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AJ Styles On What The Undertaker Gave Him Following Boneyard Match

Chris Stephens
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AJ Styles was the Undertaker’s final opponent. Taker defeated Styles in a Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36. He would then officially announce his retirement during the “Last Ride” docuseries on the WWE Network.

During a recent appearance on Ryan Satin’s “Out of Character” podcast, Styles talked about wanting to give Taker a memento from their match.

“I called his wife [Michelle McCool] and I was like, ‘Hey, what does he want? Because I need to get him something,’” Styles said. “She was just like, ‘Hey, well, give him your gloves. That would mean a lot to him if you signed a glove.’ I was like, ‘Alright.’ Michelle hooked me up.”

As he continued, Styles noted that Undertaker sent him his gloves as well and also included a nice thank you letter.

“Hopefully that was a gift that he enjoyed. He actually sent his gloves to me with a very nice thank you letter, which meant the world to me.”

During a previous interview with Sports Illustrated last year, Styles spoke about just how long it took to shoot the cinematic style match.

“I don’t know if everyone knows how long it actually took,” Styles said. “We started around eight o’clock, and we didn’t get finished ‘til about 4:30 in the morning. It was basically a movie, so we needed to get cameras in the right spot and walk through some stuff that was going to happen. I have a lot more respect for actors after working on those fight scenes.”

Bayley Says Recent WWE Releases Have “Hit Her Hard”

Chris Stephens
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Bayley was recently interviewed by Metro UK and spoke about how the recent WWE roster cuts have hit her especially hard. The host of “Ding Dong Hello” said that it’s hard to not be sharing a locker room with many of her friends anymore.

“For me, the past few have been really hard because most of them are really good friends and so talented, and I’m just like, “What?!” she said during the interview. “It’s really hard not to see certain ones in our locker room and share travelling the road together.”

Many wrestlers have gone on to reinvent themselves or reinvigorate their careers after being released by WWE, however. Bayley continued to say that she is excited to see what some of the released talent don’t.

 “I know that everything happens for a reason in life, and whatever that may be, we’ll found out later, but I know they’re gonna be successful. I just can’t wait to see them all do their thing, wherever that may be.”

Bayley specifically mentioned Tyler Breeze as someone who the rest of the roster in WWE benefitted from.

“I’ve been to his school and I’ve seen all his students, how much fun they have learning from him and the consistent students he has coming in – that just goes to show that he’s doing something right,” Bayley said of Breeze.

“He’s such a good guy, he’s hilarious, he’s passionate and he’s such a hard worker.”

Cesaro Talks WWE Returning To The UK Later This Year

Jake Skudder
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WWE Superstar Cesaro recently spoke to GiveMeSport’s Louis Dangoor. The tenured SmackDown Superstar discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the return of WWE to the United Kingdom later this year.

This will be the first time that the company has ventured overseas since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Many fans in Europe and the UK would travel to the United States for WrestleMania, however they could not for WrestleMania 37 due to travel restrictions, so these could be pretty big shows for the company when they head over the Atlantic in September.

Cesaro on Return To The UK

“Europe is just the best. I’m biased as well, so you’re asking the wrong guy, but it’s the passion, it’s the love” Cesaro said in the interview with GiveMeSport. “It’s the fact that you don’t get those live events all the time, you don’t get the TV events all the time.”

“That’s why whenever we broadcast TV from England it’s just special, it’s different” Cesaro continued. “It’s the energy, it’s the fans, it’s the passion, it’s the chants. It’s everything and that’s what makes it. That’s what makes it different, and different is good. Different makes it special, different makes it unique, it makes it authentic. That’s what I love.”

WWE’s European Tour Schedule

Here’s the currently confirmed dates for WWE’s return to the UK in September:

  • Newcastle – Utilita Arena (Sunday, September 19, 2021)
  • London – The O2 (Monday, September 20, 2021),
  • Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena (Tuesday, September 21, 2021)
  • Glasgow – The SSE Hydro (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)

John Cena: “Cardi B Would Make A Hell of a WWE Superstar”

Jake Skudder
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WWE Superstar John Cena recently made some pretty bold comments regarding pop star Cardi B. Speaking to Vice, Cena would say that Cardi B would be a great WWE Superstar if that was something she wanted to pursue.

“Cardi B would be a hell of a WWE superstar” Cena began. “What I admire most about her is she is authentically herself – through good, bad and indifferent – and I think that’s an admirable quality.”

“To have enough confidence and love in yourself to be yourself in any given situation, I think that’s very impressive” John Cena would continue.

John Cena on Cardi B

“She’s so identifiable as Cardi B, it would be tough for her to be anyone else” Cena claimed. “It’s not like Cardi B goes to record a track and then she’s a different person outside the studio – she’s always Cardi B.”

“Cardi, Ludacris and Tyrese could all have their own entrance music!” The 16-time World Champion would conclude.

With the mainstream buzz and success of Bad Bunny around WrestleMania 37, it’s clear that WWE would want to bring in more pop icons to build engagement on social media and mainstream appeal. Cardi B is arguably a bigger name than Bad Bunny in terms of the US audience; so she could be hugely beneficial if WWE are able to utilize her services.

Cardi B was originally slated to host the SummerSlam 2021 PPV event, however she recently revealed that she was pregnant; so she may not be available for the show in Las Vegas this August. This has however not yet been confirmed.

El Hijo del Vikingo Puts Himself on Kenny Omega’s Radar

Alex Laybourne
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Current AAA Mega Champion Kenny Omega has spoken up about AAA challenger El Hijo del Vikingo. The Mexican star was in action this past week using one of Kenny Omega’s moves in order to get the win. This caught the attention of the triple promotion champion.

