Former WWE Superstar and NWA Commentator Stu Bennett recently appeared on Ryback’s Conversation With The Big Guy podcast. The former Bad News Barrett discussed a number of topics during the interview; including his recent discussions with WWE and a potential Nexus reunion that was recently rumored.
Ryback confirmed on the show that he was not contacted by WWE. Either for the potential Nexus reunion or any other reason. The Big Guy was part of the group after appearing as Skip Sheffield in the first ‘season’ of NXT.
Ryback on Nexus Reunion
“I did not get a call and I don’t think I will be the with my trademark deal coming up in August” Ryback confirmed on the podcast.
The Big Guy tweeted his anger at WWE keeping the ‘Ryback’ trademark ‘unnecessarily’ back in February of this year. “Publicly asking @WWE @VinceMcMahon @TripleH to let the Ryback trademark go” Ryback tweeted. “It wasn’t created by them and trying to make someone spend nearly $200,000 to keep their legal name and brand is petty and unnecessary. Please move on and erase me from your history and programming.”
Ryback elaborated further on the podcast, saying “I had to send our little boy Mark Carrano a message, ‘I need you guys to respond to the attorney, if I have to go through with it? It’s going to cost upwards of $200,000.’ Which I might not even need to do. There’s ways around it.”
Do you think that we’ll see Ryback appear in another promotion at some point? Maybe AEW, IMPACT or NJPW? Let us know in the comments
Former WWE Superstar and NWA Commentator Stu Bennett recently appeared on Ryback’s Conversation With The Big Guy podcast. The former Bad News Barrett discussed a number of topics during the interview, including his recent discussions with WWE and when he plans on getting back into the ring to wrestle.
Ryback addressed the recent Nexus rumors on the show. Darren Young recently claimed that the group was slated to return for an appearance at WrestleMania this year; these plans were changed supposedly because of the COVID-19 pandemic changing the venue for the show.
Stu Bennett and Ryback
Ryback would joke with Bennett and say that he turned down appearing with the Nexus because Ryback himself wasn’t going to be involved. “That’s definitely not the case at all! I was completely down for doing it without Skip Sheffield! Let me be clear!” Stu Bennett joked to begin the interview.
“I think Darren [Young] put out his podcast that he got a call?” Stu Bennett continued. I did get a call [from WWE], I wasn’t really going to speak about it, but I’ve been asked enough times, and I’ve said this already. It wasn’t a good offer, it wasn’t a good idea.”
Stu Bennett would then confirm that whilst he would be open to returning that the idea has to be right for him. “For me to go back to do something like that? It was a non starter and I shut it down very quickly. I was asked a question on an interview yesterday about my interest in returning to WWE or any other wrestling company and I answered honestly. I’m an open book, if people want to contact me with ideas like they [WWE] did? I will listen to it and if it makes sense for me, if it’s a good idea? if it’s something I really enjoy? Then maybe I’ll do it.”
Would you like to see Stu Bennett/Wade Barrett return to WWE at some point? Let us know in the comments
Ring of Honor has announced they are launching an investigation immediately into allegations made against some of their contracted roster members.
ROH released a statement today in regard to the matter:
“At Ring of Honor, we pride ourselves on the respectful and inclusive environment we have built, one that ensures all employees can work in a place where they feel safe and respected.
We take these matters extremely seriously and have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to this type of behaviro.
Ring of Honor has launched an immediate investigation into the claims made against its currently contracted wrestlers. We will update you on our investigation once it concludes.”
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) June 25, 2020
Marty Scurll Releases Statement In Regards To Allegations
Marty Scurll has now released two statements in regard to claims made about him as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
“Although I truly believe that our encounter that evening was consensual, and the fact that the encounter was legal; is almost not the point. I understand that she now views our encounter as part of a bigger problem within the wrestling community,” part of Scurll’s statement reads.
In the wake of news coming out that multiple WWE employees have tested positive for the coronavirus, Kayla Braxton has revealed she has tested positive for the virus for a second time. Braxton revealed on Twitter recently that she tested positive for the virus in early March and can now confirm it is possible to get the virus more than once.
“Was keeping it quiet but since everyone else is sharing, I feel like it is my responsibility to share this PSA: YOU CAN GET COVID-19 MORE THAN ONCE! I had it back in early March and then thought I was invincible after I recovered. Not true. Dont be dumb like me,” Braxton Tweeted.
Studies have recently shown that the antibodies produced by those who have recovered from COVID-19 may only last a few months. Braxton’s diagnosis’ appears to be roughly 3.5 months apart.
Was keeping it quiet but since everyone else is sharing, I feel like it is my responsibility to share this PSA: YOU CAN GET COVID-19 MORE THAN ONCE! I had it back in early March and then thought I was invincible after I recovered. Not true. Dont be dumb like me.
Reports came out yesterday that multiple people in WWE had contracted COVID-19. So far, Kayla Braxton, Renee Young, and WWE producer Adam Pearce have stated they have tested positive.
Renee Young was reportedly bed-ridden with the virus but her condition is said to have improved.
“She was pretty sick, that’s why she got tested,” said Dave Meltzer. “I mean, she’s doing fairly well now, she’s doing a lot better than she was doing or better than she was doing yesterday. I was told they are pretty confident that the worst is over.”
