A WWE superstar on the Monday Night Raw brand has responded to John Cena teasing a match against him.
Cena is no longer on the year-after-year grind in WWE. He has longed paid his dues and has become a hot ticket in Hollywood.
With that said, the “Doctor of Thuganomics” still makes room for WWE whenever he can.
Theory Fires Back At John Cena
During a recent TikTok fan Q&A, John Cena said his favorite current WWE superstar is Theory. He also said the WWE United States Champion is the most in need of an Attitude Adjustment.
Both times, Cena pointed to his eyes and back at the camera in a clear sign that he’s targeting Theory.
Vince McMahon’s new “chosen one” took to his Twitter account to respond to Cena’s hint.
For weeks, Theory has been trying to goad John Cena into facing him. He even teased putting the U.S. gold on the line against Cena at SummerSlam this July.
Theory has a title defense scheduled for Hell in a Cell on June 5. He will be taking on Mustafa Ali inside the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
Bianca Belair has achieved a lot in her relatively short WWE career. Though the Raw women’s champion still finds herself struggling with self-doubt because of imposter syndrome.
The current champion recently appeared on After The Bell podcast of Corey Graves. She talked about things such as main eventing WrestleMania and more.
Graves asked if she ever feels like she has been given too much too soon. Belair revealed that she is always questioning herself because of imposter syndrome:
“So I deal with impostor syndrome. I just recently learned the term for it. I had these feelings of everybody saying I’m good, and I’m accomplishing all of these things, but I still feel like I’m learning and I’m always questioning myself,”
Bianca Belair said that she was more nervous at her second WrestleMania match this year than her Mania debut last year. She also mentioned how she wasn’t aware of the term imposter syndrome until she started reading about it:
“I was more nervous at WrestleMania against Becky Lynch then I was the year before because I’m always dealing with impostor syndrome. I never knew the word for it until recently when I started reading about my feelings.”
Apart from this, Belair also discussed losing the SmackDown women’s championship to Becky Lynch at SummerSlam last year, how her family helped her get through it and more.
Former NXT star Dexter Lumis now going by the name Samuel Shaw will be making his return to the NWA during the Alwayz Ready PPV on June 11.
The official Twitter account of the promotion broke the news on Friday. They teased that the Tortured Artist will be competing on the show.
Though they did not reveal the opponent for Shaw. We will have to see if he gets a singles match on the PPV or if he ends up competing in a multi-man match:
“Breaking: We’ve received word that on June 11th, Samuel Shaw will be at #ALWAYZREADY?? No word yet on his plans although we’ve been informed he WILL be ready to compete.”
Breaking: We’ve received word that on June 11th, Samuel Shaw will be at #ALWAYZREADY??
No word yet on his plans although we’ve been informed he WILL be ready to compete.
Dexter Lumis was a big part of the Black and Gold era of NXT. He was one of the show’s prominent stars when they were competing with AEW in Wednesday night wars.
However, the officials did not see a future for the heavyweight star in the company after the revamp of the show. The 38-year-old was released from his contract in April this year.
Lumis has previously used the Samuel Shaw persona in Impact Wrestling and elsewhere. He made appearances for NWA before signing with WWE in 2019.
Eddie Guerrero not only inspired countless names to get into the wrestling business, but the late legend also helped aspiring wrestlers whenever he could. This list includes Hall of Famers such as Beth Phoenix.
The former divas champion recently took on her Twitter to tell a story about the late great star. She recalled the time when she was still working in the independent circuit back in 2002.
Phoenix noted that she was struggling in the ring. This is when Guerrero told her that it was all about getting back up after being knocked down:
“In 02 I met Eddie Guerrero. He kindly offered advice & helped me in the ring. Seeing I was nervous and struggling he said “The measure of a person isn’t how many times you get knocked down. It’s how many times you get back up.” Then he arm dragged me & said. “Get up!””
In 02 I met Eddie Guerrero.He kindly offered advice & helped me in the ring. Seeing I was nervous and struggling he said “The measure of a person isn’t how many times you get knocked down. It’s how many times you get back up.” Then he arm dragged me & said. “Get up!” ?Eddie
Beth Phoenix later got signed by WWE herself in 2004. She had a successful career, that includes multiple runs with the women’s title.
Unfortunately for The Glamazon, she never got to share the screen with Eddie. The wrestling veteran passed away in November 2005, months before Phoenix made her main roster debut in May 2006.
CM Punk started trending on Twitter after his big announcement on Rampage. Like many fans, the AEW locker room also took the time to show their support for their world champion.
The Straight Edge Star cut an emotional promo on the show this Friday night. He revealed that he will have to step away from the company to get a surgery.
Many AEW stars took on their Twitter to react to the news. Dax Wheeler of FTR posted a picture of them and Punk. He promised to hold down the fort until he comes back:
AEW later confirmed that CM Punk will not be relinquishing the AEW world championship. They will crown an interim champion in the meantime.
As the top-ranking singles star, Jon Moxley will get the chance to qualify for the championship bout in a singles match on Dynamite. The company also announced a battle royal to determine Mox’s opponent for the show.
