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TNA Impact Preview: Final Stop Before Victory Road ’24

Michael Reichlin
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TNA Wrestling presents TNA Impact tonight on AXS TV at 8/7c, marking the final build before tomorrow’s TNA Victory Road 2024 pay-per-view event. Tonight’s episode brings several interesting matchups and appearances that will set the stage for Friday night.

Here is the confirmed lineup for the show:

• Tornado Tag Match: ABC vs. First Class

• Singles Match: Ash by Elegance vs. Xia Brookside

• Singles Match: Heather Reckless vs. Gisele Shaw

• Singles Match: Steve Maclin vs. Alex Hammerstone

• Tag Team Match: The Hardys vs. The System

• Segment: Joe Hendry will address the audience.

• Segment: Jordynne Grace will also make an appearance to share her thoughts.

Head over to our TNA section for more news about TNA Impact and Victory Road ’24.

What Happened Last Week

Catch up on what went down on last week’s show, featuring Jordynne Grace’s open challenge for the Knockouts World Championship, Joe Hendry and Mike Santana vs. Moose & JDC.

Nigel McGuinness To Face Bryan Danielson At AEW Grand Slam

Dominic DeAngelo
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Bryan Danielson will not be battling Darby Allin as originally planned at AEW Grand Slam, but will instead be taking on longtime rival Nigel McGuinness.

The fallout after AEW All Out were a little rocky after Danielson was choked out by a plastic bag courtesy of Jon Moxley and it appeared Danielson was going to be unable to compete against Allin at Grand Slam. Instead on AEW Dynamite Moxley challenged Allin to put his title shot on the line at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Allin accepted so it appeared that Danielson would indeed be unable to compete and Mox would headline against Darby.

Not so fast. Nigel McGuinness had different plans as in a backstage segment expressed his desire to speak to Tony Khan. Later on in the evening, we see Nigel standing in the ring with a piece of paper in hand. He comments on Danielson’s hatred toward him and then says the World Champion should compete at Grand Slam. He reveals that he has a contract for a match against Danielson at the event if Bryan has the guts to compete. Later on the match is confirmed with the caveat the Bryan is able to wrestle.

McGuinness may arguably be Danielson’s greatest rival of all time due to the memorable matches they had while both in Ring Of Honor. Injuries plagued Nigel’s career in the ring and made the decision to retire from in-ring action. However, McGuiness made the exception when he came out during the Casino Royale Gauntlet at ALL IN. McGuiness came out to Oasis in Wembley to a massive crowd reaction and had a great showing in the match before it was Christian Cage who captured the contract.

Kayla Braxton Opens Up About Emotional WWE MSG Farewell

Anutosh Bajpai
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Kayla Braxton didn’t realize officials had a planned heartfelt farewell for her at her final WWE appearance until the last minute.

The former WWE personality recently spoke to Adrian Hernandez. She discussed things such as meeting Ron Pearlman, her love for Game of Thrones, and more.

Speaking about her exit from the wrestling promotion, Braxton mentioned how her responsibilities had been reduced significantly after WWE pulled The Bump off air. A number of other opportunities were knocking on her door at the same time and according to the female star she thought about the decision for a long time.

Braxton mentioned that everyone at the company was very supportive of her when she finally made the call. Discussing her last appearance for the company, Kayla revealed that she had actually planned a go away party for all her colleagues:

“I had no idea they were going to give me that kind of send-off. I was already—I keep telling people—it was my last day. I had a party planned. Peter Rosenberger helped me plan a go-away party; all the talent were coming. I was already in the last set, thinking about taking tequila shots, and I was getting ready to leave.

And they’re like, ‘Kayla, don’t leave yet.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’ They’re like, ‘Don’t leave yet.’ I’m like ‘It’s my last day—I’m about to go party.’ They’re like, [don’t] And I’m thinking there’s a plan B, which is when the show runs short, they need us to run out and fill time with an interview.’ I’m like, ‘Fine.'”

I Still Get Emotional: Kayla Braxton

Kayla Braxton’s last WWE appearance came on the June 28th episode of SmackDown this year. The show held at the legendary Madison Square Garden saw Cody Rhodes cutting a heartfelt promo for the broadcast personality after the event went off air.

The fans made things even special with huge applause for the former NXT star. According to her, the whole thing will always be one of the pinnacles of her life:

“And then Triple H came up to me, and Nick Khan—I was like, ‘Something’s going on.’ So, I went to the gorilla, and then Cody was out there. That’s when I started realizing, ‘Oh, they’re about to do something really sweet for me.’ I was in tears.

And then hearing all of Madison Square Garden erupt with ‘Thank you, Kayla’—which is something I hear my name like that—I still get emotional thinking about it. I am very aware that most people don’t get that kind of send-off, especially people who decide to walk away on their own. That will always be one of the pinnacles of my life. It was so great.”

Kayla Braxton has since confirmed that she is not looking to join any other promotion and her time in wrestling has come to an end. Real name Kayla Becker, the former broadcast star has also revealed the first post-WWE project she has worked on.

Brock Anderson on Teaming With CW Anderson & if We’ll See Arn Anderson Manage Him in MLW

Scott Fishman
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Brock Anderson remains dedicated to professional wrestling and continuing the legacy his dad Arn made within the industry. He has gained valuable experience teaming with veteran CW Anderson as the duo already found success as the AML World Tag Team Champions. They look to add more gold working for MLW.

The old school meets new school duo faces Bomaye Fight Club at Fightland on September 14. Anderson has only heard good things about MLW. 

“A couple of guys came through and managed to turn it around for themselves,” he said of the platform the promotion provides. “Parlay that into something pretty good for themselves…I think I fell into a perfect scenario. I’m tagging with someone who has been in the business for 30 years. 

“He can tell me things that my old man can’t because you can be a father or a coach. Sometimes he tips around some areas. I usually know when there is something he wants to say because of that father-son bond. CW is one who can tell me this sucked, that was good, do this, do that. That experience I’m experiencing through osmosis, I’m glad it panned out the way it did. I told him, ‘You know you’re the Ole in this. You’ve turned into Ole Anderson.’  I think he has embraced it, to be honest with you.”  

Anderson gained valuable experience in AEW. However, he reached a crossroads. 

