Home Blog Page 639

Vince McMahon Memoirs Being Shopped to Major Book Publishers

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Fans could soon be learning how to make a small-time wrestling promotion into a global Sports Entertainment juggernaut by none other than Vince McMahon himself.

The WWE Chairman and CEO has certainly proven to be a success, currently boasting an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion, and now McMahon is looking to open up about his life.

The New York Post reports that reps for McMahon are secretly shopping around for a publisher for his memoirs, which will tell about his early life and rise to the top of wrestling.

This isn’t the only McMahon book in the works, however, as Simon & Schuster’s Atria Books will release their own bio ‘Ringmaster’ by Abraham Riesman in early 2023

McMahon’s Memoirs

One source told Page 6 that the book has been compared to shoe guru Phil Knight’s best-seller ‘Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike.’

The source added, “There have been other bios on him and WWE in the past, but this is very much his memoir told in his voice about his rise and life.”

The book is being represented by literary agency Vigliano Associates, who have previously worked with stars including Willie Nelson, Mark Messier, and WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson.

From Trailer Park to Titan Towers

Outside the ring, McMahon has had a fascinating life, starting with an incredibly difficult childhood.

Raised as Vinnie Lupton, McMahon’s formative years were spent in trailer parks and has admitted to being beaten by one of his stepfathers Leo Lupton.

Meeting his biological father Vincent J. McMahon at age 12, Vince Jr. and after founding Titan Sports in 1980, would purchase his father’s Capitol Wrestling Corporation in 1982.

In addition to being the WWE owner, McMahon has served in multiple on-screen roles including a commentator, wrestler, and authority figure.

Mick Foley was Pitched “One of the Worst Things Ever” by Vince McMahon

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Mick Foley may have gone under several names, including Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love, but there’s one name the WWE Hall of Famer refused to be known as.

In 1996, Foley joined the WWF after years of establishing himself in WCW and elsewhere but Vince McMahon wanted a brand new name for the “Hardcore Legend.”

On a recent edition of his Foley is Pod podcast, the three-time former WWF Champion recalled being given the name ‘Mason the Mutilator’ (via Wrestling News).

 “I felt Mason the Mutilator is one of the worst things I’ve ever heard. It sounds to me like something that would be in a bootleg version of an old Fish card game. It just sounds awful.”

Mick Foley on his originally pitched WWE name.

From Mason to Mankind

WWE Classic of the Week: Undertaker vs. Mankind Buried Alive Match | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
Mankind in 1996, after aligning himself with manager Paul Bearer.

Foley added that while he hated the name he felt it would be wrong to refuse ‘Mason the Mutilator’ without pitching something in return.

Foley offered the name ‘Mankind the Mutilator,’ telling the Chairman of WWE that when people spoke about “the future of mankind and the destruction of mankind” it would be related to him.

While McMahon didn’t get the idea at first, he jotted it down on a yellow legal pad, and the decision was later made to drop the ‘Mutilator’ title entirely.

On the post-WrestleMania 12 edition of Monday Night Raw, Mankind debuted by defeating Bob ‘Spark Plug’ Holly, and would never have to worry about the Mutilator name again.

Quote: WWE Were “Idiots” for Not Pushing Eric Young as NXT Champion

Thomas Lowson
-
0

As a wrestler of over 30 years, Eric Young is no stranger to championship gold, but one prize that has alluded him is the NXT Championship.

In 2016, Young signed with WWE after a lengthy run in Impact Wrestling and formed the group Sanity alongside Killian Dain, Alexander Wolfe, Nikki Cross, and briefly Sawyer Fulton.

The group did hold the NXT Tag Team Championships, but Young never captured the brand’s top prize, despite at least one of his Sanity cohorts thinking he was ready.

Speaking to the Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast, Dain said there was a window of time when he felt Young could’ve feuded with Shinsuke Nakamura who at the time held the NXT Championship.

That feud never transpired which remains a sore spot for Dain who said (via Bodyslam):

“WWE were idiots for not putting the NXT Championship on Eric Young while we were in NXT.”

Killian Dain on Young’s push in WWE.

Young after WWE

IMPACT: Eric Young si è infortunato | Zona Wrestling
Young captured his second Impact World Championship upon his return to the company following his April 2020 WWE release.

Eric Young’s career in WWE may not have gone as he (or Dain) may have hoped, but the Canadian wrestler has done well for him since.

At July 2020’s Slammiversary event, Young returned to Impact Wrestling and captured the promotion’s World Championship in September that same year.

Young’s reign would end the following month when he lost the title to Rich Swann.

