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Additional Details On This Week’s WWE TV Tapings, Money In The Bank Build

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is gearing up for another string of TV tapings in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. The tapings start on Friday and run through next Thursday. 

WWE plans to tape several episodes of NXT, RAW and SmackDown in addition to Main Event and 205 Live, according to PWInsider. The idea is to tape enough footage to get them to the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event on May 10th, which isn’t taking place in Baltimore. 

Earlier this week, WWE issued a memo to wrestlers and staff regarding the coronavirus and how they are taking extra safety measures to keep everyone safe. Talent started to travel to Orlando on Wednesday morning while talent in the area is driving to the facility if they’re needed. 

WWE will be taping as many as 4 episodes during this string of tapings. However, they have planned on cleaning the Performance Center and changing ring ropes, canvas and aprons as they go.

While new content will be filmed, WWE plans to air replays of matches from pay-per-view events on episodes of RAW and SmackDown. 

With Money in the Bank needing a new location, it’s very possible that the event will take place at the Performance Center. WWE has still advertised the event for May 10, but no new location has been confirmed.

There’s no word yet on whether the show will air live or be taped. What is known is that this time that they have after taping TV will allow them to strategize and plan their next moves as they continue to work through the outbreak. 

XFL Suspends Operations, All Employees Laid Off

Andrew Ravens
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Since the announcement of the XFL relaunch, people had been speculating as to how long the league would last. 

It turns out that it didn’t make it through its first season under the revised pro football league. On Friday, it was reported that the XFL will cease all operations immediately.

It was also reported that the league will not be returning for the 2021 season. This is due to the league being halted just like every other sports league in the world due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. 

The season was postponed after week five. At the time, the XFL had announced that all fans will be allowed a return of their 2021 ticket investment.

https://twitter.com/KonnorFulk_XFL/status/1248645458798526465?s=20

Vince McMahon, the owner of the XFL and WWE Chairman, had sold nearly $300 million in WWE stock in order to fund the league under a separate LLC, Alpha Entertainment. 

The league was able to reach TV deals through ESPN, ABC, Fox, FS1 that saw the first five weeks have strong ratings that dwindled as time went on. The idea was that they would be eventually able to get TV deals for guaranteed money.

Enzo Amore – “I Had My Livelihood Ripped Out of My Hands”

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE Superstar Enzo Amore recently appeared on Ryback’s Conversation With The Big Guy podcast. The former Cruiserweight Champion discussed a litany of topics from his career in wrestling, including when he was fired following allegations of sexual assault.

Enzo Amore Accused of Assault

Amore was alleged at the time to have assaulted a woman on October 19th of 2017. Enzo was subsequently fired by the company on January 23rd following a suspension the day before. The charges were then dropped by law officials in May of 2018 due to insufficient evidence.

Main Event of RAW

When asked about the situation in January 2018, Enzo (now nZo) replied it was “crazy. Nothing can prepare you for it. But I think that the crazy thing about it is, for me? Is people forget, because of the perception of me on the way out. Yeah, I was in the main event and I was on a three hour thread on the 25th anniversary of Monday Night RAW that had to get rewritten at 4pm.”

It was a somewhat unprecedented situation for the company at the time. Enzo Amore was the Cruiserweight Champion, and the 205 Live division had been ‘main eventing’ episodes of Monday Night RAW in fits and starts. So essentially, a ‘main event player’ was ejected from the company when the situation unfolded.

Enzo Amore
Enzo Amore. Image Credit: WWE.com

RAW 25th Anniversary

Enzo Amore would then discuss the situation further, saying “when I got sent home on the 25th anniversary I had a title around my waist. I was maintaining my job at the highest level in the world. Coming out in the main event of matches, and somehow through getting falsely accused, getting my livelihood ripped out of my hands? People think that I’m a bad guy.”

“Yeah, cuz I’m playing one on TV. It’s my job, but as I’m playing a heel it’s easy to say [that’s] who I am. I just did a Make A Wish with a kid named Enzo, and they never aired it! Because I got f*cking fired. And you don’t see that side of me, you just hear the stories. I go off the grid for five months take a self induced social media hiatus. [It was a] brilliant plan, because when I do come back out? I show up to 5000 people in Times Square.”