“After I left AEW I didn’t know where my path was going to be,” he said.”…AEW was great. I have nothing but great things to say about the people who worked there. Tony [Khan] was great to a whole industry when nobody else was working. He kept people working. It was a trying time in the business and around the world. I appreciated the experience. 

“I just didn’t think I could get better there because I didn’t know if they had plans for me. There weren’t enough reps. It came down to getting reps. So, they sent something, which was a similar deal I was on.  I just said, ‘I think I’ll take my chances.’ When I go out and travel, I know I’m going to wrestle and get better. That was kind of my approach to the thing. Every time I leave the house, I know I’m going to have a match.” 

The 27-year-old decided to bet on himself. A difficult decision, but one that fuels his motivation. Anderson is excited to cross another legendary venue off the bucket list in Center Stage thanks to MLW. Anderson’s dad Arn retired when he was six months old. By 1997, those Center Stage days for WCW were largely in the rearview. Though the next generation talent has since caught up on Arn’s body of work and went to WWE shows while he was a producer. 

“I popped in these grainy VHS tapes and there is your dad 20 years younger wrestling,” he said. “It was kind of a trip. I started to watch more of those and realized he was pretty good at this. Then I saw how the boys in the back treated him. Things started to click.” 

Anderson can trace when he knew he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps. A milestone showdown between two Hall of Famers in Houston. 

“It was WrestleMania 25,” Anderson recalled. “WWE would always have their employees have their families. It was like a vacation treat for the year. We’re in the box. It was when the cards got to about six or seven hours. There was a lot of preshow and all that. It was a long night and I was already tired. 

“Then all of a sudden you see the smoke come, all this white light and a guy descends from teh ceiling, white robe, white hat. You can’t see his face and all of a sudden HBK’s music hits. He was wrestling Undertaker. It was HBK and Undertaker 1. They went 40 minutes. Two legends going at it. They had the crowd in the palm of their hands with what they did. There was no wasted movement. Everything clicked. I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’”

When Anderson told Arn about his career aspirations, the response wasn’t a flat no. Just an, “Ask your mom.” Then it was a hard no at the time. The parents wanted him to go to college and have a backup plan. He graduated on December 19, 2019, and started on the pro wrestling journey in January 2020. Then came the AEW opportunity. 

“I want to be where is best for me,” Anderson answered when asked if his ultimate goal was a WWE run. “Personally, professionally, all that. I don’t have to pigeonhole it to one company. Wherever I feel is best for me.” 

And right now that place is venturing through the independent scene and seeing what happens with MLW. The question is will we see Arn walk that aisle with his son, possibly at Fightland? 

“He could show up at any time. But always keep it in the back of your head he might wonder into the building somehow or sneak down,” he said. “There is always that possibility. We always have that card up our sleeve.” 

Watch MLW Fightland at 9 p.m. ET on September 14 on YouTube. 

Ricochet On Potentially Reviving The Prince Puma Character

Anutosh Bajpai
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Ricochet doesn’t believe he will be able to revive the Prince Puma character from Lucha Underground but he definitely plans to pay tribute to that time of his career.

The newest AEW signing recently had an interview with the Battleground podcast. He discussed things such as making his debut at Wembley Stadium, a potential showdown with Will Ospreay, his exit from WWE, and more.

When asked about the potential of donning the Prince Puma mask once again in the future, Ricochet mentioned that he does plan on doing some throwback stuff. Bringing back the character for a prolonged period, however, would only be possible if AEW acquires the rights:

“People keep asking, but that’s like — they own that character guys. They own all of that—that’s not our stuff to even…I guess if they wanted to contact Lucha and try to get the rights to use the thing and do the…I guess maybe. But all their stuff, that’s all their stuff.

[I] definitely already planned on doing some throwbacks and stuff for sure. That’s always going to be tied in there, for sure. But as far as the actual stuff goes, like they own all that, so yeah, we’ll see.”

They Were Trying To Make It Different: Ricochet

Prince Puma was one of the prominent stars of the Lucha Underground roster. The high-flying star, managed by Konnan, main evented the first-ever episode of the show.

He became the inaugural Lucha Underground champion after winning the Aztec Warfare battle royal and went on to rack up a number of other accomplishments during his three years with the brand.

Discussing the unique production style of the company, Ricochet mentioned how they were trying to be different than anything that came before. According to the former champion, the show helped make wrestling cool again:

“Well, that’s the thing—they were trying to make it different. They were trying to be a TV drama about a wrestling company, and not just another wrestling company on television. So, they were trying to really be like a television show about a wrestling company.

That was a really cool aspect, and I think it really did help wrestling become cool again as well. So, um, yeah, I was really happy with everything that all the guys were doing—you know, the Brian Cages, the Lucha Brothers, Johnny Mundos—you know, everybody was really putting in work.”

The One and Only was later asked about his experience at the company and he said that everyone was really nice to him and he had some of the most fun of his career working there.

Matt Riddle Says CM Punk’s WWE Return Shows He’d Be Welcomed Back

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE star Matt Riddle is not ruling out his comeback to the company despite his controversial departure. The Original Bro believes CM Punk’s homecoming proves anything is possible in wrestling.

“The chances of me going back, I think they’re extremely high. If CM Punk, who filed a lawsuit against WWE, and then raked them through the mud for a decade, then goes to the competition, I’ll tell you this, if he can do that, everything can be forgiven. I know I wasn’t the easiest to work with at times. I think the door is always open.”

– Matt Riddle, SI

Riddle shifted his career to pro wrestling in 2014. The highly talented athlete honed his craft and made a name for himself in the independent circuit before joining WWE in 2018. He was in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT for less than two years and was called up to the main roster in 2020. During his run on the main roster, he won the United States Championship and famously won the tag team gold twice with Randy Orton as RK Bro.

RK Bro, an odd pairing was an entertaining act on WWE Raw and the former UFC fighter star gained massive popularity during his run. However, Riddle’s WWE career was marred with several controversial matters including failed drug tests, backstage tiff, and sexual assault. The controversial wrestler was eventually released in September last year following an incident at JFK Airport, where he appeared to be intoxicated.

Since leaving WWE, Riddle has been competing in the independent circuit and also making appearances for MLW and NJPW. Matt Riddle is set to face Tom Lawlor in a No-Holds-Barred Vale Rudo match in MLW on Saturday, September 14.