Evil Uno commented on this announcement wondering what would happen if he won the battle royal and became the new champion:
I’ve Fought for the @AEW World title twice Unsuccessfully. Now that a new champion is needed! And will be crowned at #AEW#ForbiddenDoor with @njpw1972 That I spent nearly 9 yrs with. Just feels like the RIGHT time! 3rd times the charm as they say! LFG! #MurderHawkChamppic.twitter.com/bflpf5qcA2
— The Murderhawk Monster Lance Archer (@LanceHoyt) June 4, 2022
Chris Jericho has clarified his comments about CM Punk’s injury and the future of the AEW world championship after Rampage.
The AEW world champion cut an emotional promo on Rampage. He announced that he will be stepping away from the company because of an injury that requires surgery.
Though fans were left confused about the status of the AEW world championship. Chris Jericho, who was on commentary claimed that Punk will be relinquishing the title.
The Straight Edge star himself, however, said during his promo that Tony Khan declined his offer to give up the belt. This created a lot of confusion over the future of the title.
Chris Jericho Clarifies AEW Title Plans
Chris Jericho later took on his Twitter and clarified his comments. He admitted that he made a mistake and CM Punk is not going to relinquish the championship:
I misspoke. He’s not relinquishing the title…he needs to get surgery which puts him on the shelf indefinitely. https://t.co/a3vDSm3Gqx
AEW has since announced that they will be crowing an interim world champion until Punk comes back. Jon Moxley, who is the top-ranking singles star at the moment will get the chance to qualify for the championship bout in a singles match on Dynamite.
His opponent will be determined via a battle royal that will open Wednesday’s show. The winner of the match will advance to the Forbidden Door PPV on June 26 to crown the interim champion.
AEW Rampage aired live tonight from the Toyota Center in Ontario California. In tonight’s main event, Scorpio Sky defended the TNT Championship against Dante Marin. Athena made her AEW in-ring debut against Kiera Hogan and Young Bucks revised their rivalry against Lucha Bros. AEW Champion CM Punk made a major announcement on tonight’s show.
Scorpio Sky def. Dante Martin to retain the TNT Championship
Here are the takeaways from this week’s Rampage:
Young Bucks def. Lucha Bros
Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) battled Lucha Bros (Rey Fenix & Pentagon Jr.) in the first match of the night. Young Bucks controlled the action early as Rampage went to a break. When Rampage returned, The Hardys & Jurassic Express were shown watching in the crowd. Matt Jackson planted Fenix with three Northern Lights Suplexes and then planted Penta with one as well.
Nick Jackson got the tag and connected with a Senton on Fenix for a near fall. Fenix knocked Nick out of the ring and hit him with a Suicide Dive. Penta hit Matt with a Michinoku Driver and Rey followed it up with a Frog Splash for a near fall. Nick hit Rey with a Dropkick and Matt followed it up with an Elbow Drop off the top rope for a two count.
Fenix hit a massive Splash and Pentagon Jr. panted Matt with a Destroyer. Rey booted Nick in the face and perched him up on the top turnbuckle. Fenix went for a Muscle Buster but Nick countered into a cradle for a two count. Nick hit a Poisonrana and then a boot to Fenix’s face. Fenix dodged the BTE Trigger but Young Bucks caught him with the BTE Trigger for a near fall.
Matt Jackson and Penta had a stare-down. Matt ripped off his mask and Young Bucks hit him with a couple of Superkicks. Young Bucks then hit Fenix with the BTE Trigger for the pinfall victory. Matt Jackson posed with Penta’s mask after the match.
Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs made their way to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Hobbs and Starks dominated two jobbers and won the match after Powerhouse hit a massive Spinebuster.
Athena battled Kiera Hogan tonight on Rampage. TBS Champion Jade Cargill, Stokely Hathaway, and Red Velvet accompanied Hogan to the ring. Kiera hit a big forearm to the face and started taunting Athena. Kiera hit an Armdrag but Athena shrugged it off and connected with a springboard Crossbody for a one count.
Hogan rolled out of the ring and got some words of wisdom from Stokely. Athena hit her with a Splash and got in Jade’s face before getting back into the ring. Red Velvet tripped Athena up while the referee was distracted and then rolled her back into the ring. Kiera Hogan beat Athena down as Rampage went to a commercial break.
When Rampage returned, Kiera went for a Clothesline but Athena ducked and connected with a Dropkick. Athena hopped up to the top rope but Red Velvet distracted her. Kiera capitalized with a Hurricanrana off the middle turnbuckle. Hogan used the ropes for leverage during a cover but Athena managed to kick out at two anyway.
Athena caught Hogan with a forearm to the face and then climbed to the top turnbuckle again. Kiera tripped her up this time and joined her on the top rope. Athena hit the Eclipse (diving Cutter) for the pinfall victory.
CM Punk Is Injured, Interim AEW Champion To Be Crowned At Forbidden Door
AEW Champion CM Punk hobbled to the ring with tears in his eyes. Punk said everyone deserves an explanation and that he was going to give everyone good news and bad news. CM Punk stated that the last thing he wanted to do is make everyone feel disappointed. Punk added that every moment has been a gift that he never thought he’d experience ever again.
Punk said that the bad news is that he is injured and needs surgery. Punk added that this is a bump in the road and it hurts. CM Punk added that he doesn’t want to hold this place up and there is a laundry list of people in the back that can hold his spot. Punk vowed to come back better than ever and raised the title. Punk said he wanted to relinquish the title but Tony Khan told him no. There will apparently be an interim AEW World Champion.
