Current WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion and co-WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Bayley has addressed her on-screen character’s evolution.
Speaking with DigitalSpy.com, Bayley opened up about trying to push her character and grow during the coronavirus pandemic. She admitted that the current global situation has helped her freely explore different character choices. Bayley attributed this to the fact she doesn’t “have to worry about the fan’s approval.”
She added how she also doesn’t have to worry about fans believing in what she’s doing or “not buying” what she is saying in her promos.
Bayley shared how she can be very loud. She noted that her voice easily echoes throughout the WWE Performance Center as it’s currently so empty. It’s something she finds “hilarious.”
Bayley thinks WWE’s decision to perform in front of zero fans has benefited her. She shared how this time has allowed her to find herself within her current character:
“I’ve always had in the back of my head an idea of this character that I wanted to try if I were to change. So it was kind of me just throwing things out there and being like, ‘hey, I got this, I got this and I want to do this,’ and just (WWE) trusting me to do it.(WWE) had to really trust me and I had to really go for it, and that’s why I had to change everything and in order for them to believe it.”
Bayley is set to defend her WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship this Sunday at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules. She faces off against Nikki Cross.
Current WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles has shared his thoughts on Roman Reigns’ current hiatus away from in-ring action. Reigns made the decision to not attend his Universal Championship match at WrestleMania 36 due to coronavirus concerns.
Speaking with The Irish Sun, Styles stressed how it’s impossible to deny Reigns’ star power. “The Phenomenal One” referred to Reigns as “one of the biggest stars in WWE” adding how “He’s WWE. I mean, he’s the guy. so to get him back would be a big help.”
Styles then reflected on his interactions with Reigns since he first debuted in WWE back in 2016. He relayed how he was known as an “indie guy” and was presented with a perfect scenario against Reigns.
“This guy from Japan just walked right in there and step in the ring with Roman Reigns. Now the perfect scenario was in place because not everybody loved Roman. Now he is definitely one of the biggest stars but not everyone loved Roman then and so you have this indiedarling, right? And it was like, oh, they made it easy for me to be in there with Roman, because Roman is such a huge star.”
AJ Styles explained how it only got better from there when he had the chance to compete against Reigns. He reflected on his championship opportunity against “The Big Dog” and shared how their match was “unbelievable.”
“I’ve watched it back. Wow. I can’t believe we did all this stuff that was really good,” Styles confessed. “So, yeah, Roman Reigns is a big part of the reason why my career’s where it’s at.”
AJ Styles will defend his Intercontinental Championship during tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. He faces off against SmackDown’s newest Superstar, Matt Riddle.
Tony Khan has dropped a hint at some more notable talent signings being done by AEW.
The AEW President and CEO did a recent interview with Bleacher Report Live where he discussed his desire to keep expanding the All Elite Wrestling roster despite having a pretty star-studded talent roster.
Khan stated that he thinks they have a great roster but he doesn’t think people should expect that you’ll never see more people debuting.
Instead, he thinks the promotion is evolving and bringing in some great wrestlers while also introducing some new great stars. He listed the likes of MJF, Darby Allin, Jungle Boy, Orange Cassidy, and The Best Friends as stars who have become big names and done well for them.
“What I’d like to do is take the best of what we have…then don’t be surprised to see more new people and new faces.”
He continued by bringing up how Ricky Starks was a great signing and totally organic as he earned an opportunity and was somebody they were looking to book in a match against AEW TNT Champion Cody Rhodes.
“That’s a good example, but I think there’s going to be some other guys, maybe people you’d even be more familiar with down the line.”
Viewership data is in for this week’s battle in the WWE NXT vs. AEW Dynamite Wednesday Night War.
Dynamite won the night in total viewers and in the key 18-49 demo. This snapped their three-week losing streak. NXT ranked #49th for the night while Dynamite was in the top 5.
Here is the breakdown of the live and same-night DVR viewership, courtesy ofShowbuzzDaily:
WWE NXT Viewership
NXT on the USA Network averaged 631,000 viewers, down last week’s 759,000. In the 18-49 demo, they drew a 0.14 rating, down from 0.20 last week.
Cameron Grimes vs. Damian Priest, Keith Lee defended the NXT and North American Titles against Dominik Dijakovic, NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defending against Tegan Nox was featured on the card.
AEW Dynamite on TNT was watched by 788,000 viewers, up from the 715,000 viewers last week. In the 18-49 demo, Dynamite pulled in a 0.29 rating, up from the 0.28 rating that the show did last week.
Dynamite featured The Elite (Kenny Omega and Young Bucks) vs. Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy, and Marko Stunt), Lucha Brothers vs. FTR, AEW TNT Champion Cody vs. Sonny Kiss, and AEW World Champion Jon Moxley vs. Brian Cage with Taz.
NWA President Billy Corgan denies the promotion is shutting down.
The NWA has been on hiatus for several months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The promotion was forced to overhaul its managerial structure when former NWA Vice President Dave Lagana was accused of sexual assault during the #SpeakingOut movement.
Wrestling legend Raven dropped a bombshell this week when he said the NWA was unlikely to return. “Me and Billy get along really well but I think Billy’s shutting it down, from what I hear,” Raven said during an interview. “I heard it through the grapevine that Billy’s not opening it back up, he’s really disillusioned.”
The NWA has built a passionate following since it relaunched, so this was very upsetting to
Billy Corgan posted the following statement on Instagram addressing the NWA’s future. Corgan makes it clear: they are NOT shutting down and are not for sale.