Update on Bobby Lashley’s Future In Wrestling

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE stars Bobby Lashley, MVP and Shelton Benjamin could soon reunite outside WWE, perhaps in AEW. They could soon be reunited as The Hurt Syndicate, judging by a trademark filing last month.

A trademark filing was made for the term The Hurt Syndicate for use in pro wrestling and entertainment services. Totally Harmless Concept LLC filed to trademark “The Hurt Syndicate” a couple of weeks ago, after previously filing for trademarks on other MVP-related phrases and names.

There’s been speculation that the faction might join AEW, and Fightful now reports the company has had talks with the group in recent weeks.

MVP has made it clear that he won’t return to WWE during a Bloodsport event. Since then fans have anticipated what he and Bobby Lashley have in store for them. Shelton Benjamin, who was released from WWE in September last year, has also been a free agent. However, another former Hurt Business member, Cedric Alexander is unlikely to be a part of the plan.

Cedric Alexander recently re-signed with WWE as per Fightful Select. He has inked a new multi-year deal with the company. Alexander has been teaming with Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis. His most recent match took place at the NXT Great American Bash 2024: Night One a couple of months back where he defeated Brooks Jensen.

Given the indications, Hurt Syndicate could be on its way to AEW and be a great addition to the promotion’s stacked roster. The former Hurt Business faction has had an incredible run in WWE and has won several championships. The veterans bring a lot of experience to the table which could benefit AEW. Moreover, they could even target the coveted AEW Trios Titles, currently held by the Blackpool Combat Club.

Kurt Angle Appearing For GCW

Bishal Roy
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WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle is set to make an appearance on an upcoming Game Change Wrestling (GCW) show.

The promotion has announced on social media that ‘The Olympic Gold Medalists’ has been booked for an appearance at the promotion’s Dream On event on Saturday, November 23. The show will take place at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am ET.

Angle will be a part of the show which is set to feature the likes of Ricky Morton, Matt Cardona, Mance Warner, Masha Slamovich, Effy, Gringo Loco, and Sonny Kiss.

The former World Champion has not been advertised to wrestle for the event. Kurt Angle retired following his “farewell match” against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Since then he has maintained that way and has not wrestled.

Most recently, another WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield shocked fans when he made an appearance at GCW’s Homecoming event. Earlier this month, JBL was at AAA TripleMania XXXII: Mexico City. The former World Champion was accompanied by fellow former WWE star Nic Nemeth for his AAA Mega Championship match against Alberto El Patron.

Earlier this year, Angle revealed that he was still under contract to WWE. It is not clear whether that is still the case given the GCW booking. However, a handful of WWE stars who are under their contract have stepped through the ‘forbidden door.’ It includes Shayna Baszler and WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey who competed at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. This possibly indicates that WWE might have also allowed Kurt Angle to step through the ‘forbidden door.’

AEW Star Blade Reveals Reason For Prolonged In Ring Absence

Anutosh Bajpai
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AEW star Blade has revealed that he recently underwent a back fusion surgery

The 44-year-old has been out of action most of this year with not a lot of updates on where he has been or what’s the reason behind his absence.

The wrestling veteran then took on his Instagram earlier on Wednesday. He shared some photos of himself in the hospital revealing that he underwent a successful surgery recently:

A number of wrestling stars wished the best to the former NWA star on his post including names such as Matt Hardy, Rey Fenix, Ethan Page and more.

The Butcher And The Blade

Blade, real name Jesse Guilmette made his in-ring debut way back in 2000. He had some early matches for WWE under his real name but was never signed to a long-term deal by the company.

Despite the struggles, he continued competing in the independent circuit and had stints with companies such as CZW, ROH and TNA.

The wrestling star alongside his tag team partner The Butcher and wife Allie made his debut for All Elite Wrestling during the November 27, 2019 episode of Dynamite.

The duo have been a regular on AEW programming ever since, having wrestled over a hundred matches for the promotion since their first appearance.

The Blade has not been seen in the ring since February when he worked at an indie event in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. His partner Butcher has continued making occasional appearances on AEW programming in his absence.

AJ Lee Asked About CM Punk’s Storyline With Drew McIntyre

Anutosh Bajpai
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AJ Lee says she has no idea what’s going on with CM Punk and Drew McIntyre.

The retired wrestling star has been mentioned a number of times during the feud between the two current WWE stars. The bracelet featuring her name and the name of her and Punk’s dog Larry has been the anchor of the whole storyline.

The former Divas Champion spoke to ComicBook recently to promote her new comic release with Scrappy Hearts Production partner Aimee Garcia, Day of the Dead Girl.

When asked for her thoughts on the ongoing WWE storyline between her husband and McIntyre, Lee claimed that she has no idea what’s going on:

“I mean this in the most loving way, I have no idea what’s going on [laughs]. I’m weird about like — I don’t want to watch my husband wrestle live because I’m scared. It’s like a weird juju thing.”

My Dog Is Famous All of A Sudden: AJ Lee

The former WWE star, real name April Mendez mentioned how she is focused on her own projects and doesn’t keep up with the product. While Punk still gives her some updates, she is not really immersed in it as people would think:

“I kind of don’t know what’s happening in the storyline. I know that my dog is famous all of a sudden! He’s got some surprise merch coming. I’ve been privy to that. But it’s cool. I’m happy that he’s happy and healthy and just killing it. I’m proud.”

Fans have been rooting for an AJ Lee return for a long time. NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez who has become a protege of Punk has expressed the desire to wrestle the former champion many times.

The wrestling veteran, however, has been busy with outside projects. Punk himself has said that AJ knows there are options for her but he doesn’t want to give fans false hopes of her return.

Nikki Garcia Files For Divorce After Artem Chigvintsev’s Domestic Violence Arrest

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former WWE star Nikki ‘Bella’ Garcia has filed for divorce from husband Artem Chigvintsev after the latter’s domestic violence arrest late last month.

This doesn’t come as a huge shock as the WWE Hall of Famer had been spotted without her wedding ring after the incident and she had reportedly been in the hunt for a divorce lawyer since then.

According to TMZ, the retired wrestling star has hired lawyer Evan Craig Itzkowitz and she officially filed her petition after 2 years of marriage on Wednesday this week.

Artem was briefly arrested in Napa, California back on Thursday, August 29 on a felony charge. This came after deputies responded to a domestic violence call and observed visible injuries on the alleged victim. Though he posted bail for $25,000 the same day.

