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WWE Announces NXT’s Return To Live Event Touring

Andrew Ravens
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WWE NXT is officially going back on the road as the company announced on Tuesday night that live event touring will resume next month. 

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, May 20, at 10 am ET on Etix for eight house shows that will take place in Florida starting on June 10, running through July 23. More dates will be announced soon. 

Touring Schedule

  • June 10 at the University Arena Community Complex in Tampa, Florida
  • June 11 at the Largo Events Center in Largo, Florida
  • June 24 at the Jacksonville Armory in Jacksonville, Florida
  • June 25 at the Venice Community Center in Venice, Florida
  • July 8 at the Citrus Springs Community Center in Dunnellon, Florida
  • July 9 at the Englewood Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida
  • July 22 at the Melbourne Auditorium in Melbourne, Florida
  • July 23 at the Cocoa Armory in Cocoa Beach, Florida

NXT has not run any live events since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wrestlers have only been working TV events since then. Prior to the pandemic, NXT ran house shows both in Florida and out of state.

Since last summer, there had been reports of WWE discussing this return, but up until now, it kept getting delayed. 

Ricky Steamboat Declined Offer To Face Ric Flair One Last Time

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat has ultimately decided not to be Ric Flair’s final opponent.

Fightful had reported that plans were in place to have Steamboat be Flair’s opponent although it wouldn’t have been a singles match. The report left some concerned as Jake “The Snake” Roberts claimed “The Dragon” was going through health issues.

The good, and most important news is that Ricky Steamboat told fans during a Highspots autograph signing live stream that he’s in good health and regularly gets checked by doctors.

Ricky Steamboat Won’t Face Ric Flair On July 31

Ric Flair is set to have his final match on July 31. While a healthy Steamboat would’ve been the perfect choice for an opponent given their history, it’s not going to happen.

During the Highspots live stream, Ricky Steamboat revealed he turned down Starrcast’s offer to share the ring with the “Nature Boy” for the final time (h/t Fightful).

“Well, I was approached and given it really some serious thought. A lot of respect to the guy in the ring. You know, both of us are night and day when it comes to stuff out of the ring.

“Flair wouldn’t be Flair without it.

“I thought about it for a week and just recently just declined on it. I know when I wrestled Jericho at WrestleMania 25, then we had the return match at Backlash in a singles, but at 69, and I know it’s a six-man tag and I could get a little this and that in, but with all due respect to our fans, I want them to remember me that last time I was in there with Jericho when they chanted, ‘You still got it.’

“I don’t want to scar that phrase.”

The Rock’s XFL Announces TV Deal With ABC, ESPN & FX

Andrew Ravens
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XFL has reached a broadcast rights agreement. The football league now owned by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Dany Garcia announced today at the 2022 Upfronts that they’ve agreed on a multi-year agreement with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company for their exclusive broadcast rights.

The deal runs from 2023 through 2027. All 43 games each season will air and stream across ABC, ESPN and FX. The 2023 season will kick off on Saturday, February 18.

“This is a definitive moment for the XFL and the beginning of an incredible, long-term partnership for the league, building on my longstanding, very successful legacy relationship I’ve had with Disney throughout my career,” Johnson said.

“We’re excited to be working with global visionaries that are aligned with the XFL’s values, are true team players and share our ambitious goals to grow the XFL as a global sports and entertainment business. Through the combined power of Disney, ESPN and the XFL, together we will create a new powerhouse on the sports calendar and bring a dynamic game of football to fans everywhere. Time to ball out.”

The Rock and Garcia were part of a group that purchased the XFL for $15 million in August 2020. This came after the XFL filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while owned by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon in early 2020 after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since then, former XFL commissioner Oliver Luck filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against McMahon and McMahon has filed a countersuit. Although they took part in a settlement conference in March, an agreement was not reached.

Kevin Owens Takes Shot At Jimmy Smith For Snafu About Cody Rhodes

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Kevin Owens isn’t one to let things slide.

On the May 9 episode of Raw, Cody Rhodes challenged Theory for the WWE United States Championship. During the match, Jimmy Smith mentioned that Cody may have had ring rust since he hadn’t been in WWE in six years.

Corey Graves was quick to correct the comment and while he didn’t mention AEW, he did say that Cody has been active over the years.

KO wasn’t about to let Jimmy forget that line on the May 16 episode of Raw. Owens was a guest commentator during a match between Ezekiel and Chad Gable.

Owens had the following zinger for Jimmy:

“Just like you said Cody Rhodes hadn’t wrestled in six years. That was ridiculous, too. Thankfully, Corey was here to put you in your place.”

For the most part, Jimmy has settled in nicely with his role as the play-by-play commentator on Raw. If anything, he’s been far better than Adnan Virk but Jimmy was more of an MMA guy than a wrestling aficionado.

This likely caused the slip up unless he was told by someone in the “Gorilla Position” to say the line and he ended up getting roasted for it anyway.

William Regal Vows To Never Have Another Wrestling Match

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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William Regal insists he will never have another wrestling match.

