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Serena Deeb Provides Update On Knee Injury

Chris Stephens
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Serena Deeb posted a video on Instagram updating fans on her current injury status. Deeb missed all of March and April with a knee injury. In her recent video, Deeb reveals her knee has been giving her problems in matches lately.

“Recently, I hit a roadblock and I wanted to address it and be honest. I see everything. ‘Serena should be on Dynamite more. Serena should be on pay-per-view more. Serena is the best.’ You’re right. The truth is, right now, I’m hurt. I’m injured. My knee has been playing up for a while and bothering me in matches. I tried to fight through the pain.”

“Yes, right now, I’m injured and I’m hurt,” Deeb continued. “But I will be back to AEW and I will be back to once again be champion and I will remind each and everyone one of you that not only am I the best women’s wrestler in the world, I’m the best wrestler in the world. I am Serena Deeb, the woman of a thousand holds.”

Deeb wrestled six times after returning from injury in May. She defined the NWA Women’s title twice in AEW. She defeated Red Velvet on Dynamite and then Riho at Double or Nothing’s Buy-In event. Deeb then lost the NWA title to Kamille at the When Our Shadows Fall PPV. She would team with Kylie Rae and defeated Skye Blue and Thunder Rosa on NWA Powerrr after the PPV. Deeb defeated Tesha Price on Dark Elevation at the end of June. Her last match in AEW came on Dark Elevation as well when she teamed with Tay Conti and defeated Jazmin Allure & Vertvixen.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CR_oTbFALbw/?hl=en

Transcriptions via Fightful

AEW Files To Trademark “King of Harts”

Chris Stephens
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All Elite Wrestling filed to trademark the term “King of Harts” on July 28th with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Martha Hart began selling Owen Hart merchandise on Pro Wrestling Tees not long after the Dark Side of the Ring documentary aired on Vice. Many of the items available have the “King of Harts” nickname on it. Sales of the merchandise go to benefit the Owen Hart Foundation.

Chris Jericho spoke about AEW possibly doing something to honor Owen in an interview with Sportkeeda last year.

“I think the family realises there’s other places to go other than WWE, there’s a lot of other Halls of Fame and a lot of other places where Owen could get some of the accolades that he deserves, 21 years later.”

“I’d love to see (Martha) do something with AEW. I think the spirit of Owen Hart lives on in AEW for sure.”

Owen Hart Wins 1994 King of the Ring

Owen Hart began using the nickname shortly after winning the 1994 King of the Ring tournament. His brother Bret Hart had won the tournament the previous two years. Just a few months earlier, Owen had defeated Bret in the opening match of WrestleMania 10. Bret then defeated Yokozuna in the main event of that same show to win the WWF Championship, however. Bret and Owen would then face each other at SummerSlam 94 inside a steel cage.

The states purposes of the trademark are listed as:

“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.”

Backstage News On Bray Wyatt’s Release From WWE

Chris Stephens
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Bray Wyatt’s release from WWE is being considered surprising to many within the wrestling industry. It is also being reported that this is not a case of him having asked for his release.

Both PW Insider and the Wrestling Observer have stated that the reason for Wyatt’s release was “budget cuts” similar to the other recent roster cuts. According to the Wrestling Observer, there were plans for Wyatt to return in August.

John Laurinitis is said to be the one who called Wyatt today and informed him. The reason Wyatt was given for his release was budget cuts.

“Dave Meltzer reported that Wyatt was told by John Laurinaitis that his release was due to budget cuts. He was preparing to return in August and was booked on some shows,” wrote Josh Nason from WON.

“One source pointed the finger squarely at WWE President Nick Khan and CFO Kristina Salen, stating that they are so “obsessed” with the company not being even one iota in the red on the financial ledgers,” PW Insider’s Mike Johnson wrote.

According to the report from PW Insider, people backstage in the company were shocked by the release based on how well Wyatt’s merchandise tends to sell. Johnson also wrote that one source had said to him that Vince McMahon and Bray Wyatt’s relationship could run hot and cold at times as well.

Alexa Bliss, Braun Strowman, Matt Hardy & More React To Bray Wyatt Release

Chris Stephens
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News of Bray Wyatt’s release from WWE is drawing strong reactions from across the wrestling world. Numerous wrestlers, including Wyatt’s former family member Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss and Matt Hardy have all commented.

Alexa Bliss has turned her Twitter private today. The FITE app caught a screen grab of her comments regarding Wyatt before she did so, however.

Mickie James Reacts To Bray Wyatt’s Release

Mickie James offered the following comments regarding Bray Wyatt’s release from WWE.

“I think what you meant to say was: “Thank you so much for coming up with such an incredible gimmick(time & time again)one so cool & over, we really didn’t know how to book it right. So we just gave it to someone else so we can still make ALL the money off of it & let you go”

James then clarified her comments should not be taken as anything negative against Alexa Bliss.

“This isn’t against Alexa. I love her. She’s an incredible performer who is killing it in a role she was given. She always does. We as artists take every role we’re given & turn it into gold. He, she, they both did that. Like it/not. Facts are facts. So sorry if that offends you.”