The couple have one child together, 4-year-old Matteo. Nikki has continued living in their family home in Napa Valley through this time while Artem has been staying over at a friend’s place.

Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev’s Relationship

Nikki Garcia and Artem first became friends when they were paired on the 2017 season of the Dancing With Stars reality show. Garcia was still dating John Cena at the time.

After the WWE couple broke up, Nikki reconnected with Chigvintsev. The two announced their engagement in late 2019 and the celebrity duo welcomed their son in August 2020.

They officially got married in Paris back in August 2022 and the unfortunate incident took place very close to their second marriage anniversary.

Natalya Reveals Why She Stepped Away from WWE Before Homecoming

Bishal Roy
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Natalya recently revealed that she had been busy with different projects which led to her absence from WWE for several months. “The Queen of Harts” returned on the latest edition of WWE Raw. This marked the season premiere of WWE’s flagship show, where she was revealed as the mystery partner of Lyra Valkyria and Zelina Vega.

Neidhart had a triumphant return as her team defeated the Pure Fusion Collective trio of Zoey Stark, Shayna Baszler, & Sonya Deville. Making an appearance on Growing Up Von Erichs, she reflected on her return to her hometown, Calagary, Alberta, Canada. She then revealed that she had been working on a couple of projects which kept her away from the programming:

“Yesterday, Monday Night Raw, I made my return back to the ring. I took the summer off, I was working on a couple of projects. We were back in Calgary, and that’s where my family started. It was so cool to make my re-debut in WWE back in Calgary. My whole family was there, Bret (Hart) was on Raw. I was able to win my match for my team. It was cool. It’s always nice to be back home.”

She also revealed that she underwent eye surgery and how WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H granted her the time off.

“I took a little time off this summer and the company was so great about it. They were like, ‘Take as much time as you need.’ It’s really changing so much in the best way and the culture is so different now. Our boss, Triple H, he is such a cool boss. I just recently got eye surgery to correct astigmatism in my eye and I needed a little bit more time off to get that done. He’s like, ‘Go get your eyes fixed.’ He’s like, ‘Don’t even worry about it.’ He’s like, ‘Take care of yourself’ and it was like, it’s just so cool to have a boss that’s human.”

‘Mental reset’

During the conversation Natalya revealed that she took time off for her mental health as well. This marked Natalya’s first match since the June 4th edition of NXT where she faced Izzi Dame. Nattie explained that she wanted a little break to refocus as mental health is as important as physical health. She said:

Even for me, just taking this break from WWE… I had my last match in June, so it was like, not even three months but, I took a little break because I was like, ‘I need a little mental reset.’ Or I just need some time to regroup, recalibrate, refocus… Again, it’s for my mental health because it’s one thing to be healthy and fit, like on a treadmill or you look great or you got abs but, if you’re not right up here, if your head isn’t right, you can’t do any of the fun stuff… And I always try to take the experiences that I’ve gone through and try to be there for the other girls in the locker room that may need guidance or help because life, whether you’re wrestling in WWE or you’re a mom or you’re a teacher or whatever it is that you’re doing, it’s hard. It’s day-to-day. Everything for me is just day-to-day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrt5jip3mpw

The former WWE Women’s Champion’s return on Raw was quite emotional and a ‘full circle moment’ for her. This week’s Raw emanated from the Scotiabank Saddledome in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and it also featured an appearance by her uncle and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart.

It’s worth noting that the venue was where Natalya first stepped inside a WWE ring when she joined the celebration of The Hart Foundation’s victory at 1997’s In Your House: Canadian Stampede.

Natalya not going anywhere

During her absence, there has been speculation that the third-generation wrestler might be jumping ship to AEW when her contract expires. However, she is not leaving WWE anytime soon. It has been reported that Natalya re-signed with WWE. She received a new deal from WWE in late June and it is reportedly a multi-year deal.

Natalya has been with WWE for more than a decade and she holds a key place on the high-talented Women’s division. The veteran is in the later stages of her pro wrestling career and also exploring different avenues.

Ricochet Teases Match Against Will Ospreay At AEW Dynamite Grand Slam

Bishal Roy
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AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam from Arthur Ashe Stadium is just weeks away and Ricochet has taken a shot at former rival Will Ospreay. The duo has continued to tease fans for a match and it seems they could be sharing the ring at the aforementioned show on September 25th.

As we move closer to the show, AEW International Champion Will Ospreay has expressed his excitement on social media. He said that he wanted to perform on the show since he witnessed the classic between Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam 2021.

Ricochet, who is set to return to Japan, noticed the post and replied with a brief message. He told Ospreay that he would see him there and called him “little bro.”

Ospreay recently confronted Ricochet on the latter’s first night on AEW Dynamite. However, before ‘The Aerial Assassin’ could go face to face, Pac attacked him. At AEW All Out, Ospreay went face to face Ricochet in a backstage segment. The Brit told Ricochet to start racking some wins and the latter responded by saying that he would see him soon.

Richochet-Will Ospreay history

Ospreay and Ricochet are two of the most incredibly talented wrestlers. They have a fair share of history together as they had some classic matches across NJPW, RevPro, WCPW, and EVOLVE before Ricochet signed with WWE in 2018.

The two high-flyers showcased some memorable matches which put them on the map in 2016. Their last match took place in August 2017 when they competed in WhatCulture Pro Wrestling. After going separate ways, the duo is back together in the same promotion which opens the door for yet another encounter.

A few months back the possibility of Ricochet and Will Ospreay going head-to-head looked slim. However, fast forward to today, ‘the human highlight reel’ is signed with AEW and a match with Will Ospreay is on the horizon. This comes after Ospreay candidly expressed his interest in facing Ricochet again in AEW.

Trick Williams To Challenge Ethan Page for NXT Title on CW Premiere

Bishal Roy
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Trick Williams has got a step closer to reclaiming the NXT Championship after earning a shot at the coveted title against Ethan Page.

Last week, NXT Champion Ethan Page, fresh off his victory over Joe Hendry, said that he wanted to defend his title on NXT’s debut episode on CW. After Pete Dunne’s assault on Williams set up a match between the two which resulted in a double count-out. NXT GM Ava announced a Last Man Standing rematch for last night’s show.

