Fans of Alexa Bliss know that she enjoyed the companionship of a pet pig named Larry Steve for many years. Unfortunately, Larry Steve passed away yesterday just before turning 4 years old. The loss has been difficult for her and she posted a very tearful message early this morning to thank fans for their support.
“Hi, I just wanted to get on here real quick and say thank you to everyone who has reached out about Larry and to let everyone know that I really appreciate the amount of support and the people who have called and texted,” Bliss says in the video. “I will get back to you, I just can’t yet because we’re still trying to wrap our heads around what happened.”
“Larry went very quickly, digressed really quickly, and we don’t really fully understand it yet. But he was surrounded by people who loved him. My family was there, we were petting him, and Ryan was playing him music on his guitar because Larry loves music.”
Alexa put out several messages yesterday asking people for help finding a vet who will treat pigs. She said her normal vet was uncomfortable doing so in the condition Larry Steve was in. In her video, Alexa implored animal care workers to do more to help animals like Larry.
“And I just want to say to any animal care person or vet, no matter how big an animal is or how different they are, please help them. I hope Larry’s story helps open people’s eyes to the realities of having animals around his size and I just want people to do better.”
“We are going to celebrate Larry’s birthday tomorrow. I really want to do something where we celebrate his birthday and maybe do a charity thing to raise money for an animal rescue and if that’s something you guys are interested in or seeing or anything like that just let us know and again thank you.”
AEW Dynamite will not air tonight in its usual time slot due to the NBA Playoffs. Instead, it will air on Friday night. According to a report from PW Insider, this will also be the case for next week’s show.
Dynamite will air on Friday night at 10 PM est next week on June 4th, 2021 instead of its usual timeslot.
Additionally, it is being reported that his likely won’t be the last time Dynamite is preempted during the NBA Playoffs. Following the conclusion of the NBA Playoffs, AEW Dynamite will return to its normal time slot on Wednesday nights.
Unfortunately for AEW, this means both the important go-home show for this weekend’s PPV and the usually high-rated first post-PPV edition of Dynamite will not air in its usual time slot over the next 2 weeks.
TBS Move Could Prevent Preemptions
AEW’s move to TBS in 2022 will likely prevent further preemptions of Dynamite. TNT has a lot of sports programming and these have caused disruptions to Dynamite’s schedule over the last two years.
Tony Khan was asked about Dynamite possibly moving nights to make room for the NHL back in April. Khan said at the time they would consider a move if it made sense for AEW. Knowing what we know now, it’s likely Khan already knew about the move to TBS at this time.
“If there was ever an opportunity to move, or if there was a deal to be had, I would consider it,” Khan said back in April. “If we did something, it would have to be a really good deal for AEW.”
Kingston discussed the objections of some fans over the remarks during an interview with Daily Star. He said that the whole premise is really subjective and explained that the industry is about connecting with the crowd:
“The whole premise of ‘who is the best’ [is] really subjective, as far as Randy is concerned, I think he has the ability to do so many things so well. A lot of people think that because he doesn’t do a lot of moves, he’s not good, but that’s simply not true. The industry is not about the moves;
It is about being able to connect with the crowd and express what you’re thinking without saying things a lot – to make people watch you.”
Kofi Kingston On The Longevity Of Randy Orton
Kofi Kingston then praised Randy saying that every step he takes has a purpose. You can’t take your eyes off him, and being able to do so is an absolute talent.
Per the New Day member, this makes you great and not just good. He said that because of his longevity alone, you can’t have the conversation about the greatest without Randy Orton in it:
“To be able to last so long… he’s even more compelling now in a lot of different ways. So as a performer, you can’t have the conversation [about the greatest] without having Randy be in there, from the longevity alone. That doesn’t happen by accident.”
Randy Orton signed with WWE in 2001. He became one of the marquee WWE stars when he joined Evolution in 2002. With 14 world titles and over half a dozen other accomplishments, Orton has never looked back since then.
What are your thoughts in the debate about Randy Orton’s place in the conversation about the greatest and Kofi Kingston’s comments about it? Let us know your views in the comment section below.
Monday’s edition of WWE Raw averaged 1.621 million viewers with a 0.45 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic. This is down last week’s 1.823 million viewers and the 0.48 rating.