Taking to Twitter, Kenny Omega acknowledged the move, but in true Omega fashion, exclaimed, he could do it better.

El Hijo del Vikingo wants to get his hands on the AAA title. He wants to bring it home. Kenny Omega has held the belt for close to two years. Winning it from fellow AEW wrestler Rey Fenix in 2019.

It is interesting to note that the next AAA title defence for Kenny Omega is against Andrade el Idolo. Another Mexican star who has signed for AEW. This would mean that even if Omega lost, the belt would still not be in the hands of a AAA wrestler.

Kenny Omega and Andrade el Idolo are set to square off at the AAA Triplemania event, on August 14th. Omega will be hoping to shake off the worst of his injury concerns ahead of the bout, as he aims to continue his legacy as the ‘Belt Collector’.

Should Omega emerge victorious then you can only imagine a match with El Hijo del Vikingo would be on the cards. It would look like both men are interested in the bout. It would be fitting if the victory came as a result of the move that set their discussions in motion.  

Rocky Romero to Take on Josh Alexander on NJPW Strong

Alex Laybourne
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The current IMPACT Wrestling X Division Champion Josh Alexander is coming back to NJPW Strong. Alexander will make his second appearance for the US wing of the NJPW brand this week, taking on NJPW legend Rocky Romero.

During his first outing for the promotion, Josh Alexander defeated the LA dojo graduate Alex Coughlin.

This match is a big one not just for the show, but for both wrestlers involved. For Josh Alexander, he will not want to take a loss as champion, even if this is not for the belt. While Rocky Romero is looking to get back on track with his quest to work back into the NJPW Junior heavyweight championship picture.

Both men are veterans of the game, and masters of submission. The bout promises to be a technical showcase between two men at the top of their game.

Rocky Romero Leading the NJPW Strong Charge

NJPW Strong is a new subdivision of NJPW and based solely in the US. The promotion is only just a year old, but with stars like Rocky Romero leading the way, they have made great strides through the pandemic era.

The promotion has attracted some great stars to their ranks, and thanks to their working arrangements with other promotions, such as ROH and IMPACT they have been able to offer fans a range of attractive matches.

Rocky Romero versus Josh Alexander is just one example of this. With NJPW returning to the US for a few shows later this year, the future is looking bright for Rocky Romero and the rest of the NJPW Strong brand.  

WWE RAW Results (7/5): Lashley & MVP vs. New Day, Rhea Ripley & Charlotte Flair

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the ThunderDome in Tampa, Florida.

RAW Results (7/5)

  1. John Morrison def. Ricochet via count out
  2. Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Eva Marie, Doudrop def. Nikki Cross, Alexa Bliss, Naomi, Asuka
  3. Mustafa Ali def. Mansoor
  4. Drew McIntyre def. Jinder Mahal via DQ
  5. Lucha House Party def. Extinction
  6. Riddle def. AJ Styles
  7. Jaxson Ryker def. Cedric Alexander & Elias
  8. New Day def. Lashley & MVP

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

John Morrison def. Ricochet via Count Out

The Miz and John Morrison made their way to the ring for an episode of Miz TV. The Miz said John Morrison is his guest tonight and claimed that he was going to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Morrison vowed to win the match and then The Miz introduced Drew McIntyre as his actual guest.

Drew noted that he has a love/hate relationship with the Money in the Bank briefcase because of The Miz cashing in on him. McIntyre said the PPV is in Texas and he brought up the Alamo. McIntyre stated he is a relative of Davey Crocket through his great (x3) grandmother, Miriam McIntyre IV. McIntyre added that he is going to shove Morrison’s head up The Miz’s ass, and he’d rather die in Texas like Davey instead of someone else winning the MITB Ladder Match.

Ricochet joined the party and Miz rolled footage of his epic Crossbody from last week. The Miz referred to it as reckless and wanted Ricochet to explain himself. Ricochet said it was just a preview of what he is going to do at Money in the Bank. Riddle entered with his foot bandaged up from booting the steel steps last week.

Riddle climbed a ladder and made a joke about being really high. Riddle added that he let his bro down last week (Orton) and he his dedicating his performance at Money in the Bank to Randy. Miz told Riddle to shut up and McIntyre told Riddle that he respects his dedication as a friend.

Tag champs AJ Styled and Omos interrupted and AJ bitched about the Last Chance Qualifier being a Triple Threat. AJ claimed that the match should have just been him and McIntyre and said he deserves to be in the Ladder Match because he wasn’t pinned. Riddle poked fun at Styles and offered a high five to Omos, which led to Omos shoving him off the ladder.

Riddle grabbed his foot/leg in pain and AJ stomped on it against the ropes. Ricochet and Morrison battled out of the ring as McIntyre connected with a Clothesline that knocked Omos to the outside. Ricochet hit Morrison with a Dropkick and broke the dripstick as RAW went to a break.

Morrison then battled Ricochet in the first match of the night. Ricochet sent Morrison to the corner and connected with a Splash. Morrison hit an elbow to the face and applied an Armbar. Ricochet escaped and the action spilled out of the ring. Both superstars battled around Miz outside the ring. Ricochet went for a flip but Morrison countered into a Powerbomb that slammed Ricochet on the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Morrison connected with a standing Spanish Fly and went for the cover but Ricochet was able to kick out at two. Ricochet battled back with a Tornado DDT and a Clothesline for a near fall. Miz tried to spray Ricochet with the dripstick but it didn’t work. Ricochet hit a Crossbody and both superstars fell to the floor. The Miz prevented Ricochet from getting back into the ring and Morrison won the match via count out.

