Mick Foley is offering a heap of praise on Bullet Club members.
On episode 95 of “Being The Elite,” Foley appeared. Marty Scurll tried recruiting the hardcore icon to help make the Villain Club more than just a t-shirt. Instead, Foley suggested that Mr. Socko becomes a member and things fell apart.
Trail Blazers
Just before the video was released, Foley posted a new entry of his Facebook blog praising Scurll, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega. You can read part of it below:
“Sure, on a certain level, I understood The Young Bucks were getting over strong. I understood, to some extent how well the whole Bullet Club thing was working. Not only were the Bucks blazing their own trail in tag-team wrestling; passing on a rumored WWE offer, because they were perfectly content with their New Japan and Ring Of Honor deals, but Kenny Omega had earned the right to call himself a human (match of the year) factory, with near superhuman performances on New Japan’s biggest shows in consecutive years. And to my surprise, the Marty Scurll Villain Club T’s were beating my WANTED T’s like a government mule at OTT shows in Dublin and Belfast. It’s not that the venerable Cactus shirts weren’t selling; they were – just at a pace about 1/4 the pace of Marty’s.”
WWE is scheduled to hold a live event at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 16th. The promotion recently updated the card for the show. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) will defend the RAW Tag Team Titles against The New Day and Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews in a Three-Way Match at the show. Here is the updated card:
Brock Lesnar vs. Kane vs. Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor vs. The Miz, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. Elias and Bayley. WWE Champion AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.
The Bar vs. The New Day vs. Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews for the RAW Tag Team Championships
It’s Tuesday and that means another episode of SmackDown Live is upon us.
Tonight (March 6), the show takes place inside the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. WWE.com has rolled out their preview for tonight’s episode. The show has two matches and one segment set. WWE is also teasing conflict between two female superstars.
The Lowdown
WWE champion AJ Styles is set to take on one of his Fastlane opponents in a non-title bout. He’ll meet Dolph Ziggler, who got a measure of revenge on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn last week. After losing to John Cena, Styles will look to redeem himself on the go-home show.
An old rivalry will be renewed. Randy Orton will do battle with Jinder Mahal. Back in May 2017, Mahal shocked the world when he defeated Orton for the WWE title. That rivalry sparked the return of the Punjabi Prison match. They’ll meet again tonight just five days before Orton challenges Bobby Roode for the United States championship.
Ruby Riott has been a thorn in the side of SmackDown Women’s champion Charlotte. Riott is the last member of the Riott Squad for Charlotte to take out. Before their title match at Fastlane, the two will have a faceoff.
Becky Lynch and Money in The Bank holder Carmella have been at odds on social media. Things got heated enough for Lynch to challenge Carmella to a match tonight. We’ll see how it all plays out tonight on SmackDown Live at 8 p.m. ET.
The location has been revealed for All In – the biggest independent wrestling show of 2018. On the latest edition of Being The Elite, the gang revealed that the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL will play host to the event.
The Sears Centre Arena is located about 45 minutes outside of Chicago and has a maximum occupancy of over 11,000 people. The venue meets the “10,000 fans” criteria and is close (enough) to one of the biggest pro wrestling cities in the world.
All In, which takes place on Saturday night, September 1st, is being promoted and co-financed by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks. Talent already signed on to appear includes:
It appears the WWE is looking to introduce some new gold to 205 Live. WWE officials are planning to introduce Cruiserweight tag team titles, according to a report at PWinsider. The new belts are expected to be introduced after WrestleMania. WCW created Cruiserweight tag titles prior to going out of business in 2001, so WWE is looking to rewrite history in that respect.
Since reports surfaced of Triple H taking over the brand, 205 Live has undergone some significant changes. With Drake Maverick serving as the brand’s general manager, his role on shows has been to clean up the goofy backstage banter and get back to wrestling.
Cruiserweights are currently fighting to remain in a tournament that will determine a new champion. The finals will take place at WrestleMania.
There has been a bevy of talents that have been considered to be poorly utilized or don’t even show up at all. The addition of tag team titles could bring new life into these superstars.
A dream match-up three years in the making will finally take place at NJPW 46th Anniversary.
Today (March 6), IWGP Heavyweight champion Kazuchika Okada will meet fellow CHAOS member and IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion Will Ospreay. The two met back in 2015. Okada defeated an inexperienced, but flashy “Aerial Assassin.”
The card will also feature two title matches. Minoru Suzuki puts his IWGP Intercontinental title on the line against Togi Makabe. Also, in a three-way tag team match Sho and Yoh defend their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles against Hiromu Takahashi and Bushi, as well as El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
Be sure to keep refreshing this page for live results of the event, which will begin at 5 a.m. ET:
10-Man Tag Team Match: Ryusuke Taguchi, Kushida, Tiger Mask, & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Ren Narita, Tetsuhiro Yagi, Shota Umino, Tomoyuki Oka, & Yuji Nagata
The Young Lions and Nagata immediately attacked their opponents. Taguchi and Yagi got things started. Taguchi finally got the upper hand and tagged in Tiger Mask. Narita tried to save Yagi from punishment, but was easily shoved down.
Liger locked in a surfboard stretch before tagging in Tenzan. There was a funny spot where Yagi landed a chop, but Tenzan no sold it and hit his mongolian chop. Nagata was in and he kicked Tenzan multiple times. He did his fake high kick and went low.
Umino and Kushida went back-and-forth with forearms. Umino countered the springboard elbow with his own elbow. The Young Lions all teamed on Kushida. They held Kushida and Umino landed a missile dropkick for a two-count.
Kushida eventually locked in the Hoverboard Lock and transitioned into an armbar. Umino tried hard to fight it off, but finally tapped.
*Singles Match: Manabu Nakanishi vs. Katsuya Kitamura*
*This match has been canceled due to Kitamura’s injury*
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Toa Henare, David Finlay, & Juice Robinson vs. Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, & Hiroki Goto
Henare and Ishii got the match started. They traded forearms. The two then went for shoulder blocks. Finally, Ishii ended up hitting the mat.
Yano was the legal man and he squared off with Finlay. Of course Yano went for the corner padding. Finlay ducked the shot and hit a leaping uppercut. The action spilled to the outside. Finlay and Juice were thrown into the guardrail, while Henare went over it.
Goto was the legal man and locked in a single leg Boston Crab. Finlay reached the ropes and hit a dropkick. Yano tried to prevent the tag, but got sent into the exposed turnbuckle.
Juice was now in and he went to town on Yano and Ishii on opposite corners. Juice hit Goto with a spinebuster and senton. He hit his signature punches on all three men. With Goto left in the ring, Juice hit him with a clothesline.
Henare, Finlay, and Juice triple teamed Goto. It ended with a spear from Henare. It didn’t take long for Goto to hit GTR for the win.
Winners:Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, & Hiroki Goto
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match: Sho & Yoh (C) vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi vs. El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Yoh and Hiromu got things started. Naturally, they got into a chest slap battle right away. Yoh’s chest quickly turned red. Yoh trapped Hiromu in a head scissors and took him down.
Sho and Yoh went for a dive, but Desperado and Kanemaru pulled them out of the ring. Hiromu and Bushi landed baseball slides on Desperado and Kanemaru. Bushi choked Sho with his shirt before he and Hiromu hit a double team move. Kanemaru then tagged himself in to take on Sho.
Kanemaru and Desperado worked the back of Sho. Hiromu tagged himself in and raked the eyes of Kanemaru. Soon, Kanemaru found his way back in the ring and he landed a superplex. He then locked in a Boston Crab as Desperado fought off all opposition. Sho managed to reach the bottom rope.
Finally, Sho was able to tag in Yoh after hitting a suplex. Yoh connected a series of dropkicks on Desperado and Kanemaru. Bushi tagged Kanemaru and he and Hiromu took him out. Yoh hit an enzuigiri on Bushi and tagged in Sho. Sho hit a double spear on Desperado and Kanemaru.
Hiromu hit his apron bomb on Desperado. Bushi landed a suicide dive on Kanemaru. Yoh than leaped over the top rope to take out Hiromu. Sho and Yoh hit stereo jumping knees on Bushi. They went for 3K, but Hiromu hit a German Suplex on Yoh.
With the referee distracted, Bushi sprayed mist in Sho’s eyes. Kanemaru then spat whiskey in Bushi’s face. This allowed Kanemaru to pin Sho for the stunning title win!
Winners and NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions: El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Singles Match: Sanada vs. Yoshi-Hashi
Sanada went for a headlock, but settled for a shoulder block. Yoshi-Hashi hit a hurricanrana followed by a dive to the outside. They exchanged chops on the outside and Yoshi-Hashi was throw into the guardrail. He locked in a reverse sleeper all the way in the crowd.
Sanada locked in a sleeper hold in the ring, but he was countered with a DDT. Yoshi-Hashi was on a roll with shoulder blocks. He then chopped his opponent in the corner. He placed Sanada over the top rope and hit his signature dropkick.
Sanada hit a springboard dropkick. Yoshi-Hashi went for the butterfly lock, but Sanada quickly reached the bottom rope. He went for a German suplex, but Sanada landed on his feet. He then landed the Saito suplex. Yoshi-Hashi ran right into the TKO.
Yoshi-Hashi locked in his own reverse sleeper, but Sanada countered with a Skull End attempt. Yoshi-Hashi then nailed him with the Lung Blower. He then hit the Bunker Buster. Yoshi-Hashi went for the swanton, but Sanada got his knees up. Sanada then went for the moonsault, but his opponent got out of the way.
Yoshi-Hashi reversed Skull End into the inside cradle. Sanada ran into the western lariat. Yoshi-Hashi hit the sitout powerbomb for a two-count. He then locked in the butterfly lock again. After much suspense, Sanada finally reached the ropes.
