DEFIANT Wrestling has announced that PAC will be making his debut for the company in 2019. The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion is confirmed for the first two dates of 2019’s ‘Loaded’ tapings.
Loaded is a free-to-air programme on YouTube that features many of the top talent from the UK independent scene.The show has seen many iterations over the past few years. DEFIANT sent out the following press release for the return back in September:
“Loaded previously ran for 33 episodes between July 2016 and October 2017, amassing over 25 MILLION views on YouTube. Loaded, at that time, ran under the WCPW (What Culture Pro Wrestling) banner, with WCPW since rebranded as Defiant Wrestling in late 2017 following a diversification from the What Culture brand.”
In other PAC news Dragon Gate announced a huge Championship match for their December 4th show in Korakuen Hall. The former PAC/Neville will be facing Masato Yoshino. The bout will be contested for Yoshino’s Open The Dream Gate Championship.
PAC recently took part in his first singles match since leaving WWE. The former Neville faced Flamita in an International Special Singles Match for Dragon Gate’s ‘The Gate of Destiny’ event (11/04). PAC took the win after hitting his renamed ‘Black Arrow’ in around 18 minutes. You can check out some of the highlights from the incredible bout here
We are coming to Newcastle next year every 5 weeks on Saturdays!
PAC is confirmed for the first two dates (Jan 5/Feb 16).
6-show Season tickets (includes 5 Loaded and Built To Destroy) on sale Friday, Jan 5 individual show tickets on sale Monday.#WeAreDefiantpic.twitter.com/AIIt1UBGLC
NXT UK continued this week with episodes five and six airing on the WWE Network. The shows featured a main event pitting Pete Dunne against Danny Burch. Dunne defended his United Kingdom Championship successfully in the bout. Episode 6 also saw Mark Coffey, Joe Coffey & Wolfgang beat Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster & Ashton Smith in the main event.
Here’s the full results for Episode 5 (taped on July 29 at Cambridge Corn Exchange in Cambridge, England)
Dave Mastiff b. Damien Weir – Mastiff took the win after hitting a Cannonball
Ligero b. James Drake – Ligero took the win after hitting a Springboard DDT
Ashton Smithwas attacked by The Coffey Brothers and Wolfgang before his match with an unnamed opponent
Eddie Dennis b. Sid Scala – Dennis took the win after hitting the Next Stop Driver
Pete Dunne b. Danny Burch – Dunne took the win via Submission to retain his United Kingdom Championship
Here’s the full results for Episode 6 (taped on July 29 at Cambridge Corn Exchange in Cambridge, England)
Toni Storm b. Dakota Kai – Storm took the win after hitting the Storm Zero
Zack Gibson b. Amir Jordan – Gibson took the win via Submission with the Shankly Gates
Jordan Devlin b. Kenny Williams – Devlin took the win with the Island’s Call
Mark Coffey, Joe Coffey & Wolfgang b. Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster & Ashton Smith – Joe Coffey took the win after hitting Webster with a Lariat
Former WWE RAW Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy recently spoke with Sam Roberts at Ringside Collectibles’ Ringside Fest about various topics including who he would want to induct him and his brother, Jeff, into the WWE Hall of Fame.
This is when Matt stated that the person he would want would be someone who took them under his wing and taught them more about the wrestling business than anyone else. That is Michael P.S. Hayes. “I’m sure his intro would be long but it would be super good because he is entertaining as hell.” WrestleMania 35 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 7, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ at MetLife Stadium. This event airs on pay-per-view (PPV) and WWE Network. Hardy also asked who he would like to wrestle at this event, which he named WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, who just returned to the ring for a tag team match alongside Triple H against Kane and The Undertaker at the WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd International Stadium.
Hardy stated, “If you have him back on the table, you just have to take advantage and utilize him.”
You can watch this interview by Roberts while talking with Hardy here:
Impact Wrestling presents “Final Hour” tonight. The branded episode will feature the final unaired matches from the promotion’s recent tapings in New York. Impact will head to Las Vegas this weekend for 3 nights of tapings.
Impact Wrestling Final Hour
Impact World Championship – Johnny Impact (c) vs Killer Kross
Three weeks ago Killer Kross attacked Johnny Impact in the back after the champion had just defeated Fenix. Earlier this week, Killer Kross revealed new details regarding the personal history between the two. He also said what led up to his attack on Johnny.
“To be completely frank with you, John zigged when he should have zagged. I was honestly going to get a cup of coffee, I happened to see him there,” Kross said of the altercation. “(He’d had an) excellent match with Fenix, in my opinion, probably the match of the year, I decided to wrap a cable cord around his head, that’s really all there is to it.”
Johnny would say if Kross wanted a title shot all he had to do was ask for one.
