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Watch Jay White Confront Kenny Omega At Slammiversary

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

AEW champion Kenny Omega had a confrontation with the NJPW’s Never Openweight Champion Jay White during tonight’s Slammiversary PPV event.

The Cleaner defended his title against Sami Callihan in a NO DQ main event during tonight’s PPV. Omega managed to pick up the victory in the bout after delivering a one winged angel to Callihan over thumbtacks.

The world champion was celebrating with his partners in Impact tag champs The Good Brothers and Don Callis when the lights went out. The Bullet Club leader Jay White then made his entrance.

As White got in the ring, the other wrestlers offered up the ‘Too Sweet’ hand gesture. The NJPW champion was still considering his next move when the cameras stopped rolling and the show came to a close.

https://twitter.com/SkullsMedia/status/1416593529082548225

People in attendance noted that after the cameras went out, the team of David Finlay and Juice Robinson collectively known as FinJuice came out and tried to attack Jay White.

However, the Bullet Club member managed to hit his finisher on Robinson before heading back. FinJuice had made their surprise return to Impact Wrestling earlier in the night.

There is no word yet on whether White will feud with Omega or join forces with him. We will have to wait and see what the officials have planned for the two.

TJP Pulled From Slammiversary, Final Card For Tonight

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling has announced a change to tonight’s Slammiversary PPV. It’s a change that opens up another potential mystery spot on the show. Impact has announced that TJP is off tonight’s show but the match he was involved in will still go ahead as scheduled, just without him in it.

“TJP is unable to participate in tomorrow’s IMPACT Wrestling Pay-Per-View event, Slammiversary,” Impact’s update reads. ” The match-up will still go ahead as a four-way attraction.”

TJP was scheduled to team with Fallah Bah in the 4-way match for the Impact tag titles. The other teams were the champions Violent By Design, The Good Brothers Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows, and the team of Rich Swann & Willie Mack. Impact has not revealed if Fallah Bah will be getting a new partner. It’s possible a mystery person could be slotted into the position.

Updated Card For Slammiversary

  1. Impact World Championship
    No Disqualification
    Kenny Omega (c) vs Sami Callihan
  2. Knockouts Championship
    Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs A Mystery Opponent
  3. Impact Tag Team Championships
    Violent By Design (c) vs The Good Brothers vs Willie Mack & Rich Swann vs TJP & Fallah Bah
  4. Matt Cardona & ??? vs Brian Myers & Tenille Dashwood
  5. X-Division Championship
    Ultimate-X
    Josh Alexander (c) vs Rohit Raju vs Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel vs Ace Austin vs Petey Williams
  6. Moose vs Chris Sabin
  7. Eddie Edwards vs W. Morrissey
  8. Knockouts Tag Team Championships
    Fire N Flava (c) vs Rosemary & Havok (Kickoff show)

WWE Supershow Event In Gainesville, FL Canceled

Chris Stephens
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Yesterday, the State Farm Arena in Atlanta noted on its website that a planned Smackdown event on 9/17 will no longer be taking place from the venue. Today, the Stephen O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Fl has announced that a WWE house show event scheduled for August 8th, 2021 has also been canceled.

“The WWE Supershow originally scheduled for August 8 in Gainesville will no longer be taking place. Refunds are available from original points of purchase,” the venue’s website reads.

The show had 2,233 tickets distributed and it is believed the venue was set up for 3488 fans.

Second show canceled in as many days.

Atlanta’s State Farm Arena posted yesterday that the planned Smackdown on September 17th will no longer be taking place there. WWE has not provided any updates on this. As of this writing, WWE.com still lists the Smackdown for that day as taking place in Atlanta.

“Friday Night Smackdown on September 17 will no longer take place in Atlanta. Refunds are available at all points of purchase,” the State Farm Arena update reads. 

WWE had 14,000 fans in the Toyota Center in Houston last night for Smackdown. They are expected to have around 10,000 for Money in the Bank on Sunday. Around 8000 fans are then expected for RAW on Monday.

Stephanie McMahon spoke to Variety recently about what going back out in front of live audiences means for the company.

“I think I can speak for everybody that touches the WWE Universe — whether it is our fans, our Superstars, our employees, or our partners — we absolutely cannot wait to get back together and come back home where we belong,” she said. “And even though we never went off the air and we continue to produce our content, even though we brought in nearly a million virtual fans over this time period through the ThunderDome with over 70 plus live shows, there’s still just such a huge component missing without fans physically in attendance.”

PROGRESS Chapter 115 Full Card on Peacock and WWE Network

Jake Skudder
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PROGRESS Chapter 115: For The Hearts That Never Played In Tune will be taking place today on Peacock, WWE Network and demandPROGRESS.

The card has three major Championship matches, with Cara Noir, Kanji and Lykos Gym all putting their gold on the line during the show.

Cara Noir will be facing British wrestling legend Jody Fleisch on the show, with the ‘Phoenix’ Fleisch having two impressive wins under his belt since returning to the promotion this year. Fleisch is most known for his appearances in ROH in the early 2000s and PWG Battle of Los Angeles entry in 2019.

Kanji will also be defending her title against Gisele Shaw and Laura Di Matteo in a triple threat match. Shaw attacked both Kanji and Di Matteo at the end of the last Chapter show, leading to this three-way for the belt.

The PROGRESS Tag Team Championships will also be on the line this weekend as Lykos Gym (Kid Lykos and Kid Lykos II) will be defending against Big Money Gun Dogs (Gene Munny and Big Guns Joe) in a Doghouse Rules match.