Sanada reversed Karma into Skull End. Yoshi-Hashi was fading and Sanada let go of the hold to hit the moonsault for the victory.
Winner: Sanada
Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Taichi
Before the bell rang, Taichi hit Naito with his microphone stand. He took his opponent into the crowd and looked to powerbomb him on the floor. He nailed it. The referee checked on Naito before starting the count. He was able to get back inside the ring at the count of 19.
Taichi pinned his opponent for a two-count. He took off Naito’s jacket and hit him with it. Naito landed some weak chops, still feeling the effects of that powerbomb. Naito fought Taichi off in the corner. He hit the neckbreaker into his dropkick.
Naito proceeded to keep throwing Taichi into the guardrail. With Taichi perched on the middle rope, Naito hit another neckbreaker. Naito went for his signature trip on the apron, but he was countered with a kick.
Even with the move to heavyweight, Taichi felt the need to take his pants off. It didn’t pay off as his kick was reversed. Naito connected with an avalanche hurricanrana. Taichi took back some momentum with a Last Ride for the near fall. Naito then hit a reverse hurricanrana.
Taichi was hit with Gloria and kicked out at two. Naito signaled for Destino, but was shoved off. Taichi shoved the ref and kicked Naito low. Naito barely kicked out. He ducked a clothesline and hit a wheel kick.
Taka distracted the ref. Naito ducked a mic stand shot from Taichi. Naito shoved the referee into Taka. He then kicked Taichi low and whacked him over the head with the mic stand. He followed that up with Destino for the win.
Winner: Tetsuya Naito
Taka then grabbed a mic and warned Naito about his match against Zack Sabre Jr. in the New Japan Cup. Taka said Zack will make Naito tap out.
Another video package for Rey Mysterio aired. He talked about his match-up against Jushin Thunder Liger at Strong Style Evolved on March 25.
IWGP Intercontinental Title Match: Minoru Suzuki (C) vs. Togi Makabe
Suzuki landed a big boot to start. They traded forearms and Suzuki’s advantage there was clear. Makabe connected with a clothesline. He then landed a series of forearms as Suzuki urged him to keep hitting him. The two kept battering each other and Suzuki crashed down to the canvas. Makabe threw his opponent into the guardrail.
Makabe fell for Suzuki’s armbar on the ring apron, but Suzuki was punched out of it. Makabe was caught again, but Suzuki slipped and fell to the outside. He then slammed Makabe’s leg to the ring post. He took a chair, but Red Shoes stopped him. Suzuki shoved Red Shoes down and bent another chair on Makabe’s knee.
In the ring, Suzuki locked in the heel hook. Makabe was able to reach the bottom rope. The champion ran into a powerslam. Makabe hit his signature punches in the corner followed by a northern lights suplex for a two-count.
Suzuki hit a thudding forearm that dropped Makabe. A second one once again sent the challenger crashing to the canvas. Suzuki dropped Makabe for a third time. He then ran into a death valley driver.
Makabe landed a German suplex from the top rope. He then went for the King Kong knee drop, but Suzuki rolled out of the way. The champion sprung up and locked in the heel hook. He dragged the challenger further away from the ropes. For a second time, Makabe reached the bottom rope.
A slap battle ensued. Suzuki ended it with a punch. He went for another heel hook, but Makabe reversed with the German suplex. He then went for a dragon suplex, but Makabe kicked him in the knee. The challenger hit a lariat for a near fall. Suzuki ran and landed his signature dropkick read to the forehead.
Suzuki went for the Gotch Piledriver, but Makabe out muscled him. Suzuki dropkick his opponent right on the knee. He ducked a clothesline and locked in the sleeper. He hit the Gotch Piledriver this time for a three-count.
Winner and STILL IWGP Intercontinental Champion: Minoru Suzuki
Anniversary Day Special Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
The two got into a grappling exchange to start the match. Okada went for a leg lock, but Ospreay reversed into an arm bar attempt. Some great mat wrestling was on display from Okada. They traded pins in various ways to the delight of the crowd.
Okada maintained control of Ospreay’s hands and tried pinning him down. Ospreay used a monkey flip to reverse. Okada went for a northern lights suplex, but Ospreay landed on his feet. Ospreay ducked under the Rain Maker, while Okada avoided the Oscutter.
Okada went for his signature clean break, but Ospreay slapped him. He hit a head scissors and did his fake out springboard. He ate a dropkick for it. Okada sprinted to the outside and landed a big boot. He hit a DDT inside the ring for a two-count.
Ospreay hit his springboard enzuigiri. He followed that up with a kick to the chest. With Okada seated in the corner, Ospreay landed a dropkick.He went for a reverse DDT, but ate a knee. Ospreay was able to get Okada down and he hit a standing shooting star press for a near fall.
Okada stopped the momentum with a flapjack. With Ospreay perched on the top rope, Okada went for his dropkick but was kicked. It didn’t take long for Okada to perch Ospreay back up on the top rope to hit the dropkick. With Ospreay over the guardrail, Okada went for his signature crossbody but Ospreay leaped off the rail for a forearm.
Inside the ring, Ospreay hit the Robinson Special. He then went for the Oscutter, but Okada caught him and locked in the cobra clutch. Ospreay reversed, but was caught reverse neckbreaker. Ospreay hit a side kick to the jaw, but ran into the dropkick. Okada hit the elbow drop and signaled for the Rain Maker. Ospreay fought him off, but crumbled after three stiff forearms.
Okada mocked Ospreay with slap kicks to the back of the head. Ospreay was fired up and traded forearms. Okada gained the advantage, but ran into a step up enziugiri. Ospreay hit the C-4 followed by his half Rain Maker. He then landed the implosion 450 splash for a near fall. Okada countered the Oscutter with a Tombstone. He went for the Rain Maker, but Ospreay countered into the sitout powerbomb for a very close two-count.
A third Oscutter attempt was countered by a dropkick. Okada then hit a German suplex for a two-count. Okada hit his half Rain Maker twice. He attempted the full one again, but Ospreay did a springboard which was countered into the spinning Tombstone. Okada then hit the Rain Maker for the win.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada
After the match, Okada and Ospreay hugged. Okada grabbed the mic and said he had three things to say. He first praised Ospreay for his effort. Okada then mentioned how special it is for NJPW to reach its 46th anniversary. He then said he’s better than the competition he has faced such as Tetsuya Naito and Kenny Omega. Lastly, he poked fun at Gedo to close out the show.
The March 5th, 2018 episode of WWE Monday Night RAW aired live from the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwuakee, WI. Here are 9 takeaways from this week’s show:
Triple H & Stephanie McMahon vs. Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey Was Officially Announced For WrestleMania
RAW GM Kurt Angle kicked off this week’s episode of WWE RAW. Angle brought up Triple H sucker-punching him last week and stated that he is not going to just pretend like everything was okay. Angle demanded that Triple H come down to the ring and face him like a man. Angle took off his suit jacket and waited for Triple H to come down to the ring.
RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon made her way to the ring instead and the crowd booed her out of the building. Stephanie noted that Triple H wasn’t at the building yet. Stephanie brought up Angle’s children and his one-year-old baby girl. Stephanie stated that Angle’s alimony payments from his divorce and wondered if he really wanted to risk being RAW GM. Stephanie then blamed Angle for almost ruining the biggest signing in WWE history and claimed Triple H got even last week. Stephanie wanted to put everything behind them but Ronda Rousey interrupted and came down to the ring.
Rousey had a smile on her face and high-fived pretty much everyone in the front row as Angle clapped in the ring. Rousey and Angle hugged and then Rousey shook Stephanie’s hand. The crowd chanted “Ronda Rousey!” and Ronda acknowledged the crowd. Rousey stated that she is starting to realize that the people brought her here aren’t who they said they are. Ronda said that she has dealt with bully bosses all her life and will deal with it her own way.
Stephanie responded by insulting everyone in the crowd because they blindly follow orders of their bosses. Stephanie added that they are giving Rousey an opportunity to fight at WrestleMania. Rousey noted that her contract allowed her to choose her WrestleMania opponent. Stephanie asked for a drumroll and Rousey blurted out “you” as the drumroll was playing. Stephanie said that she was not a member of the active roster.
Triple H stormed out from backstage and said that this was not going to happen. Triple H told Angle to stop acting like a tough guy and do his job. Angle said that he thought Triple H wasn’t here tonight. Angle noted that Stephanie has a second contract as a WWE Superstar and told Stephanie that she will face Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania. Angle added that Triple H also has another contract as a WWE Superstar and announced that it will be Triple H & Stephanie McMahon versus Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania.
Stephanie tried to slap Angle but Rousey grabbed her arm. Triple H broke it up and went for another cheap shot to Angle but Kurt was ready. Kurt tried to lock in the Ankle Lock but Triple H fought him off and slammed Angle into the turnbuckle. Stephanie attacked Rousey from behind but ran away once Rousey approached her. Ronda turned her attention to Triple H who was going for a Pedigree on Kurt Angle. Angle reversed it and locked in the Ankle Lock as Stephanie screamed from outside the ring. Angle released the hold and Rousey grabbed Stephanie by the hair and dragged her into the ring. Rousey lifted Stephanie onto her shoulder and planted her with a Samoan Drop. Rousey and Angle posed in the ring as Angle’s music hit.
The idea that both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were blindsided by having a second contract as a WWE Superstar was too convoluted for me. I’m still looking forward to the match and I’m sure Triple H and Stephanie will get some revenge soon, as it has been announced that Rousey will be on every episode of RAW leading up until WrestleMania.
@WrestleMania just picked up. Who knew that a 2nd contract would come back to haunt Triple H and Stephanie. #olympicdreamteam
Nia Jax faced Asuka once again tonight on RAW. Nia launched Asuka into the corner and connected with a couple of Clotheslines to start off the match. Nia launched Asuka across the ring and Asuka fell out of the ring.
