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WWE Draft Probably Not Happening Anytime Soon (Report)

Tyriece Simon
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The WWE Draft that was rumored to take place shortly after Clash of the Castle is no longer expected to take place.

Earlier this month, it was reported by Fightful Select that members of the Raw roster were scheduled to appear on the first SmackDown after Clash at the Castle, while while SmackDown superstars were slated for the following week’s Raw.

This led to a feeling amongst talent that WWE will be holding a Draft over the next several weeks. On Tuesday, we got another update that dispels that earlier report.

Conflicting Reports

Per Fightful, Raw talent is no longer scheduled to appear on SmackDown. While some WWE stars still expect a draft to be held, there’s reason to believe that’s not the case.

The latest update is that sources within the USA Network are not aware of any plans for a WWE Draft taking place in September. In fact, April 2023, following WrestleMania 39, is a more likely timeframe for the next roster shakeup.

“USA Network sources have told talent that the Draft isn’t happening in the immediate future, have outright stated to that after WrestleMania is a likelier landing spot.”

– Fightful Select

WWE has yet to announce anything related to an upcoming Draft. For now, it’s safe to say that your favorite Raw and Smackdown talent will be staying put for the foreseeable future. We’ll be tracking this story and will keep you posted if there are any developments.

Tony Khan Reveals That Recent AEW Special Did Record Viewership In The U.K.

Joey Galizia
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Tony Khan issued a statement on his personal Twitter account promoting this week’s Dynamite on TBS, a show that will feature the highly anticipated showdown between world champion CM Punk and interim champion Jon Moxley, with the winner being crowned the undisputed AEW champion.

The AEW President writes, “Thank you everyone who watches @AEWonTV! In 48 hours Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite @CMPunk vs @JonMoxley to finally crown an Undisputed @AEWWorld Champion! It’s been a great summer of 12 straight weeks & counting for Dynamite on @TBSNetwork in the top 2 shows on cable in the US.”

Along with that, Khan touts the success of AEW’s recent Quake By The Lake television special from two weeks ago, which he reveals scored AEW their record viewership number on ITV4 in the United Kingdom. For those who don’t remember that show was headlined by Jon Moxley taking on Chris Jericho for the AEW world title, with Punk making his surprising return from injury. Khan’s full second tweet reads:

“In addition to a great summer domestically, it’s been a huge summer for @AEW internationally including great news that #AEWDynamite #QuakebyTheLake with @JonMoxley vs @IAmJericho for the @AEW Interim World Title + @CMPunk’s epic return did our UK record viewership on @ITV4 Friday.”

You can check out the tweets below.

Some analysts predicts that AEW will score their biggest viewership and demo increase for this Wednesday’s show due to the Moxley vs. Punk match, as well as the trios tournament matchup between the Death Triangle and NJPW’s Aussie Open & Will Ospreay.

Update on Backstage Environment In WWE Post Vince McMahon

Jon Fuentes
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The backstage atmosphere has had a “major positive change” since Vince McMahon’s departure according to a recent report.

PWInsider reports that the feeling of “walking on eggshells” that was prevalent in certain departments is a thing of the past. Now, there seems to be a renewed hope and pride for those working in the company.

One department that’s said to have seen one of the biggest changes is the production side of things. The change has been said to be “massively night and day.”

With the likes of Nick Khan, Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon now leading the charge, nobody is yelling at the production truck or announcers anymore since the departure of the verbally “extremely heavy-handed” Vince McMahon.

It’s also noted that Mondays and Fridays no longer feel like the worst days of the job for those working in production. Now, while days are still long and hard, nobody is walking in and out expecting some sort of “PTSD” to follow them the next day after TV.

Vince McMahon

Also, entire departments – announcers, cameramen, producers, directors, etc. – are said to be extremely happy over the past several weeks. One person said that they feel like they’re “allowed to feel like it’s fun to work here.”

Everything has led to a better workflow, allowing the sharing of creative ideas and a more tight-nit department.

Several people who were looking to leave the company just a few months ago are now reconsidering that decision.

Many have described it as the  “honeymoon feeling” of the new regime, which has made a world of difference in their day to day professional lives.

Identity of the Man Who Went After AJ Styles on WWE Raw

Tyriece Simon
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0

A mystery man tried attacking AJ Styles on Monday’s edition of WWE Raw, but it wasn’t Dexter Lumis who was responsible.

For the last several weeks, WWE has run an angle where Lumis has made numerous attempts to ‘invade’ Raw. He made his main roster return on the Aug. 8 episode of Raw after Styles defeated The Miz. Lumis almost hopped over the ringside barricade until their security guards stop him.

On the Aug. 22 episode of Raw, WWE had the same angle with a slight twist. When Styles was outside the ring for his match, an attacker tried to hop over the barricade. However, the attacker wasn’t Lumis, and WWE security escorted the person away.

To be clear, the company planned this to happen, and it was to set up a surprise for when Lumis did appear. However, people were curious about the identity of the mysterious kayfabe attacker.

Who Attacked AJ Styles on Raw?

The Local Competitor’s social media account helped identify the attacker as local talent Rajan Hustler. He trains at Battle Arts Academy and wrestles in Canada, where Raw was taking place.

It seemed like WWE was teasing that Lumis wanted to go after Styles, but it’s unclear after the recent episode of Raw. Instead of going after “The Phenomenal One,” Lumis turned his attention to Miz and kidnapped him.

Lumis has tried to invade in matches with Styles, but it also included Miz’s involvement. The company may be trying to surprise fans with Lumis feuding with Miz, not Styles.

