Viewership data is in for Monday’s WWE RAW and Friday’s SmackDown. Here is the breakdown of the live and same-night DVR viewership, courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:
RAW Viewership
Monday’s edition of WWE RAW averaged 1.735 million viewers, which is down from the 1.922 million viewers last week.
SmackDown averaged 2.174 million viewers on FOX in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. This is up from the 2.072 million viewers that the show did for the previous week’s episode of SmackDown.
The show averaged 2.174 million viewers in the fast nationals, which was up from the 2.089 million viewers a week ago. This number measured the top metered markets.
The first hour drew 2.271 million viewers while the second hour did 2.076 million viewers. For comparison, the first show of last week’s show did 2.147 million viewers while the second hour did 2.031 million viewers.
SmackDown pulled in a 0.50 rating in the 18-49 demos, the same from the 0.50 rating as last week’s show.
WWE Hall of Famer, co-host of Grilling Jr and AEW Commentator Jim Ross recently discussed fellow Hall of Famer and WWE legend Curt ‘Mr Perfect’ Hennig.
This week’s episode of Grilling Jr centered on the King of The Ring 2000 PPV; with JR answering questions surrounding the then WWF at the time. One of the questions posed to JR was on Hennig and his potential to be a top-tier color commentator in the company.
Jim Ross on Curt Hennig
“Curt was a very well respected guy. We were inducted into Hall of Fame the same time in 2007” Jim Ross began. “I thought he had the upside and potential to be one of the best color analysts ever in pro wrestling. He had a wonderful sense of humor, great comedic and timing in general” JR continued. “Wonderful product knowledge and a second generation guy under Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig.”
Jim Ross then discussed how Curt’s inability to get past wanting to work in-ring hindered his progression in the commentary booth. “But he was like a lot of guys, he couldn’t get that last match out of his system.And so the issue was that he was more motivated to wrestle than he was to broadcast.”
“I’m sure there was a difference in money, I get that too” JR continued. “But the other major factor with Curt? He had been banged up. He had some back issues or something if I recall correctly.”
Do you think that Curt Hennig had the potential to be the greatest color commentator ever? Let us know in the comments
In recent days, it has been heavily rumored that Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows are on their way to Impact Wrestling. Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet and Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda both reported recently that a deal between the tag-team and Impact was close to being done. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has now confirmed the team is headed to Impact.
“Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are heading to Impact Wrestling in a deal that will allow them to also work for New Japan Pro Wrestling,” a report from the Observer reads.
Impact’s Slammiversary PPV is being built around the debut/return of recently released WWE stars. The event takes place July 18th, 2020, after any 90-day no-compete clauses has expired.
Who Else Is On Their Way To Impact Wrestling?
There are others who have been dropping hints lately that they could be on their way to Impact as well.
Heath Slater posted a video of him working out with the words “July 18th” scrawled over it today.
EC3 is someone else who has been heavily rumored to be on his way back to Impact. Taynara Conti’s name has been rumored to be headed to Impact as well.
Former WWE backstage agent, Lance Storm, posted a fairly ominous Tweet earlier today that might be in reference to the July 18th Slammiversary PPV (it might not too). Storm just posted the number 19. It is 19 days until Slammiversary.
Booker T was previously quite critical of Impact’s decision to put their world title on Tessa Blanchard. Booker says his criticism was not directed at Tessa, however, but rather the promotion’s decision to put the belt on her.
Recently on his radio show and YouTube channel, Booker addressed Blanchard’s free agency.
“Tessa Blanchard, she’s a catch in anybody’s company if they can get her right now,” Booker said.
“WWE picked Tessa Blanchard up, along with Charlotte Flair. I wish Hogan’s daughter would have stayed in there. That’s what I want to see, I want to see the second generation, all women and Tessa Blanchard is one of them.”
“We’re going to actually get a chance to see how good Tessa Blanchard really is. Is she as good as she says she is?”
Booker continued to talk about Tessa’s in-ring ability.
“Tessa, I really think she can work anywhere in the world with any of the women out there in the business today,” Booker continued. “She made herself, first and foremost. Tessa Blanchard, she’s never gone to WWE. She hasn’t gotten the rub from people in WWE. For people to know Tessa Blanchard’s name around the world, she’s done that on her own.”
“Hopefully, WWE can snatch her up and we can see some great matches with her and Charlotte Flair.”
Heath Slater was one of many names WWE released from its roster in April. All of the names released will be contractually free of any 90-day no-compete clauses in time for Impact’s Slammiversary PPV on July 18th. One name the company has teased as coming in is Heath Slater.
Slater recently posted a brief tease that he could be headed to the promotion. He took to Twitter and posted a short video of him working out with the words “July 18th” scrawled on the screen.
Impact has also teased that Slater is likely coming to the promotion. On a recent episode, Rhyno talked about having a tag-team partner who “has kids.” This was a reference to Rhyno and Slater’s team in WWE. They are former Smackdown tag-team champions together.
Who Else Is Coming To Impact Wrestling?
Impact has heavily-teased that EC3 is likely returning to the promotion.
Additionally, it is now being reported that the chances of Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson ending up in Impact is strong. Anderson and Gallows are believed to have been offered a deal that would allow them to work for NJPW as well.
