Becky Lynch marched into Saudi Arabia as Women’s World Champions; unfortunately for The Man of WWE, that’s not how she will arrive home. Lynch lost her championship in the opening match of WWE King & Queen of The Ring, however it wasn’t without controversy.
During the match’s closing moments, Becky Lynch looked to have the match well in hand, only to find herself distracted by a lurking Dominik Mysterio. Mysterio, seeking to ensure that Liv Morgan would not win the match, would inadvertently help Morgan secure her second World Championship.
WWE’s Byron Saxton would catch up with Becky Lynch later in the evening, just in time to see an infuriated Lynch going off on Dirty Dom. As Saxton looked to question Lynch about her loss, The Man made it clear that the story between her and new champion Liv Morgan was far from over.
Becky Lynch revealed that she has a rematch clause in her contract and was on her way to speak with RAW General Manager Adam Pearce to make the match official for Monday night. RAW will take place in Savannah, Georgia, on Memorial Day.
While Becky Lynch is looking to utilize her contract to trigger a championship match, the WWE Universe does have questions about her legitimate contract status with the company. According to multiple reports, Lynch’s contract expires in June, and as of this writing, she has not signed a new deal.
Could Becky Lynch’s rematch against Liv Morgan be her final match on Monday Night RAW? It’s unlikely, but we must see how things play out.
Drew McIntyre will challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at an event where the Scottish Warrior will certainly have the crowd on his side.
At WrestleMania 40, McIntyre’s brief World Heavyweight Championship reign was ended by Damian Priest who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. Priest’s successful cash-in came after CM Punk attacked McIntyre who had won the title from Seth Rollins moments earlier.
Since then, McIntyre has been focused on getting another shot at the title. Priest, in an effort to prove himself as a fighting champion, told McIntyre on a recent episode of Monday Night Raw that he would receive a title match in the future.
During the WWE King And Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shared that McIntyre has been cleared to wrestle after suffering an elbow injury at WrestleMania. The Game also shared that McIntyre will receive his promised title match at WWE Clash At The Castle: Scotland.
McIntyre will have the home-field advantage in Glasgow.
The Scottish Warrior will certainly have the home-field advantage when he faces Priest in Glasgow. McIntyre had previously said he hoped the title match would be at the OVO Hydro. This will be McIntyre’s second time competing for a WWE World Championship at a Clash At The Castle show. At the inaugural event in 2022, McIntyre unsuccessfully challenged then-WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
A CM Punk Problem
While McIntyre would love nothing more than to dethrone Priest in Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, the Judgment Day member isn’t the only star on Drew’s radar. Since CM Punk’s return to WWE, McIntyre has made clear his issues with the former AEW World Champion who essentially cost McIntyre the title at WrestleMania. Punk has teased showing up in Glasgow (perhaps disguised as a haggis) to confront McIntyre while the Scottish Warrior has made clear what awaits Punk if he tries to interfere at Clash At The Castle: Scotland.
The winners of the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments were promised a title match at SummerSlam for their respective brands. Nia Jax has already secured the crown for the women, and Randy Orton and GUNTHER followed with a highly anticipated and intense match.
Orton and GUNTHER delivered a physical battle as expected. Orton took many hard hits but used his veteran ring psychology to compete against The Ring General.
The Apex Predator took a beating, but he was still able to execute his signature moves, but GUNTHER countered an RKO with a slam followed by a massive top-rope splash. Orton nailed an RKO outta nowhere after that, but GUNTHER rolled to the apron as he avoided the pinfall attempt.
Gunther se CORONA King of the Ring tras recibir el RKO de Randy Orton, pero que este no pudiese hacer el pin por la rodilla. Lo aprovecha Gunther con ese pin para llevarse la victoria.
GUNTHER tried to wear Randy Orton down with some submission holds, but then he ate another RKO. After kicking out at two, GUNTHER scored a roll-up pinfall for the win.
With this victory, GUNTHER secured a main event match at the Biggest Party of the Summer. He will now face the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, currently Damian Priest, at SummerSlam. It was later announced that Priest will defend the title against Drew McIntyre at Clash at the Castle.
GUNTHER recently concluded a historic WWE Intercontinental Championship reign, which lasted 666 days and ended at WrestleMania XL when he lost to Sami Zayn. He quickly set his sights on winning the 2024 King of the Ring tournament to become the Undisputed WWE World Champion. Long title reigns are common for GUNTHER at this point, as he held the NXT UK Title for 870 days during that brand’s era.
Randy Orton returned to WWE at Survivor Series for WarGames last year after a 10-month hiatus due to back fusion surgery. Since then, he has remained active, including teaming with Kevin Owens. Orton received a massive babyface reaction upon entering the Jeddah SuperDome.
The 2024 Queen & King of the Ring in Saudi Arabia was a newsworthy event throughout the show. We saw many unexpected moments, but we already knew a new queen would be crowned. Now, Nia Jax is the new Queen of WWE.
The winner of the 2024 Queen of the Ring tournament is guaranteed a match at SummerSlam against the champion on their respective brand. That gave Lyra Valkyria and Nia Jax even more to fight for.
The finals of the Queen of the Ring was certainly a David vs Goliath match for the women’s division. Lyra fought on, as she took a ton of punishment from the Irresistible Force.
In the end, Nia Jax’s force was just too much for Lyra, and she secured a clean pinfall. To her credit, Valkyria put up an incredible fight, as Corey Graves and Michael Cole sang her praises after the match. Now, Jax will take on Bayley in Cleveland at SummerSlam, provided the former Hugger maintains her championship status.
After the match, Triple H got in the ring with the Queen of the Ring crown, and he placed it on Jax’s head. This was followed by a heel promo from new queen.
Triple H le otorga la corona de Reina a Nia Jax de manera muy emotiva. Y Michael Cole recordando lo mal que lo ha pasado Nia estos años. #WWEKingAndQueenpic.twitter.com/1QdT0IVXJb
Lyra Valkyria, a former NXT Women’s Champion who took the title from Becky Lynch, was recently drafted to RAW as part of the 2024 WWE Draft. She is new to the main roster and quickly rising with this opportunity.
Nia Jax, was released from WWE in 2021, but she returned when Triple H took over creative control. She has steadily worked her way back up the roster with strong booking. Her imposing presence was evident when she told Bayley to prepare her WWE Women’s Title for SummerSlam.
King & Queen of the Ring took place in Saudi Arabia, and WWE included another cryptic QR Code during the event.
The latest QR Code appeared during WWE King and Queen of the Ring. A QR Code surfaced ahead of the WWE Intercontinental Championship match at WWE King and Queen of the Ring, leading to a new video.
