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Watch: Kurt Angle Rallies Fans At NFL Game

Robert Lentini
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WWE legend Kurt Angle appeared today at the Pittsburgh Steelers game and got the crowd excited before kickoff.

Kurt recently appeared on WWE RAW when the red brand was in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He sat ringside for a tag team match between the Street Profits and Alpha Academy.

Following the victory for The Street Profits, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins tried to share a drink with the Hall of Famer. Angle spit it out and they chugged milk instead. Kurt Angle wrestled his final match in WWE at in 2019. The Olympic Gold Medalist was defeated by Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35.

Kurt Angle Rallies Fans At Steelers Game

Kurt Angle took to Twitter to post a video of his appearance today before the Pittsburgh Steelers game. The 53-year-old waved the “terrible towels” with his son and rallied the crowd. Angle and his son were at the game to promote cancer awareness.

My son Joseph and I led the incredible Pittsburgh Steelers Fans with the terrible towel twirl today, to promote cancer awareness. Go Steelers!! We’re gonna beat the@Buccaneers today!!!! #cancerawareness @steelers

Kurt Angle noted that the Steelers were going to win today in his post and they did just that. The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off the shocking upset of Tom Brady and The Buccaneers today. Steelers new QB Kenny Pickett was knocked out of the game with a concussion but Pittsburgh still was able to escape with a 20-18 victory.

Former AEW Star Working Behind the Scenes for WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Bobby Fish may not have reunited the Undisputed Era as he planned, but the former AEW star is back with WWE.

After being released from WWE NXT in 2021, Fish joined AEW in October, but left the company in August this year.

At the time, it was reported that Fish tried to get Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly to leave with him, but they declined.

Back in WWE

Fish hasn’t returned to WWE TV, but he has been operating behind the scenes.

Fightful Select reports that Fish recently attended the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, where he worked as a guest coach.

It is unclear if WWE plans on using him further in a coaching role.

In addition to working as a coach, Fish has also been spotted backstage at multiple WWE NXT Live events.

WWE has not publicly confirmed Fish’s status with the promotion at this time.

Going to War

Both WWE’s Creative team and Talent Relations department are now being overseen by Triple H, who was appointed to both roles in July.

Fish knows about working with the Game, having done so during his NXT tenure, and wouldn’t oppose being led by the former WWE World Champion.

Speaking in an interview with the “Rewind Recap Relive” podcast, Fish praised Triple H.

“I just can’t see anything in the wrestling business that he has a hand in that’s not going to be successful. And I’m obviously biased and partial to the man, but I would go to war for him seven days a week.”

Since being appointed Head of Talent, Triple H has brought several prominent stars back, including Johnny Gargano, Karrion Kross, Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt.

Bobby Fish to Make Boxing Debut Next Month in Dubai

Roman Reigns’ WWE Schedule Will Remain Very Light

Thomas Lowson
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Fans of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns should enjoy his TV appearances while they can, as he won’t appear much more in 2022.

Earlier this year, Reigns signed a new contract with WWE that has seen him appear far less.

Despite being the promotion’s top champion, Reigns does not consistently appear on TV or at WWE’s Premium Live Events.

Reigns’ Bookings

According to PW Insider, Reigns has just two Premium Live Event bookings left in 2022, the first of which being Crown Jewel, where he will face Logan Paul.

The other Premium Live Event will be WWE Survivor Series 2022 where many believe Reigns and the Bloodline will compete in a WarGames match.

On WWE TV, Reigns will be on the October 28, SmackDown in St. Louis, which will be a double-taping.

The November 4, SmackDown will also be taped, as the WWE roster will be busy in Saudi Arabia on that date ahead of Crown Jewel on November 5.

Reigns’ one and only remaining Raw appearance is booked for October 31 in Dallas, Texas.

The Tribal Chief’s final appearances booked for this year will be on the November 11 SmackDown in Indianapolis and the November 18, show in Hartford.

WWE’s Big Problem

Despite his appearances being more sporadic, WWE remains all-in on Reigns as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

This has created a dilemma though, as according to reports, there is a desire for two World Championship matches at WrestleMania 39.

WWE reportedly does not want Reigns to take a loss between now and WrestleMania, which has left those working backstage in the dilemma.

The most popular theories online are that Reigns will face either Cody Rhodes or The Rock at WrestleMania 39.

Reason For WWE Booking Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul (Report)

Latest on Good Brothers’ Status with WWE & NJPW

Thomas Lowson
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The Good Brothers are back with WWE, but that won’t prevent both men from competing outside of the company.

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) returned during this week’s WWE Raw, coming to the aid of AJ Styles.

Styles has been feuding with the Judgment Day fr months, as the group continues to try and recruit the two-time former WWE World Champion.

Good Brothers

Despite being WWE Superstars, Gallows and Anderson are still expected to compete for New Japan.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Anderson, the reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, will compete at Battle Autumn on November 5.

Fightful Select reports that the duo have been working for New Japan without contracts, and have plans to use the two in the coming months.

It was also reported that New Japan officials were aware that Gallows and Anderson were returning to WWE despite dates committed through to the end of this year.

Officials at NJPW are hopeful that WWE will allow Gallows and Anderson to work Wrestle Kingdom in January 2023, but that has not been confirmed at this time.

Return to WWE

Gallows and Anderson are back with WWE, two years after they were released by the promotion.

Fightful’s report adds that Gallows and Anderson were sent feelers from WWE during their recent run in Impact Wrestling.

It was said that neither man kept WWE’s interest in them a secret behind the scenes in Impact.

Both men’s contracts were originally set to end in July, but extended for a month, meaning their Impact deals ended in late August.

Gallows and Anderson’s first match back will come on tomorrow’s Raw when they will face Alpha Academy.

Karl Anderson Still Working NJPW Show After WWE Return (Report)

WWE’s Rey Mysterio Walks Through the Forbidden Door at AAA TripleMania XXX

Thomas Lowson
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Rey Mysterio may be a fully-fledged WWE Superstar, but the masked veteran has made an appearance at AAA TripleMania XXX.

The three-night event took place over this year, with the first night being April 30, and the second event taking place on June 18.

Across all three events and including dark matches, a total 25 bouts took place for this year’s TripleMania event.

Mysterio Appears

Night three of AAA TripleMania kicked off not with an AAA talent, but by WWE SmackDown’s very own Rey Mysterio.

