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Baron Corbin Opens Up About His Unsuccessful MITB Briefcase Cash-In

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WWE SmackDown star Baron Corbin recently appeared on All Things Wrestling Radio and during the interview, he spoke about his 2017 in the WWE including winning the Money in the Bank briefcase.

Corbin, who is a former offensive lineman for the National Football League’s Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals as well as a three-time Golden Gloves champion and former grappling champion, signed with WWE in 2012. After spending time in NXT, he was called up to the main roster.

In July, Corbin won the Money in the Bank match for a WWE Championship opportunity and became the third wrestler to fail to win his cash-in match. In this interview, he revealed when he was told that he was going to cash-in the briefcase.

“It was kinda like an hour before [SmackDown Live],” said Corbin. “We discussed, and then they made a decision that was gonna be the night. It didn’t work out, but, yeah it was definitely about an hour before. I mean, it’s the fun part of this business. You never know what your day is gonna hold. Some things could be very, very last minute. It could be at that very last second. So, it’s pretty wild, and it keeps you on your toes. That’s for sure.”

H/T Wrestling Inc for the transcript

Top 10 Moments From SmackDown Live (March 13), Cena & Nikki vs. Miz & Maryse Free WrestleMania Match

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WWE’s Top 10 Moments From SmackDown Live

It’s Wednesday, which means another episode of SmackDown Live is history. Last night (March 13), the show took place inside the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. This was the first episode of SmackDown Live following the WWE Fastlane pay-per-view.

The stage is set for the “dream match” between WWE champion AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura for WrestleMania 34. The two have competed one-on-one in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but never inside the WWE ring. That’s not the only feud on display last night.

SmackDown Live commissioner Shane McMahon made two major announcements. The first one being a match at WrestleMania between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. He then announced that he’ll be stepping down from his position as the brand’s commissioner. As seen in the top 10 SmackDown Live moments above, Shane was in for a rude surprise when he got to the back.

WrestleMania Free Match: John Cena & Nikki Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse

In an effort to hype up WrestleMania 34, WWE has posted a free match from last year’s mega PPV. Showcased this time is the mixed tag team match between John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse. Following the match, Cena asked Nikki a very important question.

NXT Matches and Segments for Tonight (non-spoiler)

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Tonight’s episode of NXT is a taped show from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA. Four matches have been announced for the show as well as an important title match contract signing for Takeover: New Orleans.

  • Andrade “Cien” Almas and Aleister Black Contract Signing
    • Black and Almas will meet for the NXT Championship at Takeover: New Orleans. Their contract signing tonight should be eventful.
    • William Regal announced Black had earned a title shot after he defeated Killian Dain last week.
  • United Kingdom Championship
    Pete Dunne (c) vs Adam Cole

    • The leader of the Undisputed Era gets a chance to become the first American United Kingdom champion. Cole and Dunne were involved in a backstage altercation last week.
  • Tommaso Ciampa Appearance
    • Last time he appeared on NXT, he didn’t say a word and left after the fans began chanting for his rival and former tag team partner, Johnny Gargano.
    • He sent out the following tweet to instruct fans on how to respond to him this time:

https://twitter.com/ProjectCiampa/status/973596664127778818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwe.com%2Fshows%2Fwwenxt%2F2018-03-14

  • Dusty Rhodes Classic (1st round)
    Riddick Moss & Tino Sabbatelli vs Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe (Sanity)
  • Dusty Rhodes Classic (1st Round)
    Heavy Machinery vs the Street Profits
  • Dakota Kai vs Lacey Evans

WWE Advertising Ronda Rousey For Every RAW Going Into WrestleMania 34

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Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey’s schedule with the WWE has been a hot topic as of late.

As seen on this week’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW in Detroit, MI at the Little Caesars Arena on the USA Network, Ronda Rousey did not appear despite the fact that WWE advertised her appearing on every episode of RAW leading into Wrestlemania 34. Instead, WWE aired a few video packages about her throughout the night.

Then on Tuesday, the sports entertainment company pulled her from advertisements for next week’s RAW in Dallas, Texas and the following week in Cleveland, Ohio. Rousey is scheduled for the April 2nd WrestleMania go-home show.

On Wednesday morning, the WWE has once again advertised Rousey for every RAW TV event leading up to the big event. Rousey is set to team up with Kurt Angle to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a Mixed Tag Team Match at WrestleMania 34.

Here is her updated schedule:

RAW: 3/19 – American Airlines Center, Dallas

RAW: 3/26 – Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland

RAW: 4/2 – Philips Arena, Atlanta

WrestleMania: 4/8 – New Orleans

Tyler Breeze Reacts To Notion That WWE Has Misused Him On Main Roster

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WWE SmackDown star Tyler Breeze recently spoke with TheWhig.com to talk about various topics.

During the interview, he was asked about the notion that he’s been misused on WWE’s main roster after being a fan favorite in NXT.

Keep in mind that Triple H oversees the creative in NXT while WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has the final say with the creative direction on the main roster.

“It’s easy to look at it like that. I don’t like to look at it like that. I’m still very young, I’ve still got a lot of career ahead of me. It’s not really about being misused. I like to use Shawn Michaels as a reference where he came up and he never really even became the Heartbreak Kid until he was eight or nine years in WWE. Everything takes time.”

In May of 2016, WWE officials decided to pair Breeze and Fandango as a tag team.

Since then, they have gone from being occasionally used to having a small part on SmackDown Live once they got their Fashion Files gimmick over.

“Getting paired with Fandango … the first little while, we were kind of struggling to find what our chemistry was and then finally it clicked, and everything just finds its place. I think being here with Fandango really helps. I help him out, he helps me out, and I think we’ve really built something special. We were both trying to figure out what our chemistry was, and all of the sudden we just started throwing ideas out there and one of them was to be the Fashion Police. We filmed little videos and then all of a sudden it kind of just took off.

We just have a lot of fun with it and other people have joined in and they would have fun with it. All of a sudden it became a thing that was every week on Smackdown for about eight months. It definitely played a big part in kind of getting some momentum behind us. We still have some unfinished business. We still have some loose ends with The Usos that we want to tie up. Until we get those Smackdown tag team titles, we don’t really have a need to go on our own. We’re having fun together. Until that happens, I don’t see us splitting up any time soon.”

WWE Planning New WrestleMania Special

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With WrestleMania 34 just weeks away, the WWE is reportedly creating a new special about the biggest event of the year for the sports entertainment company.

According to a report by Mike Johnson of PWinsider, the production team of WWE is making a new special “Wrestlemania’s Greatest Moments” currently.

Based on the report, it was noted that the special would be 60 minutes and air on the WWE Network. Also, there are plans to air an edited version of the special on the USA Network.

As of this writing, there’s no word yet on when it will air on WWE’s streaming service or their television partner.

Matt & Reby Hardy Address Jeff’s Recent Troubles

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In the days since Jeff Hardy’s recent DWI arrest in Concord, NC, his brother Matt has posted several references to him on social media. The latest came on Tuesday night with a reference to Jeff needing help.