It’s unclear where Lumis took Miz or if that is the feud the company has planned. While the company hasn’t addressed where the Miz is, they may address the situation on the next episode of Raw. It’s unlikely that the “A-List Superstar” would take his kidnapping lightly.

Who do you think Lumis’s first main roster feud will be against?

Victoria Says She Won’t Rule Out a Return to WWE

Thomas Lowson
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In 2002, Lisa Marie Varon appeared on WWE TV as Victoria, the bitter ex-friend of then-Women’s Champion Trish Stratus. 

As Victoria, Varon would become a two-time Women’s Champion, holding the title in both 2002 and later from 2003-2004. 

In 2009, Victoria left WWE, but could be on her way back to the promotion soon.

A Return to the Ring.

Since Victoria left WWE in 2009, a lot has changed in regards to the company’s treatment of female talent. 

At the 2021 Royal Rumble, Victoria had her first WWE match in almost 12 years, entering the Women’s Rumble match at #10 and was the fifth woman eliminated. 

While speaking with Alyx’s World, Varon said she will not rule out a return to the company under the right circumstances (via Wrestling Inc.)

“There’s a lot to consider, like how much time do I have to get ready, because that would be make or break for me. ‘We want you to come back in a week.’ The fans are going to crap on me. I can’t get ready in a week for a match. Not with the caliber of girls they have now. I would need some time to prepare. But you never say never, right?”

“Never say never, right?”

Lisa Marie Varon on a possible WWE return.

“The r-word is bad, retiring, because you never know. It’s almost like ‘I better not say this, because I know it’s going to bite me in the butt.'”

There have been no reports as to if WWE has an interest in bringing Victoria back.

Varon After WWE

After leaving WWE in 2009, Varon joined TNA Wrestling in May that year working under the name Tara (short for Tarantula, a nod to her WWE days as a ‘Black Widow.’

That July, Tara won the TNA Knockouts Championship, a title she’d hold on five occasions.

How WWE Kept Johnny Gargano Return Secret

Jon Fuentes
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WWE managed to keep a major surprise under wraps for last night’s Monday Night RAW, as Johnny Gargano made his return.

The former NXT star made his shock return during last night’s show, cutting a promo and declaring his intentions to win multiple titles on the WWE main roster. This led to a confrontation with Theory, who Gargano left laid out in the ring after a super kick.

Gargano returning was a big shock to everyone, as there were no indications that he would be returning this week. PWInsider reports that Gargano was hidden from everyone backstage, and wasn’t even mentioned on the run sheet for the show.

WWE Talent Surprised by Gargano’s Return

Most of everyone backstage didn’t even know he was there until he was brought to the gorilla position. Gargano was reportedly flown into Canada on WWE’s corporate jet in order to keep him from being spotted by fans.

Also, many within the company noted that Gargano was brought back without a name change. This could be an indication that the old Vince McMahon way of refusing to use real names or independent names is now a thing of the past.

It was also noted that Gargano’s wife, Candice LaRae, was not backstage with him. It remains to be seen if she returns alongside him in the near future.

Trish Stratus Recalls Feeling Like She Didn’t Belong in WWE

Michael Reichlin
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Trish Stratus is regarded as one of the WWE Superstars of all time. Despite her accomplishments, she hasn’t lost sight of her humble beginnings in the business.

Earlier this month, Stratus became the first woman to accept the Lou Thesz Award as part of her induction into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. The success didn’t come overnight. It was a long road to the top for the 7-time Women’s champion.

Stratus recently sat down with DS Shin for Ring The Belle and revealed she was initially hesitant to present herself as a WWE Superstar.

“In the beginning, we would be at the airport [somebody would] be like, ‘Are you a wrestler?’ and I wouldn’t say yes because I felt like I didn’t deserve it.”

– Trish Stratus

WWE Rookie

Trish Stratus made her WWE debut in 2000 during the Attitude Era. She started off as a heel manager for T&A (Test and Albert) and Val Venis. It wasn’t long before she was competing in matches. By early 2001, still in her rookie year, Stratus was thrust into the spotlight and featured in a prominent storyline with former WWE boss, Vince McMahon.

Stratus tells Ring the Bell that she initially felt insecure about her role in WWE. She didn’t take the traditional path to the world’s most prominent wrestling organization. As a former fitness model, she bypassed the independent minor leagues. Had she earn the right to call herself a wrestler?

“In the beginning, we would be at the airport, [somebody would] be like, ‘Are you a wrestler?’ and I wouldn’t say yes because I felt like I didn’t deserve it, even though I was wrestling, but it was almost like I don’t want the boys to hear me saying ‘Yeah I’m wrestler’ and then going ‘You’re not a wrestler. Who do you think you are?’

Even though I’m doing the same road schedule as them, I was working every weekend. I was having matches, but it just felt like [I didn’t belong]. I don’t know, it took me a long time to be like ‘I’m a worker. It’s like, respectful of the business.

[I wondered ] ‘Do I deserve to be called a wrestler?’ I mean , I didn’t come up the traditional way. I didn’t come up in the in the minor leagues or so to speak, indies and stuff.”

The humility served Trish Stratus well. She found her way in WWE, to say the least. After several WrestleMania appearances and rivalries that are still spoken about until this day, she retired as Women’s champion in 2007.

She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 and has competed several times since then, including a ‘dream match’ against Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam 2019.

Stratus was back on Raw this week in her hometown of Toronto and teased that we may not have seen the last of her in the ring.

