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AEW Dynamite Results (5/4/22): Wardlow vs. W. Morrissey, Title Match, Owen Hart Qualifiers

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamited aired live from the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Jeff Hardy competed in his first singles match in AEW against Bobby Fish in an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Qualifying Match. ROH Women’s Champion Deonna Purrazzo faced Interim ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez in the main event to crown the undisputed champion.

AEW Dynamite Results

  • Jeff Hardy def. Bobby Fish to qualify for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
  • Blackpool Combat Club def. Angelico, Butcher, Blade
  • Wardlow def. W. Morrissey (FKA as Big Cass in WWE)
  • Chris Jericho def. Santana
  • Rey Fenix def. Dante Martin to qualify for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
  • Mercedes Martinez def. Deonna Purrazzo via submission to become the Undisputed ROH Women’s Champion

Here are the takeaways from this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite:

Jeff Hardy Qualified For The Owen Hart Tournament

Jeff Hardy battled Bobby Fish in a qualifying match for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Matt Hardy was ringside and Adam Cole joined commentary for the match. Excalibur announced that the tournament will officially begin next week on Dynamite.

Hardy hit a shoulder tackle but Fish battled back and whipped Jeff to the corner. Bobby connected with some strikes and beat Jeff down in the corner of the ring. The action spilled to the outside and Fish sent Hardy into the barricade with a Dragon Screw.

The action returned to the ring and Jeff rolled Fish up for a near fall. Hardy connected with a Jawbreaker and made his way to the top rope. Fish tripped him up and then planted him with a Falcon Arrow off the top for a close two count. Fish quickly applied a submission hold but Jeff was able to reach the ropes and the match continued. Jeff connected with an elbow to the face and followed it up with Whisper in the Wind. Hardy made his way to the top rope and connected with the Swanton Bomb for the pinfall victory. Jeff Hardy qualified for the Owen Hart Tournament and will face Darby Allin in the 1st round.

Blackpool Combat Club Picked Up Another Win

Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta) battled Angelico, The Butcher, and The Blade in a Trios Match tonight on Dynamite.

The Butcher attacked Moxley during his entrance ringside and slammed him into the barricade. Blade and Angelico attacked Danielson and Wheeler Yuta in the ring. Danielson battled back and connected with several kicks to Angelico. Wheeler Yuta tagged in and delivered some chops to Angelico’s chest.

Wheeler hit Butcher with a Dropkick but the big man shrugged it off. Butcher leveled Wheeler with a Crossbody and brought him to the corner. Blade and Angelico got in some cheap shots on Yuta while the referee was distracted. Wheeler finally escaped out of the corner and hit a massive release German Suplex on The Butcher.

Moxley tagged in and unloaded a couple of Clotheslines on The Blade. Jon brought Blade to the outside and sent him into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Blackpool Combat Club got Angelico, Butcher, and Blade in submission holds for the victory.

Wardlow def. W. Morrissey, Contract Signing With MJF Announced For Next Week’s Dynamite

Wardlow battled a mystery opponent of MJF’s choosing tonight on Dynamite. MJF announced that Wardlow’s opponent was Impact star W. Morrissey (FKA Big Cass in WWE). Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was ringside for the match.

Morrissey absolutely dominated the action early and beat Wardlow down outside the ring. Back in the ring, Morrissey perched Wardlow up on the top turnbuckle and joined him up there. Wardlow battled back with some elbows to the head and Morrissey fell down to the mat. Wardlow connected with a Moonsault and followed it up with a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory. MJF threw a tantrum backstage as security entered the ring with Wardlow.

Wardlow beat the hell out of all of them and stood alone in the ring. MJF demanded more security and they all ran into shoulder tackles and lariats from Wardlow as the crowd went insane. Wardlow then Powerbombed a security guard onto everyone outside the ring. Wardlow grabbed a microphone and shouted that he will not stop until he gets his hands on MJF and he releases from the contract. MJF suggested that they have a match and asked the crowd if they wanted to see that match. They chanted “yeah!” and MJF told Wardlow that he is on under a couple of conditions. MJF said he would reveal the stipulations in a Contract Signing segment in Long Island, New York (Dynamite next week).

Hangman Page Had Strong Words For CM Punk

Tony Schiavone interviewed AEW World Champion Hangman Page tonight. Hangman missed last week’s episode due to covid. Page will be defending the title against CM Punk on May 29th at Double or Nothing. Hangman got a great reaction from the crowd as he made his way to the ring.

Hangman Page took the microphone away and said it would be real easy for him to come out here and say how much he loves CM Punk, and how much he looks forward to facing him at Double or Nothing. Page said that isn’t going to happen because at Double or Nothing there is not going to be a “masturbatory Bret Hart tribute match” and vowed to destroy CM Punk at the PPV.

Page called out a fan wearing a CM Punk shirt and told him he’s going to be asking for a refund if he hasn’t already burnt the damn thing. Hangman joked that Punk isn’t here tonight because he’s off filming another TV show. Page looked directly into the camera and vowed to embarrass Punk at Double or Nothing. Hangman added the Punk wanted a fight, he’s now got the fight of his life at the PPV.

Jericho def. Santana

Chris Jericho faced Santana tonight on Dynamite. Santana caught Jericho with a Suicide Dive during his entrance and followed it up with some chops to the chest. Santana booted Jericho in the face and bounced his head off the steel steps. They finally got into the ring and referee Aubrey Edwards called for the bell for the match to start.Ortiz and JAS traded words outside the ring and Santana was distracted. Jericho caught Santana with a Dropkick as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Jericho leaped off the top rope and into a Dropkick from Santana. Jericho and Santana traded chops but Jericho got the better of the exchange. Jericho went for a Bulldog but Santana launched him into the turnbuckle. Santana hit Jericho with Three Amigos (suplexes) and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Jericho caught him with a forearm to the face and joined Santana up there.

