Home Blog Page 1731

NJPW Honor Rising Results (Feb. 23): Golden Lovers Return, Title Match

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

The time has arrived for NJPW’s first day of the 2018 Honor Rising tour.

Today (Feb. 23), Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi will finally team again, but they’re not alone. The Golden Lovers will be joined by “Honorary Tongan” Chase Owens. Also, Hiroki Goto defends his NEVER Openweight championship against Ring of Honor’s Beer City Bruiser.

The card features some other promising bouts, including a triple threat match between Kushida, Hiromu Takahashi, and Flip Gordon. The action begins live at 4:30 a.m. ET. Keep refreshing the page to see the updated results below:

Tag Match: Katsuya Kitamura & Toa Henare vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale

Yujiro easily lost a shoving battle to start the match. Fale was tagged in and was downed by a shoulder block. He came back by pummeling Kitamura. Yujiro took care of Henare on the outside. Fale threw Kitamura into the guardrail.

Yujiro was tagged in a tried the fishermen buster. Kitamura countered with a suplex. Henare was tagged in and hammered away. He nailed Yujiro with a shoulder block. He climbed the turnbuckle and hit another shoulder block for a near fall. Yujiro bit the thumb, landed a dropkick and tagged Fale.

Kitamura was tagged in and speared Fale. Henare nailed Yujiro with a spinebuster and followed him outside. Kitamura went for the Jackhammer, but couldn’t get it. Fale hit the Grenade for a three-count.

Winners: Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale

Six-Man Tag Match: Cheeseburger, Delirious, & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. HIKULEO, Tanga Loa, & Tama Tonga

Delirious chopped HIKULEO and immediately tagged in Liger. The same thing happened to Liger and he tagged in Cheeseburger. He suffered the same fate, but was popped with a forearm. Cheeseburger gained an edge before getting chopped. He tagged in Liger and the action began.

HIKULEO landed a dropkick on Liger. He sent him to the corner and tagged in Loa. A one-handed scoop slam was there for Loa. Delirious threw his jacket at Loa to break up the pin. The NEVER Openweight Six-Man champions were in control.

Cheeseburger was tagged in and tried a crossbody on Tonga. He was caught and thrown into the corner. Cheeseburger evaded all three of his opponents and had them run into each other. He landed a tornado DDT on Tonga. He was eventually hit with the Tongan Twist.

Delirious was tagged in and bit HIKULEO’s fingers. He went for a sunset flip, but was double teamed. Cheeseburger hit the Shotei and Delirious got the pin.

Winners: Cheeseburger, Delirious, & Jushin Thunder Liger

Tag Match: David Finlay & Juice Robinson vs. The Young Bucks

Nick Jackson and Finlay got the action started. Nick went for a kick early, but settled for a dropkick. Matt was tagged in and lifted Nick, who landed another dropkick. They took out Juice and did a backbreaker/neckbreaker combination on Finlay. The team then took Juice off the ring apron.

Finlay reversed the springboard facebuster into an atomic drop and tagged in Juice. Matt and Nick ran into over head belly-to-belly suplexes. He caught Nick’s springboard into an overhead belly-to-belly. He teased giving a German Suplex to referee Tiger Hattori. Juice went to town on The Young Bucks corner-to-corner before tagging in Finlay.

The advantage was now in the favor of Juice and Finlay. Finlay was aggressive, roughing Matt up in the corner. Juice hit a senton on Matt. Juice went for a clothesline, but Matt ducked under and got the tag. Nick hit the springboard senton on Juice and Finlay.

Nick locked in the Sharpshooter on Juice, while Matt got the hold in on Finlay. Juice grabbed the bottom rope. He then hit the full nelson slam and tagged in Finlay. He got double teamed in the corner with double kicks. The Young Bucks went for the Meltzer Driver, but Finlay reversed. Matt accidentally hit Nick with a Superkick.

Juice hit his trademark punches on The Young Bucks, but was nailed by a double Superkick. Finlay was hit with a spear and kick combination. Matt and Nick hit the Meltzer Driver for the victory.

Winners: The Young Bucks

Triple Threat Match: Kushida vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Flip Gordon

All three men were hesitant to engage. Kushida got in a headlock on Flip, but was thrown into Hiromu. Flip evaded attacks from his opponents with flips. Eventually Hiromu and Kushida both dropkicked him. Hiromu and Kushida got in a chop battle. Kushida was able to do his cartwheel into a dropkick.

Kushida targeted the arms and legs of Flip. Hiromu took out Kushida with a dropkick and went to town on Flip. Hiromu underhooked the arm of Flip and landed a dragon screw. Flip landed a kick into a standing moonsault on Hiromu. He hopped on the middle rope and connected with a moonsault on Kushida. Hiromu ran on the apron and hit a shotgun dropkick on Flip.

Flip placed Kushida on the top turnhuckle and landed a springboard hurricanrana. He then hit Hiromu with a suicide dive. With Flip and Hiromu battling on the top turnbuckle, Kushida kicked both of them. He locked in his armbar on Hiromu, but Flip connected with a springboard splash.

All three men nailed each other with strikes on the mat. Flip got up and kicked Kushida. Kushida eventually hooked in the armbar after taking out Hiromu. Kushida went for Back to the Future, but couldn’t get it. Hiromu hit a German Suplex on Flip and tossed Kushida into the corner. Flip interrupted Time Bomb and landed a springboard cutter on Hiromu. He hit the 450 Splash for the stunning three-count. A major upset!