This was the lowest viewed episode of Raw in 2021 thus far, which beat the previous record low back on March 29th with 1.701 million viewers. Here’s the hourly viewership breakdown for Monday Night Raw, courtesy of PWTorch:
The first hour did 1.661 million viewers
The second hour did 1.655 million viewers
The final hour of the show had just 1.546 million viewers
To compare, last week’s hourly viewership numbers were 1.790 million viewers in the first hour, 1.932 million viewers in the second hour, and the third hour had 1.748 million viewers
This episode featured Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina defending their titles against Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler, Matt Riddle vs. Xavier Woods, a promo segment with WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, and Kofi Kingston vs. Drew McIntyre.
SmackDown Viewership
The final ratings for Friday’s SmackDown are not in just yet. The episode drew an average of 1.830 million viewers in the overnight ratings, down from the previous week that did 1.800 million viewers. In the 18-49 demographic, it did a .50 rating, which was up from the 0.40 rating the week before.
Apollo Crews defended his Intercontinental title against Big E, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens in a fatal four-way match in the main event.
WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle recently discussed a horrific groin injury he suffered whilst in WWE back in the mid 2000s. The former TNA World Heavyweight Champion discussed the injury during the latest episode of The Kurt Angle Show.
“The hardest part was the injuries, I just couldn’t keep myself together,” Angle began on the podcast, talking about his mindset back in that time period. “That’s the main reason I even left WWE in 2006, I just couldn’t keep my body together.”
“My hamstring, my groin, my abdominal, my shoulder, my neck, I was falling apart and I was having a really difficult time and the painkiller issue wasn’t getting any better” Angle continued, describing just how broken down he was even 10+ years before he even retired proper.
“I said before, I started lashing out at Vince” Angle revealed. “Vince was ignoring me which made me even more angrier and I would leave him threatening messages on his answering machine on his cellphone. It just got so far out of control that eventually I had to go to Vince. [I had to] say ‘we need to have a talk.’”
Kurt Angle on Horrific Injuries
Kurt Angle would then reveal that he once had to physically show McMahon his groin injuries, just to get the WWE Chairman to fully appreciate the situation he was in. “I just came from an event and I went to a meeting and I pulled my pants down; it was a production meeting, Vince was in the front and everybody else was in the back.”
“I walked in between them and pulled my pants down to my ankles and I showed Vince my groin” Angle added. “It was all black and blue, I mean my penis, everything was black from the injury. It was an abdominal tear, a groin tear and a hamstring tear, all three in the same time and all the blood just rushed to my leg and my groin” Angle noted, revealing the extent of the injury.
“I said ‘We need to talk,’ Angle continued. “[Vince said] ‘Well let’s go in my office,’ I said ‘No, I need to meet you up at the headquarters this week, I want you to set me up a flight and bring me up because we need to have a personal discussion about what’s going on.’ That’s when I decided I was mostly likely going to leave the company” Angle would conclude.
WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) recently reacted to the backlash that John Cena has received. The former World Heavyweight Champion took to social media to praise the character of Cena, saying that he ‘stands with him.’
Cena recently took part in interviews as part of promotion for his new film, Fast & Furious 9. The former WWE Champion referred to Taiwan as a country during the interview, leading to Chinese outlets and media demanding that he apologise for the incident.
John Cena did in fact release an apology video, speaking in Mandarin, hoping to try and clear up the situation.
“Hi China, I’m John Cena. I’m in the middle of Fast & Furious 9 promotions. I’m doing a lot of interviews. I made a mistake in one of my interviews,” Cena began. “Everyone was asking me if I could use Chinese… the staff [of the movie] gave me a lot of information, so there was a lot of interviews and information.”
JBL on John Cena Apology
“I made one mistake, I have to say something very, very, important now. I love and respect China and Chinese people. I’m very, very sorry about my mistake. I apologize, I’m very sorry. You must understand that I really love, really respect China and the Chinese people. My apologies. See you” John Cena concluded.
Reacting to the backlash that Cena has received since making the apology to China, JBL would praise the multiple time WWE Champion. “John Cena has granted over 600 Make a Wishes-a record. Supported cancer research, rise above hate campaign, a million of his own dollars for racial equality.”
“He has fought tirelessly for equality” JBL added. “An incredible track record of making the world better. I’ll stand with this guy” the former World Heavyweight Champion would conclude.