At next weekend’s Slammiversary, Young will once again challenge for the Impact World Championship, now held by fellow Canadian Josh Alexander.

LGBTQ Documentary Out In The Ring Wins Best Canadian Feature at Inside Out Toronto

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Wrestling documentary Out In The Ring has won the Best Canadian Feature at Inside Out Toronto, Canada’s largest LGBTQ film festival.

The documentary, chronicling the history of LGBTQ identities in pro wrestling is directed by Ry Levey. It had been in production for a long time.

The film felt the effects of the covid-19 pandemic as well as the #MeToo and #SpeakingOut moments. It was finally released on June 3 after 4 years in development.

Out In The Ring features many prominent wrestling figures from past and present. It includes names such as Chyna, Mike Parrow, Sonny Kiss, Chris Kanyon, Pat Patterson, Sue Green, Dani Jordyn, Effy, Charlie Morgan, Sandy Parker, Pollo Del Mar, Jordan Blade, Reiza Clarke and Wade Keller.

A number of featured stars were in attendance for a panel after the film’s release. They talked about things such as the history of homophobia in pro wrestling.

Levey noted how Inside Out was the first film festival he attended after coming out himself 25 years ago. He said that winning this prize is a full circle moment and it’s a true privilege.

Other movies that won awards at the ceremony include Amelia Eloisa’s “We Will Never Belong” (Best Narrative Feature), Joseph Sackett’s “Homebody” (Best First Feature) and Jacquie Lawrence’s “Gateways Grind” (Best Documentary Feature).

Positive Update on Cody Rhodes

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

There is some good news involving Cody Rhodes.

Rhodes has been widely praised for his gutsy performance at the WWE Hell in a Cell premium live event on June 5. Ahead of his third televised encounter with Seth Rollins, Cody completely tore his right pectoral muscle.

Most of his pec and arm were bruised but Cody went through with the match and defeated Rollins.

Cody Rhodes Undergoes Successful Surgery

Brandi Rhodes, Cody’s wife, took to her Twitter account to share some good news. Cody’s pectoral tendon was torn completely off of the bone, which makes his performance at Hell in a Cell even more impressive. Thankfully, surgery was successful and his recovery journey begins.

During the post-Hell in a Cell episode of Raw, Cody hinted at still trying to perform at Money in the Bank on July 2 but he’s expected to miss four to six months of action.

Cody was attacked by Rollins on the June 6 episode of Raw but refused assistance and walked to the back on his own power.

AEW Star Suffers Torn Labrum

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

A big AEW star has reportedly suffered a tear.

The wrestling industry has been bogged down by injuries as of late. CM Punk, the AEW World Champion, recently had surgery on his foot. Cody Rhodes underwent surgery for a completely torn right pectoral muscle.

Bryan Danielson has been given a week or two off due to an undisclosed injury that forced him to miss a meet and greet.

Another AEW star has been getting some time to rest and now we know why.

Extent of Adam Cole’s Injury

Adam Cole
(via AEW)

AEW pulled Adam Cole from a scheduled 10-man tag team match on the June 1 episode of Dynamite. Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer reported that this was due to AEW letting Cole rest to heal from some sort of shoulder issue.

Since then, sources have told Fightful that Cole has suffered a torn labrum. Neither Cole nor AEW have commented on the reported injury.

Given the nature of the injury, it could take Cole some time to properly heal. Of course, it all depends on how severe the tear is.

It’s been said that Cole has been dealing with the injury dating back to his feud with Hangman Page.

Top WWE Superstar Won’t Appear on SmackDown Tomorrow Night

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

One high-profile superstar isn’t expected to make an appearance on the June 10 episode of SmackDown.

This week’s episode of SmackDown will be held inside the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Ricochet will be putting the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the line against Gunther.

While some speculation has run rampant on social media, one major star will not be returning tomorrow night.

Charlotte Flair A No Go For SmackDown

Charlotte Flair
(via WWE)

Charlotte’s husband, Andrade El Idolo, made his return to AEW TV this past Wednesday on Dynamite. The two had been on their honeymoon but now that Andrade is back, it led some to wonder if Charlotte would follow suit this week.

PWInsider is reporting that Charlotte Flair is not on tap for tomorrow’s episode of SmackDown.

WWE wrote Charlotte off TV at the conclusion of her WrestleMania Backlash match with Ronda Rousey. WWE’s storyline update was that Charlotte suffered a fractured radius in the match.

Charlotte is actually fine and is expected to reignite her feud with Rousey once she returns.

Alexa Bliss Throws Shade at AEW Champion

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

Alexa Bliss seems to have gotten herself involved in a feud that’s playing itself out on AEW TV.