PROGRESS Chapter 115

Here’s the full card for the show:

  • PROGRESS World Championship Match – Cara Noir (c) vs Jody Fleisch
  • Malik (w/Kosta Konstantinou) vs Ethan Allen (w/Luke Jacobs)
  • Chris Ridgeway vs Warren Banks – No Rope Breaks
  • PROGRESS Tag Team Championship Dog House Rules Match – Big Money Gun Dogs vs Lykos Gym (c)
  • Greedy Souls vs Sunshine Machine
  • Taonga vs Alexxis Falcon
  • PROGRESS Women’s Championship Match – Kanji (c) vs Laura Di Matteo vs Gisele Shaw
  • Mercedez Blaze (w/Taonga) vs Roxxy Hellz Belle
  • Nick Riley vs Charlie Sterling – PROGRESS Championship #1 Contender’s Match

WHERE AND HOW TO WATCH: 

WWE Network (worldwide)

demandPROGRESS (worldwide)

Peacock (US only)

VOD Platforms

Update On The Rock vs Roman Reigns for WrestleMania 38

Jake Skudder
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WWE have been hoping to get a WrestleMania main event of The Rock vs Roman Reigns for years, and now it appears as though the contest will be taking place at WrestleMania 38.

In the most recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer would claim that WWE are looking at a potential tag team match including the two megastars just in case they’re unable to get The Rock in a singles match for insurance or worries surrounding health.

With WWE wanting to continue The Bloodline/Family storyline with Reigns and The Usos; The Rock may be teaming with Jey Uso and Roman teaming with Jimmy Uso. The reverse of this has also been considered, depending on which of the Usos is a babyface or heel before the match.

The Rock vs Roman Reigns

WWE do prefer the idea of having The Rock vs Roman Reigns as a singles match on the card, however having Dwayne Johnson on a WrestleMania marquee is better than not having Dwayne Johnson on a WrestleMania marquee. So if the company have to run with a tag team match it is worth it.

Dave Meltzer would also claim that The Rock may be weary of making a return for a singles match. The 49 year old megastar has a strong history with wrestling across his family dynasty and he does not want to look bad in a potential return.

“Obviously the singles match is the preferred match but any involvement of Rock is preferred over him not doing the show” Meltzer wrote in the Observer. “Because at 49, the idea of him coming back would lessen each year because he doesn’t need it, but he always has a soft spot in his heart for wrestling and family but he’s also not going to do it if he’s going to look bad because I don’t think he wants that Undertaker-Goldberg moment.”

Do you think we’ll see The Rock vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 38? Let us know in the comments

Chris Jericho Says That Conor McGregor is “Done, and he knows it”

Jake Skudder
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AEW star and former WWE/WCW legend Chris Jericho recently appeared on the Keepin It 100 with Konnan podcast. ‘Le Champion’ and leader of The Inner Circle discussed a number of topics during the show, including last weekend’s UFC 264 event that saw Conor McGregor lose to Dustin Poirier.

McGregor lost the fight due to doctor stoppage, with the Irish fighter’s ankle breaking towards the end of the first round, thus meaning he could not continue. Although Jericho doesn’t appear to be working an angle, he said that McGregor is ‘done’ in the sport of MMA.

“Conor’s done and I think everyone knows it,” Chris Jericho began on Konnan’s podcast. “I think he knows it. I think the best thing that could’ve happened is that he snapped his ankle, because he would’ve lost in the second round.”

Chris Jericho Talks Conor McGregor

“Herb Dean almost called it at the end of the first, but he was letting it go because it was towards the end and it’s a championship, million dollar fight” the former Y2J continued. “Not a championship but it was a million dollar fight. Those elbows in the corner man, once you get a guy down like that he’s finished.”

“So I think it was actually a stroke of fate that’s going to end up making them all more money that Conor broke his ankle” Jericho added. “Because he would’ve been done in about another two minutes anyway.”

“The only thing I would say for Dustin, if he’s going to take a number four, which I would say ‘go f**k yourself, I’m not doing it.’ I’d say ‘okay, you want number four? I want a 50-50 purse split with Conor.’ See what happens” Jericho would then conclude.

Would you like to see Conor McGregor have a run in pro wrestling? If so, would you rather he be in WWE or AEW? Let us know in the comments

WWE SmackDown Results (7/16): Reigns & Edge, Finn Balor, MITB Go-Home Show

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. It was the first time in 70 weeks that there was a live crowd in attendance for SmackDown. Tonight’s episode of SmackDown was the final show before WWE Money in the Bank this Sunday night.

https://twitter.com/VinceMcMahon/status/1416183364781060097?s=20

SmackDown Results (7/16)

  1. Roman Reigns & The Usos def. Edge, Dominik, Rey Mysterio
  2. Shotzi & Nox def. Natalya & Tamina
  3. Bianca Belair def. Carmella to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship
  4. Cesaro def. Otis via DQ
  5. Seth Rollins def. Big E, Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura in a Fatal 4-Way

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Edge Made Reigns Tap

Vince McMahon kicked off the show and welcomed the crowd back. Vince simply said “where the hell have you been?” and exited.

Universal Champion Roman Reigns then made his entrance to a some loud boos and cheers. Reigns got two pyros during his entrance, one at the top of the ramp and one in the ring. Reigns and The Usos faced Edge and The Mysterios in the first match of the night. Edge got an incredible pop from the crowd.

Edge controlled the action early and lifted Jimmy up in the corner. Rey tagged in and hit a Senton. Dominik tagged in and hit Jimmy with a springboard Moonsault for a near fall. Jey tagged in and took control before tagging Reigns in. Roman dragged Dominik out of the ring as the crowd booed.

Reigns planted Dominik with a Suplex and shoved him back out of the ring. Roman Powerbombed Dominik onto the announce table but it did not break as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Edge tagged in and got in some offense. Edge leveled Reigns with a Clothesline outside the ring and then tagged in Rey.