If you use any of the quotes from this article please credit Conversation With The Big Guy podcast with a h/t to SEScoops.com for the transcription.

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Ronda Rousey Doesn’t Plan To Work Regular WWE Schedule, Blasts Ungrateful Fans

Andrew Ravens
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Ronda Rousey made an appearance on the latest episode of the “Wild Ride! with Steve-O” podcast where she talked about her time in WWE. 

This is where she made some interesting comments regarding her future with the company and ungrateful wrestling fans. 

Rousey started out by stating that she loves the WWE and had a great time working there as she loves all of the girls in the locker room. She thinks having fake fights for fun is just the best thing. She loves the choreography, acting, and theater. 

However, she was doing basically a part-time schedule and was away from home 200 days out of the year. That was a problem for her because when she did get home, she didn’t have any time for anything else but rather just wanted to sleep. 

Rousey stated working that type of schedule wasn’t worth it for her family despite it eliminating all of their expenses and living a certain lifestyle that they didn’t need because they didn’t need the money. 

“So it’s just like … what am I doing it for if I’m not being able to spend my time and energy on my family, but instead spending my time and my energy on a bunch of f*cking ungrateful fans that don’t even appreciate me? 

I love performing. I love the girls. I love being out there … but, at the end of the day, I was just like, ‘F*ck these fans, dude.’ My family loves me and they appreciate me and I want all my energy to go into them.”

When she came to this decision, she made it known that she loves what all of the stars are doing and she tried to give them all of her momentum and push that she could in order to say, “fly little birds, fly! I’m going f*cking home!’ And that was basically it.”

Rousey added that if she does return to WWE then it won’t be in a full-time capacity. Instead, she would rather work short chunks of time. 

Becky Lynch On Ronda Rousey: “Leave Her At Home”

H/T to Pro Wrestling Sheet for the transcription

Nikki Cross Talks Winning Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania 36

Jake Skudder
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WWE Superstar Nikki Cross recently appeared on the Gorilla Position podcast. The Scottish born Superstar won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 36 this past weekend alongside her partner Alexa Bliss. Nikki Cross discussed this during the interview, describing the feeling of winning the belts for the 2nd time in front of an empty Performance Center.

Nikki Cross on WrestleMania 36 Moment

“It was such a fulfilling moment” Nikki Cross began. “It was, so emotional like, I mean i think it was funny. I was watching it back and I saw the photos, and there’s this hilarious moment. I’m just on my knees and the referee has given me the Championship title, and I can’t get up! I’m just like…I was just overwhelmed like you know? I think you can see it in my face. It was [also] on Alexa’s face you know? It was so emotional for both of us. Because we’re still connecting with fans, it’s just the fans are in a different location. And they’re all safe in their homes and they’re watching it through their television.”

Women’s Tag Team Division

The WWE Women’s Championships have seemingly taken a backseat over the past few months, whilst the Kabuki Warriors of Asuka and Kairi Sane are extremely talented and entertaining there just hasn’t been a viable push for the belts in recent memory. Nikki Cross would however say that her and Alexa Bliss care greatly about the division and want to see it thrive.

“We’re all striving to make this division special”

Nikki Cross

“We care so much about the women’s tag team division” Nikki Cross stated. “And we’re striving to make that the best we can. Because we’re nurturing that [division], it’s like a newborn baby. And you know, we speak, so many of the girls feel that way. That we’re all striving to make this division special and the best division it can be. Winning the championship from the Kabuki warriors…getting to compete against them in a match? A match I’m very proud of? It was, it was so so emotional and the emotion, everything was still there.”

If you use any of the quotes from this article please credit Gorilla Position podcast with a h/t to SEScoops.com for the transcription.

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The Revival Granted Release From WWE

Chris Stephens
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Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder have officially been granted their release from WWE. The former tag champions have not wrestled a match since a March 1st house show in Syracuse, New York.

“Effective today, Friday April 10, 2020, WWE and The Revival have agreed on their immediate release from WWE. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” a WWE press release reads.

The Revival was first reported to have first requested their release in January of 2019. They were then reported as having requested their release again earlier this year.

