One star from a major promotion wasn’t able to make his planned AEW appearance.
Last month, the AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door crossover PPV took place inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. In the weeks leading up to the event, NJPW stars appeared on Dynamite and Rampage to hype up Forbidden Door.
Will Ospreay and other members of NJPW’s United Empire faction also made appearances. One notable name left off the shows, however, was Francesco Akira.
Why Francesco Akira Didn’t Appear on AEW TV
(via NJPW)
Francesco Akira had an interview with Cultaholic and when the topic of missing out on Forbidden Door and the weeks prior was brought up, Akira revealed that visa issues were to blame.
“There was [A plan to appear], but unfortunately we’re working on my visa stuff now, because I’ve never been to the U.S, but I just joined New Japan.“
Francesco Akira on missing out on Forbidden Door month
“There’s a process you need to do before getting to America. I think Forbidden Door was one of the greatest shows of the last ten years to me. Every match delivered, especially the United Empire matches.
“We’re working on it, I would love to come to America, especially for STRONG and defend [these] championship[s] too with TJP in America.”
Another match for the 2022 SummerSlam premium live event has been announced.
New Tag Title Match Announced
WWE has announced that The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) will defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) at WWE SummerSlam.
The Usos defeated The Street Profits at WWE Money in the Bank. However, Montez’s shoulder was up during the pinfall, giving the Street Profits a valid reason for a rematch.
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos say there isn’t a team in WWE who can beat them. After a controversial finish to their recent title matchup against The Street Profits at WWE Money in the Bank, however, their status as “Undisputed” has now come into question. And that question will be settled, one way or the other, in a rematch at SummerSlam!
The Usos have been on an absolute tear since becoming champions, overcoming the best that SmackDown has to offer in their record-setting reign, including unifying the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships against RK-Bro and emerging victorious in a close battle with Shinsuke Nakamura & Riddle on the blue brand.
Although Jimmy & Jey also officially retained the tag team gold against explosive former titleholders Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins at the WWE Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, a replay showed that Ford’s shoulder was clearly off the canvas before the three-count.
At The Biggest Event of the Summer, The Street Profits will be up and looking to both knock The Usos down a peg and finally lay claim to the Undisputed Tag Team Title. Can Ford & Dawkins take back the the championship gold, or will another climb to “Mount Bloodline” knock the wind out of them once and for all?
Find out at SummerSlam, streaming LIVE on Saturday, July 30, at 8 ET/5 PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.
Possible Street Profits Breakup
It was recently reported on the Wrestling Observer Radio that the current plan for Montez Ford is for him to be pushed as a singles star. This could be where the official breakup of The Street Profits takes place.
Wardlow became the brand new AEW TNT Championship on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, but credits FTR’s Cash Wheeler for calming his nerves.
Wardlow TNT Title Win
On Wednesday, during AEW Dynamite, Wardlow won his first championship when he beat Scorpio Sky in a street fight to win the AEW TNT Championship.
Wardlow has been going straight to the top in AEW. He has been reaching and achieving new heights since he defeated MJF at AEW Revolution and gained his independence from his contract with MJF.
Wardlow Thanks FTR
Wardlow recently spoke on Busted Open Radio and reflected on how he was feeling before heading to the ring for his title match.
The new TNT Champion said, “Honestly, I’m normally extremely nervous and on edge and focused, just tunnel vision type focus. Before the match, I was actually much more calm than usual. I don’t know why. Cash (Wheeler) gave me a pretty nice pep talk right before. That might have helped calm my nerves. Cash and Dax (Harwood) are always helping me out, those guys are phenomenal.
I think Cash got in my head a little and reminded me to breathe and have fun and enjoy the moment and absorb it. ‘Tonight could be one of those nights that you want remember forever so make sure you absorb it so you can remember it.’ I tried to do that and I feel I did do that.
Wardlow Reflects On TNT Title Match
Oddly enough, it was the most comfortable I felt in the ring. The only time I felt similar was (against) CM Punk. It was kind of the same experience. That match and this match were the only two times I looked around at the crowd and looked at people and interacted with people and absorbed the moment and had fun in the match, other than getting kicked directly in the balls, other than that, a lot of fun.”
Wardlow added that he wished he could have celebrated with the fans for another hour after his title win.
H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription
Kota Ibushi is struggling with the rehabilitation of his shoulder injury and may be a long way from returning.
Ibushi & NJPW
Ibushi has been out of action since the G1 Climax Finals in the Fall of 2022. In his match against Kazuchika Okada, he suffered a shoulder injury. Kota was announced for the New Japan Cup, but was pulled from the tour.
Though it is unknown when Ibushi will make his in-ring return, he did take to social media (translations via @thfeelite) to address his current injury.