Mysterio planted Jey with a Tornado DDT and went for the cover but Jimmy broke it up at two. Dominik hit Jimmy with a Splash outside the ring but got launched into the ring post by Reigns. Rey went for the 619 on Jey but Reigns blocked it and slammed Mysterio into apron. Edge came out of nowhere and leveled Reigns with a Spear. Jimmy hit Rey with a cheap shot and Jey rolled him up while using the tights for leverage for the pinfall victory.

After the match, a brawl broke out and The Usos beat down the Mysterios in the corner. Edge brought a chair into the ring and beat the hell out of Jimmy and Jey. Roman hit Edge with a Superman Punch and posed as the crowd booed. Reigns then took a look at the chair and broke off a piece of steel. Before Reigns could do anything, Edge decked him with another Spear.

Edge then crawled towards the steel and grabbed it with an insane look in his eyes. Edge got Reigns in a Crossface with the steel across his face and Roman tapped. The Rated R Superstar posed with the Universal Championship before tossing on top of Reigns. Roman Reigns will defend the Universal Championship against Edge this Sunday at Money in the Bank.

Seth Rollins Mocked Edge

Kayla Braxton interviewed Edge backstage and he said that making Roman tap out like a bitch just now won’t make a difference this Sunday. Edge stated that he has to do whatever it takes to beat Roman. Seth Rollins interrupted by cackling behind Edge in a ridiculously awesome suite. Rollins said that Edge cannot beat Reigns but hopes that he does win so he can cash in on. Seth said he wants to finish the job he started 7 years ago when he couldn’t pull the trigger.

Finn Balor Returned

Sami Zayn came down to the ring and complained about the conspiracies against him. Sami tried to get the crowd on his side but they rejected him. Finn Balor made his return and joined Sami in the ring. Zayn tried to attack him but Balor fought him off. Finn then hit Sami with a Dropkick and the Coup de Grace before posing for the crowd.

Shotzi & Nox Pinned The Champs

Shotzi & Nox battled Natalya & Tamina tonight. Zelina Vega & Liv Morgan joined commentary for the match. Tamina connected with a Body Slam and then sent Shotzi to the corner. Natalya tagged in and stomped Shotzi down to the canvas. Shotzi battled back with a slam and started to climb the ropes but got distracted by Tamina.

Natalya and Tamina isolated Shotzi in the corner of the ring and took turns beating her down. Shotzi hit some kicks and finally was able to tag in Nox. Nox sent Natalya to the corner and leveled her with an uppercut.

Nox hit a Senton and followed it up with a Shining Wizard. Nox went for the cover but Tamina broke up at two and the match continued. Liv and Zelina started trading punches outside the ring. Liv leaped off the steel steps and hit a Clothesline as Natalya was rolled up in the ring.

After the match, Tamina and Natalya attacked Zelina and Liv. Morgan battled back and sent Tamina into the steel steps. Liv then slammed Natalya to the mat and pointed at the MITB briefcases above the ring as the crowd cheered.

Bianca Belair Retained

Bianca Belair defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella tonight on SmackDown. Belair leveled Carmella with a shoulder tackle and followed it up with a Dropkick. Carmella battled back with some elbows to the face and then a Bronco Buster for a one count.

Carmella slammed Belair’s shoulder into the ring post and then launched the SmackDown Women’s Champion into the barricade. Back in the ring, Carmella went for the cover but Belair kicked out at two. Carmella threw Belair into the barricade again as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Belair connected with a Moonsault and went for the cover but Carmella kicked out at two. Bianca made her way to the top rope but Carmella tripped her up. Carmella connected with a Hurricanrana off the top rope for a near fall.

Carmella slammed Belair’s face off the turnbuckle and applied a Guillotine choke but Belair showed off her power with a vertical Suplex for a near fall. Belair went to whip Carmella with her hair but she avoided it. Carmella connected with a Superkick for a near fall. Carmella started to boot Belair in the face while holding her hair. Belair broke free and whipped Carmella. Bianca followed it up with the KOD for the pinfall victory. Bianca Belair is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Alpha Academy Beat Down Cesaro

Alpha Academy cut a backstage promo tonight and Gable claimed that Otis was going to defeat Cesaro tonight. Gable asked what that smell was and Otis said “fear”. Cesaro showed up and Otis attacked him as SmackDown went to a break.

Cesaro held his ribs on the way down to the ring as WWE rolled highlights of Otis and Cesaro. Otis went right after Cesaro and beat him down in the corner as Gable cheered him on. Cesaro connected with some uppercuts but got distracted as Gable hopped on the apron. Otis capitalized with a slam and charged at Cesaro but it backfired.

Cesaro sent Otis into the ring post and then out of the ring. Gable interfered and hit a German Suplex to end the match in DQ. Cesaro got up and leveled Gable with an uppercut and followed it up with The Swing. Otis broke it up with a shoulder tackle and then hit Cesaro with a Splash in the corner as the crowd booed. Otis climbed to the middle rope and hit Cesaro with a Vader Bomb to end the segment.

Baron Corbin Needs Your Money

Baron Corbin somberly walked down to the ring to a chorus of boos as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Corbin was standing in the ring as highlights of Nakamura winning the crown from Baron and the series of unfortunate events that have happened to Corbin in recent weeks. Corbin had a stain on his shirt and said that he has lost all of his money and the bank is threatening to foreclose on his house.

The crowd chanted “what?” as Corbin said his two year old is sick because she has to eat spaghetti out of a can. Corbin added that they might have to move in with his wife’s parents. Baron said that everyone can help him out of these dark financial times and revealed that he has started a crowd funded site. The site is corbinfund.com and Baron asked for $100,000. Corbin then got on his knees and begged everyone before Kevin Owens’ theme hit before the main event.

Corbin told Owens that he wants to believe that Kevin is out here because he wants to help him. Corbin added that if Kevin and other superstars help him the fans will fall in line. Baron said Owens has a heart but everyone knows that Kevin doesn’t spend money on his wardrobe. Owens booted Corbin in the midsection and followed it up with a Stunner to end the segment.