Santana shoved him down and hit a Frog Splash for a near fall. Jericho got Santana in the Walls of Jericho in the middle of the ring but Santana fought through the pain and reached the bottom rope. Santana connected with a Cutter and went for the cover but Jericho kicked out at two. Ortiz fought up JAS as Santana hit a big Clothesline for another near fall. Daddy Magic hopped on the ring apron for a distraction and Jericho capitalized with a low blow. Jericho followed it up with the Judas Effect for the pinfall victory. After the match, Jericho Appreciation Society attacked with weapons and beat Santana & Ortiz some more.

House of Black Attacked

Varsity Blonds called House of Black out tonight on Dynamite. Pillman took the microphone and said he is a “humbled young man” after their encounter with House of Black. Pillman said that House of Black poisoned Julia Hart’s mind (this was months ago) and they have been driven apart. Pillman wanted a fight and House of Black made their way to the ring. Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews, and Brody King beat Pillman and Garrison down. Malakai ripped off Julia Hart’s eye patch until Death Triangle rushed the ring. House of Black retreated to end the bizarre segment.

Rey Fenix Qualified For The Owen Hart Tournament

Dante Martin battled Rey Fenix in a qualifying match for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Fenix sent Dante out of the ring and flipped onto him as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Dante battled back with a Suicide Dive and rolled Rey back inside the ring. Fenix hit an absurd Spanish Fly and went for the cover but Dante was somehow able to kick out at two.

Dante Martin battled back with a Crossbody for a near fall. Fenix hit a Hurricanrana for a two count and both wrestlers started trading strikes. Fenix connected with a Cutter but couldn’t keep Dante down. Dante hit a Superkick and climbed to the top rope but Fenix tripped him up. Fenix went for a Spanish Fly but the both landed on their feet to cheers from the crowd. Dante hit a Poisonrana for a near fall and Fenix responded with a Fire Thunder Driver for the pinfall victory. Rey Fenix qualified for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and will battle Kyle O’Reilly in the first round.

Mercedes Martinez Became The Undisputed ROH Women’s Champion, Title Match Announced For Double or Nothing

Before the main event, AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa cut a promo from the entrance ramp but was quickly interrupted. Serena Deeb challenged Thunder Rosa to match and said that the best wrestler in the world needs to be champion. Thunder Rosa will defend the AEW Women’s Championship against Serena Deeb at Double or Nothing.

ROH Women’s Champion Deonna Purrazzo faced Interim ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez in the main event to determine the undisputed champion. Mercedes controlled the action early and beat Deonna down in the corner. Martinez hit a running big boot to the face and went for the cover but Purrazzo powered out at two.

Purrazzo battled back with a pump kick and followed it up with a standing Moonsault for a close two count. Purrazzo dragged Martinez to her feet but Martinez responded with a knee to the face. Martinez followed it up with a Fisherman’s Suplex and went for the cover but Deonna kicked out and the title match continued.

Deonna hit a shoulder tackle and then went for a submission hold but Martinez escaped. Both wrestlers connected with a Clothesline at the same time and fell to the canvas. Purrazzo pulled herself up in the corner as Martinez staggered to her feet. Deonna hit a boot to the face and climbed to the top rope. Mercedes caught her with a jab and connected with a Death Valley Driver. Martinez then tapped Deonna out with the Dragon Sleeper to become the official ROH Women’s Champion.

W. Morrissey Once Infuriated Triple H Over A Promo

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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W. Morrissey has reflected on the time Triple H was none too pleased with him over a promo that wasn’t in the script.

Morrissey performed as “Big Cass” under the WWE banner. He teamed with Enzo Amore and there was a time when the team received red hot crowd reactions. Eventually, the two were split and their WWE careers never quite took off like many were hoping.

W. Morrissey Leaves Triple H Fuming

During an appearance on The Sessions with Renee Paquette, W. Morrissey revealed that the decision he and Enzo made to sing a Frank Sinatra song at SummerSlam got them an earful from Triple H due to concerns of copyright (h/t Wrestling Inc).

“Creatively, it was just a new set of talent to work with, to do promos with. We got to do things with the New Day, which was awesome to kind of feed off of other tag teams and have fun with that. We did the one segment with the New Day overseas in the UK, and it’s just a totally different ballgame. NXT is, I guess it’s less worrisome, it’s less nervewracking, and it’s not as big of a deal. When you get to WWE, it’s kind of like everything you do is a big deal and it could have consequences. We messed up a few times.

“I can think of one time when we really messed up. We went off-script at Summerslam in Brooklyn and sang a Frank Sinatra song. You can’t sing or imitate things that are copyrighted. That was a stern talking too. He was furious, Hunter. We didn’t know. We didn’t know those sorts of things.

“I think everything is amplified and it’s so much bigger, and the magnitude of things you do and the consequences of the things you do are way bigger. That’s something that maybe, in the moment, I didn’t realize. But you’re on live television. If you mess up or do something that can cost the company, that’s on you. It’s way bigger, it comes with a lot more money and a lot more glory, whatever you want to call it, but you have to watch yourself a lot more.”

Morrissey currently works for Impact Wrestling. It has been heavily implied that Wardlow’s mystery opponent for the May 4 episode of AEW Dynamite will be Morrissey. Impact and AEW have worked together in the past, so this wouldn’t be surprising to many.

AEW Fight Forever: New Gameplay Footage, Characters Revealed

Thomas Lowson
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AEW has revealed more footage from their upcoming video game ‘AEW: Fight Forever‘ which is rumored to release later this year.

AEW: Fight Forever will be the promotion’s first console video game, and the third game overall, following on from mobile titles ‘AEW Elite GM‘ and ‘AEW Casino: Double or Nothing.‘

On social media, the official AEW Games account shared development footage, confirming that Nyla Rose and Kris Statlander will be in the game as playable characters.