Winner: Flip Gordon

Six-Man Tag Match: Ryusuke Taguchi. Jay Lethal, & Dalton Castle vs. Chuckie T, Beretta, & “Switchblade” Jay White

Taguchi had some snacks with him and shared them with Jay Lethal and Dalton Castle. The match started with Castle and Beretta. Castle did a clean break from tomorrow’s title challenger. Castle caught Beretta in his finisher position, but Beretta slipped out. Castle did his pose, while Beretta gave Chuckie T a hug.

Taguchi and Chuck T were in and did duck walks. Taguchi rallied Lethal and Castle to clothesline Chuckie T in the corner. They threw Chuckie T towards Taguchi’s backside, but the coach was dropkicked. White was in and it was all business with chops and a forearm in the corner.

Chuckie T nailed Taguchi with an atmoic drop. Eventually, he ran into the Funky Weapon. Lethal was tagged in and nailed a springboard dropkick on Chuckie T. He ducked under White and hit Chuckie T with a suicide.He went up the top turnbuckle and went for Hail to The King. He caught White’s boot for a figure four, which was broken up.

Chukie T thrwarted Lethal Injection, but was nailed by Taguchi’s Funky Weapon. Taguchi was countered with a pin from White, but he had his own reversal into an ankle lock. White got out of it and hit Blade Runner for the three-count.

Winners: Chuckie T, Beretta, & “Switchblade” Jay White

NEVER Openweight Title Match: Hiroki Goto (C) vs. The Beer City Bruiser

Bruiser threw his cigar at Goto to get things started. He won a shoulder block battle. He then decided to grind Goto’s face into the pieces of cigar. He nailed Goto with a right hand that knocked him to the outside. He ran from the apron and landed a senton.

Bruiser took some time to stop for a sip of beer. He connected with a knee to the head. Goto got his foot on the rope following a shoulder block. He spat beer in Goto’s face and threw his cup into the crowd.

Some clotheslines had Bruiser staggered. On the last one, Goto got the big man down. He landed a wheel kick in the corner. His Saito Suplex connected for a two-count. Bruiser had Goto seated in the corner and landed a hip attack followed by a cannon ball. He hit the Vader bomb for a near fall.

Goto went for PK following the sleeper hold and Bruiser nailed him with a sitdown powerbomb. Goto was able to kick out. Bruiser climbed the top turnbuckle, but was cut off by Goto. The champion hit ushigoroshi. He went for PTR, but was countered. He went for a frog splash, but missed. Goto landed a lariat to the back of the head.

The two collided and Bruiser turned Goto inside out with a clothesline. He picked Goto up, but ate a headbutt followed by PTR. Goto retained his title.

Winner And STILL NEVER Openweight Champion: Hiroki Goto

Six-Man Tag Match: Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, & Chase Owens vs. Cody, Marty Scurll, & Hangman Page

Ibushi and Page got the match started. Page had a rough clean break from Ibushi. A leapfrog followed by a dropkick was there for Ibushi. Owens tagged himself in and suplexed Page. He then tagged in Omega. They took turned splitting the legs of Page.

Cody interrupted Ibushi’s attempt to be tagged in. Page and Cody pressured Scurll to be tagged in. Omega transitioned into an arm bar attempt, but Scurll was right there with him in the grappling exchange. Cody screamed at Scull to snap Omega’s fingers. Scurll hesitated and was kicked in the back by Ibushi.

Owens tried fighting off all three of his opponents, but the numbers game was a bit much. Scurll stomped on Omega’s arm. Cody tagged in and got a significant amount of heat. He did a cartwheel and flipped the bird at Omega and Ibushi. Scurll hit a superplex on Owens, but Scurll’s back was also jacked.

Cody and Page mocked Omega with the Terminator pose. They hit suicide dives on the Golden Lovers. Scull didn’t join in. Cody hit Owens with a beer cup. Owens counted Cody, but was once again cut off. Finally, Owens hit a backbreaker and tagged in Ibushi. The Golden Lovers teamed on Scurll. They nailed Page with a double dropkick while he was midair. Ibushi and Omega hit their signature Golden Armageddon.

Omega hammered away on Cody. He hit him with a chop for a snap dragon. Cody reversed into a Crossroads attempt. Instead, Omega reversed and connected with the snap dragon. Omega went for the V-Trigger, but Page did his flip over the top rope and then a clothesline. Ibushi nailed Cody with a springboard dropkick.

Scurll locked in the chickenwing on Ibushi. Eventually, Ibushi reached the ropes. Scurll carried Ibushi in an electric chairshot position and Cody hit a dropkick from the top turnbuckle. Cody and Omega both went over the top rope. Owens was tagged in and met Page in the ring.

Owens went for the Package Piledriver, but was countered. Owens hit a rebound lariat. Page once again reversed the Package Piledriver, this time into the Rite of Passage for the win.

Winners: Cody, Marty Scurll, & Hangman Page

After the match, Cody and Omega went to town. The Young Bucks broke both men up. Cody stood in the ring and grabbed a microphone. Cody claimed he was the face of ROH and that the Golden Lovers reuniting is a publicity stunt. He said Ibushi was Omega’s rat. He then claimed Bullet Club was his.