At the conclusion of Rampage, Excalibur announced that there will be a Battle Royal on Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite. The winner of that will face Jon Moxley for the interim title at Forbidden Door.
Scorpio Sky def. Dante Martin To Retain The TNT Title
Scorpio Sky defended the TNT Championship against Dante Martin in the main event of tonight’s Rampage. Mark Henry interviewed the competitors before the match. Scorpio Sky took control of the match as Rampage went to a final commercial break of the night.
When Rampage returned, Dante Martin hit a Splash and made his way to the top rope. Martin hit another Splash and went for the cover but Scorpio Sky kicked out at two. Dan Lambert hopped on the ring apron for a distraction and Ethan Page went for an attack. Dante booted him away and connected with a slam on Scorpio for a near fall.
Dante Martin connected with a kick to the side of the head and then a Crossbody. He followed it up with a Double Stomp and went for the cover but Sky kicked out at two. Scorpio then took control and hit the TKO for the pinfall victory. Scorpio Sky is still the TNT Champion.
CM Punk had a major announcement to make on tonight’s AEW Rampage from Ontario, California.
The current world champion did specify that the announcement would be in regards to the title, as well as his career.
The way the tweet was worded made it seem as if Punk was going to be relinquishing the gold possibly due to an injury as he was seen noticeably limping after his trios tag team matchup on Dynamite.
As it turns out, that’s exactly what happened … for the most part
During the Rampage show, Punk announced that he’s injured and will need to undergo surgery. He revealed he had a conversation with AEW President Tony Khan and said he didn’t want to hold up the AEW World Title picture.
It’s a tough bump in the road for Punk, who had just won AEW’s top prize at Double or Nothing. He pinned Hangman Page on May 29 to capture the AEW World Championship.
With that said, CM Punk won’t be relinquishing the AEW World Championship as initially announced on commentary.
Late in the show, it was announced that Jon Moxley will face the winner of a battle royale set for the June 8 episode of Dynamite. The winner moves on to Forbidden Door to determine an interim champion.
Punk made sure to let fans know that he isn’t done just yet and this injury is simply a setback.
It’s time for our WWE Hell in a Cell 2022 predictions. WWE’s latest premium live event takes place this Sunday, June 5th live from the Allstate Arena just outside Chicago, Illinois.
Jaychele Nicole, Andrew Ravens and Tyriece Simon ran down the card and gave their picks for who they think will win each match on the card.
Steve Fall and Stephanie Hypes also got together and shared their predictions in this video the SEScoops YouTube channel:
Here are our WWE HIAC 2022 Predictions:
Theory vs. Mustafa Ali
Theory vs. Mustafa Ali
Tyriece Simon: This match has the potential to be a match of the night candidate. Both wrestlers are talented and, if given time, could have a great match. I don’t think Ali will get the win because Theory is still new as United States Champion. I predict Ali will come close to winning, but Theory cheats to retain the title. (Prediction: Theory)
Jaychele Nicole: Right now, this looks like one of the best matches on the card. I’m excited to see Ali on a pay-per-view, especially since he’s competing in a title match. However, Theory is getting a really big and long push. I don’t think that push stops here. As Ali’s star power grows, I could see him eventually becoming the United States Champion, but not at this time. (Prediction: Theory)
Andrew Ravens: This should be one of the best matches of the night as both stars can go in the ring. I know Theory has been pushed strongly over the last few months, but I’m not ruling out Ali walking out with the title as they’ve been behind him since returning. I have Theory going over and that’s the right call because he’s a bigger star than Ali at this time. (Prediction: Theory)
Consensus: Theory retains the US Championship
Judgement Day vs. Finn Bálor, A.J. Styles & Liv Morgan
Judgement Day vs. Finn Bálor, A.J. Styles & Liv Morgan
Tyriece Simon: This will be an interesting match to see how they will use Morgan and Ripley in the match. I believe they should have moments to shine because everyone else is established in WWE. I think we will get some excellent tag team moves involving both Morgan and Ripley. I have the team of The Judgement Day winning because I think we will get a new member of the faction to cost the group of Balor, Styles, and Morgan. (Prediction: Judgement Day)
Jaychele Nicole: I’m excited to see this match because I love mixed tag team matches. I’m excited to see the use of Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. The other talent in the match are much more established than the women. This could be a huge moment for Liv Morgan. For a while, she struggled to even get on pay-per-views. I believe that Finn, AJ, and Liv will get the win here, but will lose in their next bout. (Prediction: Finn Balor, AJ Styles & Liv Morgan)
Andrew Ravens: A fun match on paper that should deliver. This is a placeholder type of match for the event that can be described just like it. WWE shouldn’t beat Judgment Day here or anytime soon. They’re the top fact on the show and should remain booked as strong as possible. (Prediction: Judgment Day)
Consensus: Judgement Day
Bobby Lashley vs. MVP and Omos
Bobby Lashley vs. MVP and Omos
Tyriece Simon: I think this may be the least exciting match on the card, but it still has the potential to be a solid match. I’m assuming this will end the feud between Lashley and Omos with MVP. I have Lashley defeating Omos and MVP due to miscommunication between the new team. MVP may hit Omos with an illegal object, and Lashley hits a spear on MVP to win. (Prediction: Lashley)
Jaychele Nicole: Honestly, I’m very tired of this feud. It’s extremely boring and played out at this point. I wish it would’ve ended after the Cage Match that they had. In order for the feud to end, I feel like the heels have to get a win. I’m guessing that the goal of this feud was to elevate Omos and this would be the only way to do it since he’s lost so much already. (Prediction: Omos & MVP)