Trevor Murdoch is the new number one contender for the NWA title. One of the most prestigious titles in all of wrestling. It is a title that lost its way, but under the guidance of Nick Aldis, it has regained its reputation.
Aldis has held the NWA belt for almost 1000 days, in his second reign as champion. It is the longest individual reign since Dan Severn held the title for 1479 days starting in 1995.
Last week on NWA Powerr, the next challenger for Aldis’s title was decided with a Battle Royal. Murdoch outlasted all other participants and survived a two on one attack right at the end to claim victory.
Talking after the match, Trevor Murdoch was overcome with emotion. Tearfully, he spoke about Harley Race – another legendary champion. Citing Race as an idol of his, Murdoch vowed to win the gold in his memory.
Nick Aldis and Trevor Murdoch will square off at the upcoming NWA PPV When Our Shadows Fall on June 6th.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPUUxm6J4j5/
Regardless of the odds, Aldis will not be in for an easy ride, Murdoch has won fifteen championships through his career, including being a three-time WWE Tag Team champion with Lance Cade.
It will not be easy for Murdoch to claim victory. Aldis is an established champion, a fantastic heel and has been of great credit to the NWA. It would cap a wonderful story for Trevor Murdoch, following his return to wrestling in 2019.
Ric Flair is a wrestling legend. He has amassed a career that most will only ever dream of having. He is a two-time Hall of Famer and has literally done it all. Still very active and very much in love with the sport of professional wrestling, Ric recently sat down for a chat with the Ariel Helwani MMA Podcast.
During his talk, Ric Flair spent a bit of time talking about why he left WWE (then WWF) after just a year and a half in 1993. Coming off the back of a Royal Rumble win, Flair left the company and re-joined WCW. Prior to his return, Flair was vocal about his problems with then WCW management.
Ric Flair’s Greatest Time & Biggest Mistake
Even now, after returning to WWE in 2001, and creating an incredible legacy for himself and his family, he still openly regrets his decision to leave.
“I had another year and a half, the greatest time of my life, and the worst mistake I ever made [was leaving].” Flair said.
With the discussion turning to his reasons for leaving, Flair opened up, talking about the conversation he had with Vince McMahon.
“Vince [McMahon] said to me ‘We’re going to go younger,’ and he said ‘if you want to go back, they’ve been calling me every day so I’m sure they’ve been calling you, go in and go’.” With that, Flair left WWE and returned to WCW.
Ric Flair was also quick to credit Triple H for bringing him back and helping him get over his crippling anxiety over his career and what he could do.
The NXT Championship is a highly coveted prize in wrestling. Having grown considerably since its days as a feeder/development brand, NXT is now a highly competitive environment. This past week, William Regal announced that there would be a massive triple threat match to determine the next number one contender.
Next week, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne and Kyle O’Reilly will face off to determine who will challenge Karrion Kross. The winner will face Kross at the upcoming NXT Takeover: In Your House on June 13th.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPUm16FLJML/
Kross recently defended the NXT Championship against former champ Finn Balor. Out of the three combatants, only Gargano has crossed paths with Kross so far. While O’Reilly and Dunne both had entertaining fights with Balor during his title reign.
The match will headline an always entertaining NXT show and promises to be a hard-hitting affair. All three men have stellar reputations. Gargano recently lost his North American Championship. Dunne held the NXT UK Title for almost two years. O’Reilly left everything in the ring during his feud with former stablemate Adam Cole.
None of them has held the NXT Championship before, which will add an extra drive to each of them. While the prize will be a match with the violent and vicious Karrion Kross. The big point will be that they will have less than two weeks to recover before they get their shot at the gold.
Kross is a dominant champion, in his second reign after having to vacate the NXT Championship the day after winning it due to injury. He will be a hard man to beat, and whoever faces him will have a mountain to climb.
Former WWE star Chelsea Green has confirmed that she has been cleared for action which means she will be able to return to the ring once her non-compete clause with the company expires.
The former WWE star revealed the news on Twitter. She took on the Twitter account of her podcast Green With Envy and confirmed that she has officially been cleared to get back in the ring:
“Today is a good day! After 3 surgeries on my arm, I am officially cleared to get back in the ring.” wrote Green, “Oh, how I’ve missed wrestling!!!”