D’Lo Brown teased a return of the Aces and Eights faction last week. That could mean the return of some names that had been associated with the group. Gallows was formerly a member of Aces and Eights as well.
Taynara Conti’s name has come up as someone who could be Impact bound as well. Conti and Scott D’Amore recently began following each other on Twitter. She has also been interacting with some of Impact’s roster through Twitter as well.
Seth Rollins has shared his thoughts on multiple WWE Superstars testing positive for COVID-19. Speaking with NYPost.com, Rollins revealed the confirmed cases led to a lot of quick decisions being made. One of these decisions was added testing and being swabbed “every single time before these tapings.”
Rollins noted how these additional steps “puts you in a little bit of a hole” as Superstars had to accommodate for further travel and testing. He added how “[…] now you are going to have to leave a day early, and when you don’t know you have to leave a day early until it all comes up it becomes a bit of a hassle.” These scheduling changes were “[…] going to force us to go back down again this week to do some more tapings.”
Rollins spoke about how the United States and the world needed to start learning more about coronavirus. Right now, “we are just trying to get a protocol in place that makes sense for everybody in WWE.”
Seth Rollins On WWE’s Reaction To Positive COVID-19 Cases
The “Monday Night Messiah” stressed that he is “extremely happy” that WWE is testing everyone before going into the WWE Performance Center.
He hoped that this process will minimize the risk of people getting sick within the WWE PC. This approach would also affect on Superstars unknowingly passing it around to people outside.
Seth Rollins stated that the extra travel days weren’t a “big deal” before noting how the past week has been “crazy” following the positive results:
“It was a lot of people scrambling to make decisions and to try to figure out what the best order of operations is regarding this situation since we had not had this problem yet.”
He broke down how WWE has some “good stuff” coming up insofar as how WWE will approach testing and its future coronavirus testing procedures.
According to Rollins, WWE’s communication has been a lot better toward the tail end compared to the beginning of the pandemic.
New Day member Big E has addressed how multiple Superstars have recently tested positive for COVID-19. Speaking with The Sports Bubble with Jensen Karp, Big E stated how the results “definitely changed our shooting schedule.”
He revealed how “when we heard about the positive test with an NXT talent if we were supposed to tape on that day but then I think the day it came out but the next day we actually did tape that day then the next day we found on that evening the next day we had to stop the taping.”
Big E revealed that everyone had to then get tested for COVID-19. WWE administered the nasal swab which he confessed wasn’t as bad as some of the “horror stories” he had heard.
He shared how, if a Superstar received a negative result, they were allowed to tape again the next day. Big E stated how it’s “caused a shift” in the way WWE does things and record their shows. He revealed how there will probably be more testing going forward, adding how it’s “what we should be doing.”
Big E On Working During Coronavirus Pandemic
With these positive COVID-19 tests, several WWE Superstars have decided to not work the TV tapings. Big E commented on their decision and how he feels continuing to work when others have refused to due to coronavirus concerns.
He shared how it depends on a person’s “individual case” and the people they may be around. Big E understands why Superstars with families would make this choice as one confirmed case could “devastate” a family unit.
“The fact that it could really negatively affect your family’s future is something, it’s just I don’t think it’s worth the risk,” Big E said. “For me, like I said I go home to no one so I kind of think there’s a certain risk with wrestling that I’ve accepted anyways for myself and there’s really no fear that I’m going to get anyone else sick not a family member and like that. So I have really minimal contact with anyone else outside of wrestling at all.
Big E stated he has become more comfortable with going back to work, especially as WWE further ramps up its testing procedures.
All Elite Wrestling’s Chris Jericho divulged AEW’s original plans for the Dark Order’s Exalted One. Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, Talk is Jericho, alongside his guest Luther, Jericho mentioned Luther’s initial audition.
Jericho noted how AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes was a fan of Luther’s audition. Acknowledging how the Dark Order was “kind of Nick and Matt’s thing,” Jericho confessed he sent the audition to Cody and AEW President Tony Khan for consideration.
“Cody is like, I like his delivery, he’s got that cadence of Jake Roberts,” Jericho said. “And then they said, let’s bring him in for basically a screen test, that’s kind of what it was.”
Chris Jericho shared how Matt and Nick Jackson were lobbying for Ring of Honor’s Marty Scurll to be the Exalted One “right off the bat.”
When it became unlikely that Scurll would be joining AEW, they then wanted Matt Hardy for the role. This then “morphed of course to Luke Harper.”
Jericho shared how Luther was “out of the equation” at this point as The Young Bucks ultimately had other guys in mind for the character. Luther would instead debut as a part of the ill-fated Nightmare Collective.
Chris Jericho is scheduled to compete against Best Friends’ Orange Cassidy during AEW’s upcoming two-week event Fyter Fest. The two clash on July 8.
Dolph Ziggler is now a RAW Superstar having recently been moved to WWE’s red brand. In an interview with SI.com, Ziggler reflected on being traded to Monday nights and his recent COVID-19 test results.
Ziggler revealed that he didn’t pitch to be moved to RAW. He noted how his feud with Otis had “run its course” and left him ready for something new. He shared how he really enjoyed working with Otis, Mandy Rose, and Sonya Deville for their storyline.