Samoa Joe Talks Getting Cleared for NXT Takeover 36 Match

Jake Skudder
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WWE NXT Superstar Samoa Joe recently appeared on WWE’s After The Bell podcast. The Samoan Submission Machine discussed several topics during the show, including his return to the ring at NXT Takeover 36 on August 22nd.

“I kept it simple. It was just getting healthy. A lot of times, people have a tendency to overcomplicate their problems and make them worse and adding to them by adding extra pressure” Samoa Joe began on the podcast, discussing his return to in-ring health.

“My focus was simply to just get healthy. No other expectations to put on it, no expectations to return to the ring. No expectations, other than getting back to where I should be and getting my brain healthy and my body healthy.

SAMOA JOE

Joe also discussed the actual injury and how it was beyond anything he had suffered with before. “It was a much worse type of injury than I had dealt with before. It scared me, it scared a lot of people I cared about” Joe added.

“It became very easy to make that the focus as far as what I wanted to do when I came back. Inevitably, it all hinged on making sure I was alright and feeling good and when I came back to the ring, I didn’t want to come back in a 70% or 60% capacity” Joe revealed.

“I wanted to make sure I could come back and give the best I could to the fans. I do play my cards close to my chest, but that’s just the belief I have” the former NXT Champion concluded. 

Jon Moxley vs Hiroshi Tanahashi Being ‘Considered’ for AEW All Out PPV

Jake Skudder
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AEW is reportedly looking at a major AEW vs NJPW match for their upcoming All Out PPV event on September 5th. Hiroshi Tanahashi made an appearance in a pre-taped segment on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, and according to Dave Meltzer, Moxley will be facing the Japanese legend at the PPV in Chicago.

“What I do know is that fairly recently, at 4am, Jon Moxley had a discussion” Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio. “I don’t know the night, I think it was the night of the taping – with Tony Khan.”

“He had an idea for a match which I believe is for the September 5 pay-per-view. And Tony Khan liked the idea. I knew it was a top New Japan wrestler, I didn’t know the name of who it was, but I know about the discussion” Meltzer concluded.

Jon Moxley vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

With Jon Moxley calling out Tanahashi on this week’s episode of Dynamite, it appears as though this is the aforementioned match that Meltzer was alluding to.

All of the recent excitement surrounding CM Punk and Bryan Danielson signing with AEW means that this news has been lost somewhat in the shuffle, but it is arguably the biggest match in the ‘Forbidden Door’ angle thus far.

What do you think of Jon Moxley vs Hiroshi Tanahashi on an AEW PPV? Let us know in the comments

Bray Wyatt Released from WWE

Jake Skudder
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WWE has confirmed the news that Bray Wyatt has been released from the company. The news broke this evening on Twitter, where WWE officially confirmed the news.

Wyatt has been off of WWE programming for some time, since the WrestleMania 37 PPV event in Florida.

There have been rumors of Bray Wyatt not being happy with the overall creative direction of The Fiend character, however these are conflicting with the reports that Wyatt has a major part to play in his own creative.

Bray Wyatt Released from WWE

‘The Fiend’ character for Bray Wyatt is arguably some of his best work on the WWE main roster, however his original ‘cult leader’ Wyatt Family persona is also lauded by fans and critics, especially in hindsight.

There’s no news on when Bray was made aware of his release, however we can expect him to now be sitting out a 90-day non-compete clause.

Several former WWE Superstars have gone on to sign with AEW, such as Malakai Black, who also played a dark character on-screen for WWE and NXT prior to that. Black was able to appear in AEW earlier than expected, due to a clerical error which meant he had a 30-day non-compete rather than the standard 90 for a main roster Superstar.

Cain Velasquez Making a Return To Wrestling For AAA Promotion

Jake Skudder
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Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and one time WWE Superstar Cain Velasquez has revealed that he will soon be making his return to pro wrestling, although not with WWE.

Speaking on In the Corner with Cyrus Fees, the former UFC Heavyweight confirmed that he will be making a returning to Mexican promotion AAA.

“I’m doing a show in December for AAA,” Velasquez revealed on the podcast. “For me, I love AAA and I’m going to keep doing that right now.”

“I love WWE as well, but I have to first develop myself in order for me to go out there” Cain Velasquez continued. “I’m going to keep doing stuff and have fun with it.”

Cain Velasquez Returns To AAA

Cain Velasquez joined AAA back in 2019, before making his way to WWE. Velasquez signed a three match deal with the promotion.

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion made his first appearance for AAA at TripleMania XXVII, where he teamed with AEW’s Cody Rhodes and Psycho Clown to take on Black Taurus, Karrion Kross and Texano Jr.

Velasquez was released from WWE back in April 2020, after only having one televised match against Brock Lesnar that only lasted 88 seconds. That contest took place at Crown Jewel 2019, where Tyson Fury also faced former WWE Superstar Braun Strowman.

Interestingly, AAA has an ongoing working relationship with AEW, IMPACT and NWA as part of the ‘forbidden door’ angle. Although it isn’t likely right now, we may well see Velasquez appear on an All Elite Wrestling show at some point in the future.