“A quick note about the National Wrestling Alliance, which I fought for, and won ownership of a few years back. We are NOT shutting down. So please disregard any and all rumor to effect. The NWA is not and will not be for sale, and those talent who are under contract remain under contract for a reason: which is that are the NWA and are trying to figure out a way to provide our great fans with wrestling content in a very, very tough environment. And, most importantly, keep our talent safe and the standard of production you’ve come to expect from us at a high level. Anything less, in my opinion, is unacceptable. So yes, appreciate the interest, appreciate the chatter, but don’t appreciate the unsourced rumors and speculation.”
Head over to the NWA YouTube Channel for the latest digital content from the NWA.
AEW on-air personality and former WWE agent Arn Anderson recently discussed when Shane McMahon left WWE back in 2010. Anderson was discussing the Money In The Bank 2010 PPV on his ARN podcast alongside Conrad Thompson this week.
McMahon originally left WWE back in 2010, with his announcement coming in October of 2009. Shane made the following statement at the time: “Having been associated with this organization for the majority of my life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outside ventures.”
Arn Anderson on Shocking Shane McMahon Exit
Arn Anderson addressed when Shane left the company back in 2010, saying he was shocked at the decision from the man who appeared to be the heir apparent to the company. “Yeah, I was [shocked]. It was/is a family owned business” Arn began on the podcast.
“I thought he would be there forever, I like Shane, I’ve always like Shane” Anderson continued. “Shane was one of those guys that when he came in the door? He had that gleam in his eye that he was there because he was really having fun and wanting to be there.”
Arn would then discuss how McMahon wanted to be a ‘full-time’ wrestler in WWE. “Shane wanted to be a wrestler. I’m sure if you asked him? He’d say he wanted to be a full time wrestler. And in those days? He was gung-ho for anything. He was just a guy that was glad to be there. You never looked at Shane as just being the boss. I mean, he was like one of the guys.”
Do you think that Shane McMahon could’ve been a full time wrestler in WWE back in 2010? Do you think that the run would’ve been better than his recent time in the ring? Let us know in the comments.
Arn Anderson recently spent some time talking about Randy Orton on an episode of the Arn Show. According to the Enforcer, when Orton’s allowed to get heat, he’s the best heel in the business.
“When he’s a heel and allowed to get heat, he’s the best heel in the business and I believe that,” Anderson said. “Randy works old-school, Randy doesn’t do a one-and-a-half off the top. He doesn’t dive out on the floor, he doesn’t do any of those things.”
“Once Randy starts getting heat, you feel that. It’s an old-school, straight-forward beatdown but he’s just so smooth in the ring.”
“He just has that look man. He just looks like a guy that would reach over and bite your nose off.”
Anderson also noted that Orton is not as comfortable playing a babyface role.
“He’s an excellent heel. Now, when he gets forced into a babyface role and trying to work babyface, Randy will tell you he’s not as comfortable. I agree with him, he’s a much better heel.”
Kylie Rae left AEW last summer. She took a little break from wrestling before eventually signing with Impact Wrestling last fall. “Smiley” Kylie took part in an interview with Chris Van Vliet recently. During the conversation, she spoke about signing with Impact after appearing at the Bound for Glory PPV last fall.
“I just wasn’t ready, I was very honest with them. I wasn’t ready mentally, physically, or emotionally,” Kylie said. She continued to say that Impact was very supportive after she told them she wasn’t ready. A couple of months later when the two sides spoke again, Kylie said she felt ready and motivated to come back to wrestling.
“I felt like I was starting to get back into a groove and the days weren’t hard anymore,” she continued.
Kylie has previously stated mental health issues led to her departure from AEW.
“I firmly believe that if I would have continued going at the rate I was going at, I would never have come back. It just wasn’t healthy. Where I’m at today, it’s a completely different person,” she continued.
“I’ve loved it there,” she said of Impact Wrestling. “It’s such a supportive group of people.”
Kylie Rae On Mental Health & Taking A Break From Wrestling
She also spoke about issues surrounding mental health and her break from wrestling between AEW and Impact.
“I went to like 2 or 3 different therapists. It was a long battle but I look back now and I’m very grateful for that because I know that was hands down the toughest hardship I’d ever been through in my life and I think I came out a completely different person in the best way possible.”
“I think this is the most at peace I’ve been with myself in my entire life,” she continued.
In incredibly controversial fashion, Kylie Rae also mentioned during the interview that her favorite Star Wars was Episode 1. She says this is because she really likes Darth Maul.
Kylie’s interview with Chris Van Vliet can be viewed in the player below:
Brian Cage was a major acquisition for All Elite Wrestling earlier this year. The 36-year-old grappler possesses a dangerous combination of power and agility rarely seen.
During a recent interview with TSN, “The Machine” explained why he signed with AEW instead of WWE. Cage cited better match-ups and a greater degree of creative freedom as the primary factors.
“I think just overall, it was the cool, new thing that everybody wants to be a part of, obviously, but to be able to break through the reach I’d already done – the Ring of Honor crowd, the Impact crowd, and so on,” he began. “I felt like I needed to go to a bigger, national scene like an AEW. And another big thing was AEW had the most unique, cooler matches, if you will, and all of them would be first-time ever matches, whereas everywhere else would have been repeats and not as exciting.”
Brian Cage knows the money and promotional machine that WWE offers. However, he knew that he would have far less input on his character and storylines if he had signed with Vince McMahon.
“I were to go to WWE, I wouldn’t have as much creative control,” Cage continued. “That, artistically speaking, was a big reason why. I’m going to go to a place where I can showcase my abilities and have the most fun, intriguing matches and I had more personal desire to go to AEW than anywhere else.”