Rollins Picked Up A Win Heading Into Money In The Bank

Big E interrupted a Paul Heyman interview backstage. Big E vowed to win the Money in the Bank contract and joked that Edge “has a hold” of Roman Reigns. Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins battled in a Fatal 4-Way

Rollins was about to leave but Big E hit him with a Spear off the apron. Kevin Owens hit Big E with a Senton and Nakamura followed it up with a knee to Owens as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Big E hit Owens with a Clothesline and kicked him out of the ring. Big E sent Nakamura to the outside and battled with Owens again. Kevin climbed to the top rope and traded punches with Big E. Nakamura joined Big E on the top rope and planted Owens with a Superplex. Rollins missed with a Frog Splash and battled with Nakamura.

Shinsuke kneed Seth in the ribs and sent him out of the ring. Nakamura booted Owens in the face and followed it up with an Exploder Suplex. Shinsuke went for the Kinshasa but Big E got in the way. Big E hit the Big Ending on Nakamura but Rollins broke up the cover.

Rollins grabbed a ladder from outside the ring and brought it inside. Seth bashed Shinsuke with the ladder and knocked him out of the ring. Rollins cleared off the announce table and put Nakamura on top of it. Seth climbed a ladder but Owens knocked him down. Owens climbed to the top of the ladder and hit a ridiculous Elbow Drop through the table. Big E and Rollins traded punches in the ring. Seth connected with a Stomp on top of the ladder and pinned Big E for the victory. Rollins climbed the ladder and posed with the MITB briefcase to end the show.

Finn Balor Returns On WWE SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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As expected, Finn Balor made his return on Friday’s episode of SmackDown on FOX. 

The former Universal Champion did so when he interrupted Sami Zayn on the show that was held from Houston, Texas. Zayn was in the ring talking about conspiracy theories and he tried to get the fans to rally behind him. Zayn tried to attack him but Balor countered and hit the coup de grace.

Balor returned to NXT in October 2019. This came after he asked for time off after he lost to Bray Wyatt at the SummerSlam pay-per-view event. WWE never intended for Balor to continue his feud with Wyatt. Instead, Balor was supposed to be moved from Raw to SmackDown once he returned after taking time off. 

However, plans changed when NXT moved from the WWE Network to the USA Network in September 2019. After getting beat in the ratings when they went head-to-head with AEW Dynamite on TNT in the same time slot, WWE decided to move him to NXT with the idea that his star power could make more of a difference there.

Balor won the NXT Title for a second time in September 2020 by beating Adam Cole for the vacant title. Balor lost the NXT Championship to Karrion Kross at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver in April and then lost the rematch a few weeks later.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. Works Dark Match At WWE SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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Davey Boy Smith Jr. is back with WWE as he worked a dark match before Friday’s episode of SmackDown went live on FOX. 

Smith teamed up with Austin Theory to beat Odyssey Jones and Xyon Quinn in a tag team bout from Houston, Texas at the Toyota Center. These NXT stars were there as part of the ongoing tryout process to see if they’re ready for the main roster. 

WWE hasn’t announced that Smith has signed with the company, but this would imply that he has done so. There’s no word yet on when he’ll make his TV return. 

His first run with the company came from 2006-2011 and then went to work for various promotions such as NJPW and MLW. Smith confirmed in an interview this past February that he had talks with WWE and the plan would see him work on the NXT UK brand.

Smith inducted his father into the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame class this past April over WrestleMania 37 weekend. It was most recently reported by Dave Meltzer in April that Smith was still in talks with WWE to return, but hadn’t reached an agreement at the time. 

Four NXT Stars Reported Backstage at WWE SmackDown

Kristen Ashly
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0

Details have surfaced stating four NXT Superstars are present backstage for Friday’s WWE SmackDown.

Friday, Xyon Quinn, formerly known as Daniel Vidot, tweeted a picture of him and NXT Superstar Odyssey Jones backstage in Houston. Later Friday afternoon, PWInsider reported that Xia Li, Austin Theory and Aliyah were also backstage.

Prior to their debut on main, Shotzi, Toni Storm and Tegan Nox all showcased their skills in dark matches, for WWE management’s consideration. It’s likely these four NXT Superstars are also wrestling in dark matches for similar reasons.

Wednesday, WrestleVotes disclosed that a trade had happened between rosters, landing Mandy Rose back on WWE NXT and moving Aliyah up to WWE Raw. Multiple outlets confirmed that Aliyah impressed management during a scouting trip.

These reports also follow the rumored return of Finn Balor on tonight’s Money In The Bank go-home show.

https://twitter.com/DanielVidot/status/1416141541702258689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1416141541702258689%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwrestletalk.com%2Fnews%2Fmore-nxt-stars-backstage-smackdown-2%2F

Impact Wrestling Is Making A Major Play For Ex-WWE Star

Andrew Ravens
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0

Impact Wrestling is interested in signing one former WWE star and that’s Buddy Murphy. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Impact is making a “major play” for Murphy.

Murphy was thought of highly in WWE among his peers for being an excellent worker and someone who wasn’t used to his full potential while with the company. 

WWE did have plans last year to give him another push, but it was nixed. This was around the time that Murphy was involved in a storyline with the Mysterio family and Seth Rollins then was paired with Aalyah Mysterio. 

The former WWE star recently did an interview with Chris Van Vliet where he talked about a wide range of topics including Bruce Prichard telling him that plans for this storyline were dropped cold only for a few months to pass with WWE teasing going back to Murphy being paired with Rollins and them being back on good terms. However, that was dropped and eventually, Murphy got released by WWE. 

Murphy’s non-compete clause expires on August 31st. Thus, while some former WWE stars are expected at Slammiversary on Saturday night, Murphy won’t be one of them.