Matt’s wife Reby, who will be part of the Ultimate Deletion match scheduled for next week’s RAW, has also chimed in on Jeff’s situation. Reby says she and Matt have worked too hard on bringing the Broken Universe to WWE for Jeff to derail their plans.

In response to a fan on Instagram who said Brother Nero is needed for the Ultimate Deletion match, Reby vehemently disagrees. She wrote:

“Matt has busted his ass to get to this point. He & I have been fighting for this to happen for nearly a year. After the hard work & $50K+ in legal fees that *WE* paid, I’m gonna have to say NO. He is not “needed”. Jeff is clearly doing his own thing & it has nothing to do with us right now.”

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Jeff Hardy’s DWI and Standing in WWE

Considering WWE has released multiple performers recently due to alleged criminal charges, some are concerned as to how Jeff’s recent arrest will impact his standing in WWE.

Jey Uso was arrested for DUI in January. WWE released the following statement in regards to his arrest:

“Joshua Fatu is responsible for his own personal actions. We are investigating the matter and awaiting information from local law enforcement officials.”

Which sounds a lot like what WWE released in regards to Jeff Hardy’s recent arrest:

“Jeff Hardy is responsible for his own personal actions. We are investigating the matter and awaiting information from local law enforcement officials.”

WWE has taken no action towards Jey Uso, so perhaps the same will be the case for Jeff Hardy, although Hardy does have a history of substance abuse issues which may further impact how the company handles the situation.

New Japan Cup Night 5 Tournament Match Results (2 Quarter-Final Matches)

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Today/last night in the New Japan Cup, the first two quarter-final matches took place. We’ve printed the results from the tournament thus far and the upcoming schedule below.

In the first tournament match of night 4, Juice Robinson pulled off a mild upset by defeating Michael Elgin via pinning combination. The second match featured Hiroshi Tanahashi defeating Bad Luck Fale via count-out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUvH486_lps

New Japan Cup 1st Round Results

  1. Juice Robinson defeated Yujiro Takahashi
  2. Michael Elgin defeated Tomohiro Ishii
  3. Bad Luck Fale defeated Lance Archer
  4. Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Taichi
  5. Kota Ibushi defeated YOSHI-HASHI
  6. Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Tetsuya Naito
  7. Toru Yano defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr.
  8. SANADA defeated Chuckie T
  9. Juice Robinson defeated Michael Elgin
  10. Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Bad Luck Fale via count-out

Upcoming New Japan Cup Matches

(Quarter-Finals)

  1. Kota Ibushi vs Zack Sabre Jr (March 15th)
  2. SANADA vs Toru Yano (March 15th)

Semi-Finals

  1. Juice Robinson vs Hiroshi Tanahashi (March 16th)
  2. Ibushi/ZSJ vs. SANADA/Yano (March 18th)

Finals

  1. Semi-Final Winner A vs Semi-Final Winner B (March 21st)

205 Live Results: First Cruiserweight Qualifies for WrestleMania

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The main event of 205 Live last night was the first semi-final in the cruiserweight championship tournament. Also on the show, two cruiserweight tag-teams faced each other as the division prepares to introduce tag-team titles.

205 Live Results 

  1. Hideo Itami & Akira Tozawa defeated Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik (w/Kalisto)
    • After the match, Itami was standing over Metalik and got into a shoving match with Dorado. Tozawa had to pull Itami away.
  2. “Gentleman” Jack Gallagher defeated Murphy Myers
    • This was a squash match victory for Gallagher.
  3. Cruiserweight Championship Tournament (Semi-Final)
    Cedric Alexander defeated Roderick Strong

    • Each guy hit their finish on the other, only for their opponent to get their foot on the ropes.
    • Alexander won with a small package.

WWE Mixed Match Challenge (3/13): Rusev & Lana vs. Bobby Roode & Charlotte

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The match started off with “woo!” and “Lana is the best, Lana number one!” chants. Lana slapped Bobby Roode in the face. Roode and Charlotte delivered dueling chops to Rusev and Lana, which forced them to exit the ring. Lana and Charlotte then got in the ring. Lana booted Charlotte and that was a big mistake. Charlotte responded by launching Lana into the turnbuckle. Lana then aimlessly started throwing haymakers and barely any of them landed. Lana connected with some chops to Charlotte that did nothing besides piss her off.

Charlotte planted Lana with a Fallaway Slam before Roode and Rusev tagged in. Roode connected with a couple of Clotheslines and followed it up with a Blockbuster for a two count. Rusev then controlled the next couple of minutes of the match. Rusev applied a choke hold to Roode and demanded that the camera man zoom in on Roode’s face. Bobby eventually escaped but was quickly knocked back down to the canvas.

Rusev hopped up to the second rope and waved his hands around to mock Bobby Roode’s glorious taunt. Roode dove off the turnbuckle and went for a Splash but Roode was ready for it and rolled out of the way. Roode quickly made his way to the corner and tagged Charlotte back into the match, which meant that Lana had to get in the ring. Charlotte connected with a flurry of massive chops to Charlotte and then booted her in the face. Charlotte tried to lock in the Figure Four but Rusev broke it up and brought Lana back to the corner. Charlotte wasn’t too fond of that and slapped Rusev across his face.

Lana snuck up behind Charlotte and rolled her up but Charlotte kicked out at the last moment. Rusev tagged in but Bobby Roode was on the floor outside the ring. Charlotte chopped Rusev across the chest a few times but Rusev laughed them off. Charlotte joined in on the laughter because Roode had gotten back in the ring behind Rusev. Roode spun Rusev around and planted him with the Glorious DDT for the pinfall victory.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgSXViRgYRv/?hl=en&taken-by=wwe

Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss will face The Miz & Asuka next week on the Mixed Match Challenge. In two weeks, Roode & Charlotte will face a team that has already been eliminated in the tournament. A team will be given a second chance and be voted back into the tournament by the fans.

You can vote for the team you want to see get back in the tournament by using the team’s hashtag on Facebook.

You can check out this week’s episode of the Mixed Match Challenge by clicking here.

6 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (3/13)

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The March 13th, 2018 episode of WWE SmackDown Live aired live from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. It was the first episode of SmackDown following WWE Fastlane. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:

Shinsuke Nakamura Helped AJ Styles

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WWE Champion AJ Styles made his way down to the ring to kickoff this week’s episode of SmackDown. AJ said that the odds were stacked against him at Fastlane and admitted that he was in trouble after John Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment to him through the announce table. Styles got pumped up and said that he found a way to win and is still the WWE Champion.

Styles said that just a short time ago it would have been considered unbelievable for him to become the WWE Champion and go to WrestleMania. The crowd chanted “you deserve it!” and AJ Styles stopped the chant and stated “I earned it”. AJ stated that he has a ton of respect for Nakamura because they have similar paths to get to WWE. Styles added that the comparisons stop when it comes to the WWE Champion.