In a video vignette, Mysterio welcomed fans to the show, and celebrated AAA’s milestone 30th TripleMania.

Calling TripleMania a “magnum event,” the three-time WWE World Champion congratulated everyone working on the show.

Mysterio reflected on his own time with AAA and is immensely proud to have worked the very first TripleMania event in 1993.

Rey Mysterio in AAA

Joining AAA in 1992, Mysterio spent much of his time in the promotion feuding with fellow cruiserweight Juventud Guerrera.

In March 2015, days after being released from WWE, Rey returned to AAA for the first time in nearly twenty years at the Rey de Reyes (King of Kings) event.

The match Rey competed in is infamous for the death of wrestler El Hijo del Perro Aguayo, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the match.

At that year’s TripleMania XXIII event, Mysterio defeated Myzteziz (WWE’s Sin Cara) in what was billed as a dream match.

In June 2018, Rey made another return to AAA, competing in a three-way match for the AAA Mega Championship against Jeff Jarrett and Rey Wegner, which Jarrett would win.

Rey Mysterio Explains Why He Tried To Quit WWE & How Triple H Convinced Him To Join The SmackDown Roster

“You Are Looking At Him” – LA Knight Claims To Be The Only Megastar In WWE

Robert Lentini
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LA Knight has left Maximum Male Models behind and is focused on becoming the top guy in WWE.

He defeated Mansoor in a singles match last night on SmackDown. It was LA Knight’s debut match on the main roster, as he had been serving as a manager for the Maximum Male Models group. His storyline sister, Maxxine Dupri, is the new manager of the group featuring Mansoor and Mace.

After his victory, LA Knight immediately turned heel and insulted the crowd after the match. He claimed that SmackDown is his game now and warned the locker room to close the promo.

LA Knight Claims To Be The Only “Megastar” In WWE

Following his successful in-ring debut on the main roster, LA Knight was interviewed on The SmackDown LowDown. Megan Morant tried to ask LA about his former protege Mansoor but Knight cut her off. LA said that Maximum Male Models were getting flushed down the toilet at the moment and claimed to be the only megastar walking around in WWE.

We want to talk about Maximum Male Models? Mace and Mansoor, right? Wrong.

Because where are they? They are getting flushed down the toilet right about now. Why is that?

It is because Mace and Mansoor, both of them, dropped on their head for their troubles. And what does that mean?

Now moving forward, now I’m going only where I can go and that is to the top. Why is that?

Because there is one, and only one, megastar walking around WWE and you are looking at him.

Why is that? Because whose game is it? It’s LA Knight’s game. YEAH.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The SmackDown LowDown and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“I Think He’s Extremely Talented” – Former WWE Superstar Praises LA Knight

“Hit Row Is Wack” – Legado del Fantasma Brag About Successful Debut On WWE SmackDown

Robert Lentini
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Legado del Fantasma made their in-ring debut last night on WWE SmackDown against Hit Row. They debuted on the October 7th edition of SmackDown and attacked Hit Row during their entrance.

Santos Escobar, Zelina Vega, and B-Fab were ringside as Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde battled Top Dolla and Ashante Adonis.

Legado isolated Top Dolla in the ring and connected with the Sacrificio for the pinfall victory. Zelina also attacked B-Fab during the match.

Legado del Fantasma Boasts About Their Victory Over Hit Row

Following their successful debut, Legado del Fantasma was interviewed on The SmackDown LowDown. Joaquin Wilde said that first impressions are everything and they made a statement on SmackDown.

First impressions are everything. Tonight was Legado’s in-ring debut and it is safe to say we made a statement.

Cruz Del Toro claimed that Legado del Fantasma is on a different level than Hit Row before Zelina Vega stepped to the microphone. Vega

Since people want to do diss verses on Twitter, let me respond in a way that they can understand. Everything we do, you know it’s ill. We don’t ever do it for luck, and by the way Hit Row is wack as….

Santos Escobar stopped Zelina short and said “you get the point” to end the interview.

AJ “Top Dolla” Francis released a diss track about Legado del Fantasma yesterday before WWE SmackDown went on the air. Top Dolla rapped during the song “Legado I see y’all still want beef, that’s cool I’m gonna find y’all a** at SmackDown”. You can check out the full track in the video below.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the SmackDown LowDown and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“I Couldn’t Be More Excited” – Raquel Rodriguez On Returning To NXT For A Match Next Week

Robert Lentini
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Raquel Rodriguez, Shotzi, and NXT star Roxanne Perez lost to Damage CTRL (Bayley, IYO SKY, and Dakota Kai in a 6-woman tag team match last night on WWE SmackDown.

Former tag teammates Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade are currently in a feud in NXT. On Tuesday’s show, both Roxanne and Cora will be in action against opponents selected by the rivals. Roxanne selected Raquel Rodriguez as Cora Jade’s opponent for Tuesday during last night’s edition of the blue brand.

Raquel Rodriguez On Returning To NXT For A Match Against Cora Jade

Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi were interviewed on The SmackDown Lowdown this week. Rodriguez said that she couldn’t be more excited to go back to NXT and teach Cora Jade a lesson.

I couldn’t be more excited to go back to NXT. I’ve been seeing what Cora has been doing around there lately and I’m really glad that Roxanne came to SmackDown and picked me to teach her a lesson.

Shotzi and Raquel were then asked about their shot at the Women’s Tag Team Championships next week when they battle IYO SKY and Dakota Kai of Damage CTRL. Shotzi stated

They (Damage CTRL) have been an absolute pain in our booties. We are sick of it.

Rodriguez claimed that they are going to take the titles from Damage CTRL next week on SmackDown.

If tonight was just a taste, just know that I am hungry now. I am so pumped for next week because those titles are coming back with us.

Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah won the tournament to crown the new Women’s Tag Team Championships but dropped the titles to Damage CTRL a couple of weeks later on the September 12th edition of RAW.

New Champions Crowned During Raw

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The SmackDown Lowdown with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“Looks Like You’ll Need A Real Man” – Dominik Mocks Rey Mysterio After He Joins WWE SmackDown Roster

Robert Lentini
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Rey Mysterio almost quit WWE last night on SmackDown but thankfully Triple H talked him out of it. The 47-year-old has been involved in a bitter rivalry with The Judgment Day on RAW. His son, Dominik Mysterio, betrayed him and joined the group recently.