Of course, Bliss is a member of the WWE roster. She is seen on Monday Night Raw. Her good friend Athena, formerly known as Ember Moon in WWE, now performs in AEW.

Athena has been feuding with an AEW champion and Alexa is jumping in with some words of her own.

Bliss Takes Aim at Jade Cargill

Jade Cargill
(via AEW)

Athena seems primed for a TBS Championship match with titleholder Jade Cargill. The two have been heated ever since Athena debuted in AEW at Double or Nothing.

Jade took to her Twitter account to rip Athena for trying to pull off a “Mandy-ish” look in reference to NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose.

“You ask me. You look rather “Mandy-ish”. I thought you weren’t trying to be sexy? got close to a REAL goddess and seen you have to switch it up! but you guys want this woman to take my spot? Bitch GTFOH.”

Athena responded to Jade with the following tweet.

“@Jade_Cargill that’s real rich coming from someone who’s also buff blonde… Mandy & Charlotte are already taken. Move on hussy. I hope you keep that same energy next time I see you… #AndNew #FallenGoddess”

Alexa Bliss wouldn’t stand for the slander, claiming she doesn’t even know who Jade Cargill is.

“I’d love to get mad at someone who’s coming after my bestie… but I’m still trying to figure out who the heck they even are … ?”

AEW Getting a Boost of Star Power Soon

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Although AEW has a loaded roster, there have been several wrestlers out with injuries. The good news is some of those stars are getting closer to returning to in-ring action, which is much needed after AEW World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk went down with an injury that will result in him getting surgery. 

He’s expected to be out of action for several months and the promotion is crowing an Interim World Champion at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view event later this month. 

AEW President Tony Khan is thanking fans for watching this week’s Dynamite — and also hinted at several injured stars coming back soon.

“I appreciate you wrestlers/staff/fans, & excited for *many* injured stars returning as we approach Road Rager + Forbidden Door!”

– Tony Khan

AEW’s Sidelined Stars

Kenny Omega, Bryan Danielson, Sting, Orange Cassidy, and Kip Sabian are just some of the names that have been sidelined. Of course, AEW World Champion CM Punk is also out of action with a foot injury, but won’t be back in action any time soon.

Omega’s last match came when he dropped the AEW World Championship to “Hangman” Adam Page at Full Gear. He took time off to heal up from various injuries and has since undergone arthroscopic knee surgery as well as surgery to repair a sports hernia.

In late May, Sting took a double superkick from The Young Bucks and he had his ankle smashed by Kyle O’Reilly. It’s possible that the angle was done to cover for a nagging injury that he needed to take care of as he was pulled from the AEW meet and greets over Double Or Nothing weekend.

Danielson was hurt in the Anarchy in the Arena match at Double Or Nothing, although there’s no exact word on the injury. He is only expected to be out of action for 1 or 2 weeks.

Wrestler Done With AEW for Now

Andrew Ravens
-
0

KiLynn King is no longer working for AEW at least for now. 

King did an interview with Fightful and confirmed that she was done with All Elite Wrestling after spending two years there and working dozens of matches. 

The promotion didn’t offer her a new contract so she let them know that she was very appreciative for them giving her a chance but wanted to explore some different paths, as well as help, make an impression in wrestling somewhere else. 

Billy Gunn, who works as a producer/wrestler for the promotion, told her that the door remains open. She said that she was very grateful for her time there, and hopes she can return in the future. She is not under a full-time contract with NWA and is still a free agent.

King stated that when she was booked to go over in her matches despite originally being brought in as an enhancement talent was a shock to her.  After she got her first win in AEW, she thought they were getting a look at the TNA veteran Lei’D Tapa, but Dustin Rhodes told her that she was winning, then it just kept happening. 

King will challenge Kamille for the NWA Women’s Title at the Alwayz Ready pay-per-view this Saturday that will air on FITE TV at 7 pm EST with the price tag of $24.99.

Former WWE Producer Felt “Chastised” by the Company

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

One former WWE producer believes the company’s higher-ups were more confrontational than collaborative.

Lance Storm had served as a producer for WWE before being let go due to budget cuts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. He is now back with IMPACT Wrestling as a producer and coach.

He has discussed the biggest difference working behind the scenes for both companies.

During an interview Ariel Helwani (via POST Wrestling), Storm said there’s far less finger-pointing in IMPACT than there is in WWE.

“Again, the experience I had when I worked with IMPACT the first time, it’s like, I liked everybody. I liked the atmosphere.

