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Jake Atlas Insults Boyfriend in Bizarre Arrest Video

Thomas Lowson
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In May this year, former WWE SUperstar Jake Atlas was arrested and charged with assault following an incident with his boyfriend. 

At the time, it was reported that Atlas had been drinking and his partner had arrived to collect him, and refused Atlas’ offer to stay out and drink with him. 

Atlas was also said to be enraged that his boyfriend has been showing “half more attention” to a mutual female friend of the couple.

The Arrest

This week, TMZ Sports released the police video from the time of Atlas’ arrest. 

In the video, the wrestler calls himself an “international trained Superstar” and that he has worked “across the world.”

Speaking about his boyfriend, Atlas said that he is a “nobody,” and that he is “terrible at sex.”

“He is a nobody. He is a f***ing b**ch ass. A f***ing p**sy.”

Jake Atlas.

The domestic violence case against Atlas was dropped in June. 

In a statement after his arrest, Atlas said he was “100% not proud of” his actions and admitted to alcohol abuse. 

Atlas After WWE

Atlas signed with WWE in October 2019, but wouldn’t make his in-ring debut until the April 1, 2020, NXT, in a loss to Dexter Lumis. 

On August 6, 2021, Atlas was among several released by NXT as part of ‘budget cuts.’

The following month, Atlas competed at Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor XII, losing to fellow NXT-alum Taylor Rest.

On the January 7, 2022 AEW Rampage, Atlas made his televised debut for the promotion in a loss to Adam Cole. 

Atlas would suffer a knee injury during the match and was terminated from his AEW contract in June.

Jake Atlas Arrested, Charged With Domestic Assault

Eddie Kingston On His Feud With Chris Jericho: “I Learned What It Was To Be A Snake Backstage”

Joey Galizia
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For the last two years Eddie Kingston has been rising to the top of the AEW card. The Mad King recently finished up a feud with former world champion Chris Jericho, one that carried over for months and ultimately ended with a barbed wire everywhere match that received mixed reviews from fans and analysts.

Kingston and Jericho’s rivalry was the main subject of his latest interview with Under The Ring. The New York native was not shy of giving himself some criticism for his work against the Demo God, nor did he hold back on his experience working with the future hall of famer.

“Oh I hated them all, I hated every single one of them,” said Kingston on his matches with Jericho. “I don’t like any of my work plus I don’t like Chris. Being in the ring with him was a headache, it was seven months of a headache but I’m proud that it’s over, for now. Knowing Chris, [he’ll] probably do something to get me mad and we’ll probably get back in there.”

It should be noted that Kingston always enjoys blurring the lines of reality in his interviews, but he also isn’t someone who tells too many lies. He continued taking shots at Jericho by saying that all he learned from the feud was how to be a snake backstage.

“Did I learn a lot? Yeah, I learned what it was to be a snake backstage like Chris. I learned to avoid people like Chris and his group, so I did learn from it but it was seven months of my life that I can’t have back so thanks a lot Chris.”

Kingston has since moved on to feuding with another member of the Jericho Appreciation Society, Sammy Guevara. He recently challenged the Sex-God to a grudge matchup at the September 4th ALL OUT pay-per-view in Chicago. AEW has yet to officially confirm the bout.

(Quotes via Fightful)

WWE Hall Of Famer Backstage at RAW Tonight

Jon Fuentes
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Another WWE Hall Of Famer is backstage for tonight’s Monday Night RAW.

Beth Phoenix is in Toronto and backstage for Monday Night RAW tonight, according to PWInsider. Phoenix’s husband, fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Edge, is set to compete against Damian Priest tonight in singles action.

It remains to be seen if Phoenix will actually be a part of the show. She could simply be ringside for Edge’s match tonight, or she could get physically involved. Rhea Ripley could certainly play a factor in the match tonight, prompting Phoenix to get involved on her husband’s behalf.

Beth Phoenix at RAW in Toronto

Edge Beth Phoenix

Regardless, the match between Priest and Edge has been weeks in the making after Priest led an assault on “The Rated-R Superstar” to kick him out of The Judgement Day. They’ll finally settle their differences in Edge’s hometown tonight.

Phoenix isn’t the only Hall Of Famer slated for RAW tonight. As previously reported, former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus is also set to appear on RAW tonight. Her appearance was confirmed on last week’s episode of SmackDown Live.

Stratus retired from professional wrestling back in 2006, but has made sporadic appearances for WWE over the years since. She did return to the ring in 2019 for a match with Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam in a losing effort.

Nikkita Lyons Shuts Down Rumor About Missing SmackDown

Jon Fuentes
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Nikkita Lyons has shut down a rumor about her recent removal from SmackDown Live.