The new video shows a connection being established and someone playing WWE 2K24 with Bianca Belair and Bayley. The person approaches a door and says “hello” as an image reflects on the window. The feed then cuts off, and the connection is lost.
WWE has been hinting at plans involving Uncle Howdy. Vignettes have interrupted Twitch streams and other broadcasts for weeks with QR codes, all leading to cryptic images and videos. These clues suggest a new stable is on the way.
Currently, four names are expected to join Uncle Howdy’s new faction: Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan. The former Wyatt Family member was recently spotted at the WWE Performance Center, and Dexter Lumis is now sporting a much different look, with a beard and longer hair, in preparation for this new role.
WWE started a cryptic campaign leading up to WrestleMania 40. The first teaser for Bo Dallas’s return appeared at the end of the Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal documentary. Since then, QR codes have been appearing for fans to scan, and an ominous tune titled “Nightbird” has been playing before and during WWE live events.
Liv Morgan is now the new WWE Women’s World Champion, but her victory over Becky Lynch came in a controversial manner.
WWE’s King & Queen of the Ring event took place in Jeddah, where it was 92 degrees outside the Jeddah SuperDome and in the mid-70s inside the arena. Despite the cooler temperatures inside, Morgan’s revenge tour was on fire.
Rhea Ripley was WWE Women’s World Champion, but she was put out of action by a backstage attack from Liv Morgan after WrestleMania XL. After that, Morgan’s Revenge Tour intensified, as she went after the now-vacant title. The whole time, Dominik and Morgan have found a reason to cross paths, and these interactions have proven pivotal.
The event began with the Women’s World Title match between Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan. The match had an unexpected ending when Dominik Mysterio got involved, assisting Morgan in securing the win and the title.
During the match, Becky and Liv went back and forth, with a couple of near-falls along the way. Then Dominik appeared at ringside, initially causing a distraction that did not immediately help Morgan win. However, a few moments later, Dominik slid a chair into the ring, which Morgan used to her advantage by hitting a DDT on it while the referee was distracted.
With the referee’s attention back on the match, Morgan executed her Oblivion finisher and secured the pinfall victory. Following the match, Morgan and Dominik celebrated with fireworks in Jeddah, marking her controversial win.
For weeks, some eagle-eyed fans have noticed hints about a connection between Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan. This development has sparked interest among the WWE Universe, especially since Rhea Ripley’s injury, leading to speculation about Morgan and Dominik’s alliance.
Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio seen together AGAIN ?
During an appearance on The Masked Man show, Dominik addressed the fan theory about him and Morgan. He used the “innocent until proven guilty” way to get out of the question.
“I think at the end of the day, everyone is innocent till proven guilty. And I’m just (…) I’m here protecting Mami. And I’m trying to make sure she’s good when she comes back and that everything is all set in order. She comes back straight to the top. Take her title back, no harm no foul.”
Although Dominik initially said that he was in Saudi to make sure Liv didn’t win the title, the opposite happened instead. Now the discussion among fans who were shipping Dominik and Morgan for a while has only intensified.
Liv Morgan: What are you doing here?
Dominik: You know what I'm doing here, I flew all the way from America so you don't get your hands on Mami's championship.
Liv Morgan is your new WWE Women’s World Champion after there was some chicanery by Dominik Mysterio.
Lynch and Morgan kicked off the PLE fesitivities for King & Queen Of The Ring as the WWE Women’s World Title match started off the show.
As customary for the WWE women in Saudi Arabia, both Liv and Becky wore full-body attire as Becky donned basically a black tuxedo while Morgan wore a full-body red catsuit.
The fight was even-matched with both the champion and challenger getting the competitive edge. In the match, Liv and Lynch both had their finishers reversed and the live crowd in Saudi were very vocal during the fight.
Lynch and Morgan traded punches before the two traded a series of submissions and pin attempts. Lynch locked Morgan in a Disarmer, but matters changed after Dominik Mysterio entered at ringside through the crowd. That caused Lynch to be distracted and Morgan hit a Codebreaker for a near fall. The fight surprisingly continued.
Lynch hit a superplex and Dom slid in a chair to “assist” Becky, but Morgan ended up hitting an Oblivion on the chair to become the new Women’s World Champion.
Mysterio has been angling that he wanted to look out for Lynch, but Becky has made clear she didn’t want his help. Lynch sure didn’t get it as Morgan has further cemented her “revenge tour.”
Post-fight, Dominik looks despondent as Morgan celebration begins with fireworks. However, this could all be a ploy as there’s been a good deal of teases that Dom and Liv have been hiding a relationship with one another while Rhea Ripley has been out with injury.
Will Ospreay wants to move on from his comments made towards Triple H and makes it clear that he likes the WWE Creative Content Officer.
Ospreay has a busy weekend ahead of him as the top AEW star will be challenging Roderick Strong for the International Championship at Double or Nothing this Sunday. In light of his big bout in Las Vegas, Ospreay spoke with some of the media, including Adrian Hernandez and was asked about his comments towards Triple H during an AEW Dynamite promo.
“People within the company were saying, ‘That was a bag at you.’ I’m over it now. I said my bit. My thing was funny. Everyone took it way too personally. All these old f***s that are like, ‘I have a podcast’ and they think they know everything. I couldn’t give a f*** about these guys.”
‘The Game’ previously stated that some wrestling talent weren’t willing to be apart of the ‘grind’ of WWE. Ospreay took umbrage with that decided to state that Triple H got his high profile spot due to “grinding on the boss’s daughter.”
Ospreay continued his comments with Hernandez, deciding to dampen down any further tension between he and Triple H, stating that he likes Paul Levesque.
“At the end of it, no harm done. I f***ing like Triple H. It was a little bit hard hearing that s***. I was nothing but respectful in all the talks. I have my own mission, my own objectives, my own goals. Just because it doesn’t fit with your things, it doesn’t mean people should be firing shots my way. I come from a generation where if you fire one at me, I fire one back.”
Wardlow hasn’t forgotten when the wrestling world was fully behind him, and makes a promise to achieve such heights once more in his career.
A fan on X shared a video of Wardlow’s entrance two years ago at AEW Double or Nothing 2022 and Las Vegas crowd clearly welcomed the former TNT Champion with a loud reception. The fan captioned the video with, “Two Years Ago at Double or Nothing. Wardlow can you still hear us?”
Wardlow caught wind of the fan’s post and made it clear that he most certainly could.
“I hear you every day. It’s what’s kept me going the past year. Sad how tainted this night was for me. But we will get back to this one day. On my life. For anyone that’s chanted my name, even when you didn’t have much of a reason to, it’s meant the world to me. Thank you.”