“There’s a really great team atmosphere and that to me is the real big difference maker that I noticed between when I was in WWE and not to bury WWE, they have their thing and live TV is different but, when you’re sitting on headset in WWE, it feels confrontational.

“And when you’re sitting on headset in IMPACT, it feels collaborative. You’ve got the Director who’s asking, you’ve got Josh [Matthews] who’s doing — but it all feels like we’re all trying our best and if something happens that doesn’t go as perfectly as you want, it feels like we’re all just gonna try to figure out how we can make it better next time.

“Rather than feeling like you’ve been pointed out and chastised for something and it’s just, atmosphere is so much more rewarding when it feels collaborative than confrontational.”

WWE Champion Possibly Injured During Tapings

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

One WWE superstar may have sustained an injury during a recent taping.

As they say in WWE, “this ain’t ballet.” There is a risk that superstars run every time they step inside the ring. Even doing routine moves can lead to serious injury, which is why the company advises fans not to try these acts at home.

For one NXT Champion, she may have been injured but it’s also possible she avoided anything serious.

Gigi Dolin’s Injury Scare

Gigi Dolin
(via WWE)

A spoiler report from PWInsider noted that there was a moment during a recent set of NXT tapings where Gigi Dolin was on the receiving end of a cannonball from Cora Jade. Gigi did not get up, so Cora pinned her immediately.

Gigi, one-half of the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, had to be helped to the back.

In some good news, the report noted that Gigi was out for a promo segment later and didn’t appear to show lingering effects.

With that said, she didn’t get physical during the segment.

Time will tell whether Gigi simply got the wind knocked out of her or if there’s something more serious at play.

Fantasy Booking Cody Rhodes’ Road to the WWE Championship

Mike Chin
-
0

When Cody Rhodes cut his first promo back in WWE since his return, he established a mission statement of winning the title his father never had the chance to—the WWE Championship. Based on the way he was booked to sweep a three-match series with Seth Rollins, it would appear he was on track for just that accomplishment.

While his injury to his pectoral muscle may have seemed to derail that momentum the fact that he still won his last match before stepping away inside Hell in a Cell, and delivered such a well-received, gritty performance in the process suggest he may well pick up where he left off and still be on track to wind up WWE Champion. But what will that road look like?

Cody Wins The Royal Rumble As a Surprise Entrant

Royal Rumble
WWE Royal Rumble

For the last three decades, there’s been no better established traditional journey to the WWE Championship than winning the Royal Rumble and going on to challenge for the title at WrestleMania. Early reports suggest Cody Rhodes will miss six-to-twelve months for this injury. If he can return on the early end of that range, he would fit the mold of electrifying surprise entrants to the Royal Rumble and would make a lot of sense as a choice to win it all.

Of course, that opens the question of whom Rhodes would challenge at WrestleMania. It would not make sense for him to go toe to toe with Roman Reigns there, assuming the rumored plans are true for Reigns to face The Rock in LA.

Additionally, Reigns is about the only WWE roster member who still feels off limits for The American Nightmare to defeat. Seth Rollins could, however, be in play.

Cody Helps Seth Rollins Win the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble

Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns

It’s not unheard of for a world title match to go on after the Royal Rumble at the annual PPV, or with two Rumble matches in the mix, the men’s could go on early while the women’s version closes the show. Whatever the mechanics may be, Cody Rhodes could win the Royal Rumble, then have an active role in Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship later in the show.

Rollins is an established enough top tier star for WWE that he’ll never not make sense in a world title picture. Moreover, given the fact he technically beat Reigns at Royal Rumble 2022, there’s some poeticism to him getting his rematch at Royal Rumble 2023. With only the WWE Championship on the line, Rhodes could be the difference maker in helping Rollins win this match and title.

That finish would protect Reigns, and he might even be confronted by a returning Rock after the match, to offer a reason for him not to immediately seek revenge on Rhodes. Meanwhile it would make some sense to put the WWE title on Rollins, whom Rhodes has unfinished business with after The Messiah attacked him during his last appearance on Raw.

Cody Beats Seth Rollins At WrestleMania

Cody Rhodes Seth Rollins
(WWE)

While there’s a large portion of the WWE audience that’s ready to move on from Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins, their story really does feel incomplete given the way Rollins attacked an already injured American Nightmare. Rhodes vs. Rollins one more time at WrestleMania can pay off that storyline, give Rhodes a champion to beat who’s not Roman Reigns, and, importantly, would all but guarantee another excellent match. It might even feel somewhat fresh again after ten months of the two not working matches together.