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) June 25, 2020
Pearce seemingly confirming he has tested positive for the virus comes on the heels of reports that several in WWE have. Renee Young was the first to admit publicly to having tested positive for the virus. According to recent reports, she is feeling better today after having been bed-ridden with the virus. Young’s husband, Jon Moxley, has tested negative for the virus but could still have it. There is a delay between contracting the virus and when it can be detected.
“She was pretty sick, that’s why she got tested,” said Dave Meltzer. “I mean, she’s doing fairly well now, she’s doing a lot better than she was doing or better than she was doing yesterday. I was told they are pretty confident that the worst is over.”
Adam Pearce In Wrestling
The 41-year-old held the NWA World Championship 5x between 2007 and 2012. He is also a former PWG Champion. Pearce first started with WWE as a guest trainer in 2013 and eventually signed on full-time in 2015. He was with Ring of Honor from 2005 until 2010. Pearce also was the head booker for Championship Wrestling from Hollywood.
Popular independent promotion Chikara is finished. Promoter for the company, Mike Quackenbush and others from the company have been the subject of allegations as part of the #SpeakingOut movement. Quackenbush was also the head trainer at the Wrestle Factory school.
“I have been made aware of recent allegations about myself, and people in my employ.
I take all allegations seriously – whether they are about me, or members my team.
Addressing these with openness and transparency is of the utmost importance to me. So these matters can be given the proper time and attention, I am discontinuing CHIKARA and resigning as head trainer at the Wrestle Factory.
I’ll make a full statement on these matters in the near future.”
A friend reached out to me after I posted my experience. They would like to remain anonymous for the time being so I'm posting on their behalf. #SpeakingOutpic.twitter.com/5doIHv9tWV
Multiple members of CHIKARA’s roster has resigned in the wake of the allegations. Hallowicked posted the following:
Effective Immediatley I am resigning from CHIKARA and The Wrestle Factory. While I do not believe any of the allegations levied are against me personally, I can not in good conscience continue my association with the group.
“Effective Immediately I am resigning from CHIKARA. I gave everything I had to the company, and while I do not believe any of the allegations levied are against me personally. I can not in good conscience continue with this company. Thank you for the years of support, wrote Frightmare on Twitter.
“I can barely make it off the couch/floor. My heart is broken. So many are hurting. I wish I could take all the pain away from everyone who is down. I wish I could make things better,” wrote Gentleman Jervis.
Lince Dorado from the Lucha House Party has also been critical of the promotion.
Or collecting money for my bills or tuition rather than my well being. Never visited me in the hospital. Just a follow up email stating what I just said. https://t.co/S7ej7yM6Bo
— “Lucha Lit” Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) June 24, 2020
Renee Young announced on Twitter yesterday that she has tested positive for COVID-19. According to comments made by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Young was symptomatic and feeling sick with the virus but appears to be getting better now.
“She was pretty sick, that’s why she got tested,” said Dave Meltzer. “I mean, she’s doing fairly well now, she’s doing a lot better than she was doing or better than she was doing yesterday. I was told they are pretty confident that the worst is over.”
“She lost her sense of taste,” he would continue to say later during the show. “I don’t know if she has that back.”
“I know she was pretty much bed-ridden. Obviously, she was well enough to tell people today.”
Additionally, it was noted that Young’s positive test was not administered by WWE. Rather, Young was feeling sick and had a test done in Las Vegas on Monday. She got her result Tuesday night.
Man. What a few days. My show gets cancelled and I get Covid. Wear your masks and wash your hands. Stay safe, everyone ??
Jon Moxley has been tested but has tested negative. That does not mean he hasn’t caught the virus, however, as there can be a delay between catching the virus and when it will cause a positive test.
“He is basically in this situation. This is the Jon Moxley situation, he is not feeling sick, he’s been around someone with COVID constantly,” Meltzer continued. “He was suggested to go to a hotel by somebody and the reality is that he did not want to go to the hotel because he feels there is a pretty decent chance that he may have it but hasn’t tested positive for it yet because it takes several days.”
Young and Moxley are said to be isolating in separate parts of their house.
Jon Moxley is scheduled to face Brian Cage at AEW Fyter Fest. The 2-show event is scheduled to take place next Wednesday and Thursday.
The ending of Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak has become a topic of discussion again after the airing of The Last Ride documentary series and wrestling veteran Edge has his own opinion on the matter.
The WWE Hall Of Famer recently had an interview with Busted Open podcast where he talked about a number of things while also promoting his new movie Money Plane
Edge first discussed how the Streak had become an integral part of WrestleMania card and he then explained how it shouldn’t have been broken until Taker’s final match:
“To me, it shouldn’t have ended until his final match. I said for years, let it be Roman, and at the end of the day, that will be the true passing of the torch. Well, it didn’t end up that way.”
The former World Champion also explained how Brock Lesnar was not the right choice to end the streak an according to Edge; it should have been a new player:
“Brock Lesnar didn’t need it. He’s already made. Put that huge, neon-flashing sign, ‘I ended Undertaker’s Streak’, on a new player that you know is gonna be one of your workhorses and take your company to the next generation.”
Edge underwent surgery after suffering a triceps injury in his Backlash match against Randy Orton. While a time table for his return hasn’t been discussed, similar injuries require 8 to 9 months of recovery time.
The Undertaker feuded with a number of giants during the early years of his WWE career and the names he had rivalries with include King Kong Bundy, Kamala, a copycat Undertaker and more.