Cage is now aligned with ECW legend Taz as his ‘coach’ and mouthpiece. Cage knew Taz had developed into a top-tier broadcaster in recent years, but was amazed when Taz started cutting promos for him.
“I knew he was a great commentator and he could cut promos, but I didn’t really think of him as a promo guy,” Cage said of Taz. “That’s not the first thing that jumps out at you. But dude, he can kill it on the promos!”
Cage also mentioned that he prefers working as a babyface, which goes against the grain of what most wrestlers say. “I think it’s more so because if you think of bigger heels, they often get painted in these big bully meathead roles. I just think that’s very one-dimensional and a little meh – a little vanilla to me. I’d much rather get over as a face and then turn heel.”
Head over to TSN for the full interview with Brian Cage.
Tammy Sytch (aka Sunny) was paroled this February after serving a 1-year prison sentence. Her time in jail was due to a string of DUI convictions. Sytch was then recently arrested again in New Jersey.
Current charges faced by the 47-year-old include 2 counts of violating a domestic restraining order, driving with a suspended license and evading a police officer.
According to a report from PW Insider, the state of Pennsylvania has now filed a motion to have Sytch’s parole revoked in light of the new charges. She is currently being housed in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. Sytch was not granted bond upon her arrest on July 13th.
The former Sunny was out on parole when she was jailed in 2019 as well. She was on parole stemming from 3 DUI convictions from 2016. While out on parole, she missed a scheduled drug test and “failed to maintain a stable residence,” according to court records. Her original sentence was for 5-years minus 97 days already served.
Tammy “Sunny” Sytch is a WWE Hall of Famer. She was inducted in 2011 and is often credited with having been the first “Diva” in company history. WWE publicly announced in 2013 that they would no longer pay for her rehab but it’s been suggested that they quietly went back on that claim later. It is rumored that WWE helped financially with Sunny’s court-ordered rehab in 2017.
Konnan and Disco Inferno were both with WCW when the Montreal Screwjob took place in WWE. The next night on Nitro, several NWO members came out with Canadian flags in an apparent nod to Bret Hart coming in.
Konnan and Disco Inferno recently addressed the backstage reaction to the Montreal Screwjob in WCW.
“We didn’t know if it was a shoot or a work, at least I didn’t,” said Disco Inferno. “This was the day after.”
It was then brought up on the show that even Eric Bischoff wasn’t sure if what had happened was real or staged. Bischoff evidently only knew it was real when Rick Rude had told him so and Bischoff trusted him.
Konnan then said he knew what had happened was real because Bret told him so.
“I knew Bret very well because, as he’s put in his book before, when I was in WWE, I showed him the sharpshooter,” said Konnan. “So he knew me from Canada because I used to work for his dad, Stu Hart. He had told me it was a shoot, he told me about the story between him and Shawn Michaels where he pulled his hair because Shawn said he’d never drop the title to Bret.”
The screwjob was only referenced on WCW Nitro when the NWO came out with Canadian flags and sang a bad rendition of the Canadian National Anthem.
“I knew what was going on, I don’t remember that promo, I don’t know who wrote it, I don’t remember none of that,” Konnan concluded.
Billy Corgan purchased the NWA in 2017, taking over ownership of the company that October. The promotion recently parted ways with Executive Producer Dave Lagana due to allegations made as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
According to comments made recently by Raven, he has heard that Corgan is disillusioned with wrestling at the moment and is likely not bringing the NWA back.
During an interview with Hannibal, Raven was asked about possibly helping with the creative for the NWA. This is when Raven responded that he has heard Corgan will be shutting the NWA down.
“Me and Billy get along really well but I think Billy’s shutting it down, from what I hear,” Raven said. “Billy really does the booking, Billy does all the booking, at least he did with Resistance Pro. He liked me there to have my wrestling mind so I could say yay or nay to ideas. Like if they make sense or they don’t but ultimately he was the final say on everything as he should have been.”
Raven continued to say that he’s heard Corgan will not be bringing the NWA back.
“I heard it through the grapevine that Billy’s not opening it back up, he’s really disillusioned.”
The NWA recently parted ways with Executive Producer Dave Lagana due to allegations made as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
AEW star Chris Jericho and rock legend Sebastian Bach got into a heated altercation on social media late Wednesday night.
It all began when Twitter user @TravisDrago pointed out that Chris Jericho is starting to look like the Skid Row frontman. Bach says he hears the Jericho comparison “every single day.” When another Twitter user says Jericho is the superior rocker, Bach called out Jericho for “miming to a tape” instead of performing live like he’s been doing since the 1980’s.
Every single day for the last two or three years somebody tells me this ?
Bach doubled down on his dig at Chris Jericho, calling him “Milli Vanilli” for lip syncing at shows. This got the attention of Le Champion, who touted that his band Fozzy has had more success on the Billboard charts than Skid Row.
Cool let's see a clip of that then because every single clip I have seen is Milli vanilli
Hi… I’m Chris “Milli Vanilli” Jericho. I have 5 top 30 singles in the last five years w my band @FOZZYROCK. I’m a huge fan of @sebastianbach … who had 3 top 30 singles 30 years ago. I always admired him as a singer and a friend! And I still do. https://t.co/fTPGmzBtSq
Jericho says that he considered Sebastian Bach a friend until this Twitter spat. He then challenged Bach to a sing-off. “No effects, no tuning, no bullshit. He’s a great singer, but I’m better. You’ve got my number dude. Call me.”