Andrew Ravens: I think this is a clear example of WWE liking to repeat matches so often. Omos and MVP should go over since they have the advantage in storyline, which will lead to another handicap match with some type of a stipulation to go along with it. (Prediction: Omos and MVP)
Consensus: Omos & MVP
Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel
Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel
Tyriece Simon: Does Ezekiel get the win over Owens? This match is hard to call. I can see Ezekiel defeating Owens to finish their program. The crowd is behind Ezekiel, and he is a new babyface that WWE should build up. Although, I can see Owens defeating Ezekiel to move on to another feud, maybe Rhodes, potentially. I’ll go with Ezekiel because I think it won’t hurt Owens, and he could get a win back later. (Prediction: Ezekiel)
Jaychele Nicole: The only way I can really see Ezekiel winning is if they decide to make a star out of him here. Kevin Owens doesn’t have the best win record recently. Owens needs a pretty strong win, and this pay-per-view match would be a good spot for it. Owens is bigger than this feud which makes me think he’ll get the win. (Prediction: Kevin Owens)
Andrew Ravens: There’s no reason why Owens shouldn’t win here. Ezekiel is a comedy character and the fact that Owens is in this feud is just not right as he should be used better even though he’s been great with what he’s had to do. (Prediction: Kevin Owens)
Consensus: Kevin Owens
Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch
Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch
Tyriece Simon: The build to this match has been underwhelming to me. I think the match would be better if it were a singles match between Asuka and Lynch because that feud has been in primary focus. It’s understood that Belair should defend her title, but I’d like it if she had her rivalry. With that said, I think Belair retains her title. There isn’t a need to take the title off of her, and I believe this is to have her defend the title on the card. It should be an entertaining match. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Jaychele Nicole: I’m really excited for this match and it is definitely my favorite on the card. All three women are extremely talented. I believe that Bianca is in for a lengthy reign and that this isn’t the time for her to lose her championship. With this match, they can still continue the feud between Asuka and Becky Lynch. This would allow for one of them to take the pin while still remaining strong. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Andrew Ravens: An interesting match that is the second biggest on the card in terms of star power. I find it hard to believe that Belair would drop the title here, but unless they want her to chase it again, it would be the place to do that should they not want her to take the pinfall or submission loss. I don’t see that here and have Lynch eating the loss with the program with Asuka continuing. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Consensus: Bianca Belair
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins (Hell in a Cell)
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins (Hell in a Cell)
Andrew Ravens: Just like their previous two matches, Rhodes must win here. Especially at this point as he has already beaten Rollins twice. While Rollins did get some heat back, in my opinion, it’s never a great idea to beat someone three times in a row on PPV. (Prediction: Cody Rhodes)
Jaychele Nicole: I’m really excited for their match. Every time that these two have faced each other, they have produced an amazing match. This will be the same. Cody cannot take a loss this early into his return. I don’t know if it’s the best that Seth is losing so much recently, but the matches are always stellar. (Prediction: Cody Rhodes)
Tyriece Simon: This is the match I am looking forward to the most on this card. I have enjoyed this feud between Rhodes and Rollins. It will be interesting to see how much WWE will allow them to do in the match. AEW fans know that Rhodes likes to take risks and be extreme in matches that will enable it. I expect both wrestlers to climb the top of the cell. This match will be the main event, and it’s well deserved. I have Rhodes getting the win and ending the rivalry with Rollins. (Prediction: Cody Rhodes)
Consensus: Cody Rhodes
There you have it. Hit up the comments section to let us know what you think about our WWE Hell in a Cell 2022 predictions, and to share your own!
Another episode of SmackDown has come to an end but there was some action once the cameras stopped rolling.
This week’s edition of SmackDown (see results here) was jam-packed. It opened with a six-man tag team match between Drew McIntyre and New Day against The Brawling Brutes.
Fans also got to witness a six-pack challenge to determine the number one contender for Ronda Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Championship.
In the main event, The Usos put the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship on the line against Riddle and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Post-Show Action
Fans inside the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio enjoyed some exclusive action once SmackDown went off the air.
This time, it was Ohio’s own The Miz taking on AJ Styles. Before the match, there was a bit of banter between the two on the mic.
A WWE superstar on the SmackDown roster has a new look.
During the June 3 episode of SmackDown, Madcap Moss made his return. He had been out of action since being attacked by Happy Corbin on the May 13 episode of SmackDown.
Corbin crushed Moss’ throat with the Andre The Giant Memorial Trophy. Moss was stretchered out of the building.
When Moss made his way out, he had new entrance music, a new look, and a brand new attitude.
Madcap said he buried his old character thanks to Corbin’s attack. He then called out his former tag team partner.