“If this were the old days and we were going five days a week and doing live events, we would have had even more chemistry and a really special thing,” Ziggler explained. “In this day and age, where it’s just a TV show in a closed studio, as young superstars, they came along very quickly. But I don’t know where else we could go with that, so I completely understand the move to Raw.”
Dolph Ziggler On His COVID-19 Testing Experience
Regarding his recent COVID-19 tests, Ziggler mentioned how “you will absolutely see me on Raw.”
He stressed how WWE has been “really cautious” with everything, before detailing the company’s process.
“[WWE has been] washing down the ring and keeping everyone isolated. When we go to work, we’re tested. If we get a negative test, then we go to work. Even several months ago, when we weren’t exactly sure what we were being told to do by the CDC on a day-to-day basis.”
Ziggler shared how he wanted to “play it safe” and so has been wearing a mask whenever he can, whether that’s in the gym, walking into a CVS, or even for a short walk outside.
Multiple WWE Superstars recently tested positive for COVID-19, forcing last-minute changes to their recording schedule.
Dolph Ziggler is scheduled to compete against Drew McIntyre at WWE Extreme Rules. They clash in a WWE Championship match. WWE Extreme Rules takes place on July 19 from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
WWE Superstar Seth Rollins has opened up about Becky Lynch’s pregnancy experience during a recent interview with NYPost.com. He also touched on whether Lynch will eventually return to in-ring action following the birth of their first child.
Rollins mentioned how Lynch “hates” staying at home. He noted, however, how she’s happy to not be around the business whilst pregnant. He shared how his partner does miss having goals and “having something to work toward.”
“It’s hard because I’ve never been a pregnant person, so she’s in a position too where she’s had to just walk away and stop abruptly, her job,” Seth Rollins explained. “It wasn’t like most other women who are pregnant are able to still work their jobs while they’re pregnant and slowly transition out for a short period of time. The nature of our industry, she can’t do that.”
Seth Rollins explained how it’s been an adjustment for her to go from a “million miles an hour” to nothing. He stated how it’s been more difficult as it’s happened during the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, as there isn’t a lot to do in general.
He confirmed that Lynch misses competing and being active for herself and her career, “That’s just how she defined her person over the years. It’s definitely a challenge for her. She’s awesome and she’s getting through it, but it’s different for her for sure.”
When asked if Lynch will eventually return to in-ring action, Seth Rollins was quick to share he believes she will. He stressed how the decision is ultimately hers and that she may feel differently once their baby has been born. Rollins believes she has aspirations to return, and would rather go out “on her own terms […] as opposed to stepping away for a child.”
The June 29th edition of RAW aired from the Performance Center. Tonight’s show featured a double contract signing for the WWE and RAW Women’s Championship matches at Extreme Ruies.
WWE RAW Results (6/29)
Angel Garza & Andrade def. Viking Raiders
R-Truth def. Akira Tozawa to become 24/7 Champion
Seth Rollins & Murphy def. Aleister Black & Humberto Carrillo
Ziggler Will Pick The Stipulation For The WWE Championship Match At Extreme Rules
RAW opened up with a brawl between Asuka and Sasha Banks in the middle of the ring. Bayley helped Sasha beat Asuka down before referees broke it up. Samoa Joe then began speaking about the contract signing before Banks and Asuka started fighting again. Dolph Ziggler came down to the ring and introduced WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. Ziggler introduced McIntyre as the most ungrateful man in the world.
McIntyre then joined Sasha Banks, Asuka, and Dolph Ziggler in the ring. Dolph stated that he has been carrying monsters like Drew on his back for his entire career and claimed that he is going to keep getting back up at Extreme Rules. Ziggler vowed to survive and that McIntyre’s redemption story will disappear at the PPV. Dolph claimed that he created McIntyre and vowed to destroy him at Extreme Rules: Horror Show.
Dolph and McIntyre then signed the contract to make the match official. McIntyre noted that he has gone through hell to become the man and champion that he is today. Drew said that Ziggler needs the title because he has never been the center of attention that he has always dreamed of being. Drew told Dolph that he was going to allow Ziggler to pick the stipulation of their match at Extreme Rules.
RAW Women’s Champion Asuka shouted and then quickly signed the contact. Banks stated that she is the standard, the leader, and the conversation. Sasha vowed to win the title at Extreme Rules and that her and Bayley are taking over the entire company. Asuka and Banks brawled again as Dolph went for a Superkick. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Dolph rolled out of the ring.
This double contract signing LITERALLY could not even get started without a fight.
Andrade & Garza Picked Up A WinBut Still Are Not On The Same Page
Big Show marched down to the ring and demanded that Randy Orton join him. Andrade, Angel Garza, and Zelina Vega interrupted and mocked the idea that Big Show is a legend. They were about to get into the ring before Ric Flair’s music hit. Flair said that Orton was the greatest wrestler alive today and will take Big Show out whenever he feels like it.
Flair said Big Show has been making cartoons on Netflix and that he has had his day in WWE. Ric told Garza and Andrade to have some fun at Big Show’s expense. Viking Raiders made the save and a brawl broke out as RAW went to a break. Garza and Andrade then battled Viking Raiders in a tag team match and Vega joined commentary.