Shinsuke Nakamura’s music hit and the crowd sang along as Nakamura danced his way down the entrance ramp. Nakamura joined AJ in the ring and posed right next to him as Styles looked on. Shinsuke grabbed a microphone as dueling “Nakamura!” and “AJ Styles!”. Shinsuke stated that Styles is a champion and that everyone likes him, but everyone likes Nakamura too. Shinsuke said that he respects AJ and that dreams come true at WrestleMania. Shinsuke walked towards AJ and said that his dream was “knee to face and I become champion”.

Rusev’s music hit and he made his way down to the ring with Aiden English as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

Rusev faced AJ Styles tonight on SmackDown. AJ and Rusev had a staredown as the bell rang. The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev launched Styles to the corner of the ring. The two Superstars locked up as Nakamura was shown ringside watching the match. Rusev leveled AJ with a shoulder tackle and paced across the ring with a scowl on his face.

Dueling “AJ Styles!” and “Rusev Day!” echoed throughout the arena as Rusev decked AJ with a right hand to the face. AJ battled back and connected with a couple of chops. Rusev responded with a Clothesline that sent AJ crashing to the canvas. AJ got back up and delivered a Dropkick to Rusev’s face and then knocked him out of the ring with a Clothesline. AJ leaped out of the ring and hit a forearm to the face.

The action returned to the ring with AJ still in control. The crowd was into it and started up the “AJ Styles!” and “Rusev Day!” chants again. Rusev planted AJ with a Spinebuster and went for the cover but AJ kicked out at two as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Rusev was still in control and had AJ Styles perched up on the top rope.

Rusev joined him up there and went for a Superplex but Styles escaped through Rusev’s legs. Styles sweeped Rusev’s legs out from under him and Rusev fell face-first onto the top rope. AJ connected with a Splash in the corner and then lifted Rusev onto his shoulders. Rusev escaped and launched Styles in the air and connected with a knee to the midsection. Rusev followed it up with a massive kick to the side of AJ’s head for a two count.

Rusev geared up in the corner and went for another kick but AJ countered into a Pele Kick of his own. Styles followed it up with a Neckbreaker and then dragged Rusev back up to his feet. AJ went for the Styles Clash but Rusev escaped and went for the Accolade. AJ blocked it and countered into a Calf Crusher.

Aiden English hopped into the ring and attacked Styles and the referee called for the bell. Shinsuke Nakamura got up from his seat and got into the ring. Nakamura booted English in the face and then connected with a Kinshasa to Rusev. Shinsuke stared at Styles for a moment before his music hit and Nakamura exited the ring.

AJ Styles was shown backstage and he approached Nakamura. AJ said that he didn’t need Nakamura’s help at Fastlane and he didn’t need it tonight. Shinsuke stated that it looked like AJ needed his help tonight and told Styles that he will help every single time until WrestleMania. Nakamura added that he is going to defeat Styles with a knee to the face before walking away.

Opinion: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura is one of those rare matches where there doesn’t need to be a heel and a face. It is a match that pretty much every wrestling fan is looking forward to at WrestleMania 34. It would be surprising if that doesn’t wind up being the match of the night on April 8th.

At this point, I’m hoping that Rusev and Aiden English are part of the Superstar Shake-Up following WrestleMania 34. I find it puzzling that aren’t involved in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship picture right now. The crowd clearly is behind them, yet they are being booked as heels and wrestling matches that really don’t mean anything against Styles and Nakamura. It has become abundantly clear that RAW’s tag division sucks right now. There are teams on both brands that could use a fresh start and I think Rusev & English could become stars on either brand if given the chance. SmackDown doesn’t seem to have any plans for them right now, so maybe switching to RAW would be the best thing for them.

The Bludgeon Brothers Dominated Again

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Big E was interviewed backstage about the attack by the Bludgeon Brothers at WWE Fastlane. Big E assured that Kofi and Woods will recover from their injuries and vowed to represent the New Day. Jimmy Uso showed up and said that Jey will be back soon. Jimmy stated that they were in the middle of putting on another classic match at Fastlane before the Bludgeon Brothers ruined it. Jimmy said that The Usos and New Day will meet again, but for now they need to put that on hold and take care of business. Big E agreed and the two bumped fists before walking away together. Big E and Jimmy Uso will take on the Bludgeon Brothers tonight in a tag match.

Big E and Jimmy Uso attacked Harper and Rowan as they were removing their jackets on the entrance ramp. Big E and Jimmy grabbed a couple of chairs and dared the Bludgeon Brothers to come in the ring. Harper and Rowan picked up their ridiculously sized mallets and got into the ring. The referee hilariously dived out of the ring as there was a stare down in the ring. Harper and Rowan knocked the chairs out of Big E and Jimmy Uso’s hands with their mallets. Big E and Jimmy hopped out fo the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, the Bludgeon Brothers were in control and had Big E trapped in the corner. Rowan slammed Big E to the mat and then walked across his midsection. Harper tagged in and continued the beatdown. Harper slapped Big E in the face and launched him to the corner. Big E jumped across the ring and tagged in Jimmy Uso.

Jimmy connected with a couple of kicks and climbed to the top rope. Jimmy flipped onto Harper and then blasted Rowan off the ring apron. Harper threw Big E out of the ring and Rowan launched Jimmy Uso into the steel steps. The Bludgeon Brothers them teamed up on Jimmy Uso and slammed him to the mat for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Harper rolled out of the ring and sprinted into Big E on the barricade. The Bludgeon Brothers got back in the ring and decided not to beatdown Jimmy Uso some more. Harper and Rowan then exited the ring, picked up their mallets and walked backstage.

Opinion: WrestleMania 34 is just a few weeks away and there hasn’t been a SmackDown Tag Team Championship match announced yet. All signs are pointing towards the Bludgeon Brothers getting an opportunity at the biggest PPV of the year. With Jey Uso out of action this week and Jimmy once again getting his ass kicked tonight by Harper and Rowan, it is looking like The Usos will be defending their titles at less than 100%. I’m hoping that this doesn’t turn into a match with several teams involved that finds it’s way onto the Kickoff Show at WrestleMania.

Asuka Made Her First Appearance On SmackDown To Confront Charlotte

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SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Charlotte said that you are a champion, you are always a target. Charlotte claimed she was excited when Asuka’s music hit at Fastlane because she knew what it meant. Charlotte stated that she wanted to come down to the ring to meet Asuka woman-to-woman.

Asuka made her way down to the ring and joined Charlotte. Charlotte welcomed Asuka to SmackDown Live and said be careful what you wish for. Asuka thanked Charlotte and then Charlotte stated that she is always asked what would happen if she ever faced Asuka. Charlotte said that we are going to get that answer at WrestleMania 34.

Charlotte stated that she wanted Asuka to pick her when she watched Asuka win the Royal Rumble. She added that this is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and that she has never faced anyone like Asuka, but Asuka has never faced anyone like me. Charlotte once again told Asuka to be careful what she wished for because she is going to end Asuka’s streak at WrestleMania and cement her legacy.

Asuka stated that she chose Charlotte because she likes a challenge. Asuka said that Charlotte was the Queen, but she is the Empress and she bows to no one. Asuka then shouted “no one is ready for Asuka!”. Charlotte and Asuka stared at each other before Asuka’s music hit.