RAW Women’s Champion was interviewed during the match while Mickie James was standing beside her. Bliss stated that she hoped the EMTs were on standby because Nia is not only going to end Asuka’s win streak, she just might end her career tonight on RAW.
Asuka locked in a submission but Nia broke the hold. Asuka went for a roll-up but Nia grabbed Asuka by the hair and pulled her back to her feet. Nia lifted Asuka above her head, spun around and then dropped her face-first to the canvas as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Nia Jax was still in control. Asuka battled back and connected with a Shining Wizard for a one count. Nia slammed Asuka into the turnbuckle and threw her across the ring. Nia planted Asuka with a Samoan Drop and went for the cover but Asuka was able to get her foot on the bottom rope to break it up.
Jax showed off her strength by lifting Asuka over her head and dropping her to the mat. Nia went for a Leg Drop but Asuka rolled out of the way. Asuka locked in the Arm Bar in the middle of the ring. Nia made it back to her feet and slammed Asuka to the canvas but Asuka didn’t let go of the Arm Bar. Nia once again lifted Asuka up and slammed her against the turnbuckle twice and back to the mat but Asuka still didn’t let go of the hold. Nia once again lifted Asuka up and tried to slam her but Asuka rolled through and still had the Arm Bar locked in. Jax finally tapped out and Asuka is still undefeated. Alexa Bliss was shown backstage with a concerned look on her face.
After the match, Nia Jax got up holding her arm in the ring. The crowd cheered her on as Nia made her way up the entrance ramp.
Later on RAW, Nia Jax was shown backstage icing her arm. Alexa Bliss showed up and stated that she knows Nia Jax is so disappointed in herself. Bliss stated that Nia must be so embarassed over her loss tonight and that she wanted to Nia to know that she has friends. Alexa added that Nia wont be on this WrestleMania’s card but there is always next year. Bliss said that Nia Jax has always been an outcast because how much bigger than everyone else. Bliss added that people still look at her differently in airports today and Nia Jax started crying. Alexa added that Nia cannot let this be her downfall, because if she does everyone will lose all respect for her.
Asuka still hasn’t officially announced if she is going after the RAW Women’s Championship or the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 34. There have been rumors that it will be Alexa Bliss versus Nia Jax at WrestleMania 34 and Asuka versus Charlotte. After tonight, it sure is looking like those rumors will become true.
Nia did a great job conveying emotion during this segment as Alexa Bliss basically ran her down under the guise of a pep talk. Tonight was quite the turnaround for Nia. The crowd applauded after her loss to Asuka and I’m sure she got a bunch of people on her side during this segment. I’m sure some people hated it but I thought it was very well done and was impressed with Nia Jax tonight.
The Revival Missed Their Opportunity To Go To WrestleMania
The Revival faced The Bar tonight on RAW. If The Revival won the match, they would get a shot at the RAW Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 34.
Sheamus and Cesaro started off the match in control. Sheamus knocked Dawson to the ring apron and Dawson battled back and escaped back into the ring. Wilder tagged in and went for a roll-up but Sheamus kicked out. Cesaro tagged in and Dawson tagged in at the same time as well. The Revival teamed up and slammed Cesaro to the mat for a two count. Cesaro rolled out of the ring to regroup with Sheamus as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, The Bar were back in control and had Dawson trapped in the ring. Cesaro dropped an elbow for a two count and then tagged Sheamus back in. Dawson hit a Jawbreaker and tagged Dash Wilder back in. Wilder clubbed Sheamus across the back a few times and then tagged Dawson back in.
Dawson stomped on Sheamus a couple of times and went for the cover but Sheamus kicked out at two. Dawson and Sheamus traded chops before Dawson locked in an Arm Bar. Sheamus battled to his feet and planted Dawson with a Back Body Drop. Cesaro tagged in and Wilder ran into the ring. Cesaro fought him off but Dawson took advantage of the distraction and planted Cesaro with a DDT for two.
Cesaro sent Dawson to the corner and connected with an uppercut. Sheamus tagged in and knocked Wilder off the apron before kneeing Dawson in the face. Dash once again ran into the ring as Cesaro tagged in. Dawson knocked Sheamus out of the ring and tagged in Wilder. Dawson planted Cesaro with a Superplex and Wilder connected with a Frog Splash for a two count. Wilder couldn’t believe that Cesaro was able to kick out.
Dawson tagged back in as Sheamus got back into the ring. Sheamus leveled Wilder with a Brogue Kick and Cesaro planted Dawson with the Gotch Neutralizer for the pinfall victory.
Injuries have really hindered The Revival’s main roster run so far. I still think they are one of the best teams in all of WWE, but I guess it was decided that now is not their time to go for the tag titles. I don’t really see why they wouldn’t be a decent option to face The Bar at WrestleMania 34. The RAW tag division is a total bore right now. Maybe a team from NXT will come up and face The Bar at WrestleMania 34. I have no idea, but I do know that I’ve lost all interest in this division right now.
I would have preferred to see The Revival win this match and then build up a feud between the two teams in the weeks leading up until WrestleMania. Now, it is another week gone by where we still don’t know who is vying for the titles and The Bar have become stale as the champs in my opinion. They desperately need an interesting team to face and I thought The Revival was that opponent.
John Cena Faced Goldust For Some Reason
John Cena came down to the ring to talk about SmackDown and his road to WrestleMania. Cena said that even RAW GM Kurt Angle recognizes the importance of Fastlane this Sunday.
Cena vowed to break Ric Flair’s title record this Sunday at WWE Fastlane and win the WWE Championship for the 17th time. John said that all records are made to be broken and added that he had to do this because it is his only road to WrestleMania.
John stated that he was not given success, he was given a chance and with that chance he earned his way into the title match at Fastlane by defeating WWE Champion AJ Styles this past Tuesday night. Cena challenged AJ Styles to use his rematch clause right away after he loses Sunday and make it a Triple Threat match between Cena, Styles and Nakamura at WrestleMania.
Goldust interrupted and came down to the ring with a microphone. Goldust claimed that he has always had a dream of sharing the silver screen with someone like John Cena. Goldust stated that the dream begins with him stopping John Cena from going to WrestleMania. Goldust said that all of his dreams have been taken from him and that his dreams of rainbows of turned grey and evil.
Goldust claimed that he was Cena’s new director and vowed to shatter Cena’s dreams tonight. Goldust punched Cena in the face and RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Goldust was in control of John Cena in a match that RAW GM Kurt Angle made official during the break. Michael Cole announced that this was the first time ever that John Cena and Goldust have had a match.
Goldust hit an inverted Atomic Drop for two. Goldust controlled the next couple of minutes of the match and hit Cena with a low blow as the ref wasn’t paying attention. Cena finally battled back and hit a couple of shoulder tackles and then the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena connected with the Attitude Adjustment for the pinfall victory.
Cena basically promoted WWE Fastlane this Sunday and then defeated Goldust in a pointless match. I don’t really know what else to say about besides it was random and I’ve pretty much already forgotten that it happened.
Bayley Shoved Sasha Banks Away
Bayley faced Mandy Rose tonight on RAW. Before the match, Bayley was asked if she and Sasha Banks’ friendship was over. Bayley didn’t get a chance to respond but was interrupted by Paige’s entrance music. Absolution came down to the entrance ramp and Paige mocked Bayley for not needing Sasha Banks to change her diaper anymore. Paige called Bayley a “stupid little kid” for pushing away the only person that cares about her.
Mandy Rose launched Bayley into the turnbuckle and then connected with a Body Slam for two. Bayley drove Mandy into the corner and dropped an elbow onto her. Mandy Rose rolled out of the ring as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Mandy had Bayley in a Chin Lock as the crowd chanted “lets go Bayley!”. Bayley battled to her feet but Mandy leveled her with a right hand. Rose went for a cover but Bayley kicked out at two. Bayley rolled Mandy up for a two count. Mandy hit a running knee for two. Mandy got pissed that Bayley kicked out and went for another quick cover but Bayley once again kicked out.
Bayley connected with a Crossbody and unloaded a few punches to Rose’s face. Bayley then slammed Mandy’s face on the top turnbuckle a few times and followed it up with a Side Suplex. Bayley climbed up to the top rope and hit an elbow. Sonya Deville hopped up on the ring apron and distracted Bayley. Mandy tried to roll-up Bayley but Bayley reversed it for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Absolution attacked Bayley but Sasha Banks came down to the ring for the save. Sasha fought Absolution off and helped Bayley back to her feet. Sasha tried to hug Bayley but Bayley shoved her away and walked backstage.
I wasn’t a fan of Bayley’s promo before the match tonight that got interrupted by Absolution. Bayley seemed unsure of her actions last week when she refused to accept Banks’ tag. Thankfully, she turned Banks away after the match and the storyline remained somewhat interesting. Banks or Bayley has to turn heel soon. I want to see what Bayley is like as a heel but I’m guessing WWE will play it safe and Banks will beatdown Bayley next week.
Braun Strowman Crushed Elias With A Piano
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Elias faced Braun Strowman in a Symphony of Destruction match tonight on RAW. Elias played the piano, drums and a guitar before the match. Elias insulted the crowd and Milwaukee before asking for the lights to be turned off for a proper introduction. Elias ran through the crowd to try to escape facing Braun Strowman tonight as the lights in the arena were out.
Elias exited the arena and got into a car. Elias started the car and tried to accelerate but the car didn’t move. Elias looked in the mirror and Braun Strowman was holding onto the back of the car so Elias couldn’t move. Strowman chased Elias back into the arena and onto the entrance ramp and the match began.
Strowman booted Elias down the ramp and then slammed his face on the ring apron. Braun sent Elias into the corner and connected with a Splash. Strowman posed in the ring and the entire crowd cheered. Braun picked Elias onto his shoulders for the Running Powerslam but Elias escaped. Elias slammed a guitar over Strowman’s back and then knocked him to the mat.