Hager vs Velasquez in a cage anyone?

Do you think that Cain Velasquez will one day be brought back to WWE? Let us know in the comments

Kurt Angle Explains Why He Turned Down Offers From AEW And Impact Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Kurt Angle was offered contracts by both AEW and Impact Wrestling after his retirement match in WWE but the Olympic Gold Medallist turned them down. The former world champion recently had an interview with Fightful where he discussed a number of things.

He also explained why he turned down offers from both promotions during the interview. Angle claimed that he wishes he could take the offers. However, he explained that after his long career his body is too banged up to continue wrestling:

“Well, I had had AEW, TNA, they’ve offered, but I can’t do it, I wish I could. My body’s too banged up, I’m 52 years old, just trying to live my life now and try to live it in less pain.  And I’m in a lot of pain right now, so I’m suffering from the career that I’ve had, but I don’t regret it.”

Kurt Angle On Deals Offered By AEW And Impact

Kurt Angle also went into the details of the deals he was offered by both the promotions. According to him, AEW offered him a seven-match deal while Impact wrestling wanted him on board for just one match:

“AEW, I think it was like a seven-match deal, TNA I think they were just gonna do one match, but I just felt like my final matches in WWE, I knew that I’d lost a step, I wasn’t the same as I was in my prime, and I didn’t like the person I was, the performer I was.

So if I can’t perform at that level that I was in my prime, I’m not gonna do it anymore. And that’s why I turned down the offers from AEW and TNA.”

Kurt Angle wrestled his retirement match in WWE at WrestleMania 35. He chose Baron Corbin as his opponent for the bout and lost to the lone wolf during the event.

Karl Anderson – “I’m getting texts from unhappy WWE wrestlers”

Jake Skudder
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AEW, IMPACT and NJPW Strong star Karl Anderson recently took to Twitter to react to comments from Vince McMahon during the recent Q2 investor’s call for WWE.

McMahon slated All Elite Wrestling and said that they are not competition in the way that WCW was competition for them back in the Monday Night Wars era of the late 90s.

“I don’t consider them [AEW] competition in the way that I would consider WCW back in the day,” Vince McMahon claimed during the Q2 earnings call. “Not anywhere near close to that.”

Karl Anderson on Vince McMahon Comments

“And I’m not so sure what their investments are as far as their talent is concerned, but perhaps we can give them some more”, McMahon continued, taking somewhat of a pot shot at the former WWE Superstars that AEW has signed recently.

Karl Anderson was none too pleased about the comments from the WWE CEO. The former WWE Superstar in his own right revealed that there are people who still work on the WWE main roster who are ‘unhappy’ in their working environment.

“The amount of unhappy texts I get from people there, well, the whole professional wrestling world is waiting for ya,” Karl Anderson wrote on Twitter. “@IMPACTWRESTLING @AEW @njpw1972 Gonna talk about it on @TalknShop.”

Do you think that AEW could end up becoming competition to WWE at some point? Let us know in the comments.

Original Bullet Club Members Trade Shots On Twitter

Chris Stephens
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“Machine Gun” Karl Anderson and Tama Tonga are 2 of the original 4 members of Bullet Club. Anderson left NJPW in 2016 for WWE, however, setting the stage for the Guerrillas of Destiny to take over as the faction’s top heavyweight tag team.

Now, however, Anderson is in the Elite with former Bullet Club members Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and the Young Bucks. On Impact Wrestling recently, Jay White aid he was not allowing Anderson and Gallows back in the group. Don Callis then noted that it should be White asking for permission to join the Elite. So, tension has been brewing between the two stables.

The rivalry brewing between the Elite and Bullet Club spilled over onto Twitter recently. Anderson Tweeted out a photo “The Elite Squad” from Fight for the Fallen leading to the exchange with Tama.

This led to Tama Tonga responding with the following:

“I would argue with you, but we’re past that. Your good brother philosophy is shallow deep. The day is coming,” Tonga Tweeted.

Anderson then responded, asking Tonga to not make him “Kill what I created.”

“Don’t do this Tama.. I’ve been holdin off on Killin the Bullet Club for good. Please don’t make me kill what I created. I’m beggin u”

John Cena and Roman Reigns In Action After SmackDown In Dark Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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The dark main event after last night’s episode of SmackDown saw both John Cena and Roman Reigns competing on the opposite sides in a six-man tag team match.

The Cenation Leader formed a team with Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio. The Tribal Chief on the other hand was joined by his cousins and the current SmackDown tag team champions The Usos.

The match continued for several minutes before the referee got knocked out during a spot. Roman Reigns took the opportunity to deliver a superman punch to all three of his opponents including Cena.

Though John Cena came back from this attack. He dodged a spear from Roman and converted it into an Attitude Adjustment, getting a big pop from the crowd.

The 16-time world champion delivered another AA to Jimmy Uso. He covered Uso for the pin and picked the win for his team as the referee woke up.

This week’s episode of SmackDown saw Finn Balor getting attacked by Baron Corbin when he was about to sign a SummerSlam match contract against Roman Reigns.

John Cena then came out and signed the contract, making his long-rumored Universal title match against the Head Of The Table official for the upcoming event.