When speaking about his shoulder injury, Kota said, “Sadly, my shoulder [injury] is getting worse. I have done my rehab according to the instructions and guidance [of my doctors and trainers] too. I’m not risking anything this time.
Physically, it’s been 8 months and I still can’t do a single push-up, so. I’m making a calm decision. I’ll say it again and again, but I’m not giving up.”
Ibushi shared that his shoulder won’t move at all, and he “probably overdid it for many years.” Unfortunately, Kota also stated that he was doing better in December than he is now.
“If I wrestled now, [my shoulder] would dislocate in less than a minute. I’m sorry that it’s gotten worse and made daily life difficult, instead of having rested again for a little under a year. I will do everything I can to take care of my mother,” he added.
Kota Speaks On NJPW
Kota also made sure to once again express his issues with NJPW and the promotion’s handling of him. He says that the company announced that he would return on March 1 knowing it would be “impossible” for him to return so soon, labeling the move as a “scam.”
He also added that he never spoke to President Takami Ohbari. He also said that he thought it was “shady” of NJPW to upload photos of him while things are bad between them.
You can view the entire translated thread of Ibushi’s posts by clicking here.
Since the arrival of new company President Nick Khan WWE has been attempting to run their major shows, now known as premium live events, on Saturdays instead of the traditional Sunday slot, with last weekend’s Money In The Bank being a prime example. However, this may begin to cause WWE to go head-to-head with major competition.
According to Dave Meltzer in his latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE’s decision to run major shows on Saturdays puts them up against Dana White and the UFC, who run an event nearly every weekend. The report notes that this month’s SummerSlam (July 30th) will be going up against UFC 277, which will see a massive main event as Amanda Nunes attempts to reclaim her Bantamweight championship from Julianna Peña.
While talking about the subject Melzter also mentioned how AEW President Tony Khan has been moving major events from his company on Sundays to avoid competition with White and the UFC. His full statement was:
“Regarding UFC and WWE going head-to-head, this will happen more frequently because Nick Khan wants to move WWE big shows from Sunday to Saturday, ironically at the same time Tony Khan is moving AEW from Saturday to Sunday (except against the NFL). Since UFC runs almost every Saturday, that will mean more conflicts. On 7/30 for SummerSlam, there will be a UFC PPV head-to-head. I believe there will also be a conflict on 10/8 and also in November.”
We will see if WWE will continue to run on Saturdays in the future following the release of their quarterly report. WWE fans online have made it known that they much prefer the Saturday spot as it gives them one extra day to recoup afterwards.
WWE has just announced some new upcoming live event dates.
WWE has unveiled its live event schedule from September through November 2022. Tickets for these events go on sale on July 15. The announced dates include live events, Raw tapings, SmackDown tapings, and premium live events.
WWE’s Announces New Event Dates
From WWE:
WWE ANNOUNCES FALL 2022 LIVE EVENT SCHEDULE
Tickets On Sale Next Friday, July 15
STAMFORD, Conn., July 8, 2022 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced more than 35 live events as part of the company’s fall touring schedule for 2022.
Tickets go on sale next Friday, July 15.
Upcoming WWE Live Events
The schedule includes:
Monday, Sept. 5: Raw – T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.
Saturday, Sept. 10: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Saturday, Sept. 10: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash.
Sunday, Sept. 11: Sunday Stunner – Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore.
Sunday, Sept. 11: Sunday Stunner – Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, Wash.Friday, Sept. 16: SmackDown– Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Saturday, Sept. 17: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, Calif.
Vince McMahon is set to meet with John Cena just a few weeks after the former WWE Champion made an appearance on Monday Night Raw.
Over the next few months, Cena is set to begin filming the second season of HBO Max’s “Peacemaker” in Vancouver, BC. Fightful Select reports that McMahon is scheduled to travel from Fort Worth, TX, to Vancouver later tonight after WWE SmackDown.
The word is McMahon flying to the city likely has something to do with Cena, and the word going around backstage at SmackDown is that Cena is the reason for Vince’s planned travel.
During Cena’s return on Raw for his 20th Anniversary celebration, he did not set up his match with Theory at SummerSlam, which had been speculated about due to the stars publicly teasing a match. Instead, nothing was announced regarding his WWE future, as Cena stated he wasn’t sure when he would wrestle again.
WWE has since announced Theory vs. WWE United States Champion Bobby Lashley for SummerSlam. As of last week, Cena wasn’t confirmed for SummerSlam, but there had been rumblings the company wanted to lock him in for a WrestleMania 39 match in Hollywood next year.
Roman Reigns has accomplished a great deal in his WWE career. Not least of all, he has main evented WrestleMania six times to date, placing him behind only Triple H (a seven-time WrestleMania main eventer) and Hulk Hogan (an eight-time WrestleMania main eventer) for the most appearances in the last match of the show ever.