Brian Cage Travels To Ohio (Actually this time)
Sami Callihan brought out an imposter Brian Cage in Ohio previously but tonight Cage said he plans to hit the state himself. Impact cameras have been sent to Anonymous, Ohio to report back on what happens between Callihan and Cage tonight.
The Lucha Bros Vs. the OGZ
After losing to LAX at Bound For Glory, the OGZ needed to find another way to get back at Konnan. They’ve targetted Konnan’s allies Pentagon and Fenix. Tonight, the OGZ and Lucha Bros go head to head.
Eddie Edwards Vs. Moose
This match was supposed to take place at Bound For Glory but after Killer Kross got involved things broke down and were changed to a tag-team match. Tonight, Eddie Edwards finally tries to get his retribution against the man who cost him his shot at the Impact World title at the Toronto tapings this summer.
Jordynne Grace Debuts
“Thick Mama Pump” Jordynne Grace debuts for Impact tonight. The rest of the Knockouts division might be wise to sit up and take notice of her. After making a name for herself on the independent scene and All In recently, Grace is a solid pick-up for Impact and will likely create waves in the Knockouts division in short order.
Eli Drake and Joseph Park Give An Update On Lawsuit Against Company
Eli Drake is suing Impact Wrestling due to his treatment at Bound For Glory. Drake was attacked by Abyss after wrestling James Ellsworth and announced he was filing suit against the company shortly after. He has since retained Joseph Park as his council, odd considering it was Abyss who attacked Drake at the PPV.
Rusev & Lana Make Interesting Survivor Series Tweets
Rusev and Lana had fans talking online after sending out some interesting tweets regarding not making the WWE Survivor Series teams this week. The Men’s Elimination Tag Team Match will see Team RAW (Kurt Angle, Braun Strowman, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler) vs. Team SmackDown (Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio, The Miz & Randy Orton).
It’s possible that Lana is added to Team SmackDown for the women’s match at this show. One of the tweets including Rusev stated that he was going to “restart” in WWE developmental. You can see the tweets here:
Interesting i beat Bryan and Miz and yet they are captains and i can’t even make the roster. NOT EVEN QUALIFYING MATCH!!!
Apparently the women are just picked with NO qualifying matches ? FAVORITISM! @RusevBUL & I will not be celebrating #RusevDay & #LanaDay at #SurvivorSeries#SDLIVE
WWE has announced a few matches for next week’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network. Those matches include Mia Yim vs. Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae vs. Nikki Cross and Hanson vs. NXT Tag Team Champion Kyle O’Reilly with the winner earning the War Games advantage for their team at this upcoming event. The episode was taped back on October 17, 2018, from Winter Park, FL at Full Sail University.
The NXT TakeOver: WarGames II event takes place on Saturday, November 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center and will air on the WWE Network.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has some history with current WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey as he teamed up with the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 34 in a Mixed Tag Team Match this past April at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Thus, when speaking with Sam Roberts at Ringside Collectibles’ Ringside Fest, he gave some insight into Rousey and what her ceiling is in the WWE. He can’t believe how well she adapted to it as he felt it was like him as he thinks she is adapting to pro wrestling too quickly.
He was quoted by stating, “This girl has been the best in judo, the best in the UFC but I think this is her thing. I think the WWE is the thing she’ll be the most known for.” He added if healthy, in another six-ten years, WWE will be her legacy.
Rousey is slated to take on SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch in a champion vs. champion match at the upcoming Survivor Series pay-per-view event on Sunday, November 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center that will air on the WWE Network.
Sinclair Broadcast Group President and CEO, Christopher Ripley, made some headlines during its third-quarter earnings that was held for a stockholders call on Wednesday where he talked about the business including ROH (Ring of Honor).
He was asked by one caller about if things are working out based on their initial expectations. This is when he brought up the promotion selling out Madison Square Garden for a co-promotional event with NJPW during WrestleMania weekend next April. He called ROH “an unpolished gem that ultimately should be something in the same light as WWE.” He noted that they know the brand has potential but has yet to found the right dials to turn yet. However, they plan to keep increasing the grassroots support on it and it has a loyal fanbase. He thinks that factor is something “you really need to explode a brand.” Ripley brought up having to be smart about investments on the syndicated side as they use their leverage to not only reduce costs there but also to get equity positions in various positions. Ripley would continue by stating that they think the company is in varying stages of development but insisted that they always had a good return on everything they’ve done.
A 2-night event over WrestleMania weekend next year will feature inter-promotional and international competition. House of Glory has announced that Culture Clash 19 will feature promotions from around the world competing against one another.
Anthony Carrelli’s (Santino Marella) Destiny Wrestling has just signed on to represent Canada at the event.
Culture Clash 19
Culture Clash is becoming the biggest spectacle of WrestleMania Week with @IMPACTWRESTLING Confirmed, @DestinyWrestle Representing Canada ??, From The UK @IPWUK and @Fightclubpro ??. More coming soon.