At the beginning of last night’s edition of the blue brand, Drew McIntyre attacked Karrion Kross in the parking lot. Kross defeated McIntyre this past weekend at Extreme Rules due to interference by Scarlett.

Karrion was scheduled to be in a Fatal 4-Way to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Rey was announced as Karrion’s replacement in the match and struck a deal with Triple H to join the SmackDown roster.

Rey went on to defeat Ricochet, Sheamus, and Solo Sikoa in the match to earn a match against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship. Mysterio revealed that coming to SmackDown represents a new beginning for him in an interview following the show.

Dominik Mysterio Mocks His Father

The Judgment Day had their fun poking fun at Rey last night for leaving the RAW roster. Rhea Ripley sent out a tweet shortly after Rey’s conversation with The Game and mocked the former WWE Champion.

Dominik Mysterio will be doing a meet & greet for Cricket Wireless on October 17th. His father was originally supposed to be the WWE Superstar at the event. Dominik took to Twitter to boast about running Rey off of RAW and said that they will need a “real man” at the event. He quote tweeted his father promoting the meet & greet the week prior.

Now that I’ve run my dad off of RAW, looks like you’ll need a real man to show up. I’ll see you there.

Dominik Mysterio Turns on His Father at WWE Clash at the Castle

Rob Van Dam Says CM Punk Has “As Big Of An Ego” As Anyone In The Wrestling Business

Robert Lentini
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Former AEW World Champion went on a rant during the media scrum after All Out that the wrestling world is still talking about.

After his rant, CM Punk brawled with The Elite and everyone was subsequently stripped of their titles (AEW World Championship & Trios Championships) and have not been seen on AEW TV since the PPV on September 4th.

Jon Moxley once again captured the AEW World Championship by defeating Bryan Danielson in the finals of the Tournament of Champions at Dynamite: Grand Slam. Moxley is set to defend the title next week on a special Tuesday night edition of Dynamite.

Rob Van Dam On The Ego Of CM Punk

Rob Van Dam recently joined Kenny McIntosh for an Inside the Ropes live show and discussed the former AEW World Champion. RVD hilariously compared CM Punk to a stripper during the conversation.

Anyway, CM Punk probably has as big of an ego as anybody I can think of that I met in the business. I’m not saying that necessarily in a bad way.

Depends on how you take it, but I think that he believes that he really is the best, you know, the best in the world.

I learned years ago, that strippers can be fun to date, as long as they can leave the gimmick at work and not bring it home and be normal at home.

Rob added that the guys that make it to the top of the wrestling industry often times have the biggest egos but are also the ones he finds crazy.

If you’re able to come back in the dressing room and still be that guy in the ring, that say they really believe you’re the best in the world, and you’re ready to prove it or whatever, then you know, the business looks at someone like that as like ‘Dude, you’re believing your own hype.’

There’s nobody on their own that is moving the industry, it’s everybody together. So being around him just feeling his energy, I feel like he believes that.

Hey, these guys make it to the top the guys who believe in themselves the most the guys who do the promos that convince you they really think they’re the best. They are the ones who make it to the top.

They’re also the ones that I can’t stand because I think they’re f*cking crazy.

  • CM Punk is Probably Not Returning to AEW

H/T: Inside the Ropes

“I’m Into It!” – Rob Van Dam On CM Punk’s Rant After AEW All Out

ESPN Host Channels Inner Undertaker for College GameDay Pick

Samantha Schipman
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On Saturday afternoon, the Number 6 ranked Tennessee Vols will face the Number 3 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

On SEC Nation, The Undertaker’s famous entrance music hit and there was a closeup of an orange casket that read “Your Number Has Been Called” on the side. Six pall bearers (Paul Bearers, if you will) dressed in Vols garb carried the Vols casket to the stage while Undertaker’s gongs continued.

Two other SEC Nation hosts opened the casket and Paul Finebaum did his best ‘Taker impression and proclaimed, “Tennessee’s not dead! The Vols win!” while waving a pom pom and wearing a Vols jersey.

Undertaker entrance wasn’t Finebaum’s idea

The Undertaker
The Undertaker

Finebaum is a Vols alum. Tennessee hasn’t beat Alabama since 2006. However, it wasn’t his idea for the Undertaker entrance. Baron Miller, the show’s producer, came up with the idea.

Liv Morgan’s Dream to be Killed by Chucky Will Come True

He spoke with AL.com and said “It was a suffocating feeling being in there, but I wasn’t in it long enough for it be an issue. It was a relief to be able to get out of the casket. Most people aren’t that fortunate.”

WWE Raw Superstar is Impressing the Right People Backstage

Thomas Lowson
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Fans of Raw Superstar Angelo Dawkins can expect to see more of him as he is impressing the right people backstage.

Dawkins signed with WWE in 2016 and is one of a handful of people to hold the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Tag Team Championships as part of the Street Profits with Montez Ford.

Impressing Backstage

Despite being primarily a tag team wrestler, Dawkins has competed in several singles matches in recent weeks.

Fightful Select reports that Dawkins has been impressing behind the scenes with his recent string of singles matches.

One source within WWE said that Dawkins has improved all-round, including in his fitness, in-ring work, and the style that he works.

Another source said that it is no coincidence that Dawkins has been working more and more singles matches as of late.

Dawkins has competed in more singles matches since June 2022 as he did between Wrestlemania 37 to Wrestlemania 38.

Fightful was told to expect Dawkins to keep getting put into singles matches at a rate that exceeded what we saw before the Summer.

A wrestler for AEW told Fightful that Dawkins has always had the potential to be the bigger star of the Street Profits if given the chance.

An Illegitimate Injury?

Dawkins’ singles push has come at a time when Montez Ford has been ‘injured.’

On the October 3, 2022, Raw, Ford appeared in a protective boot, revealing that he is hurt.

Some have questioned the legitimacy of this injury, as there have been no reports of what kind of injury he suffered or when it happened.

WWE also reportedly had their props department source the protective boot instead of their medical team.

Update on Montez Ford’s Injury from Latest WWE Raw

Don’t Expect Naomi Back on WWE TV Just Yet

Thomas Lowson
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Naomi’s return to WWE TV may still be a long way away as talks between herself and the promotion have reportedly stalled.