Jinder Mahal Wants To Prove He Is Better Than Drew McIntyre

Jinder Mahal arrived to the ThunderDome in a motorcycle and was greeted by Shanky and Veer. Mahal was interviewed about his match against Drew McIntyre tonight and Jinder noted how they were tag team partners and good friends in the past. Mahal claimed that he texted McIntyre to go out riding and it took Drew three days to respond. Mahal said that he demanded the match against McIntyre to prove that he should be in the MITB Ladder Match as well and that he has always been better than McIntyre.

Jax, Baszler, Doudrop & Eva Marie Picked Up A Win

Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Naomi, Nikki Cross faced Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Eva Marie, and Doudrop this week. Eva Marie tagged in and hit Naomi with a forearm before tagging Doudrop right back in. Naomi hit Doudrop with a Dropkick that knocked her off the ring apron.

Asuka then hit Doudrop with a Hip Attack and Nikki followed it up with a Crossbody. liss shouted at Eva and she hopped to the floor as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Bliss and Doudrop were battling in the ring. Doudrop leveled Alexa with a shoulder tackle and Nikki Cross tagged in.

Doudrop beat Cross down until Nikki battled back with a Dropkick to the knee. Asuka tagged in and walked into a headbutt from Doudrop. Nia tagged in and hit Asuka with a Splash in the corner for a two count. Baszler beat down Asuka some more before Eva Marie tagged back in.

Eva got in some kicks before Jax tagged in again. Nia connected with a Body Slam and went for the cover but the Empress of Tomorrow kicked out. Jax got distracted with Nikki and Asuka capitalized with a flurry of strikes. Eva tagged in again and quickly tagged out after Asuka beat her down. Baszler tagged in and Asuka applied an Armbar.

Naomi tagged in and Doudrop connected with a Cannonball in the corner. Asuka hit Doudrop with a Dropkick but got hit with a knee to the face from Baszler. Nikki connected with a Crossbody on Shayna and went for the cover but Eva Marie broke it up. Cross threw Eva out of the ring and battled with Shayna. Nia was tagged in but Cross didn’t realize it. Nia planted Nikki Cross with the Samoan Drop for the pinfall victory. After the match, Eva Marie ripped the microphone away from Mike Rome and declared herself as the sole victor. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler were not fans of that and Doudrop looked ashamed but still stood beside Eva.

Mustafa Ali Outsmarted Mansoor

Mustafa Ali faced Mansoor tonight on RAW. Ali controlled the action early and taunted Mansoor while doing so. Mansoor hit Ali with some elbows to the face and began to dominate the match. Ali got his foot caught in the ropes and Mansoor helped the referee untangle him. Mustafa capitalized and rolled up Mansoor for the victory. After the match, Ali told Mansoor to stop thinking with his heart and to start thinking with his mind.

Mahal Sent A Message To McIntyre

Drew McIntyre squared off with Jinder Mahal tonight on RAW. Veer & Shanky accompanied Mahal to the ring. Mahal dominated early and Suplexed McIntyre onto the announce table as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Mahal had McIntyre in a Headlock in the ring.

McIntyre broke free but Mahal hit a knee to the face and choked him against the ropes. Drew battled back again and planted Mahal with the Future Shock DDT. Mahal regrouped and Veer & Shanky took the opportunity to attack McIntyre to end the match in a DQ. They beat McIntyre down and then Mahal hit the Khallas. Jinder took McIntyre’s sword with him on the way out.

Lucha House Party def. Extinction

Extinction (T-Bar & Mace) faced Lucha House Party ( Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik) tonight on RAW. Lince and T-Bar started off the action and Dorado got in some offense early. The big man shrugged it off and knocked Dorado to the canvas. T-Bar hit another slam that sent Dorado out of the ring. Mace attacked him and slammed Lince into the announce table a couple times.

Back in the ring, T-Bar hit a boot to the face for a two count. Metalik connected with a Dropkick and leveled Mace. Dorado connected with a Hurricanrana on T-Bar for the pinfall victory.

Riddle def. AJ Styles

AJ Styles battled Riddle tonight with Omos ringside. AJ wondered if Riddle was crazy for competing tonight as Riddle limped around the ring. Styles took Riddle down and started focusing his attack on the injured foot. Riddle battled to his feet but Styles stomped on the foot and Riddle fell to the canvas.

Riddle hit the crane kick and unloaded some strikes in the corner. Riddle connected with a Gutwrench Suplex and went for the cover but AJ kicked out at two. Styles hit a Dragon Screw and started arguing with the referee. Omos hit Riddle with a cheap shot to the injured foot as the referee was distracted.

It was later announced that Omos & Styles will defend the RAW Tag Team Championships against Viking Raiders in two weeks when the live audience returns.

When RAW returned from a break, AJ was in control and had a Heel Hook applied. Riddle broke free and hit a Broton for a near fall. Riddle dodged a Phenomenal Forearm and hit the Draping DDT. Riddle went for a Moonsault and landed on his injured foot. AJ capitalized with a Neckbreaker for a two count.

AJ set up for the Styles Clash but the Viking Raiders showed up. Erik and Ivar made their way towards Omos and Styles was distracted. Riddle took advantage with a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Rhea Ripley Mocked Charlotte

Charlotte Flair came to the ring with a crutch after Rhea Ripely attacked her last week. Flair claimed her injury was bigger than the NBA stars missing the playoffs because she might not be able to compete at Money in the Bank. Charlotte said Rhea was using her moves and copying her to retain the title and that nobody is better than The Queen.