With Rhodes going 4-0 against Rollins, the story could truly be finished between these two, and bring The American Nightmare’s comeback journey full circle with another huge WrestleMania victory.

Cody Rhodes Vs. Roman Reigns

Cody Rhodes Roman Reigns
(WWE)

If The Rock vs. Roman Reigns does happen at WrestleMania 39, it’s not clear who would emerge victorious. On one hand, The Rock is a wrestling legend and legit A-list celebrity whom  fans would buy beating Reigns. On the other hand, it seems unlikely Rock will stick around WWE to defend a title or work many more matches at all after this one. Also, Reigns beating Rock may be a proper capstone to his dominant run.

Cody Rhodes would remain one of the few top talents Reigns hadn’t defeated, and with the story of him costing The Tribal Chief the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble—not to mention winning the title himself afterward—it would only be natural for the two to clash after WrestleMania, maybe saving the dream match for SummerSlam.

It’s too soon to say which of the two would make sense as the winner, but it’s a natural destination for both to head to, after The American Nightmare realizes his destiny as WWE Champion.

Time will tell how things play out, with injuries, fan reactions, a Money in the Bank briefcase, and other wrestlers surging with momentum all in play to alter the future of WWE. Nonetheless, the story of Cody Rhodes vs. WWE Champion Seth Rollins (and by extension Roman Reigns) can begin at the 2023 Royal Rumble.

NXT Champ Bron Breakker’s Next Challenger Revealed (Spoiler)

Thomas Lowson
-
0

NXT Champion Bron Breakker will be putting his title on the line against Cameron Grimes at the upcoming NXT Great American Bash special.

This week, WWE recorded both the June 14 and June 21, editions of NXT 2.0 with the current plan being for the show to go back to being live on June 28.

During the June 14, episode, Breakker will defeat Duke Hudson to retain his title only to be confronted after the match by Grimes.

Grimes will challenge Breakker for a title match at the Great American Bash on July 5, which the NXT Champion will accept.

Bron Breakker’s rise to the top

Bron Breakker is still in his rookie year in WWE, but the second-generation Superstar has made serious waves so far.

Breakker is already a two-time NXT Champion, having dethroned Tommaso Ciampa and Dolph Ziggler, but has quickly established himself as a bonafide main eventer on WWE’s weekly Tuesday show.

It’s been reported that WWE has plans to fast-track Breakker to the main roster which explains his brief run on Raw earlier this year.

Can Grimes win the big one?

At the recent In Your House special this past Saturday, Cameron Grimes’ reign as NXT North American Champion was ended by Carmelo Hayes.

This was Grimes’ first reign as North American Champion, which ended at 65 days, but not his first time holding a title in NXT 2.0.

Grimes previously held the Million Dollar Championship but handed the title back to Ted DiBiase Sr. last August.

The Great American Bash will mark Grimes’ first shot at the brand’s top prize: the NXT Championship.

Athena Explains Why She Wanted To Leave WWE for AEW

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Athena has opened up as to why she wanted to make the move from WWE to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Speaking on the “Complex Unsanctioned” podcast, Athena said the more she kept seeing her friends from her indie days getting a platform on AEW pay-per-views (PPVs), the more she wanted to be a part of it.

“When you look at the AEW PPVs and you’re seeing all of my friends that I used to roll with on the indies and they’re finally getting the platform that they deserve and it’s just like, ‘Man, they look like they’re having so much fun and I gotta be a part of it,’ you know?”

“And it just kept setting in. It’s like the more time that went on there the more I was just looking at AEW, the more I was like longing to be at AEW.”

Athena signed with WWE in 2015, going by the name Ember Moon. She was a staple in the NXT women’s division, capturing the NXT Women’s Title at one point.

Moon got her call up to the main roster in 2018 after WrestleMania 34.

Unfortunately, her run on the main roster didn’t result in any meaningful push as a singles competitor, eventually landing her back in NXT in 2020.

She reigned as NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions with Shotzi Blackheart, but was released soon after their title reign ended, leaving the company in November of 2021.

After a brief run on the independent circuit, Athena made her AEW debut at the Double Or Nothing PPV. She won her debut match on the June 3 episode of Dynamite, defeating Kiera Hogan.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

Don’t Expect to see Forbidden Door Title Match Teased on AEW Dynamite

Thomas Lowson
-
0

‘Hangman’ Adam Page isn’t expected to face Kazuchika Okada in singles action at the upcoming Forbidden Door event, despite calling him out on this week’s AEW Dynamite.

On last night’s show, Page defeated New Japan’s David Finlay and in a post-match segment, said he does not expect to get an AEW World Championship rematch anytime soon.