In May, Naomi and Sasha Banks walked out of a Raw taping over a creative dispute.

In response, WWE stripped the pair of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, suspended both women, and branded them “unprofessional.”

Stalled

While fans of Naomi will want her back soon, that is unlikely to happen.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is said that certain  “deal points” in a new contract haven’t been finalized.

Naomi’s most recent contract with WWE was close to expiring at the time of the walk-out, and it is believed that the promotion may have frozen her deal.

If so, it means the former SmackDown Women’s Champion will not be able to negotiate with any other promotions until the deal expires.

While talks between WWE and Naomi have slowed down, the two sides are reported to still be in communication.

Sasha Banks

While Naomi walked out of WWE during the May 16, 2022 Raw, she didn’t go alone, as Sasha Banks left with her.

For a time, it was believed that both women were finished with WWE, though that isn’t believed to be the case anymore.

At Extreme Rules 2022, Banks’ name was uttered on commentary during the Raw Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Bayley.

This marked the first time Banks had been mentioned since the walk-out and a sign to some that her return is getting closer.

“Absolutely NOT!” – Naomi Shuts Down Comparisons To WWE NXT Star Lash Legend

Ronda Rousey Wants To Take ‘Women’ Out Of Female Championships

Thomas Lowson
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Ronda Rousey is the reigning, defending SmackDown Women’s Champion, but would rather be called simply the SmackDown Champion moving forward.

At Extreme Rules, Rousey captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Liv Morgan, making the woman who dethroned her at Money in the Bank pass out.

Rousey is a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and held the Raw Women’s Championship from August 2018 to April 2019.

What’s in a Name?

Rousey is arguably the biggest name in WWE’s women’s division but believes that the women’s term is redundant.

Speaking during her most recent vlog, Rousey made her feelings clear about calling titles for females the ‘Women’s’ championship (via WrestlingNews.)

“I don’t want to say ‘women’ in title anymore. And I think they are kind of resistant to taking it out. So then I was like, ‘Can I just not have to say it?’ So then that’s kind of where it’s at.”

While WWE refers to titles from that division as the women’s Championship, no male champions have their sex referenced in their titles.

Changing the Term

Rousey hopes for a day when WWE no longer uses the term ‘Women’ for their championships, but this has happened before.

In January 2020, WWE drop the ‘Women’ term from the NXT Women’s Championship, which at the time was held by Rhea Ripley.

Instead, Ripley was referred to as the NXT Champion, the same term used for NXT Champion Adam Cole.

Not long after though, the idea was scrapped, and by WrestleMania 36, Ripley defended the NXT Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair.

WWE Legend On Ronda Rousey’s Wrestling Career: “I Don’t See Her Trying To Improve”

Shawn Spears Explains Five-Month Hiatus from AEW Television

Thomas Lowson
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A death in the family resulted in Shawn Spears taking several months away from AEW programming, the former WWE Superstar has confirmed.

Spears returned to AEW TV at this week’s Rampage, which took place in his native Canada.

In the main event, Spears teamed with FTR to defeat The Embassy, consisting of Bishop Kaun, Brian Cage, and Toa Liona.

AEW TNT Champion Wardlow and ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe appeared afterward to clear the ring after the show went off the air.

Spears’ News

After Rampage Spears spoke to the crowd in an emotional address to discuss his five-month absence.

Spears explained to the crowd in Toronto that his mother passed away earlier this year which resulted in his haitus from AEW.

He added that before his mother passed, she was the first person to learn that Spears and his wife Cassie Lee are expecting their first child.

Prior to his return this week, Spears had not been seen since losing a steel cage match to Wardlow on the May 25, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite.

AEW uploaded footage of Spears’ passion-filled speech which you can watch below.

Shawn Spears in AEW

Shawn Spears debuted for AEW at their inaugural Double or Nothing Pay Per View in May 2019.

In June, Spears confirmed himself as a heel, attacking Cody Rhodes with a steel chair, earning the moniker of the ‘Chair Man of AEW.’

During Rampage, Spears returned with the ‘Perfect 10’ gimmick he had previously used in WWE as Tye Dillinger.

6 Takeaways From AEW Rampage (10/14): FTR & Shawn Spears, Jon Moxley, Former WWE Stars Debut

Roxanne Perez Could be Back on WWE SmackDown Very Soon

Thomas Lowson
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Roxanne Perez appeared on this week’s WWE SmackDown on FOX, in her first appearance on the blue brand.

During the show, Perez hand-picked Raquel Rodriguez to face Cora Jade on next week’s WWE NXT.

Next Tuesday’s show (which will go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite) will see Perez and Jade face opponents the other has chosen.

Backstage Reaction

In addition to choosing Rodriguez as Jade’s opponent, Pere also competed in a six-woman tag, teaming with Rodriguez and Shotzi in a losing effort to Damage CTRL.

PW Insider reports that WWE was “really happy” with Perez’s work on SmackDown, and believes she fit right in with the roster.

There have already been discussions about Perez being used on SmackDown again.

These talks come days after reports that WWE is planning on more crossover between Raw, SmackDown, and Perez’s home brand WWE NXT.

Jade Vs. Perez

In July, Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships, though their reign was short-lived.

Mere weeks later, Jade would turn on Perez, accusing her tag partner of costing her a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship.

After Jade threw her championship title in the trash, Perez was forced to vacate her title, which was later won by Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.

The former friends will face off at the upcoming NXT Halloween Havoc 2022 event in a ‘Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Weapons Wild Match.’

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 2022 will take place at the Performance Center on October 22.

Roxanne Perez Reacts to “Fever Dream” WWE TV Debut

Jim Cornette On What Sets MJF Apart From Other Wrestlers Today: “He’s The Only One Working Anymore”

Robert Lentini
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Maxwell Jacob Friedman has become one of the biggest stars in All Elite Wrestling and is in line for a shot at the AEW World Championship.

MJF cut a backstage promo on this week’s Dynamite and revealed that he doesn’t like himself either, but he has to be the bad guy. Stokely Hathaway interrupted and MJF threatened to fire The Firm as his stable on retainer.

The 26-year-old vowed to capture the AEW World Championship. Jon Moxley is set to defend the title against former champion Hangman Adam Page on a special Tuesday night edition of Dynamite on the 18th.

