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Dakota Kai Says She Is Not Done After WWE Release

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former NXT star Dakota Kai has sent out a statement after getting released from her WWE contract earlier this week.

She posted the statement on Twitter and noted how she has been overwhelmed by the love and support she has received since the news broke out:

“Above everything, thank you all. I am so overwhelmed at all the love and support. The DMs, txts, tweets.. you all have my heart. I love you. I am thankful for being able to meet, work and intertwine with so many beautiful people,”

The former champion also mentioned that she chose to become a professional wrestler at the age of 17 and assured fans that she is ‘far from being done.’

Dakota Kai’s WWE release

Dakota Kai was signed by WWE back in December 2016. She spent more than 5 years in the developmental before being let go by the company.

WWE officials apparently didn’t see her as ‘main roster material’ even after all her training. The idea is not to have talents for too long in NXT.

Though reports also suggest that Kai herself was planning on not re-signing with the promotion once her latest contract with WWE expired. She apparently saw the release coming as well.

Matt Riddle’s Wife Confirms Divorce With WWE Star

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Lisa Rennie, the wife of current WWE superstar Matt Riddle has announced that the couple has officially separated.

The former Olympic Weight Lifter confirmed the news on Instagram. She posted a photo with her kids and revealed that it’s been a month since their divorce was finalized:

“It’s been exactly one month since the judge signed the paperwork and our divorce was finalized. The kids and I are enjoying our new adventure, and are grateful for everyone that’s been by our side through all of this.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc-wK75uyhR/

Lisa was first mentioned in news back in 2020 when Riddle admitted to having an affair with fellow professional wrestler Candy Cartwright. Though the WWE star denied the accusations of sexual assault made by Cartwright

The former UFC star then tweeted a photo of himself with his current tag team partner Randy Orton from a live event in October 2021. In the caption, he claimed that he was loving his life, and ‘it doesn’t get any better than this.’

Lisa replied to this post from her then-husband. In a deleted tweet she wrote: “You would say that now that you packed up and moved to Orlando away from your children.”

Riddle is currently scheduled to team with Orton and Drew McIntyre to face The Bloodline at the upcoming WrestleMania Backlash event.

Wrestlemania Backlash Betting Odds

Michael Reichlin
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WWE WrestleMania Backlash betting odds are now available, courtesy of BetOnline.ag.

The latest WWE premium live event goes down Sunday, May 8th from Providence, Rhode Island at Dunkin Donuts Center.

As the name implies, WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2022 features mostly rematches from WrestleMania 38.

With just a few days to go, here are the current WrestleMania Backlash betting odds:

  • Madcap Moss is the favorite (-200) over Happy Corbin (+135)
  • Omos is favored (-300) to beat Bobby Lashley (+200)
  • Edge is a slight favorite (-145) to defeat AJ Styles (+100)
  • Ronda Rousey is favored (-700) to beat SmackDown Women’s champion Charlotte Flair (+360)
  • Cody Rhodes is the favorite (-325) against Seth Rollins (+220)
  • Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro are favorites (-250) over The Bloodline (+165)

We’ll update this article on Saturday to reflect any late changes in the betting activity.

Fuego Del Sol Hospitalized Due To Infection, Undergoes Surgery

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Fuego Del Sol has had a rough April and he’s hoping the worst is behind him.

Fuego, an AEW talent, dealt with a nasty mouth infection that was bad enough that he needed to have surgery. Fuego revealed the news on his Twitter account and believes better days are ahead.

https://twitter.com/FuegoDelSol/status/1520255767915667456

“Been in the hospital all day with a horrible mouth infection, surgery is done and on the road to recovery! Hopefully leaving this place tomorrow! Send positive vibes my way!”

Del Sol was given an AEW contract following a loss to Miro back in Aug. 2021. Fuego has mostly been seen on AEW Dark and has been used in some spots to get stars such as HOOK over on Dynamite and Rampage.

Del Sol’s career record with AEW is 10-54. He has gone 3-5 in 2022 thus far.

Mark Briscoe’s Wife Rushed To Hospital, The Briscoes Off GCW & PWG Weekend Events

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

The Briscoes were scheduled for action this weekend but there are more important matters to attend to.

Jay and Mark Briscoe were gearing up for tag team action on the GCW In Too Deep and PWG Delivering The Goods events this weekend. That plan has gone awry due to an emergency.

Jay took to his Twitter account to reveal that Mark Briscoe’s wife was rushed to the hospital due to complications with her pregnancy.

Here is the statement from Jay:

“Mark’s wife was rushed by ambulance to Christiana hospital early this morning with complications associated with her pregnancy. At the moment, mother and baby are stable as doctors are working to avoid a premature birth.

“We apologize to the fans of GCW and PWG as we will not be able to make the shows this weekend.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

GCW sent its good wishes to the family of The Briscoes.

“Sending love and positive vibes on behalf of the GCW family to The Briscoes today.”

We at SEScoops wish Mark Briscoe and his wife the very best during this trying time.

WWE Once Considered Moving Raw To Tuesday Nights (Report)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Monday Night Raw has become a staple for WWE but a major change was once considered.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that WWE once considered moving Raw to Tuesday nights. The thought process was to get away from NFL competition.

Of course, Monday Night Football games during the regular season dominate TV and often hurt WWE in viewership.

The report notes that Raw isn’t likely to change nights anytime soon as Mondays have become a tradition for the company.

