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.”
Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore, now going by the name ‘Real 1’, continues to attempt to make a name for himself outside of the WWE world and build up his reputation as a rapper.
On Wednesday, he announced his first-ever live performance in two weeks would take place in California. He wrote the following, “I’m going-going back-back to Cali-Cali … COME SEE ME DOG. 11.19.18. meet & greet. new merch. comedy. And… NEW MUSIC!”
I’m going-going back-back to Cali-Cali … COME SEE ME DOG. 11.19.18. meet & greet. new merch. comedy. And… NEW MUSIC!
Amore has gone on record by stating that he will never wrestle again due to him working on starting a hip-hop career. He has made appearances in a non-wrestling capacity at other wrestling events and released several music videos over the past few months.
Amore parted ways with the WWE after rape allegations were made against him. If you recall, the WWE was not aware of the rape allegations against Amore until January of this year once the media reached out to them for comments once the allegations went viral on Twitter.
Amore denied the allegations were true. The reason that WWE cut ties with him was over the fact that Enzo failed to notify officials that he was being investigated. It should be noted that the investigation against him has been closed and no charges were ever filed against him.
Dragon Gate has announced a huge Championship match for their December 4th show in Korakuen Hall. Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion 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
In other PAC/Neville related news Japan’s Dragon Gate promotion recently confirmed their new streaming service which featured PAC in a short promo package hyping the new over the top service alongside his RED stablemates. Fans will be able watch live/past shows for just over $13 a month. PAC made his return to the company earlier this year after leaving WWE’s 205 Live brand.
Drew McIntyre Receives Praise From WWE Hall Of Famer
WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry gave high praise to Drew McIntyre on a recent edition of Busted Open Radio where he stated that McIntyre came back to the WWE and has a new moniker as he has been stellar. He praised him for having promos that are priceless and he is unrivaled. Henry believes McIntyre is grabbing the business right now and he’s doing things that a lot of the young people are not doing.
“I think that he will be champion. I think before next year is over, Drew McIntyre will be world champion.”
"I think before next year is over, Drew will be world champion."
One injured WWE star is preparing to make a return to in-ring action as PWInsider reports that Curt Hawkins is expected to be cleared for in-ring action soon. It’s possible that he’s been cleared already.
He has been out of action with a hernia and was last seen on the August, 20th edition of RAW when he confronted Elias and challenged him to a match but lost. He currently holds a long losing record as he has lost 219 matches in a row. It’s safe to say that he’ll continue that streak once he returns.
New Japan has released the official poster for their biggest card of the year. Wrestle Kingdom 13 will be taking place on January 4th from the world famous Tokyo Dome.
The poster features Kenny Omega, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kota Ibushi, Kazuchika Okada, KUSHIDA, Jay White and Tetsuya Naito. One of the biggest omissions from the poster is the IWGP Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho.
Chris Jericho recently returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling at the Power Struggle event in Osaka, Japan. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion defended successfully against EVIL after locking him in a Walls of Jericho that transitioned into a Liontamer.
When Jericho would not release the submission Tetsuya Naito appeared and forced Jericho to retreat to the back. Naito then issued a direct challenge to Y2J for the Intercontinental Championship. It is not yet known whether this bout will be taking place at Wrestle Kingdom or Madison Square Garden in April.
Jericho appeared in a backstage interview following the win and declared that he would not face Tetsuya Naito. Chris Jericho stated that as he already beat Naito at Dominion earlier this year that there would be no rematch. Jericho even went as far to say that it definitely wouldn’t happen at “Wrestle Kingdom, Madison Square Garden or anywhere.”
There’s a good chance that NJPW consciously left Jericho off of the poster. Whilst Y2J is a big international star the emphasis appears to be on ‘homegrown’ talents. Kenny Omega and Jay White certainly found their feet in the company and the surrounding talents are native Japanese stars.
DEFIANT Wrestling will be presenting the third annual instalment of Refuse To Lose from Newcastle upon Tyne this evening. The card is already set and has some huge UK and International talent involved.
Here’s the full card for Refuse To Lose 2018
Rampage (c) vs John “Bad Bones” Klinger – World Championship
Aussie Open (c) vs Alpha Bad – Tag Championship
Joe Hendry vs Martin Kirby – I Quit Match
Rory Coyle vs Gabriel Kidd
El Phantasmo vs Brent Banks
Lana Austin vs Kay Lee Ray
Nathan Cruz vs David Starr
SCC vs Chris Brookes & ???