Jim Cornette Explains What Sets MJF Apart

Legendary manager and promoter Jim Cornette discussed MJF on episode 265 of Jim Cornette’s Drive Thru. A fan compared MJF to Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1997 and Cornette disagreed. Jim pointed out that Austin may have been a heel at the time, he wasn’t a smart a** that insulted people all the time.

That was completely different than MJF, who is pretty thoroughly in every aspect a heel, unlikeable, untrustworthy, will use other people to fight his battles, will jump somebody from behind, take advantage of someone, will back off from a face-to-face confrontation.

He will verbally annihilate somebody when the opportunity is there but then show fear and or trepidation if they’re in front of him.

The reason why everybody is cheering MJF now has nothing to do with the reasons they started cheering Steve Austin then.

Cornette said that fans are smarter to the business nowadays and can appreciate MJF’s performance. Jim added that there is currently a lack of entertaining wrestlers and MJF fills that void for many fans.

He’s the only one working anymore. He makes you want to see s*** and then takes it away from you until the last minute. He doesn’t just bump for the sake of bumping for everybody.

Because he knows that first he has to piss the people off so they will want to see him have his comeuppance.

So he’s got a mind, he’s got a mouth, and he’s got a physique that he knows how to use in the ring.

He’s ahead of 90% of the other people in the business and he’s more entertaining than almost all of them.

Cornette noted that Death Matches used to be popular in the territory days because they were unusual but now they are commonplace. Jim claimed that MJF is one of the only wrestlers today that knows how to cut a promo and work in the ring.

It’s all the same except for guys like MJF. The reason why all that other s*** used to get over in the territory days (Death Match) is that it was different and unusual.

Everybody else was wrestlers that knew how to talk and work. Now he’s one of the only ones of those left. MJF’s out there running a business, so they like him.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“That’s What Makes Me Special” – MJF Explains What Sets Him Apart From Other Wrestlers

“I Think He’s Extremely Talented” – Former WWE Superstar Praises LA Knight

Robert Lentini
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0

LA Knight was a popular character in WWE NXT but debuted on the main roster under a different name.

Max Dupri was the manager of Maxiumum Male Models. He recruited Mansoor and Mace to the group and they would often pose on the entrance ramp as if it were a runway. Following Vince McMahon’s resignation and Triple H assuming creative responsibility for the company, Max started to hint that Maximum Male Models wasn’t for him. He attacked Mansoor last week and it led to a singles match on this past Friday’s SmackDown.

LA Knight wrestled his first match on the main roster this week against Mansoor and picked up the pinfall victory after connecting with the BFT. After the match, LA Knight immediately insulted the crowd to turn heel. He warned the locker room that SmackDown was his game now.

Paul London On LA Knight & WWE Name Changes

Speaking on the Cafe de Rene podcast, former WWE Superstar Paul London discussed LA Knight and WWE’s name changes. Before his time in WWE, LA Knight wrestled in Impact as Eli Drake and captured the Impact Championship.

I think he’s extremely talented. He’s a great personality, great on the microphone. He doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.

He doesn’t try to do anything crazy that is beyond his persona or beyond his limits.

I’m not saying he’s limited by any means. I mean, he’s a physical specimen. He looks great, and he works, I really enjoy his work.

I haven’t seen anything, since he’s been in WWE, I haven’t seen anything of that. I know that they’ve flipped his name around a couple of times.

Paul London then discussed WWE changing the names of wrestlers and noted how most of the names are not very believable.

I mean, these names. It is something you would have thought that they would have improved on over the years.

I’m under the belief that the writers would watch the CW Network or read the teen magazines or something and just mishmash these names together or something.

Because these names are not good. They’re not very believable. I guess they eventually saturate into the mind and stick for whatever reason.

I think they realize that. They’re like ‘well Max Dupri, let’s just go back to LA Knight, let’s go back to him sounding like a shoe brand’.

Please credit Cafe de Rene and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.

Rey Mysterio Explains Why He Tried To Quit WWE & How Triple H Convinced Him To Join The SmackDown Roster

Robert Lentini
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0

Rey Mysterio approached Triple H tonight during WWE SmackDown and tried to quit the company. Thankfully, The Game had other plans and it wound up being a huge night for the 47-year-old.

Mysterio has been involved in a long rivalry with The Judgment Day faction on RAW. His son, Dominik Mysterio, has betrayed him and joined the group. During the conversation with Triple H, Rey stated that he will never fight his son and said that he wanted to quit the company. The Game talked Rey out of it and the two entered his office.

Rey later replaced Karrion Kross in the Fatal 4-Way to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Michael Cole announced during the match that Rey and Triple H had struck a deal and Mysterio was now a part of the blue brand.

Kross was coming off a victory over Drew McIntyre at WWE Extreme Rules this past Saturday night. Scarlett interfered in the match and Drew got his revenge tonight. Drew crashed into Karrion’s car and attacked him to begin SmackDown. Kross was ruled out of the match due to the attack.

Solo Sikoa and Sheamus battled out of the ring and The Bloodline interfered while the referee was distracted. The Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland) made the save and the two teams battled ringside as Rey and Ricochet were in the ring. Mysterio connected with the 619 and a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. Mysterio is now next in line for a match against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

Rey Mysterio Has A “New Beginning” On WWE SmackDown

After WWE SmackDown went off the air, Rey spoke with Kayla Braxton in a Digital Exclusive. Kayla asked if Rey’s conversation with Triple H had to do with his big night and Rey admitted that it did. Mysterio explained that he refuses to fight his son and it is nice to be on SmackDown and not have to look over his shoulder for The Judgment Day.

That had a lot to do with it. I came here with my mind set on literally just stepping away from the game.

And like you said, it hurts me to see my son (Dominik Mysterio) go through what he is going through right now. And I just will never fight him.

I just won’t. But this opened up my eyes in a different way. You know? This is like a new beginning for Rey Mysterio.

And the fact that I was given an opportunity, and I took advantage of it, man it makes me feel like I’m on another level right now. Now I have a shot for the Intercontinental Championship.

There’s a lot of history with Rey Mysterio and SmackDown, you know? From day one, 2002, when I kicked off my career with WWE.

But to be back now, and to be back alone. To not feel haunted, to not feel there’s a shadow pushing me and wanting to fight me constantly.

That feels good. You don’t know the amount of weight I just took off my back.

