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Corey Graves Praises 205 Live Match, Details On WWE2K19 Universe Mode

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Corey Graves Praises 205 Live Match

WWE Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live color commentator Corey Graves recently took to his official Twitter account to praise a match that took place on this week’s episode of WWE 205 Live in Denver, CO at the Pepsi Center on the WWE Network. The match saw Hideo Itami battle Mustafa Ali in a singles match.

He wrote the following, “Go out of your way to watch @WWE205Live tonight. @MustafaAliWWE & @HideoItami tear the freaking house down. I promise.”

Details On WWE2K19 Universe Mode

The first details about the Universe Mode in the upcoming WWE 2K19 video game have been released. In these details that were made public through 2K Games on Thursday, there have been some changes made to the mode for the latest installment of the franchise. Those changes include the championship system being expanded to allow six championships per show, new customization options to make it possible to assign multiple women’s titles or tag titles to a show, and Money in the Bank briefcases, which are now fully customizable, will take a championship slot.

The game will be released on October 9, 2018 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. As noted, WWE Champion AJ Styles will be on the cover of the game while Rey Mysterio and Ronda Rousey will be featured as the pre-order bonus characters. Here are some other changes made to the game but you can see the full list here:

– Managers are now available to assign to Superstars. In fact, you can assign up to three of them for any given Superstar. Managers will appear alongside the Superstars in One on One and normal Tag Team matches.

– Promos now incorporate recent events. A former champion will talk about losing the title and ask for a rematch. Rivals will talk about wins and losses, interferences or blindside attacks that happened last week. Many new promo animations have been added. While every Superstar comes with a pre-set “Promo Attitude,” you can customize any of them so that they behave the way you want.

– Last but not least, you can go through matchups in your Universe and decide the winners and losers of the matches without having to play the match yourself or rely on a random result!

Details On Viewership For WWE 205 Live After Moving To Wednesday’s

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WWE continues to make changes in order to improve and draw more viewers for the 205 Live brand. The latest change made was moving the show after Smackdown Live on Tuesday nights to Wednesday nights prior to NXT.

Part of the reason for this was due to WWE airing Mixed Match Challenge live on Facebook after SmackDown ends. Whether this is a permanent change for good remains to be seen. By doing this, the belief was that it would help boost viewership numbers. Also, many fans were calling for it due to the audience that attends the live shows leaving before 205 Live starts.

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the change of nights has helped so far as he noted the September 19th episode “did significantly better than the live version on Tuesday”.

It also ranked in the fourth spot in the list of the top 10 WWE Network shows of the week. This episode was just behind the September 19th episode of NXT as well as episode 3 of the Mae Young Classic and the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view replay.

205 Live lost its way shortly after premiering. The show featured a “WWE sports entertainment” vibe and not the sports-based feel that made the tournament such a hit when it was a special tournament. Since Triple H took over the creative for it earlier this year, fans have been more prone to praise the show and tune in.

Abyss On Who He Thinks Should Be Next Impact Wrestling HOF Inductee, Staying Loyal To Company

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Abyss continues to make the media rounds to promote the brand of Impact Wrestling, which has taken great strides in improvement with not only their storylines but the in-ring product this year, as well his latest accomplishment.

Abyss recently spoke with SportsKeeda to talk about various topics including who he thinks should be inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame next year. This is when the TNA Original stated that there are a lot of people who are deserving but the first name that comes to mind is Mike Tenay because he believes Tenay was the heart of this company for a lot of years and is a dear friend of his. He added that Tenay has helped him so much and put him over strong throughout his career in pro wrestling.

Staying Loyal

Abyss will be celebrated and honored for his contributions to Impact Wrestling next month as the promotion has chosen him to be this year’s Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee. The ceremony will take place on October 13th in New York City at McHale’s Pub. He’s a former World Champion, X-Division Champion, and World Tag Team Champion. When asked about why he stayed loyal to the brand, he brought up how they gave him a chance and took a gamble on him.

“And I was hired immediately afterwards. And they invested in me personally and professionally. Sure, the ups and downs are well documented that this company has gone through. Some of the lows and some of the trials and tribulations that occurred under past regimes. And I must emphasize past when I say that. We fought through a lot. A lot of people were betting against us. We pulled through it together. The talent did. We did. The company did. The office did. This company has always treated me well. This company has always treated me with respect. I was one of the founding members of this company. I was one of the cinder blocks that it’s sitting on top of.”

He continued to state that it always carried a lot of weight in him as being one of the original members of this company and that the promotion has been home to him for over 16 years now.

Sheamus Takes Shot At Total Divas While Housesitting For Rusev & Lana

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Rusev, Sheamus, and Lana all participated recently in the WWE 2K19 roster reveal. During their live stream of the roster reveal, Sheamus took a crack at Total Divas. He said something to the effect of “we’re not watching that s**t!”

Evidently, Rusev and Lana asked Sheamus to housesit for them recently. Sheamus posted the following to his Instagram followers, insinuating he’s changed his mind about the show.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoNXn96F5ib/?taken-by=wwesheamus

Sheamus and The Bar

Former WWE Champion, Sheamus, is currently part of the Bar with Cesaro. The team recently celebrated their 2-year anniversary, having wrestled their first match together on September 16th, 2016. Originally, the team was a mismatched pair, as fans would cheer for Cesaro and boo Sheamus. Over time, however, they just became a regular team.

Now known as the Bar, Cesaro and Sheamus are 4x former Raw Tag Team Champions. They have yet to win the belts since moving to Smackdown, however. They will have their chance to earn gold for the first time on the blue brand in Australia at Super Show-Down, however. The Bar will take on current champion, the New Day.