Match Recap: Viking Raiders dominated early and isolated Garza in the ring. Andrade tagged in and beat Erik down. Garza tagged in and continued to beat Erik down but Andrade got pissed off that he wasn’t getting tagged in and left the ring. Vega stopped Andrade on the entrance ramp as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Andrade and Garza were still in control and had Erik trapped in the corner.
Erik escaped and tagged in Ivar as Garza tagged in as well. Ivar connected with a Sideslam and followed it up with a Splash. Erik tagged back in and Andrade caught him with an elbow to the face. Garza planted Erik with the Wing Clipper for the pinfall victory. Andrade was still pissed off and made his way backstage as Angel posed in the ring.
Rollins said that he has given Rey Mysterio every chance to walk away but he has defied him at every turn. Seth looked into the camera and asked Rey to forgive him not for what he has done but for what he is forcing him to do in the future. Rollins added that Rey is meant to be a sacrifise for the greater good of Monday Night RAW and that he will be forced to break Mysterio down piece by piece.
Mysterio and Dominik appeared on the jumbotron and Rey told his son that he hopes he can forgive him for what he has to do to Seth. Rey told Dominik that he loved him but he has to do something to Seth that is just as remorseless for what he did to him. Mysterio added that what he is going to Rollins is not by fate, it will be by design. Dominik told Rey that he forgives him and Rollins will never forget what Rey does to him.
Seth told Dominik and Rey to be careful what they wish for because Rollins will be forced to end Dominik’s career before it ever begins. Humerto Carrillo and Aleister Black came down to the ring as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Rollins asked Humberto why he looks up to Rey and called him a coward. Humberto told Rollins that he was a coward and less of a man than Mysterio. Aleister Black stated that he knows a thing or two about evil and recognizes it when he is looking at it. Rollins told Aleister that he thinks he knows evil but he hasn’t seen anything yet. Rollins and Murphy then battled Black and Carrillo in a tag team match.
"I must do something to @WWERollins that's just as remorseless as what he did to me." – @reymysterio
Match Recap: Aleister Black and Murphy started the match off. Black was in control but Rollins got in a cheap shot as the referee was distracted. Seth tagged and beat Aleister down outside the ring. Back in the ring, Murphy tagged in and continued to beat Aleister down. Humberto tagged in and connected with an Enziguri to Murphy’s face. Humberto followed it up with a Crossbody and then launched Seth out of the ring.
Carrillo made his way to the top rope and hit a beautiful Dropkick and went for the 619 but Rollins broke it up. Carrillo then took Murphy and Rollins out with a Splash off the apron as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Carrillo was trapped in the ring but hit Rollins with an Enziguri that knocked both superstars to the canvas.
Aleister and Murphy tagged in and Black connected with a springboard Moonsault. Humberto tagged back in and hit Murphy with the 619 and went for the cover but Rollins broke it up. Seth leveled Black with a Suicide Dive and Murphy hit Humberto with a knee to the face for a near fall. Murphy lifted Humberto up in the Electric Chair and Rollins hit a knee to the face off the top rope but Carrillo once again kicked out at two. Rollins hit Carrillo with the Stomp for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Seth and Murphy sent Aleister into the timekeeper’s area. Murphy grabbed the steel steps and blasted Carrillo in the face with them. Rollins laughed and put a Rey Mysterio mask on Humberto’s face. Rollins tried to shove Humberto’s eye into the corner of the steps but Black broke it. Seth fought off Black and then hit Humberto with the Stomp on top of the steel steps. Seth and Murphy retreated up the entrance ramp as Aleister checked on Carrillo.
Opinion: Rollins’ decent into madness has been one of the best parts of RAW for some time now. I am looking forward to the eventual match between Mysterio & Rollins and to see how Dominik will factor in.
Angel Garza and Andrade faced Big Show in a Handicap Match tonight on RAW. Zelina Vega was ringside for the match.
Match Recap: Andrade and Angel spent some time arguing about who was going to start off the match. Garza and Andrade slid into the ring but Andrade quickly rolled back out. Big Show hit Garza with a chop that echoed throughout the Performance Center as Andrade hopped up on the apron. Big Show beat Garza down for several minutes before Andrade tagged in. Andrade walked into a massive Body Slam from Big Show as Vega had a horrified look on her face.
Angel tagged back in and Big Show went for a Splash in the corner. Garza got out of the way and stomped the hell out of Big Show. Andrade tagged himself in and Garza got pissed off. The two started shoving each other and Garza rolled out of the ring. Big Show got up and planted Andrade with a Chokeslam for the pinfall victory. After the match, Big Show hit Andrade with the KO Punch.
Opinion: I don’t understand why Garza and Andrade defeated Viking Raiders earlier in the night if they cannot work as a team. It makes the Viking Raiders look terrible that they couldn’t defeat them. I don’t have much interest in a Big Show versus Randy Orton match and I certainly don’t want to see Big Show walking through younger superstars on the way to Extreme Rules.
Drew McIntyre and Asuka faced Dolph Ziggler & Sasha Banks in a Champions versus Challengers tag team match in the main event of this week’s RAW. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley joined commentary for the match.