Elias climbed to the top rope and hit an Elbow Drop for a one count. Strowman stumbled back to his feet and punched Elias in the face. Strowman brought Elias to the announce table and started clearing it off. Strowman nodded to the crowd and went for the Running Powerslam but Elias raked his eyes. Strowman threw Elias into a couple of acoustic guitars on the stage. Braun picked up the gigantic bass guitar and smashed it over Elias’ back.
Braun slid Elias under the piano and then Strowman took a seat. Braun slammed on the keys a couple of times and then booted over the drum set. Braun slammed the piano on top of Elias and posed for the crowd before covering Elias for the victory. Elias was loaded onto a stretcher after the match and wheeled backstage.
It is impossible to ignore the ridiculous response Braun Strowman is getting every week. The guy is just incredibly over, yet Roman Reigns is main-eventing another WrestleMania. This was a fun little match but I want more for Braun Strowman. I think it is a waste that he is wrestling throwaway matches against Elias on the road to WrestleMania.
Matt Hardy Wants To Battle Bray Wyatt At The Hardy Compound
Bray Wyatt squashed Rhyno tonight on RAW. After the match, Bray called out Matt Hardy and said that the Great War was far from over. Matt Hardy appeared on the screen and agreed that the Great War was for from over.
Matt Hardy said that there is only one battlefield that is worthy of this fight and said the Hardy Compound. A montage was shown of Hardy at his compound and Hardy noted that the battleground has been prepared for the Ultimate Deletion.
It took far too long for this feud to get to this point but thank goodness we are finally here. I hope that WWE can finally capture some of the magic that made “Broken” Matt Hardy so popular in TNA. They have gotten almost everything wrong up until this point, so hopefully this match is entertaining.
Kurt Angle Announced The Intercontinental Championship Match For WrestleMania 34
The third annual Mizzie Awards were held tonight on RAW.
Here are the nominees for Superstar that love to pat themselves on the back:
Seth Rollins
Kurt Angle
Finn Balor
The Miz announced that it the winner was a tie between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. The Miz added that Rollins and Balor cannot accept their awards because they were not invited.
Here are the nominees for the worst decision made by a RAW GM:
Kurt Angle for letting both Finn Balor and Seth Rollins into the Elimination Chamber
Kurt Angle for failing to name a WrestleMania opponent for the Intercontinental Champion
The winner was announced as simply Kurt Angle. The Miz noted that Angle could not accept his award because he is too busy sucking up to Ronda Rousey. The Miz said that having a Mizzie will be very helpful for Kurt Angle when he is looking for a new job after WrestleMania.
The Miz was about to announce that the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Mizzie Award was himself but Seth Rollins’ music hit. Finn Balor joined the party and interrupted Rollins. Balor joined Rollins on the entrance ramp and posed for the crowd. Rollins asked Balor what his deal was. The Miz chimed in and said that neither Balor or Rollins deserve an IC Title match. The Miz said that nobody makes losing look better than Rollins.
The Miz poked fun at Balor for only holding the Universal Championship for one day. The Miz added that for Finn Balor to be over, he needs more than just a hand sign that is not even his. Rollins and Balor then faced The Miz, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas in a Handicap match.
Axel beatdown Seth Rollins to start off the match and trapped him in the corner. Axel connected with a Dropkick and shouted “The Miztourage baby!”. Bo Dallas tagged in and connected with an elbow for two. Dallas applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as the crowd pumped up Rollins.
Seth battled free and booted Bo in the face. Rollins leaped across the ring to tag in Finn Balor. Finn hit a Double Stomp to Dallas and then ran at The Miz who hopped off the ring apron in fear. Balor kicked Dallas off the second rope but became distracted with The Miz. Balor chased The Miz around the ring but ran right into a Clothesline from Bo Dallas. RAW went to another break as The Miz taunted Balor outside the ring.
When RAW returned, Balor was still getting his ass kicked and was trapped in the middle of the ring. Balor fought back and tagged in Seth. Rollins booted The Miz in the back of the head and followed it up with a Suplex and the Falcon Arrow for a two count. Seth booted Bo Dallas off the ring apron and connected with a kick to The Miz’s face. Rollins went for the cover but Axel broke it up. Rollins then hit a Suicide Dive onto The Miztourage out of the ring. Rollins Clotheslined The Miz out of the ring and was going for another Suicide Dive but Balor tagged himself in.
Rollins Dropkicked The Miztourage and Balor flipped onto both of them. Back in the ring, Balor planted The Miz with a Slingblade and then Dropkicked The Miz to the canvas. Balor climbed to the top for the Coup de Grace but Rollins tagged himself in. Rollins connected with the Curb Stromp for the pinfall victory. Balor had a smile on his face on the top rope as RAW GM Kurt Angle’s music hit.
Kurt Angle then announced that The Miz will be defending his Intercontinental Championship against Finn Balor and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 34.
There were rumors going around that The Miz would be defending his Intercontinental Championship against Braun Strowman at WrestleMania 34. I’m glad that match isn’t happening because that didn’t sound like a WrestleMania worthy match at all. I think is time for The Miz to drop the title and both Rollins and Balor are worthy candidates to become the new Intercontinental Champion. I wouldn’t mind seeing Balor win the title at WrestleMania and that would open the door for Rollins to get back into the Universal Championship picture.
Roman Reigns Challenged Brock Lesnar To A Fight Next Week On RAW
Paul Heyman came down to the ring with the Universal Championship. Heyman stated that he did not seek the crowd’s irrelevant opinion and said that he was here tonight to deliver a message on behalf on Brock Lesnar.
Heyman laid the Universal Championship down in the ring and stated that Brock Lesnar will successfully defend the title on April 8th at WrestleMania 34. Heyman added that if Lesnar once again successfully defends the title at SummerSlam, he will come down to the ring and lay the Universal Championship and the UFC title down next to it.
Heyman gave Roman props for defeating The Undertaker last year and noted that nobody criticized The Undertaker for wrestling one time that year. Heyman said that nobody said that because that statement would be bullsh**. Heyman added that The Undertaker is The Undertaker 365 days a year and that Brock Lesnar is Brock Lesnar 365 days a year. Heyman stated that Brock Lesnar will be on RAW next week and challenged Roman Reigns to confront him. Heyman said that after WrestleMania, Roman Reigns can find a new title to challenge for because the Universal Championship belongs to Brock Lesnar.
Paul paused for a moment and brought up Roman Reigns calling Brock Lesnar a bitch. Heyman raised the title and said that this was Brock Lesnar’s bitch and that she belongs to Brock Lesnar. Heyman added that Roman Reigns cant have Brock Lesnar’s bitch and noted that Lesnar has always wanted to be number one. Heyman laid the title down in the ring again and kneeled next to it. Heyman said that this title means that you are better than everyone else in the world.
Heyman stated that it is not how bad you want the title, it is how bad the title wants you. Paul said that if you get a phone call at 1 a.m. on the Saturday before WrestleMania that something terrible has happened to your father, you cannot address it. You need to show up at WrestleMania and then if you are not needed on RAW or SmackDown, then and only then can you go home to your family. Heyman once again said that Brock Lesnar will be on RAW next week and challenged Reigns to confront him once again.
Roman Reigns’ music hit as Heyman was kneeling down to pick up the title. Reigns made his way down to the ring as Cole, Coach and Graves noted that there were rumors that Reigns wasn’t going to be here tonight because management asked him to stay away. Roman got into the ring and got right in Heyman’s face. Heyman grabbed the title and handed Reigns the microphone.
Reigns said that he said a lot of things last week and Lesnar couldn’t be bothered to show up to RAW this week and instead sent Paul Heyman. Reigns added that Brock Lesnar really is a bitch and that all the crowd is asking is that their champion shows up to work. Roman told Heyman to tell Brock that can he can say whatever he wants to his face next week. Reigns then said to make sure that Brock Lesnar doesn’t come dressed for a promo segment next week and that he comes dressed for a fight. Heyman then exited the ring and retreated up the entrance ramp as RAW went off the air.
Reigns cut a solid promo last week and called out Brock Lesnar for being a part-timer that doesn’t really care about WWE. Heyman responded tonight and even insulted the crowd while doing so. WWE clearly wants the crowd to turn on Brock Lesnar and get behind Roman Reigns. They have tried this countless times and it never works. I don’t see things turning out differently this year at WrestleMania 34.
WrestleMania crowds are comprised of the most passionate wrestling fans in the world. Most of them are sick of Roman Reigns being at the top of the card and are dying to see something different. When Reigns most likely walks out of New Orleans as the new Universal Champion, there wont be a standing ovation from the crowd. WWE just tried this in the feud with Reigns and Cena. Reigns bashed Cena for going to Hollywood and only showing up when he wants to. Some of the crowd got behind Cena, but the majority of them wound up chanting “you both suck!”. I just don’t think this is going to work like WWE wants it to.
I’m sure next week will be interesting when Lesnar and Reigns come face to face. Things will likely get more personal and a brawl will break out. However, at the end of the day it is still a match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34. i don’t see a way WWE can escape the negative reaction that match is going to get on April 8th.
WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman is being accused of sexual harassment by former ESPN anchor and legal analyst Adrienne Lawrence.
According to a report today by the New York Post, Lawrence filed a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against ESPN on Sunday for incidents dating back to 2015. She is accusing ESPN of not addressing her complaints, specifically against longtime SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross. Many other current and former employees are also accused of varying degrees of harassment in the suit, including Coachman.
The suit alleges that Coachman employed the “ESPN predators’ playbook,” in which Lawrence reached out to her on the pretense of mentorship but tried turning the relationship personal. Lawrence says she was advised by colleagues that Coachman sexually harassed female employees at ESPN, including now-former SportsCenter anchor Sara Walsh.
