bianca Belair. It was now down to Asuka, Nox, and Shayna Baszler. Shayna almost dropped Nox on her head before eliminating her. Asuka landed on Bayley and Banks and was not eliminated. Asuka then dragged Baszler over the top rope and won the Battle Royal.
Asuka now has a title match against Sasha Banks for RAW Women’s Championship and then a SmackDown Women’s Championship match at SummerSlam.
Opinion: I’m hoping that this turns into a Triple Threat match with both titles on the line at SummerSlam. This seemed like it would have been a good opportunity to give someone that hasn’t gotten a push a win and a title match at SummerSlam.
Match Recap: Sheamus dominated the action early but Shorty G battled back and took Sheamus to the canvas. Sheamus broke free and hit Shorty G with a couple of knees to the face. Shorty G connected with a Dropkick off the second rope and went for the cover but Sheamus kicked out at two.
Sheamus planted Shorty G with White Noise and geared up in the corner of the ring. Sheamus hit Shorty G with a massive Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory.
Jeff Hardy Will Face AJ Styles For The IC Title Next Week
Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles came down to the ring with Joseph Parks (Abyss) to present some statistics to determine who his opponent will be at SummerSlam. AJ plugged his Twitch channel before referring to himself as a “handsome stud of a nerd”.
Styles revealed P.I.S.S (Phenomenal Intercontinental Statistics System) and he was ranked #1. AJ then revealed that there was nobody else ranked and that no one has earned the right to be in the ring with him. Jeff Hardy interrupted and made his way to the ring.
Who was earned the right to be in the ring with @AJStylesOrg??
Hardy said that the Intercontinental Championship is very special to him because it was the first title he won on his own. Jeff added that Styles versus Hardy sounds “mega cool” and challenged him to a match at SummerSlam. AJ told Jeff that he respects him and has known him for a very long time.
Styles declined and cackled into the microphone. AJ told Jeff that he hasn’t earned the right to be on the board and that this isn’t a pity party. Jeff attacked Styles and hit him with a Twist of Fate. Jeff Hardy then wrote his name on the P.I.S.S system board to end the segment. Styles then accepted the challenge backstage and tried to erase Jeff’s name off the board but it was permanent marker.
Opinion: The writers sure do love using urine jokes in Jeff Hardy storylines for some reason and I don’t understand why the Intercontinental Championship match is happening on SmackDown next week and not SummerSlam two days later.
Alexa Bliss sat down for an interview about The Fiend attacking her a couple of weeks ago. Bliss said that she has gotten to know Braun Strowman and that he is a good man and they became best friends. Alexa was asked if she ever considered a romantic relationship with Strowman and she said “maybe”. Footage was shown of Strowman saying that he doesn’t give a damn about Alexa and all he cares about is destroying The Fiend. Alexa was asked how she felt about that and she didn’t answer.
Strowman came down to the ring at the end of the show with a shaved head. Strowman said that he told The Fiend that when he came out of the swamp he is going to be the most evil son of a bitch that anyone has ever laid eyes on. Braun demanded The Fiend come out here so he can destroy him and “consume his entrails”.
Alexa Bliss interrupted and stated that this is not the Strowman she knows. Braun accused Alexa of using him and trying to make him something that he is not. Strowman stated that everyone that comes in contact with The Fiend changes, including Alexa. Braun demanded that Bliss get out of the ring but Alexa refused. Alexa told Braun to look at her and delivered a massive slap to his face.
Strowman smirked and Alexa continued to slap him. Strowman lifted Alexa above his head as the lights in the Performance Center started to go out. Braun dropped Alexa to the canvas and then The Fiend showed up in the ring and Strowman was gone. Braun was then shown on the jumbotron and The Fiend laughed as well to end the show.
Opinion: I have no idea who I am supposed to be rooting for anymore but this was still entertaining in a hokey way. I’m looking forward to see what kind of ridiculous match we get between Strowman and The Fiend at SummerSlam. This week’s SmackDown was a decent show.
Joseph Park finally made an appearance on WWE television while under contract with the company.
He did so during Friday’s episode of SmackDown. He was seen backstage with a giant whiteboard to do two segments with AJ Styles. They then headed out to the ring. The WWE Intercontinental Champion did a promo about how he would use analytics and statistics to decide who should face him for the title.
This led to Styles revealing how no one was eligible to challenge him for the title. Jeff Hardy came out to the ring to do a promo, which resulted in a brawl and Hardy standing tall.
After the segments had aired, Park wrote the following on Twitter:
“My apologies to @AJStylesOrg, for my dereliction of duty in the “marker-gate” incident on #SmackDownOnFox tonight. That @JEFFHARDYBRAND assaulted you AJ. I saw the whole thing! @WWE @WWEonFOX.”
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on whether the former Impact Wrestling star will be appearing on future episodes of SmackDown as part of an act with Styles.
WWE has already confirmed that Styles will defend the Intercontinental Title against Hardy on next week’s episode of SmackDown.
Park signed with WWE in January 2019 where he works as an agent.
A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE SummerSlam PPV and it involves Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Title.