Initially, Lyons and Zoey Stark vs. Natalya & Sonya Deville was advertised for last week’s SmackDown in a Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament bout. However, that bout did not happen, as Natalya and Deville instead took on the NTX duo of Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne).

Dolin and Jayne actually won the match, advancing in the tournament. They’ll now compete in a semi-finals bout next week. It should be noted that Stark suffered an injury during her match against NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose last week at NXT Heatwave.

Nikkita Lyons
(via WWE)

A subsequent report suggested that Lyons was actually pulled from SmackDown after she wasn’t allowed into Canada for the show. Canada has strict immigration policies on those traveling to the country, and Lyons is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Canada requires proof of vaccination upon entrance to the country. However, Lyons has since denied that her vaccination status had anything to do with her removal from the show, responding to a fan on Twitter.

Lyons assured fans her removal had nothing to do with COVID-19, but seemed reluctant to give the true reason at this current point in time. However, she did tease potentially revealing the real reason behind her removal soon.

Ex-WWE Star Hospitalized in Puerto Rico

Jon Fuentes
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A former WWE star has reportedly been hospitalized in Puerto Rico.

IWA Puerto Rico announced on their Twitter page that ex-WWE star Savio Vega was rushed to the hospital on Saturday. The veteran is said to be in stable condition at the moment and is still undergoing various tests.

There’s no exact indication as to what Vega is being hospitalized for, but he appears to be conscious and alert in photos.

Savio Vega Hospitalized

Savio Vega Hospitalized

Here’s the news from IWA Puerto Rico (translated):

“Yesterday, Saturday, Savio Vega had to be transferred to a hospital in an emergency. He is still under treatment. You need to rest to recover as soon as possible. He has his phone at hand to communicate only with his relatives.

“We request space. Thanks. In an update for our fans, Savio Vega is still in the hospital and undergoing a series of treatments. We wish him a speedy recovery. http://iwapuertorico.com.”

The 58-year-old Vega began his professional wrestling career back in 1987. He was with WWE from 1994 to 1999. Although he was a member of The Nation Of Domination during his run with WWE, he never was able to record a title victory with the promotion.

Since, Vega has competed all around the independent circuit, as well as a brief run with IMPACT Wrestling.

WWE Legend: Wrestling is Littered With Meaningless Titles

Michael Reichlin
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Championships are meant to signify greatness in pro wrestling. In a sport focused around in-ring exhibitions, title belts are the ultimate goal of every competitor. When used effectively, they can draw huge money and spark business. When a company has too many championships, their value diminishes.

Wrestling legend Bully Ray knows a thing or two about having gold around his waist. As one half of the Dudley Boyz, he’s one of the most decorated tag team wrestlers in history. He’s seen championships booked correctly and he’s seen opportunities squandered due to poor planning.

Bully Ray recently spoke with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston. During a discussion about whether or not the NWA should add a secondary Women’s Championship, Bully Ray spoke about the broader topic of championships in wrestling.

Make Them Matter

WWE and AEW, the top wrestling promotions in the United States, feature so many sanctioned titles that it’s difficult to keep track of them all.

Does WWE need two world champions, two sets of tag champions, two mid-card titles, a comedy title, in addition to all the belts in NXT and NXT UK?

Does AEW need two mid-card men’s titles (TNT and All-Atlantic), an unsanctioned FTW title and new Trios titles?

According to Bully Ray, we’ve got a problem on our hands.

“I think the wrestling industry is littered with championships that don’t mean a damn thing.”

– Bully Ray

Thankfully, there are some glimmers of hope. Bully Ray pointed out that WWE has done a phenomenal job re-establishing the Intercontinental and United States Championships in recent weeks. Those belts had been watered down to be nothing more than props, but Triple H has given fans a reason to understand and appreciate their lineage.

Bully Ray said it would be great for the NWA to create a Women’s TV Championship, as a ‘workhorse’ title, and would be open to the idea of Women’s Tag titles, if they have enough women to warrant them.

Watch Bully Ray’s interview with Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston:

AEW Fight Forever Playable Demo Coming to Gamescom This Week

Michael Reichlin
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The first playable demo for the AEW Fight Forever video game will be featured at this week’s Gamescom convention from Cologne, Germany.

This will be the first time that AEW’s in-development console video game can be played by the general public. The game is due out this year, although the release date has yet to be confirmed.

Amazon.com lists December 31st, 2022 as the release date for AEW Fight for the Fallen, but that is a placeholder until the actual date is announced.

AEW Fight Forever Screenshot

AEW at Gamescom

In addition to the AEW Fight Forever playable demo, All Elite Wrestling is also sending talent to the convention for a series of live exhibition matches.