Yesterday, Impact Wrestling announced their involvement in the event. It is not clear, however, what country the international-based promotion will represent. While their head office is located in Toronto, Impact has international television deals. They also have a roster of stars from all over the world.
“The biggest wrestling weekend of the year is right around the corner and in 2019 IMPACT Wrestling is proud to join Culture Clash in New York City,” Impact’s press release regarding the event reads. “IMPACT and House of Glory (HOG) will partner for this thrilling night. All the Stars and Knockouts will be in New York City over the weekend, but the one place to see them for sure is at Culture Clash 2019!”
IPW and Fight Club: Pro will both be involved in the event as well and both will represent the United Kingdom.
Major League Wrestling debuts in Chicago tonight (Thursday) with MLW Fightland live from Cicero Stadium. This will be a television taping for the weekly MLW Fusion show on beIN SPORTS. As usual, the card is stacked and includes the MLW World and Tag Team Championships on the line, the debuts of CMLL star RUSH and Ace Romero, a Chicago Street Fight, a Flag Match and much more.
The following matches are signed for the show:
World Tag Team Title Match:
Rey Fenix & Pentagon Jr. (cornered by Konnan) vs. LA Park & Hijo de LA Park (presented by Salina de la Renta)
World Heavyweight Title Rematch:
Low Ki (c) vs. Shane “Swerve” Strickland
Chicago Street Fight:
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Sami Callihan
Rush vs. Sammy Guevara
Tommy Dreamer vs. Brian Pillman Jr.
No DQ Match:
PCO vs. Brody King
Joey Ryan & Swoggle vs. The Dirty Blondes
Teddy Hart vs. Jason Cade
Ace Romero vs. Marko Stunt
USA vs. Mexico Flag Match:
Puma King vs. MJF with Aria Blake
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s last big tournament of the year is the World Tag League. The promotion just announced the participating teams and format change for this year.
Change of format:
The World Tag League will undergo a format change this year. Instead of two divisions (blocks) all teams will be grouped together with the top two teams advancing to the finals.
World Tag League Teams
David Finlay & Juice Robinson
Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida (Young Lions)
Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan
Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata
Chuckie T & Beretta
Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
Takashi Iizuka & Minoru Suzuki
Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer
Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.
Jeff Cobb & Michael Elgin
Sanada & Evil
Togi Makabe & Toa Henare
Hangman Page vs Yujiro Takahashi
Former IWGP Heavyweight tag-team champions, the Young Bucks, will not be on the tour. Matt Jackson took to Twitter earlier this month to explain why he and his brother won’t be participating in the tournament.
“Truthfully we were never even offered the tour,” Matt Jackson said. “But yes, it wouldn’t make sense to leave our families for close to 4 weeks during the holidays for many reasons; finances only being one amongst many.”
The Young Bucks dropped the tag titles to the Guerillas of Destiny in September.
CM Punk will join the announce team for Cage Fury Fighting Championships to commentate an upcoming event.
The promotion revealed to MMAjunkie on Thursday that Punk has signed a contract to be a commentator. He’ll make his broadcasting debut at the CFFC 71 event that goes down Dec. 14 at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City and will air live on UFC Fight Pass.
“I can’t wait for this opportunity to call the CFFC fights on UFC Fight Pass,” Punk said in a statement. “CFFC has a long history of putting on exciting fights featuring some of the sport’s up-and-coming athletes. This card is going to be a lot of fun. I’m really excited to have the chance to be a part of it.”
Since he departed from the WWE in 2014 after the Royal Rumble PPV (pay-per-view) event, fans have wanted to see Punk compete in the squared circle again. Instead, he took his talents to the world famous Octagon in the UFC.
The former WWE Champion fought Mike Jackson in a welterweight bout at the UFC 225 pay-per-view event on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. As seen in the fight, Jackson dominated it and Punk showed a ton of heart but was winded after the first round. Jackson was able to pick up the unanimous decision win. He lost in his MMA debut against Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in September of 2016 by first round submission.
Punk will join veteran play-by-play broadcaster Mike Gill and Brian Palakow on the broadcast team.
“CM Punk’s knowledge and passion for MMA is incredible. His charisma and personality make him a perfect fit for this role,” CFFC president Rob Haydak said.“By pairing him with Mike Gill, a true sports broadcasting veteran who has been around the fight game his whole career in Atlantic City. We have a great combination for our first show on UFC Fight Pass.”
The expected card for the final ROH PPV event, Final Battle, of 2018 has surfaced online.
ROH Champion Jay Lethal defending his title against Cody is expected to serve as the headliner. Other big matches on the card include ROH TV Champion Jeff Cobb vs. Adam Page and ROH Tag Team Champions Kazarian & Sky vs. The Briscoes vs. The Young Bucks in a ladder match. Also, there will be a fatal 4-way match that will see ROH Women of Honor Champion Sumie Sakai defend her title.