RAW Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley interrupted and hobbled to the entrance ramp with a crutch of her own. Ripley asked a worker to hold the ropes for her to enter the ring. Ripley told Charlotte that she sees right through her and can play her game better. Rhea accused Charlotte of being a drama queen and the two superstars booted their crutches away at the same time.

Both superstars picked the crutches up and swung at each other but do not connect. Ripley hit Charlotte in the midsection with the crutch and tried to hit her over the back but Flair retreated out of the ring. Charlotte and Ripley trash talked to end the segment.

Ryker Picked Up A Win

R-Truth teamed up with Jaxson Ryker to face Elias & Cedric Alexander. Cedric and Ryker started off the action. Before the match, Garza, Tozawa, Benjamin, etc.. ran around the ring for the 24/7 Championship. Truth joined in on the chase and left Ryker alone.

Ryker booted Cedric in the face and connected with slam. Ryker demanded that Elias tag in but Elias hopped off the apron. Elias then abandoned Alexander and Ryker hit a Side Slam on Cedric for the pinfall victory.

New Day def. Lashley & MVP

New Day faced WWE Champion Bobby Lashley & MVP in tonight’s main event. MVP locked up with Xavier Woods in the middle of the ring to begin the match. Woods went after MVP’s knee and tagged in Kingston. Kofi hit a Double Stomp on MVP’s leg for a two count.

MVP battled back and brought Kingston over to the corner. Lashley tagged in and beat Kingston down. Kingston connected with a Dropkick that sent the WWE Champion to the corner of the ring. New Day battled back and took control as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Lashley leveled Woods with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Senton. MVP tagged in and kept Woods grounded in the ring. Xavier escaped and got the tag to Kofi Kingston. Kingston connected with a Bulldog and followed it up with the Boom Drop.

Lashley tried to hit Kofi from the apron but Kingston responded with a Superkick to the face. Kingston hit MVP with a Clothesline for a two count before Lashley tagged in. MVP booted Kingston and Lashley connected with a Chokeslam. Lashley went for the cover but Woods broke it up at two.

Lashley threw Woods to the outside of the ring and MVP tagged back in. Kofi caught Lashley with Trouble in Paradise that sent the champ out of the ring. Woods then leaped off the steel steps onto Lashley as MVP and Kingston battled in the ring. Kofi hit MVP with Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall victory.

Spoiler On Which WWE NXT Star Is Behind The Mysterious Charging Battery Vignettes

Andrew Ravens
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For the past few weeks, WWE has been airing mysterious charging battery vignettes on NXT TV.  There have been various fan theories as to who could be behind the vignettes. Pwinsider reports the teaser videos will culminate in the return of Tegan Nox.

Nox returned to the ring at Monday’s Raw TV event at the Thunder Dome. She wrestled a dark match against fellow NXT star Toni Storm.

Tegan Nox’s Road Back To WWE

WWE has been trying out NXT stars over the last month including Karrion Kross, Bronson Reed, Shotzi Blackheart, and Scarlett to see if they’re ready for the main roster ahead of the Draft in October. 

Nox had been on the sidelines with a torn ACL since last fall. At the time, Dave Meltzer reported that she didn’t suffer the injury while wrestling or even training, but rather when she was doing rehab. 

This was the third time that she tore an ACL as she previously tore the ligament in both knees. The first time happened in 2017 and then again in 2018.

Each week the battery has increased power although there’s no word yet on exactly when it will reach full power and Nox will make her return to NXT TV. 

Backstage News On What Vince McMahon Thinks About Eva Marie & Doudrop

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon is a fan of Doudrop, formerly known as NXT UK star Piper Niven, who debuted as Eva Marie’s protege a few weeks back. 

That same night, the two stars had some tension among them. Pwinsider reports McMahon is said to be “super impressed” with Doudrop, but wasn’t sold on the storyline at first. However, he went forward and gave the OK to continue the angle. Since that time, he’s changed his mind and is glad he did.

McMahon also “loved it” when Doudrop later stood up to Marie, specifically the facial expressions she was making. As it stands right now, it’s unclear exactly what WWE has planned for Eva and Doudrop, but it was noted that there will be a lot more development with the two in the coming weeks.

Dewdrop did get a win over Naomi in a singles match then got a win over Naomi and Asuka after they lost to Naomi and Asuka in a Money In The Bank qualifier. 

Eva Marie, Doudrop, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler scored a win over Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Asuka and Naomi in an eight-woman tag team match on Monday’s episode of Raw.

Sefa Fatu (Brother of the Usos) Talks His Future In Pro-Wrestling

Chris Stephens
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Sefa Fatu is the younger brother of Jimmy and Jey Uso, the son of Rikishi, and cousin to Universal Champion Roman Reigns. He was trained by his father but more recently moved to Las Vegas and was training with the Future Stars of Wrestling (FSW) promotion and academy.

He appeared on the MuscleManMalcolm YouTube show recently and discussed his future in wrestling and differences between him and his brothers.

“I’m more of like a brawler,” Fatu said during the interview. “A lot of fans have never seen before, never seen me wrestle, I’m bigger than my brothers. So, I move different than them. My swagger is different, my body is different than them. I move more like a heavier guy. I’m still quick in there in the ring but my style is more like my Dad’s.”

“My brothers are like the high flyers, I like to stay on the ground,” he continued. He’d continue to say he can fly when he needs to, however.

Fatu was also asked about possibly playing football for the XFL but he says his focus is geared to wrestling right now.

“I’m like done with football, you know what I’m saying? I’ll always go back to coaching because I’ve got so much love for the game but since I’ve put everything into wrestling, I think I just want to go on that route,” he said.