It’s also been said that the USA Network probably wouldn’t even think of making such a call to switch up at this stage.

Cody Rhodes Reveals Surprising Name Who Urged Him To Return To WWE

Ryan Droste
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Nearly one month into Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE, the former AEW Executive Vice President is still making big headlines.

It was announced on Friday that Rhodes will join Steve Austin on the Broken Skull Sessions next week. Everyone is expecting some serius discussion during that appearance on why he chose to return WWE.

That topic also came up when Rhodes appeared on Corey Graves’ After The Bell podcast this week. Rhodes revealed during the conversation that there was a surprising name who helped convince him that a return to WWE was the right move: Matt Cardona.

“A very small circle of people when this initially was brought to me knew, and I told him (Cardona) everything, every detail, everything. And I was really legitimately expecting him to go ‘don’t do it, don’t,’ and man, he went completely the opposite way. He was of your train of thought, Corey, of that’s the ultimate undeniable comeback and land in the fashion that you did. And he inadvertently set all of this in motion. I really thought he was going to say go the other way but man no, he was gung ho (about a WWE return),” Cody revealed.

codyddp

Cody Rhodes On Concerns Over His WWE Return

Additionally, Rhodes revealed that it was Diamond Dallas Page who was more skeptical of his decision to return to WWE. Rhodes recalled a deep conversation he had with the WWE Hall of Famer prior to this decision.

“I think there was one person that was concerned and that was DDP. He came over to my house, and downstairs we have the Nightmare Bar. He came down there, and I just got one of these Bartesians where you get the instant cocktails and I was really excited to show him the light margaritas. And he drank all the ones that I had in stock, and over the course of the six or seven margaritas he kept slamming down, he was just really tensive.

“He brought up a good point: The last time I did something major leaving the WWE, he was of the same thought process. ‘Well if you believe, if you’re confident, then I’ll be confident with you and confident for you.’ And he gave me some tips on people to speak to and people to let things know before it all went down.

“He was the only one who was a little bit more fatherly and like, ‘Okay, let’s make sure this is really what you want and not just a knee-jerk thing.’ For the most part, everyone who knew in that very small circle was like absolutely go do it, absolutely, which surprised me.”

Rhodes will face Seth Rollins next weekend at WWE WrestleMania Backlash, a rematch from WrestleMania 38 where Rhodes returned to the company and defeated Rollins. The two friends have been working this story on television, while Rhodes has also recently mixed it up with another long time good friend: The Miz.

Should Rhodes emerge victorious at WrestleMania Backlash, it will be interesting to see which direction they take his character next. He seems like a logical contender for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship in the not-so-distant future.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Brian Myers Is A Free Agent Again

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Brian Myers (fka Curt Hawkins) is a free agent once again.

The former WWE star recently appeared on the Battleground podcast. During the talk, he confirmed that his contract with Impact Wrestling has expired.

The wrestling veteran noted how Matt Cardona has been wrestling on the independent circuit. He said that he is ‘along for the ride’ with the former Zack Ryder as they continue to wrestle all over the country.

Myers was released from his WWE contract back in April 2020. This was his second run with the company which lasted about 4 years.

He returned to Impact Wrestling in July after his non-compete expired. He had been a featured member of the Impact roster ever since.

Brian Myers led a faction called The Learning Tree in the promotion. The stable that lasted several months also included VSK and Zicky Dice.

He then reunited with longtime partner Matt Cardona. The duo known as The Major Players in Impact unsuccessfully challenged for the Impact tag titles at the Rebellion PPV earlier this month.

Before his release in 2020, Myers had spent the majority of his wrestling career in WWE. His first run with the organization started in 2006 and lasted till 2014.

Adam Cole Addresses His NXT Run, Possible Regrets, AEW’s Growth

Ryan Droste
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Adam Cole is now eight months into his run with All Elite Wrestling, but when he sits down for interviews, questions are still asked about his time with WWE NXT. That’s for good reason — Cole was one of the most decorated stars in the history of the brand.

That being said, Cole never had a run on the WWE main roster despite many clamoring for it over the years. Undoubtedly one of the most talented wrestlers in the world, Cole took his talents to AEW and feuded with “Hangman” Adam Page for the AEW World Championship earlier this year.

Speaking this week with Stephanie Chase, Cole addressed his past with NXT and whether he has any regrets.

“I cherished my time in NXT, and I would not change a thing about the way my career has gone,” Cole said. “I think in a lot of ways, my time in NXT made me a better performer. It put me in a position where I got to learn under guys that I idolized. Like Triple H was a guy that I really looked up to, and I formed a great relationship with him and he helped me a lot.

“Shawn Michaels is my favorite wrestler of all time, in my opinion, just the greatest ever. We still have a wonderful relationship, again, we still keep in touch, and we still talk and stuff like that. He helped me more than anybody, he was just so, so helpful on so many different levels. So, definitely do not regret at all my time in NXT, I loved my time there.”

Adam Cole
(via AEW)

Cole also discussed his career in general and how he believes he has been in the right place at the right time, joining promotions that were either hot or just starting to gain momentum. That has definitely been the case when you look at his runs with the Bullet Club in ROH and Japan, NXT, and now AEW.