However, not all these rivalries were a pleasant experience for the Dead Man and according to the WWE legend, once such feud “took years off’ his career.
Taker recently had an interview with Sam Roberts on the Notsam Wrestling Podcast and discussing his matches with Giant Gonzalez, the former World Champion claimed that he would be in much better shape if he could have skipped that one program:
“That whole thing took years off my career, I would be in much better shape now if I could’ve skipped that one program. As physically demanding as it was, it was twice as much the mental strain.
Because you have Bret, Yokozuna going out and having these great matches.” said The Undertaker, “Obviously you want to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys and it was just not possible.”
The Last Outlaw continued by saying that it was survival every night for him trying to figure out what Gonzalez can do in the ring to make their matches work.
Apart from this, The Undertaker talked about his matches with Bret Hart, how he did not take a lot of bumps early in his career and more.
After reports came out that multiple WWE talents across the board have tested positive for coronavirus, backstage announcer Renee Young has confirmed that she is one of the people who have been infected with the deadly virus.
The WWE star confirmed the news in a recent tweet where she mentioned how her show got cancelled and she got coronavirus in a matter of few days:
Man. What a few days. My show gets cancelled and I get Covid. Wear your masks and wash your hands. Stay safe, everyone ??
It hasn’t been long since WWE confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the company and the promotion had released a statement announcing that the person has been in the performance centre recently.
Reports which then came out yesterday stated that multiple people have tested positive for the virus. At first, it was said the number was in single digit.
However, an update on the matter then concerned the fans which suggested that the number of positive cases in the company is in ‘two dozen range’ and now Renee Young has been confirmed as one of the names.
Though since WWE had tested people after the first registered case, it’s likely that the virus did not spread through the development talent who had first tested positive and it has infected the company through a different source.
It’s worth mentioning here that AEW World Champion and the husband of Renee Young, Jon Moxley had pulled out of this week’s AEW Dynamite due to exposure to coronavirus.
This update now confirms where Mox came in contact with the coronavirus and we will now have to see how his own test report turns out to be. We’ll keep you posted on his status.
AEW Dynamite aired live from Daily’s Place tonight on TNT. It was the final episode of Dynamite before Night 1 of Fyter Fest next week. The cards for each night of Fyter Fest were announced during tonight’s show. AEW Champion Jon Moxley missed tonight’s show due to COVID-19 concerns. Taz cut a promo on Moxley to hype the AEW Champioinship match at Fyter Fest after Brian Cage picked up another dominating win tonight.
Brodie Lee & Colt Cabana def. Sonny Kiss & Joey Janela
FTR def. SCU
Hikaru Shida def. Red Velvet
Brian Cage def. Joe Cruz
Matt Hardy def. Santana
Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:
Wardlow Used A Cheap Shot To Defeat Luchasaurus
Luchasaurus squared off against Wardlow in a Lumberjack Match tonight on Dynamite.
Match Recap: Wardlow dominated the action early and leveled Luchasaurus with a Clothesline. Wardlow sent Luchasaurus out of the ring and the heel lumberjacks beat him down. Luchasaurus sent them all flying and hopped on the apron. MJF distracted Luchasaurus and Wardlow capitalized with a shot to the ribs.
Luchasaurus battled back and hit a Moonsault for a near fall. Wardlow planted Luchasaurus with a Superplex and went for the cover but Luchasaurus kicked out at two. Luchasaurus hit a Spanish Fly for another two count. Wardlow rolled out of the ring to regroup and Luchasaurus followed him out there.
Wardlow connected with a slam on the entrance ramp and then launched Jungle Boy to the heel side of the ring. Marko Stunt flipped onto the heels as Wardlow & Luchasaurus battled on the entrance ramp. Wardlow launched Stunt and Cutler onto the lumberjacks but turned around into a right hand from Luchasaurus.
Luchasaurus hit a massive Shooting Star Press onto everyone before the action returned to the ring. Luchasaurus connected with a Chokeslam and went for the cover but MJF distracted the referee. Jungle Boy hit MJF with a Spear as Wardlow hit Luchasaurus with a low blow. Wardlow followed it up with the F10 for the pinfall victory.
After the match, a brawl broke out and all the wrestlers entered the ring. It was announced that MJF & Wardlow will face Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus at Fyter Fest.
Cody, Arn Anderson, and the rest of the Nightmare family had a conference to promote the TNT Championship match at Fyter Fest.
Anderson claimed that it was disrespectful of Hager not to show up to the press conference or is too stupid. Cody was asked how it felt to be TNT Champion and Cody stated that it feels like hope. Cody complimented Ricky Starks and pointed out how he had no money arriving at Dynamite and left with a job last week.
Cody noted how the TNT Championship was in complete but was still beautiful. Hager and his wife showed up and Jake asked Cody if he was ready. Jake and Cody had a stare down before Hager put his fist up against Cody’s face. Cody slapped Hager’s hand away before Catalina launched a drink in Cody’s face to end the segment.
Match Recap: Daniels and Kazarian controlled the action early and isolated Wheeler in the ring. Both teams got in the ring and traded shots as Dynamite went to a break.
When Dynamite returned, Kazarian hit Wheeler with a Suplex before tagging Daniels in. Wheeler knocked Daniels to the canvas and tagged in Harwood. Dax hit Daniels with a Suplex and then Clotheslined Kazarian out of the ring. Wheeler and Frankie tagged in and traded chops in the middle of the ring.