Instead of challenging for AEW’s top prize, Page challenged Okada, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, to a title match at Forbidden Door.

On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that there are no plans for a singles match between Page and Okada at the crossover event on June 26.

While Meltzer had previously reported that this match was on the card, he later corrected himself, stating that the actual match card is being kept top secret.

It is believed that Meltzer was deliberately given a faked line-up for the Chicago-based event.

AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door: What do we know?

AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door won’t see Page and Okada face off in singles action, but the card is coming together for the show.

As confirmed on last night’s Dynamite, the first AEW All-Atlantic Champion will be crowned at the show, with a tournament already underway.

Last night’s show saw PAC defeat Buddy Matthews to advance to the semi-finals.

Forbidden Door will also see the crowning of an interim AEW World Champion while CM Punk recovers from his recent surgery.

Last night’s show saw Jon Moxley defeat Kyle O’Reilly, who had won a battle royal earlier in the night, to qualify for the title match.

Moxley will face either Hiroshi Tanahashi or Hirooki Goto at Forbidden Door, with his opponent to be determined at NJPW’s Dominion event.

Bray Wyatt’s WWE Release Just Got Even Weirder

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Bray Wyatt remains a free agent nearly one year after his WWE release last summer. The 3-time WWE Champion has kept a low profile in recent months, despite expectations that a star of his caliber would resurface somewhere by now.

On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer hinted that there’s good reason that WWE has not re-signed the third generation Superstar.

During a discussion about plans to incorporate supernatural elements into Judgment Day faction, Meltzer dropped some cryptic information about Wyatt’s status.

“He was fired having to do with things that I probably shouldn’t talk about.”

Dave Meltzer on Bray Wyatt.

Why did WWE release Bray Wyatt?

“[Wyatt] was fired for reasons having nothing to do with being over or not over and he was not fired having to do with his gimmick,” said Meltzer (via Wrestling News).

“He was fired having to do with things that I probably shouldn’t talk about, so I’m not going to start a can of worms. It’s got nothing to do with that. He also had health issues, as far as being kept out of action and everything like that.”

Bray Wyatt was one of WWE’s highest-paid performers at the time of his release. Meltzer added that Wyatt was making nearly $4 million per year, behind only Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. This type of money explains why he hasn’t turned up elsewhere, such as AEW. It also shows how much WWE valued his services.

Wyatt’s Next Move

Earlier this month, there was speculation that Wyatt could return at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. That event came and went with no signs of the man behind The Fiend mask.

Bray Wyatt has been teasing a return to pro wrestling. You can read more about that story below:

Bray Wyatt Teases He’s Ready To Return To Wrestling

Matt Hardy Reveals Hilarious Rib Owen Hart Pulled When They Met

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Owen Hart pulled a hilarious rib on a young Matt Hardy when the pair first met in WWE.

Matt Hardy was recently a guest on Chris Jericho’s podcast, “Talk Is Jericho,” where he detailed the first time he met the late great Owen Hart. Hart was known as a notorious ribber, and Matt Hardy was on the receiving end during their first encounter.

Hart took Hardy aside before one of their matches and went over a spot with him that put some pain on Hardy’s knees.

The spot was ridiculous and after a few repetitions, Hardy finally asked if Hart was joking, to which Hart admitted he was.

“One of my favorite Owen stories is the first time he ribbed me, so to say,” Hardy said. “Like I didn’t know him, we were just extra.

“This is the fall of 1994, and I’m wrestling Owen in the Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. So we’re there and he goes, ‘Oh yeah, people really like the Hardy kids.

“They take good bumps for all the guys. I really want to highlight you in the match. I have an idea, but I want to make sure you master it, that you’ve got it down.’ He said, ‘Follow me.’

“We walk out into the concourse, and he has this big tarp like you’d use to cover up something if it’s going to rain. A big plastic tarp.

“It’s laid out… he said, ‘Alright, let’s just get down on all fours in the center. Let’s pretend like this is the ring. Let’s say I take you down.

“I want you to take off like you’re trying to get to the ropes, but then I’ll stop you before you get there.

“Then you’ll go 90 degrees to your left and you try to get to the ropes there, and I’ll stop you again. Then you go 90 degrees to the left, and we’ll go to all four sides.

“It’ll really be like you’re resilient, and you’ll look great at this.’ I do it and we crawl, and he says, ‘That was really good. Let’s do it again.’ I was like, ‘God, this is going to hurt my knees.’ …

“We do it like four or five times, and then on the fifth time he’s asking me to do it, I go, ‘Dude, are you messing with me?’ He says, ‘Yes! What took you so long to catch on?!’”