I hear you every day. It’s what’s kept me going the past year. Sad how tainted this night was for me. But we will get back to this one day. On my life. For anyone that’s chanted my name, even when you didn’t have much of a reason to, it’s meant the world to me. Thank you ?? https://t.co/f8RyabCj6l
Wardlow ended up defeating MJF after a longstanding grudge match, but the bout only lasted seven minutes and it was swarmed in controversy as to if MJF was actually going to be at the PPV.
Unfortunately, Wardlow has experienced a great deal of creative speed bumps over the course of the past two years and has found himself barely on AEW television most weeks.
He happened to just make an appearance this past Wednesday on the go-home episode of Dynamite where Wardlow got involved in the opening match between Will Ospreay, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong and Trent Beretta. Wardlow laid out Ospreay on the entryway as Strong secured the victory for himself and Beretta.
Introduced in 1985, The King of the Ring was a staple of WWE programming for over 15 years. The tournament and the event didn’t just deliver many iconic matches. It provided the opportunity for WWE to turn participants into generational Superstars.
The birth of “Austin 3:16”, Brett Hart’s back-to-back wins, Triple H’s vindication (albeit a year late), and many more incredible tournament matches were made possible by this event. After the 2002 edition of the tournament, the fan-favorite event was sunlit. However, after over 20 years, WWE will host its King & Queen of the Ring PLE in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Get the latest breaking news, rivalry analysis from a panel of experts, and so much more on the Countdown to #WWEKingAndQueen of the Ring!
While the King of the Ring tournament did continue in various forms after 2002, it never quite recaptured the same magic. While the WWE Universe was treated to fun reigns from the likes of Booker T and William Regal, these were the exceptions rather than the rule. The reward for winning King of the Ring became nothing more than bragging rights, and over time, along with weaker barracks and underhyped tournaments, the King of the Ring theme lost its luster.
Things changed in 2021, with WWE bringing back the tournament and introducing the women’s version of the contest called “The Queens Crown.” The 2021 King of the Ring and Queens Crown finals would take place at that year’s Crown Jewel event; this marked the first time since 2006 that the tournament finals were held on a major PLE. While imperfect, this 2021 iteration was certainly a step in the right direction.
During Night 2 of WrestleMania 40, WWE announced the long-awaited King & Queen of The Ring PLE date. WWE had originally planned for the event the previous year. However, the company ultimately decided to revive Night of Champions instead.
Who will seize their destiny and become the next King and Queen of the Ring?
While the initial rounds would take place on Monday Night RAW and SmackDown, the Finals would culminate at the event’s namesake PLE. The first time WWE has done so since 2002. This is not just in any venue but inside the Jeddah Superdome, which instantly propels the importance of each tournament.
2024 King & Queen Tournaments:
The brackets also saw a massive upgrade in overall quality, consisting of a strong mix of young up-and-coming talent and established stars. This combination created a fun tournament, notably because of the tournament’s unpredictability.
Fans saw multiple potential outcomes to the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments for the first time in years. Off the bat, Superstars Gunther, Tiffany Straton, LA Knight, Jade Cargill, Iyo Sky, and Carmelo Hayes were flagged by fans as tournament favorites.
Unfortunately, during the initial round of the tournament, several Superstars in both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments were replaced due to various medical reasons:
On May 23rd, WWE’s CCO Triple H announced that the winners of each tournament would receive a championship match. This again helps set this year’s tournament apart from others that came before it.
Despite these changes and substitutions, each tournament’s 16 participants, all had their opportunities to shine, even if their time in the tournament was short-lived. While every match had its highlights, there were certainly several that stood out above the rest.
1) Gunther vs Sheamus (Round 1) – This match was the first time these two had shared the same ring since WrestleMania 39, but as expected, their chemistry was incredible. The match was an intense and hard-hitting affair and even included an additional layer of story with The Celtic Warrior battling self-doubt. As expected, the bout was a certified BANGER.
In the end, Gunther defeats Sheamus and, eventually, finds his way into the finals of the tournament.
2) Ilja Dragunov vs Ricochet (Round 1) – Here, we found one of the many matches where the WWE Universe was sincerely unsure of what direction WWE would go in. Illja Dragunov had just been called up to the main roster and was coming fresh off a historic NXT Championship reign. However, Ricochet was the newly-crowded WWE Speed Champion and had just begun to gain momentum on his own.
The high-flying style of Ricochet beautifully clashed with Dragunov’s stiff ground-and-pound approach. The Mad Dragon would emerge the victor, but the duo’s match certainly had everyone on Monday Night RAW talking.
3) Bianca Belair vs Tiffany Stratton (Quarterfinals) – Following some social media controversy from earlier in the week, Tiffany Stratton looked to put the past behind her as she squared off against Bianca Belair on the May 17th edition of SmackDown. The two women are widely considered some of WWE’s most talented female stars, setting up for an interesting bout, to say the least.
In the end, Belair’s raw power was too much for Stratton. However, the exciting match had the WWE Universe buzzing. “Tiffy Time” is truly getting closer and closer!
4) Iyo Sky vs Lyra Valkeryia (Semifinals) – Iyo Sky had just been WWE Women’s Champion going into WrestleMania 40, with the Genius of the Sky proving that she belonged in the main event seen as the face of Damage CTRL. It seemed only fitting that WWE would want to push her to the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament, however she would find a major roadblock in recent NXT call-up, Lyra Valkeryia.
Many WWE fans considered their match to be the best women’s match in the tournament, with the two giving it all they had. In the end, Valkeryia would secure the surprise win. Leaving Iyo Sky shocked that she allowed the NXT stand out to best her.
Fun fact: Lyra Valkeryia and Iyo Sky’s match time was a little under 20 minutes, more time than EVERY match in the 2021 Queen’s Crown tournament combined.
5) Jey Uso vs Ilja Dragunov (Quarterfinals) – This bout between Jey Uso and Ilja Dragunov certainly came with lively debate amongst the WWE Universe. It was one of several scenarios where fans were sincerely split on who should win. Truly a Yeet or No Yeet conundrum.
Based on the tournament’s bracket layout, fans noted that there was an opportunity for WWE to have Dragunov clash with Gunther. The Mad Dragon’s sworn enemy since the days of NXT UK and a match that the WWE Universe has been begging to see on the main roster since the moment Dragunov arrived.
However, no one could deny the unmatched wave of momentum that Jey Uso had been riding. Even in defeat by World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest at WWE Backlash, fans only remained high on Main Event Jey Uso.
Would WWE give Jey Uso a much-needed win following his setback in France? Or would they seize the opportunity to push Ilja Dragonuv?
Ultimately, WWE decided to save a clash between The Mad Dragon and The Ring General for a bigger moment. Instead, giving Jey Uso one of the most impressive single wins in his entire career. The match was phenomenal, with the fans on the edge of their seats for every move and pinfall attempt.