Moss called for a match against Corbin and authority figure Adam Pearce agreed.
Corbin ended up winning the match via disqualification when Madcap hit him in the ribs with a chair. After the match, he kept attacking Corbin with the chair.
Moss put Corbin’s neck through the chair and was going to crush it with steel steps but WWE officials stopped him.
William Regal has said he encouraged Triple H to jump from WCW to WWE, helping to kickstart a lengthy, successful career with the company for the “King of Kings.”
Speaking on the very first episode of the Gentleman Villian podcast, Regal said that while he was locked into a deal with the Atlanta-based promotion, he knew the future WWE World Champion would do better elsewhere:
“There was an offer for me to go at the time but I had a guaranteed contract with WCW and they were very good to me… I said no [to WWE], but what [Triple H] needed to do is go to WWE. Because what he needed is what I had had for the last 10 years, he needed to work 200+ days a year.
“He had all the skills there, but you get better at wrestling [when you find] what you’re good at, what you’re bad at. You make mistakes and rectify those problems and you try and work on them, and the experience makes you a better talent. He went [to WWE]. We always kept in touch.”
” I said no [to WWE], but what [Triple H] needed to do is go to WWE.”
William Regal on encouraging Triple H to go to WWE.
Triple H signed with WWE in 1995, turning down an offer to have his WCW contract renewed.
In his biography ‘Making the Game’ Triple H claims that then-WCW talent head Eric Bischoff could not understand the decision to join WWE where he’d have to work more dates.
Regal would join the promotion in 1998 but was released due to his substance abuse problems.
He would later be rehired in 2000 where he remained until his release earlier this year.
WWE SmackDown airs live from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio tonight. It was the final episode of SmackDown before WWE Hell in a Cell this Sunday night. The Usos defended the Undisputed Tag Team Championships against Riddle & Shinsuke Nakamura.
SmackDown Results (6/2)
Brawling Brutes def. New Day & Drew McIntyre
Jinder Mahal def. Humberto
Natalya def. Shotzi, Raquel Rodriguez, Aliyah, Shayna Baszler, Xia Li in a Six-Pack Challenge to become the #1 contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
Happy Corbin def. Madcap Moss via DQ
The Usos def. Riddle & Nakamura to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships
Here are the takeaways from this week’s SmackDown:
The Brawling Brutes Picked Up A Win, Drew McIntyre Wants A Title Shot At Clash at the Castle
New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) kicked off the show and started an “OH-IO” chant with the crowd. Drew McIntyre joined them in the ring with Angela the sword and was wearing a “kneel to the steel” shirt. McIntyre brought up Big E and said he knows what its like being injured and started up a “Big E!” chant to remind him that nobody has forgotten about him. McIntyre stated that he will challenge for and win the WWE Undisputed Championship at Clash at the Castle.
New Day presented McIntyre with a “Big D” shirt before the Brawling Brutes interrupted. Sheamus poked fun at McIntyre before Butch rushed the ring. New Day sent Butch back to the outside as SmackDown went to a break.
Kingston, Woods, and McIntyre then battled Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Butch, Ridge Holland) in a 6-man tag team match. Woods hit Butch with a Jawbreaker and tagged in Kofi. Kingston connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Splash for a two count. Woods and Ridge Holland tagged in and Ridge sent Xavier flying across the ring.
Sheamus tagged in and beat Woods down in the corner of the ring. Butch tagged and brought Woods to the mat. Woods escaped and tagged in Kingston. Kofi hit Sheamus with a Dropkick and sent him into the ring post. Kofi followed it up with a Crossbody off the top and went for the cover but Sheamus kicked out at two.
Butch tried to drag Kofi out of the ring but McIntyre broke it up. Kofi booted Sheamus and Ridge off the ring apron. Woods and Kofi took them out with a couple of dives and posed on the announce table. McIntyre celebrated on the steel steps as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, the Brawling Brutes had Kofi isolated in the ring. Sheamus hit a Knee Drop off the top rope for a two count. Sheamus hit Drew with a cheap shot but turned around into a Meteora from Kingston. McIntyre and Ridge Holland tagged in and Drew unloaded some Clotheslines.
McIntyre hurled Holland across the ring and leveled Sheamus with a Clothesline on the outside. Back in the ring, McIntyre connected with a Neckbreaker and geared up in the corner. Sheamus broke it up but Drew sent him out of the ring. Woods tagged in and connected with a Backbreaker but Holland broke it up. Kofi hit a slam on Holland outside the ring. Sheamus hit McIntyre the Brogue Kick as Woods & Butch battled in the ring. Sheamus distracted Woods and Butch capitalized with Bitter End for the pinfall victory.
Max Dupri interrupted Adam Pearce again backstage and claimed that he has found his first client on Instagram. Dupri got ridiculously close to Pearce’s face and announced that his client will debut on SmackDown next week.
Jinder Mahal faced Humberto tonight in a singles match. Angel and Shanky were ringside for the match. Shanky kept dancing around when Mahal wasn’t looking. Mahal controlled the match early and connected with a Back Body Drop. Jinder knocked Humberto to the apron but Humberto battled back with a kick to the face. Humberto missed wildly with a Crossbody and Jinder capitalized with a big boot. Shanky hopped up on the ring apron for a distraction and Jinder capitalized with a roll-up. Shanky wanted to dance after the match but Jinder wasn’t interested.