The Baltimore-based promotion is expected to start announcing matches for this show in the coming weeks. Ring of Honor is slated to hold their Final Battle pay-per-view event on December 14, 2018 in Manhattan, New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, here is the card for the show:
Bully Ray vs. Flip Gordon
Jonathan Gresham vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Matt Taven vs. Dalton Castle
Christopher Daniels vs. Marty Scurll
ROH Women of Honor Champion Sumie Sakai vs. Madison Rayne vs. TBD vs. TBA
ROH Tag Team Champions Kazarian & Sky vs. The Briscoes vs. The Young Bucks (ladder match)
Reby Hardy had some harsh words for her husband’s ex-girlfriend, Ashley Massaro, on Twitter recently. The matriarch of House Hardy responded to Massaro’s Tweet mentioning she found an old CD burned for her by Matt Hardy in 2005.
Reby Hardy vs Ashley Massaro On Twitter
Omgoodness so I’m going through my garage looking for old tax stuff (yea good times lol) n I find a box including one cd burned for me by @MATTHARDYBRAND from 2005 currently listening to it n had some really good music on it-only up to song 8 rn-hope he n his fam r doin amazing!
Sit down Reby, was living in NY in 2011 n nowhere near NC-there was no ‘aw precious moments’ here-I simply stated I found a cd from 2005 Matt made frm BACK IN THE DAY! No nostalgia!Bless ur heart darlin’-Just u.getting rowdy.per usual.n ps knock my a$$ on site?BAHAHA ya ok-growup https://t.co/spFt0VaiIY
Hardy then posted a couple of Tweets not directed at Massaro but addressing their conflict.
“Seems like I dislike a lot of people for ‘no reason’, huh,” Reby Tweeted. “Lemme make it clear: there is ALWAYS a reason. And reason #1 is almost always bc someone enabled, encouraged or supplied drugs to my family. They will NEVER not be called out for it & I will never forget that.”
The former Divas Champion Massaro is currently a DJ for 943 the Shark Radio. She left WWE in 2008 to spend more time with her daughter.
Last summer, a fan tagged Lita in a post with Matt Hardy. Reby then issued a response to that as well.
Ross and Lothario went way back, to JR’s time working for Bill Watts in Mid South Wrestling, where Lothario used his pull to get a young Shawn Michaels a job.
“Bill got a call from Jose saying he had trained this kid, Shawn Michaels, and that he wanted Bill to give this kid a shot, give him a break, and hire him.”
Certainly similar requests must have been made of bookers all the time in the territory days, but Ross said that Lothario’s word carried weight with Watts.
“Bill had never seen Shawn. He didn’t have 8x10s, he didn’t have any video tape. Shawn was a rookie. Bill hired him sight unseen, strictly on the word of Jose Lothario. That’s how trusted and respected this man was throughout his career,” Ross said.
“It was a blessing for me to even know him… The consummate pro. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jose’s family and friends.”
“Jose, we will miss you. But it’s been a pleasure knowing you. Until we meet again.”
Marty Scurll
Ross interviews Marty Scurll as well on The Jim Ross Report, and Scurll discusses the reason he got interested in the wrestling business as a kid.
“I think a big thing growing up was that my parents separated at a very early age. It was my mother that brought me up, it was my auntie, it was my grandmother,” Scurll said. “And then when I went to school, it was female teachers, so I didn’t really have many male role models around me.”
“I think when I turned on the TV and I saw your Hogans, and your Bret Harts, it was someone I could look up to and sort of be a male influence in my life.”
Busted Open
Ross also talks to David LaGreca on this episode. LaGreca hosts Busted Open Radio, which can be heard on SiriusXM.
Ross and LaGreca discuss the upcoming ROH and New Japan show at Madison Square Garden, their broadcast careers, and Busted Open celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Ross also discusses Survivor Series, Crown Jewel fallout, a potential finish for Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch, and much more.
The full episode can be heard below.
When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.
For starters, Kenny Omega,Cody, Marty Scurll, Hangman Page and The Young Bucks made their Bullet Club departure official.
“This group right here is no longer The Bullet Club,” said Cody. “From this day forward, why don’t we just call ourselves The Elite?” asked Matt Jackson.
Cody and Omega further clarified their statement.
“The Tongans, Jay White, The Bullet Club, they’re all going to kick ass, we wish them the best. This is The Elite,” Cody said. “I don’t want this to be a negative announcement,” Omega said. “We fully support The Bullet Club and what they’re doing moving forward, it’s just that what we have in mind for ourselves and the business, just doesn’t align with what the Bullet Club OGs are doing.”
While careful to note that he meant no negativity towards the OGs, Omega went on to make some statements that could be construed that way.