Dash Wilder has trademarked the name “Cash Wheeler” for wrestling purposes. WWE has filed for several trademarks related to the team as well. These include “the Mechanics” “No Flips, Just Fists” and more. The Revival has filed trademarks for “Shatter Machine” “Say Yeah” and others.

https://twitter.com/santana_proud/status/1248604512534790144?s=21

Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder, The Revival in WWE

The Revival are the first triple-crown winning tag team champions in WWE. They achieved this by winning the NXT, RAW, and Smackdown tag team titles. Dawson and Wilder also once co-held the 24/7 title.

Cody Rhodes Details AEW’s Coronavirus Safety Measures

Steve Russell
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Cody Rhodes has detailed All Elite Wrestling’s safety measures relating to coronavirus concerns. Joining SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, Cody explained how the promotion has been handling coronavirus precautions whilst taping episodes of their TNT show, Dynamite.

Cody explained how AEW doesn’t have a central office. Instead, their core management is “all over the place” with key personnel in LA, Canada, Atlanta, and Jacksonville. He noted how complying with varying state regulations regarding the coronavirus has been easy as they all work from home anyway. 

He spoke about how he’s been so impressed with all of AEW’s wrestlers and staff for stepping up during this time. Cody noted how he’s glad Brandi Rhodes lobbied for a medical team when AEW first started, and that the promotion has “all the perks of a high end wrestling company.”

As far as he’s concerned, you have to have these things for your athletes to support them.

Cody Rhodes Shares AEW’s Safety Precautions

Cody Rhodes then revealed how Brandi picked Dr. Sampson to work with AEW. Dr. Sampson famously assisted Jerry Lawler after he suffered a heart attack during a live episode of Monday Night RAW. Cody explained how Dr. Sampson is not a ‘yes’ Doctor. When it came to protecting AEW talent from the coronavirus, “[…] he put in a really rigorous amount of guidelines. And everyone was able to follow them and that was something I was very proud of.”

He then shared his experiences self-quarantining in a Jacksonville hotel, calling it something he would never forget. This was done so AEW could keep numbers under 10 at the arena for Dynamite tapings.

When at the tapings, “You’re in your own room and then the ropes themselves are being sanitised you’re getting your temperature checked. Getting quarantine questions, a page long, all of those things that were put in place that were the right thing to do.”

Cody Rhodes defeated Shawn Spears on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. This victory sees him advance in AEW’s TNT Championship Tournament. 

Lana On Pushing The Envelope, Soap Opera Storylines

Steve Russell
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WWE Superstar Lana intends to push the envelope in every storyline she is a part of. She revealed her intentions during a recent interview with Sportskeeda, noting how she’s fortunate to be involved with a soap opera style storyline. 

“I just feel like soap opera stories, in general, are very relatable and everyone can connect to heartache,” Lana explained. “Everyone can connect with either being cheated on or know someone that’s cheating or know someone that has lied in a relationship or know someone that’s gotten a divorce. Most people have broken up once in their life, at least. I just think that all those stories are relatable and people understand that. And people connect with it.”

Lana explained how not everyone may be able to understand winning a championship or a title. But heartache, betrayal and relationships are things most people can relate to and understand.

She extrapolated further, adding how she doesn’t know what it’s like to be “genetically superior” as she had to work hard for everything in her life. When it comes to breakups, however, Lana feels there is a compelling relatability. She considers herself “blessed to be in stories like that, that have to do with issues of the heart.”

Becky Lynch Wants To See Cesaro Hold Gold In WWE: “We Need Cesaro Up There”

Steve Russell
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WWE RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch would love to see SmackDown Superstar Cesaro hold some gold. During an interview with The Bump’s Kayla Braxton, Lynch would share her feelings on the subject. She noted how people should start hashtagging “Cesaro for champ” to try and bring it to WWE’s attention. 

The comment came after Braxton began listing the amount of talented European Superstars who are currently a part of WWE’s roster. She noted how they are taking over the championship landscape.

After having pointed out Nikki Cross’ victory at WrestleMania 36, making Cross half of the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Lynch would jump in with her thoughts:

“We need Cesaro up there,” she stated. “Oh yeah, he absolutely is [one of the best]. Cesaro for champ. Hashtag that people.”

https://twitter.com/TheNextBlGThing/status/1248287249554264064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1248287249554264064&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mandatory.com%2Fwrestlezone%2Fnews%2F1181391-cesaro-becky-lynch

Cesaro & Becky Lynch’s WrestleMania Weekend

Cesaro opened up this weekend’s WrestleMania 36 two-day event. He competed against Drew Gulak during Night One’s pre-show, eventually claiming the victory against his game opponent. 