WrestleMania 39 could mark a unique opportunity for The Head of the Table to move into a tie for the number one spot, by main eventing both night one and night two of the biggest show of the year.
WWE Needs Reigns For Two WrestleMania Scenarios
Assuming he’s healthy to compete, it’s all but a given that Roman Reigns will work at least one WrestleMania main event in 2023. However, WWE finds itself an extraordinary circumstance in which there are two feuds that demand his presence. One is his widely rumored showdown with The Rock that has been the subject of speculation for years at this point.
WrestleMania 39 is the perfect stage for Rock vs. Reigns, for happening in Los Angeles with the backdrop of Dwayne Johnson’s movie stardom, and for some assurance that the pandemic won’t prevent a capacity crowd for both nights of ‘Mania in 2023. On top of that, the window may be narrowing on Rock being physically able to work a full-impact match at this level, besides which Reigns has attained a level of stardom to justify a showdown of this magnitude.
Cody Rhodes also figures into a WrestleMania main event scenario, though. The American Nightmare made a triumphant return at WrestleMania 38 and won a trilogy of matches opposite Seth Rollins. While his pectoral muscle injury threatened to derail his momentum, the gutsy performance he put on at Hell in a Cell only added to the mythos around the man.
Rhodes returning at and winning the Royal Rumble feel all but inevitable, as long his recovery progresses in time. While, in theory, WWE could split the world titles and have Rhodes challenge someone other than Reigns, he’s also about the only full-time WWE Superstar who feels realistic to “pull the sword from the stone” and reign as champion after The Tribal Chief.
Reigns Beating The Rock Is The Perfect Capstone to his Historic Title Reign
As much as The Rock is a legitimate A-List celebrity and ultra-credible in the world of wrestling, it doesn’t make much sense for him to win a world title at this point. He’s fifty years old and entrenched in Hollywood. Rather than Rock beating Roman Reigns, he’d be the perfect man to give his cousin his “lifetime achievement award”—a victory over a full-blown icon to cap his historic title reign.
The ideal scenario could see Reigns beat Rock in a hard-fought match at night one of WrestleMania 39. From there, Reigns would be on a whole new level to move on to his underdog challenger, Cody Rhodes, for night two.
Cody Rhodes Should Be the Man to Beat Roman Reigns
One of the challenges the John Cena vs. The Rock rivalry faced from 2011 to 2013 was The Great One’s limited schedule. The part-time status left Cena holding the bag to cut promos on his own and work a field of other opponents, with the knowledge he was always going to find himself feuding with Rock in the end.
While Roman Reigns has already transitioned to a reduced schedule, it’s reasonable to expect he’ll be around plenty in WrestleMania season, at least cutting promos. For The Rock, he’ll surely make some appearances, but can’t be expected to be present week in and week out.
Enter Cody Rhodes. After winning the Royal Rumble, The American Nightmare can be the man who’s present every week to push his own issue with Reigns. Moreover, while Rhodes doesn’t have Rock’s star power, he can lean into that with his family’s working class ethos—selling that he’s the one who always shows up to work and busts his butt.
Rhodes beating Reigns at night two of WrestleMania 39 could tell a terrific underdog story, besides even protecting The Head of the Table with him having the excuse that he was worn down from working a big match the night before.
WWE’s Future is Wide Open After WrestleMania 39
A part of Roman Reigns being pushed so definitively as the top star in WWE—including two years as Universal Champion and already having WrestleMania main event victories in back-to-back years—is the presumption the company was setting up the intergenerational, intrafamily dream match between him and The Rock. With that match out of the way, and with the historic reign having run its course, WWE will be free to think outside the box with its top title and with Reigns himself.
What will that mean for the company, its top title, and its top star? Part of the fun is that that future is unclear. While there is merit to long-term booking and the credibility of a long-reigning champion, the scenario of Reigns winning one main event and losing the other at WrestleMania 39 opens up all manner of possibilities for where things might head next, making the top of the card less predictable than its been since 2020.
It’s too soon to predict what will happen at WrestleMania 39 with much accuracy, and there is a case to be made that it’s better to spread the ‘Mania main event wealth than concentrating it all on Roman Reigns. That’s especially the case with Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey also rumored for the show. Nonetheless, working these two matches, in back-to-back nights of main events would fit the push WWE has bestowed upon Roman Reigns and offer an epic conclusion to his storied reign atop the company.
Pat McAfee will be absent from calling the action with Michael Cole on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
During the WWE After the Bell podcast this week, WWE Raw color commentator Corey Graves announced that he’ll call tonight’s SmackDown as McAfee is at Lake Tahoe for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.
This will be the post-Money in the Bank episode of the show. After the broadcast ended on Saturday night, Happy Corbin attacked McAfee and accepted his challenge for a match at SummerSlam in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, July 30.