Williams defeated Dunne in a Last Man Standing match on the September 10th episode of NXT. The final moments of the match saw both men going through tables after a Russian Leg Sweep off the platform in the audience. Williams managed to make it to his feet and hit a backbody drop on NXT Champion Ethan Page through the announce table. Williams managed to beat the 10-count and won the match.

Trick Williams’ pursuit of NXT title

Trick Williams had all the momentum by his side when he put an end to Ilja Dragunov’s 206-day reign at NXT Spring Breakin’. He became the 30th man to capture the coveted title. During his title reign, he even successfully retained the title against Ethan Page. However, it was also ‘All Ego’ who dethroned Williams at NXT Heatwave.

In his reign, Page has successfully defended his title against the likes of Dante Chen, Oro Mensah, and TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry. On the other hand, Williams has been in pursuit of the NXT title for several months. He has now earned an opportunity to reclaim his title and become a two-time NXT Champion when NXT moves to CW on October 1. The first two weeks of the show on CW are lining up to be massive as CM Punk and Randy Orton are also scheduled to make appearances.

    CM Punk Impressed By Giulia, Will Make Announcement On 9/17 WWE NXT

    Thomas Lowson
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    On the September 10, edition of WWE NXT, Giulia made her WWE in-ring debut with a victory over Chelsea Green. The Japanese sensation has caught the attention of fans, as well as CM Punk, who has something in store for the newest addition to the NXT roster.

    Giulia’s victory over Green came one week after the two came face-to-face which itself came mere days after Giulia made her official NXT debut at No Mercy.

    On Instagram, WWE shared footage of Giulia’s in-ring victory over Green that caught the attention of CM Punk. In the comments, Punk was impressed by the Marigold alum and had an idea for Giulia to run by NXT General Manager Ava.

    “impressive debut. @avawwe_ I have an idea, going to call and run it by you”

    Whatever Punk has in mind, fans may not have to wait long to hear it as the Best in the World will have a special announcement to share on next week’s episode of WWE NXT.

    CM Punk will also be part of the debut episode of WWE NXT on The CW which will take place from Punk’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois. During her WWE NXT debut last week, Giulia made clear she wants to face Roxanne Perez when the gold brand moves to its new home on October 1. Punk has made his presence felt at WWE NXT since his return to WWE last November and has shown interest in a role at the WWE Performance Center.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on CM Punk ahead of the Best in the World’s announcement next week on WWE NXT.

    WWE Pulls CM Punk Bracelet From Shop, Creator & Drew McIntyre Comment

    Thomas Lowson
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    During the September 2, WWE Raw, Drew McIntyre made his feud with CM Punk even more personal by seemingly destroying the bracelet gifted to Punk by a fan. This week, WWE began selling replicas of the fan-made item, but now this unique piece of merchandise is no longer on the market.

    The replica bracelet is virtually identical to the one created by Victoria, a CM Punk fan who gifted him the bracelet over WrestleMania 40 week. In a lengthy statement shared on Twitter, Victoria made clear that while she has no issue with WWE for selling the $9.99 replica, some recognition would have been appreciated.

    Many Twitter/X users weighed in sharing their problem with WWE selling replica bracelets, believing that Victoria should be receiving a cut of the profits or at the very least some recognition. The bracelet has already been considered one of the worst pieces of WWE merchandise due to both the ethical implications, as well as the concept of paying $10 to buy yourself a friendship bracelet with another man’s family featured.

    Now, the bracelet has been pulled from WWEShop.com without any explanation being given by the website. Though this bracelet is gone, WWE is also selling bracelet three-packs for talent including Bianca Belair and The Rock.

    Drew McIntyre Comments

    It wasn’t just fans who shared their two cents about the bracelet as Drew McIntyre once again flexed his heel muscles on social media. Responding to an earlier post by Victoria, the Scottish Warrior suggested that Victoria has a bit too much in common with her hero.

    McIntyre’s war with CM Punk will see the two enter Hell in a Cell at WWE Bad Blood on October 5. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE Bad Blood including breaking news and live results from Atlanta, Georgia.

    TNA’s Hammerstone Makes WWE NXT Debut In Clash With Oba Femi

    Thomas Lowson
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    In recent weeks, Tony D’Angelo’s family has hit a proverbial brick wall in the form of Oba Femi, who has overcome all the Don has done, including besting D’Angelo at No Mercy. On this week’s WWE NXT, D’Angelo turned to some outside help, resulting in an epic crossover from a star of TNA Wrestling.

    In the run-up to this week’s show, it was confirmed that the reigning NXT North American Champion, was set to face a mystery opponent, sparking speculation about who would step up to challenge him. To the surprise of fans, TNA’s Hammerstone answered the call. Despite a strong showing, he too fell short against the dominant Nigerian Superstar.

    With Hammerstone unable to secure the win, the spotlight remains on Oba Femi and his reign as NXT North American Champion. The question now is who will step up next to challenge the seemingly unstoppable champion.

    Hammerstone wasn’t the only TNA name on last night’s show, as TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace was back in WWE NXT. The Juggernaut saw better fortunes than her TNA counterpart as she retained her title in an open challenge against Sol Ruca.

    Mandy Rose Talks Wrestling Comeback and “Unfinished Business”

    Michael Reichlin
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    Former WWE star Mandy Rose opened up about her potential return to the ring on her Power Alphas with Mandy and Sabby podcast. Rose gives her fans reason to be optimistic, stating that she does get the itch and knows there’s unfinished business waiting for her in wrestling.

    She spoke about her appearance at the recent BLP Wrestlers Combine event, where she had an injury scare with her knee. Thankfully, an MRI ruled out anything serious:

    “I was asked to do a little run-in. I was iffy about it since I haven’t made an in-ring appearance yet. It was literally two seconds, and I was feeling under the weather. As I went to give my knee to Shazza, my other leg gave out. Thankfully, you wouldn’t be able to tell, but the back of my knee has been bothering me.

    I had an MRI and nothing alarming came up. It’s just weird movements; it happened at the gym one day too. It’s not anything scary, but it did make me wonder if my time in the ring is done.”

    Despite the scare, Rose confessed that the experience stirred something in her:

    “I miss wrestling, the camaraderie, the fans, and the adrenaline rush.”

    As for her potential return to the ring, Rose remains unsure. She explained that while she still feels the “itch” to compete, other aspects of her life need to be considered:

    “I do have the itch a little bit, but I have a lot going on. For me, it has to make sense—emotionally, physically, not just financially. I love my current life—spending time with family, planning my wedding. Do I want to jump back into the physical toll and constant traveling? I know there’s unfinished business for me, but I’m just not sure if now is the time.”