Natalya Earned A Shot At The SmackDown Women’s Title
Aliyah was locked in the SmackDown women’s locker room by Shotzi before the Six-Pack Challenge. SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey was ringside for the match. Aliyah made it to the ring and battled Shotzi, Natalya, Shayna Baszler Raquel Rodriguez and Xia Li in a Six-Pack Challenge to determine the #1 contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Rodriguez dominated the action early and threw Shotzi onto Xia Li. Raquel went for a Powerbomb but Shayna broke it up. Baszler and Rodriguez tumbled to the floor as Natalya battled with Xia Li. Natalya went for a Sharpshooter but Li booted her away. Xia launched Natalya into the turnbuckle and followed it up with a Suplex.
Aliyah got in the ring and planted Xia with a Facebuster. Xia rolled out of the ring and Baszler attacked Aliyah. Shayna hit a Gutwrench Suplex that knocked Aliyah out of the ring. Shotzi hit Baszler with a DDT but turned Xia sent Shotzi out of the ring. Natalya and Raquel then battled in the ring. Natalya rolled Raquel up for a near fall.
Rodriquez responded with a big boot and climbed to the top rope. Shotzi tried to break it up but Rodriguez Suplexed her on top of Natalya. Raquel hit a Corkscrew Elbow and then a Powerbomb on Shotzi. Shayna got Raquel in a Sleeper Hold but Natalya took the opportunity to roll up Shotzi for the pinfall victory. Natalya is now the #1 contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship and had a stare down with Ronda Rousey to end the segment.
Madcap Moss Returned, No Holds Barred Match Set For Hell In A Cell, IC Title Match Set For Next Week
Madcap Moss returned in normal wrestling attire this week and got a great reaction from the crowd. Moss brought up Happy Corbin attacking him with the Andre the Giant Memorial Trophy and that the old Madcap is gone. Moss said he’s been having a dream about punching Corbin in his face over and over. Madcap demanded a fight from Corbin and Happy made his way to the entrance ramp.
Corbin joked that Moss was only here because he missed him and the structure he brought to his life as his employer. Corbin added that Moss is here to beg for his job back and he will consider it. Madcap reiterated that he wanted a fight but Corbin started backing away. Adam Pearce joined the party and made the match official as SmackDown went to a break.
Madcap Moss tried to get revenge on Corbin and attacked him with a chair. Madcap got Corbin’s head in the steel chair and was about to stomp on it but WWE officials broke it up. It was then announced that Corbin won the match via DQ. Corbin approached Adam Pearce backstage and wanted Madcap suspended. Pearce laughed and announced that Corbin will battle Madcap Moss in a No Holds Barred match this Sunday.
.@MadcapMoss vs. Happy Corbin No Holds Barred this Sunday at #HIAC?!
It was announced that Ricochet will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Gunther on next week’s SmackDown. Lacey Evans will also be returning to SmackDown after switching to RAW and not wrestling a match for the red brand.
The Usos defended the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against Shinsuke Nakamura & Riddle in tonight’s main event. Riddle connected with an Exploder Suplex on Jey for a near fall to start off the action. Jimmy Uso tagged in and connected with a slam and then a couple stomps to Riddle’s lower back. Jimmy followed it up with a Suplex and went for the cover but Riddle kicked out at two.
Riddle dropped Jimmy with a boot to the side of the head as Nakamura pleaded for a tag. Jey and Shinsuke tagged in and started trading punches. Nakamura knocked Jimmy out of the ring and unloaded some kicks in the corner. Nakamura perched Jey up on the top rope and hit a running knee to the ribs for a two count. Shinsuke sent Jey to the corner and hit him with the sliding German Suplex. Riddle tagged in and hit a kick to the face for a two count.
Jey knocked Shinsuke off the apron and sent Riddle to the corner. Riddle kicked Jey in the face and made his way to the top rope. Jimmy Uso tripped Riddle up and The Usos leveled Riddle with a couple of Superkicks. Shinsuke Nakamura dragged Jey out of the ring and threw him into the steel steps.
Nakamura went for a knee strike but Jey got out of the way. Nakamura bashed his knee into the steps and The Usos hit the injured knee with a Dropkick. WWE officials came down to the ringside area to check on Nakamura and helped him up. Nakamura hobbled to the back but Riddle stayed behind. Riddle continued the match on his own and hit Jey with a Clothesline. Riddle fired up the crowd as SmackDown went to the final commercial break of the night.
When SmackDown returned, The Usos were in control of the match. Jimmy connected with an Enziguri for a two-count. Riddle battled back with a kick of his own and then a Ripcord Knee to Jey’s face. Riddle connected with an Exploder Suplex on Jimmy and then delivered one to Jey. Riddle hit The Usos with a Broton and posed for the crowd.
Riddle set up for a DDT but Jey broke it up. Riddle hit Jey with a kick and then a springboard Floating Bro. Back in the ring, Riddle ducked under a Clothesline and planted Jimmy with a Powerslam. Riddle hit the DDT in the ropes and geared up for the RKO. Jimmy blocked it and planted Riddle with a Samoan Drop for a two count.