McAfee wore a neck brace while attending UFC 276 in Las Vegas later that night, but said on his radio show that he was just wearing it as a precaution.
Earlier this week, WWE announced McAfee had signed a multi-year contract extension with WWE and noted the deal “will see McAfee entertaining the WWE Universe for years to come.”
WWE announced this afternoon that Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus will take place on SmackDown, with the winner earning the right to challenge either Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at the WWE Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event.
WWE NXT star Zoey Stark is reportedly expected to make her NXT return in the near future and plans are beginning to be put in place for it.
Stark’s Injury
The former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion has been out of action since Ocotber 2021 due to a knee injury. Stark has been out with a torn ACL and meniscus.
Zoey hasn’t wrestled since the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship three-way ladder match at Halloween Havoc where she and Io Shirai lost their titles.
New Plans For Return
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there have been pitches for Stark’s return to NXT. Meltzer also noted that Bayley is well on her way to returning as well.
Meltzer wrote:
“Bayley and Zoey Stark should both be returning from knee surgery relatively soon. Bayley has been back training for her return. Returning booking ideas have been talked with that regard Stark in NXT.”
Io Shirai’s Future
Stark’s tag partner Io Shirai could be on her way out of WWE, with previous reports indicating that her contract is up soon, and that Shirai hasn’t signed a new deal.
Io Shirai, Zoey Stark’s tag team partner, is currently out with an injury. However, there have recently been reports that indicate that her WWE contract is up soon and that she hasn’t signed a new deal.
With Io Shirai possibly leaving WWE, that leaves Zoey’s plan for return up in the air.
WWE has sent an internal memo to their employees following another bombshell article by the Wall Street Journal.
The Journal reported in May 2022 that McMahon allegedly arranged a $3 million payout to a female paralegal with whom he had an affair.
Today, a second report from the WSJ claims that McMahon has had four affairs over the past 16 years in WWE, with close to $12 million being paid in ‘hush money.
The Memo
WWE shared the following message within the company:
“The Wall Street Journal has published a second story with expanded details on its initial WWE report last month. We want to reiterate that we and our Board of Directors take these allegations seriously.
We’ve been cooperating fully with the investigation led by our Board of Directors and will continue to do so until its conclusion. Please note that upon its conclusion, WWE leadership will make itself available to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you.”
What’s Next?
While many believed that McMahon would survive the scandal when it was just one woman he is alleged to have had an affair with, the three new claims against him change everything.
In the case of one of the women, a former WWE Superstar who departed in 2005, it is reported that she was coerced to perform oral sex on the Chairman despite not wishing to.
McMahon has said he will respect the result of the investigation no matter what the findings may be.
As he has stepped down from the role of CEO and Chair of WWE, Stephanie McMahon has filled both positions on an interim basis.
A new report has surfaced revealing that AEW is in talks with the very popular all-women’s Japanese promotion STARDOM about a potential working relationship together.
According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, top officials from both companies have been in communication, and fans should expect an announcement regarding a collaboration sometime in the near future. However, it is noted that there are no deals as of yet, but that talks are going well.
STARDOM is interested in working with top AEW women’s star Toni Storm, who joined the promotion earlier this year and has been regularly featured on AEW programming, which included her challenging for the women’s title against Thunder Rosa at the recent Forbidden Door pay-per-view.
Storm herself confirmed in a recent interview with TalkSport that she would be interested in working with STARDOM agains. She was previously there from 2016-2018, and is a former Word of Stardom Champion and a former SWA Undisputed World Women’s Champion.
As a reminder…AEW President Tony Khan told the wrestling media in the post-Forbidden Door scrum that he wanted to book STARDOM talents for that event, but there were scheduling and visa issues that didn’t allow it to happen.
NJPW did announce that STARDOM talents will be working their U.S. based shows going forward, a collaboration that will only increase both promotion’s presence in the states.
Vince McMahon has found himself in more hot water.
Back in June, it was reported by The Wall Street Journal that the WWE board was investigating Vince McMahon over an alleged $3 million hush pact with a former employee. Vince was said to have had a sexual relationship with the former WWE worker.
The former employee reportedly saw her salary go up from $100,000 to $200,000 after the relationship with McMahon began.
As a result of the investigation, Vince voluntarily stepped back from his role as WWE Chairman and CEO for the time being. Stephanie McMahon is now the interim CEO and Chairwoman.
New Hush Pacts Revealed
(via WWE)
A new report from The Wall Street Journal claims that Vince McMahon also secured nondisclosure agreements involving four women to hide allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.
It’s been said that these NDAs have been put in place over the last 16 years.