Match Recap: McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler started the match off and Dolph got right in Drew’s face. Ziggler started taunting McIntyre and paid for it with a massive chop to the chest. Ziggler hit McIntyre with the Fameasser and went for the cover but Drew kicked out before a one count. Sasha Banks and Asuka tagged in and started shoving each other. Asuka leveled Banks with a shoulder tackle and Banks rolled out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Ziggler connected with a DDT on McIntyre and both superstars fell to the canvas. RAW Women’s Champion Asuka and Banks tagged in and Asuka hit Banks with a Shining Wizard. Bayley distracted Asuka and Sasha capitalized with a Meteora off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Banks went for the cover but Asuka kicked out at two.
Sasha connected with Double Knees and went for the cover but Asuka kicked out at two. Asuka battled back and tagged in McIntyre. Drew leveled Ziggler with a Clothesline and followed it up with a massive Arm Drag. Drew launched Dolph across the ring like he was nothing and then made his way to the top rope.
McIntyre hit a Flying Clothesline and sent Ziggler into the corner. Banks tagged herself in and McIntyre punched Ziggler in the face. Asuka hit Banks with a boot to the face and went for the cover but Sasha kicked out at two. Ziggler shoved McIntyre into the ring post as Sasha locked in the Bank Statement in the middle of the ring. Asuka broke free and applied the Asuka Lock. Banks countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory.
Opinion: It was pretty evident that WWE was working with a limited roster during this week’s episode and the show definitely suffered because of that. The main event was entertaining and Banks versus Asuka at Extreme Rules should be great.
MLW CEO Court Bauer recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about a wide range of topics including when the promotion will return to putting on shows.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, MLW has halted holding events in order to maintain guidelines from health officials to keep everyone safe. In the meantime, MLW has been airing taped shows from before the outbreak and even archive footage.
“I will wait until we are sure it’s safe to return. We’re doing that for our fans, our athletes, and our crew, and all of their families. We do not want to put anyone at harm. We’ll see what the NBA looks like once they go live with their season, and we’re seeing what is happening with WWE. This [battle with COVID] is far from the rearview mirror. Our decision to proceed will be dictated by science and experts in the medical world. Until we know it’s safe, we’re going to be as judicious as possible.”
Tom Lawlor, who is under contract with MLW, is part of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Lion’s Break Collision series on New Japan World. As a result, there’s been speculation as to whether the two promotions have a working relationship.
This potential working relationship was asked about and Bauer addressed whether there is a partnership.
“All I can say is that the arrangement was worked out office-to-office as opposed to independently. I’m a big fan of what New Japan is doing, and we’ll see where this relationship can take us.”
Bauer continued by stating that Lawlor had a talk with New Japan and they explained the process of sterilizing the rings and testing. Thus, he left it up to Lawlor as to whether he wanted to pursue this.
He added that there was no pressure on Lawlor to not work for NJPW as MLW talent has been performing elsewhere during this pandemic, but he always cautioned them to take all the safety measures possible for themselves and their families.
Drew Gulak opened up on the situation last month where his contract with WWE expired only for him to sign a new deal with the company just days later.
Gulak became a free agent and his profile from WWE.com was even moved to the alumni section. At the time it was reported that he had asked for a pay increase, which the company declined to do and that’s why his contract expired.
It was later reported that he had signed a multi-year contract, but there’s no word yet how many years the deal is for.
While doing an interview with Sports Illustrated, Gulak discussed his contractual situation with WWE.
“I actually never missed a TV. I never missed anything. My hiatus was just three or four days because the contract lapsed. It had nothing to do with anything else, just typical business that comes along with [a contract].
Gulak was also asked whether he was surprised at the amount of coverage that story received?
“I was surprised how much false information was put out there. At the same time, it’s a good thing that people were talking. There was nothing malicious intended behind any of it. The fact that I’m being reported on is a good thing. It just goes to show that people respect me as a performer.”
Gulak is currently in a feud with WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles. A a match was originally booked for last Friday’s episode of SmackDown, but was pulled.
Former WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The Million Dollar Man discussed a number of topics from his career, including when he turned heel against Junkyard Dog in Mid-South Wrestling.
DiBiase revealed a hilarious story from that time that involved Grizzly Smith, former wrestler in his own right and father of the legendary Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts.
“Funny story is that as soon as I turned heel? Grizzly Smith, that’s Jake Roberts dad, he was kind of like the agent who showed up at all the shows and let everybody know what they were going to do that night.”
Ted DiBiase Talks Grizzly Smith
DiBiase elaborated further, saying “and so I told Grizzly I said ‘I am not driving my car’ and he said ‘why?’ I said ‘you know why, because when I come out it’ll be on blocks back there!'”
Ted DiBiase would then compare the old school fans to now, saying “they took the wrestling real serious, and especially in New Orleans. So he [Grizzly] said ‘okay well then ride with me.’ So I wrote down there with him. And he’s ‘neutral’ right? And so, we have the match. I told Junkyard Dog, I said ‘you can’t just roll out there like you normally do. All these people? They think that you have just been screwed by your best friend. So you come running, you slide in and I and I’ll slide out. I’ll run around the ring and I’ll roll back in; you roll back in and hit me with whatever you want, just keep coming at me until I say quit.'”