Potential Spoiler On Another Big Return For Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

Kristen Ashly
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0

Another speculated WWE return has surfaced, this time rumored to happen during Friday’s SmackDown.

A tweet posted by WrestleVotes on Friday hints at the possible return of Finn Balor for Friday’s episode of Smackdown in Houston. The tweet states Friday’s “SmackDown will be #2Sweet & #4Everyone“, referencing Balor.

Balor returned to NXT in October 2019 for a stint, winning the WWE NXT Championship from Adam Cole almost a year later in September 2020. Balor successfully defended the title several times before losing it to the current WWE NXT Champion Karrion Kross in April at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.

Now it appears Balor is back to the main roster as WWE returns to the road during the big push to SummerSlam.

The rumor of Balor’s SmackDown return joins several others during the final weeks leading up to August’s event.

According to a report on Thursday from PWInsider, Becky Lynch is set to make her return from maternity leave this weekend at Money In The Bank.

Also on Thursday, Fightful reported that WWE had plans in place for Goldberg to return to challenge WWE Champion Bobby Lashley in a title match at SummerSlam. Additionally, Fightful reported on Tuesday that John Cena was to appear on WWE programming over the next two weeks.

All of the reports and rumored returns line up with Stephanie McMahon’s promise in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated that the company had surprises in store for their return to the road.

Top AEW Star Ready To Return After Several Months

Michael Reichlin
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0

Rey Fenix will soon return to action for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The high-flying luchador has been sidelined since April with a groin injury. His most recent match was a win over Chuck Taylor on the April 21st edition of Dark: Elevation.

With Rey Fenix out of action, his partner Penta El Zero Miedo has teamed with PAC and Eddie Kingston. Penta and Kingston recently made a run at the AEW tag titles and even scored a victory over the champions in a non-title match.

Expect to see the Lucha Bros. and Death Triangle reunited in the weeks ahead – just in time to start a new program with a very tranquilo individual.

This past week on AEW Dynamite, Andrade El Idolo stated that he’s looking for Death Triangle (PAC, Pentagon & Fenix). It’s unknown exactly what Andrade’s motives are, but we do know Andrade will be at Dynamite next week in hopes of meeting with Death Triangle.

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WWE Smackdown 9/17 Show In Atlanta Canceled

Chris Stephens
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0

The State Farm Arena in Atlanta has posted that the scheduled WWE Smackdown show from the venue on 9/17 has been canceled.

“Friday Night Smackdown on September 17 will no longer take place in Atlanta. Refunds are available at all points of purchase,” the website’s update reads.

WWE Ticket Sales News

WWE ticket sales for the company’s return to the road have not been selling as well as expected. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, some shows do have good numbers, however. For tonight’s show in the Toyota Center, the venue is sold out and 14,000 fans are expected. Money in the Bank has almost 10,000 tickets sold. The RAW show in Dallas on July 19th has 7300 tickets sold as of this writing.

In a recent interview with Variety, Stephanie McMahon spoke about WWE going back out on the road.

“I think I can speak for everybody that touches the WWE Universe — whether it is our fans, our Superstars, our employees, or our partners — we absolutely cannot wait to get back together and come back home where we belong,” she said. “And even though we never went off the air and we continue to produce our content, even though we brought in nearly a million virtual fans over this time period through the ThunderDome with over 70 plus live shows, there’s still just such a huge component missing without fans physically in attendance.”

First Look At The New Set For WWE Smackdown

Chris Stephens
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0

WWE will be revealing a new set for Smackdown tonight. The company’s first show back on the road will take place tonight from Houston’s Toyota Center. An image of the new set that will debut tonight is below:

E6bCPpzWEAQlTvg 2

WWE Hyping New Sets

According to comments Stephanie McMahon made recently to Variety, the new set for RAW will be the same as Smackdown’s. She also went into greater detail regarding what fans can expect from the new set up.

“We’re going to have a new set design, a new presentation of our talents, different locations, and arena setups,” McMahon said. “We’re going to be utilizing augmented reality in a way that we never have before. We experimented with it a lot during Thunderdome, but it is now going to be incorporated into our talent entrances. There’s also going to be animated graphics. It’s going to be so exciting and so different than anything we’ve done before.”

3 matches have been announced for tonight’s Smackdown. Bianca Belair will defend the Smackdown Women’s Championship against Carmella. Edge will team with the Mysterios to take on Roman Reigns and the Usos. Also Shinsuke Nakamura will team with Kevin Owens to take on Seth Rollins and Big E.

Dr Britt Baker Talks the Trial and Error Success of AEW’s Women’s Division

Alex Laybourne
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0

Current AEW Women’s Champion Dr Britt Baker has spoken to Daily Star Online about the evolution of the women’s division in AEW. The current champion has been with AEW since the very beginning and has grown and evolved as a performer each and every week ever since.

Talking candidly about AEW and its first three years, Dr Britt Baker openly admits that the AEW women’s roster were inexperienced when it comes to working live television.

“I came in and was pushed as one of the top girls [but] I’d never wrestled a match on live TV, I had no idea what a hard cam was and had never cut a live promo.” Dr Britt Baker said, speaking humbly, leaving her character at the door. “Now I humbly dub myself one of the faces of the whole company, and that has been a very challenging yet rewarding growth process.”

Dr Britt Baker Admits the NXT Women’s Division is Impressive

During the interview, talk turned towards WWE, specifically NXT. The black and gold brand was AEW’s biggest rival. Branded the Wednesday Night Wars, Dr Britt Baker stood at the forefront of the women’s division.

Baker was eager to point out that she has no hard feelings towards her competitors and is very close with many of them. “I love the NXT women’s division and am friends with so many of those girls.”