From Thursday to Sunday, THQ Nordic will host the first-ever AEW matches from Cologne, Germany. A press release sent in from THQ Nordic reads:

“Watch famous AEW talents fighting forever (well, maybe not forever) in our very own ring and bring incredible wrestling action right to you.”

If you can’t make it to Cologne, Germany, don’t sweat it. THQ Nordic will be streaming live from the convention center from Wednesday through Sunday live at Twitch.tv/thqnordic.

Watch Roman Reigns Break Character For Young WWE Fan

Michael Reichlin
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Roman Reigns portrays the most dominant villain in WWE, but the Tribal Chief still goes out of his way to create special moments for young fans.

Reigns was back in action this past weekend during WWE’s weekend tour of Canada. He does not appear at many non-televised live events these days. However, he did compete at Saturday Night’s Main Event from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Canada.

Reigns successfully retained the Undisputed Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus in a triple threat match.

After the match, he was making his way backstage when a fan got his attention.

Reigns Breaks Character for a Good Cause

As seen below, a father told Roman Reigns that his son loves him and it’s his birthday. Reigns stopped in his tracks, embraced the child, shook his hand and wished him a happy birthday. The father couldn’t contain himself and screamed, “holy sh*t” in excitement.

The Reigns vs. McIntyre vs. Sheamus bout was a tune-up for Reigns’ upcoming showdown with McIntyre at WWE Clash at the Castle.

The heavyweight Superstars are scheduled to headline the upcoming Clash At The Castle premium live event from Cardiff, Wales on September 3rd. This will be WWE’s first UK stadium show in thirty years.

WWE Saturday Night Slam Results

August 20, 2022, Ottawa, Canada, Canadian Tire Centre

  • Los Lotharios defeated Butch & Ridge Holland
  • Natalya defeated Shotzi
  • Gunther retained the Intercontinental championship against Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Ricochet defeated Happy Corbin in a No DQ Match
  • Sami Zayn defeated Madcap Moss
  • Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler defeated Smackdown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan & Aliyah
  • Roman Reigns defended the Undisputed Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus

Big E Health Update 5 Months After Breaking His Neck

Michael Reichlin
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Big E has provided an update on his health five months after breaking his neck.

The former WWE Champion was Ryan Satin’s latest guest on the Out of Character podcast for Fox Sports. During their discussion, he spoke about his health over the last few months and what the road to recovery looks like.

At this stage, he’s feeling good. More than anything, he’s grateful. When he fractured the C1 and C4 vertebrae in his neck, he could have been paralyzed. He could have died. He’s not experiencing any pain or weakness, which is nothing short of a miracle.

He’s unsure if he’ll ever be cleared to wrestle again. The next big update will come in March 2023, one year after the injury. His C1 is not completely ossifying (the bone is not reforming), which could prevent him from getting back in the ring.

Big E Injury Update

Big E is says his neck is ‘good enough’ that doctors aren’t worried about his ability to live a normal life. Here’s the word straight from Big E:

“For right now, I’m cleared to live a normal life and I do live a normal life. But, I’m not cleared to be taking off and hitting suicide spears and be to be taking back bumps. The nature of what we do is very physical, it involves your neck and your spine, and I’d like to keep that as in tact as possible.

So, for me right now, kind of the next step, is they want to take a look at it again after a year, get some more scans, so we’re talking about March 2023 to see whats doing. We might also along the way, at the 6 and 9 month mark, look it again. But, the upside is that right now, I have no nerve issues, there’s no tingling, no weakness.”

I’ve been in the gym since 2 weeks after breaking my neck. They told me, ‘As long as your neck is in the brace, as long as you stay in the brace, you’re good for that.’

So, yeah i’ve been working out, I feel great, I’m just really grateful. Honestly, it feels like a bullet whizzed by my face. I felt the wind of the bullet go by my head and I’m very grateful to still be here, to have use of my limbs, to still feel good. That’s really my biggest takeaway, is just gratitude. I try to be grateful that I’m still here. I’m still kicking.”

Being an Introvert, Dating

Elsewhere in the conversation, Big E spoke about being introverted. On television, he’s gyrating his hips and riling up the crowd. Some fans might be surprised to learn that when the cameras stop rolling, he likes to relax and have quiet time.

Big E was asked about his dating life. He joked, “It’s a mess out here” and said, “It’s a mine field, don’t do it man!” He tends to be interested in women that don’t live anywhere near him. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” he said. “I don’t have it figured out.”

He’s open to sharing his life with someone, but never felt the drive to settle down and start a family. He loves working, loves traveling and fears a partner would have a problem with his lifestyle.