Watch Trish Stratus’ full interview with Ring the Belle:

Please credit Ring the Belle with a link to SEScoops if you use any of the quotes transcribed in this article.

Finn Balor Has a New Theme Song and it May Be His Best One Yet

Jon Fuentes
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Finn Balor debuted a new theme song on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, and it may be his best one yet.

Balor has been undergoing quite a bit of changes over the past several weeks. Initially, it looked as though a trio was forming between Balor, AJ Styles, and Liv Morgan to take on The Judgement Day.

The original three members of The Judgement Day were made up of Edge, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley. However, Balor eventually turned heel, joining Judgement Day and helping Priest and Ripley toss Edge out of the group.

Now, still aligned with Judgement Day, Balor is a full-blown heel on Monday Night RAW, and he’s spicing things up with a new entrance theme.

Finn Balor
(via WWE)

Finn Balor’s New Theme Music

Prior to his match with Dolph Ziggler, Balor made his way to the ring accompanied by Ripley. It was during this entrance where Balor debuted his new song.

Prior to the matchup, Balor had a backstage segment with Ziggler, in which Ziggler struck Balor, knocking him down to the ground. This set up their matchup just moments later, which Balor would go on to win.

Balor re-appeared later that night, assisting Ripley and Priest in attacking Edge after “The Rated-R Superstar” picked up a big win in singles action over Priest.

Luckily for Edge, his wife and WWE Hall Of Famer Beth Phoenix came to his aid, fending off Judgement Day with a steel chair to close the show.

It’s safe to say Balor and The Judgement Day haven’t seen the last of Edge and Phoenix moving forward.

AEW & NXT Going Head-to-Head Tuesday, October 18

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Dynamite and NXT 2.0 will go head-to-head once again, at least for one night.

WWE and AEW will see programming interruptions this October due to scheduling conflicts with Major League Baseball’s post season schedule.

A special Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite on TBS will take place on October 18th from Cincinnati, Ohio (Tickets). This show will run against NXT 2.0 on the USA Network.

This will be the first time in over a year that AEW and NXT run opposite one another. Both companies are expected to present loaded shows. AEW will pull out all the stops to draw fans to a different night, while NXT will also want bragging rights up against its former rival.

As noted earlier, the upcoming WWE Worlds Collide (NXT vs. NXT UK) premium live event is scheduled for Sunday, September 4th, the same day as All Out.

AEW Dynamite Preemption(s)

All Elite Wrestling’s flagship show, AEW Dynamite, will be affected first. At least one week of Dynamite will have to air on a different channel or date than usual.

The American League Championship Series kicks off Wednesday, October 19th. Game 1 of the ALCS will air live on TBS that night, during AEW Dynamite’s weekly time slot.

Should the ALCS go to a series-deciding 7th game, the following week’s Dynamite (Wednesday, October 26th) would also be preempted.

MLB Preemptions

WWE SmackDown Preemption(s)

WWE SmackDown will also be preempted on Friday, October 28th. FOX will be airing Game 1 of the 2022 World Series.

Should the best-of-7 World Series go to 6 games, the September 4th edition of SmackDown would get bumped as well.

SmackDown has aired on FOX cable affiliate FS1 for preemptions, so this is a likely scenario here.

Second ‘Undertaker 1 deadMAN SHOW’ Announced for Cardiff

Michael Reichlin
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The Undertaker is headed to Cardiff, Wales next month.

WWE has announced The Undertaker’s “1 deadMAN SHOW” stage show will take place Friday, September 2nd at the New Theatre in Cardiff.

This is the day before WWE’s Clash at the Castle stadium show from Principality Stadium.

Update: Due to overwhelming demand, WWE has added a second 1 deadMAN SHOW to the Undertaker’s upcoming trip to the UK. An ‘early bird’ show will be held at 1:30pm, ahead of the originally scheduled 8pm evening show.

There will be VIP Meet and Greet sessions prior to each show.

Undertaker’s 1 deadMAN Show

1 deadMAN SHOW
(WWE)

UNDERTAKER 1 deadMAN SHOW features The Phenom in an intimate setting, sharing never-before-heard stories from his Hall of Fame career and taking questions from fans in attendance.

These will be the second (and third) presentations of The Undertaker’s new stage show. The first installment took place last month from Nashville, TN during SummerSlam weekend.

The first show was well-received and drew a strong house on the opening night, despite going head-to-head with the Roast of Ric Flair in the same city.

If you’re attending WWE Clash at the Castle on Saturday, September 3rd, this is your chance to see WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker like you’ve never seen him before.

Tickets for the upcoming 1 deadMAN SHOW go on sale this Friday at 10am BST via NewTheatreCardiff.co.uk.

Recent News about The Undertaker

Edge May Have Found The Perfect Partner For His Fight Against Judgement Day

Anutosh Bajpai
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It appears that WWE Hall of Famer Edge may have found the perfect partner to help him in his ongoing feud against The Judgement Day after tonight’s Raw.

WWE presented the Red Branded Show from Toronto, Canada this week which is the hometown of former world champion Edge. The wrestling veteran competed in the main event of the show. His wife Beth Phoenix was at the ringside for this bout.

Edge took on Damian Priest in a one-on-one match and defeated the former US champion with a spear. However, the rest of Judgement Day attacked the former world champion after this match.

Phoenix then made the save. She didn’t get physical but still helped fend off the attackers. The show ended with The Judgement Day in retreat.

Will Beth Phoenix Return To The Ring?

Both Edge and The Mysterios have been feuding with Judgement Day for a while now. The latest altercation suggests that this feud is far from over.