WWE Not Publicizing Drug Testing Policy Violations From NXT and Developmental Talent

Daniel Pena
-
15

On August 30, 2007, WWE announced the suspensions of 10 of its performers for violations of the company’s Wellness Policy (now officially known as the Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy) based on independent information received from investigators from the Albany County District Attorney’s Office in Albany, New York. At the time, it was WWE’s practice not to release the names of those suspended, but the company pledged that beginning on November 1, 2007, it would publicly disclose ‘the names of anyone who is suspended under the Wellness Policy.’ Now in 2018, this rule apparently no longer applies to all people under contract to WWE for ‘in-ring services.’

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, while it remains company policy to publicly disclose a WWE performer’s name and duration of the suspension for a violation, this only applies to those on the main roster. Meltzer says NXT performers and other developmental talent are not subject to having their name publicly disclosed for a drug testing violation.

This contradicts what is written in WWE’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, which states that it ‘is applicable to and binding upon all WWE Talent under contract to WWE who regularly perform in-ring services as a professional sports entertainer.’

17. APPLICABILITY OF THIS POLICY
This Policy, as it may be amended from time to time, is applicable to and binding upon all WWE Talent under contract to WWE who regularly perform in-ring services as a professional sports entertainer (“WWE Talent”).

Two months after the policy change went into effect, WWE suspended two developmental performers on January 15, 2008 — Neil Bzibziak (aka Chet Jablonski and Chet the Jet) and Derrick Neikirk — for violations of the company’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy. Since then, WWE has only publicized one suspension of a developmental talent and it was 10 years ago (Afa Anoa’i Jr. on March 20, 2008, who joined the main roster later that year under the name of Manu).

In April 2016, WWE announced the suspension of both Adam Rose and Konnor for 60 days each for a second violation of the company’s policy. However, WWE never announced when either talent had served their first respective suspensions.

Meltzer said then that both Rose and Konnor were in developmental at the time of their first respective suspensions. WWE suspended Rose in 2013 and Konnor in 2006 (both for 30 days). Rose is the last known suspension of a developmental talent.

Kairi Sane Tweets Response To Racially Charged Taunts At WWE NXT Live Event In Florida

Daniel Pena
-
26

After being subjected to some racially charged taunts at Thursday’s WWE NXT live event in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kairi Sane has responded with a message of kindness.

According to a fan in attendance, some fans yelled “Happy ending” and “Pearl Harbor” at Sane (as she wrestled Rhea Ripley).

https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/966857449440448512

Another fan in attendance corroborated the taunts, saying that a guy yelled “Remember Pearl Harbor” at Sane.

Sane responded to @FLWrestlingFan with this clip art of kids around the world holding hands.

Sane picked up a win in St. Petersburg, pinning Ripley after nailing her with the Insane Elbow.

https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/966860141323841536

Paul Heyman On Lesnar’s UFC Future, Rousey-WWE, Next “Heyman Guy”

Staff
-
9

TMZ Sports caught up with Paul Heyman this week, who commented on the possibility of Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, if he would advocate for Ronda Rousey in WWE and who he’s eyeing as the next Paul Heyman Guy (or gal).

This Sunday at Elimination Chamber, 7 of RAW’s top Superstars will battle to determine who will challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania. In the months following WM34, it’s rumored that Brock Lesnar’s WWE contract will expire and he’ll be free to fight for the UFC again, if that’s something he’s interested in.

When asked if we’ll see Brock step inside the Octagon again, Paul Heyman said Brock Lesnar will do whatever he wants to do. Lensar’s last UFC fight took place back in July 2016. TMZ’s reporter questioned if two years away from fighting would work against The Beast. Heyman argues the contrary.

“The time away makes him better because the time away gives his body a chance to heal,” Heyman proclaimed. “The problem with these UFC fighters – and they’re all fantastic athletes, top of the line in the entire world – is that they wear their bodies down in these training camps. All these guys that are cutting weight are destroying their own bodies.”

Many fans have speculated that Paul Heyman would make a great mouthpiece for Ronda Rousey. It’s an intriguing prospect, but Heyman doesn’t sound like he’s eyeing Rousey as his next client. “Why limit the people that I have my eye on to Ronda Rousey?” Heyman questioned. “I have my eye on anyone who is a top box office attraction. I have my eye on Enes Kanter of the New York Knicks.”

Heyman definitely sees potential in Enes Kanter, who he’s dubbed “The Baddest Dude In The NBA.” The 6-foot-11 Knicks center couldn’t be happier to be dubbed the latest Paul Heyman Guy.

You can watch Paul Heyman’s comments about Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey and Enes Kanter here:

Ticket Information Released for Bret Hart UK Tour

Jake Skudder
-
1

Kayfabe Events will be presenting a week of live speaking events featuring WWE legend Bret Hart. The company has now confirmed the venues and dates for these extremely rare and specials shows. The following press release was sent out this afternoon:

“This is the full list of venues with ticket packages and any updates! Please read before you ask questions. The Chat/Interview will start at 8pm, we also have a very special guest Q&A orchestrating the proceedings! That will be a seperate announcement! For premium VIP’s and regular VIP’s there will be the chance to get other items signed on the night for an additional fee. This information will be released tomorrow with ticket links! 

So firstly tickets go on sale Friday at 9am on ticketbud. Ticket links will be annouced Thursday evening. So the ticket prices are the same at each of our events…there will also be merchandise stands at these events, Items will also be found on our website if you want to get yours in advance from next week. The evening will consist of chat / interview orchestrated by our compere Dean Ayass and Bret, an open floor Q&A.”