Seta Fatu’s Journey to the Major Leagues

Fatu put out a thank you and farewell Tweet to FSW recently which has led to speculation he could be headed to a major organization shortly. He wasn’t giving hints as to where he might end up, however.

https://twitter.com/RealSefaFatu/status/1405315133211955204

Fatu also commented on the storyline involving his brothers and cousin on Smackdown.

“I think they are doing a good job, first of all. It’s been a year since they’ve been running Smackdown and I think I like this whole storyline. You know, my cousin better ease up before I slide up in there, leave my brothers alone,” he continued.

Back in December, Cody Rhodes responded to a Tweet Fatu posted with him near an AEW logo.

https://twitter.com/RealSefaFatu/status/1408252461584818192

Update On Where Baron Corbin’s Recent Storyline Is Headed

Chris Stephens
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Shinsuke Nakamura defeated King Corbin to earn the King of the Ring crown recently Smackdown. Since suffering the loss, Corbin has been looking mighty depressed as of late. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, Corbin is about to become a whole lot happier on screen, however.

“He’s changing from this Baron Corbin, who lost all his money in the stock market or whatever and now he’s broke and they reposesss his car and he’s going to transition to ‘Happy Corbin’,” said Dave Meltzer on the show.

In fact, WWE has field to trademark the term “Happy Corbin” on June 25th, 2021.

It seems as though while Corbin is feeling down now, something is going to happen to make him feel a whole lot better. When and how the new “Happy Corbin” will debut is not currently known.

Baron Corbin vs Shinsuke Nakamura

From May 14th to June 18th, Baron Corbin and Shinsuke Nakamura had 5 singles matches on Smackdown. Nakamura won the series 3-2, including the 5th and deciding match which was for the crown.

Corbin won the first match between the two which was on the Smackdown taped May 14th. Nakamura then won the second match the following week on the May 21st Smackdown. Corbin then took a 2-1 lead in the series by winning their match two weeks later on the June 4th Smackdown. Nakamura then won their 4th match on the June 11th Smackdown followed by winning the “Battle for the Crown” on June 18th’s show.

Maki Itoh’s Wrestling Future is Unclear Despite Record Merchandise Sales

Alex Laybourne
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Wrestling is a money-making business. Look back at the biggest stars of the industry. Bret Hart, The Rock, Stone Cold, Hulk Hogan. They were big draw names that put bums in seats and shirts over shoulders. The ability to generate revenue makes a wrestler invaluable to an organization. However, for Japanese star Maki Itoh.

Itoh made several appearances for AEW earlier this year catching the attention of many in the process. Her quirky style and unique approach to wrestling made her a real character to watch both in the ring, and out.

This international appeal helped boost her popularity, with Itoh herself confirming that for a period of time, last week, she was the top seller on Pro Wrestling Tees.

However, despite this, and reported interest from both AEW and WWE for her services, no contract offers have been forthcoming.

Currently, Itoh is wrestling in her native Japan for TJPW where she is trying to capture their Princess of Princess title. She was last seen wrestling in America for AEW in March. Shortly after her time in AEW expired, Maji Itoh made it very clear that she wanted to return to American again.

https://twitter.com/maki_itoh/status/1371650824825303042

During her time in AEW, and despite her rising popularity, she played the clownish heel role to great effect. There is nobody quite like her in the AEW women’s division, and should she get a contract with them, it’s a valid role for her to fill.

Kenny Omega, one of the AEW EVPs has long since made it clear that he wants to put a focus on the Joshi wrestlers, and has stayed true to his word. Many AEW fans will be hoping he manages to get Maki Itoh back in an AEW ring soon.

https://twitter.com/SonnyTheJobber/status/1411739158591180803

NXT UK’s Candy Floss Releases Statement On #SpeakingOut Rumors

Chris Stephens
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NXT UK’s Candy Floss recently took to Twitter to release a statement about difficulties she has had to endure following the #SpeakingOut movement. Without naming anyone, Floss noted that rumors regarding her relationship spread around the wrestling industry following the onset of the movement. This led to Progress Wrestling hiring an independent investigator to look into claims regarding her partner.

“After the Speaking Out movement, concerns and rumors about my relationship with my partner started to make their way around the wrestling industry,” she begins her statement with.

“Earlier this year, these rumors found their way to wrestling promotions. Progress Wrestling paid for an independent safeguarding consultant and former police officer to conduct a thorough investigation. The case was closed months ago as it was found that everything was absolutely fine, and the whistleblower was informed of this.”

Candy Floss would then say that some people continued to spread rumors despite the investigation by an independent safeguarding consultant.

“I’ve seen a wrestler who has made a name for themselves over the last year by being very vocal about change and things being done properly gossiping about these rumors on a fan Discord server, when we’ve never even met.”

She continued to say that the rumors have cost her partner bookings as well.

“There have even been promotions that contacted the safeguarding consultant, were given the results of the investigation and were so impressed that they actually asked to employ her, but still unbooked my partner.”

Her statement continued to say that even though people say “Believe Victims” her experience is that it’s only “Believe victims until they say they’re not a victim and everything’s fine, then just don’t listen to them.”

“The Speaking Out Movement revealed so many problems and started a much needed conversation,” she concludes her statement with. “But it’s not a conversation if you’re not listening.”

Bayley Admits to Feeling ‘Intimidated’ by Title Match Stipulation

Alex Laybourne
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Getting ready for a title match is always going to be a test of nerves. Getting ready to go into a title match with a wild stipulation is something else entirely. For former WWE champion Bayley, the pressure of the impending I Quit match with Bianca Belair is intimidating.