    Mandy Rose established herself as one of the most popular performers of her era, and she has a lot of fans eagerly awaiting her return to the bright lights of pro wrestling.

    How Dave Bautista Helped Drew McIntyre Land ‘The Killer’s Game’ Role

    Thomas Lowson
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    Later this week, The Killer’s Game will be released in cinemas, featuring an all-star cast including Terry Crews, Pom Klementieff, Ben Kingsley, and Dave Bautista. Drew McIntyre is also attached to the film, but this may not have happened if not for the Animal.

    Speaking to Chris Van Vliet of Insight, Bautista recalled speaking with director J.J. Perry about casting. When Perry needed a tough-as-nails Scotsman for a role, Bautista had the perfect name in mind.

    “I was having a conversation with JJ, and he said ‘I need a great big guy who’s almost intimidating to you. A guy who would dwarf you. And I also need him to be able to pull of a Scottish accent.’ He asks ‘Do you know anybody?’ ‘Man, I’ve got the perfect guy!'”

    The Killer’s Game tells the story of Joe Flood (Bautista) a hitman who puts out a hit on himself after being diagnosed with a terminal disease. After learning that this diagnosis was inaccurate, Flood must fend off several contract killers including Rory Mackenzie (McIntyre.)

    The Reviews Are In

    While The Killer’s Game won’t be released to the public until September 13, some have been lucky enough to already catch the film and McIntyre’s performance.

    https://twitter.com/FlickMythRob/status/1833368948458348982

    The Killer’s Game marks the feature film debut for Drew McIntyre, but it may not be the last time fans see the former WWE Champion on the big screen. In July, McIntyre signed with the Paradigm Talent Agency, a group that represents other WWE names including Damian Priest, Tiffany Stratton, and most recently, Liv Morgan. McIntyre has spent years proving his screen presence in WWE and fans of the Scottish Warrior will be eager to see more of him in blockbuster movies.

    Worst WWE Merchandise Ever: Does The CM Punk Bracelet Make The List?

    Jake Skudder
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    WWE has produced countless pieces of merchandise over the years, ranging from iconic t-shirts to questionable promotional items. While some have become timeless classics, others have left fans scratching their heads in disbelief. Let’s dive into some of the worst WWE merchandise ever created and determine if the ‘CM Punk bracelet’ deserves a spot on this infamous list.

    T-Shirts That Missed The Mark

    The $9.99 WWE Network Shirt

    image 4

    One of the most egregious examples of poor merchandise decisions is the $9.99 WWE Network shirt. This shirt was nothing more than a walking advertisement for WWE’s streaming service, lacking any creativity or appeal. It’s baffling that WWE thought fans would pay to wear a shirt promoting a service they were already paying for. Pitiful.

    Carlito’s “Spit or Swallow” Shirt

    image 6

    Another contender for worst merchandise is Carlito’s “Spit or Swallow” t-shirt. This shirt, released during the tail end of the Ruthless Aggression Era, attempted to capitalize on Carlito’s apple-spitting gimmick with a crude sexual innuendo. The design was not only in poor taste but also failed to capture the essence of Carlito’s character. Woeful.

    John Morrison’s “Jo Mo Sapien” Shirt

    image 7

    John Morrison, known for his cool and stylish persona, was unfortunately saddled with the “Jo Mo Sapien” t-shirt. This bizarre design featured Morrison’s face plastered on a Bigfoot body, surrounded by monkeys. The shirt failed to align with Morrison’s character and left fans confused rather than excited. Pure, unadulterated crap.

    Accessories and Promotional Items

    The CM Punk Ice Cream Bar T-Shirt

    image 8

    While not as notorious as some other entries on this list, the CM Punk Ice Cream Bar t-shirt deserves mention. This shirt, which featured a cartoon ice cream bar with Punk’s logo, was an attempt to capitalize on Punk’s famous pipe bomb promo where he mentioned bringing back WWE ice cream bars.

    However, the execution fell flat, and the shirt ended up looking more like a cheap promotional item than a must-have piece of merchandise.

    The Miz’s “I’m Awesome” Rubber Bracelet

    The Miz’s “I’m Awesome” rubber bracelet is another example of WWE missing the mark with accessories. While rubber bracelets were popular at the time, this particular item failed to capture the essence of The Miz’s character and came across as a lazy attempt to cash in on a trend.

    What is the CM Punk Bracelet?

    image 9

    The CM Punk friendship bracelet has sparked considerable discussion among wrestling fans since WWE began selling it. Originally created as a gift for CM Punk by a fan named Victoria, the bracelet features the names “AJ” and “Larry,” referring to Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, and their dog. This seemingly innocent piece of merchandise has raised eyebrows and ignited debates about ownership, originality, and the ethics of WWE’s merchandising practices.

    Fan Reactions

    The fanbase’s response has been largely critical. Some fans have humorously pointed out the awkwardness of wearing a bracelet associated with Punk’s personal life. One user quipped about the potential for misunderstandings with significant others, while others questioned the appeal of such a product. The general consensus seems to be that the bracelet is an odd choice for merchandise, with many feeling it lacks the charm or significance typically associated with wrestling collectibles.

    Ethical Concerns

    The ethical implications of WWE selling the bracelet have also been a hot topic. Critics argue that the company should have sought permission from Victoria before commercializing her creation. Many believe that she deserves recognition or compensation for her design, especially since it has become part of a larger storyline in WWE programming. The lack of acknowledgment for her contribution has led to accusations of exploitation, with fans calling for WWE to treat creators with more respect.

    So does the CM Punk bracelet deserve to be on the list of the worst WWE merchandise ever? Yes, but more for the fact that you shouldn’t be buying YOURSELF a friendship bracelet.

    Calgary Flames Thankful For Sami Zayn & WWE’s Johnny Gaurdeau Tribute

    Dominic DeAngelo
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    Sports often unite communities, and WWE Superstar Sami Zayn made sure to honor the late Calgary Flames player Johnny Gaudreau on this week’s WWE Raw. Gaudreau, a standout NHL star, tragically passed away last week alongside his brother, Matthew, in a bicycle accident in South New Jersey. A funeral for the brothers was held on Monday, and WWE took time to pay tribute to the Gaudreaus during their event.