Our New King and Queen of the WWE Realm:
After two excellent matches at Saturday’s King & Queen of The
Ring, we now have our 2024 King and Queen of the Ring: Nia Jax and Gunther!
In a true David vs Goliath match-up, finalists Lyra Valkyria and Nia Jax went one-on-one to decide who the 2nd Queen of the Ring in WWE history would be. The story of the match was what you would expect: Jax used her strength to brutalize Valkeryia, while Valkeyria’s resilience and speed were showcased. In the match’s final moments, Valkeriya made a fatal mistake, allowing herself to get stuck in a corner. Thus allowing Jax the opportunity to hit her Annihilator, with the ring vet picking up the 1,2,3 moments later.
While Nia Jax is far from being “beloved” by the WWE Universe, her dominance since returning full-time in September 2023 cannot be denied. Picking up victories against some of the biggest names in WWE, including Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Raquel Rodrigez, and Jade Cargill. It was a cool moment to see Triple H crown Jax as Queen, with Michael Cole reminding everyone how much Jax had gone through over the past several years.
In the co-main event, a significant match in the history of the King of the Ring unfolded, featuring the future Hall of Famer Randy Orton against WWE’s rising star Gunther.
The match itself was everything fans of both men could ask for, with Chops and RKO’s coming in from every direction possible. Ultimately, Gunther’s vicious assault on Randy Orton’s back and knee was too much for The Viper to overcome, with The Ring General becoming the KING General in a nearly 30-minute classic.
The match did have some slight controversy, as fans online noted that Randy Orton’s shoulder was definitely up during the roll-up pinfall. Whether this leads to any additional storyline developments down the road is not clear at this time.
Overall, Gunther and Nia Jax were the correct choices for the PLE. Now, both will get to reign as King and Queen, eagerly awaiting their guaranteed upcoming championship matches at Summer Slam in Cleveland, Ohio.
Way Too Early 2025 Predictions
Following two epic and memorable tournaments, the WWE Universe is already thinking about the future Kings and Queens that may rise.
In WWE, a year into the future might as well be millions of lightyears away, as change is as common in WWE as dropkicks. However, given everything we know about the current state of WWE, we can make some educated guesses on potential favorites.
As WWE did this year, one should think of a good mix of rising stars, established names, and fresh new arrivals. The picks above check all those boxes, with Flair, Belair, and Rollins serving as the well-established names who are more than deserving of royal recognition,
The Montez Ford pick may seem surprising to some, but it’s made with sound reason. WWE has shown a clear interest in making Ford a bigger star, well beyond his role as one-half of The Street Profits. The multi-time tag team champion oozes with both in-ring talent and charisma, even getting his own show on HULU with real-life wife Bianca Belair. The King of the Ring tournament could be perfect for Ford to have his breakout moment.
Carmelo Hayes and Tiffany Stratton represent the future. The two are young blue chip stocks with tons of upside potential. Fresh out of NXT, they are ready-made for the WWE main roster. Seeing either of them with a crown on their head one day would surprise no one.
If you’re curious as to why we haven’t seen Ricochet defend his WWE Speed Championship on WWE RAW or SmackDown, there’s a good reason why.
In a now deleted post, a user on X appeared to inquire about why we haven’t seen any Speed matches go down on television and the champ laid out the reason. He didn’t say X was the reason outright, but that was clearly what the WWE Superstar was indicating.
“Because a specific company paid a specific amount of money to have a specific show and title, EXCLUSIVELY be shown on their specific platform.”
Because a specific company paid a specific amount of money to have a specific show and title, EXCLUSIVELY be shown on their specific platform. https://t.co/958Lz1auzR
The Speed series resides exclusively on X and requires that the wrestler gets a victory within three minutes. Triple H also confirmed that there will be Speed matches in the women’s division.
Competing in the inaugural tournament was Ricochet, Axiom, Cedric Alexander, Angel Garza, Bronson Reed, Dragon Lee, Johnny Gargano and JD McDonagh. The finals came down to Gargano and Ricochet and there it was discovered that Speed title matches can last up to five minutes instead of three.
Ricochet got the pinfall victory in four minutes and 21 seconds. The match took place in Cincinatti, OH and is recognized at starting on May 3, although the bout was taped on April 26.
The Speed Champion may have his own new rivalry starting off against Bron Breakker. Breakker went on a rampage in his RAW debut and actually targeted Ricochet in his attack, spearing him backstage while the champ was having a conversation with Ilja Dragunov.
Physics was not Rey Mysterio’s friend in 2003 and nor was Big Show’s brute strength.
The 2023 WWE Hall of Famer has taken his fair share of nasty bumps in his day, but nothing prepared him for being swung like a baseball bat at a ring post.
20 years before getting that well-earned Hall of Fame nod, Mysterio squared off against The Big Show at WWE Backlash 2023. Mysterio took the loss when Paul Wight caught him with a chokeslam, but the brutality was far from done as Rey was strapped to a stretcher. That’s when Wight grabbed hold of Rey and whipped the board and his opponent hard into the ring post.
Speaking with CBS Sports, Mysterio detailed that moment, something that he thought he and Wight totally accounted the safety for. They were both wrong. Between Rey and the stretcher, the weight of both became an issue, even for Wight.
“I remember we had gone over it and that was the plan. When I was strapped onto the stretcher, everything seemed cool. I said ‘How much can it hurt? The stretcher is hitting first and I’m attached to it, so I won’t feel it.’ Well, we never thought about what happens when you hit.
“There was no way Big Show could hit the pole and hold onto me. So that whole weight and the momentum, as soon as we hit, I went straight down. As I was strapped onto the stretcher, my head went ‘boop’ and I hit first. That hurt. That in itself hurt very much.”
Mysterio is no stranger from big men throwing him around. Arguably the most notorious spot occured back in his WCW days when Kevin Nash lawn darted Rey right into the side of a semi-truck as the NWO began their infamous invasion.
A young couple has proven that they believe in Joe Hendry by naming their child after the popular star from TNA Wrestling.
The baby boy, Micah Gene Hendry Roberts, was welcomed into the world by Micalah and Lucas Roberts. Speaking to the Daily Star, Lucas shared that the couple split the naming duties with Micalah choosing the first name and Lucas choosing the middle name of the child. The pair, who are fans of the TNA star would quickly grow to love the Hendry name for their child.
“The name Hendry quickly grew on us and we decided to include it when naming our son. When we found out Micah would be sharing the same birthday as Joe, we knew we made the right choice.”
The ‘Gene’ part of Micah’s name was also a choice that was made by Lucas. Rather than coming from Gene Snitsky or WWE Hall of Famer ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund though, this name was in tribute to Lucas’ father.