Regal brings tremendous value to any wrestling promotion he enters. While he hasn’t had a match since 2013, the living legend was vital backstage for WWE when Triple H ran NXT. He continues to be a huge asset, working as an onscreen character for AEW and behind the scenes.

While many believe Regal has one more match in him, the king of Blackpool thinks otherwise.

William Regal Remains Retired

During an interview with Metro, William Regal said he has no plans of ever stepping back inside the squared circle for anything other than some banter or some minor physicality.

A match, however, is out of the question.

“No, never. No. My last official match was against Cesaro. My last few years, I didn’t realize – it’s come out recently, I had a serious neck problem for 20-odd years. It finally caught up with me.

“All I ever wanted was a 20-year wrestling career when I started – I ended up with a 30-year wrestling career. I couldn’t have asked for any more. If you’re not me and you’re just looking from the outside, “Oh he should have been this, he should have been that” – no.

“I was very happy with what I achieved. If I’d have never come to America, I had an incredible career. By the time I was 24, I’d been to 19 countries. In 20 to 24, I’d been to all the best places you could go to, wrestling all the best wrestling.

“If it’d stopped then, I’d have had an incredible career. Everything after that – everything after leaving Blackpool Pleasure Beach was a bonus for me!”

Currently, Regal is the leader of the Blackpool Combat Club. He also serves as the manager. The group features Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, and Wheeler Yuta.

Regal’s group has gotten involved in a feud with the Chris Jericho Appreciation Society. The feud began as Moxley’s close friend, Eddie Kingston, was viciously attacked by Jericho backstage. Kingston had a fireball thrown in his face by Jericho, prompting the BCC to retaliate.

There Is Reportedly Zero Sympathy For Sasha Banks Backstage In WWE

Andrew Ravens
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Both Bryan Alvarez and Wade Keller have reported there is not much sympathy for Sasha Banks after she alongside Naomi walked out of last night’s WWE Raw. 

On today’s Wrestling Observer Live, Alvarez stated that you would think wrestlers in WWE would get upset with bad creative and side with Banks and Naomi if they were handed that and took a stand. However, that’s not the case. 

There have been some wrestlers such as AEW’s Dax Harwood and CM Punk in addition to Shayna Baszler, who have publicly supported the two stars following them walking out of the show. However, those in WWE don’t feel the same way about Banks and haven’t said anything about Naomi. 

He stated that he hasn’t heard from anybody in WWE who has been sticking up for them. Instead, he’s heard people call Banksnames including a mark for her actions. 

“I have heard zero support for Sasha Banks in this situation. So, quite frankly if you want you can get mad at me if you want…I’ve been a lot nicer on this show than anything I’ve heard from people in WWE over the last 24 hours. Hey, if you want to come after me then go for it…Zero support, I’m talking zero. It’s funny [because] I haven’t heard anyone say anything about Naomi and she walked out too. It’s all about Sasha. I’ve heard it all – Mark, Diva, the list goes on and on. There is zero support for Sasha Banks walking out of WWE over all of this. People are furious. They think it’s ridiculous. They think that she’s whatever. So, that’s the story. Where this goes, I don’t know but literally, every single bit of support that I’ve seen for Sasha Banks coming out of this has either been from people in another company that weren’t there last night and that’s it…or fans. Her actual co-workers have zero sympathy for what happened here. I think that should probably tell you something.”

As previously reported, WWE originally had plans for Naomi to challenge Raw Women’s champion Bianca Belair and Banks to challenge SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey at Hell in a Cell. 

H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription

Carmella Slams Fans Criticizing Corey Graves Over Shots At Sasha Banks & Naomi

Joey Galizia
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The big news coming out of WWE’s Monday Night Raw was the sudden departure from Sasha Banks and Naomi, who both reportedly walked out on the company after butting heads with management backstage, and even left their WWE women’s tag team titles behind during the process. WWE has since issued their own statement on the issue, while many stars from across the industry have weighed in on the incident.

While there seems to be universal support for Banks and Naomi, one WWE star who is somewhat under fire is Raw color-commentator, Corey Graves. The former NXT tag champion called the duo unprofessional during last night’s broadcast, a comment that didn’t sit will with the WWE Universe. His full call was, “”Sasha Banks and Naomi summarily and unprofessionally walked out.”

Graves’ wife, former SmackDown women’s champion Carmella, came to his defense on Twitter after one fan in particular tagged her regarding the line. Carmella fired back, stating that Graves was just doing his job, while also indicating that the line was most likely fed to him from someone backstage. Her full response was:

“Imagine still living in a world where you think he just says whatever he wants. He does his job. Period.”

You can see the exchange below.

CM Punk, Bayley & More Sound Off on Sasha Banks & Naomi Situation

Michael Reichlin
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The hot topic of the day remains Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out during Monday’s WWE Raw broadcast due to unhappiness with the creative direction of their characters.

As details emerge about what transpired behind the scenes at Raw, fans and wrestlers alike are sounding off about who they feel is right and wrong.

On Tuesday afternoon, former Matt Cardona (former WWE Superstar Zack Ryder) posted a tweet mocking Sasha Banks and Naomi’s decision to forfeit their tag titles at Raw.