“We take a lot of extra time to do the Being The Elite show, we really feel that it’s important to give back to you fans… Whereas the Bullet Club OGs just prioritize the other aspects of professional wrestling. They’d rather not do the extra stuff, which is fine. It’s okay to punch the clock,” he said.
“I’ll never forget it,” said Matt. “The Bullet Club was the best thing in our career. It’s time to do something new, something fresh, and to look out for ourselves and our families, and make a little bit of money on those t-shirts.”
Hangman Page
There was some collective head-scratching in the wrestling world when Hangman Page joined Bullet Club in 2016. Page had never held a title in Ring of Honor and had yet to debut in New Japan.
Page has since acquainted himself quite well, and has established himself as a can’t miss prospect, destined for singles stardom.
On Talk Is Jericho, Page revealed that he too was taken aback when he was told that he would be joining Bullet Club.
“I was a high school teacher at the time, I taught graphic design and journalism classes,” said Page. “I was really treading water, I didn’t know how long I could go on doing this.”
That changed with a phone call from ROH booker Delirious.
“I got into a good opportunity, I was told I’d be touring Japan a lot, including a three-week tour in a month or so… I asked, ‘Hey, am I going to make a lot of money doing this?’ Yeah, so I quit teaching that month,” Page said.
For much more, including how much input The Elite have into their New Japan booking, the Jericho cruise, and how Stardust came to be, you can check out the full episode below.
If using any of the above quotes, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Ronda Rousey recently appeared on the PWI Podcast. The RAW Women’s Champion discussed a number of wrestling-related topics, including the possibility of women headlining WrestleMania and which WWE Superstar she most wants to work with.
Women Headlining WrestleMania
Ever since Ronda Rousey’s incredible in-ring debut at last year’s WrestleMania, there has been buzz that women will be headlining WrestleMania sooner than later. Rousey is arguably the top star in the company and she will almost certainly be part of a women’s WrestleMania main event when that day comes.
“Yeah, I would love to be one of the first women to headline WrestleMania,” she said. “I think it’s time. But it’s not up to me. Even if it’s just somebody [else], I just think it’s time for any women to be headlining WrestleMania. I don’t own a multimillion dollar company and I don’t make these decisions.”
She aded that there are many female Superstars who could work the final match at WWE’s biggest show of the year, but she’s not convinced it will happen in the immediate future.
Rousey Versus The Boss
WWE has never had so many talented women on their roster. When asked which wrestler she’d most like to work with, Rousey named Sasha Banks. As much as she’d like to mix it up with Banks Rousey doesn’t feel she’s ready for that challenge just yet.
“I would really love to wrestle Sasha Banks. I think I’ve just been so impressed watching her work, and see her in the back, and see her work. And I was already a fan of her’s before. I think that we would be able to make something great together and I think she has given a lot of women their best matches ever. But I almost feel like I’m not at the right level yet for her.”
While she would love to embark in a feud with The Boss, it seems that the WWE isn’t interested in paring the two just yet, but in a perfect world, it would be dream match many would love to see.
Other topics that were discussed were equal matches on cards for both the men and women on the roster.
“I would just like to see women represent 50% of the roster and 50% of every card. I don’t think that’s too unreasonable.” Rousey noted, “I think that’s a far way down the line, but I think it’s a good goal to pursue.”
You can listen to the interview here.
Credit to Wrestlinginc for transcribing the quotes from the interview.
Sean Waltman discussed the return of D-Generation X and Triple H undergoing surgery this week on the the latest episode of his X-Pac 12360 podcast.
While the return of DX and Shawn Michaels’ return to the ring for the first time in eight years held promise of a nice bit of nostalgia, the match between DX and The Brothers of Destruction at Crown Jewel fell apart when Triple H tore his pectoral muscle, which required surgery. Waltman experienced a similar injury during his career and was impressed that his longtime friend finished the match.
“What a beast,” said Waltman. “I know what that feels like. They still finished the match. None of us could tell if they subtracted or anything,” he said. “It didn’t look like that much changed after the injury.”
Waltman also had high praise for Michaels, who stepped back in the ring at 53 years old.
“Shawn went out there like a boss and held that match together. He looked better than anyone in that match. The guy who hasn’t had a match in the better part of a decade. Not slighting Paul, because Paul always looks great out there, but Shawn was just a pleasure to watch,” Waltman said.
“Shawn Michaels does not go out there, even for that kind of money, and embarrass himself. And he covered some stuff out there. There were some botches.”
Waltman also discusses why wrestlers have long hair, the upcoming Survivor Series card, and interviews Kevin Sullivan, all on this week’s X-Pac 12360.
The full episode can be heard below.