“My whole career, I don’t know how this has happened. But I feel like whether it be Ring Of Honor, or CZW where I started, or New Japan, I feel like I’ve gotten so lucky in so many different ways as far as the timing of stuff that has happened. So, to me, NXT was peaking as I was coming in. And then I got to work with all these guys that I have known for years, and years, and years, and ended up on television, which was really cool. Now with AEW, same thing. I feel like I am at a point where AEW is just doing this (growing) right now, and I feel like they will for years,” Cole said.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcript.

WWE Clash at the Castle Ticket Information Released

Ryan Droste
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0

During this week’s tour of the United Kingdom, WWE officially announced the rumored stadium show for the country later this year.

WWE Clash at the Castle will take place in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday, September 3rd at Principality Stadium. Tickets for the event will officially go on sale on Friday, May 20th. However, there will be a pre-sale on Wednesday, May 18th. Sign up to get alerted of the pre-sale by clicking here.

WWE and Principality Stadium issued the following press release concerning the show:

“STAMFORD, Conn., April 29, 2022 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) revealed the name of its first major stadium event to be held in the United Kingdom in more than 30 years as WWE Clash at The Castle, emanating from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday, September 3, 2022.

“Tickets for WWE Clash at The Castle will go on sale Friday, May 20. To learn more about registering for an exclusive presale opportunity beginning Wednesday, May 18, please click here.

“The name of the show was exclusively revealed by WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre during a WWE Live event at London’s O2 Arena tonight. McIntyre, the first-ever British WWE Champion, said of the announcement: “The city of Cardiff is ready for WWE Clash at the Castle on September 3, and I know that everyone in Wales, across the UK and around the entire world is ready to make history with us, too. Get your tickets and be part of the magic. I can’t wait to hear just how loud Principality Stadium can get.”

“For more information over the coming weeks visit www.wwe.com.

“For more information on Clash at The Castle at Principality Stadium, sign up to our mailing list here.”

First WWE U.K. Stadium Show Since 1992

bulldogbretsummerslam1992
The British Bulldog defeats Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1992.

As the press release above indicates, this is the first WWE stadium show in the United Kingdom since SummerSlam 1992 at Wembley Stadium. That event was main evented by a Intercontinental Championship match between Bret “Hitman” Hart and “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Dakota Kai Was Not Seen As ‘Main Roster Material’ By WWE

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

The latest round of WWE cuts saw some surprising releases. It included names such as Dakota Kai, Harland, and Malcolm Bivens.

Reports after the news broke out revealed that WWE officials were not satisfied with Harland’s progress in the ring.

Dave Meltzer of the F4Wonline provided some updates on another one of the releases. He claimed that Dakota Kai was not seen as ‘main roster material’ by the officials.

Per Meltzer, the idea is for talents to not have ‘ten-year’ careers in NXT. The female star had been with the development brand for too long so there was nothing left for her.

A lot of people disagree with this assessment of Kai. WWE officials however have a vision about women’s wrestling and the former tag team champion didn’t fit into it.

Many people have protested the decision online since the news came out. This includes Shayna Baslzer, who mentioned how the released star is one of the best in-ring talents out there:

Dakota Kai originally signed a contract with WWE back in December 2016. She had several dark matches on the main roster in 2021 but was sent back to NXT.

The former champion had apparently indicated to the officials that she wasn’t interested in renewing her contract. She was already planning to leave and saw her release coming.

WWE Smackdown Reactions (4/29/22): Getting Blue Ep. 2

Michael Reichlin
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0

Steve Fall is back for Episode 2 of Getting Blue, recapping the April 29, 2022 edition of WWE SmackDown in a strange and unique way.

We’re looking at the Good, the Bad and the What The Heck?! moments from this week’s SmackDown.

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

Check out the show below, Subscribe to the SEScoops YouTube Channel and be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you think.

Cody Rhodes Reveals What’s Keeping Him Sane Through The WWE Schedule

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Cody Rhodes has not only agreed to come back to WWE, but he has also agreed to the full WWE schedule. This means working not only TV tapings but multiple Live Events throughout the week. Back in the day, it would mean that he hardly got to see his family except on a couple of off days. Thankfully things have changed for the better.

The former AEW star recently appeared on the After The Bell podcast. Corey Graves asked Cody what has been keeping him sane among all the press, travel, and multiple nights of wrestling every week since WrestleMania. Rhodes mentioned how the rise of bus culture means that he can now have his family around him all the time. What’s especially kept Cody Rhodes calm is having his dog Pharaoh with him:

“I’ll give you an example what kept me sane this past weekend. I did the loop and just kept me calm and level-headed. You know, you do your Saturday Night’s Main Event, your Sunday Stunner and then you get to Raw. I brought Pharaoh, my husky. He’s 11 years old now. He’s acting like he’s 300 years old. But he came on the bus.

Cody Rhodes continued: “That’s another thing that really has [helped me], the Bus culture. I’m getting used to this. Again, I am not gonna try and take it for granted but what a way to expand your career, physically. In terms of, ‘oh my gosh it’s all here. I can bring my family on the road with me.’ It’s all right in front of me. Not have to do the rental cars and flight every single day. So the bus culture, I am really getting in.”

More Originals From SEScoops:

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

https://youtu.be/auKxHD5_e1w

Cody Rhodes On How Fatherhood Has Changed Him

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Becoming the father of a daughter has brought many positive changes in the life of Cody Rhodes. One such change is that he is much calmer now and he has more control over his temper. The American Nightmare recently appeared on After The Bell podcast.