    Following Raw, the Calgary Flames thanked WWE and Sami Zayn on social media for putting on such a heartfelt tribute.

    WWE Pays Tribute to Johnny Gaurdeau

    Sami Zayn, born in Montreal, entered the arena wearing a Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames jersey, joining Canadian wrestling legend Bret Hart in a special segment. Together, the two confronted WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, adding an emotional layer to the night.

    Later in the broadcast, commentators Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett directed viewers to WWE broadcaster Jackie Redmond. Redmond, visibly emotional, shared footage of fan tributes outside the arena, where Calgary Flames supporters had gathered to honor Johnny Gaudreau.

    She also extended WWE’s condolences to the Gaudreau family, as the live audience observed a moment of silence to pay their respects to one of Calgary’s most cherished athletes.

    We at SEScoops would like to extend our deepest condolences to Johnny and Matthew Gaurdeau’s family and friends during this difficult time.

    Best WWE Hell in a Cell Matches Ever: Undertaker, Mankind and more

    Jake Skudder
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    Hell in a Cell has been one of WWE’s most iconic and brutal match types since its inception in 1997. Over the years, it has produced some of the most memorable and intense battles in professional wrestling history. Let’s take a look at the greatest Hell in a Cell matches of all time.

    Read More – WWE Hell in a Cell: Match Rules, History, Best Matches and more

    The Original Classic

    The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (Badd Blood 1997)

    The very first Hell in a Cell match set an incredibly high bar that few have managed to surpass. The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels delivered a masterclass in storytelling, brutality, and drama. Their clash perfectly encapsulated what the Hell in a Cell match was designed for – settling intense personal feuds in a confined space with no escape.

    The match featured Michaels desperately trying to evade The Undertaker’s wrath, even climbing to the top of the cell in an attempt to escape. It also saw the shocking debut of Kane, who cost his “brother” The Undertaker the victory. This bout laid the groundwork for all future Hell in a Cell matches and remains one of the greatest of all time.

    The Most Infamous

    The Undertaker vs. Mankind (King of the Ring 1998)

    While not necessarily the best technical wrestling match, The Undertaker vs. Mankind at King of the Ring 1998 is undoubtedly the most famous and talked-about Hell in a Cell bout ever. 

    This match is remembered for its shocking and dangerous stunts, including Mankind being thrown off the top of the cell and later chokeslammed through the cell roof.

    The images of Mick Foley’s body crashing through tables and onto the hard arena floor are etched into wrestling history. Despite the brutality, Foley’s resilience and willingness to continue the match have made this an unforgettable spectacle that is still discussed over two decades later.

    The Attitude Era Classic

    Triple H vs. Cactus Jack (No Way Out 2000)

    The rivalry between Triple H and Mick Foley (as Cactus Jack) reached its climax in this brutal Hell in a Cell match. With Foley’s career on the line, both men pushed themselves to the limit in a violent and emotionally charged contest.

    The match featured innovative uses of the cell structure, weapons, and even fire. The image of Cactus Jack falling through the cell roof onto the ring below remains one of the most memorable moments in Hell in a Cell history.

    This match perfectly balanced violence with storytelling, making it a standout of the Attitude Era.

    The Modern Classic

    The Undertaker vs. Triple H (WrestleMania XXVIII)

    Billed as the “End of an Era,” this match saw two legends collide inside Hell in a Cell with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee. The bout combined the brutality expected from a Hell in a Cell match with the epic storytelling befitting a WrestleMania main event.

    The involvement of Michaels added an extra layer of drama, as his relationships with both competitors played into the match’s narrative. This contest proved that Hell in a Cell matches could still be impactful and meaningful in the modern PG era of WWE.

    The Underrated Gem

    The Usos vs. The New Day (Hell in a Cell 2017)

    While often overlooked in discussions of great Hell in a Cell matches, this tag team encounter between The Usos and The New Day deserves recognition. The two teams had been engaged in a long-running feud, and their Hell in a Cell match served as a fitting climax to their rivalry.

    This match showcased innovative uses of the cell structure and weapons, while also featuring the high-flying action both teams were known for. It proved that Hell in a Cell matches could work just as well for tag teams as for singles competitors.

    The Women’s Revolution

    Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks (Hell in a Cell 2019)

    As women’s wrestling gained more prominence in WWE, it was only a matter of time before female superstars got their chance inside Hell in a Cell. Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks made the most of this opportunity, delivering a hard-hitting and emotionally charged contest.

    This match helped cement the legitimacy of women’s wrestling in WWE’s most brutal match type. Lynch and Banks proved that they could deliver the same level of intensity and violence as their male counterparts, paving the way for future women’s Hell in a Cell matches.

    WWE Hell in a Cell: Match Rules, History, Best Matches and more

    Jake Skudder
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    Hell in a Cell is one of WWE’s most iconic and brutal match types, known for its unforgiving steel structure and the carnage that often unfolds within its confines. Here, we will explore the rules, history, and memorable moments of this legendary match type.

    Match Rules and Structure

    Hell in a Cell is a no-disqualification match that takes place inside a massive steel cage structure. The key rules and features include:

    • The cell is a 20-foot high, five-ton structure made of open-weave steel mesh chain-link fencing that surrounds the ring and extends beyond the ring apron.
    • There are no disqualifications, and weapons are permitted.
    • The match can only be won by pinfall or submission inside the ring.
    • Up to 6 competitors can participate in a Hell in a Cell match.
    • The cell door is locked with chains and a padlock once competitors enter.

    Unlike a standard steel cage match, escaping the cell is not a victory condition. The enclosed nature of the structure and “anything goes” stipulation often lead to brutal, hard-hitting matches.

    History and Origins

    The First Hell in a Cell

    The inaugural Hell in a Cell match took place at the Badd Blood: In Your House pay-per-view on October 5, 1997. It featured The Undertaker facing Shawn Michaels in a match that would set the tone for the brutality and spectacle associated with the stipulation.