Bach said he wasn’t being derogatory by stating that Jericho lip syncs. He accepted Jericho’s sing-off challenge:
“I will sing in your f******* face anytime. Wrestling is not rock and roll. I will show you f****** rock and roll.”
Where is the derogatory comment? All I asked is to see one single clip of you singing live. Every clip on the Internet is you miming to a tape. I will sing in your f****** face anytime. Wrestling is not rock and roll. I will show you f****** rock and roll. https://t.co/dPoecJGdF7pic.twitter.com/Mm28RE9i0Q
Jericho’s bandmate, guitarist Rich Ward, says Chris is the first one to defend Sebastian Bach when other people talk trash about him.
2/2 Jericho is loyal and was always quick to defend a guy that he considered a friend. Seeing Sebastian publicly go after the only guy that I have ever witness utter a nice word about him is sad.
Chris Jericho claims to be the better singer, but he might have Sebastian Bach to thank for that. In this 2011 video for Revolver, Jericho receives a singing lesson from none other than Bach himself.
AEW Fight for the Fallen aired tonight on TNT from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville. Jon Moxley defended the AEW Championship against FTW Champion Brian Cage. Cody put the TNT Championship on the line against Sonny Kiss. It was also announced that Vickie Guerrero is Nyla Rose’s manager during tonight’s show.
Jon Moxley def. Brian Cage to retain AEW Championship
Here are 5 takeaways from Fight for the Fallen:
Cody Retained In A Great Match With Sonny Kiss
Cody defended the TNT Championship against Sonny Kiss in the first match of the night. Sonny Kiss enrance included the Jaguars cheerleaders and a dance routine before he made his way to the ring.
Match Recap: Cody went right after Sonny and beat him down in the corner of the ring. Cody showed off and did some pushups as Arn Anderson shouted at him to stay focused. Sonny threw Cody to the apron but Cody got right back in the ring and hit a Disaster Kick for a near fall.
Sonny Kiss connected with an elbow to the face and sent Cody to the outside. Back in the ring, Sonny hit an Enziguri but Cody responded and locked in a Full Nelson in the middle of the ring. Sonny battled back with a beautiful Belly to Belly Suplex and then hit a Hurricanrana for a two count.
Kiss did a split in the ring and then planted Cody with the Cross Rhodes for a two count. Sonny connected with a 450 Splash for another two count. Cody battled back and launched Sonny out of the ring and onto the entrance ramp. Cody followed Sonny out of the ring and hit him with an Alabama Slam on the entrance ramp.
Cody connected a Superplex and went for a cover but Kiss kicked out at two. Jim Ross scolded Cody for a lazy cover and said Cody’s head wasn’t in the game as the champ was arguing with referee Aubrey Edwards. Cody exposed the turnbuckle but wound up getting slammed onto it. Sonny took control and hit a boot to the face. Kiss went for a Clothesline but Cody dodged it and hit the Cross Rhodes for the pinfall victory.
Opinion: Cody and Sonny Kiss put on a great match to kick off this week’s show. They kept cutting to Tully Blanchard watching the match in the crowd and it will be interesting to see if anything comes of that. Cody also wrestled the majority of this match as a heel but shared a hug with Sonny after the victory.
Match Recap: Dax and Pentagon started off the match by trading shots in the corner of the ring. Fenix tagged in and went for a Suplex but Dax Harwood blocked it. Cash tagged in and hit Fenix with an Elbow Drop for a near fall. AEW continued to cut to Tully Blanchard during this match as well.
Fenix booted Cash in the face and then knocked Dax off the apron. Rey leveled Dax with a Dropkick outside the ring as Butcher and Blade watched on from the truck they stole from FTR as Dynamite went to a break. When Dynamite returned, Fenix went for a Crossbody off the top rope but Cash caught him with an uppercut.
Dax tagged in and hit Fenix with a couple snap Suplexes. Harwood leveled Pentagon with a Clothesline and then sent Fenix face first into the turnbuckle. Lucha Bros took control and hit Wheeler with a Splash and then a Leg Drop for a two count. Fenix went for a Hurricanrana but Wheeler caught him. Dax tagged in and hit a Flying Clothesline for a near fall.
Fenix and Pentagon went for a couple Splashes but FTR got their knees up. FTR flipped off the Lucha Bros and a brawl broke out. Fenix and Dax knocked each other out of the ring as Pentagon and Cash battled on the apron. Cash knocked Pentagon to the floor and hit a Suicide Dive into a DDT. Fenix leveled Wheeler with a Splash out of nowhere and hit Dax with a Superkick.
Back in the ring, Fenix and Dax traded shots. Dax ripped off Fenix’s mask and then rolled him up for the victory. Young Bucks showed up behind Butcher and Blade and leveled them with a couple Superkicks. Young Bucks gave FTR the keys to the truck back as Kenny Omega brought some beers into the ring as a peace offering. FTR dumped the beer over Kenny’s head and Omega went to attack FTR but the Young Bucks stopped him. FTR were supposed to drive off in their truck but it looked like it didn’t start.
Chris Jericho came down to the ring with Inner Circle. They were all holding orange juice as Jericho claimed that he had one of the best matches in AEW history against Orange Cassidy. Jericho boasted about winning the ratings war and referred to himself as “the King of the Ratings, maaaan”.
Jericho said that he understands the concept of drawing money and that Orange Cassidy wants a rematch. All the advertisers in the important demo want a rematch as well. Chris then looked into the camera and said Orange Cassidy isn’t getting a rematch as the chanted that Jericho was scared.