Impact Wrestling Announces Las Vegas TV Tapings In November

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Impact Wrestling confirmed today what had only been alluded to previously: the company will film 3 nights worth of television tapings from Las Vegas in November. The venue will be Ring of Honor’s old Las Vegas venue, Sam’s Town Casino. The tapings are scheduled from November 11th, 2018 to November 13th, 2018.

Fans can purchase front row tickets for all 3 nights for just $75. Previously, Impact has been running just 2 nights of tapings per month.

Impact Wrestling 2018 Schedule

The promotion owned by Anthem Sports and Entertainment has made international expansion a key part of their year. Anthem owns the Fight Network which is located in Toronto but works internationally. The company was just able to strike a deal to have the Fight Network aired in the UK.

Impact is said to be the second-highest ratings earner for the Fight Network, which is what led to Anthem being keen on purchasing the promotion.

So far in 2018, Impact has run shows in the UK, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. They have also worked with promotions in Australia as well. The Global Wrestling Network, the Anthem-owned streaming services, features many of the promotions Impact has partnered with so far this year. World Series Wrestling, Destiny, Smash, RISE, and others are all featured on the Global Wrestling Network.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvc0Pd8AhBI

Impact Wrestling Preview 9/27: Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Faby Apache

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Impact Wrestling presents their second show from their Mexico City tapings tonight. After tonight, just two more episodes will air before Bound for Glory in New York City.

Impact Wrestling Preview 9/27

Knockouts Championship
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Faby Apache

Last week on Impact Wrestling, AAA Reina De Reinas Champion, Faby Apache, defeated Alisha Edwards. After the match, she challenged Knockouts Champion, Tessa Blanchard, to a title match. Blanchard and Faby were involved in an altercation in the locker room earlier when Blanchard was acting entitled regarding where she could put her bag down.

Blanchard will be looking for her 3rd straight title defense. She’s successfully defended the belt against Su Yung on Impact from Toronto and against Gisele Shaw at a One Night Only show from Mississauga.

Johnny Impact & Eddie Edwards vs Moose & Killer Kross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWuVrcCCU80

This match has been announced as the main event tonight despite the Knockouts title match also scheduled. Johnny Impact’s first episode of Survivor aired last night. He’ll be looking to get revenge on Aries’ two run-in buddies ahead of their title clash at Bound For Glory.

Eddie Edwards will face Moose at Bound For Glory but tonight he’ll have a chance to get his hands on his former ally as well.

Su Yung & The Undead Maid Of Honor vs Kiera Hogan & Allie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgK0KF5Abts

Allie and Kiera Hogan have made it their mission to stop Su Yung from locking anyone else inside a coffin. They will get their chance to take out Yung and her Undead Maid Of Honor tonight in tag-team action.

Tessa Blanchard has her eyes on Allie, however, and feels the former Knockouts Champion is just angling to get a crack at her belt. We’ll see if Blanchard gets involved this week. She has a history with both sides of this tag match, after all.

Scarlett Bordeaux Announcement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_bJnxRv2GE

Scarlett Bordeaux has been giving advice to several wrestlers as of late. Her advice to KM and Fallah Bah helped the team get on the same page and pick up a win. It didn’t help Fallah Bah much in his Impact World Championship match 2 weeks ago, however.

The Smoke Show is set to make an announcement tonight. Bordeaux’s popularity in Mexico has been rising rapidly as of late so it will be interesting to see the reaction she gets. Her highlights on YouTube from AAA are hitting high numbers.

Brian Cage vs Jake Crist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4apQDLeV-Ik&t=13s

Brian Cage will team up with the Lucha Brothers at Bound For Glory to take on Sami Callihan and oVe. Tonight, Cage gets a chance to get his hands on one of Callihan’s minions when he takes on Jake Crist.

The Desi Hit Squad vs LAX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4JPgHrVUZU&t=14s

It was revealed last week that the Desi Hit Squad have a non-title match against LAX tonight. A win in a non-title match would likely move Great Gama Singh’s team into position for a title match. LAX will have to look over their shoulders as well since King and the OGZ will likely have something in store for them now that we are less than 3 weeks away from their Concrete Jungle Deathmatch at Bound For Glory.

Title Match Announced For WWE Evolution

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A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE Evolution PPV. As seen on this week’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network, which was taped last week in Winter Park, FL at Full Sail University, it was revealed that Shayna Baszler would get her rematch for the NXT Women’s Title against Kairi Sane at this show.

If you recall, Sane defeated Baszler to win the title at the WWE NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 event in Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center. This wasn’t the first time that they worked against each other as Sane defeated Baszler in the tournament finals of the first Mae Young Classic that took place last year. She was then signed by the WWE and placed in the NXT brand.

The Evolution pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Long Island, New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and will air on the WWE Network. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming weeks.

Updated WWE Evolution Card

  • Singles Match: Trish Stratus vs. Alexa Bliss
  • Singles Match: Mickie James vs. Lita
  • NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler

What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.

Update On WWE And Impact Wrestling Meetings

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Last week, reports were that WWE officials met with Scott D’Amore and Ed Nordholm from Impact Wrestling. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer, it was WWE who reached out to Impact for the meeting and not the other way around. Previous reports had stated it was Impact doing the pitching but that is now being refuted.

“It was WWE that requested the meeting, that Impact pitching as we reported was not correct,” Meltzer wrote. He would continue to say that reports of Impact being up for sale are not true.

Impact Wrestling Financial Situation Moving Forward

“It was said that no deal of any note came out of the meeting and that while Impact has been a huge money loser for most of its existence, the bleeding money of 2017 has also been turned around this year and it’s a much more efficient business.”