“After learning that, Ms. Lawrence made an effort to communicate to Coachman that she had a boyfriend, after which she did not hear from him again,” the suit states.
As for Walsh, the suit states, “Coachman had sent Walsh inappropriate photos of himself and text messages, falsely telling her colleagues that they were romantically involved and that she “wanted” him – another common practice of men at ESPN.”
Here is the passage on Coachman:
“125. On or around January 18, 2016, SportsCenter anchor Jonathan Coachman (“Coachman”) emailed Ms. Lawrence offering to provide her with mentorship and providing his cellphone number. When he contacted her via text, he quickly turned a professional conversation into a personal matter, asking her about her musical interests. He was employing the ESPN predators’ playbook. See supra at ¶ 84. Colleagues then cautioned Ms. Lawrence that Coachman was notorious for sexually harassing female employees. After learning that, Ms. Lawrence made an effort to communicate to Coachman that she had a boyfriend, after which she did not hear from him again and he made no offers of mentorship.
“126. Coachman’s reputation for making unwelcome sexual advances toward women and engaging in other sexually harassing behavior was not a secret. Cary Chow had warned Ms. Lawrence about him when he gave the short list of men at ESPN who were notorious for sexual harassment. Coachman had sent Walsh inappropriate photos of himself and text messages, falsely telling her colleagues that they were romantically involved and that she “wanted” him – another common practice of men at ESPN. See supra at ¶ 13. At least one young production assistant who joined ESPN just out of college had complained to Ms. Lawrence about Coachman making her feel uncomfortable by complimenting her physical appearance and making passes at her.”
The supra adds:
“When Ms. Lawrence complained to Jack Obringer, Senior Coordinating Producer, Studio Production of ESPN, Inc. that she was being sexually harassed (by another individual), Obringer guessed that the harasser was ‘Coachman’ and indicated that his inappropriate behavior toward women was well-known to management. Nevertheless, Coachman continued to appear in ESPN commercials and on SportsCenter without discipline or accountability until he was quietly dismissed on or around April 26, 2017 via layoff.”
As of tonight, Coachman hasn’t released a statement about the allegations. In January, he rejoined WWE to once again be part of the Raw announce team.
ESPN released the following statement tonight to several news outlets on Lawrence’s claims:
“We conducted a thorough investigation of the claims Adrienne Lawrence surfaced to ESPN and they are entirely without merit. Ms. Lawrence was hired into a two-year talent development program and was told that her contract would not be renewed at the conclusion of the training program. At that same time, ESPN also told 100 other talent with substantially more experience, that their contracts would not be renewed. The company will vigorously defend its position and we are confident we will prevail in court.”
The case, Lawrence v. ESPN, Inc., et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. You can read the entire complaint here. Deadspin has an article offering more insight into the background of Lawrence’s claims.
The March 5th, 2018 edition of WWE Monday Night RAW took place at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwuakee, WI.
– Michael Cole welcomes us to Milwuakee, as he’s flanked by Corey Graves and Jonathan Coachman at the broadcast table on the stage.
– RAW GM Kurt Angle comes out to the ring to kick off the show. Angle gets on the mic and thanks everyone for coming, then says he needs to get serious. He talks about Triple H sucker punching him last week, and calls out Triple H right now to come face him like a man. Stephanie McMahon comes out instead. Stephanie walks down and tells Kurt to calm down, and says Triple H hasn’t arrived at the building yet. Stephanie tells Kurt that his Olympic gold medals and WWE Hall of Fame accolades don’t pay the bills, being RAW GM does, and Angle should remember that. She blames Angle for ruining the Ronda Rousey contract signing, and tells Angle to know his role and just make matches for RAW. Ronda Rousey comes out to interrupt.
Rousey walks down to the ring and hugs Angle and Stephanie offers her hand for a shake. Rousey says what Stephanie did to Angle last week was enlightening for her. Stephanie says WWE has done a lot for Rousey, including booking her in-ring debut for WrestleMania 34. Rousey points out that her contract lets her pick her opponent for wrestleMania, and then she picks Stephanie as her WrestleMania opponent. Stephanie says she’s not a member of the roster, and then Triple H’s music interrupts and The Game comes out to the ring.
Triple H gets on the mic and says this won’t happen. Triple H tells Angle to forget his gold medals and stop being a tough guy and start doing his job as GM. Angle points out that Stephanie said Triple H wasn’t here tonight, and adds that Stephanie does have a contract as a WWE superstar. Angle says he makes the matches, and he says Rousey vs. Stephanie at WrestleMania is on. Angle says Triple H also has a contract.
Angle reminds Triple H that he warned him after Survivor Series, and then Angle adds himself to the WrestleMania match. So it looks like Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 34.
Stephanie gets in Kurt’s face and talks trash. She goes to slap Angle, but Ronda steps her. Triple H tells everyone to calm down and says things don’t have to go this way. Triple H then goes for a cheap shot on Angle, but it’s blocked and Kurt starts pummeling on Triple H. Angle drops HHH then puts the ankle lock on him until Triple H finally fights free. Stephanie cheap shots Ronda from behind, but Ronda gets right back up and Stephanie runs away. Triple H looks to attack Kurt again, but Kurt drops Triple H again for another ankle lock. Stephanie helps pull HHH to safety from under the bottom rope. Ronda pulls Stephanie into the ring by her hair and then drops her. Stephanie and Triple H retreat as Ronda and Kurt stare them down.
– Still to come: John Cena is in the house, and Asuka will take on Nia Jax.
– Referees are seen helping Triple H and Stephanie up and to the back.
– Asuka vs. Nia Jax: The opening bell sounds and Nia overpowers Asuka early on. Some headbutts and body shots from Nia now. We see a shot backstage of Alexa Bliss doing an interview where she predicts Nia will win tonight. Jax and Asuka briefly brawl at ringside, before going back on the mat where Jax hits a backbreaker. Jax looks for another one, but Asuka counters and boots Nia in the face. Asuka continues fighting back, then climbs up top but Nia drops her. Nia continues the beat down until Asuka fires back with a Shining Wizard for a near-fall. Nia comes back with a Samoan Drop for a two count of her own. Jax slams Asuka again then looks for a leg drop, but Asuka dodges it. Asuka locks in an arm bar, but Jax powers up and slams Asuka after a struggle on the mat. Asuka doesn’t break the hold, so Jax slams her again and again. Jax powers up again, but Asuka still has the arm bar locked in and pulls Nia back down to the mat. Jax finally taps out.
Winner via submission: Asuka
– After the match, we see Alexa Bliss backstage watching on a monitor and looking concerned. Jax walks to the back selling an arm injury.
– Coming up: A look at John Cena’s road to WrestleMania 34.
– The Revival vs. The Bar: This one is a non-title match. If The Revival wins, they get a title shot at WrestleMania. Dawson and Sheamus start off trading holds on the mat until Sheamus drops him with a shoulder block. Cesaro tags in now, and The Bar starts taking turns beating on Dawson. Sheamus gets distracted hitting Wilder, and turns around into a shot from Dawson. Dawson starts turning it around, then Wilder tags in and they double team Sheamus for a two count. The Bar regroups on the floor, then comes back in he ring and drops Wilder, then double teams Dawson. Dawson starts fighting back against Sheamus, then hits a jawbreaker and tags in Dash. They double team Sheamus and take turns beating on him in the corner. Sheamus finally fires back with a backdrop, then tags in Cesaro. Cesaro starts cleaning house, but Dawson catches him and hits a DDT for a two count. Sheamus tags back in now and works over Dawson with knee strikes. Cesaro tags back in, but Dash causes a distraction and allows Dawson to turn it around. Sheamus gets sent to the floor, then Dawson hits a superplex on Cesaro. Dash follows up with a frog splash, but Cesaro kicks out at 2. Dawson tags back in for the double team, but Sheamus boots Dash out of the ring first. Dawson fights off Sheamus, but then Cesaro grabs him and hits The Neutralizer for the three count.
Winners: The Bar
– Still to come: John Cena is in the house, and Corey Graves will preview the new “Strangers: Prey at Night” movie.
– We see a promo for WWE Ride Along on the WWE Network.
– John Cena comes out to the ring next to a mixed reaction. The announcers plug WWE Fastlane as he walks down the ramp. Cena gets on the mic and says he’s here to talk about SmackDown, and says Kurt Angle granted him this opportunity to speak because he realizes the importance of the Fastlane pay-per-view. Cena talks about being privileged to be the only free agent in WWE, and talks about his WWE Title shot at Fastlane. Cena says on Sunday he will break a record by becoming a 17-time WWE Champion, and that’s the reality of the matter. Cena says he’s heard all the criticism about himself, and hears people saying he is handed everything by WWE. Cena says he earned his spot, and says he encourages AJ to use his rematch clause after Fastlane to make a three-way for WrestleMania: Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. Music hits, and Goldust comes out to interrupt.
Goldust dros some movie quotes and says he should be the WWE Title contender, and he steps into the ring. Goldust rants about dreaming of sharing the spotlight at WrestleMania, and that dream begins with stopping Cena’s dream. Goldust says he’s in control now and is Cena’s new director, and Cena’s dreams will be shattered tonight. Cena goes to say something, but Goldust hits him with a right hand, and we have a match.
– Goldust vs. John Cena: Goldust starts off in control and poses over Cena. Cena starts hulking up, but Goldust drops him again for a two count. Goldust continues the beat down and hits an inverted atomic drop. Goldust works on keeping Cena grounded, and poses and rubs Cena weirdly. Cena once again tries to fight up, but Goldust catches him with a spinning powerslam for a two count. They scuffle and Goldust hits a low-blow, as fans are now dueling chants for Cena and Goldust. Cena starts making a comeback and hits the shoulder blocks and back suplex. Cena follows up with the Five Knuckle Shuffle and the AA for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
– After the match, Cena celebrates the win as the announcers plug Fastlane.