The one thing they have been missing, however, is a female star who can help even the odds with the faction of Priest, Finn Balor, and Rhea Ripley.

Beth Phoenix worked as a full-time NXT commentator during the Wednesday Wars era. She left the commentary team in December last year after the development show was rebranded.

If Beth Phoenix does return to the ring against Judgment Day, it won’t be the first time. She joined Edge for a mixed tag match against The Miz and Maryse at Royal Rumble earlier this year as well.

Triple H Could be About to Rehire an Important Backstage Name from WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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In July, Triple H was appointed WWE’s Head of Creative, replacing his father-in-law Vince McMahon in the role.

Not only that, but ‘The Game’ has been made Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Laurinaitis, and has made some huge changes already.

Bringing back talent including Dexter Lumis, Karrion Kross and Hit Row have been just some of the changes Triple H has made.

Rehiring

Triple H has re-hired several Superstars he worked with as part of NXT, but a name from the brand’s backstage team could be back soon.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, there is word that WWE is interested in bringing back Ryan Katz.

Katz had been with WWE until January this year, when he and several names from NXT were released.

Like the rest of the January cuts, Katz had worked closely with Triple H, and had been with NXT since 2015.

Sapp adds that there were rumors last month that he could already have been back in WWE, but those have not been confirmed.

Ryan Katz

image 37
Katz appeared on WWE TV as the announcer for The Vaudevillains during the tag-team’s entrance video.

In his time away from WWE, Katz has been hosting a podcast with ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James, who has been rehired by the company.

Fans may know Katz for his work in Wrestling Society X as Fabian Kaelin, and in TNA as Minion.

In WWE, Katz was part of the entrance for the Vaudevillains, announcing the former NXT Tag Team Champions to the ring.

He also appeared as a Rosebud and was a part of Kane and Daniel Bryan’s anger management segments in 2012. 

5 Changes We Want to See with Triple H Running WWE Creative

“Beyond Proud To Be Here” – Johnny Gargano on WWE Return

Robert Lentini
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Johnny Gargano made his shocking return to WWE on tonight’s RAW after leaving the promotion in late 2021. His promo was interrupted by Theory, who was in “The Way” faction with Gargano in NXT.

Theory was disrespectful towards Johnny and suggested that he carry his bags now that he is a part of the main roster. The 25-year-old wanted a high-five from Johnny Wrestling but got a Superkick to the face instead.

Gargano Comments on WWE Return

Following this week’s edition of RAW, Gargano was interviewed backstage in a WWE Digital Exclusive. The former NXT Champion said that he was still at a loss for words following his return and was concerned that people weren’t going to remember him after being away for so long.

Gargano added that even though he accomplished a lot in NXT, there was still a part of him that was a nervous wreck leading up to his return. Gargano also discussed why he chose to return to the company after he stepped away nine months ago:

“I said that I came back for a lot of different reasons, but first of all I wanted to be Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, WWE Champion, and I want to wrestle at WrestleMania. There is only one place you can do that, and that is here in WWE. That is why I came back. That is why I am beyond proud to be here.”

Bonus: ‘Baby Wrestling’ Also Reacts

Johnny noted that there was a “Baby Wrestling!” chant during his promo from the WWE Universe and that his son will appreciate that when he gets older.

Kayla Braxton Blasts Gay Ex-WWE Employee who Mocked her Coming Out

Thomas Lowson
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In March last year, Kayla Braxton came out as bisexual, saying that she chooses being over having to choose between men and women.

In response, Braxton received a ton of support from those both in the industry and from fans, who accepted who she is.

Not everyone was as supportive however, including someone who worked for WWE at the time.

The Ex-Superstar

Not long after her public coming out, Braxton deactivated her Twitter account, with many believing it was due to harassment.

It turns out that it wasn’t just some fans who had an issue with her coming out, but an ex-Superstar decided that it was a point of ridicule.

Taking to Twitter this week, Braxton said that an ex-WWE employee, who is also gay, mocked her announcement and “made jokes about my revelation.”

Braxton would get the last laugh though, as she added that the ex-Superstar not only has been released but is “the main character in my new fav movie airing on TMZ.”

Braxton’s tweet, which has since been deleted, read:

“A little over a year ago, I came out publicly about my sexuality. (For those who are just tuning in, I like both) Around the time I came out, a former coworker who’s also gay, made jokes about my revelation. Anyway – he’s now the main character in my new fav movie airing on TMZ.”

Jake Atlas

Braxton didn’t name who she was referring to, but many people believe it is Jake Atlas.

In February 2018, Atlas came out as gay, and was released by WWE last year.

This week, TMZ shared footage from Atlas’ arrest in May after an incident with his boyfriend that led to the ex-Superstar being charged with battery.

The charges against Atlas were dropped in June.

Jake Atlas Insults Boyfriend in Bizarre Arrest Video

WWE Official Adam Pearce Requests Information About Kidnapped RAW Star

Robert Lentini
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0

WWE official Adam Pearce is determined to find a WWE Superstar that was kidnapped during this week’s episode of RAW.

The Miz and Ciampa battled United States Champion Bobby Lashley and AJ Styles in a tag team match tonight on the red brand. The action spilled out of the ring and AJ connected with a Phenomenal Forearm and leaned against the barricade for a breather. A mysterious man appeared behind AJ and grabbed him but security quickly broke it. The man was then escorted out of the arena and the match continued.