Opinion: Much like Nakamura vs. Styles, this is another match that most wrestling fans are excited for. Tonight’s promo was just Charlotte and Asuka trading catchphrases and I was hoping for something more.

Bobby Roode Will Invoke His Rematch Clause At WrestleMania

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United States Champion Randy Orton made his way down to the ring as Asuka and Charlotte were still staring at each other. Orton spoke about never being United States Champion until now and raised the title. Orton said that winning this title put him on the short list of elite WWE Superstars that are Grand Slam Champions. Randy noted that is a list that he actually cares about. Orton said that Bobby Roode earned his respect at Fastlane, but the US Title belongs to him now. Orton vowed to take the title to WrestleMania and nobody is going to stop him.

Bobby Roode’s music hit and Roode joined Orton in the ring. Bobby Roode congratulated Orton on his victory but stated that he had a rematch. Roode announced that he was going to invoke his rematch clause at WrestleMania 34 and when he gets his title back, it is going to be absolutely glorious.

Jinder Mahal interrupted and came down to the entrance ramp. Mahal mockingly congratulated Orton before vowing to defeat Bobby Roode tonight. Mahal told Orton to take a seat and watch him inflict carnage on Bobby Roode.

Mahal controlled the match early before Roode battled back with a couple of punches. Roode and Mahal bounced off the ropes and slammed into each other and both Superstars fell to the mat. Roode got back up and sent Mahal to the corner. Roode hit a Neckbreaker and then climbed up to the top rope. Bobby connected with a Clothesline from the top and went for the Glorious DDT but Mahal blocked it. Roode connected with a Blockbuster off the second rope for a two count.

Jinder booted Roode in the face and went for the cover but Roode kicked out at two. Mahal went for the Khallas but Roode reversed it into a roll-up for two. Roode followed it up with a Spinebuster for another two count. Sunil Singh hopped up on the ring apron and distracted Roode. Bobby shoved him down and climbed up to the top rope. Mahal shoved the top rope and Roode fell crotch-first on the top turnbuckle. Mahal connected with the Khallas on Roode for the pinfall victory. After the match, Randy Orton got into the ring and connected with an RKO to Mahal.

Opinion: Jinder Mahal picked up another victory tonight and it is reasonable to assume that he will be added to the United States Championship at WrestleMania 34. Thus, it will wind up being a Triple Threat match between Randy Orton, Bobby Roode & Jinder Mahal. I’m having a hard time getting excited about that because it features two Superstars that are much better as heels and Jinder Mahal.

Carmella Defeated Naomi

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Naomi faced Carmella tonight on SmackDown. Naomi was in control early but Carmella hid behind the referee in the corner. Carmella used the distraction to her advantage and grabbed Naomi by the hair and launced her across the ring. Carmella continued to pry at Naomi’s hair for the next few minutes before taking a break to moonwalk across the ring.

Naomi used that time to regroup and connected with a Crossbody. Naomi then started to slap the hell out of Carmella as she screamed in the corner. Carmella ducked under three kicks but Naomi then caught her with a knee to the face. Naomi leaped onto the second rope but Carmella tripped her up and slammed her to the mat by her hair for the pinfall victory.

Carmella announced that she will be entering the Fabulous Moolah Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34. Carmella still hasn’t cashed in her MITB contract, which guarantees her a championship match at any time.

Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens Brutally Attacked Shane McMahon

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Sami Zayn was interviewed backstage by Renee Young. Renee asked Sami who he blamed for his failure to become WWE Champion at Fastlane. Zayn said that he wanted to blame Shane McMahon, but instead blamed Kevin Owens. Zayn blamed Owens for Shane’s obsession with him and claimed that he was just guilty by association. Sami called Owens a self-absorbed egomaniac and that he knows him more than anyone. Zayn stated that his plan almost worked but his alliance with Owens cost him because Shane interfered. Zayn said that is a price he will never pay again for Kevin Owens on anybody.

Kevin Owens was interviewed later on the show about Sami Zayn blaming him for what happened on Sunday. Owens called Sami Zayn selfish for not realizing that he wasn’t the only one being screwed over. Owens said that Sami Zayn is a liar and delusional if he doesn’t realize that he is the one that should be WWE Champion. Owens went on a rant about Shane McMahon and questioned why he even needed to be ringside for the main event at Fastlane. Owens stated that if Zayn doesn’t realize that, he has no problem teaching him a lesson.

SmackDown Commissioner came down to the ring near the end of the show to make a WrestleMania announcement. Shane stated that he has a ton of issues with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens and added that he was not here tonight to apologize for his actions. Shane brought up Kevin Owens’ brutal attack on Vince McMahon. Shane then brought up the match he had with Kevin Owens at Hell in a Cell and that Sami Zayn robbed him of getting his revenge.

Shane said that he had a conversation with SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan today and that Bryan will be returning next week. Shane stated that after tonight’s show, he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence. Shane announced that Kevin Owens will face Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 34.

Kevin Owens interrupted and wished Shane the best of luck in his future endeavors. Owens claimed that he could beat the hell out Sami Zayn any time he wants and he doesn’t have to wait until WrestleMania 34. Sami Zayn came down to the ring and said that Shane was just basing his decisions on what the crowd thinks. Sami and Owens then attacked Shane and beat him down. Sami delivered a Helluva Kick to Shane as Owens held him up. Sami then shoved Shane towards Owens and Owens connected with a Pop-Up Powerbomb.

A couple of referees came down to the ring and Sami and Owens attacked them. Sami grabbed a steel chair and set it up next to Shane McMahon. They then placed Shane’s head in the chair and slammed it into the ring post. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn dragged Shane McMahon backstage and Owens Powerbombed him on top of a storage crate. EMTs showed up as Owens and Sami Zayn walked away. Shane McMahon was in agony and EMTs said “hang in there Shane, you are going to make it” as SmackDown went off the air.

Opinion: Well, I’m guessing this will not wind up being Kevin Owens versus Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 34. Shane McMahon will obviously want to get some revenge for this brutal attack tonight. Shane McMahon sold the hell out of being slammed into the ring post and the Powerbomb backstage. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan will be returning next week and I’m sure he will have something to say about this.

What did you think of this week’s SmackDown? Let us know in the comments below.

Shane McMahon Steps Down As SmackDown Commissioner

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Shane McMahon is taking an indefinite leave of absence as the Commissioner of SmackDown Live. He had served as commissioner since the brand split was announced back in 2016.

The announcement was made during the final segment of Tuesday’s episode. Shane said that over the past several months, he’s taken actions unbecoming of his position while attempting to contain Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan will be back next week, but for now, he’ll be running the show by himself.

Shane also announced that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will be squaring off in singles competition at WrestleMania.

Shortly after revealing that he’s stepping away from his post, Owens and Zayn unleashed a vicious assault on their (now former) boss.

Shane stepping away as the boss of SmackDown Live paves the way for him to physically get revenge against Zayn and Owens at WrestleMania. We’ll see how this one plays out in the coming weeks, but you can be sure we haven’t seen the last of Shane ‘o Mac on Smackdown.