– Kurt Angle gets confronted by Elias backstage. Elias wants Angle to cancel the Symphony of Destruction match tonight. Elias heard there will be instruments around the ring for the match, and he thinks music shouldn’t be used as a weapon. Angle thinks about it, and says he’s not cancelling it. Angle says what happens tonight is up to Elias, and Angle also makes it a Falls Count Anywhere match for good measure.
– Still to come: The Miz presents the third annual “Mizzie Awards.” Paul Heyman will respond to Roman Reigns.
– Bayley is backstage heading towards the gorilla position.
– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at 2018 WWE Hall of Famer Hillbilly Jim.
– Bayley comes out and does a brief interview with Charly Caruso, but before she can really get started Absolution interrupts. Paige, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville come out, and Paige cuts a promo on Bayley calling her a stupid little kid.
– Bayley vs. Mandy Rose: Mandy and Bayley start off trading holds until Mandy hits a dropkick in the corner to take over. Mandy works over Bayley’s arm, then slams her into the corner. Bayley starts fighting back and hits a running elbow shot. Rose rolls outside for a breather with Absolution. Back in the ring, Rose tees off on Bayley with strikes. Bayley misses a shot and Rose answers with a running knee for a two count. Mandy keeps control and works over Bayley on the mat. Bayley counters a slingshot and drops Rose over the middle rope. Bayley fires up with some clotheslines and strikes now, then slams Mandy into the corner over and over. Bayley hits a suplex, then climbs to the middle rope but Sonya distracts her. Bayley still hits a flying elbow on Rose. Sonya gets back on the apron, and the distraction leads to Rose rolling up Bayley for a two count. Bayley comes back with a rollup pin of her own for the three count.
Winner: Bayley
– Rose and Deville immediately start beating down Bayley after the bell. Sasha banks runs down to make the save, and Absolution retreats. Sasha goes to hug Bayley, but Bayley declines and walks away.
– Michael Cole introduces a Women’s History Month video about Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
– We take a look at footage of the history between Elias and Braun Strowman.
– We see Strowman backstage, who says he’s not finished with Elias, and Elias is gonna get these hands tonight… as well as these keys, drums, and any other instrument he can get his hands on. Braun says this will be Elias’ extinction.
– We see Elias backstage with his guitar heading to the ring.
– Symphony of Destruction match: Elias vs. Braun Strowman: Elias is on stage with a piano, and there are other instruments set up all around the arena. Elias plays the piano and drums for a bit, and sings a song knocking Strowman. Elias sings about Milwuakee, and steps in the ring as the lights go out. The lights come back on, and Elias is gone. Elias is seen running through the crowd towards the back now. Elias runds through the backstage area and gets in a car. He starts it up and tries to back out, but the car isn’t moving. The camera backs out to reveal Braun lifting the car up off it’s back wheels. Braun says he’s not finished with Elias, and Elias hops out of the car and starts running. Strowman chases Elias through the arena and back to the stage. Braun starts beating down Elias on the stage, and drags him to the ring. Strowman throws Elias in the corner and hits a big running splash, then some strikes. Strowman goes for a slam, but Elias escapes and hits Strowman’s knee from behind. Elias starts working the knee, then grabs the guitar and smashes it over Braun’s back. Elias starts pummeling on Braun, then knocks him off his feet. Elias goes up top and hits a flying elbow for a one count, and Braun kicks out with authority. Elias looks for the Drift Away, but Braun fights out and drops him with a right hand. Braun sends Elias outside, and follows him out and up the ramp. Strowman brings Elias over to the announce table and goes for a powerslam, but Elias rakes the eyes and escapes. Strowman shoves Elias into the stage wall, and beats him down near the instruments. Strowman smashes a big bass over Elias’ back, then throws a piano on him. Strowman shoves the piano out of the way and pins for the three count.
Winner: Braun Strowman
– After the match, Strowman raises his arms and yells. He talks trash to Elias as he walks away. Paramedics put Elias in a neck brace and load him ont oa stretcher as we go to replays.
– Still to come: Paul Heyman is in the house.
– Bray Wyatt vs. Rhyno: The opening bell sounds and Rhyno attacks early. Rhyno unloads with strikes in the corner. Wyatt comes back with a boot to the face, then he taunts Slater at ringside. Wyatt starts pummeling on Rhyno, then picks him up. Wyatt follows up with the Sister Abigail for the win after a very short match.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
– After the match, Slater checks on Rhyno as Wyatt stares him down. Wyatt gets on the mic and calls out Matt Hardy, saying he’s a coward. Fans chant “Delete,” and Wyatt says The Final Deletion and The Great War are far from over. Matt appears on the big screen and concurs, the war is far from over, but it can no longer continue inside WWE – it must happen at The Hardy Compound. We see video of Hardy and his Vanguard 1 drone on the grounds of the Hardy Compound. Hardy challenges Wyatt to The Ultimate Deletion, as Wyatt looks on and smiles.
– The Miz is backstage getting ready to come out to the ring.
– WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz comes down to the ring with Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. He welcomes us to the third annual Mizzie Awards, and trashes the Oscars. The first category is “Superstar who is best at patting themself on the back,” which he declares a tie between Finn Balor and Seth Rollins. Miz says they’re not here to accept their awards because they weren’t invited. The next award is “Worst decision by a RAW GM,” and he mentions Kurt Angle letting Rollins and Balor into the Elimination Chamber, and mentions him failing to name a WrestleMania opponent for The Miz. The Miz starts to introduce a Lifetime Achievement award, but Seth Rollins interrupts. Rollins says the people of Milwuakee were begging for someone to interrupt because the Miz is dragging on. Finn Balor interrupts next, and says he can do one better than Rollins. Miz intrrupts and says neither of them are worthy of facing him at WrestleMania. Miz cuts promos on both of them for being losers, then challenges them to a handicap match. Rollins and Balor accept, and we have a match.
– 3-on-2 Handicap Match: The Miz & The Miztourage vs. Finn Balor and Seth Rollins: Axel and Balor start this one off. Axel starts strong, but Balor quickly turns it around. Rollisn tags in for the double team. Dallas tags in, but Rollins takes him down quick then scares Miz off the apron. Dallas starts firing up and works over Rollins in the corner. Miz tags in and stomps on Rollins, then Axel comes back in. Axel drops Rollins then hits a knee to the back. Axel dropkicks Rollins, then Dallas tags in. Rollins starts to fight back and boots Dallas down. Balor tags in and cleans house. Miz distracts Balor and Balor follows him out to the floor, where Axel and Dallas sneak attack him. Back in the ring, Balor drops Axel with a boot to the head. Rollins and Miz both tag in, and Rollins springboards in with a shot on the IC Champ. Rollins hits a knee and a splash, then suplex into a Falcon Arrow for a 2 count. Rollins boots Miz, then knocks Dallas off the apron. Miz rolls up Rollins from behind for 2. Rollins hits a kick to the face and pins, but Axel breaks it up. Rollins throws Axel outside, then hits a suicide dive on The Miztourage. Miz gets thrown outside next and Rollins looks for another suicide dive, but Balor tags himself in. Rollins and Balor argue, then Balor hits a suicide dive on Axel and Dallas. Balor hits a slingblade on Miz, then a dropkick. Balor goes for the Coup De Grace, but Rollins tags himself in and hits the curb stomp on Miz for the three count.
Winners: Seth Rollins & Finn Balor
– After the match, Kurt Angle comes out and announces a new WrestleMania match: A Triple Threat for the IC Title: The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins
– Still to come: Paul Heyman
– We go to Corey Graves, and while he’s talking the USA Network abruptly ends RAW and starts the next program. The USA Network feed cuts back to RAW shortly, and we see Paul Heyman coming down to the ring with the Universal Title in his hand.
– Paul Heyman steps into the ring and lays the Universal Title belt down in the ring. Heyman says he has a special message from his client Brock Lesnar. Heyman starts talking about Roman Reigns and WrestleMania, and gives Reigns props for beating Undertaker last year. Heyman says he won’t be beating Lesnar this year, and if he doesn’t like it, he can do something about it next week when Lesnar is here. Heyman mentions Reigns’ family in wrestling, and says he knows Reigns wants the Universal Title because of his bloodline, but it won’t happen. Heyman says Reigns doesn’t want to shoot on the mic with him or in the ring with Lesnar. The music hits and Reigns comes down to the ring.
Reigns steps in the ring and gets on the mic. Reigns says he said some harsh but true things last night, and thought Lesnar would show up tonight instead of just sending Heyman. Reigns says Lesnar is a b*tch for not showing up to work. Reigns says he’ll be here next week too, so Brock can say anything he wants to his face, but he better be dressed to fight, not dressed for a promo segment. Heyman and Reigns have a stare down as Heyman leaves and RAW goes off the air.
– After wrestling on Friday, Montez Ford was unable to compete at Saturday and Sunday’s NXT live events due to a mouth-related injury.
According to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline, Ford may be dealing with a tooth issue, but it’s not believed to be too serious.
It’s unclear whether Ford suffered the injury during a match. At Friday’s show in Cleveland, Ohio, Ford and Angelo Dawkins lost to NXT Tag Team Champions Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly. At Saturday’s show in Royal Oak, Michigan, Ford was at ringside for Dawkins’ victory over Cezar Bononi. Ford again accompanied Dawkins for his match at yesterday’s show in Indianapolis, Indiana, who lost to Velveteen Dream.
– Kane has been pulled from Toronto Comicon 2018.
In a tweet sent out last Friday, the WWE Superstar will be unable to attend the event (scheduled for Friday, Mar. 16 through Sunday, Mar. 18 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre) due to ‘work commitments.’
Kane is unable to attend #TorontoComicon2018 due to work commitments. We will miss him but are happy to announce our final guest, @LuciePohlComedy (Mercy) from the hit game Overwatch!