Catch Big E’s chat with Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast:

Superstars & Referee Win 24/7 Championship at WWE Live Event

Thomas Lowson
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In WWE, title changes are usually reserved for Premium Live Events and TV shows but that’s not always the case.

On rare occasions, WWE will have titles change hands at untelevised live events to give the fans in attendance an extra special moment.

Title Changes

At a WWE Live event in London, Ontario, Canada, the 24/7 Championship changed hands several times.

Dana Brooke walked into the event as Champion but lost the title to Tamina Snuka.

Snuka’s reign, her fifth reign overall, ended in seconds when she was pinned by Nikki A.S.H, marking the Scottish wrestler’s third reign as champion.

WWE referee Shawn Bennett had his own brief moment of glory, pinning Nikki to win the title, marking the first time an active referee had become champion in WWE.

Bennett’s history-making victory was also short-lived, as he lost the title an estimated ten seconds later to Snuka.

Snuka’s sixth reign ended shortly after, being pinned by Brooke, who left the show with the 24/7 Title, now an eight-time holder of the gold.

The 24/7 Championship

Introduced by Mick Foley in 2019, the 24/7 Championship is WWE’s answer to the Hardcore Championship of the Attitude Era.

Unlike its predecessor, the 24/7 title focuses on comedy rather than violent wrestling.

While the title faced criticism from fans at first, thanks in part to its design, the championship would later win over audiences due who appreciated the comedic aspect of the title changes.

Jeff Hardy Felt “Ashamed” Chasing the WWE 24/7 Championship

Alexa Bliss is Confident She is WWE Hall of Famer Material

Thomas Lowson
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For the past two years, Alexa Bliss has been one of WWE’s most prominently featured Superstars.

In mid-2020, Bliss became part of Bray Wyatt’s ‘The Fiend’ storyline, which she kept going after the former Universal Champion’s release in July 2021.

Before being involved with The Fiend, Bliss saw success in both singles and tag-team action.

The first woman to hold both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships, Bliss is a former Women’s Tag Team Champion and captured the 24/7 Championship earlier this year.

Hall of Famer

With her memorable storylines and championship reigns, it’s easy for Bliss to be considered a future WWE Hall of Famer.

Speaking on the MackMania podcast, Alexa was asked whether she thinks she deserves to join the likes of Chyna, Mae Young, Trish Stratus, and Lita (via Sportskeeda.)

“I think on paper, yes. On paper, I could be a Hall of Famer, 100%. You know, I’ve been very fortunate with the opportunities I’ve had in WWE, especially in my first couple of years on the roster.”

Bliss gave no indication as to who could induct her when she becomes a WWE Hall of Famer.

An Entire Class

Alexa Bliss sees herself as a future WWE Hall of Famer, but she’s not the only current Superstar worthy of the honor.

In that same interview, the former Women’s Champion also praised WWE’s current women’s roster.

“On paper our whole women’s division technically yes, could be Hall of Famers.”

Alexa Bliss on the current WWE’s Women’s division.

WWE boasts an impressive women’s roster, including Charlotte Flair, who holds the record for the most Women’s Title reigns ever, as well as Becky Lynch, the first (and to-date only) woman to hold the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships simultaneously.

Alexa Bliss Just Won her First Championship in Over Two Years

Edge on his Wrestling Career: “The End is in Sight”

Thomas Lowson
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At the 2020 Royal Rumble Pay Per View, Edge made his in-ring return, almost nine years after his last match.

It was on the post-WrestleMania 27 Raw in 2011 that Edge announced his in-ring retirement due to neck issues, and it was believed he’d never wrestle again.

Since returning, Edge has feuded with some of WWE’s biggest stars including AJ Styles, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.

The End is Near

Edge’s return to wrestling is nothing short of a miracle, but the WWE Hall of Famer will one-day have to retire all over again.

Speaking with Bleacher Report for a new interview, Edge made it clear he’s well aware that he is on borrowed time.

“I am enjoying and soaking in every moment with the complete realization that it’s going to end soon. I know the end is in sight and I can see it, and because of that, it makes me enjoy it more.”

“I know the end is in sight and I can see it.”

Edge on his return to pro-wrestling.

What’s Left for Edge?

Edge has accomplished plenty throughout his wrestling career, but there are some accolades left for the Rated-R Superstar to tick off his proverbial bucket list.

The WWE Hall of Famer has headlined WrestleMania twice (24 and 37) but is yet to win the final match on WWE’s biggest event of the year.

Edge is also yet to become Universal Champion, something he tried to do in 2021.

More immediately, Edge will compete on tonight’s Raw in his native Toronto, facing Damian Priest.