WWE SmackDown Live Results & Discussion (3/13)

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The March 13th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.

– Tom Phillips welcomes us to the arena. He’s joined by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton, and they discuss the fallout from Fastlane and the road to WrestleMania 34.

– AJ Styles comes out to the ring first to kick off the show. AJ gets in the ring as fans chant his name. He says he odds were stacked against him at Fastlane, but he stilled pulled though. AJ says he hasn’t forgotten where he came from, and his road to WrestleMania was a tough one. He says his match with Nakamura is a dream match, and then Nakamura comes out to interrupt. Nakamura comes down to the ring and says he respects AJ, but he will knee him in the face and take his WWE Title at WrestleMania. Rusev and Aiden English come out to interrupt next, and we’ve got a match.

AJ Styles vs. Rusev: Nakamura and English are both at ringside for this one, which is a non-title match. AJ starts working over Rusev’s leg early on. Rusev starts firing up and hits a lariat on AJ. AJ gets up and fires back with a dropkick, then throws Rusev out to the floor and follows up with a suicide dive. Back in the ring, AJ continues the offense until Rusev hits a cheap shot to the eyes. Rusev follows up with a spinebuster for a two count. Rusev hits a backdrop then goes up to the top turnbuckle, but AJ fights away. AJ fires up but Rusev shuts him down with a kick to the head. Rusev goes for another kick, but AJ ducks and hits the Pele kick. AJ hits a backbreaker then looks for a Styles Clash, but can’t execute it. Rusev drops AJ and goes for the Accolade, but AJ reverses it into the Calf Crusher. Aiden English hits the ring and attacks AJ for the disqualification.

Winner via DQ: AJ Styles

– After the match, Rusev and Aiden beat down AJ as Nakamura watches from ringside. Nakamura finally gets up and hits the ring. He drops Aiden first, then Rusev. Nakamura leaves as AJ is still recovering.

– Big E does an interview in the back where he says Kofi and Xavier aren’t here tonight, but they’ll be back. Kofi and Xavier are off selling the beating from the Bludgeon Brothers on Sunday. Jimmy Uso walks in and tells big E he isn’t alone, and the Bludgeon Brothers got Jey out of action too. Jimmy says right now, they need to put their differences aside and deal with the Bludgeon Brothers. Jimmy and Big E walk off together.

– Still to come: Jinder Mahal vs. Bobby Roode

– We see a video package looking at Kid Rock’s Hall of Fame induction announcement.

– We go backstage to AJ and Nakamura. AJ says he doesn’t need Nakamura’s help, but Nakamura disagrees. He says he wants AJ healthy for their match at ‘Mania.

Big E & Jimmy Uso vs. The Bludgeon Brothers: Big E and Jimmy attack the Bludgeon Brothers before the opening bell at ringside. They brawl all over ringside, before Jimmy and Big E grab steel chairs and roll back in the ring to wait for the Brothers. Rowan and Harper pick up their sledgehammers and get in the ring. The ref gets out of the ring now as the two teams start swinging their weapons. Rowan and Harper knock the steel chairs out of the babyfaces’ hands, and Big E and Uso retreat to ringside. Back in the ring, the opening bell sounds and Rowan and Big E start going at it. Harper tags in and they double team the New Day member. Uso finally gets the tag and he cleans house. Harper shuts the momentum down with a big boot to Uso. Rowan takes Big E out to ringside and whips him into the ring steps. Harper and Rowan double team Uso in the ring for the three count.

Winners: The Bludgeon Brothers

– After the match, Harper and Rowan beat down Big E at ringside.

– We see a recap from Fastlane, showing the confrontations between Kevin Owens, Shane McMahon, and Sami Zayn on Sunday.

– Sami Zayn does an interview in the back where he blames Shane McMahon for Sunday’s problems. He also blames Owens, and says Owens is obsessed with Shane. He trashes Owens some more, and Sami says he played everyone including Owens at Fastlane. Sami says he’s done being guilty by association by being with Owens, and he walks off.

– Still to come: Asuka is in the house.

– Women’s Champion Charlotte comes out to the ring next and gets on the mic. She says she’s excited to be challenged by Asuka, and then she calls her out to the ring. Asuka comes down and Charlotte tells her to be careful what she wishes for. Flair says she welcomes the challenge, and looks forward to ending Asuka’s streak. Asuka says she likes a challenge, but no one is ready for her. Asuka and Flair come nose to nose as the music hits.

– WWE U.S. Champion Randy Orton comes out before Asuka and Charlotte have left. Orton gets on the mic and talks about winning the U.S. Title for the first time in his career. He mentions that he’s the 10th “grand slam” champion under the current title format, and that’s the list that really matters. He says Bobby Roode earned his respect, but the U.S. Title is his now and no one is taking it from him. Bobby Roode comes out to interrupt, and congratulates Orton on the win. Roode says he wants the rematch at WrestleMania 3, and it will be glorious when he recovers his U.S. Title. Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh are out next. Jinder also congratulates Orton, and tells everyone to forget about the WrestleMania rematch, because Jinder is going to beat Bobby tonight and then take Orton’s Title.

Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal: The opening bell sounds and they fight into the corner. Roode looks for the Glorious DDT early, but Jinder escapes and regroups at ringside. Back in the ring, Roode drops Jinder then grabs him for a reverse neckbreaker. Roode goes up top and hits a flying clothesline, then looks for the Glorious DDT but Jinder escapes again. Jinder rams Roode into the corner, but Roode fires back with a boot to the face and then a Blockbuster for a 2 count. Jinder hits a big boot for a 2 count of his own. Jinder looks for the Khallas, but Roode escapes and rolls up Jinder for another near-fall. Roode hits a spinebuster for another two count. Singh gets on the apron for the distraction, and Roode throws him into the ring post. The distraction leads to Jinder dropping Roode and hitting the Khallas for the three count.

Winner: Jinder Mahal

– Immediately after the match, Orton runs in and hits the RKO on Jinder.

– Kevin Owens does an interiew in the back where he says he’s tired of Sami Zayn blaming him for everything. He says Sami is a delusional liar who is blaming him for his problems. He says Shane screwed him out of the WWE Title on Sunday, and Shane wasn’t needed at ringside at all. Owens says he has no problem beating him Sami and showing him the truth.

– The broadcast team introduces us to a video package looking at the first ever Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania.

Naomi vs. Carmella: The opening bell sounds and Carmella takes control of this one early on. Carmella talks trash to Naomi while she’s down and hits a running knee in the corner. She follows up with a boot to the head. Carmella wastes some time, and Naomi comes back with a shot out of the corner. Carmella slaps her across the face, and Naomi fires back with clotheslines and a knee to the face. Naomi goes to springboard off the ropes, but Carmella cuts her off and slams her down, then rolls her up for the three count.

Winner: Carmella

– We see Shane McMahon backstage walking towards the gorilla position.

– There’s a promo video for the Mixed Match Challenge with Rusev and Lana.