Taking place at Northumbria University’s Student Union, limited tickets remain on sale for just £15 here.
Two names that unfortunately will not be involved are NJPW star Will Ospreay and PROGRESS World Champion WALTER. Ospreay is current out with a suspected rib injury, the reasoning for WALTER’s absence from the event is not completely clear. WALTER is the company’s Internet Champion and will hopefully be available for their next iPPV show.
The show will broadcast LIVE all over the world on PPV at 7pm UK (2/1c). You can watch with a one-time purchase via FITE TV for $14.99, while the show will also be available to Access Defiant subscribers, which is priced at just $8.99 per month. The broadcast will be available on-demand as soon as possible after the conclusion of the event.
Rey Mysterio defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas to earn a spot on the Men’s Team SmackDown for WWE Survivor Series on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Manchester, England at the Manchester Arena on the USA Network.
WWE’s YouTube channel released this video of Mysterio talking to Dasha Fuentes about being on Team SmackDown where he gave some praise to Daniel Bryan for still being able to compete at the level he’s competing at now despite his past injuries. He added, “We’re going to make a helluva team, let me just say that.” Team SmackDown battles Team RAW at the upcoming Survivor Series pay-per-view event.
Legends On WWE Ride Along Season Finale
The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan) in one car while Christian and WWE Hall of Famer Edge ride in the other car will be featured on the season three finale of WWE Ride Along on WWE’s streaming service, WWE Network.
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on the air date of this episode but it could air as soon as next Monday’s RAW goes off the air. Also, there’s still no word on when the fourth season will begin airing.
The Miz spoke with Glasgow Live while touring with the WWE over in the UK to talk about a wide range of topics. During the interview, he was asked about his feud with Daniel Bryan.
This is where the former WWE Intercontinental Champion stated that Bryan is one of the best wrestlers in WWE history but not as good as him as he thinks the Daniel Bryan four years ago was arguably the best. According to Miz, he thinks everything has changed since Bryan has been gone and now, he has to figure out a way to get his trajectory going again. “I think he’s just living off of his fame that he had four years ago. I don’t know how to make Daniel Bryan what he believes he is. I know I am at an upward trajectory and I am at the best I’ve been in my entire life and that I’m better than Daniel Bryan and every other superstar on Smackdown Live. That’s just my mindset, and it’s a mindset I think everyone should have.”
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. Miz was also asked about his goals going into this event.
“I would like to have the WWE Championship and I’d like to be in the main event where that title belongs.”
Former WWE RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax spoke to SportBible recently to talk about various topics including Roman Reigns’ fight with leukemia that forced him to drop the Universal Title and take time off from the WWE.
Jax brought up how his character is such a quiet, humble person and larger than life as he is Superman while his true personality is a very shy humble guy and he’s super giving and loving.
“So that’s why when the news came out everybody was hit hard. I feel like that day there was just a hole in the entire locker room. He gives advice to everybody and he’s always there for everybody. And he carried the company on his shoulders on his shoulders for the last few years.” Jax added that they’re thankful to him for all the contributions he’s given and that everyone is trying to find their footing now they’ve lost their Superman.
Jax also talked about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and how she sees him as a goofball but he’s very hard-working and always giving her advice. She stated that he was super excited about the Evolution pay-per-view and watch some of the show.
“His heart is always with the WWE, it’s so crazy because you wouldn’t think that with how busy he is, he wouldn’t keep up with storylines and characters and stuff but he does. If something peaks his interest, he would definitely step back into ‘The Rock’ role.”
NXT and 205 Live will both air tonight on the WWE Network. In the case of NXT, tonight’s episode will be the penultimate before Takeover: WarGames on November 17th.
NXT Preview 11/7
Velveteen Dream vs Lars Sullivan
To the dismay of Lars Sullivan, Velveteen Dream was awarded the title shot at WarGames. Sullivan has vowed to prove tonight he’s the top contender for the NXT title no matter what William Regal decides.
Johnny Gargano Provides Answers
.. next week.
I promise I will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know. Pinky swear!