Booker T Praises Nick Gage, Says Other Wrestlers Can Learn From Him

Chris Stephens
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Nick Gage’s recent performances in GCW and AEW have gotten a lot of people talking. One of those people is Booker T. He mentioned on his Hall of Fame show recently that if more wrestlers were like Nick Gage, the industry would be better off for it.

“I’ll tell you this. Nick Gage, I have never met this dude before in my life. But I’ll tell you, if everyone in this business had the same thought process as a Nick Gage, the business would be in a much, much better place,” Booker said.

“This guy, Nick Gage, you pull up photos of this guy, and you’ll never gonna see him smiling in any of them. He’s got the same look on his face in every photo, in every picture I have ever seen him in. There is not a picture of him being happy. It’s a picture of a guy who’s getting ready to go into a deathmatch, each and every night. He’s the real deal.”

Booker T Praises Nick Gage

40-year-old Nick Gage is a 21-year pro, having first made his debut in February of 1999. He was trained by the CZW school and John Zandig. Gage is a 4x CZW World Champion and was inducted into the CZW Hall of Fame in 2009.

“The guys in WWE, Impact Wrestling, AEW – they can learn a whole lot from Nick Gage, and that’s just my opinion. I don’t know a lot about him, but when someone sees something different about you in this business, it’s uncanny.”

Booker continued to say he’s not actually seen Gage wrestle, but that doesn’t impact his opinion. Gage feels different, serious and real, and that is what is appealing about him to Booker.

“I’ve never watched one match. But I know when you look at this dude, he isn’t the guy you’re gonna walk up on and say, ‘What about that wrestling stuff ya’ll do?’ Because he might hit you. He’s the real deal. If everybody walked along that same line and took it as serious as this guy does, it would be a much better place.”

H/T transcriptions via 411 Mania

Paige Provides Encouraging Update On Her Health & Future

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE superstar Paige has been vocal about wanting to make a wrestling return in the future. She recently provided some positive updates in the direction.

The former diva’s champion took on her Twitter to reveal that she is slowly getting stronger. She is now able to squat 185lbs once again:

“You guys I’m getting stronger, squatting 185lbs again.” wrote Paige, “I know it’s not a ton but it’s a big accomplishment for me who was worried to do any gym stuff because of my neck. But my neck is feeling so awesome. I’m so proud of myself”

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1421239004507246593
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1421242054118559748

The former champion suffered a neck injury while competing at a WWE house show back in December 2017. She officially announced her retirement from active competition in April the next year.

Paige On The Status Of Her Neck

Paige has been providing positive updates on her health for a while. The last update she provided was in April earlier this year. In an interview with Renee Paquette she had said that she hadn’t had any issues with her neck in a while:

“I haven’t had any issues with my neck right now. Sometimes I’ll wake up, and it’s funny, you know, it feels weird, but it’ll go away, I’m going to get my neck checked very soon to see the progress of it.

Hopefully, it looks good. I’m not saying in any way, shape, or form they’re going to let me come back; it’s literally just a checkup. But I am intrigued to see how my neck has progressed, for sure.”

While a timetable for her potential return is not known yet, the latest positive updates on her health are still encouraging for fans. Many hope that she will be able to return to the ring sooner rather than later.

Jon Moxley Challenges The Good Brothers To Face Him & A Mystery Partner

Chris Stephens
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New Japan Pro Wrestling posted to Twitter that they received a message from Jon Moxley regarding NJPW Resurgence. The former IWGP United States Champion has challenged Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows to a tag match on the show. Moxley says he has a mystery partner for the event.

“I just want to send a little message real quick after that match to New Japan Pro Wrestling,” Moxley begins in the video message. “Wherever my travels in this sport take me you can be sure of one damn thing, I will settle scores that need settling whether it takes months, weeks, days, hours, years, I will eventually get you. I will settle the score. I’ve got a little business with these Bullet Club type guys you know and I was just thinking on the 14th I’ve got a buddy of mine I’m meeting in LA for some beers, so why don’t we make it a 2 for 1?”

“Good Brothers, Gallows, Anderson, you meet me at Resurgence in LA and I’ll have a surprise for you,” Moxley continued.

Matches confirmed for the show on August 14thin include Jay White vs David Finlay, and Lance Archer vs Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Moxley’s comments can be heard in the Tweet below:

https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1421312159829528584

Exclusive: PROGRESS Stars Charlie Sterling and Nick Riley Want Matches with ROH, AEW and NXT Superstars

Jake Skudder
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We were able to speak to PROGRESS stars Charlie Sterling and Nick Riley, the Smokin’ Aces, ahead of their PROGRESS Chapter 116 matches on Peacock, WWE Network and demandPROGRESS this weekend.

Charlie Sterling will be facing Cara Noir for the PROGRESS World Championship and Nick will be facing one half of the PROGRESS Tag Team Champions, Kid Lykos II. 

The duo discussed how they are feeling ahead of the bouts, and also who they see on the independent scenes, and beyond, that they want to get in the ring with on a PROGRESS card.

SEScoops: Charlie Sterling, how do you feel heading into the biggest match of your career thus far?