The Miz capitalized on the distraction and beat down Styles outside the ring. He then leaned up against the barricade for a moment and Dexter Lumis showed up. With a crazed look in his eyes, Dexter dragged The Miz all the way up the stairs and out of the Scotiabank Arena. The tag team match ended in a no contest, but Lashley opted to level Ciampa with a Spear anyway.

After RAW went off the air, Adam Pearce took to Twitter to get the word out that The Miz is nowhere to be found. If you or anyone close to you have seen The Miz, please contract WWE official Adam Pearce with the information.

Backstage Update On Johnny Gargano’s Return To WWE On RAW

Robert Lentini
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Johnny Gargano made his surprising return to WWE on this week’s edition of RAW.

He appeared during the final hour of RAW, just a few moments after The Miz was kidnapped by another returning NXT star, Dexter Lumis. Johnny Wrestling made his way to the ring to a great reaction from the Toronto crowd and delivered a promo on he decided to return to the company after nine months away.

The 35-year-old stated that he wanted to become the Intercontinental Champion, the United States Champion, the WWE Champion, and perform at WrestleMania. He added that he wanted to teach his newborn son to chase after his dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Money in the Bank winner Theory then interrupted and Johnny hit him with a Superkick to the face to end the segment.

In a new report from Fightful Select, Johnny’s name did not appear on any rundowns before the show as WWE wanted to keep the return a secret. Most of the talent was unaware Johnny was in the Scotiabank Arena until a few minutes before he made his way to the ring.

Fightful added that WWE was patient and respected Gargano’s wishes for time off. Johnny’s wife, former NXT Superstar Candice LeRae, gave birth to their son six months ago. WWE felt they had a significantly higher chance of bringing Johnny back to the promotion after Vince McMahon departed the company and Triple H took over creative.

There were no “advanced conversations” between Johnny and All Elite Wrestling during his free agency, despite several people pushing for the promotion to sign him. IMPACT Wrestling was reportedly never seriously considered as a potential landing spot for Gargano.

Watch: Edge Makes Massive Career Announcement After Raw In Toronto

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE Hall of Famer Edge has made a big career announcement and revealed the intention to take retirement from in ring action next year.

This week’s episode of Raw was held in Toronto. It saw the Rated R Superstar battling against Damian Priest in a one-on-one match in the main event of the show.

Edge picked up the victory in this match with a spear. The rest of the Judgement day then attacked the wrestling veteran. Beth Phoenix made the save to end the show.

After the broadcast ended, the former world champion addressed the fans. He first mentioned how his comeback started in Toronto when he hit a spear on Elias during SummerSlam 2019.

Edge Confirms Plans For His Retirement

The Hall of Famer thanked all the fans. Edge then revealed his intention to retire from in ring action when WWE visits Toronto again:

“I can’t wait to hopefully come back one last time here in Toronto. I’ve been looking at the calendar, we usually come here in August. So next August I plan on seeing each and every one of you. And in a perfect world, we all say goodbye to each other that night”

Things can obviously change between now and then but Edge has made it clear that he isn’t planning to continue his wrestling career for long.

Edge made a surprise return to WWE at the 2020 Royal Rumble after nearly nine years away from the ring.

Former Raw General Manager Returning Next Week

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE Hall of Famer and former Raw General Manager Kurt Angle has been announced for an appearance on next week’s episode of the Monday night show.

Next week’s episode of the Red Branded Show will be held from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. It’s the hometown of the Olympic Gold Medallist.

There is no word yet on what Angle will be doing on the show. It’s likely that he gets involved in a storyline similar to how a returning Trish Stratus was confronted by Bayley and her stable on Raw tonight.

The former world champion was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. He was then appointed the new General Manager of Raw.

Kurt Angle also made his in-ring return for the company during this run. He originally replaced Roman Reigns in a match and teamed with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose during the 2017 TLC event.

The veteran went on to have multiple matches after this. He competed in bouts such as the traditional Survivor Series elimination match and more.

This run ended with Angle competing in a retirement match at WrestleMania 35. He faced Baron Corbin and lost the bout.

His last WWE TV appearance came earlier this year when Kurt sent a video message to John Cena congratulating him on the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut in June.

Johnny Gargano Returns to WWE on Raw

Andrew Ravens
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In the third hour of Monday’s WWE Raw, Johnny Gargano walked out to the ring to a big ovation. 

Gargano cut a promo about his accomplishments in NXT before telling a story about how he wondered for a long time if he even wanted to do this still. Gargano recalled having big dreams as a kid and becoming the Intercontinental and WWE Champion. He said he can never fail if he bets on himself, and that’s what he is doing. He said that he’s back in WWE and just getting started. 

The Way Reunion

gargano theory

Theory walked out and said a lot has happened in the last nine months. Gargano said it’s great to see how much Theory has changed. Theory said he’s on his way to becoming the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and brought up everything he’s accomplished. Theory said everything he’s done is everything Gargano has dreamed of doing. Theory thanked him for what he did for him in NXT, but noted that he’s now the veteran, and Gargano is now the rookie. Theory said Gargano can get behind him or go away. Theory wanted a high five, and Gargano super kicked him to end the segment. 

Following an assault by Grayson Waller intended to put Gargano out of commission on television, he ended his tenure in WWE NXT in December of last year as he decided to not re-sign with the company. 

Ahead of the birth of his first child, Quill, Gargano took time off to be with his wife, Candice LeRae. He had previously teased that he “caught the itch” to pick up wrestling once more and has participated in meet-and-greet events.

Gargano previously stated that he still had unfinished business with the WWE, but he also believed that all of his options are open to him. Therefore, he had not yet made up his mind about what to do next and had remained a free agent. 