Becky Lynch would also have a good weekend, successfully retaining her RAW Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler. Despite her win, WWE is reportedly set to continue having the two Superstars feud. Baszler recently commented on her WrestleMania loss, promising to make Lynch suffer the “agony of my defeat.” 

Nia Jax Talks About Protecting Alexa Bliss From An Unsafe Superstar

Steve Russell
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RAW Superstar Nia Jax recently took part in a Zoom conference call with several other female Superstars. During their interview, Jax revealed how she once had to protect Alexa Bliss from another Superstar she deemed unsafe. 

Without naming the Superstar, Jax shared how Bliss had been working an angle where should be consistently hurt. According to her, Bliss didn’t want to say anything as she wanted to be a good team player. The last thing she wanted was for somebody who couldn’t perform or deliver. Nia Jax revealed how angry the situation made her. She stated she “personally would now allow her to get back in the ring to get hurt again.”

Jax would go to the higher-ups within WWE to bring the issue to their attention. She recalled how “I had to put down a stern foot and say, ‘listen, Lexi is five-foot-nothing, 100 pounds getting thrown around like a little rag doll and injured every night. Put me in. I’m a six-foot 300-pound bitch. I can handle it.”

Nia Jax On Standing Up For Alexa Bliss

Nia Jax acknowledged she understands how there are times to keep quiet and commit to being a team player. However, there are other occasions where it is simply unacceptable. To her, she couldn’t allow one of her good friends to get hurt. This is what motivated her to stand up for Bliss and ensure she wouldn’t get hurt going forward.

Nia Jax returned to in-ring action during this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW. The pre-recorded episode took place in front of zero fans due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

Charlotte Flair Opens Up WrestleMania Victory, NXT Return

Steve Russell
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Charlotte Flair won the NXT Women’s Championship for the second time this past weekend at WrestleMania 36. She defeated NXT Superstar Rhea Ripley to reclaim the gold. Although the accomplishment would be forced to take place in front of zero fans, Flair stressed that WrestleMania 36 was still an opportunity for all involved. The event was relocated from Raymond James Stadium to the WWE Performance Center due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Flair told TVInsider how in the run-up to WrestleMania 36, she kept to herself and wasn’t really socializing. She did this in order to stay as focused as possible, noting that “this year was no different.” The relocation to the WWE PC didn’t bother her as she still viewed her match as an “opportunity to prove to the world I’m one of the greatest WWE superstars of all-time.”

To her, this year’s WrestleMania had the potential of becoming the most-watched ‘Mania of all time. She explained how people were wanting content and entertainment during this tough time. With this in mind, she viewed the event as an opportunity to demonstrate that “you don’t need a live audience to bring that intensity.”

Charlotte Flair’s Return To NXT

Having won the championship, Charlotte Flair is now set to return to the black-and-gold brand. With WWE having done a lot of work to establish NXT as their third brand, Flair isn’t concerned some might feel it is a demotion. She talked about how she didn’t consider her future if she won the title. Instead, she wanted to focus on wrestling “the next big thing” and delivering a memorable story. Her mentality was focused on stealing the show. “I always say it’s not the title that makes the woman, it’s the woman that makes the title. What that could mean moving forward? Paying it back.”

With her return to NXT imminent, Flair already has her eyes set on some top NXT talent. She named Mia Yim and Candice LeRae as Superstars she’d like to work with. She also noted how Bianca Belair would probably want a rematch with her. Charlotte Flair confessed she hadn’t given future rivals too much consideration just yet but remains excited over new competition. She added how “Everyone knows that I’m probably the most competitive person in the locker room, so I’m going to want to have the best division.”

AJ Styles Shares Details Of WrestleMania’s Boneyard Matchup

Steve Russell
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AJ Styles has opened up about his recent Boneyard matchup with The Undertaker. Styles participated in the pre-recorded cinematic-style clash, which aired this past weekend during WrestleMania 36. Taking to Mixer, Styles shared his thoughts on the style of their bout and whether he believes WWE should continue pursuing this alternative.