Here are the packages available for the shows:

PREMIUM VIP – £150

Premium VIP Meet and Greet starts at 6:15pm – Entry from 6pm. Early entry to get first choice of seats, a digital photo of you and the man himself, a limited edition t-shirt, the iconic wrap around glases, and 2 items signed.

REGULAR VIP – £75

Entry from 6:45pm – Meet and Greet AFTER the end of the Q&A! Second tier entry to choose your seat, a digital photo of you and the man himself and one signed item.

GENERAL ADMISSION – £35

Entry from 7:15pm. Entry for the Talk and Q&A.

The Brighton event will be held at

  • The Brighthelm Centre,
    North road,
    Brighton,
    BN1 1YD

The Cardiff event will be held at

 

  • Portland House,
    113-116 Bute Street,
    Cardiff
    CF10 5EQ

The Manchester event will be held at

  • The Queen Elizabeth Hall,
    West Street,
    Oldham,
    OL1 1QJ

The London event will be held at

  • Bush Hall,
    310 Uxbridge Road,
    Shepherd’s Bush,
    London,
    W12 7LJ

Luke Gallows On RAW 25’s Passing Of The Torch Moment Between DX & The Club

Jon Fuentes
-
6

WWE Superstar Luke Gallows recently took part in an international media call and talked about several professional wrestling topics. Gallows was asked about the segment between The Club (himself, Karl Anderson, and Finn Balor) and DX during RAW 25. Gallows was asked whether or not it was a passing of the torch kind of moment:

“It was a surreal moment for Karl [Anderson] and I. This is why we got into the business. This is why we do what we do. We grew up watching these guys and to share the ring with them, and for them to ‘pass the torch’ or whatever you want to call it. It was very symbolic for us. I have the picture up at home with all of us throwing up the ‘Too Sweet’ sign. I was very proud of that moment.”

Gallows was also asked to answer a rather difficult question – if he prefers having The Club with AJ Styles or Finn Balor:

“I think we are both unique, and both talented, but what I would rather have is a four-man faction with AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Finn Balor and myself. Add Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale while we are at it and let’s just take over the entire WWE once and for all.”

He then discussed what it’s like being back with WWE after working in Japan for the past few years:

“When Karl [Anderson] and I jumped the rail and made our debut on RAW in Los Angeles, California, we had some trepidation because we are very highly confident guys and we know that we are highly capable, but we didn’t know whether or not the WWE Universe knew who we were. So, when we jumped the rail and we heard that reaction and felt as though they were happy to see us, it felt like it was icing on the cake for what has been an incredible WWE run with more to come.”

H/T SoloWrestling.com for the transcriptions

Jim Ross Says WWE “Hit A Goldmine” By Signing Jeremy Borash, Rusev Comments On Being Left Off WWE TV

Jon Fuentes
-
2

– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently did an interview with Sportskeeda and offered his thoughts on WWE signing Jeremy Borash. “Good Ole’ JR” says that WWE “hit a goldmine” by signing Borash:

“It’s another great hire,” Ross said. “I can’t tell you when WWE has made a cooler hire in any area quite frankly. He’s a great get. He can do a lot of things. He doesn’t even have to be on camera for example. His value, his worth in character creation and development, the production side, and he’s got great product knowledge.

“He’s has an insane work ethic; which I really admire. They hit the gold mine with him. I think he’s gonna be focusing on NXT stuff, so that is a great slot for him in my opinion.”

– SmackDown Live star Rusev recently took to Twitter to comment on being off WWE TV for the past few weeks. Here’s what he had to say:

Wade Barrett Explains How WWE Misuses Talent

Jon Fuentes
-
15

Former WWE Superstar Wade Barrett recently did an interview with SPORTbible to talk about several professional wrestling topics. One topic of discussion was former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville and what it was like to work with him inside of the ring. In fact, Neville is one of Barrett’s favorite opponents of all time:

“Neville for sure is in my top three opponents of all-time. When I saw my name against him, it was almost like I knew I could go asleep during that match because everything he does is amazing. I think a lot of people look at Neville think, ‘Oh he’s that high-flying guy who does all the flips’, but literally everything he does, from even the most basic stuff, locking up, tying up, the way he moves around the ring; the way he reacts to anything I do to him and sells my stuff is always incredible, so, he’s one of the best in-ring guys ever.”

Barrett also explained how WWE doesn’t have enough space at the top of their card and how they misuse a lot of talent:

“They [WWE] misuse a lot of guys, there’s a lot of guys you could do more with but at the end of the day they pick the guys they want to go with and go with them. I don’t think they purposely sabotage, I think there are limited spots to be at the top of the card or the highlighted guys – there are probably seven or eight guys where it’s like, ‘Ok these are our main guys going forward for the next six to twelve months’ and they need to be the guys getting the biggest reactions, being involved in the biggest storylines and stuff like that.

“So if there’s a guy who is getting bigger reactions than them, then I think there is an attempt to, I’m sure, make that reaction transfer on to the guys they are going with – the guys they want to push. There are just a limited number of spots, that’s the issue. You can’t have everyone in those spots.”

You can read Barrett’s full interview with SPORTbible by clicking this link here.

Aiden English Pays Tribute To Eddie Guerrero, Ric Flair Announces Partnership With YouTube Star (Video)

Jon Fuentes
-
6

– SmackDown Live Superstar Aiden English took to Instagram this week while WWE was in El Paso, TX to post a tribute to his father-in-law and WWE Hall Of Famer Eddie Guerrero. English is married to Shaul Guerrero, who is the daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero:

“I’m not taking a selfie or snapping a picture of myself here…that’s because this isn’t about me. And honestly, it’s not really about you. It’s about what you’ve given me. Something you never knew you’d be doing. It’s about the greatest gift I’ve ever had in my life. The gift you and the woman I now get to call “mom” gave me is a blessing beyond words. And that’s what this is about. It’s about her. She fills my day with love, laughter, joy and endless support.