Please give a H/T to SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.

6 Takeaways From AEW Rampage (10/14): FTR & Shawn Spears, Jon Moxley, Former WWE Stars Debut

Robert Lentini
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0

AEW Rampage aired tonight on TNT from Toronto, Canada. FTR and Shawn Spears battled The Embassy in a Trios match in tonight’s main event. Blackpool Combat Club were in action against The Butcher & The Blade tonight as well.

Rampage Results

  • Blackpool Combat Club def. The Butcher & The Blade
  • Nyla Rose def. Anna Jay
  • Ethan Page def. Isiah Kassidy
  • FTR & Shawn Spears def. The Embassy

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Blackpool Combat Club Picked Up A Win

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli of The Blackpool Combat Club battled The Butcher & The Blade tonight on Rampage. Butcher and Blade controlled the action early but eventually Blackpool Combat Club battled back. Moxley hit Blade with a Cutter and followed it up with a Piledriver. Claudio hit the Nuetralizer on Butcher for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Jon grabbed a microphone and cut a promo on Hangman Page. Moxley said if Hangman doesn’t step up on Tuesday before handing the microphone to Claudio. Castagnoli added that Hangman will get stepped on if he doesn’t step up. Jon will defend the AEW World Championship on a special Tuesday night edition of Dynamite on the 18th.

Keith Lee Warned Swerve Strickland

Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee were interviewed backstage by Renee Paquette. Keith told Swerve that he represents him and wondered why he needed to cheat to beat Billy Gunn. Lee added that Strickland is “swerving into the wrong lane”.

Chris Jericho Will Defend The ROH Title Against Dalton Castle Next Week

JAS made their way to the ring to celebrate Chris Jericho defeating Bryan Danielson for the ROH Championship. Menard said his nipples get hard because JAS is going to be together forever. Anna Jay then introduced Daniel Garcia as the crowd loudly chanted his name.

Daniel stated that Jericho has always said that sports entertainers are superior and it took him some time to realize it. The crowd once again chanted “you’re a wrestler!” and Garcia claimed that he will never be a pro wrestler. Garcia claimed that Jericho taught him how to win while Danielson taught him about having heart. Daniel said that sports entertainers beat pro wrestlers every single time. Garcia announced that he was a sports entertainer before Jericho grabbed the microphone.

Chris said he was the greatest “Ring of Jericho champion” ever and vowed to beat every single ROH Champion that has ever existed. The ROH 6-Man Tag Team Champions Dalton Castle and The Boys interrupted. The crowd loudly chanted for Dalton as he claimed that it made him sick seeing the title around “silly little goose” Chris Jericho’s waist. Castle noted that he broke his back for that title and he’s willing to break Chris’ back as well. Dalton said he’s got “peacock power” and challenged Jericho to a title match next week. Jericho accepted and vowed to pull out Castle’s feathers one by one.

Nyla Rose Avoided Jade Cargill & Picked Up A Win

Nyla Rose battled Anna Jay tonight on Rampage. Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, and Marina Shafir were ringside for the match. Shafir had Jade Cargill’s TBS Championship that Nyla stole. Rose dominated the match early with a couple of Body Slams and then a Leg Drop for a near fall. Jay tried to battled back but Rose planted her with the Beast Bomb for the pinfall victory. Jade Cargill rushed to the ring and beat AEW security down as Nyla ran away with the title.

Ethan Page Dominated

Ethan Page battled Isiah Kassidy of Private Party tonight on Rampage. Ethan absolutely dominated the match and hit the Ego’s Edge for the pinfall victory. The Firm now controls the contracts Private Party and Matt Hardy.

FTR & Shawn Spears def. The Embassy, Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis & Matt Taven Debuted

FTR & Shawn Spears battled The Embassy in a 6-man tag team match tonight on AEW Rampage. Kaun and Spears started off the action and Shawn took control. Spears did the “10” pose several times before Rampage went to a break. During the commercial, The Embassy battled back and isolated Spears in the corner of the ring.

When Rampage returned, Spears tried to crawl to the corner but Kaun stopped him. Shawn booted Kaun away and tagged in Dax Harwood. Dax hit a Spinebuster as a loud “FTR!” chant broke out in the crowd. Brian Cage entered the ring and leveled Harwood with a Clothesline for a near fall.

Cage tagged in and hit an Elbow Drop but Spears broke it up at two and the match continued. Toa Liona got sent out of the ring as Brian beat Dax down. Kaun tagged back in and went for a Suplex but Wheeler caught his tag team partner. FTR tripped up Cage and Kaun and applied a couple of Sharpshooters in the middle of the ring.

Spears then dragged Prince Nana into the ring and locked in a Sharpshooter on his as well before Toa Liona broke it up. Toa planted Dax with a Uranage. Liona went for a shoulder tackle outside the ring but FTR got out of the way and Toa crashed into the steel steps. Spears then planted Cage with a DDT outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Kaun rolled Harwood and grabbed the ropes for leverage. Cash broke it up and FTR hit the Big Rig on Kaun. Spears followed it up with C4 for the pinfall victory.

After the match, former WWE Superstars Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis arrived at the end of the show. Maria stated ROH was build on their backs and they never get the credit they deserve.

Kanellis introduced Matt Taven and Mike Bennett as The Kingdom. The Embassy attacked from behind as Bennett and Taven made their way to the ring. ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe and TNT Champion Wardlow made their way to the ring as the heels retreated to close the show.

10 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (10/14): Bray Wyatt, Fatal 4-Way, LA Knight

Robert Lentini
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0

WWE SmackDown aired live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. It was the first episode of SmackDown following WWE Extreme Rules this past weekend. In addition to the takeaways below, another vignette for the Viking Raiders aired featuring Sarah Logan.

SmackDown Results

  • Sami Zayn def. Kofi Kingston
  • Braun Strowman def. two enhancement talents in a Handicap match
  • LA Knight def. Mansoor
  • Damage CTRL def. Shotzi, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez
  • Legado Del Fantasma def. Hit Row
  • Rey Mysterio def. Ricochet, Solo Sikoa, and Sheamus in a Fatal 4-Way to earn a shot at the IC Title

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Drew McIntyre Attacked Karrion Kross

SmackDown opened up with a parking lot brawl. Karrion was in the car and Drew McIntyre attacked him. Karrion was supposed to be in the Fatal 4-Way match later tonight to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Champion. Kross won the Strap match at Extreme Rules after interference from Scarlett.