DiBiase then talked what happened backstage. “So I get back in the dressing room and I’ve showered. Grizzly comes walking in and he just puts both his hands on his hips. He just looked at me shaking his head. I said, ‘what’s wrong? He said ‘they [the fans] slit my tires! We’re gonna be here a while. I said ‘see I told you!’ I said ‘they slit your tires, I wouldn’t have had a car!'”
WWE Hall of Famer, co-host of Grilling Jr and AEW Commentator Jim Ross recently discussed a former WWE President and allegations of racism back in the year 2000.
This week’s episode of Grilling Jr centered on the King of The Ring 2000 PPV, with JR answering questions surrounding the then WWF at the time.
Stu Snyder was appointed by WWE in June 2000 as WWE President and Chief Operating Officer. At the time, WWE released a statement from Linda McMahon lauding the new acquisition. “Stuart adds additional depth to our executive management team,” said Linda McMahon. “He brings a unique combination of experience from both the entertainment and live events industries that we believe will be a tremendous asset to WWE Entertainment as we continue to expand both domestically and internationally.”
Jim Ross on Stu Snyder
Jim Ross however had a different story to tell about the former company President. “He also worked at Turner Broadcasting” JR began. “Let me tell a Stu Snyder story very quickly that kind of describes who he is. If I recall correctly? He was not happy that he had a black limo driver. He was not happy that he had to ride in a black car.”
“And that came up late in the game” Jim Ross continued. “Vince was not aware that this guy had some apparent ‘alleged’ issues. So I didn’t have a lot of time for Stu Snyder. He’s one of those guys that came in fast talking like ‘here’s my resume bing bing bing.’ He’s got all these former employers in his resume. Well? There’s a reason for that. There’s a reason people change jobs a lot, because they’re not welcome anymore.”
JR would finish by saying that “he [Snyder] wasn’t a great guy at all. And he came in there and again, it’s the old deal where he had very little product knowledge.”
Impact Wrestling has an important PPV coming up next month on July 18th. The tagline for Slammiversary this year is “Our World Will Change.” The company is heavily-teasing that several wrestlers recently released from WWE in April could debut for Impact on the PPV. Impact has recently added a gauntlet match to July 18th’s lineup, which could potentially provide an opportunity for new talent to appear.
The gauntlet match will be to determine a new #1 contender for Jordynne Grace’s Knockouts Championship. Grace will defend the title against Deonna Purrazzo at Slammiversary as well.
Rosemary, Neveah, Su Yung (aka Susie), Kiera Hogan, Taya Valkyrie, Tasha Steelz, Alisha Edwards, Kylie Rae, Kimber Lee, and Havok are all scheduled for the match.
Additionally, an X-Division Championship match featuring Willie Mack defending against Chris Bey will be on the show. Another match was also to see Tessa Blanchard defending against Michael Elgin, Trey Miguel, Ace Austin, and Eddie Edwards. Blanchard and Elgin are both now gone from the promotion, however.
The company is also said to be making a hard push to get Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Impact offered the team a deal that would allow them to also work for NJPW.
WWE has not filmed content for the NXT UK brand since March. In light of recent allegations made against multiple members of the brand, some fans weren’t sure if NXT UK would be returning at all. According to social media comments by Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda, however, the plan is to return to filming content for NXT UK within the next two months.
“I’ve had several people asking NXT UK,” Cassidy wrote. “Last month, I reported on how talents were “working from home” and that there was a plan to tape content when safe to do so. A couple of weeks ago, I was told there’s a tentative plan to tape empty arena shows within roughly two months…”
The plan is for the brand to film empty arena shows but a venue has not been determined. The company does have the WWE UK PC available in Enfield, North London, however.
I’ve had several people asking NXT UK.
Last month, I reported on how talents were “working from home” and that there was a plan to tape content when safe to do so.
A couple of weeks ago, I was told there’s a tentative plan to tape empty arena shows within roughly two months…
The current United Kingdom Champion is WALTER from Imperium. Mark Coffey and Wolfgang hold the brand’s tag titles. Kay Lee Ray is the current Women’s Champion in the UK as well. NXT UK’s Jordan Devlin is still technically the holder of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship as well, having never been formally stripped of the belt.
For the first time in 2 years, Tessa Blanchard is a free agent. There have been reports that WWE is interested in her and others have suggested she could end up in AEW where her father Tully is.
Last September, Big Swole and Tessa Blanchard met in single’s action at an independent show in Orlando. They’ve also wrestled in a multi-person match for Warrior Wrestling in February. According to comments Swole made on Twitter recently, she thinks Blanchard’s best choice is to sign with AEW.
Swole was asked on Twitter about the possibility of Tessa ending up in AEW:
Both wrestlers were trained by George South Jr. before starting their careers. Cedric Alexander, Swole’s real-life husband, is also said to have had a hand in training Blanchard.