Cardona referenced his infamous 2012 WWE storyline that saw Kane push him (and his wheelchair) off the Raw stage. He wrote, “If I could go back in time…the night I was pushed off the stage in a wheelchair on Raw, I should have walked into Johnny Ace’s office…placed my neck brace on the table and walked out because I wasn’t being respected enough as Internet champion.

Talent Supports Sasha Banks

AEW stars CM Punk and Dax Harwood of FTR expressed their support for Sasha Banks and Naomi.

CM Punk replied to Matt Cardona and told him, “If you’d go back in time to stand up for yourself, you should stand up [for] the workers now.”

Meanwhile, Harwood encourages his followers to “ALWAYS” stand up for what you belive in. He included a photo of Banks giving him a big hug.

Finally, Sasha Banks’ longtime friend and former tag team partner Bayley provided this quote:

nZo Revisits His Beef With Simon Gotch: “He’s Not Worth My Breath”

Joey Galizia
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Several years ago MLW star Simon Gotch gave a shoot interview regarding his time in WWE, where the former NXT tag champion unloaded on nZo (fka Enzo Amore) for being a klutz in the ring, and very difficult to get along with backstage.

One key aspect Gotch focused on was the 2016 WWE Payback pay-per-view, when he accidentally knocked nZo unconscious during a tag team match, a move that gave nZo a concussion, and reportedly gave Gotch a ton of backstage heat. You can see Gotch’s full rant, which includes him discussing the accident, here.

nZo spoke about his beef with Gotch during his latest interview with Inside The Ropes. In that chat the Realest Guy In The Room says that despite Gotch’s hatred for nZo, he credits himself for making the guy’s career more relevant than it actually is.

“Literally, he’s famous for that one thing. Nobody remembers any matches he had. Nobody remembers any good matches he had. Nobody remembers anything in his life except he’s the guy that knocked out Enzo. I guess he holds a grudge and he’s really upset about it.”

Later the former NXT cruiserweight champion admits that he has no hatred for Gotch, or anybody for that matter, nor would he waste a breathe on trying to argue with him.

“I don’t have any hate in my heart for anybody. if I saw him, I wouldn’t say a fuckin’ word to him, he’s not worth my breath. On this conversation, congratulations kid, I made you famous.”

nZo has been working steadily for MLW ever since returning to the ring last year.

(Quotes via Fightful)

Sasha Banks Recalls Being Told She was “Just a Good Hand” in NXT

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks has called being told she was “just a good hand” a defining moment in her career.

Banks joined WWE in 2012 and was assigned to NXT, becoming one of the brand’s most popular female Superstars before her 2015 call-up to the main roster.

Appearing on Cold As Balls With Kevin Hart, Banks recalled her first months in NXT and the writer who said WWE didn’t see her as a headline act.

“I wasn’t really getting used. A writer came up to me and told me that I was just a good hand. ‘A good hand.'”

Sasha Banks

When asked, Banks said she would not disclose the writer’s identity but said she used it as motivation to be the best.

“The Boss” listed several of her accolades, including her multiple championship reigns and Hart jokingly referred to her as “Cocky Cathy.”

Hart added that Banks’ accomplishments are impressive and asked if she believes she gets the respect she deserves.

“I feel like I definitely get the respect I deserve in WWE. To be a woman and to main event, wake up, that wouldn’t be possible [before].”

Sasha Banks

Banks is in her third reign as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion but handed the titles to John Laurinaitis before walking out of Raw this week.

Thanks to Fightful for the transcription.

Another New ROH Logo Revealed by Trademark Application

Michael Reichlin
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We have an updated look at two new Ring of Honor logos.

ROH Acquisition Co., LLC, an entity based out of AEW headquarters at 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive in Jacksonville, Florida, submitted a trademark application with the US Patent & Trademark office on May 6.

The “word mark” usage for this logo includes:

Entertainment services in the nature of live wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of television shows and multimedia entertainment content featuring wrestling programs and events; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing multimedia program featuring wrestling distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media over a Global Computer Network.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cda07M-uY6T/

Update: ROH Acquisition Co., LLC filed another trademark application on May 12th or the following alternate logo:

ROH Acquisition Co., LLC

The entity also filed to trademark the phrase, “Ring of Honor.” The Goods and Services description includes the following:

“Entertainment services in the nature of live wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of television shows and multimedia entertainment content featuring wrestling programs and events; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing multimedia program featuring wrestling distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; over a global computer network or via a global computer.“

SEScoops’ Fernando Quiles Jr. was first to report that a new Ring of Honor logo was on the way.

Prior to being acquired by Tony Khan, Ring of Honor’s previous owners had a new logo designed and a total rebranding in the works that would represent the company’s “new chapter” after Supercard of Honor.

ROH had a new company logo set to debut at Supercard of Honor. The logo was used on digital assets, ring skirts and turnbuckle pads. However, none of those were used at the event.

The new ROH regime, leg by Tony Khan, wanted to use the “classic” logo at Supercard of Honor, to represent the final chapter of the previous era of ROH.