However, Dr Britt Baker was also keen to point out that WWE stars have an entire training complex to rely on. While the women of AEW did that in the ring before a live audience week in and week out. Honing their craft thanks to trial and error and the unwavering support of Tony Khan.

“But they have a Performance Center. My Performance Center was AEW Dynamite, live on Wednesday nights. I was learning as we go… you train in the ring, you cut promos and practice as much as you can, but I don’t have a wrestling ring in my back yard, a television set-up or a hard cam to pan to. So, a lot of what you see on tv was just trial and error because, again, we don’t have that Performance Center.”

During her time in AEW, Dr Britt Baker has defined herself as the ultimate professional. Earning fans respect the hard way, the organic way. By busting her butt each week, refining her promos and competing in matches. From squash matches to her record-setting unsanctioned match against Thunder Rosa.

With gold now around her waist, Dr Britt Baker is eager to lead the charge. Repaying Tony Khan for the faith he instilled in everyone on the AEW women’s roster.

Matt Cardona To Team With Mystery Partner At Slammiversary

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling has added a second match with a mystery participant to Slammiversary on Saturday.

On Thursday’s go-home edition of Impact on AXS TV, Tenille Dashwood hit Cardona with a low blow and appears to have aligned with Brian Myers. Scott D’Amore later announced a new match for Slammiversary that will see Myers and Dashwood against Cardona and a mystery partner of his choosing.

Chelsea Green might be the obvious choice for Cardona. It’s not clear if she will be medically fit come Saturday, however.

The other match with a mystery participant for Slammiversary is the Knockouts title match. 2 weeks ago, Gail Kim informed Purrazzo that she will not know who her Slammiversary opponent is ahead of time. Scott D’Amore teased several names for Purrazzo’s possible opponent in a backstage segment this week.

Final Card for Impact Slammiversary

  1. Impact World Championship
    No Disqualification
    Kenny Omega (c) vs Sami Callihan
  2. Knockouts Championship
    Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs A Mystery Opponent
  3. Impact Tag Team Championships
    Violent By Design (c) vs The Good Brothers vs Willie Mack & Rich Swann vs TJP & Fallah Bah
  4. Knockouts Tag Team Championships
    Fire N Flava (c) vs Rosemary & Havok
  5. X-Division Championship
    Ultimate-X
    Josh Alexander (c) vs Rohit Raju vs Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel vs Ace Austin vs Petey Williams
  6. Moose vs Chris Sabin
  7. Eddie Edwards vs W. Morrissey
  8. Matt Cardona & ??? vs Brian Myers & Tenille Dashwood

Kalisto Has One Major Regret From His Time With WWE

Alex Laybourne
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Recently released WWE wrestler Kalisto has spoken up about the single biggest regret he has from his time in WWE. Regrets can be haunting things, especially when they were within our own control the entire time.

For Kalisto, the regret was not something he did or something that was planned and then scrapped. Rather, it was something he wanted to propose but never felt bold enough to do. Despite having the approval of the wrestler involved.

The plan? A mask versus mask match with Rey Mysterio. Kalisto detailed the plan during an interview with Chris Van Vliet for his Insight podcast.

Kalisto was released from WWE after an 8 year run with the company. He was a solid performer and held several championships during his time. Yet sadly, never felt bold enough to suggest his idea. That was until just before his release. He had his entire idea mapped out in a storyboard, and was finally ready to give the pitch to Mr McMahon but was released before he had the chance.

Everybody Was On-Board with Kalisto’s Mask vs Mask Idea

As he talked, Kalisto explained how he had taken his idea to many of his colleagues, including Daniel Bryan, Edge and of course, Rey Mysterio. All of them thought his idea was fantastic. Paul Heyman going so far as to brand it a work of genius, urging the young star to pitch his idea.

Sadly, we never got to see Kalisto go up against Re Mysterio in a WWE ring. That is something that he openly admits his own fault.

 The man formerly known as Kalisto has not yet made any announcements about his ring return. However, he has already confirmed that he will revert to his old ring name of Samuray del Sol and has two new t-shirts available through his website or via Pro-Wrestling Tees.

Impact Results (7/15): Slammiversary Go-Home Show

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling on 7/15 was the go-home show for the Slammiversary PPV this weekend.

Impact Wrestling 7/15 Quick Results:

  1. Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering defeated Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb
  2. Havok defeated Tasha Steelz
  3. Steve Maclin defeated Kal Herro
  4. Josh Alexander, Chris Bey, Trey Miguel & Petey Williams defeated Ace Austin, Madman Fulton, Rohit Raju & Shera
  5. Moose defeated Hernandez
  6. Joe Doering w/ Violent By Design defeated Willie Mack w/ Rich Swann, Fallah Bahh w/ TJP & Doc Gallows w/ Karl Anderson

Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering Pick Up Measure Of Revenge On Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFXgd7SwiZ0

The team of Jordynne Grace and Rachel Ellering appear to be back on the same page. Last week on Impact, Tennille Dashwood attacked Jazz on the “All About Me” show. This led to the former knockouts tag team champions challenging her and her personal photographer to a match this week.

Ellering and Grace didn’t show any signs of the dissension that had previously broken up their team and got the victory after a double team assisted slam on Kaleb.

Havok Defeats Tasha Steelz Before Slammiversary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_gFv6ZQvAE

At Slammiversary on Saturday, Havok and Rosemary will challenge Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz for the Knockouts tag titles. Ahead of the title clash on PPV, Havok picked up a win over Steelz this week, finishing her off with a tombstone pilediver.

Later in the show, Rosemary spoke with James Mitchell about making Havok a full-fledged member of Decay before Slammiversary.

Susan Has Known All Along?

Was it Su Yung all along? Kimber Lee had previously sought out Father James Mitchell to assist in bringing Su Yung back out of Susan. This week, Kimber ran into Susan in the back and the frequently disgruntled woman revealed that she’s known about Su Yung all along. Susan then grabbed Kimber by the hair and tossed her into a room when the segment ended.