Last month, Johnny Gargano was revealed as the man behind the attack on Aleister Black. Now, Gargano is scheduled to face Black one-on-one at Takeover: WarGames. Tonight, Gargano hs promised to explain why he did what he did. His old DIY tag-team partner, Tommaso Ciampa, might be listening closely to what he says.
Heavy Machinery vs The Forgotten Sons
Two teams looking to move up in NXT’s tag-team division face each other tonight. With teams like the Street Profits, the Mighty, and Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan kicking around the division, there is not much room for error or losses.
Dakota Kai vs Taynara Conti
The captain of Team Kick has been competing in NXT UK in addition to the North American version. She’ll take on Taynara Conti tonight. Conti may not have a single’s victory yet in NXT but she did make it to the 2nd round of the MYC II before losing to Lacey Lane in the 2nd round.
205 Live Preview 11/7
TJP and Lucha House Party Rivalry Continues
Last week, TJP attacked Gran Metalik after the luchador had won a single’s match. TJP ripped off Metalik’s mask as he continues to disrespect lucha libre culture. Tonight, TJP may have his sights set on stealing another member of the factions masks.
Mark Andrews vs Buddy Murphy
The new Cruiserweight Champion, Buddy Murphy, will wrestle Mark Andrews tonight. The champion decided that since tonight’s 205 Live emanates from Manchester that he should take on one of NXT UK’s brightest stars.
Waiting in the wings for Murphy is Mustafa Ali, however. Ali defeated Tony Nese last week in a #1 contenders match.
PAC (former WWE Superstar Neville) has resurfaced on social media. Using a new Twitter handle KING IS DEAD (@BASTARDPAC) he fired off his first tweet since September 2017.
PAC recently returned to the ring after a one year layoff due to a dispute with WWE. He wrestled his first singles match for Dragon Gate over the weekend and is scheduled to compete for Revolution Pro later this month on November 22nd.
The latest episode of Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast features a unique discussion with The Elite’s Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Adam “Hangman” Page and Marty Scurll. The show was recorded in front of a live audience last week on the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise.
During the discussion about The Bullet Club, the gang spoke about WWE Champion AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One led the faction before Kenny Omega took over. Chris Jericho asked Kenny Omega if he ever wrestled against AJ Styles. The IWGP Heavyweight Champion explained that he actually did face AJ Styles in singles competition once – and it’s the reason he is still a pro wrestler to this day.
Omega explained that back in 2006, he was at a crossroads in his career. He was enjoying professional wrestling, but was also a serious jiu-jitsu practitioner. He was competing in tournaments around the country and realized he could not do both at a high level.
“I found that my in-ring performance was suffering because you know there’s an aesthetic look you have to maintain in professional wrestling,” Omega said. “If I’m cutting 20 pounds for a tournament or a fight and then I have to go to the ring I’m going to look like I came out of a dryer and it just didn’t jive. So if I was going to concentrate on one, the other was going to suffer.”
Knowing that he had a match with AJ Styles coming up, he decided that he’d use that experience to determine what his future would be. Omega said, “[It was] after that AJ match when I thought, ‘Oh my goodness there’s this guy who’s so much better than me but we have this chemistry together.’ It kind of showed me my true potential and maybe something that I could grasp and something I could achieve that I hadn’t seen yet.”
He continued, “It really made me look in the mirror and say to myself: ‘Jeez, even when I do these all-time jiu-jitsu tournaments I’m always going for a finish, I’m always trying to have that exciting match when really you should just be concentrating on getting that gold medal or whatever. So I found that I was actually and entertainer, I was a performer. So I was going to give this wrestling thing one more shot.”
It was after that match with AJ Styles that he began his first tour with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he met the Young Bucks. Soon after that, he was wrestling in Japan and the rest is history.
There’s much more to this hour-long discussion, which you can (and should) check out on the Talk is Jericho podcast.
Last night, Mandy Rose interrupted Smackdown General Manager, Paige, as she was introducing the members of her brand’s Survivor Series team. Rose was upset she was not picked for the team. She also seemed upset that her Absolution tag-team partner, Sonya Deville, was.
Rose ran down each member of the team and brought up how it was her that eliminated Deville from the Evolution battle royal. Just days earlier, however, Rose had apologized to Deville for having done so.
Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose
Shortly after Evolution, however, Sonya Deville was upset about her ally eliminating her and cut a promo about it on Instagram. Rose then interrupted the promo with donuts, however, and all was forgotten. The pair often samples donuts together on their YouTube channel.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BprvggknWjQ/
Despite winning her friend back with donuts after Evolution, Rose then insulted her on Smackdown last night. Judging by recent events, it appears Rose and Deville’s alliance could be in jeopardy. This would prevent them from teaming together when the promotion finally introduces women’s tag titles.
As for Rose possibly being included in the Smackdown Survivor Series team, it should be noted that Charlotte Flair’s spot on the team is questionable. Flair turned down the team captain position last week and this week failed to come out for the team introductions. This could open up a spot for Rose to compete on the upcoming PPV.
A new match has been revealed for the final WWE pay-per-view event of this year, TLC. The SAP Center’s website is currently advertising Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin. If you recall, a few weeks ago, local ads featured Braun Strowman versus Drew McIntyre taking place at this year’s TLC event.
However, that has changed and it all started at WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd International Stadium on the WWE Network once Corbin attacked Strowman before he faced off with Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title.
Also, WWE continued this storyline that saw Corban run from Strowmanon this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Manchester, England at the Manchester Arena on the USA Network. Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship and Ronda Rousey vs. Nia Jax for the RAW Women’s Championship are the other matches advertised for this show. The Mixed Match Challenge 2 finals will also take place on the card. The TLC pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, December 16th, 2018 in San Jose, California at the SAP Center and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. As of writing, no other matches have been confirmed for the pay-per-view.
Tuesday’s edition of WWE Smackdown Live from Manchester, England featured an exciting match between two of WWE’s top luchador performers in Rey Mysterio and Andrade “Cien” Almas. Fans who tuned in may have noticed that Almas was without his valet, Zelina Vega. According to a report at PWInsider, Vega is currently out of action with a concussion.
She addressed the Almas vs. Mysterio match on Twitter, vowing to be ringside whenever the rematch inevitably occurs.
Zelina Vega’s concussion was sustained last month at WWE’s all-women’s pay-per-view, Evolution. During a spot that involved Nia Jax eliminating Vega, she hit the floor harder than expected. WWE has yet to publicly acknowledge her injury, but she’s been kept off the road as a safety precaution.
Almas feuding with Rey Mysterio seems to be a dream scenario for Zelina Vega, as she has stated in numerous interviews that she idolized Rey Mysterio growing up. During a 2014 interview with Maria Menounos, Zelina Vega said, “Rey Mysterio was my inspiration … He was someone that I looked at… He’s so small, but he can do so much… I want to be the female Rey Mysterio. Whether it’s with a mask or not, I want to be him.”
Watch Rey Myssterio vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas from this week’s SmackDown:
Wrestling legend Jose Lothario has passed away at the age of 83. Former NWA President, Bruce Tharpe, broke the news on Twitter yesterday.
Sad news today. The great JOSE LOTHARIO has passed away. So thankful that I had the opportunity to induct him into the NWA Hall of Fame while I served as President. He was so happy and it was my pleasure to induct him. God bless you Jose Lothario and may you Rest In Peace.
“Sad news today. The great JOSE LOTHARIO has passed away. So thankful that I had the opportunity to induct him into the NWA Hall of Fame while I served as President. He was so happy and it was my pleasure to induct him. God bless you Jose Lothario and may you Rest In Peace.”
Lothario was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame class of 2017. In WWE, he is perhaps best known for having trained Shawn Michaels.
“I think every young boy who lived in Texas knew who Jose Lothario was,” Michaels said to WWE Magazine in 1996. “I first saw him on TV when I was 12. He was the first Superstar to come across my screen. He is a legend in San Antonio, Cuba, Mexico… just about everywhere!”
Jose Lothario
Lothario’s in-ring career took place mainly in Texas. He won the NWA Brass Knuckles title (the Texan version) 5x. Lothario also won the WCCW television title twice. He won tag titles with names like Rocky Johnson, Ivan Putski, and Mil Mascaras.
“Despite never winning a WWE-sanctioned championship or competing at WrestleMania, Jose Lothario – born Guadalupe Robledo on Dec. 12, 1934 – made a lasting mark on the WWE Universe by simply agreeing to train a cocky teenager from San Antonio, Texas,” WWE wrote of Lothario. “A cocky teenager that grew up to become WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels.”