It’s unknown if this new ROH logo is the one that was going to be used at Supercard of Honor, or if Khan’s team created this entirely new logo for the company’s new direction.

William Regal: I Put my Job on the Line for Sasha Banks

Thomas Lowson
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0

AEW’s William Regal encouraged WWE to fire him if Sasha Banks didn’t work out, in order to get “The Boss” a shot with the company.

Prior to his release earlier this year, Regal worked as the on-screen General Manager of NXT and as a talent scout, locating some of WWE’s brightest stars.

Speaking to Renee Paquette on The Sessions, Regal recalled his ultimatum to WWE during a discussion about former Superstar Cesaro.

“I put my job on the line once for Sasha Banks, she was someone who I went with because I knew her – my first thing on the job was hire this lady. I said If she doesn’t work out then you can fire me.”

William Regal.

Banks was invited to a WWE tryout in June 2012 and signed a contract in August that same year.

She has since gone on to have one of the most decorated careers of any woman, becoming a five-time Raw Women’s Champion, three-time WWE Women’s Tag Champion, and has had reigns as SmackDown and NXT Women’s Champion.

Is Sasha Banks leaving WWE?

Original Plans For Sasha Banks & Naomi Revealed
Banks and her tag-team partner Naomi walked out of WWE Raw this week over a creative difference between Banks and Vince McMahon.

William Regal may have been released from WWE this year, but Sasha Banks may not be far behind.

On this week’s Raw, Banks walked out of the show due to creative differences with Vince McMahon, and her tag-team partner Naomi walked out in solidarity.

In a statement, WWE apologized that they could not deliver the advertised main event, a six-pack challenge that would have included Banks and Naomi.

There’s been speculation that the company is ready to cut ties after this week’s incident.

However, given Banks’ celebrity status, both from WWE and for her role as Koska Reeves in ‘The Mandalorian,’ it’s unlikely WWE will release her and risk someone of significant star power joining AEW.

Thanks to Wrestling News for the transcription.

Conrad Thompson Responds to Concerns About Ric Flair’s In-Ring Return

Jon Fuentes
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Conrad Thompson has responded to those who are concerned with his father-in-law, Ric Flair, wrestling again one last time.

Thompson took to one of the many podcasts he co-hosts, My World With Jeff Jarrett, to address the issue. He asks if the people who are concerned with Flair wrestling again are the same ones who were calling for The Undertaker to have one more match.

“The Nature Boy is going to walk that aisle one last time. I know there’s been some pushback and people who were all of a sudden are very concerned about Ric Flair’s well being.

“I wonder if those are the same folks who are clamoring for Undertaker to have one more match, or what they felt about Vince McMahon wrestling at WrestleMania, or Jerry Lawler wrestling every other weekend.

“It’s not uncommon in Tennessee for these Tennessee boys to strut around, and by the way, Tennessee is the birthplace of Ric Flair. How fun is it that it’s come full circle with Jim Crockett promotions and him and one more match?

“Let me just say that I’m smarter than I look. We got some fun ideas for the show and I think some naysayers are going to come around and they’re going to like this idea.”

The 73-year-old Flair is expected to share the ring with longtime on-screen rival Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

Early reports suggest, however, that it won’t be a singles match. The current plan is to have Flair and FTR team up against Rock N’ Roll Express and “someone else.”

The match is being promoted under “Jim Crockett” promotions and will be produced by Thuzio, a Triller Company. Everything is currently set for July 31 at the Starrcast event in Nashville, Tennessee.

Should Steamboat actually step in for the match, it will be his first since a 2010 FCW tag team match with his son against Caylen Croft & Trent Baretta. Flair and Steamboat haven’t wrestled each other since 1994.

Quotes via WrestlingNewsCo

Why Randy Orton Wasn’t at Monday Night RAW (Report)

Jon Fuentes
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We now have our reason as to why Randy Orton wasn’t on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW.

Orton was noticeably absent from the show, which opened up with his RAW Tag Team Champion partner, Matt Riddle, who faced Jimmy Uso in the opening bout. WWE’s commentary team noted that Orton wasn’t there due to a “family commitment.”

Per a report from Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics.com, Orton was actually representing WWE at the FOX upfronts in New York. For those of you who don’t know, upfronts are events held for advertisers and media by network executives at the beginning of important advertising sales periods.

In Orton’s absence, Riddle was able to beat Jimmy Uso, giving RK-Bro some big momentum heading into their title unification bout against The Usos on SmackDown Live this week. RK-Bro will put their RAW Tag Titles on the line against The Usos and their SmackDown Tag Titles.

It will be a winner takes all affair this Friday night for a match that has been built up for weeks. On the opposite side, The Bloodline, led by WWE Unified Champion Roman Reigns, have been dominating WWE.

Now that Reigns holds both the Universal Title and WWE Title, he wants his cousins to become dual champions in honor of The Bloodline as well.

It will certainly be interesting to see how things play out this weekend, and if new unified champions are, in fact, crowned when it’s all said and done.