While it appears not much of note came out of the meeting, the two sides appear to have a far more agreeable working relationship than ever before.

“As far as the meeting goes, really the only thing being said is that the days when the two sides were enemies are supposed to be over.”

Don Callis was not said to be in attendance during the meetings, however.

Impact Wrestling airs their second show from the Mexico City tapings later tonight.

Neville Update: When Will Pac Return?

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In 4 days it will be a full calendar year since Neville (FKA Pac) will have competed in a professional wrestling match. That was an October 1st 205 Live house show match against Enzo Amore. Neville won the match via DQ but failed to regain his lost WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

Then Neville left WWE despite still being under contract. WWE didn’t want to set the precedent that guys could just walk out and be granted a release, so he remained on the sidelines.

According to WWE, Neville has now been granted his release and is free to wrestle wherever, whenever, and against whoever he pleases. Despite this, Neville has gone “off the grid” and is not responding to bookers, wrestlers, or many within the wrestling business who have been attempting to contact him.

Where Is Neville/Pac?

Will Ospreay was hoping he would be able to wrestle Neville at WrestleKingdom this year but his interest in the match appears to be one-sided. His situation was addressed in the most recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

“(Neville) was in talks with some promotions but told them he wasn’t ready to start yet, citing legal issues,” Dave Meltzer wrote. “He’s then completely gone off the grid and hasn’t responded to promoters as best we can tell. Will Ospreay wanted to do a singles match with him at Wrestle Kingdom but we have no idea if he’s up for that or anything in wrestling right now.”

It had previously been reported that the “legal issues” Neville had cited was his contract status with WWE, which the promotion denies is the case.

The Young Bucks To Reduce NJPW Touring Schedule

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Current IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Matt & Nick Jackson, will not be appearing on as many NJPW tours moving forward. The Young Bucks are now in a position where it makes sense for them to only participate in the bigger NJPW shows.

According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer, the Young Bucks will not participate in the World Tag League this November despite being IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. The last time the heavyweight tag champs didn’t participate in the tournament was 2009 when the titles were held by Team 3-D.

The Young Bucks NJPW Schedule To Reduce

“In the spot they are in now, it really doesn’t make sense both for ROH which they are key players on every show, as well as time with family, and even non-wrestling autograph show bookings which they can get when ROH doesn’t have weekend shows,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

The Young Bucks will continue to play a key role on big shows, however, especially when the promotion holds shows in the United States. It sounds as though the “Road to ___” shows will rarely feature the Bucks in the future.

At Fighting Spirit Unleashed this Sunday, the Bucks will defend their IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships against Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa, the Guerrillas of Destiny. At Death Before Dishonor tomorrow, the Bucks will team with Cody, Marty Scurll, and Hangman Page to take on CHAOS.

Tanahashi Voices Concern Over Americanization of NJPW

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With Fighting Spirit Unleashed about to take place this Sunday at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, njpw1972.com have been running a series of interviews with some of their top stars before they arrive on American soil.

Today, NJPW has released an informative interview with New Japan’s Ace, and G1 Climax 28 winner, Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Tanahashi has been vocal recently over his lack of respect for Bullet Club leader, Kenny Omega, and has openly called out wrestlers he wants to face in the build to Wrestle Kingdom 13, including Okada, who was also recently interviewed.

This discussion is no different, with Tanahashi openly admitting frustration over New Japan’s booking decisions with their last American foray, March’s Strong Style Evolved event. That night was headlined by The Young Bucks versus Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi.

Strong Style Devolved

Looking back, Tanahashi remarked that he “recorded a podcast afterward with KUSHIDA. I think he’d had a few drinks and was mad, asked ‘Was that really a New Japan main event?!?’”

Tanahashi admits he was frustrated as well, confessing, “That was the booking that the company felt was best for the American fans. I wasn’t so much thinking ‘that’s the wrong move’, but I did think ‘maybe it’s time to reflect on where the rest of us are lacking’. We weren’t in a position where our programs were main event worthy,” he explained, “and I think the responsibility for that fell on us somewhat.”

“The Real Deal. That’s What I Want To Show Them”

He then broached an issue that seems to have been weighing on his mind – one that is as candid as it is critical:

“I really felt then that if NJPW was going to keep going to America, we needed to stop trying to alter things to try and make them more American. It should be New Japan Pro Wrestling, as is, in the States. We really need to show that ‘Made In Japan’ aspect, I think.”

Juxtaposing this with a memory of watching the WWE in 2002, Tanahashi said, “I want to show that Made In Japan feel. With NJPW World there are so many fans now that watch our cards live or near live. I want to bring them what they see streaming on their devices in person right in front of them,” he said, before recalling, “It reminds me of when WWE came to Japan and I was at the show. It would have been 2002 maybe? The Rock was definitely there (March 1 2002, Yokohama Arena). They had a Japanese ring announcer translating what the English announcer said. Whenever that guy spoke he got booed.”

“They were saying ‘forget the translation, we want to see the authentic American product’ I think. I think there are American fans that want the same from NJPW. Not something rearranged for ‘American tastes’ but the real deal. That’s what I want to show them.”

You can read the full interview here.

What do you think of The Ace’s latest thoughts? Agree or disagree with his take on New Japan’s recent US booking decisions?

Joey Janela Provides Injury Update

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Joey Janela took to Twitter in order to provide fans with an update to the injury he recently sustained during a Game Changer Wrestling event. The match took place September 21st in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

https://twitter.com/JANELABABY/status/1045069791898284034

He details the moment the injury occurred, reflecting on hitting a crossbody dive onto his opponent, Psicosis. Janela highlights that the move is one he has “hit a hundred times, without issue.”