Both Hardy brothers, Matt and Jeff, were fortunate enough to share the ring with Owen Hart in 1994, just before his untimely passing in 1999.

In fact, Matt Hardy recently shared a clip from their match on his Twitter account.

Hart was involved in a tragic accident during the Over The Edge pay-per-view (PPV) event in Kansas City, Missouri, where he fell from the rafters of the Kemper Arena, into the ring. This was prior to a scheduled match with The Godfather.

The match ultimately never took place due to Hart’s accident, which was briefly addressed by commentator Jim Ross on the live broadcast.

After being transferred to a nearby hospital, Hart was subsequently pronounced dead. Ross made the announcement on the show shortly thereafter, which continued on despite the incident.

The accident resulted in a broken relationship between WWE and Hart’s widow, Martha Hart. While WWE may not be getting Martha Hart’s blessing to go into the WWE Hall Of Fame anytime soon, she has allowed Hart’s name to resurface in professional wrestling.

Recently, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) hosted a men and women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, which was won by Adam Cole and Britt Baker, respectively. Martha Hart made appearances on AEW TV promoting the tournament.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

Massive WWE Title Match Planned for SummerSlam

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

There will be a big fight feel for this year’s SummerSlam event when it comes to one title match.

WWE SummerSlam will take place inside Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on July 30. Some big names are expected for the show.

Many anticipate the likes of Roman Reigns, Ronda Rousey, Charlotte, and potentially Brock Lesnar to appear. With this being a stadium show and one of WWE’s biggest events of the year, the heavy hitters will be out in full force.

Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton

Roman Reigns Randy Orton
(via WWE)

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that Roman Reigns is currently set to put the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line against Randy Orton at SummerSlam.

WWE has been running an injury storyline with Orton. The story told by WWE is that Orton could barely walk ahead of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Title match against The Usos on the May 20 episode of SmackDown.

Sports Illustrated recently reported that Reigns isn’t scheduled to be on the Money in the Bank card. If that plan sticks, then Roman’s next title defense will likely be against Orton instead of Riddle.

The SmackDown brand has been feeling the effects of Roman’s new WWE deal in recent weeks. The new contract allows Reigns to work fewer dates and his absence has been noticeable on the blue brand.

WWE SummerSlam 2022 Preview

Venue Hilariously Botches Names of Two Top WWE Superstars

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

Name changes aren’t new in WWE but this venue botch takes the cake.

WWE superstars will be making their way to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City, NJ on Aug. 14. This is being billed as a “Sunday Stunner” event. In other words, it’s a house show.

This live event is set to feature the likes of Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Asuka, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and others.

Introducing “Franklin” & “Ashule”

Reddit user “chairduck” noticed something rather odd on the official venue page advertising this particular “Sunday Stunner” show.

The page listed Seth’s nickname as “Franklin.” Asuka’s name is completely butchered, as she is referred to as “Ashule.”

q94TviE

Someone call Maffew of Botchamania.

Asuka has been feuding with Becky Lynch. The two challenged Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell on June 5 in a triple threat match. Belair picked up the win to successfully retain her gold.

As for Franklin Rollins, he recently attacked an injured Cody Rhodes despite suffering three losses in a row to “The American Nightmare.” While not official, one has to figure Seth will be in the Money in the Bank match on July 2nd.

WWE Nixed Plans of New Gimmick for Former Superstar

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

A former WWE Superstar was set for a fresh gimmick but plans went awry.

WWE is known for creating new gimmicks and changing characters. In the case of one former superstar, that was a sign that he was in store for something on the roster.

Unfortunately for him, it didn’t pan out that way.

Harry Smith Denied Initial Plans

Harry Smith
(via Bloodsport)

Harry Smith entered WWE’s developmental system in 2006. He joined the main roster the following year. His greatest success with the company was during his tag team run with Tyson Kidd as The Hart Dynasty.

Smith ended up being released in the summer of 2011.

After having a resurgence in NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and MLW, Smith was brought back to WWE but he was never seen on TV during his second run.

During an interview with Inside The Ropes, Smith revealed that WWE never went through with plans to give him a new gimmick.

“I don’t know what they were waiting for, the only thing I was told was, I was going to be debuting on SmackDown and they were going to call me ‘The Stampede Stud.’

“It just never happened, it wasn’t my fault. I showed up more than in shape. I saw Vince and he was like ‘oh you’re looking good kid.’”

Smith competed in a dark match back in July 2021 but was released by the company in November of that year.