He discussed how the birth of his daughter Liberty has changed his perspective on things. Cody Rhodes also revealed how it has affected his temper:

“It calmed me way down. I have a terrible temper, and it got worse when I left WWE because no one stopped me. I was a lunatic. Because I had that fear that I didn’t speak up when I was at WWE. So now I’ve got to overly speak up.” said Cody Rhodes, “So I’m snapping on people left and right, just a nuisance to work with the first few years until I kind of calmed myself down.

But with her I’ve calmed way down. As long as she’s safe, happy, healthy [it’s all fine]. [If they say] ‘Hey, we’re doing this on TV’ [I am like] ‘That sounds cool. Okay, maybe [it’s] not my cup of tea [but] we’ll make it work, whatever’. But I’ve calmed myself down. So it’s calmed me down, calmed the house down. And it’s gave us a specific thing, I think a goal and future. [Now] our outlook is all about her.”

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

AEW Rampage Results (4/29/22): Samoa Joe vs. Trent, Hook & Danhausen, Owen Hart Qualifier

Robert Lentini
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0

AEW Rampage was taped Wednesday night at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Darby Allin faced Swerve Strickland in an Owen Hart Tournament Qualifying match. Samoa Joe defended the ROH TV Championship against Trent Beretta in the main event.

Rampage Results

  • Darby Allin def. Swerve Strickland to qualify for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
  • The Baddies (Jade Cargill, Red Velvet, Kiera Hogan) def. Trish Adora, Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale
  • Keith Lee def. Colten Gunn
  • Samoa Joe def. Trent Beretta to retain the ROH TV Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s episode:

Darby Allin Qualified For The Owen Hart Tournament

Darby Allin faced Swerve Strickland in an Owen Hart Tournament Qualifying match to begin the show. The action started off back and forth before Allin took control with an Arm Drag into a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Swerve brought Darby to the outside and Allin connected with a Stunner. Back in the ring, Darby went for the cover but Strickland kicked out at two. Allin went for a Suicide Dive but Swerve countered with a knee to the face as Rampage went to a commercial.

When Rampage returned, Allin went for a Coffin Drop but Strickland got his knees up. Swerve connected with an Enziguri and went for the cover but Darby grabbed the bottom rope to break it up. Strickland hit a Suplex onto the floor outside the ring and rolled him back inside.

Ricky Starks left commentary and was about to interfere but Sting got in his way. Darby got Swerve in the Last Supper for the pinfall victory. Darby Allin qualified for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Jericho named himself the sports entertainer of the week for his attack on Eddie Kingston. Santana and Ortiz tried to attack Jericho but security broke it up. Jericho vs. Santana was announced for Dynamite.

The Baddies Picked Up A Win

The Baddies (Jade Cargill, Kiera Hogan, Red Velvet) faced Willow Nightingale, Trish Adora, Skye Blue) in a Trios match tonight on Rampage. Red Velvet and Skye Blue started off the match and Velvet beat her down in the corner. Hogan tagged in and connected with a Dropkick on Skye. Willow Nightingale went after Red Velvet and hit her with a pounce. Jade Cargill and Trish Adora battled in the ring and the TBS Champion connected with Jaded for the quick victory.

Keith Lee def. Colten Gunn

Keith Lee battled Colten Gunn tonight on Rampage. Austin Gunn was ringside for the match. Gunn attacked early but Keith Lee shrugged it off. Lee hit Gunn with a big chop as Rampage went to a break.

When Rampage returned, The crowd was mocking Colten and Austin by chanting “Ass Boys!” at them. Austin got into the ring and Keith Lee took him out. Colten set up for Colt 45 but Lee countered into a Powerslam for the pinfall victory. The Acclaimed later approached Gunn Club backstage and offered a partnership.

Tony Nese Attacked Hook & Danhausen

Tony Schiavone interviewed The Hardys backstage. Jeff Hardy said he is stepping into solo competition for the first time next Wednesday on Dynamite against Bobby Fish in an Owen Hart Tournament Qualifier. Young Bucks & ReDRagon then had a conversation backstage and Fish joked that Jeff’s name was actually “Jeff Hardly”.

Danhausen made his way to the ring and claimed he was here to decimate Hook. Danhausen shouted, “send Hook!” and Hook made his entrance. Hook got in Danhausen’s face and Danhausen suggested that maybe they do this another time. Hook said that they are doing this right now and Mark Sterling interrupted.

Tony Nese then showed up and attacked them both from behind. Hook battled back and took Mark Sterling down. Hook then delivered a Suplex to Nese and Danhausen attempted to curse Tony as he retreated. Danhausen tried to shake Hook’s hand after the confrontation but Hook declined and walked away.

Samoa Joe Retained The ROH TV Title

Samoa Joe defended the ROH TV Championship against Trent Beretta in the main event of this week’s Rampage. Mark Henry interviewed the wrestlers before the match. Joe said we are in Philadelphia, the birth place of ROH, and Trent will pass out before he walks out of this building.

Samoa Joe dominated the match early and drove Trent to the corner. Joe unloaded strikes to the midsection and followed it up with a boot to the head. Trent rolled out of the ring to regroup but the champion went right after him. Trent caught Joe with a knee to the face and followed it up with a Crossbody off the top rope. Beretta went for a Tornado DDT but Joe blocked it and connected with a kick to the face as Rampage went to the final commercial break of the night.