Baby Micah (left) shares part of his name and his birthday with TNA’s Joe Hendry.
I Believe In Joe Hendry
It’s hard to ignore the popularity of Joe Hendry in recent months as the Scottish wrestler continues to win over fans both new (in this case VERY new) and old. Hendry’s theme song I Believe in Joe Hendry made it to #1 in the iTunes charts in several countries, even beating the likes of music sensation Taylor Swift. Hendry’s other songs in which he pokes fun at his opponents have also proven popular.
Hendry’s success with his songs can’t be denied, with non-wrestling fans growing increasingly aware of him. This will no doubt bode well for Hendry’s prospects in the ring, with TNA Hall of Famer Bully Ray even stating that TNA would be wise to consider a title run given Hendry’s popularity.
WWE SmackDown’s Randy Orton hopes to be the next King of the Ring, but regardless of what happens in Jeddah, he will break a three-year streak.
The Viper will compete in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament against Monday Night Raw’s GUNTHER. Orton secured his place in the finals with tournament victories over AJ Styles, Carmelo Hayes, and Tama Tonga. GUNTHER earned his place in the match with wins over old rival Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, and ‘Main Event’ Jey Uso.
Breaking the Streak
While Orton is predominantly known as a singles competitor, you wouldn’t know it based of his Premium Live Event appearances in recent years. The upcoming match will be the Viper’s first singles PLE match in over three years. Before his showdown with GUNTHER, Orton’s previous one-on-one match at a PLE saw him defeat ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 37 in April 2021.
Over those three years, Orton was teaming with Matt Riddle and the popular RK-Bro tag-team would hold the Raw Tag Team Championships (now the World Tag Team Championships) on two occasions. Orton’s time with the Original Bro ended in May 2022 as a severe back injury forced the Legend Killer off of TV.
Since returning to WWE at Survivor Series 2023, Orton has been part of multi-man matches. The November PLE saw him enter WarGames as part of Team Rhodes. At the Royal Rumble event, Orton competed in a four-way before being one of six men in February’s Elimination Chamber Match. WrestleMania 40 saw The Viper in a triple-threat match and Backlash France saw Orton and Kevin Owens lose to The Bloodline.
Orton will face GUNTHER in the King of the Ring finals.
What’s to Come?
Should Orton win the King of the Ring crown then he will soon find himself in another one-on-one match at a Premium Live Event. The victors of both the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments will receive championship matches at WWE SummerSlam on August 3.
WWE Women’s Champion Bayley has expressed her interest in facing AEW wrestler, Kris Statlander.
‘The Role Model’ has faced plenty of talented wrestlers over the last decade and she now has named the former TBS Champion for a potential match. Bayley recently spoke to Bernard Colas of Le10Sport and was asked about a wrestler outside of WWE whom she wanted to face. ‘The Role Model’ named AEW star Kris Statlander as her potential opponent in the future. She went on to state that Statlander reminds her a lot of the former WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley as she she is “so athletic.” Bayley said:
“I really like Kris Statlander. I think she’s just freaking so athletic. She kind of reminds me of like Rhea Ripley. You know or like it seems like she can do everything so I’d be interested to get in the ring someday.”
Kris Statlander competed only once in WWE in April 2019. She was introduced as Kristen alongside her tag team partner Karissa (now known as Elekra Lopez) and faced then-Women’s Tag Team Champions The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) in a losing effort. Following a brief run on the independent circuit, Kris Statlander made a move to AEW in November 2019 and went on to capture the TBS Championship last year.
WWE have started to acknowledge the happenings and bring in wrestlers from other promotions. In 2020, WWE brought in then-IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James for that year’s Women’s Royal Rumble. This year TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace was also able to compete in the match. Recently, Shayna Baszler also competed at ‘GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X’ last April to face Masha Slamovich. Bayley and Kris Statlander could face each other if either of them is allowed to walk through the Forbidden Door.
We will have to wait and see if a match between Bayley and Kris Statlander ever takes place. Last year, AEW President Tony Khan seemingly liked the idea of working with WWE. Read more below:
It’s a new era for women’s wrestling in WWE and a ‘fun fact’ about this year’s Queen of the Ring tournament shows exactly how far we’ve come: one match from this year’s tournament lasted longer than the sum of all of the matches in the entire 2021 competition.
Since taking over WWE from Vince McMahon, Triple H has made significant strides in advancing the company, particularly the women’s division. While McMahon’s era initiated the Women’s Revolution, Triple H has amplified its momentum. The 2024 Queen & King of the Ring tournament exemplifies this progress, capturing fans’ attention.
This week on WWE RAW, fans witnessed an intense match where IYO Sky faced Lyra Valkyria. The bout was a highlight, as Lyra emerged victorious, setting her up to face the winner of Bianca Belair and Nia Jax on SmackDown for the Queen of the Ring crown.
The match between IYO Sky and Lyra Valkyria captivated audiences and achieved a significant milestone. It was longer than all the matches from the 2021 Queen of the Ring tournament combined. The IYO Sky vs. Lyra Valkyria match lasted approximately 19 minutes, surpassing the 18 minutes total of the 2021 tournament matches.
2021 Queen of the Ring
In the 2021 Queen of the Ring tournament, Zelina Vega emerged victorious over Doudrop, celebrating her win after a 5:55 match with a crown and scepter. She also briefly adopted a British accent. Unfortunately, Vega couldn’t participate in the 2024 tournament due to injury. However, the current tournament reflects a renewed focus on the women’s division, providing more time and spotlight than ever before.
This renewed emphasis on the women’s division under Triple H’s leadership is evident. The 2024 Queen & King of the Ring tournament showcases the talent and potential within the division, promising an exciting future for WWE’s female Superstars.
2021 Queen of the Ring tournament bracket via Wikipedia
WWE Superstar GUNTHER is somewhat surprised by how big he was following his dramatic weight loss over the past year.
The Austrian powerhouse lost between 60 to 70 pounds after moving to WWE NXT and the main roster in 2022 and his transformation has not gone unnoticed by fans. Speaking to Aleister McGeorge of METRO, GUNTHER reflected on his weight-loss journey.
“I was aware of how big I was, but now looking at the pictures, I’m surprised how big I was… obviously health-wise, it’s way better [now] and I feel better in the ring. It’s been a good thing doing it.”
GUNTHER was inspired to lose the weight by Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci, and his wife Jinny. Now at a lean 250lbs, GUNTHER added that keeping the weight off has been less of a challenge than losing the weight, but it’s still no easy feat.
“That’s WAY easier, keeping if off. It really is, though. You want to get to a point physically, then you really have to stick to it for quite a long time and be very disciplined. Once you’re at a point where you’re comfortable, then it’s easier to manage to maintain that than getting there.”