CHARLIE: I expect Cara to be a bit worried. One thing we’ve learned is that he can’t put anyone away in less than 10 minutes. If I can get him before then? I’m absolutely taking the gold home with me, but he’s an absolute stamina machine and can go for 20-30 minutes, so I really need to get in there and take him out early.

SEScoops: And Nick, how are you preparing for Kid Lykos II?

NICK: Kid Lykos is sneaky, dangerous and has never met a rule he hasn’t broken, the same goes for Kid Lykos II. I want to make sure that when Charlie comes back with the PROGRESS World Championship that the team is in a position to go for the tag belts. A win against Lykos II could push us in that direction. As a team we thrive, a well-oiled machine, Shearer and Sheringham…well I’m Jack Grealish and Charlie is…erm…McGinn?

SEScoops: In terms of your influences in wrestling, who would you say is most important to you from a tag and singles perspective?

CHARLIE: As a singles competitor, in fact even as a tag team member, Bret Hart is the greatest ever. To me there’s no discussion, best there is, was and ever will be. There’s a lot of Curt Hennig in my style as well, I’ve been told that the way I carry myself in the ring is like Mr Perfect, and I’ll take that compliment any day of the week. In terms of current performers? AJ Styles has done it everywhere and continues to be on top of his game.

NICK: Love Jerry Lynn, his matches with Rob Van Dam from later years ECW were fantastic. Eddie Guerrero is A+, and I have to show my love for Trent Acid as well. Owen Hart is another, I’ve got a bit of that relationship with Charlie, brother to brother, except he loves mentioning that I’m older than him…I’m still the Grealish of this team.

SEScoops: And in terms of tag teams?

CHARLIE: Have to go with FTR, they’re easily one of the best out there. 

NICK: Loved The Eliminators, The Steiners, and still love The Young Bucks.

SEScoops: So, as a tandem, are there any teams out there that you want to face in PROGRESS?

CHARLIE: I’ve always wanted to face Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, the Motor City Machine Guns. I’d really like to have some former PROGRESS Tag Team Champions back here so we can show them the new generation is ready to take the company forward. I’ve got history with Zack Gibson, so I’d be more than happy to go to war with Grizzled Young Veterans.

Nick Riley and Charlie Sterling of PROGRESS

NICK: Dangerous Tekkers are a sound team, I’d like to face them. I’m with Charlie in that I want some of the ‘old’ guard to face, like Santana & Ortiz, they’ve had some belters in PROGRESS, and Jonathan Gresham with Chris Brookes. Bring them all in.

SEScoops: And in terms of continuing as singles competitors in PROGRESS?

CHARLIE: I would give my right arm to face PAC, preferably after I’ve wrestled him. Jay Lethal as well, I have huge respect for him and his ability.

NICK: Davey Richards, Bandido and Sami Callihan. If I can face Callihan first and nick his bat for the other two that would be handy.

SEScoops: Do you have any parting words before Chapter 116 this Saturday?

NICK: Charlie, beat the black swan, bring that belt home.

CHARLIE: Oh, it’s coming home.

NICK: I’m still Grealish.

SEScoops: Thanks for your time lads

Jon Moxley Believes Domino’s Needs To ‘Chill Out’

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Jon Moxley recently joined Cincy 3:60 to promote an upcoming episode of AEW Dynamite scheduled for September 8 in his hometown of Cincinnati.

The former AEW champion talked about a number of things during his appearance and commented on their recent controversy with Domino’s.

The pizza chain threatened to pull their ads from AEW programming over a spot on last week’s Dynamite. Talking about it, Mox said that the company needs to child out:

“Domino’s Pizza needs to chill out. They need to chill man.”

“It was a coincidence. You know what? Jump on the bandwagon man. You don’t think Nick Gage can sell some pizzas for you? Come on. You know that the Noid is played out at this point and you’re bringing back the Noid? Come on.”

For those who don’t know, the Fight For The Fallen special of Dynamite featured a No DQ match between Chris Jericho and Nick Gage. A spot in the bout saw Gage busting Jericho open with a pizza cutter.

A Domino’s ad appeared on the screen right after this. Many speculated that the pizza chain may have partnered with AEW for the spot but they released a statement, denying any involvement in it.

NJPW Champion Robbie Eagles Interested In Facing Daniel Bryan

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Amidst the various rumors about the future of Daniel Bryan, a current NJPW champion Robbie Eagles has expressed interest in facing the former world champion.

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion recently made a tweet. In the tweet as seen below, he expressed interest in facing the former WWE star, claiming that facing Bryan is a dream match for him:

For those who don’t know, Bryan’s contract with WWE expired in May. It was initially believed that he will re-sign with the company, but things have changed since then.

Latest reports suggest that the former champion has agreed to a contract with AEW. It’s said that he wants to compete for NJPW. AEW’s partnership with the Japanese promotion was the deciding factor in his decision.

Robbie Eagles has been with NJPW since 2018. The company has slowly been building him as a star in recent times. He has been feuding with people such as the former IWGP heavyweight champion Will Ospreay and more.