Talking to the hosts of WWE Talking Smack, Bayley made the confession. “So, this match is a little intimidating for me.”

However, in true heel form, she soon turned her nerves into an attack on her opponent. “Imagine how Bianca feels. Yeah, it’s intimidating to me, but I’ve been ready for every single thing that’s been thrown at me in my career in WWE since day one. I’m ready for anything. Bianca is done for. I don’t care what she thinks or the title that she holds because it’s coming back home.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQSZOvDr0fc/

This will be the third meeting between the pair, with Bianca Belair having won the previous two matches. Belair won the Smackdown title back at Wrestlemania and has looked confident in her reign ever since. Bayley, however, is a multiple-time champion and will be looking to use her experience to her advantage in this rare match.

Bayley and Belair Prepare for a Rare Women’s Championship Match

This match will be just the third match of its kind for women in WWE history. The first came in 2008 when Melina and Beth Phoenix squared off.

The second was an NXT UK Women’s Championship match in 2020. The champion retained that night, and Bianca Belair will be hoping to emulate that at Money in the Bank.

Bayley, however, will be looking to lay her hands on a third Smackdown Women’s championship belt, and make amends not only for her two previous losses against Belair but also for her elimination from the Royal Rumble earlier this year. Belair went on to win the event, thus earning her fateful shot at Wrestlemania.

Former WWE Doctor Recalls Sewing Up Mick Foley’s Mouth After HIAC Fall

Alex Laybourne
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It has been twenty-three years since the Undertaker dropped Mick Foley through the roof of Hell in a Cell. Yet it is still one of the most talked-about moments in WWE history. Talking in a recent interview with Wrestling Inc., a former WWE doctor has detailed the full extent of Mick Foley’s injuries.

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Frank Romascavage was in the ring with Mick and was there to collect his teeth and sew up his mouth backstage at the event.

 “I was in the ring. You’ll see me in that match. I’m in the ring there, and Mick, he got beat up. He was hurting big time. I said, “Mick, come on. We’re gonna get you through this.” I took him in the back in the locker room back there.”

Romascavage went on to talk about how Mick Foley was lucky that the accident occurred where it did, and not one of the many other venues WWE held events.

“You couldn’t be in a better place. The University of Pittsburgh has a 24/7 on-call orthodontic dental type program,” he explained. “I called up the dentists or the dental orthodontic guy, whoever was on call, and I said, “Do you like wrestling?” He says, “I love wrestling.”

Together they got Mick Foley patched up to the point he was still able to come back to the arena and interfere in the show’s main event match.

Mick Foley Cemented His Legacy with Hell in a Cell

Going into the Hell in a Cell match, Mick Foley was already a hardcore legend, but it was that moment that cemented his place in history. A moment that to this day is still costing him a lot of money in dental bills.

Talking recently to Steve Austin on Broken Skull sessions, Mick Foley admits he was lucky to survive his fall. Had he not been so tired and sold the chokeslam with the usual vigour he believes he would have met his end at that moment.

“But if I’d had the energy and I’d gone up for this chokeslam the way that I usually did, then you and I are not having this conversation. It’s the only time I take a bad chokeslam. Because of that, I don’t over-rotate and land on my head.”

PROGRESS Announce Doghouse Rules Match for Chapter 115 on Peacock

Jake Skudder
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PROGRESS Wrestling have announced a big Tag Team Championship match for their upcoming Chapter 115 event on Peacock and WWE Network. Chapter 115: For The Hearts That Never Played In Tune will be available to stream on Saturday 17th July from 5pm BST.

The PROGRESS Tag Team Champions Kid Lykos and Kid Lykos II (Lykos Gym) will be defending the titles against the Big Money Gun Dogs (Gene Munny and Big Guns Joe). The Champions lost to the Gun Dogs in a non-title match at the last Chapter show when Gene Munny ‘locked’ both of the Champions inside of a travel bag for dogs (yes, really).

PROGRESS Tag Team Titles on The Line

The title will now be on the line in a Doghouse rules match. It’s not confirmed exactly what this is and what the rules for the match will be, however an influence for the match is reportedly the Kennel from Hell match between Big Boss Man and Al Snow from Unforgiven 1999.

If you’ve never seen the Kennel from Hell match, it’s a terrible, terrible gimmick bout that just did not work due to the live dogs used inside the kennel being scared infront of a live wrestling crowd.

This match however looks promising, with the ‘comedy’ tag team of Gene Munny and Big Guns Joe proving that they can go in the ring with Lykos Gym at the last Chapter and the Champions heading into a match where they’re likely to have the disadvantage.

Konnan on Being Backstage at AEW

Jake Skudder
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Mexican wrestling legend Konnan has appeared on AEW programming over the past few months sporadically. The former WCW star appeared first for the company during the Stadium Stampede 2 match and most recently on an episode of Dynamite where he went face-to-face with Tully Blanchard.

Konnan recently discussed what it was like appearing on the show as part of his Keepin It 100 with Konnan podcast.

“It was one of the greatest experiences of my career,” Konnan noted during the show. “Because everybody’s very, very happy, everybody’s very helpful, everybody’s very professional.”

Konnan on AEW Appearance

“There’s this one room in there, that’s with Don Callis, Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks. They’re all in there, they’re playing basketball games, they’re watching the NBA. It’s a very fun atmosphere” the former WCW star would note.

“And I thought to myself ‘wow, I wish I would have grown up in this type of atmosphere.’ And everybody is happy. I saw Vickie, I hadn’t seen her in fifteen years. I hadn’t seen Jerry Lynn in fifteen years, I hadn’t seen Big Show in like fifteen years. Legit, they’re very happy” he continued.