When Rampage returned, Trent battled back and caught Joe with the Tornado DDT this time and went for the cover but the champion kicked out at two. Trent went for Strong Zero but Joe countered into a massive Powerbomb. Joe went for the cover but Trent kicked out at two. Joe didn’t let go of Trent’s leg and locked in an STF in the middle of the ring. Trent battled through the pain to reach the bottom rope to break it up and the title match continued.

Samoa Joe set Trent up for the Muscle Buster but Beretta countered into a cradle for a close two count. Beretta sent Joe to the corner and charged but the champ was ready and connected with a Uranage. Joe then applied a chokehold and Trent passed out. Samoa Joe is still the ROH TV Champion.

After the match, Tony Schiavone got into the ring for an interview but they were quickly interrupted by Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, and Satnam Singh. Orange Cassidy hit the giant with his lazy kicks and a brawl broke out as Rampage went off the air.

Major Change Announced To WrestleMania Backlash Title Unification Match

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE has announced a big change to the WrestleMania Backlash main event. It’s no longer a title unification match as originally announced.

Roman Reigns had defeated Brock Lesnar to become the Undisputed world champion in WWE at WrestleMania 38 earlier this month.

After this, WWE had confirmed a unification match for the tag team titles as well. They had announced that The Usos will face RK Bro at WrestleMania Backlash in a winner takes all title unification match.

This week’s episode of SmackDown featured a contract signing for this match. However, a brawl broke out between the two teams before the match could be made official.

Roman Reigns came out to help his cousins. The Bloodline beat down the Raw tag team champions and Reigns tore up the contract. Drew McIntyre’s music then hit and he came down to even the odds.

Paul Heyman was seen talking to Adam Pearce backstage later in the show. Heyman was trying to persuade Pearce to change the WrestleMania Backlash bout.

WWE has since confirmed that the match has indeed been altered. Now it will see RK Bro teaming with McIntyre to take on The Bloodline in a six men tag match at the upcoming Premium Live Event.

Reason Why Harland (Parker Boudreaux) Was Released By WWE

Andrew Ravens
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Parker Boudreaux (Harland) was among the NXT names to be released by WWE on Friday, which came as a surprise to fans because of the hype that WWE put behind him. 

According to Fightful, Harland’s time in the company was cut short because the WWE officials felt that he “had not progressed in the ring quite enough for their liking.”

The prospect was nicknamed “The Next Big Thing” because of comparisons to Brock Lesnar. Harland signed with WWE in early 2021 after being an offensive guard at the University of Central Florida. 

WWE paired him with Joe Gacy on NXT 2.0 where they had him shave his head. However, he recently disappeared from television when Gacy’s program with Bron Breakker started for the NXT Title. They’ll meet in a title match this coming Tuesday night on Spring Break In’.

Prior to signing with WWE, he was training with former WWE star Eva Marie, who was back with the company at the time before she was released. 

Dakota Kai, Malcolm Bivens, Persia Pirotta aka Stephanie De Landre, Sanjana George aka Vish Kanya, Draco Anthony aka Reginald Chase Crews, Mila Malani aka Kellie Morga, and Raelyn Divine aka Jaylen Williams were also let go by WWE today. 

WWE SmackDown Results (4/29/22): Reigns & McIntyre, Beat The Clock Challenge, Cage Match

Robert Lentini
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This week’s SmackDown was taped following last week’s SmackDown at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair & Ronda Rousey competed in a Beat the Clock “I Quit” Challenge ahead of their title match at WrestleMania Backlash. Ricochet put the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Shanky tonight and Drew McIntyre battled Sami Zayn in a Steel Cage match.

SmackDown Results

  • Drew McIntyre def. Sami Zayn in a Steel Cage match
  • Ricochet def. Shanky to retain the Intercontinental Championship
  • Raquel Rodriguez def. Cat Cardoza
  • Naomi def. Shayna Baszler
  • Xavier Woods def. Ridge Holland
  • Sheamus def. Kofi Kingston
  • Ronda Rousey def. Charlotte Flair in a Beat the Clock I Quit Challenge

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Drew McIntyre Won The Steel Cage Match

Drew McIntyre battled Sami Zayn in a Steel Cage match in the first match of tonight’s SmackDown. McIntyre dominated the action early and bashed Sami’s face into the cage. Sami crawled to the ropes but McIntyre picked him back up and sent him flying into the steel once again. Zayn tried to escape up the cage but Drew joined him up on the turnbuckle. Sami returned the favor and slammed McIntyre’s head into the cage before planting him with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

Zayn tried to bash McIntyre into the cage when SmackDown returned but Drew blocked it and sent Sami to the mat. Drew went for the Claymore but Sami dodged it and McIntyre crashed into the steel. Zayn then leveled Drew with the Helluva Kick and began climbing the cage.

Sami reached the top of the cage but McIntyre dragged him back down before bouncing his head off the steel once again. McIntyre launched Sami into the cage a few more times before sending him across the ring with a throw. Drew followed it up with a Neckbreaker and set up for the Claymore but Sami started climbing. Sami kicked McIntyre a few ties and Drew fell. Sami made it back to the top of the cage again but McIntyre dragged him back in with a Superplex to the mat. McIntyre then connected with the Claymore for the pinfall victory.