– Smackdown Commissioner Shane McMahon comes down to the ring as the announcers show us some shots from his involvement at Fastlane on Sunday. Shane gets on the mic and discusses the various issues with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Shane mentions Owens beating up his dad Vince months ago, and Sami intefering in the Hell In A Cell match. He says he talked to Daniel Bryan today, and Bryan will be back next week. Shane says when Bryan returns, Shane will take an indefinite leave of absence from Smackown. Before he leaves, Shane wants to make one more match, and he books Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn for WrestleMania 34. Owens comes out to interrupt and he complains about the match. Sami comes out next and says he’s glad Shane is leaving. Shane says he just gave him a WrestleMania match but he’s still ungrateful. Owens says they’ll give Shane something to appreciate, and Owens and Zayn start beating down Shane. Shane tries to fight them off, but they overpower him and boot him in the face. Owens hits the Pop Up Powerbomb on Shane next. They bring Shane down to the floor and continue the assault. The put a chair over Shane’s head then throw him into the ring post. They drag Shane up the ramp and drag him through the curtain. They powerbomb Shane onto some production equipment, and a referee calls for paramedics. Owens and Zayn walk off, as paramedics put a mask on Shane and loak him on to the stretcher as SmackDown goes off the air.

RAW Viewership Up This Week (3/12)

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Monday’s edition of WWE RAW averaged 3,352,000 viewers, a healthy increase from 3,099,000 the previous week.

Here’s the hourly viewership data, courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily:

  • Hour 1: 3,351,000
  • Hour 2: 3,429,000
  • Hour 3: 3,275,000

Overall, it was a strong showing for WWE. RAW viewership has been above 3 million viewers every week since January 15th. Aside from the RAW 25th Anniversary special back in January, the 3.275 million viewership for Hour 3 was the most-watched final hour of RAW since the night after WrestleMania 33.

RAW featured Vince McMahon ‘suspending’ Roman Reigns, John Cena once again challenging The Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor in singles action, Braun Strowman winning a tag team battle royal to earn a shot against RAW tag team champions The Bar at WrestleMania.

WWE is hyping the Ultimate Deletion match between Broken Matt and Bray Wyatt next week, so expect to see RAW’s momentum continue.

Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from this week’s WWE RAW:

4 WWE Superstars We Want To See Repackaged

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Some WWE Superstars stick with the same character and the same general persona for the entirety of their careers. Others are given drastic overhauls, some several times, before things click. There are several Superstars on the RAW and SmackDown rosters we feel could benefit from shaking up their images. Here are 4 of them:

Tye Dillinger

tye dillinger 10
Photo credit: WWE.com

Tye Dillinger exploded onto the main roster scene at the 2017 Royal Rumble with great potential and hope from NXT.  And now he’s being kept away from his full potential because WWE don’t like his “10” chants… so they entered him at number 10 in the 2018 Royal Rumble…?

The whole situation around Tye Dillinger is confusing, it just doesn’t make sense.

Unfortunately I kind of think that Dillinger may have jinxed himself when he told Sky Sports that he’d be happy if he never achieved anything ever again after making his debut on the main roster in 2017… oh dear.

Tye Dillinger is the only entrant on this list that isn’t injured.

While Tye Dillinger has made appearances on SmackDown Live, and even challenged for the odd title, he’s never been involved in a significant feud, story arc, or title challenge.  He sits with the likes of Tyler Breeze, who both shone as stars of NXT but have been unable to make a lasting impact on the main roster.

Tyler Breeze was close to making this list, but his success with The Fashion Police has kept him more relevant than Dillinger.

Jeff Hardy

jeff hardy

With the spot light on Woken Matt Hardy, many may have forgotten the injured Jeff Hardy who has been sat on the sidelines recently with a torn rotator cuff.

With the anniversary of their return to WWE coming up, the main focus of the last year has been on their partnership as a tag team and the development of the Broken gimmick.  What people may have overlooked is that Jeff Hardy was the valuable talent and draw before they left WWE.

Jeff had significantly more WWE title reigns than Matt during their previous stint in WWE, but this contrasts with the resurgence and popularity that Matt Hardy nurtured and grew.  It’ll be interesting to see whether WWE split the brothers up; especially since Jeff has appeared to follow his brother, allowing Matt to cover all the promos and onscreen interviews.

The main question though is whether Jeff will come back as himself, The Enigma, or as The Nefarious Brother Nero.  Hopefully The Ultimate Deletion between Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt will offer further answers.

Either way, Jeff Hardy should take this opportunity and return repackaged as something different to what we have previously seen since WrestleMania 33.

Big Cass

Big Cass

The following comment from the SEScoops community may some up how Big Cass is perceived in the WWE Universe:

“Big Who?”

A torn ACL, an almost career ending injury, has prevented the 7ft superstar from competing since the middle of last year.  The last anyone saw of him was when Big Cass turned heel against his tag team partner Enzo Amore, attempting to make a name for himself as a power house and next tallest athlete on the roster.

Many fans were frustrated with the continuing feud between Big Cass and Enzo Amore, but now that Amore has been released due to allegations of sexual assault, Big Cass has an open opportunity to break free and clear a new path for himself.

Having seen how much Braun Strowman has achieved since leaving Bray Wyatt’s family, it may have been WWE’s plan to pit the two against each other, with the crowd favouring Strowman as a face compared to Big Cass who received instant negativity from the crowd.

To demonstrate exactly how negative a reaction Big Cass received, it would be hard to predict who would be jeered more, Big Cass or Jinder Mahal.

Big Cass’s sole mission should be to give himself purpose and make himself relevant having cut ties with Enzo Amore, as well as Carmella.  If Big Cass had a target or goal, it should be to make the WWE Universe say: “THAT’S BIG CASS!?” with a new persona and image.

Dean Ambrose

dean ambrose

I am guilty of constantly forgetting about Dean Ambrose at the moment.  It wasn’t long ago that he was competing as part of The Shield and as one half of the RAW Tag Team Champions, but surgery on a torn tricep in December has ruled him out for 9 months.

Ambrose has also been WWE Champion and Intercontinental Champion in recent years, and has been a solid work horse for the company.

Unfortunately, Ambrose appears to have the longest journey back into the ring, and therefore back into relevancy within the WWE Universe.  He won’t be seen in the ring until after SummerSlam at best and won’t have a direction or set angle to return to, unlike Jeff Hardy.

The key word here is ‘relevancy’.  Dean Ambrose runs the risk of returning and not being current or fresh.  His rumoured heel turn on The Shield has been put on hold, and Seth Rollins is likely to have moved on from his role in the tag team championship race as he faces a triple threat match at WrestleMania in April.  Therefore Ambrose will need to find his own way back that captures the WWE Universe.

I think he’s capable of making a successful return with a fresh perspective, but if it involves yet another feud with The Miz… NO!!  It has been done time and time again.  Leave it now and move on.

Discussion:

Are there any other superstars who need to be repackaged in WWE?

Mick Foley Pushing For Vader & Chyna WWE HOF Inductions

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The 2018 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony is less than a month away. This year’s class will include Goldberg, the Dudley Boyz, Ivory, Jeff Jarrett, Hillbilly Jim and Kid Rock.

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley appeared on the Busted Open radio show this week and spoke about two legends he feels belong in the Hall of Fame.