This will mark both women’s first appearance in any console video game.

AEW Referee Aubrey Edwards was also confirmed in the videos, officiating a match between the two.

The AEW Games account also confirmed that AEW: Fight Forever will also be available on PC.

The audience character models have also been updated as confirmed by the AEW Games division.

Initially reported as a 2023 title, its since been noted that AEW plans on releasing the game this year, possibly as soon as September.

In June 2021, it was reported that AEW was operating ‘in the red’ due to an “eight-figure investment” (at least $10 million) into their games department.

All footage captured from the game is still in development and can be watched below.

Tessa Blanchard’s Future With WOW In Jeopardy Ahead of First Tapings

Joey Galizia
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It appears that there is more controversy surrounding pro-wrestling superstar and former IMPACT World Champion, Tessa Blanchard.

Blanchard signed with WOW (Women of Wrestling) last October and was one of the promotion’s hottest acts, so much so that her signing was announced alongside WOW’s newest syndication deal with ViacomCBS. However, it now appears that Blanchard’s stint with the company is in jeopardy.

According to Fightful Select, several names have come forward to reveal that once again there are allegations against Blanchard, and the two sides had a bit of a falling out after she deactivated all of her social media channels. This news comes only a day before WOW’s scheduled television tapings in Los Angeles.

A source told the publication that Blanchard got heat from the roster after she “tore apart” Samantha Sage during a workshop class this past April. Apparently, it was bad enough that several of the trainees had to speak up.

A different source revealed that Blanchard is no longer in charge of training talent and that Selina Majors now heads that department. This same source later implied that Blanchard may only get work in the Mexico wrestling circuit going forward due to the reputation she has built for herself in the U.S.

One former star of WOW told Fightful that they believe Blanchard is done with the company entirely, although that is not confirmed. However, it was teased that there has been a major shift from WOW’s original plan last fall.

As a reminder, Blanchard had a number of accusations over the last two years for problematic behavior, which included racially charged comments and causing issues with other established talents. This was right around the time that Blanchard had her ugly departure from IMPACT, where the promotion stripped her of their world championship.

SEScoops has reached out to WOW for further comment.

Jim Cornette Says AEW Knows The House Of Black Sucks

Thomas Lowson
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Wrestling personality Jim Cornette has blasted AEW’s House of Black, saying that the stable sucks and that the company knows it.

The House of Black debuted in January 2022 and originally consisted of Malakai Black and Brody King, with Buddy Matthews being added the following month.

While speaking on his podcast, Jim Cornette Experience, Cornette made the claim that AEW believes the stable sucks, but are pushing them regardless. He added:

“Maybe this is why they’re constantly in the dark, because they know that it sucks and they don’t want people to get a good close look at it so that’s why they’re always in the dark. Let’s cover that sh*t up, don’t. Here you’re trying to sell this sub-standard product, control the lighting, subdued lighting. Just do not let anyone get a close look at it.”

The House of Black is feuding with Death Triangle, with a six-man-tag match between the two stables expected for AEW Double or Nothing 2022.

Double or Nothing 2022 will take place on May 29, 2022 from the T-Mobile Arena, in Paradise, Nevada.

AEW Faces Legal Action Over Inaccessible Website For The Visually Impaired

Rayan Sayyed
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All Elite Wrestling is facing legal action over their AEW Shop website for being inaccessible to visually impaired people.

A plaintiff named Luigi Abreu has brought the class action complaint against the promotion on May 4 in the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff is visually impaired and legally blind who depends on screen reading software to browse the internet. According to the complaint, shopaew.com does not have any features to make it accessible to people with visual impairments.

“Plaintiff LUIGI ABREU (“Plaintiff”) brings this class action both on an individual basis and, on behalf of all others similarly situated, for declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and compensatory damages-including statutory and punitive damages-against defendant named herein, and alleges based upon the personal knowledge of Plaintiff, the investigation of counsel, and upon information and belief,” the complaint reads (via Brandon Thurston).

The complaint argues that AEW’s lack of accessibility features for visually impaired people violates their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Plaintiff is a visually-impaired and legally blind person who brings this civil rights class action against defendant ALL ELITE WRESTLING, LLC for its failure, design, construct, maintain, and operate its website to be fully accessible to-and independently used by-Plaintiff and other blind or visually-impaired people who use screen-reading software,” the lawsuit continues.

The lawsuit argues that due to the lack of these features, visually impaired and legally blind people are denied access to the “equal enjoyment of goods/and or services offered on the website during the past three years.”

Abreu is seeking a jury trial and is also asking for their legal costs to be covered.

In 2020, WWE also faced legal action for its WWEShop.com website for not being equally accessible to blind and visually-impaired consumers. WWE reportedly settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

Controversial Deathmatch Takes Place During Family-Friendly Show (Video)

Rayan Sayyed
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Deathmatch wrestling, or hardcore wrestling, has been a staple of the independent wrestling scene since it became successful in America with Extreme Championship Wrestling. Of course, deathmatches certainly made waves in Japan years prior.

While ECW went defunct in 2001, the promotion influenced a number of other wrestling organizations like Combat Zone Wrestling.

Deathmatches remain a controversial aspect of wrestling, due to their bloody and ultra-violent nature. Needless to say, this stuff is not suitable for children due to its destructive content. A UK-based wrestling organization called Colliery Championship Wrestling is inviting wrestling fans’ ire on social media after they decided to hold a show involving a bloody deathmatch with children present in the audience.

On April 29, the promotion held its “CCW Pits Of Punishment” event at the Seaham Conservative Club in Seaham, County Durham in England. The match between Blizzard and Ronnie Thatcher at the event saw the two wrestlers beat each other to a bloody mess in a “3 out of 5 Doors Match”.