It is expected that he will compete at next month’s Clash at the Castle.

Edge Confirms Reports About Judgement Day

Latest On When Good Brothers Will Become Free Agents

Anutosh Bajpai
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Reports have been circulating about the contract status of The Good Brothers and now the timetable for their impending free agency has been revealed.

Fightful Select provided the latest update on the Impact Wrestling contracts of the current Tag Team Champions Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.

According to the site, the duo originally signed a two-year deal with the promotion that was set to expire in July. However, they have since agreed to a contract extension.

Impact Wrestling is set to hold a TV taping in Dallas, Texas, on August 26 & 27. Per the report, the tag champs are expected to remain in the company until then.

The former IWGP tag champions are also scheduled for a couple weeks of NJPW appearances in September, but they will contractually be free agents by that time.

The duo has agreed to work with New Japan Pro Wrestling through the 2023 Wrestle Kingdom events but this could change if they get signed by any other promotion.

There is no word on what the Good Brothers are planning for their future. With Triple H becoming the in charge of WWE creative, both an AEW move and a WWE return seem like realistic possibilities.

Former WWE Star Debuts at AEW Dark Tapings

Andrew Ravens
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Former WWE NXT star Westin Blake, formerly known as Wesley Blake, made his All Elite Wrestling debut at the newest set of AEW Dark tapings.

On August 21, All Elite Wrestling taped two sessions of AEW Dark at Universal Studios in Florida, and during the second session, Blake worked a match. 

Westin Blake Back in Action

blake murphy

Blake originally signed with WWE in 2013 before being paired with  Buddy Murphy in the early portion of his time there where they found success with Alexa Bliss as their manager and were tag team champions. 

He later teamed up with Steve Cutler (Steve Maclin) and Jaxson Ryker to form The Forgotten Sons faction that was featured on NXT TV until the trio was called up to WWE SmackDown in April 2020. 

After Ryker posted some controversial tweets, they were pulled from TV, but later returned to television as The Knights of the Lone Wolf alongside King Corbin in December. However, Cutler was released in February 2021 before the company cut Blake two months later. 

Following his WWE departure, Blake has been working on the independent scene for various promotions, including Control Your Narrative and The Wrestling Revolver.

He did reunite with Maclin and won the tag titles in The Wrestling Revolver to later drop them to The OGK in July.

AEW Tag Team Gets a New Name & Manager

Andrew Ravens
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AEW has repackaged the tag team known as Bear Country. 

The team will now be known as The Iron Savages with JT Davidson as their manager. The change was made at the AEW Dark tapings in Orlando on Sunday. 

Bear Country Background

Bear Boulder and Bear Bronson have been teaming together since 2017 where they worked for Create A Pro Wrestling Academy and Chaotic Wrestling. They started working for AEW in 2020.

Their first AEW match was on the December 3 episode of AEW Dark where they lost to The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson). The tag team made their AEW TV debut on the March 11, 2021 episode of Dyamite when  Matt Hardy, Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) & The Butcher And The Blade (The Blade & The Butcher) defeated Bear Country& Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus & Marko Stunt) 

Their last televised match came on the July 6th episode of Dynamite where The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) & The Gunn Club (Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) defeated Fuego Del Sol & Ruffin It (Boulder, Bronson & Leon Ruffin).

All Elite Wrestling is taping two sets of tapings for the weekly YouTube show that will air in the coming weeks. 

Jeff Jarrett Departs From WWE (Report)

Andrew Ravens
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Jeff Jarrett has finished up with WWE.

PWInsider reports that the WWE Hall Of Famer departed from his position as Senior Vice President of Live Events. The belief is that he finished up this past Friday but that is not confirmed yet. 

Jeff Jarrett’s Latest Stint

WWE brought him back to work in 2019 as a producer and he was later part of the creative team before moving up to an executive role. 

Jeff Jarrett

Jarrett was one of many employees furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was brought back in May to run the live events department. Earlier this week WWE touted record ticket sales for WrestleMania 39 and live event attendance has also seen an uptick in recent months. 

Jarrett hosts the “My World” podcast with Conrad Thompson on AdFreeShows.com. He will stay busy with that as well as being the part owner of The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Minor League Baseball team. 

Jarrett worked Ric Flair’s Last Match with tag team partner Jay Lethal against Flair and Andrade El Idolo in the main event. The night before this event, Jarrett was the special referee at SummerSlam for the Tag Team Title match between The Usos and The Street Profits.

Former WWE Star Exits Impact Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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Impact Wrestling has been around for over 20 years and boasts an impressive roster of wrestlers.