“She sees me as I am and takes it all in with full heart – a job not always so easy. And here we are tonight in hers and your hometown to do what you spent your whole life doing to raise and support her and the family. I’m working tonight to try to do the same for her and to do the same for our future family. Here’s to work. Here’s to home. Here’s to familia. And here’s to her.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfZW6RIBlXx/

– Two-time WWE Hall Of Famer “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair recently posted a teaser video of some content he is working on with YouTuber Anwar Jibawi. Check it out:

More Information On Dolph Ziggler’s New WWE Deal, How Much He Made Before

Jon Fuentes
-
12

As we’ve previously reported, Dolph Ziggler has signed a new two-year contract extension with WWE worth $1.5 million. This comes via a report from Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. In a new report from Barrasso he revealed that Ziggler was previously making $1 million per year. WWE believes the extra half-a-million dollars is money well spent as they want to keep the 13-year veteran with the company.

For the past several months Ziggler has been rumored to possibly leave WWE, however, the company has always planned on re-signing him to a deal. The 37-year-old made the decision to stay with WWE as it better serves his brand. Also, WWE overpaying Ziggler indicates that they see him as an integral part of “the machine.” Ziggler is currently scheduled to face Baron Corbin, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Fastlane on pay-per-view (PPV).

Ziggler recently won the WWE United States Championship at Clash Of Champions last year on PPV when he defeated Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode in a Triple Threat match. He vacated the title on the next episode of SmackDown Live before making his return to WWE TV several months later at the Royal Rumble. He entered at number 30 in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

Photo: SmackDown Live Has Low Attendance This Week

Jon Fuentes
-
15

WWE has recently announced that, starting with their Backlash pay-per-view (PPV), they will no longer be holding brand-exclusive events. Previously the only events that RAW and SmackDown Superstars merged at were the big four: WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. WWE has also dropped two of its PPVs from its yearly lineup as well.

One reason for the switch is because live attendance has been doing rather poorly as of late. Ratings haven’t exactly been doing well either. For example, SmackDown Live’s October 31st episode saw a ridiculous 21% drop from the previous week. The show went from a 2.699 million viewer rating to a 2.119 million. A photo from this week’s SmackDown Live crowd showed that the attendance was absolutely terrible. Tons of seats were empty and a section of the arena was even tarped off:

Fastlane is coming up and the main event is scheduled to be a WWE Championship defense of AJ Styles against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, and Baron Corbin. The winner of the match will go on to WrestleMania to face Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Title. It has also been announced that United States Champion Bobby Roode will defend his title against Randy Orton at the event as well.

Update On Possibility Of Kaitlyn Returning To WWE, Velveteen Dream Shoots On “Indy Guys Coming Into NXT”

Jon Fuentes
-
7

– Now that Kaitlyn has returned to professional wrestling a lot of rumors have been floating around about a potential return to the WWE for the former Divas Champion. PWInsider is reporting that there is currently no sign that WWE will sign Kaitlyn back to a deal. It was noted that if Kaitlyn is back in professional wrestling she likely has bigger goals than just working the independent scene.

– NXT star The Velveteen Dream recently took to Twitter to shoot on “indy guys” coming into NXT and “taking up spots.” Here’s what he had to say:

https://twitter.com/VelveteenWWE/status/966701662655139844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mandatory.com%2Fwrestlezone%2Fnews%2F925863-the-velveteen-dream-i-am-beyond-irritated-by-the-indy-guys-coming-into-nxt-taking-up-spots

The Interesting Name That Suggested RAW’s Gauntlet Match

Jon Fuentes
-
15

This past Monday on RAW WWE opened up the show with a near-two hour Seven-Man Gauntlet match with names such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, John Cena, Elias, Finn Balor, WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz, and Braun Strowman. For a match that lasted nearly two hours it was actually pretty entertaining. Seth Rollins put on an amazing performance after lasting more than half of the match, and also earning two clean pinfall victories over WWE’s biggest stars – Roman Reigns and John Cena.

All seven men involved in the match will compete in the Elimination Chamber this weekend. The winner punches their ticket to WrestleMania 34 and will challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. PWInsider reports that Vince McMahon was actually the person who suggested the Gauntlet match for Monday Night RAW. This reportedly shocked a lot of people backstage because Vince suggested it “out of nowhere.” It’s said that he traditionally isn’t very high on these kinds of matches. After the plan was laid out Vince approved the length and presentation of the show.

Some fans actually believed that this was a Triple H suggestion given how different it was from usual plans. It turns out that Vince was the mastermind behind Monday’s Gauntlet match idea.

WWE Had Big Plans For Dean Ambrose Before He Got Injured

Jon Fuentes
-
19

As we’ve previously reported, WWE has plans to turn Seth Rollins heel after WrestleMania 34 so he can feud with Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Per a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, those plans were initially for Dean Ambrose before he suffered his unfortunate bicep injury that has sidelined him for the past several months. The original plan was for Ambrose to feud with Reigns after The Shield reunion. Now those plans have been changed for Seth Rollins.