Two accusations against McMahon are quite serious. The report claims one settlement for $7.5 million was for a former WWE talent who was allegedly coerced into giving McMahon oral sex.
It’s also alleged that when she shot down further sexual advances, she was demoted and the company declined to renew her deal in 2005.
The WSJ report also notes the following:
“A WWE contractor presented the company with unsolicited nude photos of Mr. McMahon she reported receiving from him and alleged that he had sexually harassed her on the job”
WSJ report
Time will tell how this will ultimately shake out. For years, Vince McMahon has come across as bulletproof but in 2022, things like this don’t slide very often.
We’ll continue to provide updates on the Vince McMahon situation as more details continue to trickle in.
The multiple-time world champion detailed the issues that were plaguing him during an edition of his Talk is Jericho podcast.
“I did have what is called a pulmonary embolism.”
Chris Jericho on 2021 health scare
“Back on December 7th, I believe, of 2021. I found this out when I was in London, England. I’ve been waiting a while to tell the story.
“I kind of wanted to wait until some things were settled and figure it out, and make sure that everything is back to where it needs to be, and is back to normal, and is back to the new normal.”
Recovery
(via AEW)
Chris Jericho went on to explain that blood clots in his lungs were slowing him down but now they are all gone.
“Pulmonary embolism basically means blood clots in your lungs, and that’s what I had, a whole bunch of them, which are now pretty much gone. All of them are gone, which is great to hear.”
Chris Jericho explains serious health scare
The ordeal was quite scary for Jericho as he said he could barely walk when he went to the hospital and his chest was pounding.
Luckily for him, he was able to have the issue cleared up and he has fully recovered. Jericho did mention that he has a Factor V gene in his blood, which contributes to blood clots.
Before Jericho was out of the woods, he had to be put on blood thinners in order to keep performing. He also underwent more tests to figure out how to solve his issues.
Jericho is currently involved in a personal feud with Eddie Kingston on AEW TV.
WWE is still interested in independent wrestlers, even though it might not be as heavy of interest as previously.
WWE Veers From Focus
Many of WWE’s biggest stars now have been through WWE’s developmental program like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, and many others.
Recently, WWE’s focus in terms of developmental talent had been on physically attractive college athletes. They bring them in and then train them to become professional wrestlers. This replaces the former focus of independent wrestlers, however, it seems like some stars are getting looks now.
Interestingly, in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE has contacted a number of independent wrestlers to see if they’d be interested in trying out for WWE
Dave wrote:
“While the idea is still to recruit good-looking college or other athletes and train them to be wrestlers, they have contacted some indie talent for tryouts in Nashville over SummerSlam week.”
WWE has had massive success with signing indie stars in the past. Therefore, it’s no surprise to hear they’re still on the lookout for future stars from the independent scene.
Buddy Matthews was absent from the July 6 episode of Dynamite and the reason has been disclosed.
Matthews’ stablemate, Brody King, of House of Black competed against Jon Moxley of the Blackpool Combat Club in a match for the interim AEW World Championship.
King lost to Moxley but received respect from Sting and Darby Allin because of his abilities. Brody rejected the handshake and left with Malakai Black.
Buddy Matthews Misses Dynamite
As a part of the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer stated that Buddy Matthews didn’t appear with the House of Black because he’s currently doing a tour in Australia for World Series Wrestling.
Meltzer also added that the ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham was also booked for the tour initially and that Brian Cage is currently on the tour.
Meltzer wrote:,
“Buddy Matthews wasn’t on TV this week with the House of Black because he’s home in Australia doing a tour for World Series Wrestling.
Jonathan Gresham was also scheduled for that tour but pulled by AEW since they needed him in the U.S. to do his heel turn and build the ROH PPV this week.”
“Brian Cage also went on the tour and in theory he should be on the ROH show since on the last PPV he was managed by Tully Blanchard, but has not done any AEW television with Blanchard of late.”
Matthews’ Injury
Buddy last wrestled for AEW as a part of the June 22 AEW Dark: Elevation taping. The House of Black member recently disclosed that he has been dealing with a shoulder injury. However, he is still wrestling. He recently wrestled for PWG and faced Mike Bailey during the July 3 PWG Nineteen show.
Last night, many notable pieces of news emerged from the July 7 episode. We have collected some of the news and updates from last night’s episode.
Killer Kelly To Return
During the July 7 episode of IMPACT, a vignette aired that announced the return of Killer Kelly to IMPACT Wrestling.
In November 2020, Killer Kelly made her IMPACT debut. She competed in the Impact Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament where she teamed with Renee Michelle. Unfortunately, Michelle and Kelly lost to Jordynne Grace and Jazz in the first round of the tournament.
Mia Yim is the new number one contender for the Knockouts Championship.