Despite some shaky years, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, Impact has emerged the other side a stronger company and has a loyfal fanbase, ready to support the wrestlers and the company.

Impact Wrestling has a stacked roster, but it will have to operate without Tenille Dashwood.

Tenille Dashwood Gone from Impact

Tenille Dashwood

Tenille Dashwood has departed Impact Wrestling. On Sunday, she confirmed her status as a free agent for the first time in 3 years.

Dashwood’s most recent match for Impact was nearly two months ago, losing to Masha Slamovich in just over one minute at the July 2, tapings, which would air two weeks later.

Since her most recent appearance for IMPACT, Dashwood has competed in several matches in her native Australian for the WSW promotion.

On the tour with WSW, Dashwood picked up wins over Shazza McKenzie and Chelsea Green, but failed to capture the WSW Women’s Championship from Taya Valkyrie.

Dashwood in Impact

Tenille Dashwood

In July 2019, Impact announced that Dashwood had signed a deal with the promotion, after previously competing for WWE and Ring of Honor.

One of Dashwood’s first matches after signing however would be at AEW All Out 2019 Pay Per View, where she’d be part of a 21-woman Casino Battle Royale on the pre-show.

In Impact, Dashwood would immediately become a challenger for the Knockout’s World Championship, but lost to then-Champion Taya Valkyrie at Bound for Glory 2019.

It wouldn’t be until March 5, 2022, four days after her 33rd birthday, that Dashwood would capture her first Championship.

That win saw Dashwood and Madison Rayne win the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship by defeating The IInspiration.

Top Dolla Addresses Swerve Strickland’s Absence from Hit Row

Michael Reichlin
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Hit Row made a “smash return” to WWE on the August 12th edition of Friday Night SmackDown. However, they are missing a key component of the original act.

The group, which was comprised of Swerve Strickland, Top Dolla, Ashante “Thee” Adonis and B-Fab, were broken up and released from WWE at different points throughout 2021.

Strickland later signed with All Elite Wrestling. Along with Keith Lee, he’s one half of the reigning AEW World tag team champions.

The three remaining members now look to reestablish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the SmackDown brand.

During a recent appearance on the Jobbing Out podcast, Top Dolla spoke about how their WWE return came about and his thoughts about the group continuing without Swerve.

Hit Row’s Road Back to WWE

Hit Row member Top Dolla appeared on the Jobbing Out podcast this week and spoke about their road back to WWE. He never stopped talking to Triple H after his release. They kept in regular touch and said they have a strong relationship.

He kept in touch with other members of WWE management, as well. The day after he was released from WWE, John Laurinaitis (former head of talent relations) called him and said Hit Row would be waned back in WW when the company resumes hiring.

Top Dolla said the group knows they created something special. They never stopped plotting their return and were eager to get back to work. When Triple H came into power at WWE, Top Dolla was waiting for “the call” to return. That call came and he told Triple H the crew is ready to come back. Within a week or so, they were back on television.

Hit Row

Hit Row Without Swerve Strickland

Of course, Top Dolla was asked about the absence of Swerve Strickland, the group’s breakout star during their initial run in NXT.

The former NFL star said it’s not really a big deal, because the three remaining members have been working together for over two years and were a unit before Swerve was added to the group.

“Swerve was added to the crew two weeks before we debuted. And – when we got released, he told us he wanted to do his own thing. We didn’t tell him he couldn’t be in Hit Row… He said he wanted to do his own thing. So, he’s doing his own thing.”

– Top Dolla

Top Dolla said he, Ashante “Thee” Adonis and B-Fab are the “OG-3.” The group was his creation and were just fine before Swerve was added. The three original members feed off of each other creatively and will be just fine on SmackDown.

Listen to Top Dola’s appearance on the Jobbing Out podcast:

Karrion Kross & Scarlett to Appear at Indie Events Despite WWE Return

Thomas Lowson
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On the post-Summerslam 2022 edition of SmackDown, Karrion Kross and Scarlett returned to WWE.

The pair had been released in November 2021 as part of ‘budget cuts’ mere months after WWE had promoted the two-time former NXT Champion to the main roster.

Kross made an impact upon his return to WWE, attacking Drew McIntyre and facing off with Roman Reigns.

Making Appearances

Prior to his return to WWE, Kross (under the name Killer Kross) appeared for several promotions, including Chikara, CYN, MLW and NJPW Strong.

On Twitter, Kross confirmed that from now on, he will only be competing in WWE rings and on WWE TV.

However, the company is allowing both Kross and Scarlett to appear at independent events that had already been booked prior to the duo’s return to WWE.

Kross made it clear these appearances will be for meet-and-greets only and that fans should not expect either of them to wrestle.