The November 6th episode of WWE SmackDown was taped in Manchester, England. In addition to the takeaways below, WWE Champion AJ Styles and United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura cut the following promos about their Survivor Series opponents on tonight’s show:
Here are 7 takeaways from this week’s episode of SmackDown:
Daniel Bryan & The Miz Are The Captains Of The SmackDown Men’s Team At Survivor Series
SmackDown GM Paige kicked off this week’s show. Paige introduced SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon to the ring and he received a chorus of boos. Shane won the WWE World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel to earn the title “Best in the World”.
Paige wanted to take a picture with the “Best in the World” trophy as the crowd chanted “CM Punk!”. Shane set the record straight that he is not the best in the world and that trophy does not belong to him. Shane added that the trophy belongs to everyone here at SmackDown.
Shane stated that he acted on instinct and took over for The Miz when he could not compete in the finals of the World Cup tournament. Shane then hyped up SmackDown as the superior brand and followed it up by promoting WWE Survivor Series for a couple minutes. RAW Tag Champs The Authors of Pain vs. The Bar was announced for Survivor Series during this promo.
Shane McMahon announced Daniel Bryan as the captain of Team SmackDown for Survivor Series. Bryan came down to the ring to “yes!” chants from the crowd. Bryan told the crowd that they were awesome and thanked Shane for acknowledging that he is not the best wrestler in the world.
Bryan noted that it is an honor to be the captain of Team SmackDown. The Miz interrupted and limped his way down the entrance ramp. Miz bitched about Shane making Daniel Bryan the captain of the team. The Miz stated that he is not angry, just disappointed that he couldn’t finish the World Cup tournament.
The Miz complimented Shane on “heroically” winning the tournament and then claimed that 2/3 of that trophy is his. The Miz blasted Daniel Bryan being injured all the time and that he has proven that he can beat the best. Miz claimed that he deserved to be captain of Team SmackDown and Shane agreed with him.
Shane complimented The Miz on his performance in the World Cup and told Miz that he will be co-captain with Daniel Bryan. The Miz had a pissed off look on his face as Bryan started up another “yes!” chant to end the segment.
Bryan and The Miz were shown arguing backstage. Shane interrupted and stated that they bring out the best in each other and that is what he is counting on. Shane informed Miz and Bryan that they have until the end of the night to pick the remaining three Superstars on the team. The Miz picked Shane and Bryan agreed with him that Shane should be on the team because he has the most on the line. The Miz and Bryan were then disgusted because they actually agreed on something.
New Day battled The Usos on this week’s episode of SmackDown. The winners of the match will be the captains for SmackDown’s tag team at Survivor Series. Big E and Kofi Kingston wrestled in the match as Xavier Woods launched pancakes into the crowd from ringside.
Jey Uso and Kofi started off the match. Jey leveled Kofi with a shoulder tackle but Kingston battled back with a Dropkick that sent Jey out of the ring. Kofi hung from the ropes and swiveled his hips as Woods played the trombone. Big E capitalized on the ridiculous distraction by decking Jey with a Clothesline as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Big E and Jimmy Uso were in the ring. Big E hit Jimmy with three Belly to Belly Suplexes in a row but Jimmy battled back with an uppercut to the jaw. Big E slammed Jimmy to the canvas and went for the cover but Jimmy was able to kick out at the last second.
Jey tagged in and booted Big E in the face. Jey climbed up to the top rope and went for a Splash but Big E got his knees up. Big E hit the Big Ending and went for the cover but Jimmy broke it up at two.
Big E charged at Jey but Uso got out of the way and Big E flew out of the ring. Big E slammed Jey into the barricade and then lifted Jimmy onto his shoulders. Jimmy escaped and sent Big E into the timekeeper’s area.
Kofi made his way to the top turnbuckle and leaped onto both Usos outside the ring. Kofi rolled Jey back into the ring and went for the cover but Jey powered out at two. Kingston followed it up with the SOS for another near fall. Jey and Kofi traded shots and then Kingston climbed up to the top rope. Kingston connected with a Splash for a two count as SmackDown went to a break.