“I just came down wrong. Bad. On my left leg. Badly contorted my left knee. It bent into a position that a human’s leg should never bend in.”

“It’s A Long List Of Things…”

The Bad Boy then informed fans that had received his MRI results and that, sadly, “it’s a long list of things.”

“I completely tore and destroyed my PCL. I completely tore and destroyed my MCL. There’s an impaction fracture in the one of the bones in my knee that I don’t know how to pronounce,” he joked, before pressing on, “[…] I have a mild bone contusion in another bone in my knee. A sprain, a fibular collateral ligament. A partial tear of another ligament. Patellofemoral ligament. I have a ACL sprain and a small knee infusion.”

“That’s about 8 things. I’m going to need surgery, it seems like,” he divulged. “I talked to a few specialists, and I’m going to be out for a long while. I’m going to disappear for a bit.”

Joey then promised, “When I come back 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 months from now, I’m going to be better than ever. Thank you.”

https://twitter.com/badbadbrain/status/1043361240859533314

Wade Barrett Was “Miserable” For A While In WWE

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Wade Barrett was miserable for a long while before leaving WWE. Barrett had begun his professional wrestling career back in 2004. WWE signed him to a deal in 2006 and he’d subsequently go through two of their developmental territories. Those two territories being Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW).

Upon his call-up to the main roster, Barrett led a memorable “Nexus” faction and had a rather successful singles career. The Englishman captured five Intercontinental Titles and won the 2015 King Of The Ring tournament. He was subsequently released from the company in May of 2016 after refusing to re-sign with the company.

Despite taking a step back in wrestling, Barrett has done work for both Defiant Wrestling and World Of Sport since leaving WWE. Speaking recently on The Sam Roberts’ Podcast, Barrett revealed that he was “miserable” for a long time before finally leaving WWE:

“I was miserable for a long time for the last few years I was in WWE,” Barrett said. “I have no beef or hate for them, but it was just how I was feeling at the time.

“Once upon a time if you go back to the early 2000s all the way to 2014 all I cared about in life was being a wrestler, going on the road, performing in front of crowds, getting big, climbing the ladder. But then at some point around 2015 it took a giant U-turn and thought to myself, ‘wait a minute? What am I doing here? This isn’t the direction that I want.’”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Renee Young Comments On Dean Ambrose’s “Scary” Health Issues

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The WWE Universe is glad to have Dean Ambrose back on TV. “The Lunatic Fringe” suffered a tricep injury in December that sidelined him for several months. The road back to the squared circle was a hard one for Ambrose. It took him nearly nine months to make his WWE TV return.

Following surgery, Ambrose went through extensive rehab to get himself back into shape. In fact, he put on a bit of muscle and looks better than ever upon making his return last month. Following his initial surgery in December, however, Ambrose encountered a big problem.

Ambrose’s Scary Health Issues

He suffered an infection from the surgery and needed to be operated on once again to clean it out. After that, Ambrose went through a grueling time and was forced to take antibiotics for months. His wife, Monday Night commentator Renee Young, detailed the “scary” ordeal during an appearance on WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross’ podcast, The Ross Report:

“He ended up having to go back in and having another surgery on his arm. He tore his tricep and went for surgery in December. And then, I remember him calling me New Year’s Day, we had a show in Miami [Florida]. RAW was in Miami and his arm was bleeding everywhere.

“He woke up and there was blood all over the bed and he was so confused by what happened, not being able to fully get a look at what happened to his arm. He kept bandaging it up to get it to reseal as quickly as possible this opening that happened in his arm.

“So he eventually had to go back to Birmingham [Alabama], which is where he had his surgery initially, just for a check in, and that’s when they realized his infection had escalated a lot.

“They had to go back in and clean it out. He was on antibiotics for months! It was really scary, just knowing the severity.” Young said. “It was really tough to see somebody that you love go through something like that, especially somebody like Dean who is this indestructible force and to see him down and out with something like that, it was… yeah, it was tough to go through.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsdhhNvMsAE

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Batista Details Insane Restaurant Brawl From His Youth

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Former WWE Champion Batista has enjoyed a nice career since departing WWE. “The Animal” began his professional wrestling career back in 2000 with WWE. After a few years in developmental, Batista was called up to the main roster. He started off as a henchman to WWE Hall Of Famer D-Von Dudley.

Batista would later break off into becoming one of WWE’s biggest stars. He was a member of the famed Evolution faction alongside Ric Flair, Triple H, and Randy Orton. Batista went on to win four World Heavyweight Championships and two WWE Titles. He’s also a three-time Tag Team Champion and a two-time Royal Rumble winner.

Following a successful career, Batista left WWE on a full-time basis in 2010. He began focusing on an acting career and returned in 2013 for a run that lasted several months. Batista has seen a lot of success on the big screen. He has landed roles in films such as “Riddick,” “Hotel Artemis,” and “Blade Runner.”

Batista has also become a staple in the Marvel film franchise “The Avengers.” This is due to his key role in the “Guardians Of The Galaxy” franchise. Before Batista saw immense success in the entertainment industry, he had a bit of a rough childhood.

He detailed his youth during an interview on the “Inside Of You” podcast. In fact, Batista shared a story about a crazy fight he got himself into in the late ’90s. Here’s how he described it:

“No, but I’ve had a few rough ones. I got into a fight with this kid, I didn’t want to—it happened so fast—it escalated so fast that I didn’t even know I was going to be in a fight. He hit me with this wet floor sign [laughs] that knocked me so silly. We got into this fight in a Fuddrucker’s [fast food restaurant].