The SmackDown Superstar added that he will only appear if the event does not overlap with his WWE schedule which takes precedence.

The Main Event

While Kross’ first stint on WWE’s main roster, his return has been an incredible sight to behold.

Upon returning, Kross has been thrust into the main event scene, involving himself in the storyline between WWE’s arguable two biggest stars (Reigns and McIntyre.)

It is believed that Kross and McIntyre will feud after WWE Clash at the Castle next month.

There have been reports that WWE is planning for Reigns to face Kross at Survivor Series 2022 this coming November.

Karrion Kross Reveals His Reaction To WWE Return

WWE Star Deactivates Twitter (Again) After Heated Exchange

Michael Reichlin
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Social media can be a toxic place. This rings especially true for female celebrities, who are often the subject of targeted harassment.

This weekend, WWE Superstar Shotzi deactivated her Twitter account (again) to get away from online negativity.

The controversy began when Shotzi had a tense exchange with on-screen rival, SmackDown Women’s champion Liv Morgan. Morgan referenced Shotzi deactivating her Twitter account earlier this year, which led to the green-haired grappler firing back with an allegation that caused a lot of commotion on Wrestling Twitter.

Shotzi Claims Liv Morgan Got Ruby Soho Fired

Shotzi claims that Morgan is responsible for getting Ruby Soho released by WWE in June 2011.She told Morgan that she won’t be the next “green haired tattooed girl” to get run over. In fact, she’s the one that typically does the running over.

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Shotzi Deactivates Twitter Again

Shotzi was attempting to stand up for her friend, but was inundated with messages calling her a bully towards Morgan.

Things spiraled out of control when some fans sent death threats. Shotzi saw this as the right time to unplug.

She said “Bye!” to her followers and sarcastically wrote that she’ll be back when she’s in the mood to “bully another one of her coworkers” again.

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As noted, this is the second time this year that Shotzi decided Twitter wasn’t for her. Just last month, she took a break from social media after fans mocked her for botching spots during the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

After this latest exchange, it will be interesting to watch how Liv Morgan and Shotzi interact on WWE television. The two wrestled just days ago, on Friday’s episode of SmackDown. You can see footage from that match below.

Morgan defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against #1 contender Shayna Baszler at the upcoming Clash at the Castle premium live event on September 3.

Edge Confirms Reports About Judgement Day

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE star Edge has confirmed the reports that him getting kicked out of The Judgement Day wasn’t the original plan for the group.

The Rated R Superstar recently had an interview with Bleacher Report. He talked about things such as Triple H taking over the creative in the company and more.

Speaking about The Judgment Day, the wrestling veteran claimed that he is having a blast working with the group. He also confirmed that they have had to make some changes into the original plans for the faction.

A Fun Direction, Adapting

Edge Backstage

“So far, I’ve had a blast going to work and getting to do a storyline with Priest and Balor and Rhea [Ripley],” he said. “It was kind of floating there for a little while.

Now, it’s getting a direction and that’s really, really fun.” said Edge, “We had to make some changes due to injuries and stuff like that, and you just have to adapt.”

The Hall of Famer was kicked out of The Judgement Day during the June 6 episode of Raw. It was later reported that some creative differences about the presentation of the group led to this change.

Edge has since started a feud with his former protégés. He is currently set to face Damian Priest in a one-on-one match on Monday’s Raw from Toronto.

Edge is the subject of the latest episode of Biography: WWE Legends series on A&E, premiering Sunday night at 8/7c.

Charlotte Flair Claims Becky Lynch Title Exchange Controversy was an Accident

Thomas Lowson
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In October 2021, then-Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair was drafted to SmackDown on FOX.

Mere months earlier, Raw Superstar Becky Lynch had captured the SmackDown Women’s Title after over a year away due to pregnancy.

On the October 22, 2021, episode of SmackDown, a segment saw the two switch titles, to correspond with their respective brands.

Going Off-Script

During the segment, the two former friends took digs at each other, and Flair was said to have gone off-script.

Instead of handing the title to Lynch as planned, Flair dropped the Raw Women’s Title on the floor, which is said to have left Lynch furious.

Once backstage the pair got into a heated argument which led to Flair being escorted from the building.

An Accident

Flair dropping the title was the latest issue between the two former friends and was widely reported at the time.

The second-generation wrestler was condemned for her going off-script, but that’s not what happened according to Charlotte.

While speaking on Steve Austin’s “The Broken Skull Sessions,” Charlotte said that what happened was just an accident (via The Sportster.)

“I wish I could sit here and tell you that I did it on purpose but if people need me to be that bad guy, I’ll be that bad guy. Things happen on screen. I would never go on a scripted television show and purposely do something on purpose…It was accidental.”