During Friday’s episode of SmackDown, WWE booked a Triple Brand Battle Royal featuring women’s wrestlers from RAW, SmackDown and NXT. Stephanie McMahon made the match booking official on last week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
Those involved in the match included Asuka, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Teagan Knox, Shotzi Blackheart, Naomi, Shayna Baszler, Lacey Evans, Bianca Belair, Dana Brooke, Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce, and Billie Kay.
Asuka will go on to face Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam. The final two stars were Baszler and Asuka. She will be working two matches in one night at this show as she’ll also challenge Sasha Banks for the RAW Women’s Title.
Impact Wrestling star Ethan Page will become a free agent soon and will have some leverage thanks to AEW.
Wrestletalk reports that his contract with Impact is set to expire on Thursday, December 31. As of this writing, there’s no word on whether he is negotiating a new contract. What is known is that it was noted he has interest from other promotions.
AEW just so happens to be one of those promotions, but there’s also no word on whether the two sides have started talking just yet.
AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes has stated in a past Q&A that he’d be interested in bringing “All Ego” to AEW.
Page first appeared in Impact back in November 2017. He has also worked for promotions such as ROH and EVOLVE among others. He is currently in a tag team with Josh Alexander, known as The North.
Their historic Impact Tag Team Titles reign recently came to an end after holding them for 380-days.
It happened when they lost the straps to the returning Motor City Machine Guns on the post-Slammiversary edition of Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.
Velveteen Dream, real name Patrick Clark, made his television return this past Wednesday night.
He did so when he was revealed as the third person in the triple treat qualifying match where he battled Cameron Grimes and Kushida. It was booked to determine who would be next to move on to TakeOver: XXX to compete for the NXT Championship. Grimes went over in the contest to advance.
Fightful Select reports the return of The Velveteen Dream was kept very private, and most wrestlers only knew about it in the minutes ahead of the NXT show.
Sean Ross Sapp wrote, “There has long been significant heat on Velveteen Dream for behavioral issues and what is perceived as preferential treatment in multiple situations that would have had most anyone else fired.”
It was noted that this was also the case with his return. Regarding sexual assault accusations, WWE has not provided any update on disciplinary action taken towards him.
Dream is slated to battle former NXT Champion Finn Balor on next week’s episode of NXT on the USA Network from Full Sail University. This is considered a big match on a significant show.
The WWE 205 Live creative team is currently being led by Dewey Foley and Adam Pearce.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported this week that Foley and Pearce are the “key creative forces” behind the cruiserweight brand. They likely have several writers under them that help with the direction of the show.
Pearce also works as a WWE Agent and has been the man behind the 205 Live brand for at least a year now. WWE first hired him back in 2014 after a successful career on the indies.
Foley, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, was first hired to work as a creative writer’s assistant in 2015. It was reported then that WWE hired Dewey after seeing some of his creative writing samples online. While Mick had reached out and let the company know that his son was interested in a job, Dewey reportedly did most of the contact after that. Dewey started sending some of his ideas in to the creative team and soon after that he was hired to work as an assistant. Triple H and several other people liked Dewey’s work, and now it looks like he’s climbed the creative ladder in the company.
Mick asked who Dewey could contact and send his writing samples to, and then Dewey was said to have done most of the other contact on his own. In addition, it was reported that Triple H was one of a number of people who enjoyed Dewey’s writing.
Dewey appeared on a 2016 episode of “Holy Foley!” on the WWE Network, in a scene where his dad visited WWE HQ in Stamford, CT. You can see a clip from that episode below:
WWE 205 Live airs each Friday night on the WWE Network, at 10pm EST after SmackDown goes off the air on FOX. While the show no longer airs live due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are still airing new matches each week. However, the episodes have featured only one or two matches since the schedules were changed amid the pandemic earlier this year.
Former WWE Superstar Rusev/Miro recently appeared on The Ryback Show podcast. The ‘Bulgarian Brute’ would discuss a number of topics from his time with the company; including his ‘Rusev Day’ run, NXT and working with John Cena.
One of the topics brought up by the former Rusev was his idea of bringing more ‘character’ to the Rusev character. Now known as Miro, the former WWE Superstar would talk about not being stuck portraying a ‘one-dimensional’ character in the company.
Miro/Rusev on One-Dimensional Characters
“Well I always wanted to be me, I never wanted to pretend, you know?” Miro would begin on the podcast. “I mean I get it, it’s wrestling, it’s about characters. So I was the evil foreigner and very one dimensional, but I always knew I could do more.”
Miro would then say how he knew what his original Rusev character needed to be, so at the time he just portrayed the role as best he could. “But at the same time? This is my role. Great, I’ll play it through…I’ll play it perfect. But then once I had the opportunity to break out and show myself? I was just, I was ready to do it because I knew I could do more.”
“I feel like people that are multi-dimensional have a lot more longevity” Miro would continue. “[Especially] a lot more than one-dimensional characters. That’s what Dream always taught me, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes. [He would say] body of work baby, body of work.”
“That’s why I wanted to give…that’s why all these characters that we (Aiden English and Lana) did through the years? There was always some kind of a change in it” Miro would finish. “It’s never just the ‘Bulgarian Brute.’ There’s always something different, which at the end of the day, the boss [Vince McMahon] didn’t like I guess!?”
Do you agree with Rusev/Miro? Let us know in the comments