Roman Reigns is currently expected to win this weekend’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view (PPV); which features other names such as Rollins, John Cena, Elias, Finn Balor, WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz, and Braun Strowman. The winner will go on to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34.

It’s expected that after Reigns dethrones Lesnar he will feud with Seth Rollins, who’s expected to turn heel. RAW currently has a shortage of top heels that are up for the task, thus their decision to turn Rollins.

Indication That Brock Lesnar Could Be Leaving WWE Soon

Jon Fuentes
-
19

Brock Lesnar is currently awaiting the results of this weekend’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view (PPV) to see who he will defend his Universal Championship against at WrestleMania 34. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, John Cena, Elias, Finn Balor, WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz, and Braun Strowman will compete inside the Chamber to determine who gets those honors.

It’s expected that Reigns will win the Chamber match and go on to dethrone Lesnar for the Universal crown at “The Show Of Shows.” Lesnar has a ton of options after his WWE contract expires. He could either re-sign with the company and focus on a potential feud with Bobby Lashley, or go back to the UFC and once again chase the moniker of “Baddest Man On The Planet.”

As we reported recently, this year’s SummerSlam ticket featured pictures of Superstars such as Ronda Rousey, AJ Styles, Braun Strowman, Sasha Banks, Roman Reigns, The Usos, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Naomi, Charlotte Flair, Randy Orton, and Samoa Joe – no Lesnar in sight. Per Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the reason Lesnar wasn’t featured is because he won’t be under contract with WWE at that point and there’s no guarantee he’ll be with the company. WWE decided not to use him in any promotional material for the event.

A return to the UFC is definitely possible as President Dana White has said he believes “The Beast” will fight in the Octagon this year. Jon Jones called out Lesnar last year, and with Jones nearing a return from a United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) violation soon, the door is still open for that fight.

Rumored Plans For Seth Rollins After WrestleMania 34

Jon Fuentes
-
20

Monday’s edition of WWE RAW featured a standout performance by Seth Rollins in the 7-Man Gauntlet match. The match, officially the longest match in WWE history, saw Rollins best the other participants in Sunday’s Elimination Chamber match, including Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, John Cena, Elias, Finn Balor, WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz, and Braun Strowman.

Rollins started off the night with Reigns and picked up the upset win via rollup pin. The pair put on quite the back-and-forth before “The Architect’s” win and John Cena entered next. Rollins and Cena probably put on the best bout within the Gauntlet match, but again Rollins was able to pull off a clean pinfall win over “The Leader Of The Cenation.”  He lasted in the match for over an hour and picked up two clean pinfall wins over WWE’s biggest stars.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Rollins’ big night on RAW was the beginning of an effort to position him as a heel challenger to Roman Reigns in the months after WrestleMania 34. Rollins’ role at WrestleMania is currently undecided after his originally scheduled opponent, Jason Jordan, was forced to undergo neck surgery.

This weekend’s Elimination Chamber match will determine who will go on to WrestleMania and challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal throne. It’s no secret that Roman Reigns is the strong favorite to emerge victorious on Sunday and challenge The Beast on April 8th.

With Dean Ambrose out of action due to injury and this latest Shield reunion effectively dead on arrival, it will be interesting to see how Rollins is transitioned to a heel and how they’d jumpstart a potential post-WrestleMania program with Reigns.

Does a post-WrestleMania Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins program interest you? Let us know in the comments. 

Updated Card For MLW: Spring Break (3/8)

Staff
-
0

Major League Wrestling has confirmed another match for next month’s MLW: Spring Break show from Orlando (3/8): Garza Jr. vs. Último Ninja.

Below is the official word, including an updated look at the card – featuring the Semi-Finals of the MLW Road To The World Championship tournament.

FAMED LUCHA LIBRE FAMILY TO CLASH IN MLW AS GARZA JR. BATTLES ÚLTIMO NINJA ON MARCH 8TH IN ORLANDO

ORLANDO – The spectacular Lucha Libre style of professional wrestling will be showcased in Major League Wrestling on March 8th at Gilt Nightclub as Garza Jr. vs. Último Ninja has been signed for MLW: Spring Break ’18 in Orlando.

Latin impresario Salina de la Renta of Promociones Dorado presents the match featuring two of Mexico’s emerging stars in Garza Jr. and Último Ninja in a clash of cousins from one of Mexico’s most famous wrestling families.

3rd generation luchador Garza Jr. is no stranger to the big spotlight having competed before some of the largest crowds in Mexico all the way to Japan.  The nephew of Hector Garza, Garza Jr. is faced with a fascinating challenge as he faces a man he has teamed with in the past to win gold in his cousin Último Ninja.

A native of Monterrey, the powerhouse highflyer Último Ninja looks to make a big statement with a high profile win on March 8th.  Ninja will need to rely on his signature moves like the Tope En Reversa as this match is a big test for the up and comer.  See Garza Jr. vs. Último Ninja LIVE.

You can purchase tickets now at MLWTickets.com.

Matches signed for March 8th thus far include:

World Heavyweight Championship Semi-Finals:
Matt Riddle vs. “Filthy” Tom Lawlor

World Heavyweight Championship Semi-Finals:
Jimmy Havoc vs. Shane “Swerve” Strickland

Fans Bring The Weapons Match:
“Bad Boy” Joey Janela vs. Darby Allin

Unsanctioned Match
MVP vs. Low Ki (with Stokely Hathaway)

Sami Callihan vs. Brody King

Lucha Libre
Garza Jr. vs. Último Ninja

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

Impact Wrestling Preview: 5 Announced Matches

Chris Stephens
-
0

Impact Wrestling tonight is a taped show from the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida. Tonight’s show is the 4th to come out of the company’s tapings held the second week of January.