Jey Uso Helped Sami Zayn Pick Up A Win

Sami Zayn battled Kofi Kingston in the first match of the night. Roman Reigns called Sami before the match and shared some jokes with him. Jey got on the phone but couldn’t get a word in. Jey acknowledged Roman as his Tribal Chief before giving Sami back the phone. Sami and Roman laughed some more as Jey got pissed.

Zayn jumped off the top rope but Kingston caught him with a Dropkick early in the match. The crowd chanted “New Day rocks!” as Kofi connected with another Dropkick. Kingston went for a Hurricanrana but it was botched. Sami may have been trying to counter into a Blue Thunder Bomb but wound up just rolling up the former WWE Champion for a two count.

When SmackDown returned from a break, Kingston connected with SOS for a near fall. Kingston climbed to the top rope but the Honorary Uce rolled out of the way. Kingston flipped onto Sami outside the ring as Jey and Xavier Woods argued outside the ring. Jey hit Woods with a Superkick and Sami capitalized on the distraction with a Blue Thunder Bomb. Zayn went for the cover but Kingston kicked out at two.

Kingston battled back with another Dropkick and geared up for Trouble in Paradise but Jey hopped up on the apron. Kofi knocked him down and got rolled up for a near fall. Kingston got Sami rolled up but Jey booted Kofi and Sami capitalized with a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Rey Mysterio Tried To Quit WWE

Rey Mysterio approached Triple H backstage and said he’s reached his breaking point on RAW in regards to Dominik on RAW. Mysterio told Triple H that he cannot do this anymore and tried to quit. Triple H suggested that there has to be another way and brought Rey into his office.

Braun Strowman Dominated, Omos Appeared

Braun Strowman battled two enhancement talents tonight on SmackDown. The Monster of All Monsters dominated the action as Omos and MVP were shown walking toward the barricade. Strowman Powerbombed one of the jobbers on top of each other for the pinfall victory. After the match, Strowman stared at Omos and dared him to come into the ring. MVP’s microphone kept cutting out but he warned Strowman that “some monsters are meant to stay in the shadows”.

LA Knight Debuted With A Win

Mansoor battled LA Knight tonight on WWE SmackDown. Maxxine Dupri and Mace of Maximum Male Models were ringside for the match. Wade Barrett pointed out Knight’s physique and questioned why the kept him in a suit for so long.

LA got distracted by Maxxine and Mansoor capitalized with a slam. Knight battled back with a Neckbreaker and a shoulder tackle. Knight hit a Clothesline and then Dropkicked Mace off the ring apron. LA connected with the BFT for the pinfall victory.

After the match, LA Knight called the crowd “incels” and put the entire WWE locker room on notice that SmackDown is his game now.

Damage CTRL Won A 6-Woman Tag Team Match

Shotzi, Raquel Rodriguez, and NXT star Roxanne Perez battled Damage CTRL (IYO SKY, Dakota Kai, and Bayley) in a 6-woman tag team match. Perez impressed early and hit Bayley with a Suicide Dive. Back in the ring, Roxanne hit a Russian Leg Sweep for a two count.

Dakota Kai and Shotzi tagged in and battled in the ring. Shotzi booted Kai in the face and knocked IYO out of the ring. Kai booted Shotzi in the face and Bayley demanded Michael Cole start talking about her. IYO tagged in and whipped Shotzi to the corner.

Damage CTRL controlled the action for the next couple of minutes and isolated Shotzi in the corner. Shotzi bounced Dakota’s face into the ring apron and then tagged in Raquel. Rodriguez unloaded some Clotheslines before planting Bayley with a Fallaway Slam.

Rodriguez hit Kai and Bayley with a Splash in the corner. IYO and Dakota dragged Raquel out of the ring. Raquel lifted Kai up for a Powerbomb and held her up for way too long as IYO prepared for the spot.

IYO hit a springboard Moonsault but Shotzi jumped onto her from the top rope. Back in the ring, Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly on Roxanne for a near fall. Roxanne hit a Hurricanrana and went for the cover but The Role Model kicked out at two. Bayley then rolled up Perez for the pinfall victory.

Legado Del Fantasma def. Hit Row

Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro of Legado Del Fantasma battled Top Dolla & Ashante Adonis of Hit Row. Santos Escobar, Zelina Vega, and B-Fab were ringside for the match. Santos tripped up Adonis ringside and then Vega hit B-Fab with a Clothesline. Back in the ring, Joaquin tagged in and hit Top Dolla with a Superkick. Del Toro tagged back in and hit Dolla with the Sacrificio for the pinfall victory.

Liv Morgan Attacked Sonya Deville

Kayla Braxton interviewed Sonya Deville backstage tonight on SmackDown. Sonya mocked Liv Morgan for losing to Ronda Rousey at Extreme Rules. Deville continued to mock Liv before Morgan showed up. Liv slammed Sonya on top of a storage crate before clearing off a table. Liv then climbed to the top of a forklift and hit a Senton through the table.

Rey Mysterio Won The Fatal 4-Way To Earn A Shot At The IC Title

Ricochet, Solo Sikoa, Karrion Kross, and Sheamus battled in a Fatal 4-Way tonight to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Rey Mysterio was revealed as the replacement for Karrion Kross after the attack earlier tonight. Mysterio attempted to quit earlier in the night but Triple H talked him out of it. Rey got in some offense early and hit a dive outside the ring as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, it was revealed that Rey Mysterio has made a deal with Triple H and is now part of the SmackDown brand. Ricochet hit Sikoa with a dive and then Rey delivered a Splash to Sheamus outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Ricochet and Rey Mysterio had a stare-down as the crowd cheered. Rey went for a Hurricanrana but Ricochet landed on his feet. Ricochet hit a Northern Lights Suplex and rolled through into a Vertical Suplex for a near fall. Sikoa got into the ring and started delivering Splashes in the corner. Sikoa leveled Sheamus with a boot to the face as the blue brand went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Sikoa hit Rey and Ricochet with a Powerbomb. Sikoa went for the cover but Sheamus broke it up at two. Sheamus unloaded a ridiculous amount of forearm strikes to Sikoa’s chest and followed it up with a Backbreaker. The Celtic Warrior applied the Cloverleaf submission in the middle of the ring but The Bloodline interfered. Sheamus knocked Jey and Sami outside the ring.