Steve Maclin Picks Up Another Win

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNK3HA1AIuk

Steve Maclin picked up another win in squash match style this week. He then cut a promo about “being done waiting” after.

Chris Bey Is Back To Not Having Picked A Side

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LE4fOJFxPs

For weeks, Chris Bey has been refusing to choose a side between the babyfaces and heels in the X-Division. He finally sided with the babyfaces last week but that wouldn’t last long. Bey picked up the win this week for the good guys after scoring a roll-up on Shera. After the match, however, Bey made it clear there will be no sides on Saturday at Slammiversary. it will be every man for himself in Ultimate X. Bey demonstrated this by attacked Trey and Alexander with a chair.

Tenille Dashwood Helps Brian Myers In Beatdown of Matt Cardona

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y-AgXNFMFk

Someone Matt Cardona has a history with, Tenille Dashwood, helped Brian Myers attack Matt Cardona this week. Myers and Sam Beale were out to adhere to the stipulation of the match last week and refer to Something as “a professional.” Myers said that Something might be professional but he’s not a star. Things then got physical between the 4 men when Tenille Dashwood appeared and gave a low blow to Cardona.

Following this, Cardona cut a promo in the back on Myers. Scott D’Amore then cut in and announced a match at Slammiversary pitting Myers and Dashwood against Cardona and a mystery female wrestler.

Chris Sabin Saves Hernandez From Moose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR3140UWQyc

Moose defeated Hernandez in singles action this week. After the match, he wrapped Super Mex’s leg in a steel chair but Moose’s Slammiversary opponent Chris Sabin made the save. Sabin then wrapped Moose’s leg in a chair but Moose was able to escape.

Joe Doering and Violent By Design Build Momentum For Slammiversary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMAHlQ4a4ko

In a 4-way match this week, Joe Doering pinned Fallah Bah, giving Violent By Design the edge leading to the tag title match at Slammiversary on Saturday. Eric Young’s faction stood tall to end the show.

Slammiversary Lineup

  1. Impact World Championship
    No Disqualification
    Kenny Omega (c) vs Sami Callihan
  2. Knockouts Championship
    Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs A Mystery Opponent
  3. Impact Tag Team Championships
    Violent By Design (c) vs The Good Brothers vs Willie Mack & Rich Swann vs TJP & Fallah Bah
  4. Knockouts Tag Team Championships
    Fire N Flava (c) vs Rosemary & Havok
  5. X-Division Championship
    Ultimate-X
    Josh Alexander (c) vs Rohit Raju vs Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel vs Ace Austin vs Petey Williams
  6. Moose vs Chris Sabin
  7. Eddie Edwards vs W. Morrissey
  8. Matt Cardona & ??? vs Brian Myers & Tenille Dashwood

Sean Waltman Confirms WWE Is Creating a Post 9/11 Documentary

Alex Laybourne
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Two-time Hall of Fame inductee Sean Waltman has broken the news that WWE are currently working on a new documentary. This will focus on the first show they held immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attack.

While talking during an appearance on the Pro Wrestling 4 Life podcast, Sean Waltman spoke about the recent anniversary of the NWO formation. It was much celebrated on the WWE network. It was then, during that conversation that Waltman let the details slip.

“I sat down for some talking head stuff. They’re doing a documentary on the SmackDown after 9/11. I have vivid memories of all that. We were the first ones to do anything after that happened.” Sean Waltman revealed.

He didn’t have any more details that he was able to divulge, but the announcement is newsworthy in and of itself.

WWE was the first company to hold a live event with a crowd after the attacks. It was a special night that carries with it more than a little historical significance.

Sean Waltman Wil Likely Feature in the New WWE Documentary

While many people are highly critical of the WWE in-ring product right now, one fact remains unshakable. They make fantastic documentaries and behind the scenes shows. A documentary detailing the events leading up to and surrounding their show immediately following the 9/11 attacks would be a very emotional affair. Sean Waltman was there that night and will surely play a part in the final documentary.

While Sean Waltman was unable to give any more specifics about the show, he was clearly given the all-clear to mention it. With the 20th anniversary of the attack this year, it is likely that the documentary will air sometime around then.

There is something even more haunting about a documentary regarding the terrorist attacks, as we stand at the end of a pandemic that saw crowds removed from wrestling shows for over eighteen months. Wrestling is entertainment, but it is something that has been there for some of the largest moments of our generation. For many, it is the lifeline that gets us through the tough times that life throws our way.

Bray Wyatt Reaches Out to the WWE Universe “I Miss You Guys”

Alex Laybourne
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The RAW after Wrestlemania was the last time anybody saw Bray Wyatt on WWE television. Missing since then, little has been said about him or the Fiend. The reasons for his absence have been documented and are not due to any problems or squabbles behind the scenes.

However, it has left the WWE universe wondering when we will see Bray Wyatt back on your screens. Whatever character he plays, his pull with the fans has always been nothing short of spectacular.

So much so that a fan recently took to Twitter to express how much they miss Bray. Little did they know, but the superstar would answer, proclaiming he missed the WWE universe just as much as they missed him.

There is no word when Bray Wyatt is set to return, however, his image has been used recently for some upcoming live events.

Would We See Bray Wyatt Return at Money in the Bank?

WWE have a long history of springing surprise returns in the main event of PPV matches. With both the WWE and Universal Championships being defended at Money in the Bank this Sunday, there is every chance that we will see Bray Wyatt make a sudden return.

Bray is a former WWE champion, and will surely want to get himself back into the title hunt. Interfering in a title match would be a great way to start a feud with whoever emerges victorious.