He won his first title in the company during the Wrestle Grand Slam event last week. Eagles defeated El Desperado to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship.

There is no word yet on if this tweet is part of any plans for Bryan. It will be interesting to see if it comes into play somewhere down the line and if we see a match between these two in future.

Free To Attend Premiere Party Announced For Rampage In Chicago

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

AEW has announced a free-to-attend premiere party for Rampage in Chicago taking place on August 13 from the Replay Lincoln Park bar.

The party hosted by Warrior Wrestling’s Nick Hausman will feature many festivities including AEW swag giveaways, AEW trivia, WWF WrestleMania arcade and pinball competition, and more:

The party will start a couple of hours before the premiere of AEW’s second TV show Rampage that will be taking place from the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

This is an interesting announcement from AEW, especially since the second episode of their new TV show will also be taking place in Chicago from the United Center just a week later on August 20.

Though that won’t be all as the promotion is set to hold 4 more shows in the Chicago area after the mentioned Rampage episode which includes the All Out PPV event from Now Arena on September 5th.

Reports suggest that Chicago native CM Punk has agreed to make his wrestling return for AEW. Many expect him to make his comeback during one of these shows.

Whether or not this turns out to be the case will be seen in the future but it’s clear that fans will be in for another fun wrestling night during the upcoming premiere party.

WWE SmackDown Results (7/30): Sasha Banks Returns, Roman Reigns & John Cena

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the Target Center in Minneapolis. John Cena appeared on tonight’s show and responded to Roman Reigns declining his offer for a match at SummerSlam but accepting one with Finn Balor. Reigns and Finn Balor had a Contract Signing for the Universal Championship match at SummerSlam during the show as well.

SmackDown Results

  1. Rey Mysterio def. Jimmy Uso
  2. Reginald def. Chad Gable via DQ
  3. Shinsuke Nakamura, Big E, Cesaro def. Apollo Crews, Robert Roode, Dolph Ziggler
  4. Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair def. Carmella & Zelina Vega

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Cena Responded To Reigns & Corbin Interrupted

John Cena kicked off the show to a great reaction from the crowd. Cena hyped up the crowd and said that tonight Roman Reigns and Finn Balor will sign a contract for a match at SummerSlam. The fans booed and Cena stated he respects Balor but this proves his point that Roman Reigns sucks.

Cena joked that he can handle rejection as he has been rejected in front of the entire world. John added that Reigns’ reasons for declining the match were stupid (Cena returned with the same look and music). Cena said that would be like asking Stone Cold to return as Sasquatch Steve Houston and The Rock to come back as Dwayne “Too Small” Johnson.

John claimed that the reason Roman has to change every couple of years is because the fans stop caring about him and don’t believe in him. Cena suggested that Reigns doesn’t even believe in himself and that Roman Reigns is actually a lazy stooge named Joe who coasts on every gimmick in the system.

Cena said that Reigns is afraid to fail and that he would have embarrassed Roman at SummerSlam. He added that Reigns didn’t reject the match because of how Cena looks, Roman rejected the match because Cena will make him look.

Baron Corbin interrupted and lumbered his way to the ring. Corbin said he wants to talk and Cena joked that he has no clue who Corbin is. John then said he recognizes him now and that Corbin looked terrible.

Corbin admitted that he wasn’t doing well and that he is desperate because his life is falling apart. Baron then claimed to suffer an injury to a sensitive part of his body that prevents him from being able to perform and that his wife left him with the kids. Corbin noted that Cena grants a ton of wishes and asked if he could help him.

Cena asked the crowd if he should help and they booed. John handed Corbin some money and Corbin complained that it wasn’t enough. Corbin told Cena that he will work for money and asked to be in the next Suicide Squad movie. Cena said that the filming for the movie is over and Corbin quickly asked to be John’s stunt double in the sequel.

Baron called Cena selfish and asked if he was going to kick a poor man while he is down. Corbin continued to insult Cena and called him a sell-out with an ego the size of California. Cena offered Corbin some help with his attitude and planted him with an Attitude Adjustment.

Rey Mysterio def. Jimmy Uso

Jimmy Uso squared off against Rey Mysterio in the first match of the night. Jey and Dominik were ringside for the match. Rey controlled the action early and connected with a Running Bulldog for a near fall. Jimmy battled back and leveled Rey with a Superkick outside the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Rey tried to battle back but Uso caught him with an Enziguri. Jimmy went for a Superplex but Mysterio blocked it with some headbutts. Rey hit a Senton off the top and followed it up with a Crossbody for a near fall. Jimmy dodged a Splash and booted Rey in the face. Rey shrugged it off and set up for the 619 but Jey pulled his brother out of the way.

Rey hit The Usos with a Splash and brought Jimmy back into the ring. Rey went for the 619 but Jimmy blocked it. Rey escaped a Samoan Drop and rolled up Jimmy. Dominik assisted in the pin and Rey won the match. Rey celebrated with Dominik after the victory.

Sasha Bank Returned

SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair was interviewed backstage tonight. Kayla Braxton congratulated the champ on her 110 day title reign and wondered what is next for her. Belair said the past few months have been amazing and she is very grateful.