Frankie got the better of the exchange and planted Wheeler with a Backstabber for a near fall. Harwood tagged in and hit Daniels with a Leg Drop (Veg-O-Matic) for a near fall. Daniels planted Hawrood with Angels Wings but Wheeler broke up the cover. Wheeler then tagged in and FTR hit Midnight Express for the pinfall victory.
After the match, FTR cut a promo and said that they were not a welcome addition to the tag team division. Harwood claimed that FTR was the best tag team in the world before Butcher & Blade showed up in FTR’s truck. Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix got in the ring behind FTR as Butcher & Blade suggested an 8-man tag at Fyter Fest. Lucha Bros beat FTR down before Young Bucks made the save. FTR & Young Bucks will face Butcher & Blade and the Lucha Bros at Fyter Fest. Lucha Bros and Butcher & Blade then drove away in FTR’s truck to end the segment.
"We are the absolute best tag team on this planet!" – @DaxHarwood
Matt Hardy faced Santana tonight on Dynamite. Ortiz was ringside for the match.
Match Recap: Santana controlled the action early but Hardy battled back and sent Santana out of the ring with a Back Body Drop. Hardy followed him out there and launched Santana into the barricade. When Dynamite returned from a break, Hardy connected with a boot to Santana’s face. Santana knocked Matt to the canvas and went for a Splash but Hardy got out of the way.
Hardy hit a massive Clothesline and went for the cover but Santana kicked out at two. Matt hit the Side Effect and went for the cover but Santana powered out at one. Hardy hit another Side Effect and got a two count this time. Hardy rolled up Santana for the pinfall victory. After the match, Ortiz attacked Matt with the madball. Santana & Ortiz followed it up with the Street Sweeper before Private Party ran to the ring for the save. Private Party will square off against Santana & Ortiz at Fyter Fest. Matt Hardy will be in Private Party’s corner for the match.
Full Cards For Both Nights Of Fyter Fest Were Revealed
The match cards were announced for Night 1 (July 1st) and Night 2 (July 8th) of Fyter Fest during tonight’s show.
Night 1
Private Party (w/ Matt Hardy) vs. Santana & Ortiz
MJF & Wardlow vs. Jurassic Express
Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Penelope Ford (AEW Women’s Championship
Kenny Omega & Hangman Page (c) vs. Best Friends (AEW Tag Team Championship)
Cody (c) vs. Jake Hager (TNT Championship)
Night 2
SCU vs. Dark Order
Lance Archer vs. Joey Janela
Nyla Rose vs. TBA
FTR & Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros and Butcher & Blade
Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Brian Cage (AEW Championship)
Orange Cassidy Sent A Message To Jericho Leading Into Fyter Fest
Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy met in the ring tonight before their match at Fyter Fest. Jericho told Orange Cassidy that he is the wrestling form of the “why did the chicken cross the road?” joke and he thinks his act is stupid. Chris claimed that he called Tony Khan and complained when AEW signed Orange Cassidy.
Jericho noted that people love Orange Cassidy because he is a lot like them, lazy, a slacker, and not having what it takes to make it to the top. Chris told Orange Cassidy to not try any of that bullsh*t shin kick stuff at Fyter Fest because he will knock his teeth down his throat. Orange Cassidy took the microphone away from Jericho and put it down on the canvas.
Orange Cassidy did his lazy kicks before putting his hands in his pockets. Jericho smirked and took off Cassidy’s glasses. Jericho broke the glasses and threw then at Orange. Cassidy tackled Jericho out of the ring and chased him into the crowd. Jericho hit Orange with a barricade and the battle continued into the limited fan seating.
Cassidy hit Jericho with an elbow to the face and then swung the camera jib into Orange Cassidy’s face. Orange Cassidy hit Jericho with a leaping Superman Punch that sent Jericho through a table. Orange Cassidy then put on a pair of sunglasses as blood poured down from his ear to close the show.
Opinion: This week’s episode of Dynamite was another good show and did a solid job of hyping up Fyter Fest. There are matches I’m looking forward to on both nights of the event. Orange Cassidy versus Jericho should be great, but the 8-man tag match announced tonight between FTR & Young Bucks vs. Butcher, Blade & Lucha Bros is probably the match I’m most excited about.
NXT North American Champion Keith Lee def. Johnny Gargano and Finn Balor.
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Cameron Grimes vs. Damien Priest
Photo Credit: WWE.com
WWE booked Cameron Grimes vs. Damien Priest in a singles match after a one week build in the opening segment.
WWE did an angle where an hour before the show, Grimes had attacked Priest in the parking lot, and Priest sold his back, which was taped up.
The match was fine with the big-small man combo that has been working for decades in the pro wrestling business. The finish saw Grimes hit his finisher for the win.
Both stars are in an interesting spot as Grimes comes across as a mid-card talent who has his moments but mostly comes across as a comedy guy. On the flip side, for the majority of his time in NXT, Priest has been protected and pushed as a main player on the brand.
However, Priest finds himself in an interesting spot right now as he’s not in a top program. Perhaps that will change in the near future.
Karrion Kross vs. Bronson Reed in a singles match was booked and as expected, Kross went over strong with his submission finisher. Reed did get some more offense than those who have come before him.
Clearly, Reed stood no chance against Kross, who is being groomed as the next big star under the NXT banner. From doing quick squash matches to taking out Tommaso Ciampa, a former NXT Champion and top NXT star mind you, with ease.