Back from the commercial break, Kofi and Jey were still battling int he ring. Jimmy tagged in and teamed up with Jey to try and Suplex Kofi to the outside. Kofi escaped and Big E connected with a Spear on Jey that sent both Superstars to the floor outside the ring.
Kingston then connected with Trouble in Paradise on Jimmy for a near fall. Kofi hit Jimmy with a chop and perched him up on the top turnbuckle. Kofi went for a Superplex but Jimmy blocked it and headbutted Kingston to the canvas.
Kofi hopped right back up and went for a Hurricanrana but Jimmy countered into a beautiful Powerbomb off the second rope. Jimmy followed it up with a Splash off the top rope for the pinfall victory. The Usos are the captains for the Tag Team Elimination Match at WWE Survivor Series.
After the match, The Usos said that they have been to war with New Day and that there isn’t a SmackDown tag division with them. The Usos said they wanted New Day to join them at Survivor Series and shook hands with them.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch came down to the ring to respond to RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey’s promo last night. Lynch and Rousey will battle at WWE Survivor Series. Before Lynch came down to the ring, she was shown backstage wearing a “Baddest on the Planet” shirt. Becky ripped the shirt in half to reveal her “I am the man” shirt.
Becky came down to the ring as the crowd sang along to her entrance music. The crowd loudly chanted “Becky!” as Lynch began to speak. Lynch asked who the hell Rousey was to tell the champ anything.
Lynch stated that Rousey wasn’t a champion because she hasn’t even been tested yet. Becky added that when Ronda meets “the man” at Survivor Series, her titanium body will be let down by her weak mind.
Becky boasted about being the most relentless person that Ronda has ever met and brought up Ronda mocking the previous jobs Lynch held before making it to WWE. Lynch stated that she was not handpicked like Rousey, but here she is. Lynch added that she wasn’t meant to be the talk of the entire industry but here she is. Lynch posed with the title and referred to herself as “the only champ”.
Becky stated that she is not coming after Rousey’s respect at Survivor Series, she is coming after her arm. She finished the promo but saying “I don’t care if you are the baddest bitch on the planet, at Survivor Series I am going to make you mine”.
After her promo, Becky Lynch said that she got herself all fired up and wanted a fight. SAnitY’s music hit and Nikki Cross came down to the entrance ramp with Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, and Killian Dain. Nikki then sprinted to the ring and told Becky that she wanted to play. Becky said she doesn’t want to play, she wants to fight.
Nikki started off the match by screaming and blasting Becky in the face with a forearm. Lynch sent Nikki to the corner and Cross told her to bring it. Cross connected with a Hurricanrana and then charged at Becky but Lynch sent her flying out of the ring.
Cross trapped Becky in the ring apron and beat the hell out of her. Nikki brought Lynch back into the ring but Becky quickly rolled to the outside to regroup. Nikki followed her and Becky capitalized by slamming her into the ring apron several times.
Back in the ring, Becky went for the cover but Nikki kicked out at two. Lynch applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring as the crowd got behind Nikki. Cross battled to her feet and broke the hold with a couple of elbows to Becky’s midsection.
Cross went for a roll-up but Becky kicked out and hit her with a Dropkick for a near fall. Lynch hit an Exploder Suplex and followed it up with a shoulder tackle for a two count. Cross went for a Sleeper Hold but Becky slammed Nikki into the turnbuckle.
Nikki and Becky traded forearms but Cross got the upper-hand with a couple of Clotheslines. Nikki hit a Splash in the corner and followed it up with a Bulldog. Cross climbed up to the top rope and connected with a Crossbody for a near fall.
Cross hit a reverse DDT for another near fall and then stomped on Becky in the corner of the ring. Becky bounced Nikki’s face into the bottom rope and then locked in the Dis-Arm-Her in the middle of the ring. Nikki quickly tapped out to end the match.
Rey Mysterio Will Be On Team SmackDown At Survivor Series
Rey Mysterio squared off against Andrade “Cien” Almas on this week’s show. The Miz and Daniel Bryan had a conversation backstage before the match. Bryan wanted Mysterio on the team and The Miz said if Rey impresses tonight then he will allow him on the team.
Almas started off the match in control and hit Rey with a chop to the chest. Mysterio bounced off the ropes and connected with a Hurricanrana. Almas responded with an elbow to Rey’s face that echoed throughout the arena.