Today is a good day! ? After 3 surgeries on my arm, I am officially cleared to get back in the ring. Oh, how I’ve missed wrestling!!! pic.twitter.com/ulZ32EZwGW
Chelsea Green first suffered a broken wrist while competing in NXT back in March 2019. It was the former Impact star’s first match for the Black and Yellow brand.
She unfortunately injured the wrist once again during her main roster debut on the SmackDown brand back in November 2020.
Green never wrestled for the promotion again after this. She was released from the company last month while she was still in rehabilitation but the former champion has now confirmed that she is good to go.
Her non-compete clause with WWE expires in mid-July. If reports are to be believed then we may see the former Knockout making a return to Impact wrestling once she is free of her contractual obligations.
Renee Paquette has taken a break from the limelight since her departure from WWE last year, but the female star has confirmed that she does plan to return to TV in future.
In light of her absence from TV in the recent time, a fan asked the former WWE star on Twitter if she has any plans to make a full-time TV return. Replying to the question on the social site, Paquette confirmed that she has plans for a comeback after giving birth:
Hell yes. Just gotta unload this little beeeb first
The former broadcast personality left WWE after SummerSlam back in August 2020. She had an 8-year long career in the company. It saw her starting as a backstage NXT interviewer and ascending all the way to being the first woman to become a full-time commentator on Raw.
Renee Paquette had opened up about her departure in later interviews explaining that she had reached her ceiling in the company and achieved everything she could. At the time it was also revealed that Young has a very strong non-compete clause lasting for almost a year.
Her husband Jon Moxley then revealed in November 2020 that Paquette was pregnant and later updates point to the female star giving birth sometimes within the next couple of months.
Her non-compete clause should also expire sometime around August and it would be interesting to see if Renee Paquette makes any appearances for WWE’s rival promotion in AEW after that.
WWE started airing videos a few weeks ago where a Pomeranian dog was shown entering the WWE Performance Center and running around the building. The latest video showed the dog coming up to a woman in high heels.
The dog in the videos was Valkyrie and John Morrison’s Pomeranian Prince Presley. WWE also filed for the ring name in February.
Bobby Fish returned to the ring against Pete Dunne.
WWE gave these guys plenty of time to work and this could have easily been the main event on any other show. Dunne went over. After the match, Oney Lorcan attacked Fish.
This marked the first time Fish has wrestled since undergoing triceps surgery following the WarGames match last December. This is where Undisputed Era defeated Pat McAfee, Dunne, Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch at TakeOver: WarGames.
Two weeks ago, Fish returned to NXT TV to save Kyle O’Reilly from an attack by Dunne and Lorcan. Post-match, O’Reilly thanked Fish for saving him, but he told Fish that he’s doing his own thing now.
Last week, Fish was interviewed on NXT and said last week had little to do with O’Reilly, but mostly with getting revenge on Dunne and Lorcan for injuring him.
Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzales vs Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon to determine the top contenders to the WWE NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship was booked.
The match opened the show and was a fast-paced match that was fun. Moon pinned Kai with her finisher for the win. Post-match, Raquel attacked Moon and Blackheart. The heels stood tall.
As a result, these ladies will get the first shot at Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell’s NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles at an unknown date. Ironically, Gonzalez & Kai were the inaugural NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, but they lost the titles to Blackheart & Moon on the same night that the titles were introduced.
Just three weeks ago, LeRae & Hartwell became NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions by defeating Blackheart & Moon in a street fight.
Ted DiBiase and Cameron Grimes had a “Million Dollar Faceoff.”
This came after DiBiase distracted Grimes last week, which caused him to lose a match against Jake Atlas. Over the past few weeks, DiBiase had appeared in videos where he used his wealth to upstage Grimes.
They did so in the ring. Grimes asked why Ted was doing the things to him and reminded the Hall of Famer that he wasn’t always rich. He said he looked up to Ted and tried to be him so he now knows he shouldn’t meet his idols. Ted said he sees himself in Grimes. Ted said he is here and looking for someone who embodies what he stands for. Ted said it’s not all about money, but also in-ring performance. Ted said that Grimes had lost his focus.
LA Knight came out and cut a promo about how he’s more important than Grimes, who is a nickel and dime. Ted said LA had a million dollar body and mind. Grimes told LA to get out of the ring or he will kick his ass to the moon. LA laid out Grimes. Ted told Grimes that he’s never going to get it then laughed.
New NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed addressed the fans after beating Johnny Gargano to win the title inside of a Steel Cage last week.
Reed stated that he is proof if you grind it out then you can get whatever you want. He wished good luck to anyone trying to take it from him. This led to Santos Esobcar and Legado Del Fantasma coming out to the ring.
Escobar said that Reed brought tears to their eyes, but can’t relate to anything Reed said because he was born a champion. He said this business belongs to him. He said that he is the pride of lucha libre. When he sees the North American Title, he sees the US and Mexico.
As the heels were circling Reed, MSK came out and cleared the ring. Reed hit a shoulder check to Escobar to end the segment.
Finn Balor challenged Karrion Kross for his NXT Title, which ended up being saved as the main event and it went about 20 minutes.
The match saw them go back and forth early until Kross beat him down for a few minutes. Throughout the match, Balor worked over the midsection of Kross.
At one point, Kross had Balor in the rear-naked choke, but Balor got out of it. They brawled around the ring then Kross hit a few suplexes. Balor did a quick rollup for 2. Balor had his own sleeper in, but Kross hit a powerbomb to get out of it. Kross with some clubbing shots to the back of the head then locked in the rear-naked choke for the win.
Kross dethroned Balor as the NXT Champion last month at the NXT TakeOver: Stand and Deliver special, which marked the start of his second title reign.
The highly anticipated rematch between NXT Champion Karrion Kross and Finn Balor took place on Wednesday’s episode of WWE NXT.
Kross put the title on the line in the main event of the show against the former champion. Kross worked over the spine of Balor throughout while Balor targeted the ribs. After being beaten down for a few minutes, Balor tried to make a comeback. Kross locked in the rear-naked choke for the win.
Their first match took place at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver last month where Balor was dethroned by Kross as NXT Champion. Just three weeks ago, Kross was interrupted by Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, and Balor during a promo segment. Once a brawl broke out, Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory ambushed Kross and laid him out.
Two weeks ago, the match was made official as Kross defeated Theory in a non-title bout. Post-match, Balor confronted Kross in the ring and told Kross that he doesn’t wait in lines, but rather he wanted his rematch. Kross responded by telling him that he wanted the match just as much as Balor.
Many fans had thought WWE would’ve saved this match for the upcoming NXT TakeOver: In Your House show that goes down on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Next week on NXT, Kross’ opponent at this show will be decided with the winner of a triple threat match between Pete Dunne, Kyle O’Reilly and Johnny Gargano.
Some people weren’t satisfied with Cena’s apology as they want him to state that Taiwan is a part of China. He hasn’t done that just yet.
Punk changed his Twitter bio and wrote, “Taiwan is a country.” There is no other text in the bio, but did alert people with a post on the account by writing, “New bio!”
It should be noted that people in mainland China believe self-ruled Taiwan is an indispensable part of the country instead of being on its own. China has used its influence to monitor speech regarding Taiwan, which has caused political issues.
The film had its global premiere in Taiwan as Universal Pictures made the decision then to have it be released a few days later in mainland China.
“F9” will be released on June 25th in the United States. The plot reads like this, “Dominic Toretto (Diesel) and his family must face against a new deadlier enemy in the form of Jakob (Cena), Dominic’s younger brother, as well as their old threat Cipher (Theron).”
The betting odds for the matches that will take place at the AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event have been released.
The card for the show that takes place on Sunday (May 30, 2021) in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place appears to have been finalized.
Christian Cage is favored to win the Casino Battle Royale to earn a shot at the AEW World Heavyweight Title. Kenny Omega is favored to retain the AEW World Title at -450 while Miro is favored to retain the TNT Title as a massive -600 favorite over Lance Archer. Britt Baker is a big favorite to win the Women’s Title.
Double Or Nothing Betting Odds
AEW World Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega -450 vs. PAC +500 vs. Orange Cassidy +350
The Inner Circle -120 vs. The Pinnacle -120 – Stadium Stampede
AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida +250 vs. Dr. Britt Baker -400
“The American Dream” Cody Rhodes +120 vs. Anthony Ogogo -160
Adam Page -200 vs. Brian Cage +150
TNT Champion Miro -600 vs. Lance Archer +350
AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks -120 vs. Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston -120
Casino Battle Royale:
Christian Cage 5/2
Penta El Zero Miedo 7/2
Jungle Boy 9/2
Powerhouse Hobbs 5/1
Matt Hardy 8/1
Preston Vance 8/1
Max Caster 10/1
Nick Comoroto 12/1
QT Marshall 16/1
Evil Uno 25/1
Isiah Kassidy 25/1
Marq Quen 25/1
Colt Cabana 33/1
Make sure to join us on Sunday for match recaps, and our takeaways from this latest pay-per-view event held by AEW.