Styles shared he was pleased with how the Boneyard match turned out. He believes that the majority of wrestling fans would agree that it delivered. He did note that for every 100 people, perhaps 2 or 3 fans didn’t enjoy the match.

“The Phenomenal One” acknowledged that it was different and that he “understands” why people may have had issues with it. He then pointed out that this week’s matchup between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa was “also a different match.” Those Superstars also clashed in a pre-recorded bout that acted as the main event for this week’s episode of NXT.

AJ Styles On Move Cinematic Matches & Reshoots

Whether WWE should continue with this type of matchup, however, has become a debated topic. Especially in relation to The Undertaker. Styles spoke about how he believes “less is more” and that if WWE delivers too many too soon, then “they’re not special.”

“So we gotta watch out with how many matches we do,” he said. “I think… every now and again, it’s a good thing. As great as it was, I don’t think it’s something we should do a lot because we’ll ruin it. I’m not saying the matches but, it’s special.”

According to AJ Styles, the Boneyard match disregarded reshoots completely. He shared that the match was shot “pretty much straight through.” There were no retapes, though there were some cut scenes. He revealed the only time they stopped was to get footage of the action from different angles. However, “if they didn’t have that shot, we didn’t redo it. We just went with what we got.”

Jim Ross Set To Return To AEW Commentary Next Week

Steve Russell
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All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan has revealed that veteran announcer Jim Ross will be returning to Dynamite next week.

Taking to Twitter, Khan praised the commentary work of Chris Jericho and Tony Schiavone. The two worked together on this week’s episode of the TNT show. He noted how their debut together has been great and that the company has plans for the two to continue providing vocal duties on Dynamite. He then stated that Jim Ross would be returning to call Jon Moxley’s matchup against Inner Circle member Jake Hager.

“We have much more @IAmJericho & @tonyschiavone24 commentary to look forward to on tonight’s show on TNT now + in the coming weeks. Also @JRsBBQ will return next week to call the @JonMoxley v. @RealJakeHager No Holds Barred Empty Arena #AEW World Title match next week on Dynamite!”

Jim Ross In Quarantine

Jim Ross has been staying safe in self-quarantine due to coronavirus concerns. He recently opened up about the decision, sharing it came after a lengthy decision between himself and Tony Khan. There is no further indication that Ross will be announcing other matches that night.

Like WWE has been doing in the run-up to WrestleMania 36, AEW has been pre-recording episodes Dynamite. This decision was made so they can still air episodes of Dynamite amidst the coronavirus pandemic. This has allowed for minimal exposure to their wrestlers and staff. 

Jon Moxley attempts to defend his AEW World Championship against Jake Hager next Wednesday night on Dynamite. The two will clash in a No Holds Barred Empty Arena matchup. 

WWE Reportedly Contacted Hulk Hogan For WrestleMania 36 Appearance

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE had contacted Hulk Hogan for an appearance at WrestleMania 36 from the Performance Center but the two parties couldn’t agree to a deal, according to Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

While the WWE Hall Of Famer has been vocal about wanting a retirement match in the company, The officials wanted the Hulkster to make an appearance as a special attraction and cut a promo, instead of being part of an in-ring segment or a match.

However, the two sides couldn’t agree on the financial terms of the deal and the plans for Hogan’s appearance at the Show Of Shows from Performance Center fell through.

Hulk Hogan was originally expected to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame as part of nWo with Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Sean Waltman during the WrestleMania weekend.

The induction ceremony alongside other shows planned for the grand weekend was cancelled due to the coronavirus and the company moved forward with only the PPV.

There is no word on what the company is planning for the Hall Of Fame now but speculation is that the ceremony could be held during the SummerSlam weekend in August later this year.

WrestleMania 36 was moved to the Performance Center due to coronavirus pandemic and the company then turned it into a two-nights streaming event.

The Big Show On How His WWE Role Has Changed

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania 36 intrigued the fans and it appears that WWE star Big Show was also impressed with the bout associated to The Fiend.

The former World Champion recently had an interview with Metro.co.uk to promote his new Netflix show where he talked about WrestleMania 36 event and more.

When asked about the cinematic matches at the Show Of Shows, the Big Show first praised the execution of the bouts and then expressed interest in working a similar match with Bray Wyatt:

“I know I would sign up for the same kind of program if I was working with Bray Wyatt, I would definitely sign up to have my mind picked apart.