GUNTHER in his NXT UK days and as WWE Intercontinental Champion.
GUNTHER’s dedication to fitness will no doubt be looked upon favorably by WWE’s higher-ups including Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. Many predict that GUNTHER will be entering the World Championship picture soon enough. The Ring General will compete against Randy Orton in the finals of the 2024 King of the Ring Tournament later today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Deonna Purrazzo spent the better part of the last four years with a chip on her shoulder. The WWE release was the spark that lit a fire under “The Virtuosa,,” She knew her worth and what she was capable of. It was just about finding the right place that would give her the opportunity to show it. Enter TNA. The company provided the technical marvel to shine in the biggest of spotlights within their environment, even headlining shows.
After achieving all the milestones in TNA, Purrazzo felt the time was right to spread her wings further. The free agent was a hot commodity given the body of work she amassed and the reputation she earned. All Elite Wrestling became the landing spot at the start of 2024.
“Walking into any locker room new to you or in a new environment is scary because you’re not comfortable,” she said. “I was in TNA Impact Wrestling for three-and-a-half years, so that was my home. My husband was there. Some of my best friends were there. I got to know everyone on such a personal and intimate level working with them for that long.”
Making the leap was not easy for Purrazzo given the bonds she formed in TNA. However, in the last six months, she has been happy to establish a new relationship with the ladies of the AEW roster, many of whom she has never met or wrestled before.
“I think it has been super positive,” Purrazzo said. “I’ve put my best foot forward with this new company and working with brand new people and telling new stories. I was scared but equally excited.”
The new digs mean adjusting to a new schedule, which isn’t easy when your husband Steve Maclin works for a different company. For Purrazz, the couple has been finding their footing slowly but surely.
“It has been about adjusting when we get to see each other and making those moments special, allowing time for date night or his birthday is this weekend, so celebrating his birthday,” Purrazzo added. “Making those moments special because right now they are far and few between.”
The young veteran finds similarities between the TNA and AEW locker room. One thing that has helped the transition is having the support of real-life best friends like Madison Rayne. Someone who has been in Purrazzo’s shoes. One backstage reunion she looks forward to is Britt Baker.
“It has been interesting because I think in our mind we always envisioned us being there at the same time and doing it together,” she said. “That has not been the case for the last six months, so I’m very excited for whenever Brit comes back and I get to work with her on this kind of level because we never have before. Also, I want to see how she can reinvent herself and what she can do because she is one of the OG girls and has been there since Day 1 as the first woman signed.
“To hear her thoughts and take on the way the division has grown and the potential she sees for the future is interesting. It’s some of the same things I want for our division. It will be fun to work together and achieve that.”
Purrazzo looks back to meeting Baker and another good friend Chelsea Green for the first time at age 19 or 20. To see their journeys and how far they’ve come brings a smile to her face.
“I think at the end of the day we were so fortunate because we got what we wanted out of this. There is still so much we want and left to achieve,” Purrazzo said. “We were 20-year-old girls with these big dreams to take over this industry and change this industry and be world champions and we’ve done that. And somehow through the BS of this industry stayed best friends and positive. If there is anything I want for Chelsea Green and Britt Baker is to be equally or more successful for me. Or Karen Q or Tasha Steelz.
“I’ve been able to cultivate this really tight-knit group of girls who have been there at the beginning of my career and that I consider my family. I don’t have a sister, but if I did it would be Chelsea Green. That is what our relationship is like. To watch her on Monday nights or Friday nights and thrive and do what Chelsea does best is more fulfilling than anything I can do for myself. I know the work she has put into this and what it means to her. I thrive when my friends thrive. To see them do that the last five or six years has been really fulfilling for me.”
For Purrazzo, the AEW women’s division is thriving and finding newfound attention. This could be attributed to herself and the major signing of Mercedes Mone. At the time of the interview, Purrazzo was excited to be part of her first Double or Nothing weekend with Mone battling Willow Nightingale for the AEW TBS championship, as well as “Timeless” Toni Storm defending against Serena Deeb. The fact that there are two big matches on the card is not lost on her. Between those matches and other stories being told including what she is doing with Thunder Rosa, Purrazzo can see the momentum building. Rosa and Purrazzo were just announced to face off at the Double or Nothing Zero Hour.
“I think for myself when a woman comes in and says, ‘This is what I want. These are my terms.’ And then gets it, and then does great business for other women to come thereafter. To watch her thrive in the way she is,” Purrazzo said of Mone. “She is about to get in the ring and I know so many people have been looking forward to watching her wrestle again, I’m one of those people.”
Purrazzo has high hopes for Forbidden Door to come thereafter. She is even dreaming of booking a rematch against Stardom’s Mayu Iwatani. At the same time, the star can see a wealth of possibilities for opponents and the future of the women’s division. With that in mind, Purrazzo would love to see a tag division if rolled out the proper way. When those stars align, there is even a partner in mind.
“I think the most logical answer is Britt. I don’t know if we can have a different rendition of VXT in AEW or what that looks like,” she said. “Coming from a division that has or still has a world tag team championship, it is interesting because I think more opportunities for women is amazing. I don’t think it is something you can introduce and say, “Here is the women’s tag team championship because you wanted it and gave it to you. I think there is a long process of developing real teams and having people have partnerships that are meaningful and long-lasting, especially for women. I think it’s easy to throw girls in there and say you’re a tag team. That hinders women’s tag team division a whole bunch.
“It takes time to build chemistry. A relationship that then you can feel through the screen. I think if there was going to be AEW women’s tag team championship, I would like to see it far out and see our tag division really cultivated and the relationship truly formed. Then maybe there is a tournament to solidify who would wrestle for the titles or who would become champion. Something more with long-term storytelling and a large format instead of just, ‘You asked for it, here it is.'”
If you’re a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, you could argue Purrazzo as the example. Losing her job at WWE was eye-opening not just the pro wrestling side but life in general.
“It was a scary realization of not having anything else and no backup plan. That’s why I chose to go to school. One, if I’m not going to wrestle anymore I need a college degree to get a job. Two, if I do continue to wrestle I need an outlet that isn’t related to wrestling at all. When I was doing my school work I got a bachelor’s in history. My capstone was 25 pages. I don’t have time to pick up the phone to scroll through Twitter and look at what is happening in the wrestling world right now.
“I had to dive into it one hundred percent if I wanted to accomplish it. It was just another roulette for me not to have my heart and soul into wrestling because I felt that destroyed m
e at one point. And if I was going to learn from my mistakes and be better this time around like at Impact when I was able to let wrestling go a little bit and have it not control me 24/7. For me, that outlet was school.”
Check out AEW Double or Nothing on May 26 at 8 p.m. on TrillerTV.