It was recently reported that following Triple H being put into charge of talent relations and creative, he wanted to bring Gargano back and put Shawn Michaels up to the task to get it done. 

WWE RAW Results (8/22/22): Johnny Gargano Arrives, Bayley Returns To The Ring, Edge vs. Damian Priest

Robert Lentini
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0

This week’s WWE RAW aired live from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. The Rated-R Superstar battled Damian Priest in the main event. In addition to the takeaways below, WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was announced for next week’s edition of RAW live from Pittsburgh.

WWE RAW Results (8/22)

  • IYO SKY & Dakota Kai def. Asuka & Alexa Bliss to advance to the finals of the Women’s Tag Team Tournament
  • Finn Balor def. Dolph Ziggler
  • Kevin Owens def. Chad Gable
  • Bayley def. Aliyah
  • AJ Styles & Bobby Lashley vs. The Miz & Ciampa ended in a no contest
  • Edge def. Damian Priest

Here are the takeaways from this week’s WWE RAW:

Riddle & Rollins Brawled

Riddle and Seth Rollins were shown brawling backstage to kick off the show. The brawl went through the crowd and all the way to the ringside area. Riddle leaped off the barricade and knocked Rollins and a bunch of security down. The brawl continued up the entrance ramp until WWE security broke it up.

Trish Stratus Returned

Trish Stratus made her way to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. She thanked the crowd as they chanted “welcome back!”. Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY interrupted as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Bayley asked why Trish was at RAW and she said she was there to support Edge. IYO then cartoonishly laughed at Trish and said she didn’t like her after claiming to be a fan. RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair joined the party and trash talk continued. Bianca said that Bayley should be thanking Trish instead of insulting her. Alexa Bliss and Asuka interrupted and it led to the Women’s Tag Team Championship tournmament match.

IYO SKY & Dakota Kai Advanced In The Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament

Alexa Bliss & Asuka battled Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky in the semifinals of the Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament. Asuka and Alexa controlled the action early and sent Kai and Sky out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial.

When RAW returned, Alexa hit a Senton on Iyo for a two count. Asuka tagged and had a stare down with Iyo before the two WWE Superstars circled each other in the ring. Dakota tagged in and beat The Empress of Tomorrow down and unloaded several kicks to the face.

Asuka responded with some kicks of her own and tagged in Alexa. Asuka hit Dakota with a Running Bulldog and Alexa went for the cover but Kai kicked out at the last moment. Alexa knocked Dakota out of the ring and then leaped onto her off the ring apron. Tamina and Dana Brooke were shown watching backstage. They were eliminated from the tournament in the first round. Kai and Sky battled back and isolated Alexa in the ring as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Bliss tagged in and climbed to the top rope. Alexa went for Twisted Bliss but Dakota got her knees up. Iyo followed it up with a Dropkick to the face that knocked Bliss out of the ring. Asuka tagged in and Kai went for her finishing kick but The Empress of tomorrow dodged it. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock but didn’t realize that Iyo tagged herself in. Iyo broke the hold on Dakota and rolled Asuka up for the pinfall victory. Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai advanced to the finals of the Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament.

Finn Balor def. Dolph Ziggler

The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley approached Dolph Ziggler backstage. Balor accused Dolph of latching himself onto younger superstars to get ahead. Dolph slapped him in the face and called him a little bitch before making his way to the ring. Rhea Ripley accompanied Balor to the ring for the match and Finn had new entrance music. Finn controlled the action early as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Dolph connected with an elbow to the midsection for a two count. Balor connected with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Ziggler kicked out at two. Rhea shouted at the referee to count faster as the match continued. Dolph responded with a Fameasser but Finn kicked out at two. Rhea hit Ziggler with a cheap shot and Finn followed it up with the 1916. Balor delivered the Coup de Grace for the pinfall victory.

Kevin Owens vs. Chad Gable

Chad Gable battled Kevin Owens tonight on RAW and Otis was ringside. Gable issued an Open Challenge and KO answered. The action started off back and forth. Owens looked to deliver a Powerbomb on the ring apron but Gable countered into a Back Body Drop. Owens crashed to the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Owens sent Gable to a corner with a German Suplex and followed it up with a Cannonball against the turnbuckle. Owens connected with a Pop-Up Powerbomb for the pinfall victory. After the match, Otis tried to attack but KO fought him off. Owens hit Otis with a Stunner and then Powerbombed Gable on top of him.

Bayley def. Aliyah

Aliyah got a great reaction from her hometown crowd and got emotional. Bayley returned to the ring in her first TV match in over a year. She performed at a live event over the weekend. Aliyah got in some offense early but The Role Model quickly took control of the match. Aliyah launched Bayley out of the ring and posed for the crowd. Aliyah responded with a flurry of punches in the corner of the ring. Bayley battled back and hit the Rose Plant for the pinfall victory in a sloppy match.

Dexter Lumis Kidnapped The Miz

AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley battled The Miz and Ciampa in a tag team match. Styles and Lashley dominated the action early. Bobby showed off his power and launched Ciampa onto The Miz outside the ring. The Miz grabbed his knee in pain as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Ciampa and The Miz were back in control. Ciampa connected with a slam and Miz tagged in. The Miz got AJ in a Headlock in the middle of the ring as Lashley pleaded for a tag on the ring apron. Ciampa launched AJ into the barricade outside the ring. Miz and Ciampa gave themselves a round of applause on the ring apron.