Clips from the match are making the rounds on social media, in which children can be seen in the audience as the two bloodied wrestlers use a variety of weapons to inflict as much pain as possible on each other.

In one of the clips, Blizzard is using a string trimmer on Thatcher’s arm as he writhes in pain on the floor outside the ring.

In another, the wrestler is seen whacking a bundle of sticks on his opponent’s wound cavity on his head, as his head is drenched in blood.

A third clip shows Thatcher taking his turn to shatter a tube light on Blizzard’s back and then stabbing the shattered, pointy end on his head.

https://twitter.com/WrestlerBenji/status/1521427578149556225?s=20&t=tuVr1Sh5J0vLygwjbI0ofw

Expectedly, the promotion is getting flak from fans all around the world for having a deathmatch take place on a show advertized as family-friendly.

The promotion has stated on their Facebook group that their show will be strictly an adults-only affair moving forward:

“There will be no repeat of went down at PITS OF PUNISHMENT like what we saw between Ronnie and Blizzard again. It will only take place in over 18 shows ( yes you can screenshot this for twitter )The match was only supposed to be a doors match, where both men took it upon themselves to take things to another level. We apologise to everyone this may have upset and we will make sure this will never happen again. [sic]”

In another statement, the showrunners have asked people to stop harassing the venue where the show was held and apologized for their blunder. Bizarrely, the statement also mentions that they received a call from someone from North America pretending to be a promoter, threatening to shut down their promotion. As noted, CCW is located in the UK.

Scorpio Sky Lays Out Plan For Second TNT Title Run

Joey Galizia
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Last week’s AEW Dynamite concluded with Scorpio Sky recapturing the TNT championship from Sammy Guevara in a brutal ladder match that fittingly headlined the promotion’s flagship program.

This began Sky’s second run with the TNT title after his first reign only lasted 31 days. The former SCU member tells Miesha Tate and Renee Paquette on their Throwing Down podcast that his first goal is to get past that previous 31 day length.

“I didn’t get to do too much in my first run, I lost the title in like 31 days and only had one title defense, unfortunately, but I did regain the championship in the shortest period of time in AEW history; 12 days. Now, we have a new start and the first thing I want to do is hold on to it for at least 32 days [laughs].”

Sky later expands on his goals as champion, which he hopes includes some memorable matchups, ones that he remembers loving as a kid.

“If I can run with this title for six months, a year, or longer and really get in the ring with everyone and have some memorable championship matches that I used to like watching when I grew up, that was the goal.”

Sky has not been announced for this evening’s edition of AEW Dynamite, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t appear in some form to cut a promo. He did promise his old tag partner Frankie Kazarian a title shot at some point as the Elite Hunter stepped back as a challenger so Sky could reclaim the gold.

(Quotes via Fightful.)

Lady Frost Currently Dealing With ‘Stalker’ Situation

Jon Fuentes
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IMPACT Wrestling Knockout Lady Frost is currently dealing with a scary “stalker” situation.

Frost took to Twitter to warn fans not to send any money to any pages claiming to be Lady Frost. She has lost her Instagram account yet again and is working on getting re-verified across social media.

The situation really seems to be taking a toll on Frost mentally, as she also shared the following.

“Really being tested today. I’ve already lifted and had a giant cupcake. Meditation seems impossible. But I’m almost at the 30 day mark since I gave up drinking and this loser isn’t f*cking that up for me.”

Frost joined IMPACT Wrestling back in July of 2021. Since, she has established herself as a top contender in the Knockouts division. Frost has had a few opportunities at the IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Title, but has been unsuccessful thus far.

Hopefully Frost can put this stalker situation behind her soon, as the issue seems to be one spreading more and more throughout the professional wrestling community – mainly against women. Other notable names in professional wrestling such as Paige, Sonya Deville, Liv Morgan, and more have had to deal with similar situations.

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

WWE Planning NXT Stand & Deliver Event Ahead Of Major Stadium Show This Summer

Joey Galizia
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A new report has surfaced regarding the next potential NXT 2.0 premium live event.

According to WrestleVotes, WWE is considering adding a Stand & Deliver special ahead of one of the three big stadium shows that are set to happen this summer/fall. As of right now the preference is for the weekend of the September 3rd Clash at the Castle supershow in Cardiff, which will be WWE’s first major PPV in the U.K. in over 30 years.

However, this year’s SummerSlam in Nashville is reported to be the more likely option, most likely due to the number of venues the city can offer the brand to hold the show. SummerSlam is scheduled for July 30th from Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.

This would be the third Stand & Deliver show in NXT history, as previous incarnations of the special used to be referred to as NXT Takeover. The last Stand & Deliver event took place on April 2nd from the American Airlines Center in Dallas on WrestleMania 38 weekend, and featured Dolph Ziggler defeating Bron Breakker in the main event to retain the NXT championship.

Reports has surfaced last month that WWE was hoping to run more stadium shows going forward following the success of WrestleMania 38.

NJPW Capital Collision Announces Four-Way IWGP United States Title Bout

Jon Fuentes
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NJPW Capital Collision just added a big Four-Way IWGP United States Title bout to its card.

The official New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) Twitter account has announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi will defend the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Juice Robinson, Will Ospreay, and Jon Moxley. Tanahashi regained the title after SANADA was sidelined with an injury.

All three challengers have been stirring up the pot to get their name in the title picture. Ospreay challenged Tanahashi earlier this month. He was initially set to face Tanahashi at NJPW Wrestling Tontaku. However, he was pulled from the card due to COVID-19.

As for Moxley, he picked up a win over Ospreay at NJPW Windy City Riot, subsequently calling out Tanahashi. And finally, Robinson attacked Tanahashi right after his title win over Tomohiro Ishii at NJPW Wrestligng Dontaku.