Foley, who was inducted back in 2013, told hosts Dave LaGreca & Tommy Dreamer that he wants to see longtime rival and former WCW world champion Vader immortalized.

“Leon was so dominant not just in WCW, I mean he’ll be the first to tell you, if he came in during the attitude era in WWE he would have been amazing,” he said. “They had him from the get-go running away from people. I remember driving with him and he would be like ‘I’m Vader and running away from people!’. Where as I was given open reign to do whatever I wanted with my character, he just seemed to have so many people in his ear to tell him how to be Vader, when he’s done it successfully all over the world…. I think when you take into account everything he’s accomplished in WCW, NJPW, Mexico and in Germany and Europe.”

Mick Foley said he’d also like to see fellow Attitude Era performer Chyna in the WWE Hall of Fame. Chyna has been persona non grata in the WWE Universe over the past several years, with Triple H famously stating that she’s an unlikely candidate because, ‘what would the children think if they Googled her?’ WWE has softened its stance on Chyna lately, including her in video packages and Triple H and Stephanie McMahon even mentioning her on WWE television in recent months. Foley feels it’s time to honor formally honor the late 9th Wonder of the World.

“I also really like just the fact that Chyna is being mentioned and she’s being shown in clips. I would love to see her in. I know how much it would mean to her mom. I tell people you can’t let that one decision dictate if your career was a success. I didn’t wander around wondering if my career had meant anything because I wasn’t in the hall of fame, but it is a big deal.”

Listen to Mick Foley’s appearance on Busted Open here:

MLW Tournament Finals Are Set, Tickets On Sale For 4/12 Show

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Major League Wrestling sent in the following press release hyping their next show, which will feature the finals of the tournament to crown a new MLW World Champion.

MATT RIDDLE VS. SHANE “SWERVE” STRICKLAND SET FOR APRIL 12TH CLASH IN ORLANDO TO CROWN NEXT WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

ORLANDO – History will be made on Thursday night April 12th as the next MLW World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned in Orlando at Gilt Nightclub. After dominating top ranked wrestlers in the opening round and semi finals, Matt Riddle vs. Shane “Swerve” Strickland is set for the MLW: The World Championship Finals.

Tickets are on sale now at MLWTickets.com for Major League Wrestling’s next event, MLW: The World Championship Finals.

Ticket prices range from $15-$45 with a limited number of “VIP Packages” also available.

Matt Riddle, who left the Ultimate Fighting Championship on a 4 fight win streak, is undefeated in MLW with wins over Jeff Cobb, ACH and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor.  A top ranked fighter, Riddle is one of the most dominant wrestlers in the world.  With immense momentum on his side, Riddle looks to make history as the next World Heavyweight Champion.

Shane “Swerve” Strickland has been at the epicenter of Major League Wrestling’s revival with high profile wins over the likes of Ricochet.  Strickland defied the odds in the World Championship semi-finals, defeating Jimmy Havoc, who had shutout Strickland in prior encounters with 2 decisive victories.  Now, Strickland sets his sights on winning his World Championship in the sport on April 12th.

More Matches and wrestlers will be announced in the coming days and weeks at MLW.com.

Early Betting Odds For Top WrestleMania 34 Matches

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SportsBettingExperts.com’s oddsmaker Jim Murphy has released the early betting odds for some of the top matches taking place at WrestleMania 34.

WrestleMania 34 is set to be held on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event airs on pay-per-view (PPV) and WWE Network. It’s the most successful and longest-running professional wrestling event in history. Both Raw and SmackDown rosters will be featured.

Here are the odds:

WWE Universal Title Match
Roman Reigns: -350
Brock Lesnar: +300

WWE Intercontinental Title Triple Threat Match
Finn Balor: +115
Seth Rollins: +150
The Miz: +350

Mixed Tag Team Match
Ronda Rousey/Kurt Angle: -350
Triple H/Stephanie McMahon: +300

Which Match Will Main Event
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns: -175
Any Match Featuring The Undertaker: +100
Any Women’s Match: +150
AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: +250
Kurt Angle/Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H/Stephanie McMahon: +250

Braun Strowman Has Certain Opponent In Mind For Potential Feud

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WWE RAW Superstar Braun Strowman recently spoke with CBS DetroitDuring the interview, he was asked about who he travels with as well as a potential feud with fellow RAW star Bray Wyatt down the line.

“I usually travel with Bray Wyatt,” said Strowman. “We’ve gone astray per se as being a team, but our friendship is gonna go down forever. Bray is a very, very close friend of mine.”

“I look forward to possibly having a rivalry with him,” Strowman said. “He’s an unbelievable talent. He’s one of the best guys we have as far as speaking, in-ring ability, everything. He’s the total package, and he taught me a lot coming up with my time with the Wyatt Family, and yeah I’m sure it’ll come back one day full circle with the monster and his per se creator goes at it.”

Although Wyatt doesn’t have his match at WrestleMania 34 set up, Strowman does. As seen on this week’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW in Detroit, MI at the Little Caesars Arena on the USA Network, Braun Strowman won a Battle Royal involving all of the tag teams that compete in the division on Raw.

As a result of this win, Strowman is the new #1 contender for the titles and will challenge Sheamus and Cesaro for them at WrestleMania 34. It remains to be seen if Strowman will have a partner for this match.

H/T to WrestlingINC for the transcribed quotes

Becky Lynch Talks First-Ever Fabulous Moolah Battle Royal, Alexa Bliss

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Former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch recently spoke with Sportskeeda to talk about various topics. During the interview, she was asked about WWE RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss’ success on the RAW brand since being moved from SmackDown Live.

“She’s what, two-time RAW Women’s Champion? That’s good. I guess I haven’t seen her wrestle in a long time. So, that’s an important part of being a Champion. But I thought the Women’s Elimination Chamber match was brilliant.”

The WWE has announced that the first-ever Fabulous Moolah Battle Royal will take place at WrestleMania 34. The match is a female version of the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. She was asked about this first-ever match for the sports entertainment company.

“She’s one of the most well-known women in WWE history and I think that when people think of the famous women of the past, they think of the Fabulous Moolah. That’s why the Battle Royal is being named after her.”

Seth Rollins Opens Up On Dean Ambrose Missing WrestleMania 34 Due To Injury

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Former WWE Champion Seth Rollins recently spoke with MLive. During the interview, he was asked about his upcoming Triple Threat Match against Finn Balor and Intercontinental Champion The Miz at WrestleMania 34.

“I’ve now got a big match at WrestleMania. A triple threat match for the Intercontinental Title. For me, my eyes are still on The Miz and the IC title and becoming champion.”

Also, he was asked about his former tag team partner Dean Ambrose suffering an injury and missing out on competing at WrestleMania 34.

Ambrose underwent successful surgery to repair a high-grade triceps tendon in December. Ambrose’s arm injury reportedly took place at the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs pay-per-view event back on October 22nd. During that pay-per-view, Ambrose took a bump on a table that didn’t break.