Next, he has his sights set for the NXT Title. The question is whether that will be Adam Cole or another star.
Two weeks of doing therapy with Kyle O’Reilly and getting put into a trunk, Roderick Strong took on Dexter Lumis in a singles match.
Of course, this feud started when Lumis put Strong and Bobby Fish in the trunk of his car in the middle of the Backlot Brawl between NXT Champion Adam Cole and The Velveteen Dream at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.
Lumis won the contest by countout when Strong retreated from the ring as Lumis walked him down. Thus, it appears that this feud will continue as WWE has already booked them in a Strap Match next week.
The first big match announced last week is in the books as NXT North American Champion Keith Lee defended the title against Finn Balor and Johnny Gargano.
The stipulation to go along with it was that the winner of that match would go on to the July 8 episode for a “Winner Takes All” match against NXT Champion Adam Cole.
WWE saved this match for last and rightfully so as it was a big match with top names under the NXT banner. As expected, it was a wild contest that saw the finish be Lee surviving the odds and pinning Gargano for the victory.
Obviously, Lee will now face Cole in order to determine the undisputed champion in NXT. Post-match, Cole and Lee had a staredown to close the show.
Keith Lee was able to hold onto the NXT North American Championship.
Lee made his latest title defense against Johnny Gargano and Finn Balor in a Triple Threat Match on this week’s episode of WWE NXT in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University on the USA Network.
It served as the main event of the show and delivered on the expectations set out by fans. The end of the contest featured Balor hit the double foot stomp off the top rope to Gargano only to have Lee hit his finisher to Gargano for the win.
Based on the stipulations set out by NXT General Manager William Regal last week, Lee will now go on to face NXT Adam Champion in a Champion vs. Champion Winner Takes All Contest on the July 8th episode of NXT.
Lee won the North American Title Match back on the January 22nd episode of NXT on the USA Network when he beat Roderick Strong for it.
It turns out that Lee had previously defeated Gargano to retain the championship. That title match happened earlier this month at the WWE NXT TakeOver: In Your House special.
New matches have been announced for the upcoming AEW Fyter Fest special.
During Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite, it was confirmed that MJF and Wardlow will take on Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus in a tag team match.
This contest was booked after Wardlow was able to defeat Luchasaurus in a Lumberjack Match. Post-match, a brawl broke out between Jurassic Express, MJF, and Wardlow. AEW President Tony Khan was quick to announce the bout.
Also revealed for the show was an eight-man tag team match that will see FTR and The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Brothers & The Butcher & The Blade
AEW presents the Fyter Fest special on July 1st and the second week on July 8th in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place that will air on TNT. Although the card is getting close to being finalized, that will change soon as AEW is still announcing more matches for the special. Here is the updated card:
AEW Fyter Fest Night 1 Card
AEW World Tag Team Champions Hangman Page and Kenny Omega vs. Best Friends
AEW TNT Champion Cody vs. Jake Hager
AEW Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida vs. Penelope Ford
Private Party vs. Santana and Ortiz – Tag Team Match
MJF and Wardlow vs. Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus – Tag Team Match
AEW Fyter Fest Night 2 Card
AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley vs. Brian Cage
FTR and The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Brothers & The Butcher & The Blade – Eight-Man Tag Team Match
Edge has opened up on the filming process involving his contest against Randy Orton that was hyped as the “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever.”
The bout took place in the headliner of the WWE Backlash pay-per-view event earlier this month. WWE taped this match in advance to make sure it was the best match possible.
During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, the WWE Hall of Famer opened up on the match. He started out how he was happy with the final product of the match.
“Contrary to the experts, it was not taped over seven or eight hours, it was once, straight through, and then we did four pick-up shots. I’ve seen people complain about the (under the rope) shot of the DDT. That’s a total of two seconds.”
He stated that if that ruined the entire match for you then you have bigger issues. He stated everyone needs something to complain about, but he considers it to be a huge test to see where he’s really at in this new incarnation of how he wants to wrestle going forward.
He understands the fans are used to seeing several superkicks and flips in matches, but that’s not going to be his style. He wants the match where Bret Hart, Undertaker, and Gerald Brisco are going to text him after it.
He said if that takes a re-education of the industry and fanbase, then so be it.
“Those pick-up shots, I hated them, and it was my idea. I saw the first cut, without any of that in, and I was like, ‘We don’t need them,’ but Vince loved it. I was like, ‘Damnit, now they’re going to be in there.’”
Unfortunately, the former WWE Champion sustained a torn triceps during the re-takes of a spot for the match. As a result, he’s been placed on the sidelines for the next few months if not longer.
Kevin Owens made an appearance on Wednesday’s episode of WWE’s The Bump where he opened up on his run in NXT and the feelings that he had to leave the brand.
Owens recalled finishing up in NXT after having a stint where he lost a Ladder Match to Finn Balor at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2015.
That was in August. Although he had been working on the main roster since May against the likes of John Cena and Cesaro, he continued to work the main roster part-time and NXT full-time.
“I always try to keep my emotions in check until I am just by myself. For some reason, that night I kind of broke down on the apron because I realized it was my last NXT match and it really made me sad.
Obviously, to be moving on to the main roster, I loved that part of it but all of me just wished I could have done both, I didn’t want to leave NXT. I didn’t want to leave the people I was working with and everybody was so close.”