I think it would be very entertaining to go through that and do that tortured perspective of trying to convey the hurt, pain, and frustration.”

Big Show On How His WWE Role Has Changed

Big Show also commented on his current status with WWE and explaining how his role has changed, the Giant said that he is not in the trenches anymore:

“My role has changed to where I’m not in the trenches anymore. I come around once in a while, I can help a talent in the ring, or maybe I can put another talent over – maybe I can be a surprise. I’m wide open for whatever.”

The Big Show Show is now streaming on Netflix in full. You can check out the WWE star’s full interview including the above comments and more at this link.

Reason Drew McIntyre Missed WrestleMania Go Home Episode Of Raw

Anutosh Bajpai
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Drew McIntyre had missed the WrestleMania go-home episode of Monday Night Raw and instead of having a face to face confrontation with Brock Lesnar, he only appeared through a video package on the show.

Dave Meltzer talked about the episode in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter and revealed that the new WWE Champion missed the show because he was in quarantine after returning from his home country.

Both McIntyre and Sheamus were in the UK on a tour to promote WrestleMania 36 and they were called back to the United States on March 12 because of the travel restrictions that were being put in the place.

However, both the stars had to quarantine themselves after returning from a foreign country and the former NXT Champion Drew McIntyre could not appear at the show because his isolation period was not over.

Both Bobby Lashley who was called back from a promotional tour of South Africa and Kairi Sane who went to Japan to get married missed the builds for their WrestleMania feud because of the same reason as well.

Sane, alongside her partner Asuka defended the Women’s Tag Team Championship against Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross at WrestleMania and dropped the titles while Lashley faced Aleister Black in a match with no build.

Drew McIntyre went on to face Brock Lesnar and he completed the story that started with his Royal Rumble victory by defeating the Beast Incarnate at the Show Of Shows.

WWE Money In The Bank Cancelled Due To Coronavirus

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

The upcoming Money In The Bank event which was scheduled to take place on May 10 has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland which was the venue for the show released a statement on the matter on Twitter and announced the cancellation.

They wrote: “The WWE Money In The Bank event originally scheduled for Sunday, May 10 in Baltimore has been cancelled. Refunds are available at all points of purchase.”

https://twitter.com/RoFoArena/status/1248384166938304515

There were speculations over the show being postponed and now this announcement confirms that the event will at least not be taking place as originally planned.

WWE has not reacted to this announcement so far and the official event page on their website is still visible, though it doesn’t list any details regarding the PPV.

There are speculations that the company could still move forward with the show and relocate it at the Performance Center in Florida, similar to their approach with the WrestleMania 36 event.

Though the orange county officials have issued a stay at home order that is effective until the end of April and the company will not be able to hold the PPV at the PC if the time limit is extended. We’ll keep you posted on the matter.

AEW Dynamite & NXT TV Viewership (4/8)

Andrew Ravens
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0

Viewership data is in for this week’s battle in the WWE NXT vs. AEW Dynamite Wednesday Night War. NXT didn’t make the top 50 shows on cable for the night but did win in total viewers. 

Here is the breakdown of the live and same-night DVR viewership, courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:

WWE NXT Viewership

NXT on the USA Network averaged 693,000 viewers, which is up from 590,000 last week. In the 18-49 demo, they drew a 0.19 rating, from the 0.15 rating that the show did last week. 

The episode featured a Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano in a singles match that served as the headliner, Chelsea Green vs. Mia Yim vs. Tegan Nox vs. Io Shirai vs. Candice LeRae vs. Dakota Kai in a Women’s Ladder Match to figure out #1 contender to WWE NXT Women’s Title, and Indus Sher (Rinku & Saurav) (w/Malcolm Bivens) vs. Ever-Rise (Chase Parker & Matt Martel). 

AEW Dynamite Viewership

AEW Dynamite on TNT was watched by 692,000 viewers, up from the 685,000 viewers last week. In the 18-49 demo, Dynamite pulled in a 0.26 rating, up from the 0.25 rating that the show did last week. 

AEW Dynamite featured such as Shawn Spears vs. Cody in an AEW TNT Championship Tournament Match, Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker, Best Friends vs. Kenny Omega & Michael Nakazawa, and Brodie Lee and Lance Archer in squash matches. 