Madcap Moss Attacked Happy Corbin

Happy Corbin came to the ring for an episode of Happy Talk. Corbin claimed Madcap Moss’ jokes were awful as the piped in boos reigned down. Happy claimed that Madcap Moss was still living off his victory in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Corbin claimed that he “molded and shaped Moss into the man he is today with his own two hands” and said he was going to destroy the one thing Moss loves the most. Corbin then welcomed the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy as his guest.

Two security officers carried the trophy down the entrance ramp. Corbin asked for a sledgehammer but one of the guards was revealed to be Madcap Moss. Madcap grabbed the sledgehammer and swung but Corbin ducked. Madcap chased Corbin around the ring and unloaded a bunch of punches. Moss launched Corbin through the ropes and into the ring post. Corbin retreated as Madcap celebrated with his trophy.

Ricochet Retained The Intercontinental Championship

Ricochet put the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Shanky. Jinder Mahal was ringside for the match. Shanky used his size to shove Ricochet to the corner with ease and hit him with a couple thunderous chops to the chest as Mahal applauded.

Shanky applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring but Ricochet was able to break free. Shanky slammed the champ to the mat and hit an Elbow Drop for a two count. Ricochet climbed to the top rope but Shanky sent him down with a Chokeslam. Ricochet knocked Shanky down with a Crossbody and went for the cover but Shanky powered out at two.

Ricochet booted Shanky in the face and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Shanky distracted referee Charles Robinson and Mahal tripped Ricochet up. Shanky went for a slam but Ricochet countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory. Ricochet is still the Intercontinental Champion. Jinder Mahal shouted at Shanky after the match. Shanky yelled back and left Mahal behind in the ring.

Raquel Rodriguez Dominated In Her Debut

Raquel Rodriguez made her in-ring debut this week on SmackDown against Cat Cardoza. Cat attacked right away and connected with some knee strikes until the referee backed her away. Rodriguez hit a massive Clothesline and then a slam. Raquel flexed before hitting a big shoulder tackle. Rodriguez connected with two Fallaway Slams and climbed to the middle turnbuckle. Raquel hit a spinning Splash but Cat battled back. Cardoza hit a running knee to the face and choked her against the top rope. Rodriguez blocked a kick and hit a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.

Drew McIntyre Sent A Message To Roman Reigns, Change To Tag Team Title Match At WrestleMania Backlash

RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos had a contract signing for their Winners Take All Tag Team Championship Unification match at WrestleMania Backlash. Adam Pearce moderated the signing. Pearce said four signatures on this contract and the match is official.

The Usos said they have nothing to prove to RK-Bro because everyone in the whole damn world knows that RK-Bro are the twos and they are the ones. The Usos added that RK-Bro will do a whole lot of acknowledging at WrestleMania Backlash. Riddle noted that he cannot tell The Usos apart from each other.

Orton said that Jey is the right hand man and Jimmy is nothing but a little bitch. A brawl broke out and the two teams battled in the corner. RK-Bro took control and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his way to the ring with Paul Heyman. RK-Bro were distracted and Usos capitalized with an attack from behind.

The Bloodline beat RK-Bro down and Usos hit Riddle with the 3D. Roman ripped up the contract and shoved it in Riddle’s mouth. Reigns hit Riddle with some punches and Drew McIntyre’s theme hit. Roman ordered The Usos to fight him off and McIntyre knocked them out with ease. McIntyre and Reigns stared at each other as Drew was on the apron. McIntyre entered the ring with the Tribal Chief and traded punches. McIntyre launched Reigns across the ring and the champion retreated to end the segment.

Paul Heyman approached Adam Pearce backstage and said Reigns is not very happy this evening. Heyman suggested RK-Bro and Drew McIntyre versus The Usos & Roman Reigns. Pearce said that the titles are on the line and he cannot just change the match. Heyman threatened to file a complaint that Pearce is denying the WWE Universe the match. Paul told Pearce that he will make sure that match happens. The match was later announced as official with no mention of the tag titles being unified or on the line.

Shayna Baszler & Natalya Attacked The Women’s Tag Champs

Shayna Baszler faced Naomi tonight. Sasha Banks and Natalya were ringside for the match. Naomi & Banks will defend the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Natalya & Shayna Baszler in two weeks on SmackDown.

Baszler planted Naomi with a Suplex and applied a submission hold. Naomi escaped and rolled Baszler up for the win. After the match, Natalya attacked Naomi from behind but Sasha booted her out of the ring. Sasha went for a Dropkick but Natalya blocked it and applied a Sharpshooter on the apron as Baszler hit a Gutwrench Suplex in the ring. Shayna stomped on Naomi’s arm as Natalya held Banks back.

Xavier Woods def. Ridge Holland

Ridge Holland squared off against Xavier Woods this week on SmackDown. Holland slammed Woods down on the mat to start off the match and stomped on his hand. Holland was in control as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Holland leveled Woods with a shoulder tackle and connected with a series of elbows to the midsection. Woods tried to battle back but Ridge sent him to the mat with a headbutt before applying a Headlock.

Xavier Woods escaped but Ridge hit him with a Spinebuster for a near fall. Holland set up for a Powerbomb but Woods fell to the mat. Holland went for a Powerbomb but Woods countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Sheamus def. Kofi Kingston

Sheamus challenged Kofi Kingston to a match in an effort to show Ridge Holland how it is done. Kofi sent Sheamus out of the ring with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Trust Fall off the top rope. The action returned to the ring and Kingston beat Sheamus down in the corner.