The match between Big Swole and Tessa Blanchard from last September can be viewed in the player below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGv91ZGy4rQ
Big Swole In AEW
At the moment, Big Swole sits outside AEW’s top-5 rankings. She seems more focussed on making life miserable for Dr. Britt Baker DMD. In recent weeks, she has dumped Baker in a dumpster and taken her “Role’s Royce” for a ride. Swole is sporting a 4-3 record in 2020 and a career 5-7 record in AEW.
Kevin Owens recently released a video through his social media. In the video, Owens details his wife losing her grandfather to COVID-19 and implores people to please wear a mask.
“A little over a month ago, my wife lost her grandfather to COVID-19,” Owens begins the video. “It was awful to see it happen. He was a sweet, kind, man and while he was elderly, he was still taken too soon from us because if it wasn’t for this virus, he’d still be here.”
“Seeing her go through that, seeing her family go through it, it was just so terrible. We had to watch his funeral on Zoom. We had to see the effect it had on her mother, my mother-in-law, who wasn’t even able to give her Dad a proper goodbye. It was just really awful and that story is one amongst thousands like it.”
Kevin Owns Says Please Wear A Mask
“Please, if you are going to go out in public, wear a mask, keep social distancing, it’s not over and it could make a huge difference.”
“If you’re going to choose not to do those things please have the decency not to admonish, belittle, or talk down to people who take those steps. I’ve seen a lot of that lately and it’s kind of sickening.”
“At worst, wearing a mask and social distancing does nothing. At best, it helps save lives.”
Owens continued to talk about those who belittle others for wearing a mask.
“At worst, making fun of people wearing a mask and not wearing a mask yourself, telling people to not wear a mask, can help spread this disease and make things worse. At best, if you are doing that, belittling people and calling them ignorant for wearing masks, at best you are making fun of people who are trying to do what they think is best for their community. So, let’s try to remember that.”
Im sorry for your loss. Please send my condolences to your wife and her entire family. I lost my Papou (not from COVID) during the stay at home order. We had a social distance funeral. It was awful. Absolutely no closure. I feel your pain. #wearamask ???
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) June 29, 2020
Former WWE Superstar Stu Bennett has spoken about the possibility of seeing him in All Elite Wrestling. When asked about the chances of Bennett signing with AEW, he explained how returning to a full-time wrestling schedule isn’t “high on my agenda at the moment.”
Bennett acknowledged his friendship with AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes, reflecting on their near decade long friendship. He noted how Cody has done an “amazing job” with AEW. Bennett admitted he was excited about the “explosion of opportunities” that currently exists within pro wrestling.
“I work for NWA currently as a commentator, and there’s Ring of Honor which a friend of mine Marty Scurll is running the moment, obviously IMPACT has done some great stuff recently and grown from the ashes of where they were years ago, and then there’s all the Japanese stuff, and there’s some good stuff going on in the UK too.”
Stu Bennett On A WWE Return
Stu Bennett recently revealed how he had been approached about a NEXUS return at WrestleMania 36. It was an offer he ultimately turned down. He noted how, as long as the pitch and offer are good, he would be open for an in-ring return. Bennett stressed how it wouldn’t necessarily have to be with WWE.
He spoke about how when he left WWE, he felt was “done working there.” Bennett confessed his anger with a few people in management during his tenure with the company.
That being said, he talked about how time is a great healer. Stu Bennett shared how he no longer has that same animosity within him. He then stressed how he doesn’t have an “automatic affiliation” with WWE.
Stu Bennett explained how he would approach any offer as a normal business decision. This would be true whether the offer came from WWE, AEW, Ring of Honor or New Japan Pro Wrestling.
WWE Superstar Cesaro was a special guest on a recent episode of WWE show, The Bump. During his time on the show, Cesaro had high praise for John Cena, labeling him as “one of the top-five Superstars of all time.”
As far as Cesaro is concerned, Cena stands as one of the best Superstars to ever compete. Describing Cena’s work ethic as “second to none,” He then highlighted Cena’s wrestling skills, stating how “His in-ring ability, I think, is absolutely amazing. I think it’s still underrated.”
He revealed how Cena had helped him to learn “so much” when he first came to WWE. According to Cesaro, John Cena is “one of those guys where he was there full time for every event.”
This commitment to his job and the pro wrestling business is something the SmackDown Superstar clearly admires, as “The Swiss Superman” described Cena as an inspiration.
Reflecting on their shared mentality, Cesaro shared advice Cena had previously shared with him.According to Cena, a Superstar is only as good as their last match. Cesaro confessed he has a similar mindset and embraces that mentality with every single match he has. This approach has led him to try and make every match “special” in some way.
Former WWE Superstar Maria Kanellis has revealed the conclusion to the dropped storyline that featured herself and her husband, Mike Kanellis. Last September, WWE began a pregnancy storyline that revolved around Maria teasing who the father of her baby was. Several WWE Superstars were teased as being the father including Rusev, Ricochet, and Mike Kanellis.
Turns out that the story was meant to springboard Mike Kanellis into a babyface turn. It would have been an arc of hope and motivation giving strength to overcome addiction and adversity. Maria Kanellis revealed the unused ending via Twitter after a fan asked her about the dropped storyline.
When asked who would eventually be revealed as the father, Maria replied:
“My husband. He was supposed to turn face. And do a story about recovery from addiction and motivation. But… that’s just too good. Too real. Too honest. And of course I was supposed to remain the bad guy. [Winking kiss emoji] until I came back from maternity leave. Baby face momma!!”