MJF Having Meetings About Pursuing a Career in Acting

Thomas Lowson
-
0

AEW’s MJF has taken more steps to distance himself from the promotion, by having meetings about a possible career in acting.

On last week’s Dynamite, MJF cut a scathing promo about AEW and Tony Khan, claiming that he is being underappreciated and undervalued by the company President.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reports that many are under the impression that the “Salt of the Earth” is actively pursuing a career outside the ring.

“MJF has had a growing interest in pursuing Hollywood opportunities. According to his friends, as well as other consistent sources, MJF has been speaking more about the possibility of getting into acting. He’d mentioned this in an interview with Ariel Helwani, the same one that helped start the issues between him and AEW. He also claimed to have recorded a voiceover for an animated role that comes out next year. People within AEW have heard that MJF had meetings set up last week in LA later in the week to possibly explore that route. Many have heard this mentioned as far back as March.”

“According to his friends, as well as other consistent sources, MJF has been speaking more about the possibility of getting into acting.”

Sean Ross Sapp.

MJF no-showed a meet and greet with fans prior to AEW Double or Nothing and was destroyed by Wardlow at the Pay Per View.

While MJF was on last week’s Dynamite where he cut the now-infamous promo, there was no mention of him on last night’s episode.

MJF has also had his profile removed from the AEW roster and his merchandise pulled from AEWShop.com.

Thanks to Body Slam for the transcription.

AEW Stars Leave Handwritten Notes for Fans at Latest Dynamite

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Some lucky AEW fans got an extra special souvenir during last night’s taping of Dynamite and Rampage.

Last night’s taping took place at the Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri and saw the promotion continue on the road to AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door on June 26.

Prior to the show going live, Austin Gunn said that he and the Gunn Club had written notes which had been left under the seats throughout the arena.

Shortly after Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed shared a similar message, saying he and Max Caster had joined the Gunn Club with this idea.

The Gunn Club and The Acclaimed

Since The Acclaimed and the Gunns aligned, both groups have seen a rise in popularity, despite Anthony Bowens being unable to wrestle due to a knee injury.

The group has been riling up fans with their entrance, in which Caster performs his rap and the Gunn Club gets the name of the city wrong.

Bowens corrects them before doing his signature scissor taunt.

While neither team has captured the AEW World Tag Team Championships yet, both teams are quickly proving themselves to be all-rounders in Tony Khan’s promotion.

Both members of the Gunn Club and Max Caster competed in last night’s Casino Battle Royal, which was won by Kyle O’Reilly.

AEW Rampage Spoilers: Airing June 10, 2022

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

Following the June 8 episode of AEW Dynamite, Rampage was taped.

The show was taped inside Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, MO. Fans got to witness a grudge match between Eddie Kingston and Jake Hager.

Also on the card was a tag team match featuring Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh taking on Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett.

Red Velvet went one-on-one with former ally Kris Statlander.

Also featured was a six-man tag team match. Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, and Kyle Flecther of United Empire took on FTR and Trent Beretta.

AEW Rampage Spoilers (6/10/22)

Here are spoilers for the June 10 episode of AEW Rampage.

  • Eddie Kingston def. Jake Hager
  • Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh def. Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett
  • Kris Statlander def. Red Velvet
  • FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) & Trent Beretta def. United Empire (Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, & Kyle Fletcher)

There was also a segment with both HOOK and Danhausen that was said to be humorous.

Roman Reigns Not Scheduled for Money in the Bank (Report)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

It appears Roman Reigns is no longer on the docket for Money in the Bank.

Reigns is considered to be the biggest player in WWE at the moment. He is the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion but he’s taking the road less traveled these days.

“The Tribal Chief” inked a new deal with WWE that sees him work fewer dates. Some believe that the 37-year-old could be winding down his career and WWE will need to build new stars quickly.

For now, Reigns is still the top dog in WWE and his presence has been missed on Friday Night SmackDown.

Roman Reigns Reportedly Skipping MITB

Roman Reigns
(via WWE)

Those hoping to see Roman Reigns in action at the Money in the Bank premium live event on July 2 may not want to hold their breath.

Sports Illustrated is reporting that Reigns is no longer scheduled to be on the MITB card.

It had been reported that Reigns was likely to meet Riddle at MITB and then Randy Orton at SummerSlam. The dates were said to be interchangeable.

When WWE moved Money in the Bank from Allegiant Stadium to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the company stopped advertising Roman for the show.

It’s possible that WWE could feel pressured to try to get Roman on the show since Cody Rhodes suffered a completely torn pectoral muscle and will be out of action for possibly four to six months.

1...638639640...3,369Page 639 of 3,369