Jimmy made his way to the top rope but Roman Reigns’ pyro went off. This was just a distraction by Sami Zayn in the production truck and The Usos capitalized. Riddle hit Jimmy with an RKO off the top rope but Jey tagged in. Riddle didn’t notice and Jey hit him with an Uso Splash for the pinfall victory. The Usos are still the Undisputed Tag Team Champions. Sami Zayn celebrated on the entrance ramp and Riddle chased after him. Riddle attacked Sami but The Usos broke it up.
It looks like another match will be added to the WWE Hell in a Cell card.
The HIAC premium live event is set to go down this Sunday night (June 5). The action will take place inside Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
The card is set to have some key matches including Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins III and Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship.
It appears you can add another match to the list.
Madcap Moss vs. Happy Corbin
(via WWE)
WrestleVotes is reporting that another match between Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin is currently planned for WWE Hell in a Cell.
In addition, the report has seemingly ruled out two matches for the event this weekend.
As of last check around 4pm today, no Usos tag title or Ricochet IC title match will be added to the HIAC card. Good news however, yet another Riddick Moss vs Happy Corbin match is scheduled to make the show. https://t.co/VbrsXHX1uC
“As of last check around 4pm today, no Usos tag title or Ricochet IC title match will be added to the HIAC card. Good news however, yet another Riddick Moss vs Happy Corbin match is scheduled to make the show.”
Moss and Corbin were once tag team partners. The two started feuding after Corbin grew jealous of Moss’ Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal win.
They had a match at WrestleMania Backlash. Madcap Moss picked up the win via pinfall.
AEW’s third edition of Battle Of The Belts has been announced along with its location.
AEW confirmed the time and place of Battle Of The Belts 3 on the June 1 edition of AEW Dynamite. The one-hour special will be taped on August 5 after a live episode of Rampage. The event will be taped at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The arena recently confirmed the event through the following post on their website:
All Elite Wrestling Rampage & Battle of the Belts III will take place on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 8:00PM at Van Andel Arena. This is a televised event.
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 10th at 10:00AM. *Note the box office will not be open.
Ticket prices are subject to change. For current ticket prices visit Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices may vary, as market pricing applies to all tickets.
Prices may fluctuate based on supply and demand. Tickets may be purchased at the box office or online at Ticketmaster.com. A ticket limit of 6 will apply to every order.
Previous Battle Of The Belts Events
The first two Battle Of The Belts specials were headlined by AEW Women’s World Championship matches.
In the first event, Britt Baker defended the title against Riho. In the second, we saw Thunder Rosa defeat Nyla Rose.
Former WWE Superstar, valet, and manager Shelly Martinez has branded CM Punk a “sellout” and a “fake-a**” in recent comments made aimed at the AEW World Champion.
Martinez competed as Ariel in WWE’s rebranded ECW and later worked as Salinas in TNA Wrestling.
Last year, Punk told the Wrestling Perspective Podcast that Kelly Kelly once found blood all over her hotel bathroom and that he and Sabu allowed Kelly and then-boyfriend Andrew ‘Test’ Martin, to share their room.
Martinez told WSI’s James Romero that she was also involved, and had been sharing a room with Kelly at the time, and found it disrespectful that Punk didn’t mention her.
Punk, I put on a huge pedestal and that’s my fault. You shouldn’t put anyone on a pedestal. And now, fast forward to today, I think he’s a sellout and a fake a**.”
Shelly Martinez.
Martinez added that she was friends with Punk during her time with WWE, and wore his shirts after leaving the promotion for modeling gigs.
She later said that she found it ironic that the bloody bathroom would be in her room given that she was playing a vampire at the time.
“Punk doesn’t say I was there at all. It’s just like… b**ch, you knew. And so I was like, you know what, you’re just like the rest.”
Shelly Martinez.
Punk captured the AEW World Championship, his first title win in over a decade, by defeating ‘Hangman’ Adam Page at Double or Nothing 2022.
There’s no confirmation yet on who Punk’s first challenger will be.
One current AEW Champion is said to not be very happy with the company.
We have seen reports claiming that some AEW stars have been frustrated with the promotion over a lack of TV time among other things.
The company has signed a slew of talent to the point where many of them end up on Dark and Dark: Elevation in a matter of weeks.
Thunder Rosa Not Happy
Those concerns seem to have resonated with AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa. While Rosa wasn’t seen on the June 1 episode of Dynamite due to an illness, as reported by PWInsider, she has some issues behind the scenes.
WhatCulture was the first to report that Thunder Rosa has expressed gripes over her lack of TV time. Fightful has since confirmed the report, while noting that her frustration had nothing to do with the June 1 episode of Dynamite.
It’s also been said that the AEW Women’s Champion wasn’t given an opportunity to speak about auctioning her Double or Nothing gear to help support the families of the victims of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas during the post-event scrum.
While Rosa’s situation hasn’t been described as reaching a boiling point, she has been left puzzled over some of AEW’s decision-making.
Arn Anderson now has the trademark rights to “The Four Horsemen” term after applying for it last September under his real name of Marty Lunde with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Anderson announced the news today on Twitter by writing the following:
“Great news for Horsemen fans! I now own the 4 Horsemen trademark and for those fans that missed out on original 4 Horsemen merchandise, it will soon be available on BoxOfGimmicks.com.”