Already announced for the card is a tag team match between Kazuchika Okada and Trent Beretta against Jay White and Hikuleo.

As noted, Moxley, an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star will be competing at the match. AEW and NJPW continue to have a great working relationship with one another. So much so, in fact, that they are set to co-host a joint pay-per-view (PPV) event, Forbidden Door.

Stars from both AEW and NJPW have already expressed their desire to be on the card, including some of the very biggest names.

Brandi Lauren Wants To “Work Everywhere And Do Everything” (Exclusive)

Rayan Sayyed
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Brandi Lauren was signed to WWE NXT from 2020 to 2021 under the ring name Skyler Story, aside from also making a one-off appearance using her current ring name on the former black-and-yellow brand in May 2018 against Lacey Evans.

Though she only appeared for an NXT Women’s Title #1 contendership battle royal while she was signed to WWE, Lauren has been making her name in promotions like Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and Warriors of Wrestling after getting her release.

As the 26-year-old is on her journey to make strides in the independent circuit, SEScoops’ correspondent Ella Jay caught up with Lauren during her appearance at WrestleCon in Dallas, Texas. Lauren discussed with us her future in wrestling, who she wants to face in the future, and more.

You can watch our exclusive interview with Brandi Lauren below:

Below are highlights from the interview:

What’s Next For Brandi Lauren’s Career

brandi lauren shine wrestling
Brandi Lauren during her time in Shine Wrestling.

Brandi Lauren says she’s someone who lets things happen, rather than try to control them. She was already appearing for multiple promotions in the first few years of taking up wrestling. Lauren says she doesn’t have any specific goals as such for her career and she takes it easy.

“This sounds crazy, but I’ve always just gone with the flow. My first year of wrestling, I didn’t have anything planned or anything like that. I got a lot of really cool opportunities. My first year of wrestling, my goal was to work for Shine on the pre-show and to work for them in one other state. And within my first year of wrestling, I was on the main show of Shine, like, insistently. I had a contract with Impact. I wrestled for Ring of Honor. I just did everything. So then after that, I was like, I don’t even know what goals I have because I’m like, I just want to see what I can do. So it’s more so just I don’t have any particular plans. I just go with the flow and take what happens and just see where it goes.

“I mean, with Impact and stuff like that too, they had messaged me right before one of the taping dates and they were like, ‘Hey, is your non-compete done? Yeah, cool. Are you available on all these dates?’ And I was just like, ‘Yeah sure!’ Because that was just a per-appearance deal. I didn’t sign a contract or anything like that, but it was really cool and it was doing something that I showed up and I didn’t know I was gonna be doing. Like, I did not know at all. I did not know I was going to be murdered [referring to playing one of Su Yung’s undead brides].

Getting Out Of Her Comfort Zone

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Brandi Lauren (left) as Su Yung’s Undead Bridesmaid with Kimber Lee.

Lauren played one of Su Yung’s Undead Bridesmaids along with Kimber Lee in Impact Wrestling. As Lauren was unable to claim enough souls for Yung as part of a storyline, she and Lee were struck down by lightning for good. Lauren said playing the supernatural role was out of her comfort zone but it helped her put her best performance forward.

“It was a surprise, but honestly, some of the most fun I’ve had in wrestling was doing a dead character, and creating just a whole new character, something that’s out of my comfort zone. Also, out of my comfort zone was working with Shotzi and that ended up being some of my best matches, you know, and her becoming my best friend, of course, so that’s really cool.

“I feel like getting out of my comfort zone is probably the best scenario for me and where I feel my best work comes from.”

Who’s Next On Lauren’s Radar

After having worked for Evolve Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, WWE, and the indies, Brandi Lauren is open to working everywhere and doing everything she can. Lauren will go wherever the path ahead leads her and will square off against anyone standing in her way.

“I think the main goal is, I just want to work everywhere and do everything, you know? I never thought that when I first started wrestling, I would make it to even Impact. I have contracts with Impact and I have contracts in general. It was insane thinking that.

“So I like seeing what comes and what opportunities come and if there’s an opportunity, I just take it.”

Lauren also discussed what she misses from her hometown of Buffalo, and what her favorites are as a big foodie. You can check out these parts of the interview on our YouTube channel.

Sasha Banks Names NXT Stars She ‘Would Love’ To Work With

Anutosh Bajpai
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The current WWE women’s tag team champions Sasha Banks and Naomi have the privilege of appearing on both Raw and SmackDown. Though if that’s not enough, they are not hesitant about going back to NXT and working with some of the development stars as well.

The current champions spoke to Give Me Sport in UK. Among other things, they were asked about the possibility of competing on NXT 2.0.

Naomi mentioned how she has history with Mandy Rose and said that she is ready to face Toxic Attraction anytime. Banks, on the other hand, named two stars she thinks have been working very hard:

“I really like Kayden and Kacy down there. They’ve been working really hard. I’ve trained with both of them at D-Von’s school. I love girls that want to do more.”

Sasha Banks continued by noting how she has seen the duo work hard for long. The Boss claimed that she ‘would love the opportunity’ to work with them:

“I’ve seen them work so hard for so long and would love the opportunity to go down there and tangle with them,”

Sasha Banks and Naomi are currently feuding with Shayna Baszler and Natalya. Banks is currently scheduled to face Baszler in a one-on-one match on this Friday’s SmackDown.

Quotes via Fightful

Kenny Omega Frustrated With Yuke’s During AEW Fight Forever Development (Report)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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It appears things aren’t exactly rosy between Kenny Omega and developer Yuke’s.

Omega has played a big role in the AEW Games division. Many credit him with pushing AEW to release the upcoming Fight Forever title.

While Kenny has shown great enthusiasm publicly, as Kofi Kingston used to say, “Looks like there’s trouble in paradise.”

Kenny Omega Not Pleased With Yuke’s?