When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Tokyo Sports published a report this week stating Tetsuya Naito received an offer from WWE back in June. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, Naito is one of three NJPW stars to have been sent feelers from WWE. He is the only one to have turned down the offer outright, however.
“Naito would be one of the three (at least) Japanese top guys feelers have been sent to,” wrote Dave Meltzer. “The other two that we’re aware of didn’t turn the offers down without thought although one would be a huge surprise and the other would be a great worker who I didn’t see flourishing in the WWE system, but also probably wouldn’t have any reservations about moving to the U.S. like many of the Japanese might.”
For clarification purposes, this “offer” was not a firm contract sent but rather “feelers” from the organization to see if they might be interested in jumping ship.
Who Is WWE Interested In?
Judging by the report, it appears at least two NJPW stars have contacted Dave Meltzer to say they have been sent feelers from WWE. He specifically mentions they are Japanese top guys as well, indicating it is not members of the Elite (as has previously been the case).
The NJPW star that “would be a huge surprise” could be anyone from Okada, Tanahashi and down. The other NJPW star “wouldn’t have any reservations about moving to the U.S” could be just about anyone as well. An important note regarding this, however, is that most NJPW stars are under 1-year contracts which end following Wrestle Kingdom.
Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic) battled Forgotten Sons (Steve Cutler, Jaxson Ryker, Wesley Blake) tonight on NXT. Jaxson Ryker was ringside for the match.
Knight and Cutler started off the match. Steve took control and tagged Blake into the match. Cutler tagged back in and Knight took him out with a Crossbody. Otis tagged in and slammed Cutler on top of Blake.
Otis hit Cutler with a Splash in the corner of the ring and followed it up with an Elbow Drop. Dozovic knocked Blake off the ring apron but Cutler capitalized on the distraction by slamming Otis to the canvas.
Blake tagged in and hit a Knee Drop for a near fall. Blake followed it up with a massive Clothesline and then tagged Cutler back into the match. Cutler stomped on Otis’ shoulder several times for a two count.
Blake got back and hit a Leg Drop on Otis’ injured shoulder for a near fall. Blake then applied an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring as Otis screamed in pain. Blake transitioned into a Triangle but Otis showed off his strength and broke the hold with a Powerbomb.
Cutler tagged in and Otis finally was able to tag out. Knight hit Cutler with a big boot and then Clotheslined Blake to the outside. Tucker stomped on Cutler in the corner of the ring and followed it up with a Splash.
Knight climbed to the top rope and hit Cutler with a Cannonball for a near fall. Blake tagged in and Cutler hit Knight with a Backstabber. Blake followed it up with an Elbow Drop off the top for a near fall.
Blake perched Knight on the top rope and tagged Cutler back in. Cutler connected with a Superplex and Blake followed it up with a Splash off the top. Blake went for the cover but Otis broke it up at the last second.
Otis launched Blake out of the ring and then got launched to the outside by Cutler. Knight went for a roll-up but Cutler kicked out. Tucker connected with a Clothesline and tagged Otis back in.
Blake took out Knight as Cutler planted Otis with a Backstabber. Blake tagged in as Knight launched Cutler onto Ryker outside the ring. Otis then hit a Pop-Up Slam on Blake for the pinfall victory.
Dakota Kai faced Taynara Conti on this week’s episode of NXT. Conti slammed Kai to the mat and shouted “are you crazy?” at her. Dakota caught her attempt at a kick and connected with an Arm Drag. Kai followed it up with a Dropkick for a one count.
Kai rolled up Conti for a near fall and then locked in an Arm Bar. Taynara broke free and slammed Kai into the turnbuckle. Conti unloaded several kicks on Dakota and went for the cover but Kai kicked out at two.
Conti tossed Kai and then delivered a kick to her face for another near fall. Conti got pissed off that Dakota kicked out and applied a Wrist Lock. Conti missed with a Splash in the corner and turned around into a kick from Dakota.
Kai hit a flurry of kicks and then a big boot to Taynara’s face. Dakota followed it up with two Facewash Kicks and then a Chiropractor (Backstabber) for the pinfall victory.
Johnny Gargano Explained Why He Attacked Aleister Black
Johnny Gargano sent in a video to NXT to explain why he attacked Aleister Black. Gargano said that he was on a path to right a wrong and to defeat Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Championship. Johnny accused Black of getting in the way and that it was nothing personal.
Gargano claimed that he will be the hero at the end of this story. Johnny added that he still fights for what is right but sometimes you have to fight a little dirty. Johnny admitted that he accepts that Black wants to kick his face off but isn’t scared of him. Gargano noted that he is not afraid of the dark anymore and is kind of starting to like it.
Johnny then took a seat in the same spot he left Black laying. Johnny vowed to leave Black laying once again at NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
Sullivan Picked Up A Win & Velveteen Dream Sent A Message To Ciampa
Velveteen Dream squared off against Lars Sullivan in the main event of this week’s show. Sullivan drove Dream to the corner to start off the match and then launched him across the ring with ease.