Kingston went for SOS but Sheamus countered into the Irish Curse Backbreaker. Sheamus connected with two more Backbreakers and locked in a Crossface in the middle of the ring. Kofi battled to his feet and broke free with some elbows to the face. Sheamus connected with a Powerslam and geared up for the Brogue Kick.

Kofi ducked and hit the SOS for a near fall. Kingston climbed to the top rope but wound up jumping into a knee to the face. Sheamus quickly followed it up with the Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory. After the match, Ridge Holland attacked Xavier Woods and launched him into the barricade. He brought Woods over to Sheamus who set up a table ringside. Holland then Powerbombed Woods through the table and posed with Sheamus. A Tables Match was announced for next week between the two teams.

Ronda Rousey Won The Beat The Clock Challenge, Charlotte Attacked Drew Gulak Again

Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey competed in a Beat the Clock I Quit Challenge to close the show. Ronda Rousey faced Shotzi first and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair watched from ringside. Charlotte Flair will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match at WrestleMania Backlash.

Rousey chased Shotzi around the ring for the first 25 seconds of the match. Rousey caught Shotzi in the ropes and dragged her in the ring. Ronda booted Shotzi in the face and then slammed her down on the ring apron. Rousey got Shotzi in an Ankle Lock and she quit at 1:41.

Charlotte Flair faced Aliyah in the Beat the Clock I Quit Challenge. Ronda Rousey watched the match from ringside. Charlotte beat Aliyah down to start off the match. Aliyah connected with a Bulldog and climbed to the top rope. Aliyah went for a Crossbody but Flair got out of the way. Flair connected with a big boot and traded words with Rousey. Charlotte went for the Figure Four but Aliyah booted her out of the ring. Flair got back into the ring and applied the Figure Four with 10 seconds left. Charlotte bridged into the Figure Eight but the time ran out and Rousey laughed from ringside.

Ronda high fived some fans and exited as Flair angrily stood in the ring. Charlotte got out of the ring and approached Drew Gulak and blamed him because he was serving as the timekeeper. Flair hit Gulak with a boot to the face and rang the bell. Charlotte then bashed Gulak over the back of the head with the ring bell to close the show.

Dakota Kai Was Planning To Leave WWE Before Being Released

Andrew Ravens
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Dakota Kai was among the NXT names to be let go by WWE on Friday, but her release wasn’t entirely surprising internally.

Fightful reported this afternoon that her departure was coming as she had already made it known that she was not interested in renewing her contract.

The writing on the wall for her seemingly happened once Triple H was no longer running NXT when he stepped away due to his cardiac event. Before he took time off, she was one of the featured acts on the roster until NXT was rebranded as NXT 2.0. In recent weeks, she reunited with Raquel Rodriguez as they won the Women’s Tag Team Titles at Stand & Deliver only to lose them back to Toxic Attraction a few days later as Raquel was recently called up to the main roster and sent to SmackDown. 

Kai’s last match came on April 12th when she lost to NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose. She is under a 30-day non-compete clause so it will be another month until she’s free and clear to sign with another promotion. 

Malcolm Bivens, who was also let go, was expecting to leave the company as he was convinced to sign an extension last year when The Diamond Mine stable was formed. However, this past February, he declined to sign a new deal.

WWE Releases NXT Talent Including Dakota Kai & Malcolm Bivens

WWE Releases NXT Talent Including Dakota Kai & Malcolm Bivens

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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A new wave of WWE releases is here and NXT has been affected.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful broke the news on his Twitter account. The first release he revealed was Dakota Kai. The second name was Malcolm Bivens, who reportedly made it clear that he did not want to re-sign with the company back in February.

Bivens took to social media to upload a quick video responding to the news.

In what some may consider to be a surprise move, Harland has also been given his walking papers. He had been a bodyguard for Joe Gacy, who is challenging Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship at Spring Breakin’ on May 3.

In total, there were 10 NXT cuts this go-around. Here’s the list of talent cut from the NXT roster in this latest wave:

WWE Releases (April 29)

  • Dakota Kai
  • Malcolm Bivens
  • Dexter Lumis
  • Harland
  • Blair Baldwin
  • Draco Anthony
  • Mila Malani
  • Persia Pirotta
  • Sanjana George
  • Raelyn Divine

Parker Boudreaux Already Making Waves After WWE Release

Kazuchika Okada Questions If There’s A Need For Him To Wrestle Kenny Omega Again

Andrew Ravens
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Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega have put on some classic matches under the NJPW banner. Omega’s bouts with Okada helped him become a worldwide star among fans. However, their rivalry ended when Omega left NJPW in 2019 to sign with AEW. 

The top New Japan Pro Wrestling star has no problem running it back with Omega in the United States, but only if that’s what the fans want to see. AEW and NJPW will host their first joint pay-per-view event, AEW X NJPW: Forbidden Door, on June 26th. 

While speaking with Sports Illustrated about whether or not he will wrestle Omega at the pay-per-view, Okada stated that if there’s enough support from fans for the bout then they will go in that direction. 

“Is there still unfinished business there?” Okada asks. “I’ve already wrestled a lot of great opponents. It was an honor for me last month to team with Tatsumi Fujinami and wrestle against a legend like Yoshiaki Fujiwara. There are a lot of truly great professional wrestlers out there and a lot of possible dream matches. If running me and Kenny back really is a dream match, well then that’s definitely a direction to take.”