“This guy was looking at my girlfriend, and I looked over at him. This was 199…5-6ish? Around there, but this kid’s looking at my girlfriend and I look over at him, and like ‘why is he being so disrespectful?’ and his friend says something to him [about how] I’m looking at him.

“And he goes ‘I don’t give a shit. I’ll punch him in his face three times before he hits me once.’ He was much smaller than me. And I was like, ‘what’d you say?’ and he walks up to me all aggressive and he said ‘you heard what the fuck I said’ so I just pushed him. He flies back and he goes ‘oh hell no! hell no!’ and he goes and picks up this wet floor sign, and I didn’t think he was going to do it, he whacks me on the head with it.

“Not only did I stumble, but he tackles me and we go flying back into the salad bar—I swear to God—we break the salad bar. We start fighting and I beat this kid’s ass, we end up outside and I’m choking him, and he finally goes ‘alright, alright, alright!’ So I let him go, and I’m just a disaster, my girlfriend’s crying, I’m going ‘what the hell’s going on?’ The restaurant is a disaster and I’m like ‘let’s just go.’

“Later the police came and arrested me. Apparently because I pushed him, I started it. They ended up dropping all of the charges, but they did arrest me for it, also because we left, we left the scene of a crime.”

What do you think of Batista’s crazy fight story?

H/T WrestleZone for the transcriptions

Sean Waltman On Liv Morgan Getting Concussed During RAW

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This past Monday on RAW, professional wrestling fans witnessed a rather disturbing moment. A Six-Woman Tag Team match took place between The Bella Twins and Natalya versus The Riott Squad. During the match, Brie Bella hit Liv Morgan with a series of YES! Kicks.

One of the kicks, however, hit Morgan square in the face. Morgan went limp and folded over, seemingly unconscious. Bella later dragged Morgan over to her corner and she was tagged out of the match. During the commercial break, Morgan was taken backstage to receive medical attention.

X-Pac’s Take

Former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman took to his podcast, X-Pac 12360, and offered his thoughts. Here’s what he had to say:

“The natural instinct when you get concussed, when you get knocked out, as soon as you come up is to get up and fight and keep going,” said Waltman. “It’s a really weird experience because you all of a sudden are laying on the ground and there’s this déjà vu thing. Happens every time I have a concussion. Even last year in the U.K, I got knocked out and it was the same thing all of a sudden I am on the ground on the mat having déjà vu going through my head.

“It’s a tough call in a situation like that on live TV and everyone is in the moment. I saw a clip of that and to me it just looks like the last one caught her because she was registering the kicks when she would get kicked. It was just their timing, it got messed up, it looked like to me. And as she was coming back down from registering the kick she got kicked with the last one. It looked like just the last one is what knocked her out to me.

“Sh-t happens, and no one means to do that… I am not gonna fault anyone for not doing anything if wasn’t part of protocol. However, this might be a good learning experience to start training the referees on what to do… That would be something I am pretty sure they’re already talking about.”

What do you make of Waltman’s comments regarding Morgan and Bella?

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

WWE NXT Recap & Results (9/26)

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William Regal Gave Undisputed Era Some Bad News

Undisputed ERA NXT 9 26

NXT GM William Regal kicked off this week’s episode of NXT. Regal came down to the ring and said that he is getting closer to finding out who attacked Aleister Black. Undisputed Era rudely interrupted and made their way to the entrance ramp.

Adam Cole complained about Regal not doing his job and pretending to be Sherlock Holmes every week. Cole noted that the attack on Black is Regal’s fault and that is in the past. Roderick Strong complained about War Raiders attacking them every week and demanded that Regal do something about it.

Regal stated that he finds it interesting that Undisputed Era interrupted while he was talking about the investigation. Undisputed Era got in the ring and got in Regal’s face. Cole claimed that Regal was trying to change the subject.

Cole then went on a rant about Ricochet avoiding him and Regal giving Pete Dunne a championship opportunity. Adam then demanded that he get his championship rematch right now. Regal scolded Cole for interfering in their match last week and told Cole that he will not be getting his title rematch.

Regal added that Cole will get an opportunity in two weeks in a Triple Threat match for the NXT North American Championship in two weeks. Regal then announced that Undisputed Era will defend their NXT Tag Team Championships against War Raiders in three weeks. The crowd chanted “thank you Regal!” as the segment concluded.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1045103869896912896

EC3 Got Revenge On Lars Sullivan

EC3 nxt 8 15
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Sullivan faced a Victor Orchant on this week’s episode of NXT and absolutely destroyed him. EC3 attacked Sullivan during the match and Clotheslined him out of the ring. Sullivan grabbed EC3 by the neck but EC3 fought him off and blasted Lars off the apron. EC3 dared Sullivan to get into the ring with him but Lars smiled and then retreated up the entrance ramp.

It was later announced that EC3 will face Lars Sullivan on next week’s episode of NXT.

The Mighty Defeated Street Profits

The Mighty Win NXT 9 26

The Mighty faced Street Profits tonight on NXT. Before the match, Angelo Dawkins blasted Thorne in the face. Dawkins and Miller started off the match and Angelo beat the hell out of Miller in the corner of the ring. Thorne tagged in and Dawkins planted him with a Bulldog.

Montez Ford tagged in and flipped onto Thorne outside the ring. Ford brought Shane back into the ring and went for a cover but Thorne kicked out at two. Dawkins tagged in and Thorne battled back with a Dropkick. Thorne brought Dawkins to the corner of the ring and stomped on him a few times before tagging in Nick Miller.

Miller continued to beatdown Dawkins in the corner of the ring. Dawkins battled back and then leaped across the ring to tag in Ford. Montez Clotheslined Thorne out of the ring and followed it up with an Enziguri to Miller. Miller launched Ford into the ring post and then Thorne Dropkicked the steel steps into Ford’s knee.