Matt Hardy has opened up about his experience in Saudi Arabia.
The former WWE star visited the country with the rest of the roster for two early PLEs in the Kingdom. He teamed with Bray Wyatt to win the vacated Raw Tag Team Championships at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018 and competed in a battle royal at the 2019 Super ShowDown event.
During the latest episode of his Extreme Life with Matt Hardy podcast, the Broken One reflected on his experience in the country. He compared the environment there to Los Angeles where the accommodations were luxuries but they had to deal with hot weather. The former Champion also claimed that everyone he met there was super nice to him:
“All those people that came to the show or that we met, they were all super kind. They’re all super nice. I did like a VIP party at one point and everybody there was just as friendly and as kind as it could have been. That’s one of the things that I think sometimes people forget about. Most of the people that live in Saudi Arabia are just normal human beings like you and I that have red blood whenever their skin gets cut open, that have a heart and lungs and whatever else in there, just trying to make it through every day and trying to live the best life they possibly can.
So my impressions of it were that it was nice, and you could see there was wealth in the country. Some of the spreads we had to eat were like outrageously great and good. We were taken very good care of while we were there. The hotel was very nice. The food was very nice. So no complaints on any of that front. And even the people that we met that we worked with that were like more government-type officials they were all very nice. There was nobody that was weird. There was no one that was off-putting.”
It Made Me Appreciate United States Even More: Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy teamed with Bray Wyatt at the Greatest Royal Rumble (Photo: WWE)
Though despite all the luxuries, all the roster members were still on their toes not wanting to break any laws of Saudi Arabia. Matt Hardy also recalled an incident that made him appreciate the freedoms of US more:
“Probably the strangest thing and this is me being an American, right and growing up in the South. I just grew up [with] my dad, I would get my ass beat if it wasn’t ‘Yes, sir. Yes, ma’am.’ and whatnot. Just the way the women had to wear their outfits in the job whatever you see in majority of the women’s eyes.
Not everyone had to dress fully like that but the majority of the people did. There was one point where I was out on the beach hanging out with a couple guys. A couple guys came in front of us that were wearing shorts and short sleeve shirts, whatever. They say ‘Oh our kids are big fans. they would love to meet you.’ They said ‘If you can wait a second our wives are taking care of them’ Their wives were over there and they’re fully dressed in the outfits the wives have to wear during the day when they’re out on public.
And it was just, that was strange, you know, and I guess everybody that was there was just very much on their toes. They just wanted to act proper because you didn’t want to do anything that would break laws in Saudi Arabia obviously, just because it’s a very different culture from us. It is what it is. We knew what we were going into. It was a very different culture. They live very differently than we do here in America. I feel like even the experience of going over there made me appreciate America and the United States even more just because of all the freedoms we have.”
The latest WWE PPV from Saudi Arabia dubbed King and Queen of The Ring will be airing live from the Jeddah Super Dome on May 25.
Drew McIntyre feels that there are few more than one locker room leader in WWE.
‘The Scottish Warrior’ is one of the most popular and accomplished stars in the company. He has certainly earned the right to be called a locker-room leader as he has gone through his rookie phase and has remained on top of the card for several years.
Over the years, WWE has seen several locker-room leaders who have led by example and McIntyre recently told Mike Johnson of PWInsider that there is more than one specific leader at present. He recalled when he shared the locker room with WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker and noted how Roman Reigns carried himself similar to ‘The Phenom.’ He said:
“I think there’s a few now more than one specific person. When the guys have been around for a long time, when people go alright, that’s the you know the leader there but I was there when Taker was there, it was very clear and didn’t have to say a word. Like that’s the man right there.
Just the way he carried himself and Roman when he was full-time, he had that very similar, you know, just cool, very in control and had wrestled, you know, at the top level for so long, even though I’d been around longer, like that’s the guy right there. Now he had that same kind of Taker vibe and now there’s a bunch of us.”
The former WWE Champion then talked about his leadership style. The Scotsman stated that he is a “quieter leader.” However, he never backs off from sharing his valuable advice if any wrestler approaches him since he has experienced so much in his decorated career. He said:
“I’d say I’m a quieter leader. Like I don’t force my opinion. There’s a few guys I’ll go directly and say ‘Hey, you need to do this, this, this’ unless it’s genuinely terrible and hurting our show I’ll 100% say something, but a lot of time they’ll come to me and I’m there for anybody that wants my opinion.
Somebody that you know, came up through the system, had to get fired to find themselves, has been part of the independent scene, has been part of the growth of social media, being part of the old ways and being part of the new ways. You know, I have some advice to give and you can take it or leave it because in the end, it’s going to be what works for you. I take advice all day long from everybody. And the thing I’ve learned is take what works for me and discard what doesn’t.”
McIntyre is sidelined with an elbow injury. However, he is featured regularly on Monday Night Raw. He is currently involved in a heated feud with CM Punk. Recently, it came to light that McIntyre’s first feature film is set to hit the theatres soon. Read more below:
AEW’s Will Ospreay hopes that Ricochet will soon be ‘All Elite’ as he’s itching for a rematch with the inaugural WWE Speed Champion.
In the 2010s the pair had an acclaimed series of matches that elevated both men in the wrestling world. The duo’s most recent match came for What Culture Pro Wrestling in August 2017 in a match won by the Aerial Assassin. From there the pair would part ways with Ricochet joining WWE in January 2018 while Ospreay would go on to become one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s top stars.
Sitting down with ComicBook.com, Ospreay discussed his legendary series of matches with Ospreay. The Aerial Assassin admitted that he does worry that Ricochet isn’t being treated right in WWE.
“I keep up with him all the time and sometimes I get a little bit sad about it. I hope he’s not sad and I hope he’s real happy. I keep up with him as much as I can, but I feel like people are forgetting who Ricochet was once upon a time.”
It’s not hard to see why Ospreay may be concerned for Ricochet regarding his booking in WWE. On a recent Raw, Ricochet spoke about how he is always losing in a very self-deprecating promo.
This comment made little sense given that Ricochet recently won the WWE Speed Championship and was victorious throughout an entire tournament to win the gold. In the interview, Ospreay added that WWE valuing Ricochet’s work for minutes at a time, referring to WWE Speed rules, was “appalling.”
Will Ospreay wants another showdown with Ricochet.
Ricochet in All Elite Wrestling?
While Ricochet has been the victim of stop-start pushes since joining WWE’s main roster in 2019, Ospreay has been a staple of AEW TV since he officially signed in November 2023. Ospreay isn’t sure when Ricochet could be a free agent, but certainly hopes that AEW will make an offer if the One and Only becomes available.
“I don’t know how much longer he has got in his contract, but I think it might be up soon, man, I don’t know. I want him to know that there are people here that genuinely appreciate his work and I want to wrestle him again. I want him back here.”