WWE Money in the Bank 2018 will be held at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois on June 17, with tickets going on-sale this Friday at 10 a.m. CT at Ticketmaster.com. According to the official website of the Allstate Arena, both the Men’s and Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Matches will feature Raw and SmackDown stars.
The Allstate Arena is advertising eight male stars and eight female stars for the event.
Male stars advertised for the event include Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, Braun Strowman, WWE Champion AJ Styles, Randy Orton, United States Champion Bobby Roode and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Female stars advertised for the event are Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mickie James, Nia Jax, Natalya, Lana, Naomi and Becky Lynch.
Here is the complete announcement:
“WWE MONEY IN THE BANK COMES TO CHICAGO!
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER…
A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LADDER MATCH WITH SUPERSTARS FROM RAW AND SMACKDOWN LIVE.
DON’T MISS IN ACTION YOUR FAVORITE WWE SUPERSTARS INCLUDING,
ROMAN REIGNS
SETH ROLLINS
FINN BALOR
BRAUN STROWMAN
WWE CHAMPION – AJ STYLES
RANDY ORTON
UNITED STATES CHAMPION – BOBBY ROODE
SHINSUKE NAKAMURA
SASHA BANKS
BAYLEY
MICKIE JAMES
NIA JAX
NATALYA
LANA
NAOMI
BECKY LYNCH
PLUS, MANY MORE LIVE!!!!
WWE IS THE BEST VALUE IN ENTERTAINMENT!
TICKETS START AT JUST $25!!”
This comes after WWE announced last month the return of dual-brand pay-per-view events.
– Rey Mysterio is scheduled to be examined today for what is believed to be a torn left biceps, according to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.
As reported over the weekend, Mysterio sustained the injury during a tag team match on Friday night in Waterbury, Connecticut for Northeast Wrestling.
– Former WWE star Candice Michelle was backstage at Saturday’s Lucha Underground TV tapings in Los Angeles, California. According to an Instagram post by Candice, she was invited to the show by former WWE peers Chavo Guerrero and Marty Elias.
https://instagram.com/p/Bf5DDw5DBp3/
Her husband, who is a chiropractor, also gave chiropractic adjustments to some of the Lucha Underground wrestlers.
WWE announced on Monday that “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey will be appearing at every episode of Monday Night RAW through WrestleMania 34 on April 8th.
Rousey will be making “special appearances” on WWE RAW on the following dates:
3/5 – BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee
3/12 – Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
3/19 – American Airlines Center, Dallas
3/26 – Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland
4/2 – Philips Arena, Atlanta
Rousey has already signed on to make her WWE debut at WrestleMania. While her opponent(s) have not yet been confirmed, it’s expected that she will be teaming up with Kurt Angle against Stephanie McMahon and Triple H in a mixed tag team match.
Earlier this week, we ran a report citing AXS.com that WWE will be bringing back WarGames once again this year for the NXT Takeover event that takes place during Survivor Series weekend. That report has since been debunked and the original article has been removed from that website
WWE revived the beloved WarGames concept match in November for the NXT Takeover event that took place from Houston, Texas. The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, and Kyle O’Reilly) defeated the Authors of Pain/Roderick Strong and SAnitY in the first-ever WarGames match under the WWE umbrella.
While it’s possible that we could see WarGames return once more, there has been no official announcement regarding the match at this time.
Tickets are now on sale for Survivor Series 2018 weekend, with the Staples Center in Los Angeles playing host to NXT Takeover, Survivor Series, Raw and SmackDown.
Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal recently did an interview with The Independent to talk about several professional wrestling topics. During the interview, “The Modern Day Maharaja” made the case for “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame:
“[British Bulldog] had a great, storied career. From tagging with The Dynamite Kid to breaking out on his own, his career had a great evolution,” said Mahal. “He started in Stampede Wrestling in Calgary for Stu Hart and before that had been training in England before being brought in with Dynamite, and of course that classic, classic match against Bret Hart at Summerslam – that’s one of my all-time favorite matches.
“He’s just a great, great superstar in the history of WWE, so I don’t think it is a matter of if he’ll be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but when he’ll become a member.”
Mahal also discussed his historic WWE Title loss to AJ Styles last year. Mahal dropped the strap to “The Phenomenal One” during a pre-taped episode of SmackDown Live overseas in Manchester, England. It was the first WWE Title change in WWE history to occur overseas:
“It was the very first time in the history of WWE that the title had changed hands overseas. History was made that night and the match was probably one of the best I’ve ever had. I’ve said this before, but I feel that although I lost, I really won that night. The energy in the arena that night was amazing and AJ Styles really is phenomenal – the fans just love him.
“I think he might be the number one, top star in WWE in terms of fan reaction because everybody loves him. Everyone that night was genuinely so happy for him, so it was a little bit bittersweet for me. I was laying on my back on the mat with my eyes closed, listening to the reaction of the crowd and a couple of tears fell in the ring, of happiness as everyone was so pleased for him. It was a very cool moment and it was a moment I’ll never forget.”
You can read Mahal’s full interview with The Independent by clicking this link here.
– Earlier today WrestleVotes reported that their sources noted Hillbilly Jim is one name, that’s not being talked about, that is expected to be inducted into the 2018 WWE Hall Of Fame:
Texting w/ a source regarding the 2018 Hall of Fame. The rumored names of Bam Bam Bigelow & Kid Rock seem to be correct… but a non rumored name is also set for induction this year: Hillbilly Jim.
Just hours later Bleacher Report confirmed the news and even got a reaction from Jim on the news:
“I didn’t have that on my mind whatsoever,” Jim told Bleacher Report. “For a moment or two, I was knocked back on my heels. Basically, I was speechless. It was a whole lot for me to digest quickly.”
– As we’ve noted, Samir Singh has been rehabbing his knee after tearing his ACL. Following surgical repair, Singh is expected to miss 6-9 months of action. He posted the following on Twitter to update the WWE Universe on his recovery:
For the third consecutive year, Snickers will serve as the exclusive presenting partner of WrestleMania 34, one of the biggest sports and entertainment events in the world. WrestleMania, WWE’s annual pop-culture extravaganza, will take place Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and stream live around the world on WWE Network.
Snickers’ presenting partnership of WrestleMania is highlighted by custom content produced by WWE for Snickers, which will feature Superstars and the brand’s popular “‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry”‘ campaign. The creative will appear across WWE’s global digital and social platforms, which includes the No. 1 sports channel and No. 2 channel overall in the world on YouTube, on the award-winning WWE Network, and on WWE’s flagship TV programs — Monday Night Raw and SmackDown LIVE — on USA Network, a long-standing Snickers partner.
As part of the agreement, Snickers will have promotional activity at WrestleMania Axxess – WWE’s four-day, interactive fan festival, presence at WWE Live Events leading up to WrestleMania, retail promotions, as well as custom digital and social content, including a branded WWE.com and YouTube series hosted by WWE digital correspondent Cathy Kelley. Snickers will also leverage WWE’s Instagram page, which has more than 14 million followers – the most of any major sport – with a sponsored Instagram story on the day of WrestleMania.
“We’re thrilled to partner with WWE for a third consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans,” said Michael Italia, Senior Brand Manager, Snickers Brand. “The animated personalities of WWE cannot afford to be hungry in the ring, which makes our partnership that much more of an authentic extension of our ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’ campaign. We’re eager to connect with WWE’s passionate fan base in person and across social media this year, as this event continues to grow in attendance and engagement.”
“As one of the biggest sports and entertainment events in the world, WrestleMania will again provide Snickers a global platform to deliver their award-winning ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’ campaign,” said John Brody, WWE Executive Vice President, Global Sales & Head of International. “Our continued WrestleMania partnership with Snickers is a result of innovative and entertaining collaborations that engaged our passionate fans worldwide.”
Additionally, Snickers will be the presenting sponsor of the WrestleMania block party at Champions Square outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, which is free and open to the public, and will include fun-filled entertainment areas with music, games and food.
Snickers is also currently conducting a retail sweepstakes on U.S. military bases that will give 25 winners free access to stream WrestleMania on WWE Network.
Last year, Snickers’ WrestleMania 33 presenting partnership resulted in nearly three3 billion impressions for Snickers across WWE’s global platforms, including video content integrations within Monday Night Raw and SmackDown LIVE on USA Network, digital and social media, WWE Network, live events and retail appearances by WWE Superstars. WrestleMania 33 was the most-social event in WWE history, and set a new Orlando Citrus Bowl attendance record of 75,245 fans, which led to the highest-grossing event in the stadium’s history at $14.5 million.
Tonight Monday Night RAW will be live from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and fans are wondering whether or not Ronda Rousey will be on WWE TV this week to further her storyline with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. PWInsider is reporting that Rousey is in Milwaukee and will be on tonight’s episode of RAW. Rousey made her WWE debut back at the Royal Rumble this past January after the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match.
After Asuka won the match, Rousey came out to confront “The Empress Of Tomorrow,” RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss, and SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. She pointed at the WrestleMania 34 sign and indicated her intentions to wrestle at the event. Rousey’s next WWE appearance came at Elimination Chamber where she signed her RAW contract with General Manager Kurt Angle, WWE COO Triple H, and RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon.
Angle suggested that “The Game” and Stephanie were manipulating Rousey because of their incident with her at WrestleMania 31, which led to “The Rowdy One” putting Triple H through a table. Stephanie slapped Rousey in retaliation before fleeing the ring. The next night on RAW the four seemed to clear the air after several apologies, but Triple H sucker-punched Angle before leaving the ring to end the show. It’s rumored Rousey and Angle will team up at WrestleMania 34 against Stephanie and Triple H in a Mixed Tag match.
Tonight will likely further the foursome’s storyline heading into “The Showcase Of The Immortals.”