Chris said that the Demo God is never scared and Inner Circle raised their half gallons of orange juice. Jericho took a swig and said the rest was for his dead career. Jericho poured the orange juice in the ring before Orange Cassidy interrupted. Orange Cassidy leaned up against a railing in the crowd as they chanted “freshly squeezed!”.
Jericho told Orange Cassidy that there will never be a rematch and told him to shove his sunglasses up his ass. Chris demanded Orange Cassidy to get the hell out of the arena and called him a piece of shit. Orange Cassidy gave Jericho a thumbs down and a giant container of orange juice was dropped onto Inner Circle. Jericho threw a fit and demanded someone throw him a towel. Jericho wiped his face and it was revealed that it was an Orange Cassidy towel.
Opinion: I absolutely loved this segment and I know it pissed off the people that spend hours arguing about ratings on Twitter instead of just enjoying both shows. Jericho continues to be awesome in AEW and I’m fall for a rematch against Orange Cassidy.
The Elite squared off against Jurassic Express tonight on Dynamite.
Match Recap: Nick Jackson booted Jungle Boy in the midsection as Hangman Page was shown drinking backstage watching the match. Jericho shouted that he wanted some vodka as Marko and Kenny tagged in. Marko hit Kenny with a couple jabs but Omega shrugged them off and hit Stunt with a chop to the chest. Stunt battled back with a Dropkick and tagged in Luchasaurus.
Nick Jackson took out Jungle Boy and Marko outside the ring. Omega knocked Luchasaurus out of the ring and Kenny flipped onto everyone as Dynamite went to a break. When Dynamite returned, Jungle Boy leveled Omega with a Clothesline outside the ring. Luchasaurus hit Nick with a Clothesline and sent Matt to the corner.
Luchasaurus leveled the Young Bucks with a kick to the face and followed it up with a Chokeslam on Nick for a two count. FTR joined Hangman backstage and poured some whiskey as Omega tagged in. Omega hit Luchasaurus with a V-Trigger and followed it up with a Snap Dragon Suplex. Omega hit Jungle Boy and Marko with a couple Suplexes as well.
Young Bucks brought Jungle Boy and Marko Stunt out of the ring and then hit Luchasaurus with Superkicks. The Elite then planted Luchasaurus with a Tiger Driver 98 for a two count. Jungle Boy hit Nick with a Hurricanrana and Marko followed it up with a 450 Splash for a two count. Marko hit Matt with a ridiculous Canadian Destroyer before Omega leveled Stunt with a Clothesline. Kenny hit Stunt with the V-Trigger and then the One Winged Angel for the pinfall victory. After the match, Kenny unloaded a flurry of punches to Marko’s face before Young Bucks broke it up. Kenny was laughing in the corner of the ring to end the segment.
Opinion: There is a lot going on in tonight’s show. We got FTR sharing drinks with Hangman as Kenny is losing his mind during the match. It sure looks like Kenny Omega is on the verge of a heel turn and that could lead to trouble to the AEW Tag Team Champions.
Jon Moxley defended the AEW Championship against Brian Cage in the main event of this week’s show. Before the match, Taz cut a promo about Moxley sitting home his wife while Brian Cage was wrestling a regular schedule and training his ass off. Moxley came down to the ring in a Danny Havoc t-shirt.
Match Recap: Moxley started off the match in control and beat Cage down in the corner of the ring. Cage exploded out of the corner and leveled Moxley with a Clothesline. Cage lifted Moxley up like he was nothing and did a few curls. Brian followed it up with an uppercut and went for a German Suplex but Jon broke free with some elbows to the face.
Jon battled back with a Dropkick and then focused his attack on the surgically repaired left bicep of Brian Cage. Moxley locked in an Armbreaker but Cage broke free with several punches to the face. Jon slammed Cage into the ring post and Brian fell to the floor outside the ring. Moxley hit Cage with a Suicide Dive but Cage quickly battled back and threw Moxley into the barricade.
Cage and Moxley continued to battle outside the ring and Jon trapped Brian’s arm in the barricade. Moxley booted Cage’s arm and set up a barricade on the apron. Brian Cage sent Moxley into the barricade with a Belly to Back Suplex as AEW went to a break. When Dynamite returned, Cage had Moxley in a Torture Rack in the middle of the ring. Cage slammed him to the canvas and went for the cover but the champ kicked out at two.
Brian thew Moxley into a steel chair and set up for a Suplex but Jon countered into a roll-up for a two count. Cage went for a Moonsault but Jon got out of the way. Moxley hit Cage with a knee to the face but Cage responded with a Clothesline. Moxley hit a Clothesline of his own and then the Paradigm Shift for a near fall.
Moxley perched Cage up on the top turnbuckle and planted him with a Superplex for a near fall. Jon then quickly applied the Kimura Lock in the middle of the ring. Cage powered to his feet and hit Moxley with a Buckle Bomb. Brian followed it up with a Superplex of his own and went for Drill Claw but Jon escaped. Jon went for an Armbreaker but Cage kept his hands together. Moxley ripped his fingers apart and locked in the hold.
Jon gave Taz the finger while still having the hold locked in and Taz threw in the towel to end the match. After the match, Brian Cage hit Moxley in the face with the FTW title and the lights went off in the arena. When the lights came back on, Darby Allin was on the top rope and hit Brian Cage with the skateboard.
Opinion: I really enjoyed Fight for the Fallen but thought the main event was very underwhelming. I get the logic that Taz throwing in the towel protects Cage, but it still left a lot to be desired for a title match. It was just a bad note to end such an entertaining show on. There were several good matches but I enjoyed FTR versus Lucha Bros the most and it great to see Darby Allin back.