Anderson had been dealing with some issues while trying to get the rights to the trademark due to Notre Dame University as there was a group of players known as the Four Horsemen on Coach Knute Rockne’s 1924 team. Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller, Jim Crowley, and Elmer Layden were part of the football faction.
Anderson, Ric Flair, Ole Anderson, and Tully Blanchard were the original members of the group alongside manager JJ Dillion. They became a top faction in Jim Crockett Promotions and later WCW.
Flair, Anderson, Blanchard, Lex Luger, Dillon, and Barry Windham are set to reunite at Starrcast V on July 30th.
Flair, Arn, Tully, Windham, and Dillon as the Four Horsemen were inducted into the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame.
A big-time championship match has been added to tonight’s June 3 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE is known to pivot on the fly and while reports suggested that initial plans were to hold off The Usos defending their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles until Money in the Bank, things have changed in recent days.
That report was updated to mention that WWE officials were considering having the match take place at Hell in a Cell this Sunday (June 5).
As it turns out, we’re getting the match far sooner than anyone anticipated.
WWE has announced that The Usos will put their gold on the line against Riddle and Shinsuke Nakamura on the June 3 episode of SmackDown.
The company also noted that there will be a six-pack challenge to determine the number one contender for Ronda Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Championship.
That match will feature Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, Xia Li, Natalya, Aliyah, and Shotzi.
Fans will also get to see the return of Madcap Moss, who has vowed to get revenge on Happy Corbin.
AEW stars Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti are now engaged to be married as the former TNT Champion popped the big question to his girlfriend in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and she said yes.
TMZ broke the news on Friday afternoon. They’ve been dating since December. Conti was wearing a pink, rose-gold colored dress while Sammy had a green suit.
After saying yes, Tay showed off the ring that her soon-to-be husband gave her and she had a big smile on her face as they celebrate the special moment.
Sammy Guevara & Tay Conti’s Relationship
Sammy Guevara proposes to Tay Conti (Photo: TMZ)
Sammy was previously engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Pam, last August before they split up.
Since going public with their relationship, they’ve been paired together on AEW television. As of late, Sammy has been in a feud with Men of the Year as Scorpio Sky beat Sammy to win the TNT Title.
At this past Sunday’s AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event, Men Of The Year (Ethan Page & Sky) & Paige VanZant defeated Frankie Kazarian, Guevara & Conti in a six-person tag team match, which marked the in-ring debut of the former UFC star.
Curtis Axel is officially back in WWE after being seen on Monday’s episode of Raw.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Axel is working as a producer for the company. He had been doing the job on a tryout basis but is now back full-time.
On Raw, he joined Shawn Daivari and Shane Helms in helping separate a brawl between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins to further build their third match at this Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view event.
He first returned to WWE in April as a producer as he worked with Tyson Kidd to put together a women’s match for an episode of SmackDown. Former WWE star Ariya Daivari also had a tryout match for a producing spot on this same show, but it’s unclear whether he was hired.
Axel was released by WWE in April 2020 alongside other talent, but at the time, his release was said to be separate from the others that were let go due to WWE cutting back on expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to his release, Axel was used sparingly as he worked three matches over the previous five months with his last bout on February 28th where he lost to Daniel Bryan on SmackDown.
This past Sunday AEW invaded the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Nevada for their annual Double or Nothing pay-per-view, which saw CM Punk crowned as the new world champion, the first-ever Anarchy In The Arena matchup, and the debuts of manager Stokely Hathaway and women’s division star Athena.
While the event had been promoted by Tony Khan as AEW’s biggest pay-per-view to date, the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter has a report revealing how the show did business-wise, including the paid gate, the stars who topped Google searches, and the estimated number of PPV buys.
It is believed that Double or Nothing did around 150,000-155,000 buys on traditional pay-per-view, but it is noted that the official numbers have yet to be determined. If the estimation is correct this is a significant increase from Double or Nothing 2021, which pulled in around 140,000 buys.
The crossover between WWE and AEW fans was quite limited for Double or Nothing 2022 and WrestleMania 38. The Observer reports that only 3.2% of fans ordered both shows, but this doesn’t track those who watched on Peacock.
One of the biggest stories going into the show was the controversy with top superstar MJF, a story that continues to unfold even on the most recent AEW programming. However, the news of MJF’s unhappiness did not lead to any last-minute buys for Double or Nothing.
MJF was one of the top names searched on Google over the weekend, even more than CM Punk. That changed on Sunday when Punk became the most searched star from the show, with Adam Page and MJF coming in at second. Overall there were over 200,000 searches made for AEW Double or Nothing, which is consistent with major AEW events. This is roughly the same number of searches regular WWE PPVs do, but much less than their major shows.
Finally the attendance. Reports are that there were 14,459 fans in attendance at T-Mobile Arena, with 13,800 of those fans paying. This gave AEW a gate of just under 1.15 million dollars, their fourth largest in company history behind last fall’s Arthur Ashe Dynamite, CM Punk’s return at the United Center, and this past Wednesday’s Dynamite from the Forum in Los Angeles.
We will keep you updated on the final PPV buys for Double or Nothing once it comes out.