Ronda Rousey is expected to team up with Monday Night RAW General Manager and WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 34 to take on the team of WWE COO Triple H and RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon. That match has been set up in the past few weeks at Elimination Chamber and on RAW. During Rousey’s RAW contract signing at Elimination Chamber, Rousey put Triple H through a table after Angle noted that he and Stephanie had been manipulating her.
The next night on RAW the four seemed to clear the air after several apologies, however, Triple H hit Angle with a cheap shot before leaving the ring to end the show. It’s expected that the feud between the four will continue to develop on tonight’s episode of RAW from Milwaukee. Kurt Angle and Triple H are expected to work most of the Mixed Tag match at WrestleMania.
It’s also expected that the entire match is going to be mapped out move-for-move with Angle and Hunter carrying most of the load, building up to spots between Stephanie and Ronda. There has also been some speculation as of late as to whether or not Rousey’s husband, UFC heavyweight Travis Browne, would be her partner instead to make the match more of a husband and wife storyline.
Browne has also been training alongside Rousey inside the ring. WWE decided not to go that route as it would leave Triple H to carry the match with three inexperienced in-ring performers on the biggest show of the year.
The card for Ring of Honor’s next pay-per-view event is coming together.
The Baltimore based promotion recently announced two more matches for their 16 Anniversary show. Flip Gordon vs. Hiromu Takahashi in a singles match and Sumie Sakai vs. Hana Kimura in a first-round Women of Honor Title tournament match.
ROH will hold their 16 Anniversary show on Friday, March 9, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall. The event will air on traditional PPV outlets and the FITE TV app. Here is the updated card: -Dalton Castle vs. Jay Lethal for the ROH Championship. -The Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Briscoes for the ROH Tag Titles.
-Adam Page and The Young Bucks vs. Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, and Scorpio Sky in a Vegas Street Fight for the ROH Six-Man Tag Titles. -Marty Scurll vs. Punishment Martinez. -Cody vs. Matt Taven. -Flip Gordon vs. Hiromu Takahashi
-Women of Honor Title Tournament First-Round Match: Sumie Sakai vs. Hana Kimura
NJPW’s 46th Anniversary show is set, which means the card has been made official.
It was once tradition at these special events that the IWGP Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight champions would collide. Kazuchika Okada and Kota Ibushi did battle back in 2014. The match garnered a ton of praise from fans.
The tradition has returned as Okada will take on Will Ospreay in a rematch from their 2015 encounter under the Rev Pro banner. There will also be two title bouts. The show takes place tomorrow (March 6) at 5 a.m. Of course SEScoops will provide coverage of the event. You can peep the full lineup below:
NJPW 46th Anniversary Lineup
10-Man Tag Team Match: Ryusuke Taguchi, Kushida, Tiger Mask, & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Ren Narita, Tetsuhiro Yagi, Shota Umino, Tomoyuki Oka, & Yuji Nagata
Singles Match: Manabu Nakanishi vs. Katsuya Kitamura
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Toa Henare, David Finlay, & Juice Robinson vs. Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, & Hiroki Goto
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match: Sho & Yoh (C) vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi vs. El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Singles Match: Sanada vs. Yoshi-Hashi
Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Taichi
IWGP Intercontinental Title Match: Minoru Suzuki (C) vs. Togi Makabe
Anniversary Day Special Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
Also interesting to note is that the official YouTube channel of NJPW has released the opening video package for the event:
WWE has announced that a 50-competitor Royal Rumble will take place from Saudi Arabia on Friday, April 27th. The event will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City venue, which holds approximately 62,000 people.
Talent announced for the event includes John Cena, Triple H, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura and more.
WWE has yet to announce if this special event will air on the WWE Network, but this seems like the type of content perfectly suited for WWE’s streaming service.
WWE executives Vince McMahon and Triple H were in Saudi Arabia last week finalizing this new partnership. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Saudi General Sports, tweeted this photo last week:
03/05/2018 – RIYADH, Saudi Arabia & STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The Saudi General Sports Authority in partnership with WWE will present the Greatest Royal Rumble event at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday, April 27. For the first time ever, the Royal Rumble match will feature 50 WWE Superstars.
As part of this historic event, fans will see WWE Superstars John Cena™, Triple H™, Roman Reigns™, AJ Styles™, Braun Strowman™, The New Day™, Randy Orton™, Bray Wyatt™ and Shinsuke Nakamura™, among others.
Ticket and broadcast information will be available in the coming weeks. This event is part of a 10-year strategic multiplatform partnership in support of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s social and economic reform program.
“The Greatest Royal Rumble will be a spectacle of historic proportions,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “Our partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority reflects a long-term commitment to present WWE’s world-class entertainment to a global audience on a grander scale than ever before.”
Ring of Honor Wrestling has announced that they will be returning to the United Kingdom in the month of May as part of their Honor United tour. The three shows will feature talent from New Japan Pro Wrestling.
“The Honor United tour, featuring the stars of ROH as well as top talent from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, kicks off in Edinburgh, Scotland on May 24. The tour then heads to London, England on May 26 before concluding on May 27, when ROH makes its debut in Doncaster, England!
Tickets for the Honor United shows go on sale THIS Wednesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. local time for HonorClub members and Friday, March 9 at 10 a.m. local time for the general public.”
The following are the dates and locations for ROH’s upcoming Honor United tour:
May 24, 2018 — Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, Scotland, 7:30 p.m. local time
May 26, 2018 — Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London, England, 6 p.m. local time
May 27, 2018 — The Doncaster Dome, Doncaster, England, 6 p.m. local time
Chris Jericho says he won’t be working for New Japan Pro Wrestling again in the near future. Jericho’s program with Kenny Omega that culminated at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom back on January 4th was the talk of the wrestling world for months. Their feud had everyone talking and the match itself delivered, earning the coveted 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer.
Jericho made a surprise appearance the following night at New Year’s Dash when he attacked Tetsuya Naito, presumably jumpstarting a new feud and extending his run with New Japan. A match between the two was rumored for the Strong Style Evolved show from Long Beach, California (3/25), but that show sold out without any word of Jericho appearing. It was rumored that New Japan would hold of on booking Chris Jericho until later, when they could use his drawing power to sell tickets.
According to Jericho, he has no future plans to work for the Japanese promotion. Jericho is known to work fans on social media and mislead the public to maximize the impact of his surprise appearances, so the door is never fully closed with him. When asked if he was done with New Japan, the Alpha replied:
Tonight’s edition of Monday Night RAW takes place from Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
Asuka will put her undefeated streak on the line against Nia Jax. The Royal Rumble winner has yet to decide her WrestleMania opponent. RAW Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is not scheduled to appear, but will be there next week.
With less than 5 weeks until WrestleMania, WWE.com is hyping the following items for tonight:
– How will Ronda Rousey repay Triple H and Stephanie McMahon?
Our Take: It certainly seems that RAW General Manager Kurt Angle will be Rousey’s partner against Stephanie and Triple H. It remains to be seen if Ronda Rousey will be on hand for RAW, but Angle might have to answer for Rousey’s actions.
– Why didn’t Lesnar confront Reigns?
Our take: Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman no-showed last week, which led to a scathing promo by Reigns about Lesnar being a part-timer who isn’t giving his all like the rest of the WWE locker room. Brock returned to action over the weekend in Chicago, defeating Kane in approximately 30 seconds. Fans in attendance weren’t happy about Lesnar working less than a minute, further playing into this narrative. Has WWE found an angle that will get Reigns cheered over Lesnar at WrestleMania?
– Who will face The Miz at WrestleMania?
Our Take: Seth Rollins and Finn Balor are in the hunt for an IC title shot against The Miz at WrestleMania. A case could be made that a singles match between two of these three competitors is a better play than a triple threat, but this has the potential to be one of the better matches at WrestleMania.
– Will Elias “get these hands”?
Our Take: Strowman has been on such a roll this past year that Elias has to be seen as a disappointing WrestleMania opponent. We’ll see if that program extends through April.
Join us here later tonight for our live coverage of WWE RAW.
– Tammy Sytch, also known as Sunny in WWE, remains incarcerated in Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold, New Jersey after being arrested last Tuesday on charges of two counts of fugitive from justice and six counts of contempt of court. According to a report by Mike Johnson of PWInsider on Sunday, an official at the facility said she is being held until Pennsylvania authorities arrive to extradite her back to Carbon County, Pennsylvania, where she is a wanted fugitive for violating the terms of her parole set in February 2017.
After that legal situation is resolved, Sytch will be extradited back to New Jersey to face her most recent charges.
TMZ Sports reported on Friday that Sytch was arrested for DUI on two separate occasions a few weeks before her latest arrest. She had been on probation for three DUI arrests in 2015.
Sytch was arrested for DUI in New Jersey on Jan. 23 at 8:53 p.m. She was then involved in an automobile accident on Feb. 2 at 8:52 a.m. and cops say she fled the scene. Sytch was tracked down and cited for DUI, as well as leaving the scene of an accident.
She was then charged with failing to appear in court for either of the two arrests, which led to her arrest on Tuesday.
Click here for additional background on her legal troubles in recent years.
– On Saturday, Title Match Wrestling released the trailer for Tammy Sytch’s latest shoot interview, Reflections with Tammy Sytch – Always Shining.
“WWE Hall of Famer Tammy Sytch (Sunny) speaks candidly about her troubled road to peace, her arrests, battle with alcohol and her long road to recovery. Find out more about her relationships with Vince McMahon, Shawn Michaels, and her beloved connection with the late Chris Candido. In true “Sunny” form the interview takes many unexpected twists and turns as we recount some of her most famous controversies. We recall past flames and maybe even take a peek into her phones photo album…? We delve into her foray into the adult film world as she sets the record straight and tells all that lead to that decision. She speaks on her Hall of Fame induction and what her feelings are on the current state of women in the business.”