Back in the ring, Miller targetted Ford’s knee with his attack and stomped in on it several times. Shane Thorne tagged in and continued to target Ford’s injured knee. Miller tagged in and connected with a Russian Leg Sweep and then a Clothesline for a near fall.

Shane Thorne then applied the Figure Four in the center of the ring. Ford screamed in pain but was able to break the hold with a massive chop to Miller’s chest. Thorne quickly tagged in and went after Ford in the corner of the ring. Thorne rolled up Ford for the victory while Miller prevented Dawkins from breaking it up on the ring apron.

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Kairi Sane Will Face Baszler Once Again At WWE Evolution

Baszler Sane NXT 9 26

NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane faced Vanessa Borne on this week’s episode of NXT. Borne stole Sane’s pirate hat before the match and booted it across the ring. Sane got pissed off and got right in Vanessa’s face. Kairi took Borne down to the mat and delivered a kick to her lower back.

Borne shrugged it off and planted Sane with a Suplex for a near fall. Vanessa applied a Headlock to Sane in the middle of the ring as the crowd chanted “Kairi!”. Sane broke free with a few shots to Vanessa’s ribs. Sane followed it up with a massive DDT and then pounded on the mat to fire herself up.

The crowd clapped as Sane connected with two Clotheslines and then the Interceptor Spear. Sane marched around the ring before delivering the sliding elbow. Kairi made her way to the top rope and hit the Insane Elbow for the pinfall victory.

Shayna Baszler then came down to the ring as Kairi stood with the NXT Women’s Championship. Sane raised the title as Baszler entered the ring with a microphone in her hand. Shayna claimed that she is going to be taking Kairi’s title soon. Baszler admitted that the loss to Sane in Brooklyn hurt her and that she wasn’t going to take that out on Sane right now.

Baszler announced that she will be invoking her rematch clause and will take back her title. Kairi then challenged Baszler to the match at WWE Evolution. Baszler nodded her head and went to walk away. Kairi then vowed to beat Baszler again at the PPV and raised the title in Baszler’s face to end the promo.

Tommaso Ciampa Escaped With A Victory Over Otis Dozovic

Tommaso Ciampa NXT 9 26

Otis Dozovic squared off against NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa in the main event of this week’s show. Otis started off the bout in control and launched Ciampa out of the ring. Back in the ring, Ciampa went for a Crossbody off the top rope but Otis caught him and dropped him with a Body Slam.

Dozovic brought Ciampa back to the outside and hit him with a chop to the chest while Tommaso was up against the barricade. Otis taunted Ciampa in the ring and then stood on Tommaso’s back while he tried to get back inside.

Otis then bounced Ciampa’s head off the ring apron. Ciampa hit Otis with a cheap shot and then hurried back to the ring. Ciampa demanded that the referee start counting but brutally attacked Otis when he started to get back up with a flurry of forearms to the back of his head.

Ciampa then hit Otis with a knee to the face and brought him back into the ring. Ciampa delivered another running knee strike and went for the cover but Otis somehow kicked out at two. Ciampa followed it up with a Neckbreaker and then locked in a Sleeper Hold.

Otis used his body weight to his advantage and fell back onto Ciampa to break the hold. Dozovic hit a few shots to Ciampa’s face and then hurled him across the ring. Otis then hit a gigantic shoulder tackle for a near fall. Ciampa rolled out of the ring and grabbed his title.

Tommaso retreated up the entrance ramp but Tucker Knight emerged on the top of the ramp. Otis then hit Ciampa with a Clothesline and then brought him back into the ring. Dozovic launched Ciampa across the ring once again and then chased him around the ring.

Dozovic caught up to Ciampa and planted him with a Belly to Belly Suplex on the floor outside the ring. Back in the ring, Otis connected with an Elbow Drop for a near fall. Ciampa hit Otis with another cheap shot but Dozovic shrugged it off and planted Tommaso with a Powerbomb for a near fall.

Otis made his way to the top rope but Ciampa escaped to the ring apron. Tommaso then hit Otis with a DDT on the apron and then another one inside the ring for the pinfall victory.

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Kona Reeves and Keith Lee also had an altercation backstage during this week’s show.

Nikki Cross informed NXT GM William Regal that she knows who attacked Aleister Black in the parking lot. She later interrupted Undisputed Era during an interview.

Johnny Gargano will return to action next week to face Tony Nese. Gargano was interviewed backstage during the show and said that he wanted to get back to the person he used to be. Lacey Evans then confronted Candice LeRae in the parking lot.

Hulk Hogan Sends Out Teaser About Potential WWE Return

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We noted earlier on the site that there has been a lot of speculation regarding the next appearance for Hulk Hogan at a WWE event especially at the WWE Crown Jewel event once Chairman of the General Sports Authority in Saudi Arabia (Al-Sheikh) sent out a photo on his official Twitter account of Hogan. Hogan sent out this teaser on Twitter about a potential WWE return:

“Back in the day the challenge was simple, work 300 days a year even if you’re hurt if you want to keep your spot. Today? Well maybe we’ll just have to find out, brother. HH #wwf #wwe.”

He was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame earlier this year after Hogan was fired from WWE in the summer of 2015 after racially charged comments from a sex tape came to light. Gawker alleged that Hogan only filed a lawsuit against them to prevent the racial statements from being released.

There’s no doubt that one of the biggest names that WWE and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon ever created was Hogan. He has been a household name in the world of professional wrestling for decades now.