  • Kenny Omega AEW game

Sports Gamers Online is reporting that throughout the making of AEW Fight Forever, Kenny Omega and Yuke’s haven’t been on the same page.

The report notes that the feeling is Yuke’s has been taking advantage of Kenny due to his inexperience in the video game business.

The report also notes that Omega has gone as far as “hating” working with the developer. It’s been said that the game is “way over budget” and even needed an extra investment.

Issues with the budget have reportedly led to some features being scaled back or removed entirely.

As far as the relationship between AEW, specifically Omega, and Yuke’s is concerned, sources told SGO there is a chance it can be repaired. With that said, some people on both sides wouldn’t be surprised if this is a “one and done” deal.

Yuke’s had been the longtime developer of WWE games until the two parted ways back in 2019. Omega initially wanted the team who made the WWF No Mercy game for the N64 but ultimately, Yuke’s got the call.

The AEW Fight Forever roster is expected to feature around 50 playable characters, which means there will inevitably be some disappointing omissions from the core roster.

GRAPHIC: AEW Star Has One-Inch Hole On His Neck Following Procedure

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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A member of the AEW roster has dealt with a nightmare mouth infection.

In late April, Fuego Del Sol revealed that he was hospitalized due to the infection. The medical issue was bad enough that he needed to undergo surgery. The good news for Fuego is that he was eventually released from the hospital but the aftermath is gnarly.

Poor Fuego

Fuego Del Sol took to his Twitter account and shared that he has been left with a one-inch hole on his neck following the procedure.

https://twitter.com/FuegoDelSol/status/1521556674061996033

“Had a drainage tube taken out of my neck this morning and now I have an unstitched 1-inch hole in my neck… it’s wild!”

Of course, some requested an image of the hole. Among those asking for a pic was AEW referee Aubrey Edwards. That old saying, “be careful what you wish for” couldn’t ring more true than now.

Below is a photo of the unstitched hole but BE WARNED it is graphic.

https://twitter.com/FuegoDelSol/status/1521559451068768257

Surely, there are better days ahead for Fuego following this less-than-ideal experience.

Del Sol nabbed an AEW contract following a match with Miro back in 2021. He’s mostly been used to put over the bigger stars of AEW but he’s shown flashes of what he’s capable of in the ring.

“It Is A Little Weird” That Naomi Isn’t In The Bloodline

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Naomi has responded to those who think she should be in The Bloodline.

Roman Reigns has been dominating the world of WWE. Ever since starting the “Tribal Chief” gimmick, the general consensus is that Reigns has finally found his character. He along with Jimmy and Jey Uso play a key role on SmackDown.

  • The Bloodline
    (via WWE)

Naomi & The Bloodline

Naomi is married to Jimmy Uso, leading many to question why WWE hasn’t used her in Roman’s faction. It’s something that even Naomi has thought about.

During an interview with Inside The Ropes, Naomi admitted that she finds it a bit odd that she hasn’t joined The Bloodline (h/t POST Wrestling).

“I do [get the Paul Heyman wisdom] and it is a little weird that I’m not in it [The Bloodline] because I’m always there with them. I’m always there, I’m always around, I’m always, you know, annoying them so, maybe later down the road or maybe there’s somewhere for me to come in with the boys, with Jon and Josh [Jimmy & Jey Uso], who knows? But definitely something I would look forward to. I would want it to be the right time, you know? And done properly.”

Naomi currently holds tag team gold with Sasha Banks. The two won the championship on night two of WrestleMania 38 back in April.

As for The Bloodline, they’ve got business to handle at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8. Reigns and The Usos will collide with Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro.

It’s a Championship Contender’s Match, Not a “Non-Title” Match

Michael Reichlin
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Certain words are not supposed to be used on WWE television. In fact, WWE has developed its own alternate verbiage for wrestlers and announcers.

  • They’re not wrestlers, they’re Superstars and Sports Entertainers.
  • They’re not fans, they’re members of the WWE Universe.
  • It’s not a belt, it’s a championship. (A belt holds up your pants!)
  • It’s not a title match, it’s a championship opportunity.

Earlier this week, United States Champion Theory competed on Raw. His title was not on the line and the match was referred to as a “non-title championship contender’s match.”

Another one of these banned phrases has come to light. According to Dave Meltzer, “non-title” has been added to WWE’s banned words list.

“Well, they can’t say non-title. That’s a banned term.”

– Wrestling Observer Radio

Instead of non-title, these contests will be referred to as “Championship Contender’s” matches in the future.

WWE Banned Words

WWE has a long history of “banned words” and instituting its own jargon. Vince McMahon is a master of promotion and branding, so he knows what he is doing in this respect.

A few times over the past few years, there have been leaks of lists WWE has sent to media partners about what not to say when discussing the product.

This “banned words” list is not set in stone, but included “insider” terms such as kayfabe, babyface, heel, job/jobber, house show, push and “over.” There are also certain words related to violence, including head shot, trauma and curb stomp.

Colt Cabana Plays Brooklyn Brawler On Young Rock (Video)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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AEW talent Colt Cabana made an appearance on Young Rock as the Brooklyn Brawler.

Young Rock gives fans a reenactment of The Rock’s early life. This season, viewers have been reliving the Rocky Maivia days. Recently, the Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Mankind, The Undertaker, and The Ringmaster characters appeared.

Colt Cabana Appears On Young Rock

Colt Cabana ended up snagging a role on the NBC show. On the latest episode this past Tuesday night (May 3), he played the role of Brooklyn Brawler.

Former WWE writer and Executive Producer of Young Rock, Brian Gewirtz, heaped praise on Cabana’s performance.

“Beyond excited for tonight’s #YoungRock. Writing the story of the Rock’s first EVER match with @TheRock and @hhgarcia41 truly was the thrill of a lifetime. And suffice to say @ulilatukefu as the Rock and @ColtCabana as @brawlerreal absolutely crushed it.”