Carmella interrupted and claimed that Belair could cement her legacy by giving her yet another title shot. Carmella noted that she held the SmackDown Women’s Championship for 130 days. Zelina Vega joined the party and told Carmella that she is too pretty to be a three time loser and said that she wanted to face Belair.

Vega said it to Belair’s face and the champ accepted the challenge. Carmella then attacked Belair from behind and Vega joined in on the attack. Sasha Banks made her return to an amazing reaction from the crowd. The Boss rushed the ring and leveled Carmella. Banks dropped Vega and then helped Belair up. Sasha raised Bianca’s hand as the SmackDown Women’s Champion had a confused look on her face. Banks then hugged Belair to end the segment. It was later announced that Banks & Belair will team up to face Carmella & Vega in tonight’s main event.

Reginald Retained Via DQ

Chad Gable faced Reginald for the 24/7 Championship tonight. Otis was ringside for the match. Gable connected with a Tiger Suplex and went for the cover but Reginald was able to kick out at two. The superstars battled to the top rope and Gable went for a German Suplex but Reginald was able to land on his feet. Otis then attacked Reginald to end the match in a DQ.

Cena Signed The Contract

Roman Reigns and Finn Balor had the contract signing for their Universal Championship match tonight. Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce came to the ring and said that they were going to make sure that the contract is signed without disruption.

Balor made his way to the ring first and then Roman Reigns took his time getting to the ring. Roman laughed at two fans dressed as Cena in the front row during the entrance. Reigns said that Cena must think Balor is a lesser man than he is. Roman said that Balor is a worthy challenger because he doesn’t come out here with the tired old schtick. Reigns noted that Balor is hungry and wants it and the Universal Champion digs that.

Reigns then added that he is going to smash Balor and send him back to NXT. Roman signed the contract and pushed it over to Balor. Finn said it would be great to return to NXT as the Universal Champion. Baron Corbin interrupted and attacked Finn Balor from behind. Corbin tried to sign the contract but then Cena attacked him. John Cena signed the contract and apparently that made the match official. It will be Cena vs. Reigns at SummerSlam.

Big E, Nakamura, Cesaro Picked Up A Win

Apollo Crews, Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode faced Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Cesaro tonight on SmackDown. Big E connected with a Belly to Belly Suplex on Apollo to start off the action. Crews battled back and sent Big E to the outside. Roode and Ziggler attacked him as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Cesaro tagged in and hit Ziggler with a Clothesline for a two count. Cesaro followed it up with The Swing into the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Roode broke it up and Nakamura tagged in. Apollo tagged in and connected with a Standing Moonsault for a near fall. A brawl broke out and Commander Azeez attacked Boogs ringside. Back in the ring, Nakamura hit Crews with the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory.

Rollins Attacked Edge

Edge made his entrance as SmackDown went to a commercial break. During the break, Seth Rollins attacked Edge from behind and WWE rolled the footage when the show returned.

Rollins grabbed the microphone and demanded that everyone listen to him. Seth claimed that Edge is done and rolled a video package of all the issues he has with Edge. Rollins added that he isn’t ashamed of his actions and that it was the right thing to do. Rollins said that he is the rightful heir to the Universal Championship and if he cannot be the champion, then neither can Edge.

Sasha Banks Attacked Bianca Belair

Sasha Banks teamed up with SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair to face Carmella and Zelina Vega in this week’s main event.

Belair started off the match with Carmella and connected with a dropkick. Banks tagged in and continued to beat Carmella down. Carmella went for a roll-up but Banks kicked out. Vega tagged in and got greeted with a Dropkick. Belair then launched Banks onto Vega & Carmella outside the ring. SmackDown went to the bring as the fans cheered Belair and Banks.

Back from the break, Bianca Belair was trapped in the corner. The champ hit a Backbreaker and tagged in Sasha Banks. Sasha connected with Three Amigos and then a Frog Splash on Vega. Sasha went for the cover but Carmella broke it up at the last moment. Carmella tagged in and hit the X-Factor but Belair broke up the cover. Sasha then got Carmella in the Bank Statement for the submission victory.

After the match, Banks celebrated with Bianca Belair in the middle of the ring. Sasha then attacked Belair and planted her with a Backstabber. Sasha followed it up with the a Tornado DDT and then got Belair in the Bank Statement. Banks then raised the title over Belair to close the show.

John Cena vs. Roman Official For WWE SummerSlam

Andrew Ravens
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After teases and mentions of it happening, WWE has finally confirmed that John Cena will challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Title at SummerSlam. 

On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, WWE held a contract signing that was supposed to see Reigns defend against Finn Balor at SummerSlam, but Baron Corbin came out to attack Balor in order to take his place. 

Cena ran out to stop Corbin and signed the contract instead. 

Cena made his return at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event to have a staredown with Reigns to set up their SummerSlam main event. This was after the main event where Reigns had retained his title over Edge. 

Since Cena has returned, he has helped boost ticket sales for SummerSlam. If he does beat Reigns it would be his 17th World Title win, which would break Ric Flair’s record. However, Cena is slated to start filming a new movie at the end of August. 