Becky Lynch Attacked Cody Rhodes After WWE Raw (Video)

Michael Reichlin
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Becky Lynch attempted a physical attack on Cody Rhodes after Monday’s WWE Raw went off the air.

Rhodes is currently embroiled in a heated feud with Lynch’s husband, Seth Rollins. When the American Nightmare came out for his dark match main event, Big Time Becks couldn’t contain herself.

Lynch competed against Asuka in the main event of Raw. The winner would become the #1 contender to Bianca Belair’s Raw Women’s Championship. Asuka got the victory and Lynch was left with a face full of green mist.

During Rhodes’ ring entrance, he was confronted by Lynch, who attacked him with a flurry of punches and kicks – none of which landed.

You can see footage of the incident here:

Cody went on to defeat Seth Rollins in the dark match main event of the evening. The third (and likely final) televised match between these two will take place at Hell in a Cell on Sunday, June 5th.

After Becky Lynch made it backstage, she was interviewed by WWE’s digital team. As seen below, she wasn’t in the best mood about how things transpired on Raw:

JBL Denies Trying To End Buff Bagwell’s Career

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

JBL has responded to a claim from Buff Bagwell that he once tried to end his in-ring career.

JBL has built a reputation over the years of being a backstage bully. Some have accused him of purposely working stiff against those he didn’t like, although others will tell you it was simply JBL’s in-ring style.

Past Incident Involved JBL

Longtime fans haven’t forgotten the time JBL was drunk during ECW One Night Stand 2005 and he bloodied up The Blue Meanie with legit punches. As it turns out, Blue Meanie actually had a cut from The Sandman prior and JBL’s shots just made the blood pour.

Ultimately, the two made amends and have had a good laugh reflecting on the incident.

Bagwell’s Accusation

More recently, however, former WCW star Buff Bagwell accused John Bradshaw Layfield of attempting to end his career during a dark segment many years ago.

JBL denied the accusations to Buff and the two quickly squashed any potential animosity.

Bagwell: “Bradshaw attempted to end my career in a dark segment on Smackdown, I’m glad he’s grown up from those days.”

JBL: “Buff-this is simply not true. It was a powerbomb, a called spot-and I landed you flat, which is safe. No different from anyone else I powerbombed back in the day-stiff, yes, dangerous—no. This is first I’ve heard of this. Not doubting what you thought-but zero intent to injure.”

Bagwell: “I appreciate that, you know how it goes, people talk and I was dumb enough to listen.”

JBL: “Nothing but good wishes going your way.”

Seth Rollins Fires Back at Booker T Saying He “Made it to the Top Easily”

Michael Reichlin
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Seth Rollins is taking issue with Booker T’s remarks about him on Monday’s edition of the Raw Talk post-show.

On Raw, WWE announced that Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will “run it back” with another match at the upcoming Hell in a Cell premium live event.

Booker T believes Rollins needs the win more than Rhodes does. He argue that Rhodes never had it easy in his career, unlike Rollins, who made it to the top “relatively easy” and “had a lot of help” along the way.

“Seth Rollins is a guy that made it to the top relatively easy, but I must say, he had a lot of help. Cody had to break himself down and rebuild himself, and that’s the Cody Rhodes we see today.”

– Booker T

Seth Rollins Fires Back

Rollins was caught off guard by Booker T’s interpretation of his career path. He said, “this narrative is false” and touted the dues he paid en route to joining WWE.

“I started wrestling at 18 years old in back rooms of bars, in pole barns, at UAW Halls, the occasional parking lot.” said Rollins. “Lost money. Broke bones. Drove countless hours alone just to build a name that got erased the second I walked in the WWE door.”

Rollins did, in fact, have a lengthy career before making it to WWE in 2010. Prior to landing at Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE’s former developmental territory, Rollins competed for many independent promotions across the United States.

As Tyler Black, Rollins worked for IWA Mid-South, NWA Midwest, Full Impact Pro, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Ring of Honor, where he won the ROH World Championship.

You can see Booker T’s original comments and Seth Rollins’ reply here:

Sasha Banks Unfollows WWE, Vince McMahon, and Others on Twitter

Thomas Lowson
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0

Sasha Banks has unfollowed several prominent WWE accounts over the past few days, ahead of her and Naomi’s walk-out during this week’s Raw.

During the show, Banks and Naomi left the Scope Arena, forcing WWE to change their announced six-pack challenge main event into a singles match between Becky Lynch and Asuka.

On Twitter, Banks has unfollowed the accounts of WWE, Vince McMahon, Bayley, Becky Lynch, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos, Seth Rollins, and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Now, “The Boss” is following only six accounts: Naomi, John Cena, Tamina Snuka, her cousin Snoop Dogg, and two fan accounts.

During Raw, Corey Graves said the pair had acted “unprofessionally” by walking out.

In a statement, WWE said that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions placed the titles on the desk of John Laurinaitis before leaving.

Why did Banks and Naomi leave?

Photos: Boss 'N' Hug Connection defends Tag Titles | Beth phoenix, Wrestlemania, Wrestlemania 35
Fans have compared this incident to Banks requesting her WWE release in 2019 after losing the Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 35.