The July 15, 2020 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from the Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University.
WWE NXT Results (7/15)
Damian Priest def. Cameron Grimes.
Indi Hartwell def. Shotzi Blackheart
Keith Lee def. Dominik Dijakovic to Retain NXT & North American Titles
Timothy Thatcher def. Denzel DeJournette.
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai def. Tegan Nox to Retain Title
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Keith Lee Speaks
WWE had newly crowned NXT Champion Keith Lee address fans following his big title win.
Of course, Lee beat Adam Cole to snap his historic title reign as NXT Champion last week on NXT in a Winner Takes All Match.
Lee came out for an in-ring promo to open the show. He said the last few months have been trying for all of us and he understands that pain because losses hurt. He said that there’s something special about being in the ring and he stands before the fans as a double champion.
Lee knows that he has a target on his back and everyone wants a championship shot. He knows that chances created him to get to this point and thanked various people like Tim Brooks and the fans.
Lee would like to talk with Dominik Dijakovic, who came out to the ring. Lee thinks this moment is about both of them because Dijakovic pushed him to get him to this point and tested him to limits like no one else.
Lee suggested to William Regal that the first challenger for the titles should be Dijakovic. Dijakovic asked when and Lee said tonight and Dijakovic said yes.
WWE booked another match between Cameron Grimes and Damian Priest. In a match that no one really asked for, it happened and it was different from their first encounter.
Unlike their previous outing, Priest scored the pinfall after avoiding a clothesline and connecting with a kick to the back of the head of Grimes.
Their first match came a few weeks ago and saw Grimes pull out all of the stops as only a heel can do by attacking Priest prior to the match, which ultimately gave Priest an out in order to take the loss.
Priest continues to float on television and WWE hasn’t really done anything to make you want to see him in a big-time feud. On the flip side, the same can be said for Grimes, who is good in his role and someone that fans just want to see be attacked. That’s good for a heel, but it seems that is as far as his upside can go. Pure heat, no drawing ability.
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai made her latest title defense against Tegan Nox.
The match was good as both girls worked hard although Nox wasn’t built up as a serious title contender, but rather the underdog in the way of the champion who is still trying to build up her credibility as a champion and thus pumping up her credit.
Nox put up a good fight and even had some dominating moments, but it wasn’t enough. The finish saw Io hit her finisher. After the match, Dakota Kai came out and laid out Io to close the show.
Knox had previously won a #1 contender’s bout to earn this title match, but now she’s headed back to the drawing board and the back of the line.
Just when you thought the feud was over, WWE goes back to it. Of course, following the opening segment, WWE saved Keith Lee making his first defense as double champion – North American Champion and NXT Champion – against Dominik Dijakovic.
As expected and like their previous outings, the two big men put on a show and told a good story in the ring. The finish came when Lee hit his finisher to retain the titles.
This booking decision was fine as the two have history and was a good way to have decent star power on the show against a strong AEW Dynamite episode. The funny thing is that Dijakovic was reportedly called up to the main roster and placed on RAW. He even tweeted various teases. Never made his debut though.
As with most things with WWE’s creative, things can change at any time and it appears that this was just that. Thus, apparently, WWE is keeping the big man in NXT for now.
Post-match, Scarlett came out to the ring and put the hourglass into the ring to let Lee know that Karrion Kross was still watching him.
After a week of the match getting delayed, Jon Moxley and Brian Cage finally met inside of the squared circle.
As seen on Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, titled Fight for the Fallen, on TNT, Moxley made his latest defense of the AEW World Heavyweight Title against the promotional newcomer.
Moxley successfully retained the title over Cage, who had Taz in his corner at ringside from Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place. Moxley worked over the right arm of Cage for the majority of the match, which was the story of the bout.
The finish came when Moxley had Cage in an armbar and Tax tossed in the towel. Post-match, Cage attacked Moxley until the lights went out and Darby Allin came out and hit Cage with his skateboard. This marked his return after being on the sidelines due to an injury.
This contest was originally supposed to take place on the second week of AEW Fyter Fest, which would’ve been last Wednesday. However, the match got pushed back due to COVID-19 concerns.
Moxley’s wife and WWE personality, Renee Young, tested positive for COVID-19 a few weeks ago. Because he lives with her, Moxley took a test, but his results came back negative.
At the time, Moxley was informed by AEW’s doctor to start isolating himself. Out of precaution, the decision was made to not rush the match in order for it to take place as scheduled, but rather to wait until Moxley was safe to enter the tapings and work the match.
Cody Rhodes joined AEW President Tony Khan and Chris Jericho in talking about the ratings war between WWE NXT and AEW Dynamite every Wednesday night.
The AEW TNT Champion did so by talking with Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT. Rhodes made it clear that he tries to not worry about the ratings nor talk about it. Instead, he wants to focus on what AEW is doing and put on the best show possible.
“It’s really easy to get caught up in the weeds with like, ‘for X amount of weeks we beat WWE in the ratings’ or get into this wild demo discussion — if you ever catch me tweeting about the demos, please just delete my account. And it’s not wrong, I respect everyone that is bringing it up. I don’t make the ‘Top 50,’ that’s the thing.
People spam me and the management core — Showbuzz Daily, they make the ‘Top 50.’ We don’t make the lists. So, if we’re ahead of your favorite or your favorite shows, spam them! [Laughs] I don’t know what to tell you!”
Rhodes stated that the data comes out on Thursday’s and you can look at everything from minute-by-minute to when someone tuned out.