The former Enzo Amore (now nZo) was knocked out over the weekend during an SWE Fury television taping. nZo took a DDT on the outside of the ring and was stretchered off. He returned to social media recently to provide a rather unique update on his condition.
Appearing in a neck brace and dressed as Andy Kaufman for some reason, Enzo had the following to say:
“I’m out of the hospital now,” nZo begins in the video. “But I’m sure you read the headlines. Enzo Amore DDT’ed on concrete at SWE Fury show by Ivan Warsaw. Well, I’d like to thank all the fans for the prayers. Pennies from heaven is what I call them. But if we’re talking change let me tell you something, if I had a dime for every time I got knocked out and didn’t get back up I would have….what do we have over here? Zero Dimes!”
nZo then bashed a piggy bank with a hammer at the end of the video, to further emphasize that he would not have any dimes in the scenario he mentioned above.
Adnan Virk is gone from WWE just 43 days after the company announced his signing on April 12th.
In a brief statement issued Tuesday morning, WWE confirmed the two parties had mutually agreed to part ways. They thanked him for his work.
Adnan Virk served as the lead announcer of WWE Raw for seven weeks. He addressed his followers on Twitter and cited ‘the weekly travel along with his other jobs’ as reasons for the gig not working out.
Thanks to @WWE for a wonderful opportunity. The weekly travel along with my other jobs was a grind for me and my family. Am grateful to everyone with the company especially @WWEGraves and @ByronSaxton for being such fantastic teammates. https://t.co/lrP0fCAMXz
Shortly after his hiring by WWE in April, Virk appeared on the Sports Illustrated media podcast. He spoke about the new role he was taking on.
“It’s been a lot of excitement and elation mixed with trying to balance all the different balls in the air,” Virk said. “When that [WWE] news actually came, I felt like I was jumping out of a birthday cake.”
“I was a rabid fan, I wish my dad still had the Hulkamaniac shirts I had as a kid,” Virk continued. “But me and my brother would watch it all the time. Being Canadian, I’ll never forget Wrestlemania VI at Skydome when it was Hulk Hogan against Ultimate Warrior.”
Virk was dismissed from ESPN in 2019. It was reported that his release was due to ESPN leaks being made to other outlets. Virk also spoke about this during the interview last month.
“I think it was an overreaction on their part, but at the same time, it’s a major corporation that they’re overseeing,” Virk remarked on his exit from ESPN. “It’s not always a fair argument the way that things get framed, at the same time Jimmy, all that I’m doing now is based on the nine years that I put there.”=
Marcus “Buff” Alexander Bagwell has been arrested in Georgia for multiple driving-related offenses. Bagwell was charged with a slew of offences on Saturday night. These included DUI, hit and run, giving false info to a police officer, and reckless driving.
According to the Georgia Gazette, Bagwell was charged with the following:
Driving under the influence of drugs (Misdemeanor)
Failure to yield when entering an intersection (Misdemeanor)
Following too closely
Hit-and-run; duty of driver to stop at all return to the scene of an accident (Misdemeanor)
Duty upon striking a fixed object (Misdemeanor)
Reckless driving
Driving within a gore or median or emergency lane (Misdemeanor)
Giving false name, address, or birthday to a law enforcement officer (Misdemeanor)
License to be carried and exhibited on demand (Misdemeanor)
Bagwell was arrested in Cobb County, Georgia, a town with a long history of law and order in professional wrestling. According to PW Insider, he was released on bail yesterday.
Last August, Bagwell was hospitalized following an automobile accident. Reports at the time of the accident suggested Bagwell was under the influence of prescription medication at the time.
WWE returns to the Capitol Wrestling Center tonight with a live episode of NXT on the USA Network.