The Rock also gave a shoutout to Cabana.

“You and @hhgarcia41 did a great job writing this episode mi amigo. This was a special one. Good to see people loving it. Shout to @ColtCabana & @brawlerreal.”

Young Rock was recently in the headlines after there was a tease of a future match between The Rock and current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Update On Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Plan To Start Wrestling Promotion

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Freddie Prinze Jr.’s ambition to start a wrestling promotion hasn’t wavered.

Freddie is a longtime wrestling fan and he even worked behind the scenes with WWE. Prinze had a hand in the creative team and wasn’t afraid to stand his ground when needed.

Just ask John Cena.

Freddie Prinze Jr. Has Plans For New Promotion

Freddie Prinze Jr. had been teasing that he wanted to start his own wrestling promotion late last year. That is very much still the goal and he recently updated his plans on an edition of his Wrestling With Freddie Podcast.

  • Plans to start in 18 months
  • Wants a two-hour show
  • Has the money for a three-year plan
  • Storylines based in reality
  • Men & Women given equal time
  • Wants to own the space it’s filmed in
  • Wants to be a SAG show
  • No TV contract yet

Freddie has also asked for input on a name for the promotion.

Back in February, Freddie took to his podcast to make it clear that his promotion wouldn’t be in competition with the likes of WWE or AEW (via WrestlingNews.co).

“I don’t want to compete with WWE or AEW. I just want to kind of have my own thing and have it on smaller channels, smaller networks, have it be a SAG show, so that they’re all Screen Actors Guild. That’s what SAG stands for. Then they can have some insurance for as long as that union lasts. I’m sure there’s some scheme to bust that one up if it’s still there.”

“I went back to work. I’m excited for it. I’m putting together my little wrestling piggy bank. I’m putting some money in there for the next year and a half, a little over a year and a half, and then I’m going in on my indie wrestling brand.”

SEScoops will keep you posted as Freddie Prinze Jr. continues his push to start a wrestling promotion.

h/t Wrestle Purists

Riddle On What He Has Learned From Randy Orton

Anutosh Bajpai
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Riddle couldn’t have asked for a better mentor to take his WWE career to next level than Randy Orton. The Apex Predator has gone through many of the phases the former UFC star went through early in his WWE journey. Randy also got into trouble and upset many veterans early on before growing up and earning the respect of his peers. Now he is using that experience to help the young star navigate the waters in WWE.

RK Bro spoke to Give Me Sport during WWE’s UK tour. When asked what he has learned from the Legend Killer, Riddle mentioned how Randy has been helping him understand the landscape of WWE:

“What haven’t I learned? You know, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about the business side of things and handling myself. Not just in the world of wrestling but in the world of WWE. Because I feel like each promotion, each company I’ve worked for kinda has a different landscape. From the UFC to the WWE, to the independence scene and everywhere.

I feel like he’s really helped me guide through the waters as smoothly as possible. At least for me because I kind of ruffle feathers all the time. He’s been helping me out a lot with that.”

‘It’s Night And Day’

RK-Bro Raw Champions

Randy Orton is regarded as one of the best in-ring workers of the current generation. Riddle mentioned how just watching him work makes you better:

“And of course, in ring ability, just watching Randy every night do what Randy does best, you are gonna get better. Your timing is gonna get better, your confidence is gonna go up. Your swagger goes up on the microphone, everything goes up.

From day one to day now, at least from my point of view it’s night and day. The transition and changes I have made. And I would say maybe, from outside looking in, it’s harder to see. From being on the inside looking out, it’s night and day like I said. My job has gotten drastically easier and more fun working with this guy.”

More Originals From SEScoops:

If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

Watch: Bron Breakker Stretchered Out Of Arena By Hooded Figures After NXT

Anutosh Bajpai
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The NXT champion Bron Breakker was stretchered out of the arena by two hooded figures after this week’s episode of NXT went off air.

This week’s Spring Breakin’ special of the show featured the current NXT champion defending his title against Joe Gacy in the main event.

After a physical match, Breakker managed to hit Gacy with a big spear. Bron then pinned his challenger to retain the title.

However, as the champion was celebrating his victory in the ring, two hooded figures appeared on the apron behind him. The show ended with them standing outside the ring ropes.

WWE later posted a post-show video in which the two unknown figures are seen attacking Bron Breakker. They laid out the heavyweight star with the help of a chair.

After having brutally attacked the NXT champion, the two figures retrieved a barbed wire stretcher from under the ring. They proceeded to put Breakker on it and take him out of the arena:

The hooded figures were being instructed by Gacy. This attack is a confirmation that he is not done with Bron Breakker just yet. We will have to see when the identities of the unknown figures are revealed.

WWE NXT Spring Breakin’ Results (5/3): Breakker vs. Gacy, Triple Threat Title Bout

Andrew Ravens
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The May 3, 2022 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Spring Breakin’ Results 

  •  
  • Cameron Grimes (c) def. Carmelo Hayes and Solo Sikoa
  • Nathan Frazer def. Grayson Waller.
  • Cora Jade & Nikkita Lyons def. Lash Legend & Natalya.
  • The Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed & Julius Creed) def. The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar).
  • NXT Champion Bron Breakker def. Joe Gacy

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Main Event

0NXT

Bron Breakker put the WWE NXT Championship on the line in a match against Joe Gacy.

Bron wearing Rick Steiner’s singlet that he wore in his Raw debut. There was a hooded man seen in the crowd. At one point, Bron hit a bulldog off the middle rope. Bron retained with a spear. 

WWE set up this feud in an an angle from the April 5 NXT where Gacy and Harland captured Breakker’s father, WWE Hall of Famer Rick Steiner and stole his Hall of Fame ring. Gacy dared Bron to find him and evaded him until the end of the show where Bron found him. After agreeing to a title match at this show and getting the ring back, Bron was shoved off a platform by Gacy. Once he hit the floor, Breakker was then seemingly attacked by hooded figures.