He has wrestled some of the biggest names in the history of pro wrestling, and although he has a long-lasting relationship with the company, there have been some hiccups between the two sides throughout the years. The belief is that when WWE is able to bring Hogan back at the right time, they will.

Security Takes Anti-Roman Reigns Fan Sign, Corey Graves Defends Brie Bella

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Security Takes Anti-Roman Reigns Fan Sign

A Twitter user @Dnick235 is claiming on his official Twitter account that while attending, this week’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw in Denver, CO at the Pepsi Center, security confiscated his “Roman Sucks” sign at the show. He noted in his tweet that they told him that “he” doesn’t like the sign, which the fan assumed it was a reference to WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Corey Graves Defends Brie Bella

Corey Graves is the latest wrestling personality to come to the defense of Brie Bella. It’s well known by now that Brie appear to knock out Liv Morgan after landing two accidental kicks to the face during their six-woman tag team match that saw The Bella Twins and Natalya take on Morgan, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan on this week’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW in Denver, CO. Graves tweeted out the following:

“Accurately so. Especially in this day and age full of “experts.” Accidents happen. I had my career ended because of them, and I harbor no ill will. It’s not ballet. Screw everyone that thinks they know/can do better. I wish all of the “smart” fans were actually smart.” He would continue by writing:

WWE SmackDown Live Viewership Takes Hit After RAW’s Historic Low

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Tuesday’s edition of WWE SmackDown Live from Denver averaged 2.193 million viewers, down from 2.281 million the previous week, according to ShowbuzzDaily.

Although this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW was the lowest viewership in history, SmackDown was not able to draw more fans as RAW topped it by 7.2% as it drew 2.350 million viewers, down from last week’s 2.672 million viewers.

SmackDown had some notable moments including Miz beating R-Truth, WWE United States Title Match that saw Shinsuke Nakamura and Tye Dillinger go to a no contest, a contract signing with Samoa Joe and WWE Champion AJ Styles for their title match at Super Show-Down pay-per-view event that takes place on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia. In case you missed the show, you can check out the results here.

Despite WWE putting some together some intriguing segments for the show, this episode faced some solid competition. The show had to go up against Hannity (3.406 million viewers), Rachel Maddow Show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, Last Word, The Five, The Ingraham Angle, Special Report and The Story. SmackDown was #1 in the 18-49 demographic.

WWE will attempt to rebound next week as it will serve as the go-home show for the Super Show-Down pay-per-view event. As of this writing, there are no matches or segments announced for the show.

Watch: Top 10 Moments from Tuesday’s SmackDown Live (9.25.18)

Carmella Comments On Being A “Rapping Manager” For R-Truth

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Carmella has spent much of her time on the main roster as a heel. She won 2 Money in the Bank matches and the Smackdown Women’s Championship while playing the role. Recently, however, “Mella” has been teaming with R-Truth and has seemingly made an abrupt babyface turn. She spoke with TV Insider recently about her new pairing and everything else that has gone on in her career these last few years.

“I want to keep growing and learning,” Carmella said. “And whatever opportunity I’m given right now like for R-Truth, I will be the best rapping manager for Truth. I want to do whatever I can do to be the best at whatever I’m doing.”

She also mentioned she was thrilled to be ranked an 80 in WWE 2K19 this year.

“First off can we talk about how I’m an 80 in the game. That’s so cool. I thought maybe I’d get 47 or something.”

Carmella and R-Truth: The Fabulous Truth

R-Truth and Carmella form the team “The Fabulous Truth” in this year’s Mixed Match Challenge. They dropped their opening round-robin match to last year’s winners, Asuka and Miz.

Carmella also commented on the strides made in WWE’s women’s divisions in the last few years.

“It’s crazy to think in a few months we’ve gone from, ‘Oh my gosh, the women are the main event of SmackDown Live. Can you believe it?’ And now the women are the main event. It’s not even a big deal. It has become the norm. I think that is rightfully so. It’s about time.”

The full interview with TV Insider can be read here.

Mae Young Classic Preview 9/26: Io Shirai Returns To WWE

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The Mae Young Classic completes the 1st round tonight on the WWE Network. Matches 13-16 are scheduled to air following tonight’s episodes of NXT and 205 Live.

Mae Young Classic Preview 9/26

Io Shirai vs Xia Brookside

There is a lot of hype around both of these two. Shirai’s hype train was only derailed last year when WWE didn’t sign her following a medical. She was said to have been dealing with neck problems at the time. Shirai seems ready to go now, however, and WWE seems happy to have her.

At only 19, Brookside is likely the youngest person in WWE’s developmental system. Her step-father is NXT trainer and UK legend, Robbie Brookside, however, which likely means she’s been training long before her official debut as a wrestler in 2015 (when she was still only 15 years old).

Rachel Evers vs Hiroyo Matsumoto

Paul Ellering’s daughter, Rachel Evers, is a graduate of the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary. While not signed to WWE, Evers has wrestled for the promotion frequently in the last few years. She has also competed professionally in power-lifting.

A 13-year pro, Matsumoto made a name for herself in Japan’s Stardom promotion. PWI ranked her 25th in the female single’s wrestlers in 2017.

Jessie Elaban vs Taynara Conti

23-year-old Taynara Conti is the first female Brazilian wrestler in WWE history. She is well-versed in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu and currently assigned to the WWE Performance Center. Conti has appeared several times on NXT, usually in a losing effort. She has also competed in artistic gymnastics.

Elaban is also signed to WWE developmental but hasn’t been as visible as Conti on WWE programming. She’s wrestled on the NXT live event schedule but tonight will be her first match on the WWE Network. Elaban is said to be a quirky Superstar who describes her style as a mix of clumsy and goofy.