While engaging with her fans, Maria Kanellis also suggested that it’s just a matter of time before she and Mike return to WWE.
When another fan shared how much they want to see Maria and Mike Kanellis back in WWE, Maria wrote, “Don’t worry. We will be back. They thought I was quitting after having babies. Hahahaha… that’s just the beginning. Everything I fought for before is nothing compared to those pretty baby eyes. Those browns and blues.”
Both Superstars were released back in April as part of WWE’s attempt to save money due to the coronavirus impacting business.
Roman Reigns has opened up about his time away from the ring. “The Big Dog” refused to compete against then-WWE Universal Champion Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 back in April. This was due to coronavirus concerns and to prepare for the birth of his twins.
Reigns admitted that the past few months have been tough as he adjusted to looking after his newborn twins. He noted how he’s been waking up at 6:30 am, “bright-eyed and ready to go.”
He also spoke about how his kids have been a blessing to him and his family tree.
Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania Choice
Regarding his decision to not compete at WrestleMania 36, Reigns stressed how it was a “choice for my family.”
He noted how WWE has done “everything” to make the workplace as safe as possible:
“The decision was taken mainly because each performer travels so much, and we are all such a diverse group and from all over the place. I’m not convinced, and I can’t trust the fact that everybody is taking it as seriously and locking themselves down at home like I am.”
Roman Reigns continued, “I trust my life with my co-workers every time I step foot in the ring, but I just can’t put the same trust when it has my children, my wife and my family involved. But I don’t want it to come off as I am taking a stand against the company at all, because I love the WWE. I’ve been a part of this company just since I was a little boy. That’s why I always take it so personally when I represent them.”
Reigns is looking forward to eventually returning to in-ring action. He revealed he has continued to train diligently during the pandemic. Although he may be returning to perform in front of no fans, it’s not something that phases him too much.
He knows that wrestling to an empty arena is “tough.” Reigns commended the Superstars who have been doing it since the pandemic forced WWE to perform to no crowd.
He noted how everything he learned revolves around garnering a crowd reaction and to lean into interacting with them. To him, not being able to feed off of them will be “the hardest part.”
Despite declining a championship opportunity, Reigns is hoping to return to one. He spoke about his interest in challenging for the WWE Universal Championship, currently held by his WrestleMania replacement, Braun Strowman. Whether he is able to come back to a title match or not, Reigns is adamant to prove himself as he attempts to re-establish himself as WWE’s biggest star.
WWE Superstar Edge recently joined Busted Open Radioas a guest. During the interview, “The Rated R Superstar” opened up about how much creative freedom he has been afforded since returning to the squared circle.
Edge shared how he has been given “almost full carte blanche” creatively. He noted how there have been a few instances he tried to push back against, but realized that “the lines were drawn” on those creative choices. He noted that when it comes to his promos, he is in full control. “I’m writing them. The storyline arc, I put it together.”
Acknowledging his unfortunate triceps injury, Edge stated how you have to sometimes “make chicken salad” out of a bad situation. He stated how everything is a work in progress at this time, but stressed how his return has been “so much fun” because of the freedom he has been trusted with.
Edge suffered a triceps injury during the recording of “The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever.” The bout saw him go up against his rival Randy Orton. Though pre-recorded, the match would air during WWE’s Backlash event. Rumors began to circulate shortly before the airing that Edge had suffered the injury. WWE would later confirm the injury, revealing that Edge has already had surgery.
Orton would eventually come out the winner from their Backlash match. With Edge having previously won their Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36, both men have a win apiece.
All Elite Wrestling’s Executive Vice President and in-ring talent Cody Rhodes has commented on the recent Sammy Guevara controversy that came to light. Guevara has been suspended from AEW without pay and will undergo sensitivity training after he came under fire for comments he made about Sasha Banks on a podcast back in 2016.
Responding to a fan on Twitter, Cody Rhodes addressed the situation after being asked to reinstate Guevara. The AEW TNT Champion stated:
“Sammy will return. And he will be a better professional wrestler, and a better man when he does.”
Sammy Guevara Apologizes
Since the clip of Guevara’s comments surfaced, the Inner Circle member released an apology video addressing his statements. He acknowledged that he has grown as a person over the past four years and would be taking a break from social media:
“I just want to apologize to anybody I let down, to Sasha, to anybody I hurt with my words.”
Guevara continued, “It just sucks cause 2016 me is not me today. 2020 me would never say those kind of hurtful things that I did in 2016. I used to think it was funny to do some kind of shock humor to pop the room I’m in. I thought it would be funny to do that kind of humour, shock humour and it’s not.”
He stated how some people may be dubious over his statement. For them, four years may not be that much time for genuine change. He argued that so much has happened in his life as wrestling allowed him to travel the world and grow as a person. Guevara stressed he now understands the words he says can have an impact on people. He promised to never joke or take sexual assault lightly again.
Sasha Banks would speak with Sammy Guevara about his words. She explained how the two had an open discussion. Banks stressed how “the comments he made, jokingly or not, have absolutely no place in our society!”