Back in the ring, Ciampa got Styles in another Headlock. AJ escaped and tagged in the United States Champion. Lashley sent Miz and Ciampa to opposite corners of the ring and delivered a couple of Splashes. Bobby brought Ciampa to the outside and launched him into the ring post.

Lashley set up for the Spear but Miz dragged Ciampa away. Bobby chased after them and decked Miz with a Clothesline. As Bobby was getting back into the ring, Ciampa caught him in the ropes and hit a DDT. Ciampa went for the Fairytale Ending but Lashley blocked it. Bobby then delivered a Spear and went for the cover but Miz broke it up.

AJ knocked Miz out of the ring and leveled him with a Phenomenal Forearm. Styles leaned up against the barricade and someone grabbed him. Security took the person away before The Miz then leaned up against the barricade. Dexter Lumis showed up with a helmet on. He took the helmet off and dragged The Miz away with a psychotic look on his face. Ciampa then got hit with a Spear after the match ended in a no contest.

Johnny Gargano Arrives On WWE RAW, Theory Confronts Him

Johnny Gargano made his WWE return tonight on RAW. He made his way to the ring to a great reaction from the Toronto crowd. They chanted “Johnny Wrestling!” as he stood in the ring. Johnny noted that it has been 9 months since he’s been in a wrestling ring and he needs to remind himself how to do this.

Gargano introduced himself as a former NXT Champion, three-time North American Champion, and former tag champion. Johnny noted that he won the tag titles in this building. Johnny claimed that he wondered if he even wanted to do this anymore for a bit. He said he wanted to become IC Champ, US Champ, WWE Champ and wrestle at WrestleMania, and wanted to teach his son that even impossible dreams come true. Theory interrupted and we a The Way reunion from NXT.

Theory boasted about already accomplishing all of Gargano’s dreams as the crowd gave him the “what?!” treatment. Theory called the fans idiots and suggested that Johnny carry his bags for him. Johnny leveled Theory with a Superkick and posed for the crowd on the entrance ramp to end the segment.

Edge def. Damian Priest

Edge battled Damian Priest in the main event of this week’s episode of WWE RAW. Beth Phoenix was in the front row for the match. The Rated-R Superstar knocked Damian out of the ring to start off the action. Priest responded with a shoulder tackle but Edge sent him flying out of the ring once again. Damian paced around ringside for a bit as the crowd loudly chanted for the hometown hero Edge.

Back in the ring, Edge sent Damian to the corner and beat him down. The action spilled to the outside once again and Edge connected with a Powerbomb on top of the barricade. Damian then fell into the timekeeper’s area as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Edge and Damian went for a big boot at the same time. They both connected and collapsed the canvas. Damian brought Edge out of the ring and Powerbombed him on the ring apron. Damian followed it up with a Razor’s Edge through the announce table as RAW went to a break.

Back from the commercial break, Edge hit a Hurricanrana off the top rope and sent Damian down to the canvas. Edge went for a Spear but Damian countered with a big boot to the face for a near fall. Priest followed it up with an elbow to the face but Edge responded with the Impaler for a near fall.

Edge accidentally knocked into referee Charles Robinson and he took a big bump out of the ring. Edge broke off a piece of a steel chair and locked in a Crossface but there was no referee. The Rated-R hit an insane Canadian Destroyer and followed it up with a Spear for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Edge went to hit Damian with the con-chair-to but Rhea broke it up with a low blow. Finn Balor then delivered the Coup de Grace to Edge. Finn went to hit Edge with the con-chair-to but Beth Phoenix ripped the chair out of his hands. Beth dared Rhea and Balor to come at her but Judgment Day retreated to close the show.

Road Dogg Returns To WWE, Key NXT Figure May Be Back As Well

Andrew Ravens
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Road Dogg is back in the saddle in WWE.Brian James is returning to an executive position, as first reported by PWinsider. The Attitude Era legend and DX alum is backstage at Monday’s Raw from Toronto.

Road Dogg will take over as Senior Vice President of Live Events, a position held by Jeff Jarrett until this week, per Wrestlevotes.

There is said to be another key hire in the works.

Triple H’s Team Continues To Expand

Triple H

According to Fightful, WWE has had an interest in bringing Katz back into the fold after he was let go this past January. While with the company, he was an integral figure creatively for the NXT brand for almost seven years. 

The report noted they’ve “heard that Katz is expected back if he isn’t already, and had remained close with several in NXT. There were some rumors last month that he could already have been back in the fold, but if not, the interest was already there on WWE’s end.”

Katz has been hosting a podcast with Road Dogg since being let go by WWE. He appeared in Wrestling Society X as Fabian Kaelin, and in TNA as Minion. He was also part of Kane and Daniel Bryan’s anger management skits. 

image 36

Road Dogg had been working as the head of creative for SmackDown until he resigned from that role because, in his words, Vince McMahon’s work ethic “tapped me out.” Road Dogg then went to NXT, where he worked under Triple H before being let go this past January.

Kevin Nash Tried To Get The Undertaker To Join the nWo

Joey Galizia
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Kevin Nash reveals what WWE legend he wanted to jump ship to WCW, and join the now deceased company’s top faction, the New World Order (nWo).

The Hall of Famer was a guest on his old boss Eric Bischoff’s 83 Weeks podcast to discuss all things WCW, which is where the former world champion revealed how he had talks with the Undertaker about changing sides during the height of the Monday Night Wars.

Nash states that his pitch to Taker was that he had no bargaining power in WWE as long as he remained under the Deadman gimmick.