Isla Dawn vs Nicole Matthews

The Scottish Isla Dawn (Stacy Coates above) also took part in the WWE UK tapings recently and will likely become a big part of that brand. She’s still competing elsewhere, however, so it doesn’t look as though WWE has locked her up yet.

Canadian Nicole Matthews is a veteran of the North American independent scene and was an alternate in the tournament last year. She is a veteran of promotions such as Shimmer, RISE, Defy, and PWA in British Columbia.

Updated Card For Saturday’s ROH TV Taping (9/29)

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Several matches have been announced for the next set of ROH TV tapings. Ring of Honor will hold these tapings on Saturday night at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. For those who are planning to attend this event, you can buy tickets here.

Some of the more high profile matches taking place will include NWA World Heavyweight Champion Cody vs. Willie Mack that will likely serve as the main event, Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham vs. Jushin “Thunder” Liger and KUSHIDA, and Chris Sabin vs. Marty Scurll.

This taping will continue the storylines and matches from their latest big event, which is the Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view event that takes place at the same venue on Friday night. The event will air on traditional PPV outlets and the FITE TV app.

The Card

NWA World Heavyweight Champion Cody vs. Willie Mack

The Young Bucks vs. Best Friends vs. SANADA and EVIL vs. The Addiction or The Briscoes (whoever loses at the Death Before Dishonor PPV)

The Briscoes or The Addiction (whoever wins at Death Before Dishonor PPV) vs. Coast 2 Coast ROH World Tag Team Championship

Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham vs. Jushin “Thunder” Liger and KUSHIDA

Chris Sabin vs. Marty Scurll

Kenny King vs. Chase Owens

What are your thoughts on this card? Sound off in the comment section.

Matt Riddle Says He Wants To Face Cesaro On WWE Main Roster

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NXT’s newest “big thing”, Matt Riddle, has let fans know he’s interested in a potential match with Cesaro. He made the comments on ESPN West Palm’s The Main Event recently.

“In my opinion, if I was going to pick main roster guys, I’ve always had a hunch out for Cesaro,” Riddle said. “I just feel like if we were able to just go at it, make it a fight, I think it would be pretty sensational.”

Matt Riddle On Potential Opponents In WWE

Riddle also mentioned several names on the NXT roster he would also like to face.

“They’ve got so many talented individuals,” Riddle said. “I’ve worked with the majority of them. In NXT, I have probably worked with every top guy from Ricochet to Roderick (Strong), to Kyle (O’Reilly), Adam Cole. The only guys I haven’t really worked with are Velveteen Dream and Lars [Sullivan], some of the other guys that are homegrown.”

Riddle also mentioned the unique shorts he wore during his NXT debut recently. According to Riddle, the small and colorful shorts were actually his wife’s. His normal ring gear has sponsors logos and Riddle didn’t think WWE or NXT would approve.

“I have other gear I wore while I was on the indies and I have a couple sponsors on there and I didn’t want to wear the sponsors in matches,” Riddle continued. “Especially if WWE didn’t sign off on it and NXT didn’t sign off. I didn’t think it was fair for me to wear sponsored clothing while performing under their umbrella without their permission. I just decided to wear little shorts, which were actually my wife’s shorts.

NXT and 205 Live Previews 9/26: Tommaso Ciampa In Action

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Tonight’s episode of NXT will feature something WWE 2K19 is unable to boast: Tommaso Ciampa. The NXT Champion will be in single’s action tonight against Heavy Machinery’s, Otis Dozovic.

205 Live will feature two matches, including Noam Dar vs Lio Rush, which had originally been scheduled for last week.

NXT Preview 9/26
Full Sail University

Tommaso Ciampa vs Otiz Dozovic

Otis Dozovic took part in William Regal’s investigation into the attack on Aleister Black recently. In addition to admitting he broke the toilet in the Performance Center, Dozovic mentioned Ciampa’s name as a possible attacker. This resulted in the champ confronting Dozovic backstage and this match tonight.

William Regal To Address Aleister Black Attack Investigation?

William Regal has been questioning everyone on the NXT roster regarding the Aleister Black situation. WWE is hinting that NXT’s General Manager could address the situation tonight.

Street Profits vs the Mighty

The Street Profits got the win the last time these two teams met but recently the Mighty cost their rival team a match against the Forgotten Sons. Neither of these two teams will move up the rankings until they are able to best the other one.

Kairi Sane In Single’s Action

The Women’s NXT Champion will also be in action tonight as Kairi Sane will step into the ring. Her opponent has yet to be announced meaning it’s likely local talent.

Former NXT Women’s Champion, Shayna Baszler, will likely be watching this match close tonight.

Lars Sullivan In Single’s Action

Sullivan is 2-0 since returning from a broken jaw suffered at the hands of Aleister Black. He’ll be looking to make it 3 straight as he steps into the ring for single’s action tonight. No opponent has been named for him thus far, however.

205 Live Preview 9/26
Pepsi Center
Denver, CO

Lio Rush vs Noam Dar

This match was originally supposed to take place last week but Lio Rush informed Drake Maverick he was not able to fulfill his 205 Live duties because of his responsibilities to Bobby Lashley. Maverick informed Rush he will fulfill his responsibilities to the brand.

Dar and Rush have been going back and forth on social media promoting tonight’s match.

Mustafa Ali vs Hideo Itami

Mustafa Ali has been dealing with injuries suffered from his August clash with Hideo Itami. He returned from injury too soon, landing him back on the shelf as a result. Drake Maverick has been hesitant to put Ali back in action following this. Tonight, however, Maverick has given Ali what he wants most: a shot at revenge on the man who put him out of action, Hideo Itami.