As for Ospreay’s more immediate future, the Essex-born wrestler will be a part of this weekend’s AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Ospreay is hoping to clinch his first taste of AEW gold when he challenges the International Champion Roderick Strong.
Chad Gable may not be as evil as his WWE on-screen persona is, but the WWE Raw Superstar is aware that his on-screen work isn’t entirely different from the real him.
Since turning heel in April 2024, Gable has debuted a profound mean streak on WWE TV with his allies in Alpha Academy often bearing the brunt of his outbursts. The former Olympian has berated Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri, and Otis multiple times and has made them pledge their support for his pursuit of the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
This heel turn for Gable has shown a vicious side to the Olympian that fans didn’t see even in the past when Chad has worked as a villain. Sitting down with TNT Sports, Gable reflected on his change of demeanor and how fun it is to be a heel.
“It’s certainly easier, I’ll tell you that much. Most people identify with the fact that it’s easier to get people to hate you than it is to like you.”
Gable then explained how this character has a lot more in common with the real him than fans may first expect.
“This version of it, believe it or not, is probably the closest to my real personality than anything else I’ve done. Not to say that I’m a jerk but I am a very hard-nosed disciplined human being in real life.
“Ask anyone close to me and they will tell you the same. Now I don’t necessarily talk to them the way I talk to Alpha Academy right now but they do know that when it comes down to the things that I take seriously, training fitness, anything I apply that discipline to, they don’t interfere in that part of my life.”
"When I do promos, it comes so naturally. It doesn't feel like I'm working"@WWEGable shares what he enjoys most about being a heel ?
Gable hopes that this dedication will score him the WWE Intercontinental Championship. The former Olympian will challenge Sami Zayn for the gold at WWE King And Queen Of The Ring in a triple threat match that will include ‘Big’ Bronson Reed.
Actor Ibrahim Al Hajjaj will make his return to the world of pro wrestling with an appearance at the upcoming WWE King And Queen Of The Ring event.
During the May 24, episode of WWE SmackDown, it was announced that Al Hajjaj will be a part of the Premium Live Event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The show will kick off later today from the Jeddah Superdome and will be the eleventh PLE to be held in the country.
An appearance by Al Hajjaj was promoted on WWE SmackDown.
WWE King And Queen of the Ring won’t be Ibrahim Al Hajjaj’s first time appearing for the Sports Entertainment juggernaut. At WWE Crown Jewel in November 2023, the popular actor was a guest on Miz TV. After he and WWE’s resident A-Lister were interrupted by Grayson Waller, Al Hajjaj would hit a People’s Elbow on the Aussie Icon.
Celebrities In Saudi Arabia
Ibrahim Al Hajjaj’s involvement with WWE King And Queen Of The Ring is just the latest example of celebrity influence on the promotion’s endeavors in Saudi Arabia. At WWE Crown Jewel 2019, Boxing star Tyson Fury earned a count-out victory over Braun Strowman. That same night, UFC legend Cain Velasquez unsuccessfully challenged his old rival and then-WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.
In 2022, social media star Jake Paul appeared in support of his brother Logan when the Maverick challenged then-Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns. It’s hardly a surprise that WWE brings huge celebrities in for these events given how much the Saudi Sports Authority pays as part of this deal. Saudi Arabia also benefits from celebrity appearances at WWE events as these shows are part of ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ a government program with the goal of diversification economically, socially, and culturally. The program was launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman.
WWE’s visits to Saudi Arabia always make headlines and their shows in the country are filled with memorable moments. Not all of these moments however are planned in advance.
Former WWE star Matt Hardy talked about his experiences of being part of some of the early WWE shows in the Kingdom on the latest episode of his podcast.
During the episode, he was asked about one such moment that Hardy got to witness firsthand, which was Titus O’Neil’s hilarious fall during his entrance in the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018. Hardy branded it as the ‘craziest most insane thing ever’:
“It was just the craziest most insane thing ever. I remember everyone saw him slide underneath the ring and everybody was like ‘he’s dead.’ I mean everybody felt like he slid into a portal and he’s now somewhere in the 15th dimension. It was just so crazy that he ran and slid.”
It Was So Crazy: Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy mentioned that Titus could have hit the steel posts beneath the ring and got seriously injured. The former Prime Time Player however, somehow managed to come out unscathed:
“In the middle of the frame, of the ring there’s like an iron or steel post that’s big and thick that goes to the floor. Everyone’s like ‘Oh my god, if he slid in and hit his neck on that thing, he broke his neck.’ He made it in and he got out unscathed, which was crazy.
It was so crazy. It was just like such a viral moment because if you would have planned that you couldn’t have done it in 1000 takes. It just happened on that one take and he was able to get in and get out unscathed and uninjured. It was crazy.”
Hardy was part of two WWE events in Saudi Arabia. He teamed with Bray Wyatt to win the Raw Tag Team Titles at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018 and competed in the 51 Men Battle Royal won by Mansoor at Super ShowDown in 2019.
WWE will be running their 11th PPV event from the country called King and Queen of The Ring from the Jeddah Super Dome today on May 25. You can check out the streaming details and full match card for the show here
Giulia’s immediate future in the ring remains uncertain at this time, but WWE has huge plans for the Japanese sensation once she joins NXT.
The former NJPW Strong Women’s Champion is currently nursing a wrist injury she suffered during the inaugural event for Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold wrestling promotion ‘Fields Forever‘. This injury will see Giulia miss an upcoming tribute event for Hana Kimura and has put plans for her on pause.
It’s been believed for some time now that Giulia will join WWE NXT, an attitude galvanized when she appeared at WWE NXT Stand & Deliver in April. WWE is comfortable with Giulia healing while remaining in Japan, Fightful Select reports, and the promotion does not intend to interfere with any plans that were put in place for Giulia in Marigold pre-injury.
WWE remains hopeful that Giulia will still be able to compete at the WWE NXT Heatwave event on July 7. The Japanese star will be thrown in at the deep end with her debut match expected to be for the NXT Women’s Championship that is currently held by Roxanne Perez. The Prodigy has had issues with WWE NXT General Manager Ava in recent weeks and it may be the fourth-generation star who officially brings Giulia in as an opponent for Perez.
Giulia is expected to be a huge deal in WWE NXT.
Giulia and Asuka
Giulia will be presented as “the female face of the brand” once she joins NXT, which may be a sign that Perez’s title reign will be ended by the Japanese star. One source even went as far as to say that Giulia’s role in NXT will surpass what Asuka achieved during her tenure. The Empress of Tomorrow went entirely undefeated in WWE NXT and her 510-day reign as NXT Women’s Champion remains a record to this day.