The duo left Raw after Sasha Banks expressed her frustration with creative and had a meeting with Vince McMahon to discuss changes.

When McMahon refused to budge, Banks left and Naomi sided with her tag-team partner.

Fans have compared this to a 2019 incident, where Banks requested her release after losing the Women’s Tag Titles (then held with Bayley) to The IIconics at WrestleMania 35.

Tony Khan Takes Aim at Vince McMahon’s Habit of Ripping Up WWE Scripts

Thomas Lowson
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0

AEW President Tony Khan has said he doesn’t understand why a wrestling promoter would rip up a script before a show, in a dig at WWE and Vince McMahon.

The WWE Chairman is known for making edits to scripts, or even tearing them up completely mere hours before his programming goes on air.

Speaking with Forbes, Khan said that while he accepts that changes need to be made on the fly, ripping up a script implies that those in charge haven’t done enough preparation.

“To be honest, when I hear about somebody going in, and they have a TV show on Monday that they rip up. My first thought is, ‘what were you doing all weekend?’ Because I work my ass off on the weekends,” he claimed. “I have to come in with a plan for Wednesday, and Friday night, I want to make sure Dynamite’s great, and Rampage.

“I don’t do everything myself, but I do make the final decision on everything. I put the format together, I put an outline of what the show is going to be for Dynamite and Rampage, and I write it by hand. I don’t understand why you’re going to come in and rip up a show that you have a pretty good idea of what it is. And you should have approved it, where Monday, we know what we’re doing.”

“When I hear about somebody going in, and they have a TV show on Monday that they rip up. My first thought is, ‘what were you doing all weekend?’”

Tony Khan

McMahon’s War on Scripts

WWE Information: Vince McMahon's preliminary ideas on Riddle after principal roster call-up - The Times Of Truth
McMahon has a history of tearing up scripts for WWE programming, often very shortly before the show is meant to go live.

Vince McMahon employs a large team of writers to produce WWE content each week but the Chairman is seemingly very difficult to impress.

In March 2020, McMahon tore up the script for Monday Night Raw and was reported to have “changed everything.”

That same year, it was reported that McMahon had ripped up the script for Raw an hour before the show went live.

An October 2020 script for WWE SmackDown was finished very late in the day as the company could not decide what should make it on the show.

Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

Sasha Banks and Naomi Walk Out – WWE Raw Reactions (5/16/22): Getting Red Ep. 5

Steve Fall
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Join us as we run down The Good, The Bad and What The Heck?! moments from this week’s Raw.

Plus, we’ll name the show’s MVE (Most Valuable Entertainer).

Subscribe to the SEScoops YouTube Channel and comment below to let us know what you think!

WWE Statement on Sasha Banks & Naomi Walking Out of Raw

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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WWE has responded to the actions of Sasha Banks and Naomi.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions were scheduled to compete on the May 16 episode of Monday Night Raw. They were to participate in a six-pack challenge to determine the number one contender for the Raw Women’s Championship.

Things went awry when Sasha had creative differences with Vince McMahon, which was first reported by PWInsider.

Sasha Banks made her exit after Vince wouldn’t budge on her suggestion for a change in plans. Naomi ended up leaving the arena as well, which confused many as PWInsider reported that she was scheduled to win the six-pack challenge.

The match ended up being changed to singles action between Asuka and Becky Lynch. The two competed for a title shot against Bianca Belair at Hell in a Cell on June 5.

WWE has issued the following statement on what transpired on Raw:

“When Sasha Banks and Naomi arrived at the arena this afternoon, they were informed of their participation in the main event of tonight’s Monday Night Raw.

“During the broadcast, they walked into WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ office with their suitcases in hand, placed their tag team championship belts on his desk and walked out.

“They claimed they weren’t respected enough as tag team champions. And even though they had eight hours to rehearse and construct their match, they claimed they were uncomfortable in the ring with two of their opponents —even though they’d had matches with those individuals in the past with no consequence.

“Monday Night Raw is a scripted live TV show, whose characters are expected to perform the requirements of their contract.

“We regret we were unable to deliver, as advertised, tonight’s main event.”

Original Plans For Sasha Banks & Naomi Revealed

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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It appears the initial plans for Sasha Banks and Naomi have been revealed and it’s left more questions than answers.

During the May 16 episode of WWE Raw, it was announced that Sasha and Naomi would be featured in a six-pack challenge. The match was to also feature Asuka, Becky Lynch, Nikki A.S.H., and Doudrop.

The winner was to challenge Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at the Hell in a Cell premium live event.

Sasha Banks & Naomi Exit Midshow

The problem is, the match never took place. The commentary team revealed that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions left the building. As a result, WWE booked Asuka vs. Becky Lynch in a number one contender match.

PWInsider reported that Sasha Banks and Naomi legitimately left the arena. Sasha had creative differences with Vince McMahon and decided to leave once the WWE Chairman didn’t budge on her suggestion for a tweak in plans.

Naomi left with her, which is puzzling given this latest update.