Fans can expect to see Cena appear at several upcoming shows. Here’s the list of dates and locations of events that Cena will be appearing:

  • Saturday, July 31: Supershow – Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
  • Sunday, August 1: Supershow – Little Caesars Arena in Detroit
  • Friday, August 6: SmackDown – Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
  • Saturday, August 7: Supershow – Hertz Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.
  • Monday, August 9: Raw – Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
  • Friday, August 13: SmackDown – BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla.
  • Saturday, August 14: Supershow – Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.
  • Sunday, August 15: Supershow – Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C.
  • Friday, August 20: SmackDown – Footprint Center in Phoenix
  • Saturday, August 21: SummerSlam – Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
  • Friday, September 10: SmackDown – Madison Square Garden – New York City

Sasha Banks Returns On WWE SmackDown To Set Up SummerSlam Match

Andrew Ravens
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As expected, Sasha Banks has made her WWE TV return. 

It happened on Friday’s episode of SmackDown when SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair was doing an interview in the ring about what is next for her, specifically her plans for SummerSlam.

Kayla Braxton pointed out that Belair has been champion for 110 days and Belair talked about winning an ESPY, defending the title at Rolling Loud last week and winning the title from Banks at WrestleMania 37. 

This led to Carmella coming out to sarcastically congratulate Belair on her reign and to ask for one more title shot, but Zelina Vega came out to issue her own challenge to Belair.

The heels attacked Belair before Banks came out to make the save. After clearing the ring, Banks and Belair hugged and Belair had a confused look on her face.

In the main event, a tag team match took place that saw Belair and Banks team up against Carmella and Vega. Banks won the match for her team. Post-match, Banks hit Belair with the backstabber and she continued to attack her to end the show. 

This certainly appears to start the build for SummerSlam as WWE house shows are advertising Banks vs. Belair. 

Banks was last seen in action at Wrestlemania 37 in April. The belief is that Banks had been off from WWE in order to film material as Koska Reeves, which is her Star Wars character, for a future Disney+ Lucasfilm series.

Natalya Undergoes Surgery

Andrew Ravens
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Natalya had to undergo surgery to repair an injury she suffered during a match on Raw this past Monday.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion shared the news in a post on Twitter by writing the following: 

“Today my surgeon told me that I’m an anomaly,” she wrote. ”It’s been an intense week to say the least. All I asked was to be put back in the fight and FAST. Surgery will fix me, defending our championships will drive me. #UNBREAKABLE.”

WWE also noted in a post on Twitter that more information on Natalya’s injury would come this Monday on Raw. 

The injury happened in a bout where Natalya and her tag team partner Taminafaced Eva Marie and Doudrop in a contender’s match. Dewdrop rolled over Natalya at one point, causing injury to Natalya’s leg.

This led to Tamina getting the hot tag and finishing the match quickly as Natalya was checked on by WWE medical staff.

The champions have held the titles since defeating Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler on the May 14, 2021 edition of SmackDown. 

Cain Velasquez Planning To Make Pro Wrestling Return This Year

Andrew Ravens
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Cain Velasquez has plans to make a pro wrestling return this year for the AAA promotion. 

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion announced the news during an appearance on In This Corner with Cyrus Fees. Before the announcement, he talked about how he wanted to develop himself further as a wrestler.

“Actually, I’m doing a show in December for AAA,” he said. “So for me, I love AAA and I’m going to keep doing that right now. I love WWE as well, but I have to first develop myself in that way in order for me to go out there.”

Velasquez started wrestling back in 2019 as he worked two matches for AAA including a trios match teaming with Cody Rhodes and Psycho Clown in a winning effort against El Texano Jr., Taurus, and Killer Kross (best known as NXT Champion Karrion Kross.

The former UFC star then signed a contract with WWE in 2019. Velasquez lost his debut match under the WWE banner when he faced WWE Champion Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel. 

He most recently worked a tag team match in Mexico at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico for a house show back in November 2019. 

Velasquez successfully had his knee scoped in February 2020, but was released from WWE in April of 2020 due to cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WWE SummerSlam Promoted With Odd Event Name

Kristen Ashly
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Fans were met with an odd event name when trying to buy tickets for WWE Summerslam.

Twitter user @GodofWrestling posted Friday about receiving two separate notifications via Ticketmaster for SummerSlam, with the promoted event name “WWE SummerSlam vs. WWE”. Several Twitter users replied to the tweet claiming they also received the same notifications.

Shortly after the odd notifications were sent, the name was changed back to “WWE SummerSlam”.

Though the peculiar event name could have been a mistake, WWE has stated that fans can expect some surprises for the upcoming show.

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Stephanie McMahon was quoted saying as saying:

“SummerSlam is special, It’s the first time we’re going to an NFL stadium [for SummerSlam], and it’s only the second time we’ve ever been in a stadium. It’s about bringing people together and celebrating these huge moments.

This will be our biggest pay-per-view with full capacity [since Elimination Chamber in March 2020],” said Stephanie McMahon, “and we can’t wait to show off our surprises, too.”

WWE’s biggest show of the summer takes place August 21 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

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