Yim and Deonna Purrazzo battled in the main event of the July 7 episode of IMPACT Wrestling. Yim was able to defeat Deonna to become the next person to challenge the Knockouts Championship Jordynne Grace.
The former AEW wrestler Alan Angels made his IMPACT Wrestling debut on the July 7 episode of their TV.
The tapings for this episode of Impact Wrestling TV took place just days after Angels’ AEW contract expired. Alan’s full-time AEW deal expired recently, but he decided to turn down a part-time deal.
It is unclear whether or not Angels has signed a contract. As Alan is from Georgia, where the tapings took place, this could be a one-off appearance.
Alan answered “Speedball” Mike Bailey’s open challenge for the X-Division Championship. On the Against All Odds pay-per-view, Bailey issued the open challenge. On the next night at the tapings, Alan Angels showed up to answer his call.
KUSHIDA is set to make his debut at the IMPACT Derby City Rumble.
IMPACT Wrestling has recently announced that at their next TV tapings the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion and current NJPW star KUSHIDA will make his debut for the promotion. The TV tapings will take place in Kentucky on July 15 and 16.
The tapings will happen at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. Tickets for the event are currently on sale here.
It seems that WWE may have started to erase Sasha Banks’ existence and impact from their history books.
Five-Time Raw Women’s Champion Erased From History
An interesting clip is now posted to the official WWE YouTube page. The clip completely removed Sasha Banks from the major return angle she appeared in with Paige. The clip only features Mickie James, when the original clip featured Mickie and The Boss in the frame.
Now that Pagie’s time with WWE is winding down, the clip was posted to honor Paige’s departure from WWE. The official WWE YouTube channel uploaded a video of the Top 10 Greatest Paige Moments which included her notable return and the introduction of Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville in 2017.
(Skip to 3:04)
Surprisingly, the footage completed edited the former five-time Raw Women’s Champion out of the return. They only included the IMPACT Wrestling star Mickie James in the frame and removed any evidence that Sasha Banks was there.
The Original Segment
Four years ago, WWE uploaded the original edit of the segment to their Youtube channel. The original clip heavily featured the stare-down interaction between Paige and Sasha Banks, unlike how the Top 10 presents.
You can view the original, four-year-old clip here:
There have been reports from Wrestling Inc. and WrestleVotes that Sasha has gained her release. Dave Meltzer also recently reported that Banks and her lawyers were still working on getting her release, but the release had not been granted.
Former NXT and WWE Superstar Briana Brandy (B-Fab) recently spoke with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston about Shane McMahon randomly asking her to co host WWE’s experiment Raw Underground with him.
“That moment actually just happened! When I was there I mean they had … you could see on Raw Underground they had people surrounding the ring and like the crowd was right there in the match.”
“Shane McMahon’s like you have a great look… I might need… I might want someone to co-host the show (Raw Underground) with me.
Shane McMahon asked Briana, “Would you be interested …. like are you comfortable and I was like coming from music in my background like that I was like I’m very comfortable on the mic like I’m more comfortable there than I am in the ring right now because I just learned this….. you know …. so he’s like just just be prepared I’ll let you know maybe in the coming weeks if I need a co-host.“
“I’m shook…. I’m like oh my gosh I can’t believe you just asked me this like I could be co-hosting Raw Underground this is insane you know what I’m saying? So I’m thinking that it’s coming in the future I’m prepared you know in that moment always, but just in a few weeks he’ll maybe ask me to do this and I might be doing Raw Underground. He goes to a meeting he comes back that same day and he’s like hey you ready and I was like ready for what? He’s like I’m thinking I’m gonna use you today like I want you to close with me today and I was like oh okay all right let’s go. He said okay I’m going to have you end up interviewing Braun Strowman so I need you to come with some questions to ask him and I’m like all right like let’s do this you know I got this so yeah it just happened….. drop of a dime … the opportunity came about and he just asked me on the spot and I had to be ready and that’s how I got the job doing that.”
Many wrestlers speak out against the way the World Entertainment Series has handled business after the announcement of the cancellation of their debut event.
WES’ Debut Event Cancelled
On June 6, it was announced that World Entertainment Series was canceling its first event, which was scheduled for July 9. The wrestlers booked for this show have now spoken out about their experience working with the company.
The July 9 WES event had already been postponed from its original June 4 date. Prior to the event, performers such as CJ Perry (Lana), Lina Fanene (Nia Jax), and Matt Rehwoldt had pulled out of the event.
In their official statement regarding the cancellation of the event, Wrestling Entertainment Series claimed that they had no choice but to cancel the event due to several wrestlers “not showing up.” They addressed Fanene’s comments directly by saying that she was paid her deposit, changed her mind, and decided not to show up and wrestle.
Wrestlers Booked Respond
Performers who were originally booked for the event took to social media to respond to the statement.