Owens continued by talking about how everyone was part of this movement and trying to grow the NXT brand.
The fallout from multiple people testing positive for COVID-19 in WWE this week continues. Originally, the word was that three people including in-ring talent tested positive.
Now, Pwinsider.com reports that the number of positives is in “the two dozen range”, although that number has not been confirmed. Per the report, the positive tests were said to be across the board between talent, staff, and production.
WWE is slated to tape television this Friday and Saturday for the next two weeks of RAW and SmackDown. This includes this week’s episode of SmackDown, which was not taped last week due to a developmental talent testing positive for the virus.
Unlike previous weeks, friends and family will not be allowed at the tapings in order to work in the crowd among the WWE Performance Center recruits as fans.
Dave Meltzer is reporting at F4WOnline that as a result of the latest batch of positive test results, it does affect at least one person scheduled for the tapings if not more. As a result, there are changes to WWE’s protocols for people working TV tapings. The tapings are not canceled at this point.
Before the first positive test result, WWE had been taking temperatures of people and asking them questions.
One talent said that COVID-19 testing will now take place at every taping. Also, talent will reportedly be tested twice this week and expected to isolate and stay in their rooms and homes for now. WWE issued the following statement:
“WWE will continue COVID-19 testing of its talent, production crew and employees in advance of TV productions for the foreseeable future.”
AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will not be on tonight’s broadcast AEW Dynamite. QT Marshall will miss tonight’s show as well. Both wrestlers will be missing the show due to having been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Neither Moxley or Marshall have tested positive for the virus themselves but were exposed to the virus through contact with others.
Both wrestlers have been told to stay home and get tested for COVID-19.
In the case of Jon Moxley, he had second-hand exposure to the virus recently. This means he was in contact with someone who was in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. In QT Marshall’s case, he was in contact briefly with someone who tested positive for the virus.
QT Marshall and Dustin Rhodes were scheduled to face Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler of FTR tonight. FTR will now face SCU in tag-team action instead.
Jon Moxley did not have a scheduled match tonight but is building to his Fyter Fest match with Brian Cage.
AEW President Tony Khan announced the news today on Twitter.
“Jon Moxley can get slammed on a car, crawl through tacks & fall through the stage, but it’s every bit as cool that he came forward & told us he’d had secondhand exposure to COVID. We test everyone here at #AEWDynamite, but Jon protected everyone onsite like the great champ he is,” wrote Tony Khan.
Since last week’s show, in his everyday life, QT had brief contact with a non-wrestling acquaintance who since tested positive for COVID-19. Rather than risk bringing QT to our test site, our doc asked him to stay home & take a COVID test back in GA to protect the rest of us here https://t.co/eeN8VmF2nP
Recently @JonMoxley had contact with someone who had contact with someone who has COVID-19. Mox did the right thing & warned us. Doc asked him to stay home & get tested to protect us here at our test site. Cage will be in action tonight on #AEWDynamite ahead of their title fight pic.twitter.com/TWbskkzU2Z
Multiple people in WWE have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. According to a report from the Pro Wrestling Sheet, the WWE employees who have tested positive include in-ring talent. At least 3 people in WWE have tested positive.
The people who tested positive have been at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando recently. More testing will be done in order to determine if the virus has spread amongst WWE employees and roster.
The state of Florida continues to see a large spike in cases with over 5500 new cases were reported today in the state alone.
Following the positive test of a WWE developmental talent recently, Kevin Owens refrained from taking part in the last set of tapings at the Performance Center. Owens was on the Bump recently and noted that WWE was accommodating of his request to not work the tapings. WWE’s tapings last week were thrown off schedule following a positive test from a developmental talent who had been acting as a fan. This resulted in WWE testing its entire roster for the virus.
Additionally, AEW has announced that neither Jon Moxley nor QT Marshall will be in attendance for tonight’s Dynamite. This is due to both having been in contact with someone who may have had the virus.
Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently commented on the creative direction of WWE on his Conversation With The Big Guy podcast. During the show Ryback would discuss ‘scripted’ promos and how he feels WWE in particular need to dial back on them.
Road Dogg recently appeared on After The Bell w/Corey Graves and talked about Superstars being scripted until they can be ‘trusted.’ The NXT producer said “they [the fans] can’t fathom like ‘okay, this guy is a loose cannon, he might say a cuss word or something.’ So we script his promo and he has do it word for word now, because we don’t trust you yet.”
Ryback on Road Dogg
“When I saw Road Dogg again mentioning the promo thing? We’ve talked about this in the past where they say they give you promos until they can quote unquote trust you” Ryback began on the podcast. “Very corporate answer, and I love Road Dogg.”
“Here’s what they need to do” Ryback continued. “If they want to increase ratings? You have to have an idea of what you’re doing, you have to let guys go out there and start shooting at each other.”
Ryback elaborated further, discussing stars of the past. “That’s what made The Rock and Austin, even if they were scripted to a degree. You got allow guys to go out there and I experienced this with John Cena when he was the baby face. Okay, I’m the heel now, we’re gonna make the baby face. Well, you gotta go out there and let guys shoot on each other. that’s what people want to see. Who’s going to get the better of each other?”
Do you agree with Ryback? Do WWE need to give their Superstars more free reign on the microphone?
Former WWE Head of Security Jimmy Noonan was on Fox News recently and discussed his time with the company. In particular, Noonan discussed Brock Lesnar’s attitude during his first run with the company in the early 2000s. According to Noonan, Lesnar really didn’t like being in WWE at the time.