Impact recently released plans to return to Orlando in April. Impact Wrestling plans on hosting their first “Redemption” pay-per-view on the 22nd, followed by a series of TV tapings to run that same week.

Matches Announced For Impact Wrestling Tonight

  • #1 Contender Match
    EC3 vs. Johnny Impact for the #1 contender spot
  • Moose vs. Alberto El Patron
  • oVe vs. Lashley & Eddie Edwards
  • LAX vs. the Cult of Lee
  • Grand Championship
    Matt Sydal (c) vs. Petey Williams
  • Brian Cage returns
  • Jimmy Jacobs and Kongo Kong call out Abyss

Cody Comments on Being Leader of Bullet Club

Chris Stephens
-
8

It’s been an interesting few months for Cody. The 32-year-old has been engaged in one of the more unique storylines in wrestling with Kenny Omega and has been working on organizing a show in a 10,000 seat arena for September.

He has also taken the time to comment publicly on gun issues and the potential mild irony of him doing so while also claiming to be the leader of Bullet Club.

Cody Leader of Bullet Club

Cody has subtly referred to himself as the leader of Bullet Club multiple times throughout his angle with Kenny Omega. He has changed the bio on his Twitter profile page so that it lists him as leader of the faction. This despite no other Bullet Club member recognizing him as such.

Supercard Of Honor XIII Breaks ROH Attendance Record

Andrew Ravens
-
1

Ring of Honor increased attendance for their big events in 2017 and it appears that the trend will remain this year.

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the Supercard of Honor event that the Baltimore based promotion is slated to hold has sold 4,621 tickets.

This marks the all-time record for the promotion by more than 1,000. The building is set up for 5,700.

Ring of Honor will hold their Supercard of Honor XIII event on Saturday, April 7th, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Lakefront Arena. The event will air on traditional PPV outlets and the FITE TV app. Kenny Omega vs. Cody has been the only match confirmed thus far for this show.

 

Updated Betting Odds For WWE Elimination Chamber PPV Event

Andrew Ravens
-
2

The updated betting odds for the WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event have been released.

Oddsmakers have placed the lines for two of the newer matches announced for this show that includes Asuka -750 being favored over Nia Jax +450 as well as Matt Hardy -215 favored over Bray Wyatt +165.

There hasn’t been a huge change in odds for both the men’s and women’s Elimination Chamber matches.

The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, February 25th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. This will be an exclusive RAW brand event and the final RAW PPV before Wrestlemania 34. Here are the odds:

Men’s Elimination Chamber
Roman Reigns -600
Braun Strowman +400
Seth Rollins +600
Finn Balor +1700
John Cena +2000
The Miz +3500
Elias +4300

Women’s Elimination Chamber
Alexa Bliss -280
Sasha Banks +190
Bayley +575
Sonya Deville +600
Mickie James +2500
Mandy Rose +4500

Singles Matches
Asuka -750 vs Nia Jax +450
Matt Hardy -215 vs Bray Wyatt +165

RAW Viewership Increases With 7-Man Gauntlet Match

Staff
-
4

Monday’s edition of WWE RAW averaged 3.280 million viewers, an increase from 3.105 million the previous week.

RAW featured a 7-man gauntlet match, with Seth Rollins going the distance and defeating John Cena and Roman Reigns en route to victory. The ‘match’ (which was actually 6 matches in one) was technically the longest match in WWE history at over 106 minutes.

Here is the hourly viewership breakdown, courtesy of Showbuzzdaily.com:

  • Hour 1: 3.518 million
  • Hour 2: 3.509 million
  • Hour 3: 2.821 million

The increase in viewership is a good sign for WWE as we head into Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from Monday’s RAW:

Io Shirai Reportedly Turned Down WOH to Keep WWE Dream Alive

Chris Stephens
-
6

Last May it was reported that 27-year-old, Io Shirai, had signed with WWE. The next month, however, Shirai’s medical examination with the company revealed a neck injury and her offer was rescinded. It is also believed the medical examination revealed a minor heart ailment as well.

Shirai’s doctors in Japan are willing to clear her to perform but evidently, WWE doctors are not. Since her experience with WWE, Shirai has returned to Stardom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKFpuWEHRW8

Io Shirai Turns Down Women of Honor Opportunity

According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Shirai turned down a chance to be in ROH’s Women of Honor tournament due to feeling as though it could hurt her chances of going to WWE someday. Other Stardom wrestlers, such as Mayu Iwatani and HZK will be participating.

WWE has told prospective recruits in the past that they prefer performers who have not wrestled on a national TV program, such as Ring of Honor has. They have made several exceptions to this rule in recent years, however.

Should this report prove correct, it would mean Shirai is of the belief WWE doctors could potentially clear her somewhere down the line.

WWE NXT Recap & Results (2/21)

Robert Lentini
-
10

Velveteen Dream vs. No Way Jose

Dream and Jose had a little dance-off before the bell rang. Dream started out in control and beatdown Jose in the corner. Dream took a break to dance in the middle of the ring and it cost him because Jose leveled him with a Clothesline.

Jose connected with a series of chops and then sent him to the mat with a Back Body Drop. Dream charged at Jose but he got out of the way and sent Dream out of the ring. No Way Jose connected with a Crossbody outside the ring as NXT went to a break.