Straight garbage to try and blame talent not showing up. I’m not a stooge but the truth will come out. Y’all are good at finding it.
— The Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) July 6, 2022
I refuse to let anyone control my emotions. With that being said, I am available in the US/MEXICO/Canada/PR this weekend 7/8 – 7/11. If we worked together before let's make a deal. Stay #luchalithttps://t.co/mKD0pc4epqhttps://t.co/ilCkJSLVRM
— “Lucha Lit” Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) July 6, 2022
Instead of blaming the talent who took weeks off to come work for your NEW company under the impression you could be trusted… try refunding the fans & apologizing for your lack of organization. https://t.co/PDePCzITAF
Even though he won’t be wrestling, due to the cancellation of the event, Mojo Rawley will be doing a free meet and greet with fans who bought tickets to WES this Sunday. For more information on this and to see Mojo’s response, click here.
FTR threw out the challenge on AEW Dynamite and The Briscoes have accepted.
Due to Ring of Honor not having a television deal, some of this week’s AEW programming was used to set up matches for ROH’s upcoming Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view.
FTR & The Briscoes’ History
One of the matches that were teased is a rematch for the ROH tag titles. FTR defeated The Briscoes for the championships at April’s Supercard of Honor pay-per-view in a match that has received critical acclaim.
On last night’s episode of Dynamite, FTR issued a challenge to the Briscoes for a rematch. That challenge has now been accepted.
The Briscoes Accept The Challenge
The Briscoes have accepted the challenge in the only way they know how:
Ring of Honor will host their Death Before Dishonor PPV on July 23. The event will take place at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, MA. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, July 8, at 10 a.m. ET.
Death Before Dishonor Card
Below, you can find the current card of announced matches for the Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view:
ROH World Television Championship Match: Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Lethal
ROH Pure Championship Match (Pure Rules Match): Wheeler Yuta (c) vs Daniel Garcia
ROH World Tag Team Championship Match: FTR (c) vs The Briscoes
Recently, it was announced that Ring of Honor will be back on the air for their ‘Death Before Dishonor’ pay-per-view. AEW and ROH Owner Tony Khan recently spoke about the upcoming pay-per-view and the possibility of getting the promotion on TV.
Ring of Honor will host their Death Before Dishonor PPV on July 23. The event will take place at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, MA. Tickets will go on sale on July 8 at 10 a.m. ET.
The following stars are featured on the poster for the event: ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham, ROH World TV Champion Samoa Joe, ROH Tag Team Champions FTR, ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez, ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta, and Jay Lethal.
Tony Khan On Death Before Dishonor
Tony Khan recently sat down for an interview with Joseph Staszewski for the New York Post. The ROH Owner spoke about their upcoming pay-per-view event and the business side of his ROH dealings.
Khan said, “Death Before Dishonor,” I think is going to do well, based on the success of “SuperCard of Honor” I would say probably. I think the fans are gonna support “Death Before Dishonor.” It will get good sales.
I believe “Death Before Dishonor” is going to be … the year is gonna get better and better as we go as more wrestlers get healthy, and the forbidden door continues year-round. I think “Death Before Dishonor” will be one of the best wrestling shows of the year and I think it will be one of the best Ring of Honor shows ever. “Death Before Dishonor” is going to be great and I’m very excited for it.
I think it will do well as a live event and believe it will do well for Bleacher Report and hopefully continue the interest of Warner Bro. Discovery in not only AEW and expanding that relationship and continuing to create new revenue streams and really preserve and deliver on the ones we do have, but also get Ring of Honor involved.
I also think there is a lot of potential in the future in the world of streaming with these big PPV events but also the historical libraries of AEW and Ring of Honor, which are both growing.”
ROH On TV Streaming?
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about Ring of Honor getting its own on-air programming. Since Tony purchased the company, we’ve seen many of the ROH champions on AEW TV, but as of now, their only home is on the pay-per-views.
Khan spoke about this in his recent interview as well.
“I would like weekly Ring of Honor episodes to be the best episodes and to be the best customer experience. What does that mean? The means probably being on a platform that’s easy and friendly to the customer and a good reputable platform, it could be TV streaming,” Tony stated.
Death Before Dishonor Card
Below, you can find the current card of announced matches for the Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view:
ROH World Television Championship Match: Samoa Joe (c) vs Jay Lethal
ROH Pure Championship Match (Pure Rules Match): Wheeler Yuta (c) vs Daniel Garcia
ROH World Tag Team Championship Match: FTR (c) vs The Briscoes
Despite Kenny Omega’s recent discouraging comments about his rehabilitation process, AEW Founder Tony Khan remains optimistic about the former AEW World Champion’s return.
Kenny’s Rehab Process
Kenny Omega wrestled through the pain for several months last year. At the time, he was the AEW World Heavyweight Champion and helped lead the company forward as their top star while producing legendary matches.