The main event of this week’s broadcast will see NXT Champion Karrion Kross defend against former champion Finn Balor. WWE released this preview video hyping the bout:
WWE also released this vintage poster promoting Cross vs. Balor:
In addition to the main event, tonight’s NXT will also feature:
Franky Monet will make her “world premiere” in-ring debut
Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzales face Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon in a #1 contender’s match. The winners will earn a shot against NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, The Way.
Bobby Fish returns to action against Pete Dunne
Finally, Cameron Grimes will have a “Million Dollar Faceoff” with Ted DiBiase and we’ll hear from new NXT North American Champion, Bronson Reed.
John Cena has apologized to China for calling Taiwan a country during a recent media interview to promote Fast and the Furious 9. The island is self-governed but China has claimed the territory despite this for over 70 years.
China pushes back on international messaging that involves Taiwan being referred to as an independent country and John Cena is the latest to experience this. Cena did an interview with local media in Taiwan and mentioned that it will be the first country to see the film.
“Taiwan is the first country that can watch F9,” Cena told the broadcaster in Mandarin.
Today, Cena took to China’s Weibo social media platform and delivered a message in Mandarin. He did not refer to Taiwan by name but spoke about having done a lot of interviews and having “made a mistake.”
“I’m sorry for my mistake,” Cena said. “I must say now, [it’s] very, very, very, very important [that] I love, and respect even more, China and the Chinese people.”
John Cena begs the CCP for forgiveness for calling Taiwan a country.
Here is his original quote: "Taiwan will be the first country to see Fast & Furious 9. This movie is really great—and it's huge," the WWE superstar said on May 8. "You'll be the first to see the film". pic.twitter.com/cwfnHKqxFX
Several airlines recently changed how they refer to Taiwan as a flight destination/route. This was in response to complaints by the Chinese government as well.
“Like other carriers, American (Airlines) is implementing changes to address China’s request. Air travel is global business, and we abide by the rules in countries where we operate,” American Airlines spokeswoman Shannon Gilson told CNN.
Per popular request, here's Mr. John Cena's apology video with English subtitles. I kept all the incoherence in the video, as well as the curious absence of what he's actually apologizing for pic.twitter.com/WmJlRcyOID
“Please say ‘Taiwan is part of China’ in Chinese, otherwise we will not accept,” one person wrote.
“I don’t understand why the Chinese people should be so tolerant to him, who has a vague political stance while profiting from Chinese people,” another wrote.
Alexa Bliss’ pet pig, Larry-Steve, has sadly passed away.
On Monday, Bliss posted a message on Instagram asking if anybody knew of an emergency veterinarian that specifically works with pigs.
“Larry is very ill, can’t move or walk. In a lot of pain,” she wrote. “His usual pig vet said she is not comfortable treating him in his current condition. Most vets are not comfortable treating pigs. If anyone knows of a pig vet please let me know.”
Tuesday morning, she broke the news that Larry-Steve ‘gained his angle wings’ the day before his 4th birthday.
“This morning Larry-Steve gained his Angel wings. I’m so sorry we couldn’t find you the help you needed in time. Some people didn’t understand. But I want you to know Larry, YOUR LIFE MATTERED. We are completely heartbroken.”
Alexa Bliss and Larry Steve
Alexa Bliss was backstage at Monday’s Raw, but did not appear on television.
She posted the following photo on Twitter remembering her beloved friend.
WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston recently spoke to Sports Illustrated. The former WWE Champion and member of The New Day discussed a number of topics during the interview; including his former tag team partner Big E.
Big E is of course now a Superstar on the SmackDown brand. Whilst Kofi appears to be back in the WWE Title picture; he said that he and Xavier Woods are just waiting for WWE to put Big E in the Universal Championship conversation.
“If E gets thrust into that role, going toe-to-toe with the universal champion, if that happens, [Xavier] Woods and me are going to lose our minds,” Kingston began, speaking to SI.
Kofi Kingston on Big E
“I’m not big on looking too far ahead, but if that were to happen, E will exceed every expectation” Kingston continued, praising the man who was Intercontinental Champion up until WrestleMania 37.
“He can talk, can make you laugh, he can gyrate his hips and he can beat you up” Kingston continued, praising his New Day brother. “I’m so happy to see his success with the Intercontinental championship, being able to continue the legacy of the workhorse title.”