Andrade hit a knee to Rey’s face in the corner and then went for the cover but Rey kicked out. Mysterio sent Almas out of the ring and went for a Senton off the apron but Almas caught him. Andrade then swung Mysterio into the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Mysterio took back control of the match with a Hurricanrana. Almas responded with a boot to the face but Mysterio shrugged it off and booted Almas in the face for a two count.
Mysterio climbed to the top rope but Almas got up and crotched Rey on the top turnbuckle. Almas hit another chop to Rey’s chest and then went for a Superplex but Rey blocked it and went for a Sunset Flip. Andrade blocked it and hit two Double Knees in a row for a two count.
Andrade slammed Rey to the canvas and climbed to the top rope. Almas went for a Moonsault but Rey rolled out of the way. Andrade landed on his feet and went for a standing Moonsault but Mysterio got his knees up.
Rey set up for the 619 but Almas blocked it and brought Rey to the outside. Mysterio slammed Almas into the ring apron and followed it up with a sloppy looking sliding Tornado DDT. Mysterio brought Almas back inside the ring and hit him with a Hurricanrana that sent Almas to the ropes. Mysterio hit the 619 and followed it up with a Splash for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Randy Orton came out of nowhere and hit Rey with an RKO.
Bryan and The Miz had a conversation backstage. The Miz said that Rey will be on the team after joking that he didn’t even watch the match.
Charlotte Didn’t Show Up When Paige Announced The SmackDown Women’s Team
SmackDown GM Paige came down to the ring to announce the SmackDown Women’s Team at Survivor Series.
Paige introduced Carmella as the first member of the team. Carmella moonwalked across the entrance ramp and then was joined by R-Truth. They danced their way down the entrance ramp as Paige announced Naomi was on the team.
Sonya Deville and Asuka were then announced for the team at Survivor Series. Charlotte Flair was the final Superstar announced for the women’s team at Survivor Series. Charlotte’s music hit but Flair didn’t come down to the entrance ramp.
Mandy Rose’s music hit and Mandy came down to the entrance ramp. Mandy claimed that she was an upgrade and Paige told her that she will not be taking Flair’s spot on the team. Mandy said she was curious as to why Paige selected Sonya over her.
Rose boasted about eliminating Deville in the Battle Royal at Evolution. Rose then called Asuka yesterday’s news and said that Carmella’s title reign was like her dance breaks, short and meaningless.
Mandy Rose asked Naomi if Jimmy Uso was still feeling the glow and Naomi punched her in the face. Sonya Deville broke it up and Mandy retreated up the entrance ramp.
Samoe Joe Is The Final Member Of SmackDown’s Dysfunctional Team At Survivor Series
The Miz and Daniel Bryan agreed to pick two Superstars and the winner of the match will be the final Superstar on Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. Daniel Bryan selected Jeff Hardy and The Miz selected Samoa Joe. Joe then battled Jeff Hardy in the main event of this week’s show as Bryan and Miz joined commentary for the match.
Joe beat the hell out Hardy in the corner of the ring to start off the match. Jeff battled back with Whisper in the Wind and then sent Joe out of the ring. The action returned to the ring and Joe connected with a Clothesline as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Joe was still in control of the match. Dueling chants for Hardy and Joe broke out as Jeff battled back with a flurry of punches. Joe connected with a kick out of nowhere for a near fall.
Joe applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring but Hardy quickly escaped. Joe slammed Jeff into the barricade as The Miz and Bryan argued on commentary. Hardy connected with a Clothesline off the barricade and then the action returned to the ring.
Jeff hit an Atomic Drop and followed it up with a Dropkick for a two count. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate and made his way to the top rope. Jeff went for the Swanton Bomb but Joe got his knees up and locked in the Coquina Clutch for the submission victory.
After the match, Joe got in Bryan’s face next to the announce table. The Miz pleaded with Bryan to keep his emotions in check but Bryan didn’t listen. Daniel brought Joe into the ring and applied the Yes Lock. The Miz broke it up and Bryan unlocked a flurry of punches to Miz’s face. Shane McMahon came up behind him and Bryan thought he was Joe and sent him to the canvas. Bryan stormed up the entrance ramp as SmackDown went off the air.