Konnan would finish by saying that his praise for the company atmosphere was genuine; and not just trying to gain favor and get a job from Tony Khan.

“It’s a really good, I’m not trying to get a job or anything like that” Konnan claimed. “It’s a real cool vibe. Even after the show, they have food for everybody in this big conference room. You can take food to your room, you can eat it right there and then they have this other little lounge where everyone is just listening to music.”

Adam Cole On Potential Main Roster Call-up: ‘There Is So Much To Do In NXT’

Anutosh Bajpai
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Adam Cole is a name that is always brought up whenever there is talk about potential NXT call-ups. With the WWE drafts expected to take place next month, there is a good chance that he will be moved to the main roster.

The former NXT champion recently had an interview with Talk Sport. He talked about a number of things and also commented on the possibility.

Adam Cole said that he is flattered by the fans who want to see him in Raw or SmackDown. However, he explained that he wants to stay in NXT because there is still a lot for him to do in the brand:

“There is so much to do. I find it so flattering that there are people that want to see Adam Cole on Raw or SmackDown so, so badly. But then there’s another group that’s like no, I want him to stay in NXT.”

Cole said that there are many talents in the Raw and SmackDonwn rosters who he wants to face but he explained there is also plenty of stuff he still wants to do in the black and yellow brand:

“Then of course with RAW or SmackDown there’s a bunch of talent that I haven’t had the chance to wrestle yet that I would love to as well. So it’s exciting, but there is definitely plenty for me to do in NXT yet.”

Adam Cole later expanded on his comments saying that he is not saying that he doesn’t want to go to the main roster. He is not dragging his feet by any means and instead he is just waiting.

Apart from this, the former Undisputed Era leader detailed the things he still wants to do in NXT including winning the NXT title once again and more. You can check out his full interview at this link.

WWE Had Interest In Signing Top Impact Wrestling Star

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE was interested in signing Moose before the Impact wrestling star decided to re-sign with his current promotion earlier this year, according to the latest reports. Per reports from FightFul Select, the company was interested in signing the former Football star when his contract was approaching its expiration date earlier this summer.

Officials were considering Moose for both NXT and the main roster. There was even talk of the self-proclaimed TNA world champion skipping his NXT run in favor of an early debut on Raw or SmackDown. Though they could not make an offer to him as Impact made a huge play and got him to re-sign before WWE could officially negotiate with him.

This isn’t the first time we are hearing about the company’s interest in Moose. There were reports of the officials considering him after his departure from Ring Of Honor in 2016. Though the promotion backed off at the time due to past allegations of domestic violence against the star. He then ended up signing with Impact wrestling and has been one of their top stars since.

Moose signed a new two-year contract with Impact wrestling earlier this year. His new deal is said to be a ‘significant improvement’ over his previous contract. He is locked with his current promotion through the Summer of 2023.

Mojo Rawley Provides Update On His Wrestling Future

Anutosh Bajpai
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While many of the recently released WWE stars are already talking to other promotions, there has been no update on the wrestling future of Mojo Rawley.

The former 24/7 champion recently spoke to TMZ sports. He spoke about a number of things during the talk such as his Hollywood ambitions, his WWE release in April earlier this year, and more.

Discussing his future in the wrestling industry, Rawley confirmed that he has not retired. The former champion said that he will make a return to the wrestling world in future but not immediately:

 “I will return to the wrestling world. Not immediately. We’re going to hype that one up pretty good. Right now we’re just going to take some time and enjoy this freedom and do a little bit of everything. Dabble and just set things up.

You better believe when I come back to wrestling it’s going to be hyped up” said Mojo Rawley, “And it’s going to be a big surprise for everybody. That’s going to be a very, very exciting day for me.”

The former NXT star was also asked about the thing he is most excited about after the release from his WWE contract. Replying to it, he said that he is excited about the fact that he can do everything now.

Rawley explained that when you are under a WWE contract, it’s your only gig. You cannot operate outside of the company. Though now he can do everything and he doesn’t has to be known for just one thing.

Eric Bischoff On Why He Wouldn’t Favor An Off Season In Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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While a lot of fans believe that having an off season would be a good idea for the wrestling business, Eric Bischoff is not in the favor of the same. The former WCW president talked about the idea of an off season in wrestling on his 83 weeks podcast. He explained why it will not be a good idea for the industry.

Bischoff was talking about the recent drops in TV ratings and how summertime drops are expected every year. However while discussing the idea of an off season in wrestling to freshen things up, Bischoff said that he wouldn’t vote for it:

“First of all, I wouldn’t vote for an offseason, one of the reasons that wrestling works as consistently as it has since the beginning of television time is because it’s 52 weeks a year and it tours. If you take 52 weeks out of the equation and now you take touring out of the equation, you’re going to lose 60% of your audience over the course of five or six years.”

“You lose your connection to the audience”

An off season would provide wrestlers more time to spend with their families and heal and it may help the promoters in keeping the storylines fresh. However, Eric Bischoff argued that it may also lead to the audience losing interest in the characters they have developed a deep connection with:

“Yeah, but you lose your connection to the audience. Wrestling. The wrestling audience becomes so familiar with these characters. They identify with them. They live vicariously through them. They’re kind of, in their own entertainment way, addicted to them. If you take them off the air for three, four, or five months, they find other shit to do and other things to be interested in.”

Eric Bischoff claimed that the secret sauce to professional wrestling is that it’s on 52 weeks a year. If you go down to 26 weeks a year and you have to start your season over again then you may lose the weekly connection with the audience.