That is, of course, pure speculation. However, with Bray Watt being advertised for RAW on August 9th, you have to expect WWE to at least have some video packages ready to go. These could make a wonderful little distraction to change the tide of a title fight.

There is also the unanswered story of Bray Wyatt and Alexa Bliss, who is competing in the MITB ladder match. The more you look at it, the more plausible angles you can find for the fiend to return this Sunday.

Edge Brings Relevance to the WWE 24/7 Title Drawing R-Truths Ire

Alex Laybourne
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Edge has returned to WWE with a renewed vigor and attitude. His feud with Roman Reigns over the Universal Championship has been running since his victory at the Royal Rumble. However, talking on a recent episode of Talking Smack, he threw shade at another WWE champion. The 24/7 champion, R-Truth.

Talking to the show’s presenters, Edge referenced his accolades in WWE and then shot down the 24/7 belt. This dig did not sit well with R-Truth.

“But I’ve been there, done that. I’ve won 31 championships; that’s more than anyone else in this company, and I’m sorry I don’t count the 24/7 Championships.” Edge ranted.

The comments drew fire from R-Truth, who is the current 24/7 champion with a record-setting 52 reigns. Truth, who wasn’t on the show, took to Twitter to settle to score with Edge and make it clear which title he feels the more important.

Edge Making the 24/7 Title Relevant

The majority of professional wrestling is scripted in some way. All wrestlers are playing characters, and their words and thoughts belong to that character rather than them. Very few are better at this than R-Truth, whose goofball character never fails to win over the crowd.

Everybody knows that the 24/7 title is not a ‘real’ title. However, with Edge mentioning it on Talking Smack, you do have to wonder if there is an angle being planned. Something to either add relevance to the title or to give R-Truth a feud of his own. Coincidences are not often accidental in professional wrestling. While they make an odd pairing, it would be a fun feud to watch however long it lasts.

It’s hard to think of a wrestler more liked than R-Truth, and while not the youngest, he is entertaining and certain still has ‘it.’  Very few fans would begrudge him being given an interesting storyline, whether it ends with a more legitimate title or not. With Edge’s feud with Roman surely coming to a head this weekend, one way or another he will be looking for a new direction.

Bayley Undergoes Successful Surgery on Torn ACL

Alex Laybourne
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WWE superstar Bayley has undergone successful surgery to repair her torn ACL. The injury occurred during a training session at the performance centre. Training sessions were imposed by Vince McMahon ahead of the return of live crowds.

Bayley’s injury could not have come at a worse time as she was preparing to face off against WWE Smackdown Women’s champion Bianca Belair in an I Quit match at Money in the Bank. Injuries are a part of wrestling and plans often need to change last minute. However, for Bayley who was enjoying a good push after being largely marginalized during Wrestlemania it will be a big blow.

The title match that was set for Money in the Bank has since been pulled from the card. Instead, Belair will defend against Camella on the go home edition of Smackdown.

Tweeting from her hospital bed, Bayley remained in her heel character, blaming the fans for her injury. “Can’t wait to miss the first show in front of fans again. I blame YOU for this. Thanks a lot,” she wrote.

Bayley Has Come a Long Way

Bayley has been a mainstay in WWE ever since her time in NXT. Her character and in-ring abilities have evolved over the years and she is not one of the more interesting heels on the roster. While the character she is building doesn’t always appear to be fully understood by the creative minds driving it, she has great potential is allowed to explore it fully.

This injury will be a blow, and nine months is a long time to miss. Hopefully, though she will be back on programming before then, in a non-competitive role. It would suit her heel persona, allowing her time to build on it during her time out of the ring.

One thing is for sure, Bayley will be back. She will be eager to get her hands on WWE gold once more.

Spoiler On Goldberg’s Return To WWE Television

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is tapping into legacy talent to ensure the road to SummerSlam generates as much buzz as possible. In the weeks ahead, we’ll see the returns of John Cena and Becky Lynch. Another box office attraction set to return soon is one Bill Goldberg.

The 54-year-old star is scheduled to appear at Monday’s WWE Raw from Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center. The news was first reported at Fightful Select. This is the first WWE Raw “on the road” with fans since March 2020.

WWE is planning for Goldberg to challenge WWE Champion Bobby Lashley at SummerSlam on Sunday, August 21st.

Goldberg’s WWE contract runs through 2022 and calls for two matches per year.

In 2019, he lost to The Undertaker at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia in June before defeating Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam in Toronto.

Last year, the legendary pro wrestler beat The Fiend for the Universal title at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia in February only to drop it a few months later to Braun Strowman on night one of WrestleMania 36. 

Goldberg was last seen in action back in January at the Royal Rumble. That match was also for the WWE Championship. He came up short against Drew McIntyre.

WALTER Injured, WWE NXT UK Title Match Delayed

Andrew Ravens
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0

Fans will have to wait to see WALTER vs. Ilja Dragunov II a bit longer than next week on WWE NXT UK. 

WWE announced today that WALTER has suffered an injury to his left hand and is unable to defend his NXT United Kingdom Championship against the challenger on the show. 

WWE did a storyline where they blamed the injury on a backstage altercation between WALTER and Dragunov that wasn’t shown. The company said that details about the injury are sketchy at this point, but the medical staff has deemed the injury to be “severe” and WALTER isn’t fit to compete next week. 

It was added that more information on the situation will be revealed on next Thursday’s NXT UK. During the latest episode of NXT UK, there was an in-ring press conference segment with WALTER and Dragunov shown before the news of WALTER’s injury. 

Fans were looking forward to this match as the original bout was one of the best to take place in 2020. That title contest went down last October that saw WALTER go over to retain the title. Since that time, Dragunov has struggled with temper issues in storyline but continued to progress in order to get it under control. 

Dragunov became the number one contender to WALTER’s title when he defeated Rampage Brown and Joe Coffey in a triple threat match on NXT UK in June.

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