Initial Plans

PWInsider is now reporting that Naomi was scheduled to win the six-pack challenge. This has left many confused as to why she would leave with Banks if she was going to be getting a big spot at the upcoming June event.

We’ll keep you updated as more information rolls along.

Sasha Banks & Naomi Leave WWE Raw Mid-Show Over Creative Differences

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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WWE Raw is going on without Sasha Banks and Naomi.

Banks and Naomi were scheduled to compete on the May 16 episode of Raw. They were going to be in a six-pack challenge involving Asuka, Becky Lynch, Nikki A.S.H., and Doudrop. The winner was set to challenge Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair at the Hell in a Cell premium live event.

The commentary team later announced that Sasha and Naomi left the building.

PWInsider is reporting that this is NOT part of the act and Sasha Banks was frustrated over the creative with Vince McMahon. Naomi is apparently on her tag team partner’s side and left with her.

Sasha’s exit left WWE in a last-minute pickle, and the company was forced to pivot. The scheduled match has now been changed to singles action between Asuka and Becky.

It’ll be interesting to see what consequences Sasha and Naomi will face after leaving the building. The two currently hold the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Fans have already compared the situation to CM Punk, who left WWE before Raw went on the air back in 2014. The difference here is, Punk didn’t leave midshow with a match advertised.

When Corey Graves discussed the situation on-air, he did take a shot at Sasha and Naomi. Graves said the two are usually professional but not tonight.

WWE RAW Results (5/16/22): Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins, Asuka vs. Becky Lynch, Steel Cage Match

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Bobby Lashley versus Omos in a Steel Cage match tonight. Asuka faced Becky Lynch in the main event to determine the #1 contender for the RAW Women’s Championship. The winner will face Bianca Belair at Hell in a Cell.

RAW Results

  • Lashey def. Omos in a Steel Cage match
  • Veer Mahaan def. Mustafa Ali
  • Riddle def. Jimmy Uso
  • AJ Styles & Finn Balor def. Los Lotharios
  • Alexa Bliss def. Sonya Deville
  • Ezekiel def. Chad Gable
  • Asuka def. Becky Lynch to earn a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Lashley def. Omos In A Steel Cage Match

WWE ran a “countdown to Cody” graphic at the beginning of the show as Cody Rhodes will be kicking off the third hour of RAW. The Steel Cage match between Omos & Bobby Lashley kicked off the show.

Omos dominated the action early and beat Lashley down as MVP was ringside. MVP got on the steel steps for a distraction but Lashley knocked him to the floor. Lashley connected with a Spear and went for the cover but Omos powered out at two.

Lashley started climbing the cage but Omos grabbed him by the throat. Bobby booted the big man away and started climbing towards the top of the cage. Cedric Alexander rushed down the ramp and met Lashley at the top of the cage. Lashley and Alexander traded punches before Bobby launched him to the canvas. Lashley went for a Splash but Omos caught him and sent Bobby crashing into the steel cage. Omos then slammed Lashley onto the cage again but the panel broke and Bobby fell to the floor for the victory.

Veer Mahaan def. Mustafa Ali, The Mysterios Returned

Mustafa Ali was set to face Theory tonight but the United States Champion announced a change of plans. Theory said that Ali would be wrestling Veer Mahaan with The Miz as the special guest referee. Veer dominated and Theory took a selfie after the match. Veer started clearing off the announce table before Dominik & Rey Msyterio rushed the ring. The Mysterios fought Veer off and he retreated to end the segment.

Riddle Picked Up A Victory

Riddle battled Jimmy Uso tonight on RAW in a singles match. Jey Uso was ringside for the match. Jimmy knocked Riddle down and stomped on him in the corner to start off the action. Riddle battled back but Jey Uso provided a distraction outside the ring. Jimmy capitalized with a Suicide Dive and sent Riddle into the steel steps as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Jimmy connected with a slam and went for the cover but Riddle kicked out at two. Riddle went for an Exploder Suplex as Corey Graces that Randy Orton had a prior family commitment and couldn’t be here tonight. Jimmy blocked the Suplex and took control of the match as the embarrassing “countdown to Cody” graphic appeared again.

Riddle climbed to the top rope but Jey tripped him up. Jimmy went for a cradle and Jey tried to help him again but the referee caught him this time. The referee kicked Jey out from ringside and the match continued. Riddle then rolled up Jimmy for the pinfall victory.

Styles & Balor def. Los Lotharios

Judgement Day cut a backstage promo and Damian Priest claimed that if any of the fans’ heroes steps up to them, they will face nothing but punishment.

AJ Styles & Finn Balor battled Los Lotharios in a tag team match. Liv Morgan was in Balor & Styles’ corner for the match. Styles & Balor dominated the action early as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Los Lotharios were in control and had Styles isolated in the ring. Styles and Balor battled back and won the match after Finn hit the Coup de Grace on Humberto. After their victory, Styles, Balor, and Liv Morgan did the “too sweet” sign in the middle of the ring.