Dream connected with a shoulder tackle that knocked Sullivan to the outside and then shoved him into the steel steps. Dream bounced Lars’ face off the steps and then tried to get back into the ring.
Lars brought Dream to the outside and slammed him into the ring apron. Back in the ring, Sullivan threw Dream across the ring and followed it up by slamming Velveteen’s face into the mat.
Sullivan hit a massive right hand to Dream’s face and then a giant Clothesline for a two count. Lars launched Dream out of the ring and then posed in the ring. Dream battled back with a Dropkick off the top rope for a near fall.
Lars hit a huge Powerslam for a near fall as the crowd chanted “Velveteen!”. Sullivan climbed to the top rope but Dream hit him with a Superkick. Dream slammed Sullivan into the ring post and then hit the Dream Valley Driver on Sullivan.
NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa came down the entrance ramp and Dream hit him with a Crossbody off the top rope. Lars Sullivan capitalized on the distraction and hit Dream with the Freak Accident for the pinfall victory. Tommaso Ciampa attacked Velveteen Dream after the match and shouted that Dream wasn’t in his league. Dream battled back with a Superkick and hit a DDT onto the NXT Championship.
Velveteen Dream climbed to the top rope but a bunch of referees came into the ring to prevent Dream from hitting the Purple Rainmaker Elbow Drop. Dream hopped down and then quickly hopped back up to the top rope and hit the Rainmaker Elbow Drop on Ciampa. Dream then posed with the NXT Championship as the crowd chanted “Velveteen!” to close the show.
A member from the two teams competing in the WarGames match at TakeOver will battle next week. The winner of the match next week will earn the 2 vs. 1 advantage in the early stages of the WarGames match at NXT TakeOver.
A new match has been announced for the next special for the yellow brand, NXT TakeOver: WarGames II.
As seen on this week’s episode of NXT TV on the WWE Network that was taped back on October 17, 2018, from Winter Park, FL at Full Sail University, WWE announced that NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler would defend the title against Kairi Sane in a Two-Out-Of-Three Falls Match at the show.
The NXT TakeOver: WarGames II event takes place on Saturday, November 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center and will air on the WWE Network. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming days as historically that are five matches featured on these specials for the NXT brand. Thus, expected another match to be revealed by the company. Here is the updated card:
Updated NXT TakeOver: WarGames II Card
The Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly, Adam Cole, Bobby Fish & Roderick Strong) vs. War Raiders, Ricochet & Pete Dunne – WarGames Match.
NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa vs. Velveteen Dream
NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane – Two-Out-Of-Three Falls Match
Johnny Gargano vs. Aleister Black
What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.
Stephanie McMahon made an interesting comment while speaking with Elizabeth Schulze at Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal earlier this week about WWE’s ability to build a global brand.
During this appearance, the daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was asked about various topics including how she had a big goal that she wanted to achieve for the company going forward. That is to make the WWE as big or bigger than Disney, which is quite the goal to have.
It should be noted that WWE’s current market cap is $5.8 billion compared to Disney’s $172.7 billion, according to The Big Lead. Thus, WWE will have to bring in some major money in order to get that goal achieved.
The company is on the right track as they announced this summer that SmackDown Live would move to FOX starting next October that will see the 5-year deal be reportedly worth over $1 billion. Also, USA Network signed WWE to a new deal to air Monday Night RAW. “10-20-30 years from now, there’s no reason we can’t be as big [as] or bigger than Disney,” McMahon said. “Now that’s a tall order, especially given recent transactions. However, there’s no reason why we can’t get there. You have to dream big, have big, bold goals, and go after them.”
Dolph Ziggler and Tyler Breeze had an interesting exchange on Twitter after Breeze appeared to be taking a shot at WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan’s tweet that he sent out earlier this week about the size of the current WWE stars. You can see Ziggler poking fun at Breeze with his own response here:
I was gonna tweet a reply… but honestly no interest in him so I’ll say this… our roster is talented as hell.. thanks for giving back… brother ?
Lemme tell you something…Is this a bit for one of your comedy shows bud…the “held down” role doesn’t work for you anymore….now I think you’re the vet who doesn’t know when to hang it up… https://t.co/oPeXy04uAc
As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Manchester, England at the Manchester Arena on the USA Network, WWE Champion AJ Styles cut a promo about facing WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar in a non-title match at the upcoming Survivor Series pay-per-view event that takes place on Sunday, November 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center.
This will be the second encounter between the top stars of their respective brands. Paul Heyman responded to that promo by writing the following on his official Twitter account:
“Attn: @WWE Champion @AJStylesOrg: I am a great admirer of your in-ring abilities, but to close your promo w/ “not a prediction .. a spoiler?” In #@BrockLesnar’s SuplexCity, we don’t do other people’s shtick. Respectfully, (My name is) Paul Heyman. The Jew Who Runs The Zoo.”