Triple Threat Match

Cameron Grimes vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Solo Sikoa for the WWE NXT North American Championship was booked. 

The three were involved in a promo segment on the April 19th show following a Hayes win over Santos Escobar to set up the Spring Breakin’ match.

The match opened the show. They did some high spots with Grimes hitting a springboard dive on Solo for 2. Solo hit a powerbomb to Grimes onto Hayes. Solo with a chokeslam to Hayes for 2 as Grimes broke it up. Solo hit a splash off the top rope on Hayes for a near fall. Grimes hit a double foot stomp to Solo for the win. 

Women’s Tag

Nikkita Lyons & Cora Jade vs. Lash Legend & Natalya in a tag team match was booked. 

The match was decent with Natalya doing the majority of the work. The finish saw Legend lay out Lyons and Jade hit a dive for the win. 

WWE set up the match last week after Lyons beat Legend in a singles match. Post-match, Natalya ran in to attack Lyons, following up on a backstage interaction the two had two weeks later. Jade then ran in to make the save.

The Viking Raiders Back in Action

4NXT

The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs. The Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed & Julius Creed) took place. 

The match was good as expected with a hard-hitting style. Brutus hit a suplex off the top rope. Viking Raiders hit a double team move off the turnbuckle for 2. There was outside interference by Roderick Strong that led to Julias pinning Ivar. Creed Brothers confronted Strong about getting involved. 

WWE set up the match last week when Diamond Mine’s Roderick Strong invited the Raiders to NXT and handpicked them as opponents to challenge the Creeds, who Strong accused of being too satisfied with their achievements.

Grayson Waller vs. Nathan Frazer

Grayson Waller vs. Nathan Frazer in a singles match was booked. 

The match was sold and short. There was a sound horn that went off by Chase U, which distracted Waller and Waller fell off the top rope and Frazer hit his diving finisher for the win. 

Frazer’s debut was initially announced for last week’s show until Waller attacked his opponent before the bout started. This led to the match getting booked. 

Bron Breakker Retains WWE NXT Title At Spring Breakin’

Andrew Ravens
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Bron Breakker made his first title defense in his second reign as WWE NXT Champion against Joe Gacy on the Spring Breakin’ edition of NXT 2.0. Bron was wearing Rick Steiner’s singlet that he wore in his Raw debut in 1993. 

The main event match saw Gacy be in control of it. There was a hooded man seen in the crowd. Bron hit a bulldog off the middle rope, another nod to his father. Gacy hit a powerbomb for 2. Bron retained with a spear. 

On the April 5th edition of NXT, Gacy and Harland captured Breakker’s father, WWE Hall of Famer Rick Steiner and stole his Hall of Fame ring. Gacy taunted Breakker and dared him to find him in the arena so Bron went looking, but Gacy evaded him. 

They finally met up in a show-closing angle where Gacy offered Breakker Steiner’s ring in exchange for a title match at this show. After Breakker agreed and he got the ring back, Gacy shoved him off a platform. After being on the floor for a few moments, Breakker was seemingly attacked by hooded figures working at Gacy’s behest. 

Breakker won the NXT Title for a second time on the April 4th edition of Raw when he beat Dolph Ziggler. Breakker previously won the NXT Title from Ciampa at New Year’s Evil in January from Ciampa.

Cameron Grimes Retains North American Title At WWE NXT Spring Breakin’

Andrew Ravens
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Cameron Grimes had the odds stacked against him in storyline when he made his latest defense as the WWE NXT North American Champion against Carmelo Hayes and Solo Sikoa in a triple threat match on the Spring Breakin’ edition of NXT 2.0 on Tuesday night. 

The match opened the show. The guys worked hard and had some near falls. Solo hit a splash off the top rope on Hayes for a near fall. Grimes hit a double foot stomp to Solo for the win. 

Grimes won the title last month when he defeated Hayes, Santos Escobar, Grayson Waller, and Solo in a ladder match at WWE NXT Stand & Deliver event in Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center.

Carmelo defeated Santos Escobar in singles competition to get this title opportunity while Solo’s opportunity at the title saw interference thanks to Trick Williams. As a result, he got the title shot anyways despite Hayes’ best attempt to prevent it from happening.

The storyline with Grimes was that he promised his father that he would win gold in NXT and now that he’s champion, Grimes is trying to be a champion that his father would be proud of.

Riho Returns On AEW Rampage, Set To Compete In Owen Hart Memorial Qualifier

Joey Galizia
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Tony Khan took to Twitter today and announced a new matchup for this Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage.

The company president revealed that former AEW women’s champion Riho will be taking on Yuka Sakazaki in singles-action, where the winner will officially qualify for the first-ever Owen Hart Memorial tournament.

Friday on #AEWRampage on @TNTdrama in an Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament qualifier,@YukaSakazaki returns to battle former Women’s World Champion @riho_gtmv!

Yuka Sakazaki vs Riho

Don’t miss Friday Rampage at a special start time:
5:30pm ET/4:30pm CT/3:30pm MT/2:30pm PT pic.twitter.com/Q7AnE08KhS— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 3, 2022

This will be Riho’s first matchup since her loss to Britt Baker at Battle of the Belts back in January. She had been sidelined with an injury and was back in Japan recovering.

The Owen Hart tournament will begin its opening round on next week’s AEW programming, and will conclude at the May 29th Double or Nothing pay-per-view from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can check out Rampage’s updated lineup below.

-Hook will be in action against an unknown opponent

-Riho vs. Yuka Sakazaki Qualifying Match for the Owen Hart Tournament

-Britt Baker & Jaime Hayter vs. Ruby Soho & Toni Storm

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