Corey Graves Says Edge’s Return Made Him Consider His Own In-Ring Comeback

Chris Stephens
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It has been just over 6 years since Corey Graves wrestled a match. He was forced to retire due to concussions in 2014. The 36-year-old has since become a commentator on the main roster currently assigned to Smackdown. Graves also hosts the After the Bell podcast and this week his guest was Edge.

During the podcast this week, Graves noted that Edge’s recent return to the ring after 9 years had him thinking about possibly making his own in-ring comeback. Graves made the comments when talking about the documentary on Edge currently on the WWE Network.

“Watching it, honestly man it was inspiring,” Graves said of the documentary. “I would say at 2 or 3 different points I went ‘man, I live in Pittsburgh now, I should go find Dr. Maroon.’ It just gave me that urge to do all this all over again and I don’t know whether or not that’s a possibility but the thought was planted in my brain for quite some time.”

Graves is a former NXT tag team champion. He and Neville/PAC won the titles. They were the 3rd team to win the belts. PAC and Graves defeated Luke Harper and Erick Rowan for the belts.

Dash Wilder Praises Chad Gable

Chris Stephens
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Dash Wilder of the Revival recently praised Chad “Shorty G” Gable online. The two have faced each other a plethora of times throughout their careers dating back to 2014 in NXT.

Wilder Tweeted out the following in regard to Gable:

“Chad Gable is a freak of nature. His natural talent is amazing, but somehow his discipline & work ethic surpasses that. Watching him from his first match in NXT until now is unbelievable. We’ve probably wrestled him literally hundreds of times by now & he always makes us better,” Wilder Tweeted.

The two have been in 115 matches together, 19 of which were broadcast on either WWE or NXT programming. Many of these matches were the Revival/Mechanics against American Alpha and then later when Gable was teaming with Robert Roode.

Not everyone online had positive things to say about Gable, however:

https://twitter.com/Undefea76513724/status/1248292756490866690

Wilder responded to the Twitter user who said Gable had no charisma:

Things continued:

Dash Wilder Is Becoming Cash Wheeler

On March 9th, Wilder filed to trademark the name “Cash Wheeler” for wrestling purposes. His birth name is Daniel Wheeler. The Revival have not wrestled since March 1st when they performed on a WWE House show in Syracuse, New York.

Angelina Love Re-Signs With Ring Of Honor

Steve Russell
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Angelina Love has officially revealed she has re-signed with Ring of Honor Wrestling. Love, who leads ROH stable The Allure, shared the news via her Instagram account and in an official statement.

Love uploaded a picture of herself flanked with fellow Allure members Velveteen Sky and Mandy Leon. The trio are stood underneath a Madison Square Garden sign.

The world-famous arena in New York City is where the group first debuted. They would arrive in ROH during the promotion’s co-promoted show with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, G1 Supercard, which took place last April.

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Angelina Love’s Official Statement

In an official statement, Angelina Love addressed her re-signing with ROH:

“I am extremely happy to have re-signed with Ring Of Honor. I’m very happy working here and look forward to continuing to take the women’s division to new heights this year and beyond. The Allüre will continue to dominate. Just watch.”

Since her time in the ROH, the near 20-year veteran has enjoyed a single reign as the ROH Women’s Champion. She won the title back in September 2019. Having vacated the championship, ROH was due to hold a tournament to determine a new ROH Women’s World Champion.

These plans were derailed, unfortunately, due to the current coronavirus pandemic. The outbreak has forced several sports organizations to delay and cancel events, with pro wrestling being heavily affected.

Edge Shares What “Reignited” His Love Of Pro Wrestling

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Returning Superstar Edge defeated Randy Orton this past weekend at WrestleMania 36. The two clashed in a hellacious Last Man Standing match. Reflecting on his triumphant return to in-ring action, Edge caught up Corey Graves on his WWE podcast, After the Bell. During their conversation, he divulged that it was his work on the Edge and Christian Show that “reignited” his love for the industry.

Edge confessed he had gravitated away from pro wrestling before his work with Christian on their show. After he was forced to retire back in 2011, it was Christian who suggested that the two team up to create something original. The idea of the Edge and Christian Show would snowball, and eventually air on the WWE Network. 