Attn: @WWE Champion @AJStylesOrg: I am a great admirer of your in-ring abilities, but to close your promo w/ "not a prediction .. a spoiler?" In #@BrockLesnar's SuplexCity, we don't do other people's shtick.
A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE Survivor Series PPV. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy will defend his title against Mustafa Ali. Although not confirmed, this match could end up serving as the pre-show match.
WWE presents the Survivor Series pay-per-view event on Sunday, November 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center that will air on the WWE Network. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming days. Here is the updated card:
Updated WWE Survivor Series Card
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles
RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch – Champion vs. Champion Match
Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins vs. United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura – Champion vs. Champion Match
The Bar vs. Authors Of Pain – Champion vs. Champion Match
Team RAW (Kurt Angle, Braun Strowman, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler) vs. Team SmackDown (Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio, The Miz & Randy Orton) – Men’s Elimination Tag Team Match
Team RAW vs. Team SmackDown (Alexa Bliss, Naomi, Sonya Deville, Asuka, Carmella) – Women’s Elimination Tag Team Match
Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy vs. Mustafa Ali
What are your thoughts on this match being added to the card? Sound off in the comment section.
Killer Kross will challenge Johnny Impact for the Impact World Championship tomorrow night at “Final Hour”. The two were both guests on this week’s Impact Press Pass to build up their match on tomorrow night’s branded episode. During the call, I had the chance to ask Kross what led to his attack on Johnny in the back a few weeks ago.
“To be completely frank with you, John zigged when he should have zagged. I was honestly going to get a cup of coffee, I happened to see him there,” Kross said of the altercation. “(He’d had an) excellent match with Fenix, in my opinion, probably the match of the year, I decided to wrap a cable cord around his head, that’s really all there is to it.”
Kross then revealed some storyline information which wasn’t previously known regarding the personal history between the two.
“He had it coming, he’s had it coming for a long time,” Kross continued. “In terms of our history, John and his wife now Taya, were in Mexico crushing the competition, taking over the industry, typically he always does wherever he goes. This guy had nuclear heat.”
Kross continued to say that Johnny and Taya called him to watch their back in Mexico and he obliged. He would then show something almost resembling emotion when he admitted he thought the two were friends.
“I thought there was something a little bit more other than just professionalism there,” Kross said. “Maybe, I thought, maybe I thought John and I were friends.”
Johnny Impact (c) vs Killer Kross – “Final Hour” November 8th
Kross would also say that he knows a side of Johnny nobody else does. He implied it was a more vicious side and that he wants to bring that Johnny to the surface.
As for Johnny’s side of the story, he feels if Kross wanted a title shot, he could have just asked for one. Johnny didn’t dispute Kross’ side of their alliance in Mexico either.
“My version isn’t even that different,” Johnny said. “The things Kross just said about Mexico are true. We trained down there, I didn’t have anybody to turn to. I was down there with my wife Taya. Kevin (Kross), Taya, and I all had each other’s backs. I did think we were friends and the one thing that confuses me is Killer Kross has been undefeated since he’s come to Impact, never been pinned. Two weeks ago, I make this statement about how I’m going to be a fighting champion. I’m going to give title shots to anyone I think deserves them. Somebody who is undefeated and unbeaten deserves a title shot. If you wanted a title shot, bro, you could have just asked me.”
Johnny then said that Kross likes theatrics and wants to “send messages” and “make statements”.
“Those messages and those statements were obviously more important than whatever type of friendship or relationship we had,” Johnny said.
You can listen to the conversation in the player below:
Titus O’Neil voiced his opinion about WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan in the past after Hogan gave his apology speech backstage at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view event earlier this year. He was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame after Hogan was fired from WWE in the summer of 2015 after racially charged comments from a sex tape came to light.
Hogan made his first appearance with the company in years once he appeared as the host of the Crown Jewel pay-per-view event last Friday at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
O’Neil spoke to SkySports about why he has no hard feelings towards Hogan in his return. “It’s not my decision who goes where, I support whatever decision the company goes with. But at the same time we are all independent thinkers; I have no ill will towards Hulk Hogan whatsoever. He’s a part of the WWE family and as a part of the WWE family we embrace him and we’ll make whatever we have to work, work.”
O’Neil continued by stating that they are entertainers, not politicians and that there’s not been one entertainer in the history of WWE who has been at a higher level of WWE than Hogan.
He continued, “Him going over to Saudi Arabia was a decision that was made solely on the basis of being entertaining and I know the princes and the fans over there ate it up. They wanted him over there before too and it was good for the fans there to see him and for him to get that rush of the crowd.”