What do you think about Eric Bischoff’s assessment about an off season in wrestling? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

Lana Reveals The Text She Got From Vince McMahon After WWE Release

Anutosh Bajpai
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While Lana’s time in WWE was filled with many ups and downs, the former WWE star did get a positive message from Vince McMahon on her way out.

The former NXT star was the most recent guest of Talk Is Jericho. Like many other former WWE stars have done on the show before, she opened up about her struggles while working for the company during the interview.

Lana also talked about her release from the company. She revealed that she got a text from Vince McMahon, thanking her for her incredible work ethic:

“I did. I got a text; I definitely got emotional about it because it was a slight goodbye for me. He thanked me for my incredible work ethic,

And for my unrelentingly desire to be the best that I could be and all the contributions I gave to WWE. So that really meant a lot to me,” said Lana, “and I thanked him for everything that he’s taught me because I learned so much.”

Apart from this, the female star also recalled the time she got punished by the company after the news of her engagement with current AEW star Miro leaked.

According to Lana, the officials blamed her for the news getting out and she was pulled from TV because of it. You can check out her comments at this link.

Tucker On Vince McMahon Not Seeing Money In Tag Team Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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Recently released WWE star Tucker made an appearance on the OTR Show where he discussed things such as a nixed gimmick for Heavy Machinery they had discussed and more.

There was a time in WWE when Otis won the Money In Bank briefcase. It started the speculations that he could cash it in to get a tag team title shot for The Heavy Machinery but it didn’t turn out to be the case.

When asked if this was the original plan with the MITB, Tucker replied negatively. He discussed how the boss Vince McMahon does not feel that the tag team division can draw money:

“I don’t think so, no, I’d have no idea. Just based on my thought, to me I feel like Vince doesn’t feel like the tag division can really draw money. At least that seems to be the way that they’re booked.

Even when they have a super emotional story, they might get twenty minutes at the most. They’re never getting forty minutes, they’re never going on last.”

Tucker On The Importance Of Money In The Bank

Tucker expanded on his comments mentioning how Money In The Bank is one of the biggest prop gimmicks in the company. There are very few people who have been unsuccessful with it:

“The Money in the Bank is like one of the biggest things in the company, it’s one of the biggest prop gimmicks that there is. It’s a ticket to a world title, there’s very few people that have unsuccessfully cash it.

It’s like the thing they used to catapult someone, essentially. It would be nice to think they’d use it for us to win the tag team championships, but I don’t think it was the plan. And if it was, it never got there.”

Otis won the Money In The Bank briefcase during the event of the same name in May 2020. He kept the briefcase for several months before dropping it to The Miz during the Hell In A Cell PPV in October 2020.

Tucker was signed to WWE back in 2013 and he formed a tag team with Otis in 2016. Their team broke up when they were drafted to separate brands during the 2020 drafts. Tucker was then released from his WWE contract in April 2021.

Nikki Cross On The Inspiration Behind Her Superhero Gimmick

Anutosh Bajpai
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The new Superhero gimmick of Nikki Cross caught a lot of people off guard. It has received mixed reactions from the fans online so far. During her recent appearance on Espanol’s El Brunch De WWE, the former Sanity member opened up about her new character and revealed the inspiration behind it.

Cross revealed that the idea was being discussed since the Royal Rumble PPV back in January this year. She then discussed how she used to watch superhero cartoons as a child and explained how it inspired her to create the character:

“The idea started to form right about the Royal Rumble, for me, I’ve always taken a lot of inspiration, a lot of comfort, a lot of escapism from superhero movies and superhero television shows in Scotland as a little girl. I would always watch the X-Men cartoon, the Spiderman cartoons.

For me, I really wanted to come up with something that was really inspirational to little girls and boys and something that is a very positive message. To me, the whole message is that I don’t have super powers,” said Nikki Cross, “I don’t have super speed, I don’t have super strength, I can’t fly unfortunately but it’s so you don’t need superpowers to be a superhero.”

The former NXT star continued by saying that she wanted to share the message that you can be a superhero by being good to people and standing up for those in need around you. Apart from this, Nikki Cross also talked about choosing the costume for her new persona. She claimed that she wanted to create something which people can replicate easily.

Nikki Cross was drafted to Raw brand in the 2020 draft. While still being seen on WWE TV every now and then, Cross hadn’t been part of any meaningful storyline since then. The former champion debuted her new superhero gimmick called ‘The Spirit’ during the June 21 episode of Raw last month.

JJ Dillon On Vince McMahon Thinking He Would Be Jailed During Steroid Trial

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE Hall Of Famer and manager of the legendary Four Horsemen group JJ Dillon was the latest person to be interviewed by JBL and Gerald Brisco for their Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw interview series.

The early 90s was a tough time period for WWE and Vince McMahon. Not only the company was facing tough competition from WCW but Mr McMahon was also indicted in the infamous steroid lawsuit.

Dillon who was working for WWE as an executive during the time period discussed the lawsuit during his interview. He revealed that the boss was convinced that he will be going to jail during the trials:

“Vince was convinced that when the government invests that much in going after somebody, that they’re going to get their pound of flesh, he was convinced they were going to get him on something, and that he was going to do some time. He really was.”

Thankfully for the chairman, the jury gave a verdict in the favor of Mr. McMahon. Despite the high-profile trial, he was declared not guilty.

Apart from this, JJ Dillon also remembered the late Pat Patterson during the talk. He discussed how Patterson knew Vince McMahon very well. He knew which ideas McMahon would like and which he wouldn’t.

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