“Brock was a very, very different type of guy,” Noonan said during the interview. “The business just wasn’t for Brock.”
“Let’s go back to the time I was with him in the early 2000s. He came up, I was there before him, he had a meteoric rise at WWE, he became the champ at a very young age, the youngest champ ever.”
“But the business just wasn’t who Brock was. Brock is a guy who wants to go shoot elk in his backyard and wants to ice fish. WWE wasn’t for him but he did very well at it but at the same time, he was miserable.”
“Brock was sometimes really miserable. There was one morning when we were at the airport and we were at the airport again at 5 o’clock getting another 5 AM flight to another city. I shadowed Brock because he was the champ.”
“We walk into the airport at the same time and he looks at me and goes ‘Noonan if one fan comes up to me and asks me for an autograph, I’m gonna punch you right in the face’ and that would be the beginning of my day.”
“He hated WWE so much at the time that he bought his own airplane to fly in on his own expense so he wouldn’t have to be with the boys in the airport and be with the fans.”
AEW has released official top-5 rankings for 6/24. #2 Brian Cage makes his first appearance in the rankings as he prepares to challenge Jon Moxley at Fyter Fest.
AEW Men’s Single’s Rankings
AEW World Champion: Jon Moxley (13-0) TNT Champion: Cody (13-1)
MJF (7-0)
Brian Cage (4-0) (previously unranked)
Lance Archer (7-1) (-1)
Brodie Lee (5-1) (-1)
Chris Jericho (2-1)
#1 MJF retains his ranking this week after defeating Billy Gunn on Dynamite.
#2 Brian Cage debuts in the rankings this week. He will challenge AEW World Champion Jon Moxley at Fyter Fest. Cage picked up a victory over Robert Anthony on Dark last night.
#3 Lance Archer picked up a win on Dark over Griff Garrison.
#4 Brodie Lee had the week off. He’ll team with Colt Cabana tonight to face Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss.
#5 Chris Jericho lost to the Best Friends along with Sammy Guevara on Dynamite. Jericho will have a face-off with Orange Cassidy tonight.
TNT Champion Cody retained over Ricky Starks on Dynamite.
AEW Women’s Division
Champion: Hikaru Shida (11-1)
Nyla Rose (6-2)
Penelope Ford (4-3) (+1)
Big Swole (4-3) (previously unranked)
Kris Statlander (4-4) (injured) (-2)
Britt Baker (4-4) (injured) (-1)
Champion Hikaru Shida will defend against #2 Penelope Ford at Fyter Fest. Neither wrestler competed this week, however.
#1 Nyla Rose had the week off.
#3 Big Swole debuts in the rankings this week. She took #5 Britt Baker for a ride last week on Dynamite.
#4 Kris Statlander is out with a torn ACL and dropped two spots in the rankings this week.
There were two matches in the women’s division this week. Abadon picked up a surprise victory over Anna Jay, one which might send Anna to the Dark Order. Then on Dark this week, Mel picked up a victory over KiLynn King
AEW Tag Team Division
Champions: Kenny Omega & Hangman Page (8-0)
Best Friends (10-3)
The Dark Order (6-0) (+2)
Young Bucks (3-2) (+2)
The Natural Nightmares (5-1) (-2)
Private Party (4-2) (-2)
Omega and Page retained their titles over #4 the Natural Nightmares this week. This results in QT Marshall & Dustin Rhodes’ team dropping two spots in the rankings.
#1 The Best Friends retained their top spot by defeating Le Sex Gods in the main event of Dynamite last week. Trent and Chuck Taylor will challenge the champions at Fyter Fest.
#2 the Dark Order move up two spots. They only moved down in the rankings due to inactivity so now that they are back, they find themselves in a top-ranked spot again.
#3 The Young Bucks moved up two spots this week after defeating Kip Sabian and Jimmy Havoc.
#5 Private Party drop two spots this week after not competing last week.
Tonight on Dynamite, #4 The Natural Nightmares are scheduled to go up against FTR. This will be the first match against ranked competition for Harwood and Wheeler.
Calvin Tankman has signed with Major League Wrestling. This is a multi-year agreement, according to a press release sent in by MLW. He officially put pen to paper last month and has been training for his eventual debut.
Tankman is a Division 1-recruited football player. He stands at 6’2″ and weighs in at 355 pounds. The super heavyweight possesses a dangerous move-set and uncanny agility for a man of his stature.
MLW CEO Court Bauer had this to say about the league’s latest high-profile acquisition.
“Calvin caught my eye for his athletic explosiveness and versatility as a competitor,” said Bauer. “There isn’t anyone like Calvin Tankman in the sport today and it is our privilege to share this extraordinary competitor with the world.”
Calvin Tankman also had some things to say about the next chapter of his carer. Billed as a “one-man rampage” that fuses power wrestling, brawling and high-flying, Tankman already has his eye on some of MLW’s top stars.
“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to show what I can do at the next level and MLW has given me that opportunity,” said Tankman. “I want the money, championships, and everything MLW has to offer and I don’t care who I have to go through to get it. It doesn’t matter if it’s Fatu, Hammerstone, or anyone else on the roster when I step in the ring, I’m going to prove that I’m one of the best young wrestler in the world.”