Okada also stated in this interview that he feels confident the day will come when he wrestles CM Punk and Bryan Danielson.

Mick Foley Set To Manage AEW Tag Team FTR

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Mick Foley will be cornering FTR for one night.

Foley made the announcement on his Twitter account. He’ll be managing Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler for a Patriotic Wrestling Federation event. The action will be taking place inside York Comprehensive High School.

https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1520101570234310656

The event will be taking place on May 14. Back in March, FTR announced that they would be taking limited independent bookings. The move has seemingly opened the door for them to be managed by the likes of Bret Hart, who is believed to have signed a deal with WWE that doesn’t allow him to appear on AEW TV.

Bret will be in FTR’s corner for a Big Time Wrestling event on June 10. That show will take place inside Webster Town Hall in Webster, MA.

WWE Files Trademark Possibly Related To UK Stadium Show

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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WWE stays busy filing trademarks and this latest one may have something to do with a future stadium event.

Earlier this month, WWE announced it would be making its way to Cardiff, Wales on Sept. 3. The special event will be held inside Principality Stadium, which has a max capacity of approximately 78,000 for boxing events. The announcement confirmed an earlier report from WrestleVotes.

WWE’s Latest Trademark Involves UK Stadium Show?

WWE has filed a new trademark for “Clash at the Castle.” The filing has surfaced on the European Union Intellectual Property Office website.

  • image

One would think the trademark is related to the Cardiff show and could potentially be the name of the event. Time will tell if that is truly the case.

One thing we do know is that WWE is excited about the UK stadium show. Here’s what was said in the announcement press release:

“Principality Stadium is the perfect place for a major event, hosting our amazing fans from Wales, throughout all of Europe, and around the world,” said John Porco, WWE Senior Vice President, Live Events. “The weekend will be filled with a variety of WWE experiences that we believe will leave a lasting memory, on par with SummerSlam at Wembley Stadium in 1992.”

“Wales will provide an iconic location for WWE’s return to the UK after 30 years and showcase our country to a global audience of millions, including extended reach in the USA,” said Welsh Government Minister for Economy Vaughan Gething. “This is set to be the perfect addition to a huge year of sport, entertainment and culture in Wales that will attract people from across the globe to experience what our country has to offer.” 

“We’re extremely proud that Principality Stadium has been chosen by WWE to host this major event, which is testament to the stadium’s reputation as a world-class venue,” said Mark Williams, Principality Stadium Manager. “Principality Stadium is unique in its position at the heart of the city centre, which will undoubtedly offer WWE fans an unrivaled event experience both inside and outside of the stadium and bring great benefit to the wider city of Cardiff.”

Bobby Lashley Falls Out of Ring Following Rope Break at WWE UK (Video)

Jon Fuentes
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Bobby Lashley had a scary accident during his match with Drew McIntyre in Newcastle, England on Thursday.

During their bout, as both men hit the ropes, all four of the top turnbuckles of each ring post collapsed, bringing the top rope down as well. As a result, Lashley went flying out the ring, as this occurred while he was hitting the ropes. Lashley appeared to land badly on his head, but was able to get back up and finish the match.

Check out a video of the incident here:

Luckily, Lashley was able to finish the bout and leave the arena under his own power. He and McIntyre even teamed up after the match to beat down Sami Zayn.

Thankfully, Lashley ended up being okay, joking about the incident on Twitter after the fact.

The fans also got to enjoy several other great matches on the card; including Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sheamus, Gunther vs. Sami Zayn, and Sasha Banks vs. SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

As for Bobby Lashley, he’s currently embroiled in a feud with Omos, who he defeated in singles action at WrestleMania 38. MVP then turned on Lashley, aligning himself with Omos, and the two men will rematch at the upcoming WrestleMania Backlash event on May 8.

Cody Rhodes Set for Broken Skull Sessions Interview Next Week

Jon Fuentes
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Cody Rhodes is set to join Steve Austin on the newest episode of Broken Skull Sessions.

WWE has announced that “The American Nightmare” will be WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin’s latest guest on Broken Skull Sessions next week, Friday May 6, 2022, on Peacock. Rhodes certainly has no shortage of stories to tell, and his road back to WWE will give Austin a plethora in regards to questions to ask about.

Rhodes departed from WWE in 2016, establishing himself as “The American Nightmare” while working for promotions such as Ring Of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) – the latter of which Rhodes played an instrumental part in helping startup.

After his contract with AEW was up earlier this year, Rhodes decided to return to WWE, finally re-appearing as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent at WrestleMania 38. Rhodes picked up the win in that contest, and followed that up with an excellent promo the following night on Monday Night RAW.

In the promo, Rhodes declared his intentions to challenge for a World Championship now that he’s with WWE. Currently, Rhodes is continuing his rivalry with Rollins as the pair are set to rematch at WrestleMania Backlash.

It will be interesting to see if Rhodes can eventually find his way into the World Title picture in the next few months with Roman Reigns, who reigns as both WWE Champion and WWE Universal Champion, seemingly working both RAW and SmackDown Live.

All of this, and more, is likely to be covered between Steve Austin and Cody Rhodes on Broken Skull Sessions. Will you be tuning in? Let us know in the comments!

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