    Evolution of the Structure

    The original cell structure was 16 feet high and weighed over two tons. Over time, WWE has upgraded the cell to make it more robust and imposing:

    • The current version stands 20 feet tall
    • It now weighs approximately five tons
    • The increased size allows for more action on top of the structure

    Iconic Hell in a Cell Moments

    Mankind vs. The Undertaker (King of the Ring 1998)

    Perhaps the most famous Hell in a Cell match occurred at King of the Ring 1998 between Mankind (Mick Foley) and The Undertaker. This match is etched in wrestling history due to two shocking moments:

    • Mankind being thrown off the top of the cell onto the announcer’s table
    • Mankind later being chokeslammed through the roof of the cell onto the ring canvas

    These dangerous spots cemented the match’s reputation for extreme violence and career-altering moments.

    Other Memorable Matches

    • The Undertaker vs. Triple H (WrestleMania XXVIII, 2012)
    • Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker (No Mercy, 2002)
    • Batista vs. Triple H (Vengeance, 2005)

    Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View Event

    In 2009, WWE introduced an annual Hell in a Cell-themed pay-per-view event. This event typically features multiple Hell in a Cell matches on the card, with the main event always contested inside the structure.

    However, following Triple H’s appointment as WWE Chief Content Officer in 2022, the annual Hell in a Cell event was discontinued along with other gimmick-based pay-per-views.

    Notable Statistics and Records

    • The Undertaker has competed in the most Hell in a Cell matches with 14 appearances.
    • There have been a total of 52 Hell in a Cell matches in WWE history as of 2024.
    • While most Hell in a Cell matches occur at pay-per-view events, there have been rare instances of the match taking place on weekly TV shows like Raw and SmackDown.

    Variations and Special Stipulations

    While the basic Hell in a Cell rules remain consistent, WWE has occasionally introduced variations to keep the concept fresh:

    Falls Count Anywhere

    In 2017, Shane McMahon and Kevin Owens competed in the first Hell in a Cell match billed under “Falls Count Anywhere” rules, despite this traditionally being part of the match’s standard stipulations.

    “I Quit” Match

    At Hell in a Cell 2020, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso participated in the first-ever Hell in a Cell “I Quit” match, combining two intense stipulations.

    Impact on Careers and Storytelling

    Hell in a Cell matches often serve as the culmination of intense feuds or personal rivalries. The brutal nature of the contest provides a fitting backdrop for settling scores and creating career-defining moments for WWE Superstars.

    The cell’s imposing presence and the match’s reputation for violence add gravitas to any storyline, elevating the stakes for competitors and captivating audiences with the potential for unforgettable action.

    “I’m So Ready” – Jey Uso Sets Targets First WWE Singles Title

    Bishal Roy
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    Jey Uso is all hyped up after winning the No.1 Contender’s fatal-four way match for the Intercontinental Championship on last night’s season premiere of Raw.

    ‘Main Event’ Jey Uso defeated Pete Dunne, Ilja Dragunov, and Braun Strowman to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship Number One Contender’s Tournament. With the win, he has secured a shot at Bron Breakker’s WWE Intercontinental Championship. After WWE Raw went off the air, Jey Uso reflected on his victory and said that he feels ready to finally win a singles title. He stated that he is gearing up to win the Intercontinental title for the fans, his family, and himself.

    Uso joked that the match had a lot of “Brons” (Braun Strowman, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker) – but there was only one Jey Uso.

    “I’m so ready. I’m so ready, Uce. I’m ready to do it for the WWE Universe, for myself, for my family, really prove myself, Uce. Almost been a whole year since I was on Raw, since I left The Bloodline and started my journey, Uce. We gonna get there. Braun Strowman, me and you gonna dance, Uce. I don’t know if you can dance, Bron Strowman, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, whole lotta Brons going on, but look, there’s only one Main Event Jey Uso, and you’re looking at him. The new Intercontinental Champion, Main Event Jey Uso. Can I get a YEET?”

    Jey Uso’s singles run

    Jey has been thriving since venturing out as a singles performer in 2020. His initial run was brief as he competed when his twin Jimmy Uso was sidelined with a knee injury. His proper singles run started last year when he broke loose from The Bloodline.

    Jey has managed to showcase some incredible high-profile matches. He competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match and the Royal Rumble. At this year’s WrestleMania 40, he went up against his twin brother Jimmy Uso.

    Despite competing in title matches, a singles title has eluded him. However, he could put an end to the title drought next month.

    Jey Uso will challenge Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship at WWE Bad Blood PLE on October 5.

    Sami Zayn Vows to Honor Bret Hart’s Legacy With World Title Pursuit

    Bishal Roy
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    Former WWE Intercontinental Sami Zayn wants to honor the legacy set by WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart by winning the world title.

    Bret Hart returned on Raw but he was interrupted by the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. ‘The Ring General hurled insults at ‘The Hitman’ before Canada’s own Sami Zayn walked out wearing a Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames jersey. He paid tribute to Gaudreau, who tragically passed away along with his brother Matthew.

    Zayn spoke on Raw Talk about the emotional night in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He spoke about Johnny Gaudreau’s passing as well as sharing the ring with Bret Hart. He said:

    “You actually caught me at a really strange time because I’m feeling really emotional, to be honest. I’m wearing this jersey, not because I’m a Flames fan, everyone knows I’m a Canadiens guy, but to honor Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away. I don’t know, it just makes you think about the time you have here and what you do with it, and to be able to share the ring with [Bret Hart], he was my hero growing up. To share the ring with him in Calgary, the significance, it’s not lost on me. So I’m in a really strange kind of head space.”

    Zayn said that listening to Hart speak about being a champion and Canadian champion in particular has “lit a fire under me.” The 40-year-old wrestler wants to honor Hart’s legacy as he aims to become the World Champion. He said:

    “But listening to him talk also kind of lit a fire under me. To hear him talk about what it meant to be a champion, and a Canadian champion. Listening to him, I realized, man, we haven’t had that in a long time, and I want it to be me. I want it to be me. I want to honor his legacy. I want to honor the template that he laid out for guys like me. So Gunther’s got something that, as far as I’m concerned, it’s on borrowed time because I’m coming. I’m coming for the World Heavyweight Championship.”

    Zayn challenged Gunther for the World Championship, but the latter turned him down. Hart called Gunther “a gutless yellow coward” for backing down. A brawl broke out between Zayn and ‘The Ring General’ before the officials intervened.

    While it is not official yet, it seems that Sami Zayn and Gunther will collide at next month’s Bad Blood PLE for the title. At WrestleMania 40, Zayn ended Gunther’s Intercontinental title run and now he has an opportunity to dethrone him again.

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