“We were given freedom to just write this ridiculousness and to see all of those things come to life and to be back involved with my first love. It reignited my love for this.”

At the time of writing, it is unclear as to how “The Rated R Superstar” will be utilized by WWE now that his rivalry with Orton has seemingly come to a conclusion. Reports indicate he has signed a lucrative three-year deal. He has previously expressed his interest in helping to teach the next generation of WWE Superstars. 

Braun Strowman Reveals Aftermath Of Royal Rumble 2018 Encounter With Brock Lesnar

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New WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman has reflected on his exchange with Brock Lesnar during 2018’s Royal Rumble. After delivering a knee that Lesnar considered to be too stiff, “The Beast Incarnate” would unleash a few legitimate shots to Strowman. Speaking with talkSPORT about their encounter, Strowman revealed that the two Superstars simply laughed it off backstage.

“We laughed about it afterwards,” Strowman confessed. “It is what it is. We got to the back and I said ‘Hey, my bad,’ he said the same thing and we went about our business. We’re both grown ups, we both knew what we were getting into and at the end of the day, we’re both very dominant males and neither of us wanted to give in an inch, so in the end we took an inch from each other.”

Whenever working with Lesnar, Braun Strowman shared how he adopted the mentality that he’s heading into a real fight. Referencing their Royal Rumble moment, Strowman joked how he “got a little ants in my pants.” He claimed Lesnar did too. They then threw some heavy shots at each other and then carried on.

Although Braun Strowman had reason to celebrate following this weekend’s WrestleMania 36, Lesnar did not. He lost his WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre during the main event of Night Two.

Jordan Devlin: WWE’s Cruiserweight Tournament Is “Shocking And Disrespectful”

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NXT General Manager recently joined WWE show The Bump. During his appearance, Regal revealed that NXT will be holding a tournament to declare an Interim NXT Cruiserweight champion. The decision was made as current Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin is currently in the United Kingdom.

Devlin is unable to travel to the United States to defend his title due to the current coronavirus pandemic. WWE’s decision to crown an interim champion, however, has seemingly rankled Devlin.

Taking to Twitter, Jordan Devlin called WWE’s decision shocking and disrespectful. He then stressed how they can crown a new champion and give them a replica of his title, but the WWE Universe all know who the real champion is.

Devlin wrote: “First things first, absolutely shocking and disrespectful decision by @WWE management. Secondly, you can crown a fraud champion and give him a little replica of my title, but everyone around the world knows who the REAL NXT Cruiserweight Champion still is.”

At the time of writing, there is no indication as to when this new tournament will take place. Regal shared that he would be revealing further details in the next few days.

He also intends to provide an update on the NXT Tag Team Championships, currently held by Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne. Much like Devlin, Dunne is presently stuck in the United Kingdom and is unable to travel due to worldwide travel bans. 

Bully Ray Believes The Boneyard Match Is AJ Styles’ Greatest Work

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Night One of WrestleMania 36 was headlined by WWE’s cinematic Boneyard matchup. The bout saw The Undertaker take on AJ Styles in a pre-recorded movie-style clash. During WWE show The Bump, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared how it was probably the best performance he had ever seen from AJ Styles. 

Bully Ray praised several matches from across WrestleMania weekend. He shared that the Boneyard matchup was his favorite. He noted how the concept was an out the box idea, especially with The Undertaker showing up as The American Badass. 

After the match, Bully Ray text Styles. He referenced the fact they have a history together, having both worked in the same companies before WWE. The Hall of Famer then relayed how he told Styles his match “was the greatest thing I’ve ever seen you involved in.”

He stressed how the match “didn’t include one wrestling move” and that wrestling moves didn’t matter. Instead, it was all about the storytelling and the spectacle. He explained how he had never been more emotionally invested in AJ Styles than during this match.

Bully Ray Proposes A Dream Match

Bully Ray argued how this match represented a rebirth for The Undertaker. He acknowledged how The Undertaker can’t continue to wrestle throughout the year, noting how he has maybe one or two matches left in him.

However, if ‘Taker continues to compete in cinematic matchups like the Boneyard Match, he wouldn’t be unhappy about that decision. If WWE does continue to pursue this style for The Undertaker going forward, Bully Ray explained it’s the perfect scenario to deliver a matchup between ‘Taker and Sting. 

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