Alexa Bliss vs. Sonya Deville

Alexa Bliss squared off with Sonya Deville again tonight. Bliss recently defeated Deville in her return to the ring. Sonya sent Bliss to the ropes and leveled her with a Clothesline for a two count. Deville battled back and removed the top turnbuckle pad and the referee started to put it back on. Deville hit a Spinebuster and went for the cover but the referee was busy putting the turnbuckle pad back on. Deville argued with the referee and Bliss connected with a DDT for the pinfall victory.

Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins Will Battle Inside Hell In A Cell

Cody Rhodes came to the ring after a two-hour countdown. Rhodes said he tried to move past Rollins but Seth dumped gasoline on the fire last week. Cody noted that Seth said “Cody will never take anything away ever again”, and wondered what he has taken from Rollins. Rhodes wondered if it was the winner’s purse, a little bit of pride, or Seth is trapped in a purgatory by his own design.

Rhodes said he’s learned so much and that he’s never going to be the American Dream, so he embraced the American Nightmare. Rhodes added that Seth will have to kill him if he’s trying to deny him a second chance. Cody challenged Rollins to a Hell in a Cell match at the upcoming premium live event.

Rollins appeared on the jumbotron and did his laugh. Rollins said that everybody that steps inside Hell in a Cell is changed forever and Rhodes just made the biggest mistake of his life. Rollins talked some more trash before accepting the challenge.

Ezekiel def. Chad Gable, Lacey Evans Promo

Ezekiel faced Chad Gable tonight on RAW. Kevin Owens joined commentary and Otis was ringside. Ezekiel hit a Clothesline to start off the action and went for a slam but Gable countered into an Armbar. Ezekiel escaped and applied a headlock in the middle of the ring. Gable battled back and hit a German Suplex for a near fall.

Gable climbed to the top turnbuckle and went for a Moonsault but Ezekiel got out of the way. Ezekiel connected with a couple Clotheslines and followed it up with a Spinebuster for a near fall. Ezekiel knocked Otis off the ring apron and rolled up Gable for the pinfall victory. Ezekiel escaped before Owens & Otis could attack him after the match.

Lacey Evans cut a promo tonight and spoke about working hard to reach her dreams. Evans wanted everyone to give the armed forces a round of applause and the crowd obliged. Evans closed the promo by sayings she’s not better than any of the women in the locker room, but they aren’t better than her.

Carmella is now a part of the 24/7 Championship storyline as she had an argument with Dana Brooke backstage.

Asuka Earned A Shot At The RAW Women’s Title

Asuka battled Becky Lynch tonight in the main event. The winner of the match will get a title match against Bianca Belair at Hell in a Cell. This was originally supposed to be a 6-Pack Challenge but Women’s Tag Team Champions Naomi & Sasha Banks left the arena due to creative differences.

Becky Lynch controlled the match early but Asuka battled back after the commercial break. Asuka rolled Lynch up for a near fall and then Clotheslined her to the canvas as RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair watched from ringside.

Lynch hung up Asuka in the ropes and hit a Leg Drop off the middle turnbuckle for a near fall. Becky climbed to the top rope but Asuka brought her back down and applied an Armbar in the middle of the ring. Becky escaped and rolled out of the ring to regroup.

Becky and Bianca Belair started trash-talking ringside until Asuka showed up. Becky sent Asuka flying onto Bianca Belair outside the ring. Back in the ring, Lynch grabbed a kendo stick while Bianca Belair argued with the referee. Asuka spit mist in Becky’s eyes and followed it up with a kick for the pinfall victory. Bianca Belair will defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Asuka at Hell in a Cell.

Zachary Wentz Issues Statement Addressing Hitler Photo

Michael Reichlin
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Zachary Wentz (Former WWE/NXT Superstar Nash Carter) has issued a statement addressing a photo of himself impersonating Adolph Hitler that surfaced online last month.

Wentz was released in April 2022 after an online spat with his then-wife brought up allegations of physical abuse and also the incriminating photo.

On Monday, Wentz issued issued the following statement on Twitter:

A statement by Zachary Green.

“No words can truly describe how ashamed and apologetic I am for my conduct in the photograph. There is no excuse for such behavior and I take full responsibility for my actions and ask for forgiveness. This picture was taken in 2015, a time where I was uneducated on the topic and therefore didn’t understand the magnitude of how hurtful it was. In 2020 someone was trying to extort me by threatening to post it on social media. sent it to my wife to discuss the situation. Apparently, she kept it and then decided in retaliation for the filing of the divorce to post it to social media. Regardless how the photograph came to light, there is still no excuse for my actions.

“Over the past month I have taken time to reflect on my conduct to which I express my utmost remorse and regret. I have spent time off social media to refresh and re-educate myself about of the horrors of the Holocaust. I truly do hope that this situation will teach and bring awareness to the horrific tragedy that took place so that something like this will never happen again. I can assure you that this is not who I am or what I represent as a human being, and I feel it is never too late to educate and better yourself.

“If you are ever in the Orlando/Maitland area, take some time to visit the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida where you can learn about the history and depth of what took place. It was an incredibly eye-opening, and impactful experience that teaches the importance of this history.”

Nash Carter Takes First Booking Since WWE Release

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