Thus, by looking at that data, you can ask yourself why people turned off the show, is it a pattern, and what went wrong. He stated that if you’re not drawing viewers, you have to at least address the problem.
Rhodes continued by talking about how that’s the one day it gets really analytical and looking into the data. He considers himself as someone who is creative, a competitor, and an artist so he looks at having the best show that gives fans emotion, creates memories, and brings them joy during this period.
The relaunched National Wrestling Alliance is currently in a state of limbo. The brand was beginning to build a solid viewer base for the NWA Powerrr YouTube series.
The league suspended operations and restructured its executive management team after NWA Vice President Dave Lagana was accused of sexually assaulting female wrestler Liz Savage. The NWA cut ties with Lagana, leaving the company scrambling.
Pursuant to allegations made by pro wrestler Liz Savage on her Twitter account, 6/18/2020, NWA VP David Lagana has resigned his position, effective immediately. As well all production of NWA content is temporarily halted, pending a restructuring of executive management positions.
With NWA’s future uncertain, a new report from Fightful provides new information on a few NWA talent contracts and departures:
Ricky Starks was offered upwards of $1000/month from NWA for a new contract offer before he left the company, per a report by Fightful Select. Starks is now with AEW, after answering the open challenge for Cody Rhodes’ TNT Championship.
Former NWA Television Champion “Outlandish” Zicky Dice was reportedly offered only offered $250 per month at one point, this was also rejected.
Thunder Rosa is also apparently now signed with the company.
Allysin Kay ‘still plans’ on working with NWA going forward.
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio on SiriusXM Bully Ray recently discussed AEW and their ongoing shows during the Coronavirus pandemic.
All Elite Wrestling have taken a different approach to taping without fans to WWE. The company has been airing shows from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, an amphitheater that has a different atmosphere to WWE’s Performance Center. Despite this, AEW has had to maintain a high level of shock and awe to keep the momentum going on Wednesday nights.
This includes debuting new characters over the last few months, something that Bully Ray believes has been hindered by the lack of live crowd reaction. “I think the mentality of not staying in a holding pattern has actually…I don’t want to use the word hurt, but it has not benefited certain talents” Bully began on Busted Open.
Bully Ray on Broken Matt and Brodie Lee
“Brodie Lee, as the leader of The Dark Order, the Exalted one” Bully Ray continued. “I just think that because he had to go full blown and could not hold back on anything? Not being in front of a crowd hurt that a little bit. I think Matt Hardy as Broken Matt? I think Broken Matt was affected, look at the position they’ve had to put Matt in now. Kind of hanging out with Private Party, being a manager.”
Bully would then elaborate on his views of Matt Hardy’s AEW run. “I don’t think AEW’s original plan was to have to go back to regular Matt Hardy this soon. Because broken Matt Hardy was such a big deal. But Broken Matt Hardy is not going to resonate as much in the COVID times. These are our characters and angles that need the crowd, but wrestling companies are not in a position right now to hold back. Because what matters the most right now? The rating.”
Bully Ray would finish by saying “it’s all about the rating. Look, everybody’s talking about this whole AEW versus NXT war. The rating? That is really the only number that anybody has to go on these days.”
Do you agree with Bully Ray? Let us know in the comments
There have been numerous reports lately regarding Kairi Sane’s WWE status. According to a recent report from Tokyo Sports, Sane is likely returning to Japan by the end of the summer.
According to the article, Sane recently was married and the couple plans to move back to Japan. The report continues to say that Sane is hopeful to maintain some type of relationship with WWE, however. Earlier reports had suggested Sane could be involved with a potential NXT Japan developmental territory. Plans for a Performance Center and brand in the country have been shelved, however, due to the ongoing global pandemic.
Tokyo Sports’ report continues to say that there should be some type of announcement regarding Sane’s status by SummerSlam. They also noted that WWE Japan representatives stated they had not heard anything on the matter.
“It seems that there will be some announcement by the summer festival ‘Summer Slam’ (August 23). WWE Japan said, ‘We have not received any information here,'” a translation of the report reads.
Sane’ status was also addressed in a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
“Sane, 31, is returning to Japan to be with her husband. This has been in the works for a while and the company has known about it since May if not earlier,” wrote Dave Meltzer.
AEW on-air personality and former WWE agent Arn Anderson recently discussed his first meeting with WWE Superstar Roman Reigns. Anderson was discussing the Money In The Bank 2010 PPV on his ARN podcast alongside Conrad Thompson this week.
“I’ll never forget the first conversation I had with Roman” Anderson began. “It was down at the school [FCW] and he hadn’t been there long. I just said ‘hey, you know, give me five minutes to get to know you.'”
Roman Reigns first signed for WWE back in 2010, joining Florida Championship Wrestling. FCW was the developmental ‘territory’ at the time for the company; with Reigns, then known as Leakee, making his televised debut in August of that year.
Arn Anderson on Roman Reigns
“We had a nice conversation” Arn Anderson continued. “The first thing that popped into my head is ‘this guy’s a star.’ Roman speaks like a star, looks like a star and he carries himself with a lot of poise. He’s respectful.”
Arn Anderson would finish by heaping more praise on arguably WWE’s biggest face. “He’s just one of those guys you look at and go ‘you’ll be hearing about that guy.’ He just jumped off the page to me. He was just really…I mean he looked like a movie star.”
Do you think that Roman Reigns will return to WWE back in the main event scene? Let us know in the comments
This podcast episode as well as a ton of other content is available now on AdFreeShows.com – featuring exclusive content from Grilling Jr. What Happened When (w/ Tony Schiavone), 83 Weeks (w/ Eric Bischoff), ARN and Something To Wrestle with Bruce Prichard.