Sikoa booted Sheamus in the face and knocked him to the outside. Sami and Jey started attacking Sheamus but the Brawling Brutes broke it up. Back in the ring, Rey went for the 619 but Ricochet blocked it. Mysterio then hit an incredible Piledriver and followed it up with a Frog Splash. Rey Mysterio has earned a shot against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

Bray Wyatt Closed The Show

The mysterious door appeared on the entrance ramp again at the conclusion of this show. Bray Wyatt was emotional and said he lost his career and his self-confidence in the past year. Wyatt added that he lost two people very close to him this past year as well. Wyatt thanked the audience and said that they all saved his life. The lights in the arena went out and a masked Bray was on the tron. He told everyone to come with him, forget the future, and the past. We don’t know who we’re dealing with but we will in time. The moth logo flashed to end the show.

Brock Lesnar’s Next WWE Appearance Announced

Andrew Ravens
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0

A Brock Lesnar appearance and a United States Title match have been announced for Monday’s episode of WWE Raw. 

WWE announced during Friday’s SmackDown that Lesnar would be appearing on the show, which will be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Another announcement made was newly crowned United States Champion Seth Rollins will be defending the title against Matt Riddle.

Lesnar’s WWE TV Return

Brock Lesnar
(via WWE)

Lesnar made his return on this week’s episode of Raw, his first appearance since SummerSlam, where he attacked Bobby Lashley with two F5’s and a kimura. Lashley went forward with defending the United States Title against Rollins right after the attack. Lashley stated in a backstage interview that he wanted Lesnar and challenged him to return next Monday.

Riddle and Rollins have been feuding for the last few weeks as Rollins defeated Riddle at Clash at the Castle last month. However, Riddle got his revenge by defeating Rollins at Extreme Rules in a Fight Pit match, with Daniel Cormier serving as the special guest referee this past Saturday night.

Here is the lineup so far for Monday’s Raw:

  • United States Championship Match: Seth Rollins vs. Matt Riddle
  • The Miz vs. Dexter Lumis – if Lumis wins, he earns a WWE contract
  • Brock Lesnar will appear
  • Elias will return

Finn Balor Thinks Top AEW Star is a “Treasure of This Industry”

Andrew Ravens
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0

WWE star Finn Balor has given high praise to Chris Jericho. 

After signing with WWE in 2014, Balor has crossed paths with a who’s who of the industry’s best wrestlers, such as John Cena, Roman Reigns, and even several wrestlers who are AEW stars. Chris Jericho received high praise from the former WWE Universal Champion.

Finn Balor Praises Chris Jericho

Finn Balor

While speaking with Josh Martinez of the Superstar Crossover podcast, Balor discussed Jericho’s legacy in the pro wrestling business after a pre-recorded prompt from the current ROH World Heavyweight Champion. 

“Chris Jericho is not only an AEW legend, not only a WWE legend, or a Japanese wrestling legend. He’s a legend of this business. He’s an incredible performer. He’s been able to adapt and change his character to suit multiple generations, and I feel like he is a treasure of this industry.”

Balor and Jericho previously faced each other in WWE and share a similar pro wrestling journey with experience working in Japan. 

Jericho recently successfully retained the title against Bryan Danielson on the October 12 edition of AEW Dynamite. On the flip side, Balor is coming off a win over Edge in an I Quit Match at Extreme Rules on October 8.

Transcription via Fightful

Reason Why Liv Morgan Lost SmackDown Women’s Title at WWE Extreme Rules

Andrew Ravens
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0

The only title change to happen at last Saturday’s WWE Extreme Rules event from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, saw Liv Morgan drop the SmackDown Women’s Title. 

Up and down the card were grudge matches, and one other title match – Bianca Belair put the Raw Women’s Title on the line in a Ladder Match against Bayley. 

Morgan defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules Match, but Rousey walked away with the title, ending Morgan’s reign after 98 days. 

The Reason

WWE SmackDown Women's Champion Liv Morgan
(WWE)

Following the event, it was reported that Rousey was officially listed as a heel within WWE. Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the long-planned heel turn was the reason why Rousey won back the title at Extreme Rules. 

This heel turn could be linked to WWE’s plans for next year, as when Vince McMahon was still in charge, he wanted to have The Baddest Woman on the Planet face Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles.

With Triple H in charge, the match could still be on the cards. Lynch is now a babyface, meaning Rousey would likely have to be a heel for the match or they could do a babyface vs. babyface match.

UFC Owners: Purchasing WWE is “Interesting & Worth Exploring”

Andrew Ravens
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0

The UFC is connected to pro wrestling as it has elements of the drama that wrestling uses for its storylines. In wrestling, the storylines are scripted, while in MMA, the promotion uses storylines from real life to promote its fights. 

Since 2020 when WWE began releasing wrestlers, on-air talent, employees, and production staff, rumors of WWE potentially selling the company ramped up. 

Many fans have speculated that Vince McMahon made Nick Khan the President & Chief Revenue Officer of WWE after he helped negotiate its US television rights deal with NBCUniversal and FOX, to prepare the company for a sale. Key figures, including Khan, Vince McMahon, and Stephanie McMahon, have publicly stated that they’re open to hearing an offer regarding a sale. 

Endeavor President Speaks

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On Thursday, Endeavor President Mark Shapiro appeared on Matthew Belloni’s The Town podcast and expressed interest in buying WWE. He also spoke highly of Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel’s relationship with WWE, Khan, Vince, Stephanie, and others. 

“That would be something that would be interesting and worth exploring,” said Shaprio. “Would we buy it? Who knows? Last I checked, it wasn’t for sale. “We’re interested in anything in the owned sports properties segment.” 

Endeavor closed a deal to obtain a controlling interest in the UFC back in 2016 for just over $4 billion. WWE’s current market cap is estimated to be $5.63 billion.

With WWE’s US TV rights renewal coming up in approximately mid-2023, a potential buyer might think the time is right to buy the company as WWE has been able to get higher increases each deal for its rights. 

Currently, FOX has the broadcasting rights to Friday Night SmackDown, while NBCUniversal hosts Monday Night Raw. Both television deals will be up at the end of 2024.

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