When NXT returned, Dream booted Jose in the face and then draped him across the top rope. Dream connected with a swinging Neckbreaker and then made his way to the top rope. Dream leaped but Jose got his legs up and went for a roll-up but Velveteen Dream kicked out at to.

No Way Jose hit an Arm Drag and a few chops to Dream in the corner. Dream connected with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Death Valley Driver. Dream climbed to the top and hit the Purple Rainmaker Elbow Drop for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Dream grabbed a mic and addressed the crowd. Dream stated that he should sweep the NXT Year End Awards and added that his name was on the tip of everyone’s tongues in the crowd tonight.

Winner: Velveteen Dream

NXT GM William Regal announced that the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic will be returning in two weeks. The winners of the tournament will win the Dusty Cup and also be rewarded a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships at NXT TakeOver.

Nikki Cross vs. Vanessa Borne

The Atlanta crowd greeted Nikki by chanting her name as Cross beat the hell out of Borne in the corner. Borne battled back and slammed Cross to the mat for a two count. Borne stomped on Cross against the ropes several times but Nikki had a smile on her face the whole time. Brorne connected with a snap Suplex for another two count.

Cross connected with a Crossbody and followed it up with a few forearms. Nikki launched Borne into the corner and connected with a Splash. Nikki climbed to the top and hit another Crossbody. Cross hit The Purge (swinging Neckbreaker) for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Nikki Cross

NXT Championship: Andrade “Cien” Almas (c) vs. Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano came down to the ring with Candice LaRae. If Gargano loses this match, his NXT career is over.

Almas went for a a couple of roll-ups right away and Gargano rolled out of the ring as NXT went to a break. When NXT returned, Almas connected with an awesome elbow to Gargano’s face. Johnny battled back and Clotheslined Andrade out of the ring. Gargano was going to go for a Suicide Dive but Vega got in the way. Candice sprinted into the ring and leaped the ropes and took her out with a Suicide Dive.

Gargano connected with a Cannonball to Almas outside the ring. Candice and Zelina battled all the way up the entrance ramp and backstage. Back in the ring, Almas had taken control and slammed Johnny on the ring apron for a two count. Gargano hit a chop and sent Andrade to the ring apron. Almas grabbed Gargano’s arm and locked in an Arm Bar while tangled up in the ropes. Almas broke the hold before the referee counted to five.

Almas drove Gargano’s shoulder into the turnbuckle and stomped on his chest a few times as the crowd booed. A “Johnny Wrestling!” chant broke out as Almas thew Gargano to the corner as NXT went to a commercial break.

When NXT returned, Andrade had an Arm Bar applied in the center of the ring. Gargano battled to his feet and connected with a boot to the side of the face. Johnny hit a chop and then hopped up to the second rope and connected with a Headscissors. Gargano followed it up with a slingshot Spear.

Andrade and Johnny traded punches in the middle of the ring. Gargano missed with a kick and Almas showed off his strength and hit a Buckle Bomb. Almas followed it up with a running knee in the corner for a two count.

Almas went for the Hammerlock DDT but Gargano blocked it. Almas threw Gargano through the ropes and Johnny hit the ring post shoulder first. Gargano kicked Almas in the face as the two Superstars battled on the ring apron. Almas escaped to the ring and Gargano went for another slingshot Spear but Almas countered into an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring.

Gargano broke the hold by reversing into a roll-up for two. Almas connected with another running knee to the back of Gargano’s head as he was against the turnbuckle. Andrade went for the cover but Gargano kicked out at two.

Almas perched Gargano up on the top rope and went for the Hammerlock DDT but Gargano fought him off. Johnny escaped through the ropes and shoved Almas to the floor. Johnny leaped through the ropes and hit a ridiculous Tornado DDT. Johnny brought Almas back into the ring and hit a Slingshot DDT for two.

Gargano and Almas traded punches while on their knees in the middle of the ring. They both got up while continuing to trade shots. Almas hit a chop but Gargano responded with a Superkick. Andrade went for the elbow but Gargano ducked and Almas hit the referee. Johnny locked in the Gargano Escape but the referee was down. Tommaso Ciampa got in the ring and cracked Gargano in the back with his crutch. Almas then hit the Hammerlock DDT for the pinfall victory. Johnny Gargano’s NXT career is now over.

The crowd chanted “thank you Johnny!” as Gargano and LaRae made their way backstage. Ciampa was then shown and he sarcastically waved goodbye to Gargano as NXT went off the air.

Winner & Still NXT Champion: Andrade “Cien” Almas

More Information Regarding Lucha Underground Tapings This Week, This Season’s Budget, More

Jon Fuentes
-
4

Lucha Underground has moved its tapings away from their original venue in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles to a warehouse that holds more people. The promotion will begin filming season four of their show this Friday at the new warehouse in Union Central Cold Storage on Industrial Street in Los Angeles. Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the promotion is looking to base its talent in L.A. for the entire five weeks of taping to save money on travel.

Tapings will take place Friday through Saturday and talents will be filming vignettes midweek. There is no news on who will be involved in the full roster for season four, but it’s known that some of the roster from last season will not be brought back due to budget concerns. Lucha’s budget issues is also part of their decision to move venues, as the previous Boyle Heights location in East L.A. was more expensive.

The roster will look a lot different at the end of the season, as many talents being used this season will be working under the agreement that their characters will be written off storylines so they can be released from their seven year contracts.

1...1,7301,7311,732...3,399Page 1,731 of 3,399