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio on SiriusXM Bully Ray recently discussed the NJPW faction Bullet Club. This past weekend saw New Japan hold their Dominion event, which was headlined by Tetsuya Naito putting his IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships on the line against his Los Ingobernables’ partner EVIL.
EVIL would win the bout following interference from Bullet Club, after which he joined the infamous group. Bully Ray would talk about EVIL joining the group on Busted Open, where co-host Dave LaGreca claimed that EVIL joining ‘breathed new life’ into Bullet Club.
Bully Ray on EVIL
“So I just want to talk about what you said about EVIL joining Bullet Club; breathing life into the Bullet Club” Bully Ray began on the show. “I kind of see where you’re coming from, but I don’t think the Bullet Club has been anywhere near what it was in the past.”
Bully Ray elaborated further, saying “I’m not even talking about when Cody and the Bucks where there [in New Japan]. Just that original inception of the Bullet Club, the heydays of the Bullet Club. EVIL being there is cool. Jay White as the head of the Bullet Club? I’m still on the fence [about that].”
Jay White
Ray would then state that he is a fan of White’s in-ring work, but that as a personality he is lacking in terms of ‘leadership.’ “I don’t think Jay White has the personality to be the leader of a group like the Bullet Club. I’m not talking about Jay White in the ring. Jay White is frickin phenomenal in the ring yada yada. But the Bullet Club is/was something special. It had that nWo-esque feel.”
Bully Ray would then reveal who he thinks should be leading the group. “To me, Tama Tonga has to take control of the Bullet Club, because he has that edginess. He has that killer instinct, that vibe. I want to see Tama be the head of the Bullet Club. Just think of him as the spokesperson for that Club? I think restores it to its original badassery. That’s just my take on the Bullet Club.”
Do you agree with Bully Ray? Let us know in the comments
NXT returns with a new episode tonight on the USA Network from the Performance Center in Orlando, FL. This week’s show will an appearance by the new Champ-Champ, NXT Women’s Championship match and more.
WWE is promoting the following items for this week’s NXT:
New NXT Champion Keith Lee will address the NXT Universe after his big victory over Adam Cole last week. What will happen to the secondary NXT North American Championship, now that Keith Lee holds both belts?
Karrion Kross and Scarlett were seen looking on during Lee’s victory celebration last week. Kross looks to be Keith Lee’s first challenger, confirming reports from several months ago that Kross would be fast-tracked to the NXT Championship picture soon into his run.
NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai will defend against Tegan Nox, who looks to complete her remarkable comeback story.
Damian Priest looks for payback in a rematch with Cameron Grimes.
Check back later tonight for our weekly NXT Results and Takeaways feature.
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite will be a special Fight for the Fallen edition benefitting COVID-19 relief efforts in North Florida. Donations are encouraged at AEWFightfortheFallen.com.
AEWShop.com is also selling a Fight for the Fallen t-shirt, with 100% percent of the proceeds from sales of this shirt being donated to Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund and Feeding Northeast Florida.
AEW Fight for the Fallen Preview
All Elite Wrestling is promoting the following items for AEW Fight for the Fallen:
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will defend against FTW Champion Brian Cage (with Taz). Cage earned the title shot at Double or Nothing when he won a Casino Ladder Match as a mystery entrant. Moxley vs. Cage match was originally scheduled for last week’s Fyter Fest event, but was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Lucha Brothers vs. FTR in a match that has show-stealing potential written all over it.
The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks) vs. Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy & Marko Stunt)
The Nightmare Sisters (Brandi Rhodes & Allie) will be in action.
Plus, Chris Jericho of the Inner Circle will be on hand to ‘get something off his chest.’
Check back later tonight for our AEW Fight for the Fallen Results & Takeaways. Below, you can see AEW’s “Road To” special previewing the top matches on the card.
WWE Hall of Famer and AEW Commentator Jim ‘JR’ Ross recently discussed WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley on the Grilling JR podcast. One of the topics of discussion regarding the RAW Superstar was the early comparisons made to former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.
Jim Ross on Vince McMahon Meeting Lashley
“Vince [McMahon] did not meet Bobby like in the grandiose way that he met Brock Lesnar” Jim Ross began on the podcast. JR has previously told the story of how McMahon saw Lesnar backstage and was instantly fascinated by the charisma and physical prowess of The Next Big Thing.
“It was a different deal, apples and oranges here” JR continued. “The comparison [between Lesnar and Lashley] was physical, you know? Lashley with this great strength, and of course the amateur background. He looked great, all the same things said about Brock. So I think that was why the comparison was made.”
Amateur Star
Jim Ross elaborated further, saying “It was simply the fact that we’ve got another heavyweight amateur star that we have great expectations for. I could describe when we first signed Brock the same exact way: Amateur Wrestling Champion who we think can be a star. Let’s see how hard you’re [Lashley] willing to work.”
JR would finish by saying how hard working Lashley was when he first joined WWE and the developmental system. “The great thing about Bobby in those day? We never had any issues with Bobby working hard. Bobby was a warrior. And again, you get that when your dad’s a drill sergeant in the army. And when you’re a three time national champion? You’re used to structure and you’re used to hard work.”
Do you think that Bobby Lashey could still be a major star in WWE? Let us know in the comments
This podcast episode as well as a ton of other content is available now on AdFreeShows.com – featuring exclusive content from Grilling Jr, What Happened When (w/ Tony Schiavone), 83 Weeks (w/ Eric Bischoff), ARN and Something To Wrestle with Bruce Prichard.