“His way with words is unmatched, and his ability to connect with the crowd is very special. E is ready to be at the top of this industry” Kofi Kingston would conclude.
AEW star Scorpio Sky recently appeared on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast. Sky discussed a number of topics on the show, including his Double or Nothing PPV match.
Scorpio Sky will be teaming up with Ethan Page to take on Darby Allin and ‘The Icon’ Sting at the event in a tag team match. This match will Sting’s first in-ring bout as part of the All Elite roster.
“Everyone in my generation grew up watching Sting,” Sky began on the podcast, discussing his match including the WCW legend. “I had a buddy of mine text me, he actually works for the other company (WWE), and he’s like, ‘Bro, Sting was my favorite wrestler growing up, don’t hurt him.’”
“I just laughed about that” Scorpio Sky continued, referring to the talk surrounding the previously retired Sting. “And you know, Sting was one of my favorite wrestlers growing up too. He can still go he still has that magic, when he all he has to do is walk out and there’s just something special about him.”
Scorpio Sky on Sting
Sting of course had to retire originally following a match against Seth Rollins at Night of Champions 2015. The Icon took two Bucklebomb moves that would essentially end his career, until he was confirmed as an AEW star back in December 2020.
“He has that IT factor. And he brings a lot to the table still even this late in his career” Sky noted, praising The Icon. “Again, I’m honored to be a part of it, and I think it’s gonna be a great match.”
“I have no hesitations about it” Sky revealed, talking about the match. “I think he is a professional. He’s an intelligent person and he wouldn’t be stepping into the ring if he wasn’t ready.”
“If he wasn’t medically cleared, emotionally cleared, mentally ready, I think he wouldn’t put himself in that position” Sky concluded.
Following surgery for appendicitis, IMPACT wrestling star Eddie Edwards took to social media to update and thank fans. Edwards stayed in the hospital in Nashville for a few days, following his surgery on May 18th. However, he is now back home in Boston.
“Finally back home after an extended stay in Nashville,” Edwards tweeted. “Yah I’m an appendix short but I’m good! Thank you to all who reached out. It always amazes me how supportive this industry can be. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again the Impact Wrestling locker room is a family. THANK YOU!”
Finally back home after an extended stay in Nashville. Yah im an appendix short but Im good! Thank you to all who reached out. It always amazes me how supportive this industry can be. Ive said it before and Ill say it again the @IMPACTWRESTLING locker room is a family. THANK YOU pic.twitter.com/vIwoIoUXwC
Eddie appeared on the recent Under Siege card, teaming with former IMPACT tag team champions FinJuice. At that event, Edwards pinned Karl Anderson to give his team victory over the Good Brothers and Kenny Omega.
With many people speculating that IMPACT were preparing for an Edwards vs Omega feud, any plans now need to be shelved. Omega is set to defend his IMPACT title against Moose at the Against All Odds PPV.
There is no word right now on Eddie Edwards returning to action. In the past, wrestlers recovering from appendicitis surgery have taken up to three months to get back in the ring.
Eddie Edwards is an IMPACT wrestling legend. Having held the IMPACT belt on two separate occasions and will surely be eager to add a third.
Whether it is against Kenny Omega, Moose, or anybody else on the IMPACT roster, Eddie Edwards will be ready for them.
Following his recent release by WWE, Drake Wuertz announced that he is returning to the ring as an active competitor.
Drake Wuertz was an active star in the indies. He transitioned to a refereeing role following signing with WWE in 2013.
In a social media post, Drake Wuertz announced that he was returning to his ‘Younger’ days before confirming the date for his return.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPQ8jllJMRc/
Younger was recently released from his WWE contract, following a series of incidents involving his personal views. Recently these had been interfering with this WWE responsibilities. Wuertz will return at a charity event that echoes his own personal beliefs. The event will also feature a meet and greet with former WWE and International superstars Matt Morgan and Low-Ki!
A devout Christian and conservative, Drake Wuertz fell out of favour in WWE, despite being the head referee in NXT. Reports since his release say that many wrestlers were starting to refuse to wrestle in matches under his control.
Drake Wuertz has been out of the ring for almost 8 years. It remains to be seen if this return or a one-off event. If a full-time return is part of the plan, Wuertz may find himself struggling to get a regular spot at any of the larger promotions. His reputation and often confrontational views may limit his opportunities both as a wrestler and a performer.