Sarah Logan was one of the many names released from WWE this past April. Any 90-day no-compete clause she may currently still be under would be up next month. Don’t expect her to show up on another wrestling promotion’s television, however. Logan released a statement recently saying she is stepping away from wrestling to focus on other interests.
“A lot has changed in my life recently and I have stepped away from wrestling for the foreseeable future,” Logan’s statement reads. “Wrestling is all I’ve known since I was 17 so it’s time I let myself focus on other things and explored other parts of myself.”
The 26-year-old had been with WWE since 2014. She also spoke about her “Wild and Free” YouTube channel which can be found here.
“My efforts have been on @thewildandfreetv and that’s the best way to keep up. We’re releasing some awesome content. I don’t say this enough but I appreciate you guys and hope to see ya down the line.”
Logan debuted on the main roster in late 2017. Along with Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan, she helped comprise the Riott Squad.
Impact Wrestling continued the build to Slammiversary on Twitch and AXS TV this week. This week’s show featured Eddie Edwards vs Madman Fulton, Taya Valkyrie vs Susie, and the in-ring debut of Deonna Purrazzo.
At the end of this week’s show, D’Lo Brown was shown speaking to someone on his laptop. He said he didn’t like being seen as a corporate stooge, something the members of Reno Scum had accused him of earlier in the show.
As D’Lo got up to leave, an Aces and Eights jacket was shown on his chair. The little guitar twang from the old Aces and Eights theme music also played.
Earlier in the show, an Aces and Eights moment featuring Luke “Doc” Gallows was also shown during the Flashback Moment of the Week.
Madman Fulton Picks Up Victory Over Eddie Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQqmncVXoQI
In this week’s main event, Madman Fulton pinned a former world champion and wrestler scheduled to take part in the 5-way world title match at Slammiversary. He defeated Eddie Edwards while Ace Austin watched on from his corner.
The end of the match came shortly after Fulton kicked out from a tiger-driver. Edwards then charged at him for a Boston Knee Party but Fulton countered into a slam for the win. It was a clean victory for the former OVE member and a statement made to the rest of the roster.
Chris Bey Pins Willie Mack In Tag Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c7if7PzpfU
Chris Bey’s case for a shot at Willie Mack’s X-division title improved this week. Johnny Swinger spent much of this week’s episode looking for a 3rd partner for him and Bey and landed on Rohit Raju. Bey didn’t seem pleased with this. They then took on the team of Willie Mack and the Deaners in 6-man action.
The end of the match came shortly after Mack gave Raju a stunner. Bey then came off the ropes with a springboard fame-asset on the X-Division champion and pinned him to earn his team the victory. No official match between Mack and Bey has been scheduled but one would have to assume it could potentially take place at Slammiversary.
Deonna Purrazzo Makes Alisha Edwards Tapout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW5WwTfmKFg
Deonna Purrazzo made quick work of Alisha Edwards in her in-ring return to Impact this week. This was a contest pitting someone who utilizes strategy and technique (Purrazzo) versus someone who is driven by emotion (Edwards). Any time Edwards tried to fight back with a fury of offence, Purrazzo had the perfect counter for her. She picked up the victory with an armbar.
After the match, Jordynne Grace hit the ring in an attempt to get a little revenge for the two times Purrazzo has attacked her in recent weeks. Purrazzo fled the ring area pretty quickly to avoid the Knockouts champion, however.
It was later announced that Purrazzo will challenge Grace for the Knockouts title at Slammiversary.
The North Attack Ken Shamrock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x5TU-mJ5iw
Ethan Page was frustrated on a recent episode of Impact when he found people backstage watching old Ken Shamrock matches. This week, Shamrock caught Page making fun of him in the back. This was to set up a match between Shamrock and Josh Alexander but the bout never happened. Instead, both members of the North assaulted Shamrock before the match could even start.
Kylie Rae Saves Susie From Taya Valkyrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DAzbrye0N4
After dropping her title rematch to Jordynne Grace, Taya Valkyrie got back in the win column this week in a single’s match against Su Yung’s alter ego, Susie. During the match, it seemed as though Susie was channeling her Su Yung personality at points. She gave Valkyrie a run for her money and even countered the Road To Valhalla into a pinning combination for a near fall.
In the end, Valkyrie would finally land her finish and pick up the win. After the match, she continued to taunt Susie. This brought out Susie’s friend Kylie Rae who delivered a super kick to Valkyrie to take her out of the ring. Perhaps a collision between Kylie Rae and Taya Valkyrie is in the works.
Tasha Steelz Steals A Victory Against Nevaeh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb5mq4SPyH8
Tasha Steelz and Kiera Hogan have been aligned recently in Impact Wrestling as have Nevaeh and Havok. These two teams seem to be on a collision course to facing each other in tag-team action but this week it was Neveah taking on Tasha Steelz in single’s competition. These two recent signees kicked off this week’s show.
Neveah got the early advantage but after Hogan distracted her at ringside, Steelz was able to gain control. After Neveah began fighting back, Hogan again provided a distraction. Havok tried to confront Hogan but as this was happening, Steelz rolled up Neveah with a handful of trunks and got the 3-count.
Next Week On Impact Wrestling
The following has been booked for next week’s show:
TJP & Fallah Bah vs Reno Scum
Havok w/Nevaeh vs Kiera Hogan w/Tasha Steelz
TNA World Championship (Unofficial) Moose (c) vs Crazzy Steve