“If people need me to be that bad guy, I’ll be that bad guy.”

Charlotte Flair denying that her title-belt dropping was deliberate.

Lynch would later lose the Raw Women’s Championship to Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 38.

While Flair would retain her SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania, she’d lose the gold to Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania Backlash.

Becky Lynch Provides Injury Recovery Update

WWE TV Has More Wrestling Since Triple H Took Over Creative

Thomas Lowson
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Triple H is putting the “wrestling” back in WWE.

When Vince McMahon retired from WWE in July, his son-in-law Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque replaced the ex-Chairman as Head of Creative.

As both the Head of Creative and Head of Talent Creative, Triple H has implemented several changes, bringing back several Superstars released under the previous regime.

The change in WWE management has also had an impact on the in-ring action, as the wrestling in ‘World Wrestling Entertainment’ has become more prominent.

More Wrestling

Since the “King of Kings” took over as head of WWE’s Creative department, there has been a notable uptake in the amount of wrestling, fans get to see.

Data from Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reveals that in the four weeks of Raw’s since Triple H took over, there has been an increase in the number of minutes dedicated to wrestling per hour.

The most action-packed Raw was the August 1, 2022, episode of the red brand, which saw 26 minutes of wrestling per hour, totaling one hour and 18 minutes of in-ring work over the three hours.

In the data, the show with the lowest amount of wrestling as the April 4, Raw, the night after WWE WrestleMania 38, which averaged 12 minutes of in-ring action per hour, or 36 minutes in total.

For SmackDown, the most action-packed episode was the July 29, 2022, show, the go-home event before Summerslam, which had 25 minutes of wrestling per hour, or 50 minutes in total.

The worst offender was the July 8 episode, the first SmackDown after Money in the Bank 2022, which saw seven minutes of wresting per hour, 14 minutes across the entire show.

WWE fans have been eager to see what this “new era” brings. With Triple H serving as the new head of talent relations, he’s already brought back several performers including Dakota Kai, Io Sky, Hit Row, Karrion Kross and Scarlett. As the head of creative, it’s encouraging that we’re already seeing more in-ring wrestling per week.

Backstage News On WWE Releasing Over A Dozen NXT UK Talents

Anutosh Bajpai
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After uneasiness over the future of NXT UK for several weeks, WWE finally confirmed that the territory will be rebranded as NXT Europe earlier this week.

This announcement, unfortunately, was followed by the release of over a dozen names associated with the brand. This included talents such as Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews among others.

Fightful Select provided more details on this announcement. They noted that many UK talents knew that a change was coming, but they were unaware of the gravity of it.

As far as the releases go, it wasn’t all about WWE cutting talents they didn’t want. Several names were released because they didn’t want to move to US. There were others who didn’t think it made financial sense to continue with the promotion.

Many UK-based promoters are hopeful that the reinvigorated free agents market will help the UK indie scene that was affected by NXT UK’s formation.

Flash Morgan Webster had been out of action due to an injury since last year. It’s been said that he signed a long-term deal with the promotion only months before his release.

WWE has confirmed that the NXT Europe brand will be launching sometime in 2023. Though they haven’t provided much details beyond that.

CM Punk on AEW: “The Best Year Of My Pro Wrestling Career”

Anutosh Bajpai
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It’s been one year since CM Punk made his triumphant return to pro wrestling, and according to the Straight Edge Star, this has been the best year of his wrestling career. Amid all the controversy surrounding his promo on Dynamite, the AEW champion took on his Instagram to reflect on the one-year anniversary of his return.

He posted some behind-the-scenes photos of his AEW journey so far. Seemingly commenting on the reports that he wanted to quit the company, Punk noted that he wouldn’t stop ‘until the wheels fall off’:

“One year ago began the best year of my professional career. Too many great moments, not enough space to post all the great pics. Rekindled passion, made new friends, reunited with old ones.” wrote CM Punk, “Can’t stop smiling, won’t stop until the wheels fall off. Thank you most of all to all the fans who made it possible. I’m having the time of my life, as there’s a drive into deep left field by Castellanos and that’ll be a home run. And so that’ll make it a 4-0 ballgame.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChgNoAyNQt4/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

CM Punk left wrestling when he walked out of WWE back in 2014. He mostly stayed away from the industry for almost 6 years before finally making his return during August 20, 2021 episode of Rampage. Punk has reclaimed his spot in the wrestling world since then and he became a world champion once again. He defeated Hangman Page at Double Or Nothing in May to win his first title in almost 9 years.

You can relive CM Punk’s iconic return to wrestling below:

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