Following the match, his right arm immediately swelled up. While Ambrose didn’t take any time off and continued to work through the pain, things got worse over time. WWE stated Ambrose would be out nine months at the time of his surgery being announced.

“The biggest thing is to try and roll with it and don’t turn away from your feelings,” said Rollins. “It’s going to be ok to feel sad, angry and frustrated, but try not to let yourself be negative. Turn it into a positive and use that as motivation to get back faster.”

WWE vs. GLOW Themed Episode To Air On TBS’ Drop The Mic Show

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Some of the top female superstars under contract with the WWE are slated to take on some GLOW actors on an upcoming TV show.

Squared Circle Sirens is reporting that TBS will be filming an episode of “Drop The Mic” that will feature a WWE vs. GLOW theme on March 18. Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Carmella, and Alicia Fox will represent WWE while Kate Nash, Jackie Tohn, Sunita Mani, and Britney Young will appear on behalf of the GLOW Netflix series.

GLOW is inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the 80s. Netflix has already renewed the series for a second season.

AJ Styles Addresses Why He Almost Returned To Impact Wrestling Before Signing With WWE

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WWE Champion AJ Styles recently spoke with former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia on her Chasing Glory podcast. During the interview, he talked about the decline of TNA from 2009-2010.

Styles made his name known while in TNA Wrestling, now known as Impact Wrestling, from 2002–2013 well before he signed with the sports entertainment company.

While in the promotion, Styles held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice. Also, he was the first holder of the X Division Championship, a title he held six times.

“When you want to become a lesser version of something else, and when I say that, I mean WWE Light, you’re not giving people an alternative.” Styles added, “if they want to watch WWE, they’re going to watch WWE. You’ve got to be something different, so they went with a regular square ring. I thought that was a big mistake. You [brought] in guys that I don’t know people wanted to see anymore because they had grown so used to a certain style of wrestling that was happening at TNA. There were a lot of things that [brought] it down and it was guys like Christian and Kurt [Angle] who came over before all this happened that really sparked TNA and made it something bigger. It was growing because of them. But around 2009, 2010, around there, they forgot who they were and didn’t rely on the guys that got them there to the ballgame in the first place, the big game, anyway. And therefore, it started going downhill.”

“Despite all that, I saw myself as, ‘this is my home,’ and I was loyal to TNA,” Styles reflected. “But when you don’t allow me to provide for my family the way I think I should be able to by all the time and all the years I put in, well then, it’s not making much sense to me. And so, ultimately, that’s why I left, because they wanted me to take less than I was making. I hadn’t done anything wrong and I tried to be the best ambassador for the company that I could. A lot of things I thought I did right, but they didn’t see it that way, so I left. I bet on myself and I left.”

In 2014, Styles signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and won his first of two IWGP Heavyweight Championships in his debut match with the company.

Styles first appeared on WWE television in 2002 but turned down a developmental contract he was offered by the company.

He signed a multi-year contract with WWE fourteen years later in January 2016 and made his re-debut at that month’s Royal Rumble. Also during this interview, he addressed his decision to go to WWE despite being offered a deal by TNA.

“It wasn’t too long after that [NJPW stint] that TNA came back to me and said, ‘okay, we’ll give you pretty much when you’re asking for to come back.’” Styles elaborated, “I said, ‘well, I’m not coming back without somebody. I need Anderson and Gallows.’ I said, ‘I want them to come with me.’ We actually had a meeting over at Dixie Carter’s house. There were still some things we weren’t sure about and I had talked to WWE a little bit, but they hadn’t gotten back to me, so I just assumed they had other things going on. They didn’t need AJ Styles, which… WWE is a big place. I get it. I’m not the most important person in the world. I know that. But luckily, Triple H and I, we had a great conversation, like a 30-minute conversation the first time we talked. I said, ‘oh, this is going well.’ And within a week, the ball really started rolling.”

H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcript

Matches for Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge, and 205 Live Tonight

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Tonight’s episodes of Smackdown Live, WWE Mixed Match Challenge, and 205 Live emanate from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.

Smackdown looks to be a segment heavy show as no matches have been announced for it ahead of time.

Smackdown Live

Segments Announced for Smackdown Include:

  • Shane McMahon’s WrestleMania announcement
    • Following the events at Fastlane, where Shane cost both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn a chance to win the WWE championship, Shane is scheduled to make an important announcement regarding WrestleMania tonight. It’s likely both Owens and Zayn will have a vested interest in what Shane has to say.
  • Asuka Appears on Smackdown
    • Two days after appearing at Fastlane and challenging Smackdown women’s champion, Charlotte Flair, Asuka is being advertised to appear on Smackdown tonight.
    • How will Charlotte Flair respond to Asuka’s challenge?
  • AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura Road to WrestleMania Begins
    • Tonight will be the first Smackdown after AJ Styles versus Shinsuke Nakamura has been officially confirmed as the WWE championship match at WrestleMania. Now that Nakamura knows it will be him versus AJ Styles in a rematch from their Tokyo Dome encounter, what will he have to say to Styles tonight?
  • Randy Orton United States Championship Reign Begins
    • At Fastlane, Randy Orton defeated Bobby Roode to win the United States championship. After the match, he was attacked by Jinder Mahal and then by Bobby Roode as well. Orton has a target on his back now as champion, what will happen between him and his two challengers tonight?
  • What Comes Next for the Bludgeon Brothers?
    • Sunday night, the Bludgeon Brothers destroyed the New Day and the Usos causing their Smackdown tag-team championship match to be declared a no contest. With Smackdown’s two top tag teams having been put on notice by Harper and Rowen, we should find out what is next for the division tonight.

WWE Mixed Match Challenge

Tonight’s match is the final round of the quarter-finals. Thus far the advancing teams to the semi-finals include Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman and the Miz and Asuka.

Tonight’s match will pit Lana and Rusev facing Bobby Roode and Charlotte Flair.

A 4th team will be voted back into the tournament for the semi-finals.

205 Live

Just one match has been announced for 205 Live tonight. The 1st semi-final match of the cruiserweight championship tournament will pit Cedric Alexander taking on Roderick Strong.

One of Strong or Alexander will make their WrestleMania debut this year and get a chance to win the cruiserweight championship.

The other semi-final will most likely take place next week and be contested between Drew Gulak and Mustafa Ali.

Kevin Owens Comments on Shane McMahon’s Appearance on Raw

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Last night on Monday Night Raw, Shane McMahon was shown on camera sitting next to his father backstage. This was during the 1st segment of the show where Roman Reigns walked to the back to confront Vince.

On Smackdown, Shane McMahon just cost both Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens chances to win the WWE Championship at Fastlane. Shane broke up pin attempts by each competitor to prevent them from winning.

Kevin Owens took to Twitter last night to comment on Shane McMahon’s appearance on Raw:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/973365017159651328

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at WrestleMania

After losing out on a WWE Championship opportunity on Sunday, Zayn and Owens, like Cena, have no clear path to WrestleMania.

Shane McMahon is advertised as having a special announcement for tonight’s Smackdown. His announcement may have something to do with Owens’ and Zayn’s role at this year’s WrestleMania.