However, Kenny had racked up a lot of injuries, so he decided to take time off after losing the championship to heal up.
On a recent Twitch stream, Kenny provided some insight into his mindset during his time off. Omega recently mentioned that if he suffers another major setback in his career due to an injury then he will be done as an in-ring wrestler. The former AEW World Champion said that this is because he doesn’t want to go through the painful rehab he has been experiencing.
AEW Founder said, “I’m always concerned whenever a wrestler has an injury, but in Kenny Omega’s case he carried the load through more injuries than probably anyone I’ve seen in terms of working through a sustained period where he was limited and still having great matches in the ring, and also doing great box office for the company as a great champion.
It is a little bit different because you’re dealing with multiple injuries as opposed to one injury. I’m optimistic. I don’t want to put a timetable on it. I’m still optimistic Kenny’s coming back.”
Tony’s Optimism
He continued to talk about his optimism toward Kenny’s return to the ring.
“I think it’s gonna go well. I think he’s gonna be OK, I don’t know when and I’m optimistic. Nobody can put themselves in his shoes, but I feel good about it. I’m gonna talk more to him too. I know he’s been through a lot but I know he’s still trying to get back,” he said.
Possible Return Timetable
Kenny had his last match at AEW Full Gear on November 13, 2021. At this show, he dropped the AEW World Championship to “Hangman” Adam Page. Kenny had several injuries he needed to be fixed including having arthroscopic knee surgery. At the end of March, he also got surgery to repair a sports hernia.
It was reported then that the timetable for the recovery from his knee surgery was ten weeks. At the same time, he was set to be recovering from the hernia surgery for about two months.
Omega did go back on the road with AEW to be at TV events. Unfortunately, Kenny found it was too early in the recovery process to travel with his injuries.
WWE announced today that Pat McAfee has signed a multi-year deal with the company.
After signing with the company in April 2021 to be the SmackDown color commentator alongside play-by-play announcer Michael Cole, McAfee quickly became a fan favorite.
WrestleVotes reported after the announcement that the deal was signed a few weeks back, and those involved were thrilled with the two sides reaching a new agreement that will see him remain with the company for years to come.
It was said, “WWE knows exactly what they have in McAfee and were steadfast on making sure they kept him around.”
It’s been reported that Vince McMahon is high on McAfee’s commentary and thinks a lot of him personally, as McMahon did his first sit-down interview in years on McAfee’s radio show to promote. McAfee joined Vince, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H in attending UFC 276 this past Saturday night.
Reactions to Pat McAfee Re-Signing
Michael Cole and Triple H were just some of the people who reacted to the news of McAfee’s extension on Twitter:
Very few can transition from professional athletics to entertainment the way @PatMcAfeeShow has. In short, he “gets it” & the authenticity he brings to his fans & the @WWE Universe is the same he brings to every facet of his life. A pleasure working with him. (Plus, he’s jacked!) https://t.co/eTAHdqcphH
After 25 years in “the booth,” working with @PatMcAfeeShow is the highlight of each week. His excitement is contagious (even if he almost kicks me when standing on our table) and has helped revitalize my love for our business! @WWE, our fans, and I are lucky to have him! https://t.co/RSXPh2F6mh
In addition to calling matches, McAfee occasionally wrestles and has been praised for his in-ring work. The former NFL punter made his WWE in-ring debut in August 2020 when he lost to Adam Cole at WWE NXT TakeOver: XXX before getting back into the ring that December for a WarGames match where The Undisputed ERA defeated Danny Burch, Oney Lorcan, McAfee & Pete Dunne.
At WrestleMania 38 earlier this year, McAfee beat Theory in a singles match before being beaten down by Vince McMahon. The SmackDown color commentator is slated to wrestle Happy Corbin at SummerSlam on Saturday, July 30, 2022, from Nashville, Tennessee.
In the land of WWE, changes certainly aren’t rare. We’ve seen tons of character overhauls and performers switching shows.
Whether that’s from Raw to SmackDown, NXT to Raw, SmackDown to NXT, and so on and so forth, things shift in WWE all the time.
When it comes to this superstar, in particular, a switch in brands was obvious but it has now been set in stone.
Liv is SmackDown
(via WWE)
PWInsider reports that internally, Liv Morgan is now a full-time member of the SmackDown roster.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise seeing as how Liv successfully cashed in her briefcase at Money in the Bank on July 2. She pinned Ronda Rousey to become the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Liv appeared on the post-MITB edition of Raw and teamed with Bianca Belair. The two defeated Natalya and Carmella.
It won’t be long before we find out what’s next for Liv Morgan on the road to SummerSlam. It’s been reported that a proper match with Rousey is in the cards.