“The Undertaker was the one that I was trying to get. That was the one and I’m not saying – I just told him ‘You gotta switch up your gimmick man.’ I said ‘You’ve got no bargaining power whatsoever as long as you stay in that Undertaker gimmick.”

After a temporary hiatus Undertaker would return to WWE as the iconic American Badass character, a completely different tase from the Phenom. Nash says he doesn’t credit himself for Taker’s gimmick change, but does acknowledge that the character was more likely to succeed outside of WWE.

“I’m not saying that made him turn into the American Badass, I’m just saying that American Badass you can take pretty much wherever you wanna go. They had to pay those guys money, if they wanted to keep them they had to pay them.”

On the same episode Bischoff revealed his fantasy booking plans for Undertaker had he joined WCW, which would have seen him oppose the nWo rather than join it. You can read about that here.

Nash also discussed this topic on the latest edition of his Kliq This podcast. The big man was asked about Shawn Michaels potentially being the third-man, an idea that Nash couldn’t even really wrap his head around due to Shawn being the world champion in WWE at the time.

“Shawn just got the world title in the WWE so he’s not coming f***ing anywhere. Two years in after he had dropped it I made a push to get him in but by then they were giving guaranteed money. I thought Taker was a great one. I tried to get Mark to come over.”

He then explained how Bischoff wanted it to look like WWE was invading WCW, so Hulk Hogan being the third-man was the perfect option.

“The thing with Hulk was that Eric’s idea was that he wanted it to look like the WWE was invading Turner. We’re going back and forth with the skits and all this other sh*t…there was nobody that was more branded as WWF (WWE) than the yellow and red Hulk Hogan. “

You can check out Nash’s full quotes below.

(Please credit Sescoops if any quotes are used)

Road Dogg Calls AEW TV Production ‘Horrible’

Jon Fuentes
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Road Dogg is not a fan of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and their TV production style.

The WWE Hall Of Famer was a guest on Konnan’s “Keepin’ It 100” podcast recently, where he discussed AEW and their progress as a young promotion. Specifically, Road Dogg talked about AEW’s production style, which he called “horrible.”

“The production of the show, not how you produce and execute the creative, but the production of the show is horrible. I have been very, very open to saying that.

“From a television point of view, and you can not like me for saying it, you can not like me for whatever you want to not like me for, but WWE is good TV.

“I think you could bring, I know I could bring, that good TV and execute it from a production and a camera standpoint to them. I just think they have too many people.

“I lose track of who all they are, They don’t focus on one. They tell the long term story, but the only reason they do that is because each guy’s only on TV every four weeks.”

Road Dogg

Road Dogg, real name Brian James, isn’t the only professional wrestling veteran to have some harsh criticisms for AEW. Eric Bischoff’s relationship with president Tony Khan has soured over the past several months for his own criticisms.

However, James seems to be approaching his analysis of AEW from a different perspective. He seems to be open to bringing his talents to the company as an official, helping it grow and improve.

James has said numerous times, he’s surprised that Khan hasn’t reached out to him for a job yet. With over 30 years of experience in the industry as a competitor, producer, and writer, James would certainly bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.

https://youtu.be/of67CpXv2TA

Quotes via WrestlingNews.Co

Spoiler on a Big Angle Planned for Tonight’s WWE Raw

Andrew Ravens
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Triple H has a notable angle planned for tonight’s episode of WWE Raw as Fightful Select has learned of some additional early plans for the event.

It was said that WWE has brought in several extras for an angle that will feature riot police. This is believed to be something for Dexter Lumis as he continues to invade Raw. It was said the angle is for the police to keep him out. 

Dexter Lumis’ Push

Dexter Lumis on Raw

Since returning to WWE a few weeks ago, Lumis tried to jump the barricade and attack AJ Styles but was stopped by security. There was also a car wreck backstage at the arena. 

Riddle, Lashley, Theory, Miz, Street Profits, MVP, Omos, and Alpha Academy are all set to at least be in town for the show but haven’t been announced yet.

WWE has previously announced Damian Priest vs. Edge, WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus appearing, and YO Sky & Dakota Kai vs. Alexa Bliss & Asuka in the semifinal match of the Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament.

It should be noted Bryan Alvarez of F4Wonline.com reports WWE is making another change to the Women’s Tag Team Title tournament.

PWInsider reports that Beth Phoenix is in town for Raw so she could make an appearance to aid her husband, Edge, in his match if there is outside interference by Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley. 

Hip-Hop Superstar Cardi B Tweets About Her Love For Edge and Lita

Joey Galizia
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Cardi B is a big fan of WWE, and an even bigger fan of two WWE Hall of Famers.

The 29-year-old rap sensation took to Twitter to shout out two of the company’s greatest superstars, Edge and Lita. The duo’s relationship was covered on the A&E biography about Edge that recently aired over the weekend.

Cardi writes, “I used to love them….they was such a sexy ass couple …This was truly my wwe era …even tho I was a Trish Stratus girl I used to love this couple.”

Edge and Lita’s relationship on-screen included a live-sex celebration that scored WWE one of their biggest television ratings of the year. However, the relationship quietly ended as their on-screen appearances together eventually faded away.

As for Cardi, this isn’t the first time she has tweeted about her love of pro-wrestling, specifically WWE. Her recent hit “Hot Sh*t” pays homage to the late Jimmy Superfly Snuka, and got her conversing online with Snuka’s daughter Tamina, as well as Natalya. Another of Cardi’s hit songs, “Up,” was used as the theme for SummerSlam 2021 from Las Vegas.

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