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Kurt Angle Calls Bret Hart The ‘Greatest Of All Time’

Jake Skudder
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During a recent episode of the Kurt Angle Show at AdFreeShows.com, Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle discussed the topic of “greatest pro wrestler of all time.”

Many people would pick Angle as the G.O.A.T., but he named Bret “The Hitman” Hart as his pick.

“It is Bret Hart because I believe that he’s the greatest wrestler of all time,” Angle said. “I believe that with his in-ring performance, there’s nobody better. I would say Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit are close, even myself, but I still put Bret up there.”

Bret Hart: The Ultimate Technician

In addition to Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit, Ric Flair is also in the conversation. However, he was no Bret Hart when it comes to technical ability.

“Don’t get me wrong, a Ric Flair needs to be up there too because he’s the man,” he added. “Ric was a great wrestler and could get people interested in the psychology of the match, but he was also very entertaining.”

“He took a lot of crazy Ric Flair bumps. You knew what he was going to do and you wanted him to do it. Bret Hart was just the best overall technician I have ever seen in my life.”

Bret Hart himself has said on many occasions that he would’ve loved to face Kurt Angle in the ring. Unfortunately this is another dream match that would not come to pass.

During this 2020 interview with Chris Van Vliet, Angle revealed the match almost happened at WrestleMania XX back in 2004:

Chris Jericho Says That Darby Allin Is a ‘Main Event Draw’

Jake Skudder
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Former AEW ‘Le Champion’ Chris Jericho recently appeared on WrestlingINC’s daily show. The former WWE Undisputed Champion discussed a number of topics on the show, including how AEW has built younger stars into viable talents on a national stage.

“Our goal from the start was to make new stars” Jericho began the interview. “Because that’s what wrestling’s all about. It always has been. If you look at last week’s show, where we had Jungle Boy vs. Darby Allin in the main event, we had Shida vs. Tay Conti in a main event.”

“Those are two kind of fence post matches on our show and they both did a great number” Jericho continued. “We’ve made Darby Allin into a legit main event draw. I mean last night he’s in the main event with Ten for God’s sake and it will probably do a good number.”

“I give us a full Barry Horowitz pat on the back for that because we set out to do it and we did it” Chris Jericho added. “It’s not hard to do; pick the right guy and just stick with them.”

Jericho finished by discussing how the inclusion of Sting has really helped the Darby Allin character get over as the TNT Champion. “We paired Darby with Sting, so he got that rub. And now Sting is almost, I’m not going to say lackey, but he’s almost Darby’s second at this point. And that’s probably exactly what he should be.”

Would you like to see Chris Jericho vs Darby Allin in a feud over the TNT Championship? Let us know in the comments

WWE SmackDown Results (4/30): Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan, IC Title Match

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome. Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Daniel Bryan tonight. Daniel Bryan had to win the match or he would be barred from WWE SmackDown. Apollo Crews also put the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Big E in a WrestleMania rematch.

SmackDown Results (4/30)

  1. Bianca Belair & Street Profits def. Bayley & Dirty Dawgs
  2. Natala & Tamina def. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler
  3. Big E def. Apollo Crews via DQ (Apollo Crews retained IC Title)
  4. Roman Reigns def. Daniel Bryan to retain the Universal Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Bianca Belair & Street Profits Picked Up A Win

SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair kicked off this week’s show. She was immediately interrupted by SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. Ziggler told Belair that they will take it from here and began to rant about how great of a team they were.

Street Profits interrupted and said they cannot believe the Dirty Dawgs just interrupted the SmackDown Women’s Champion. Bayley then joined the party and ripped the microphone away from Belair. Bayley laughed into the microphone and Bianca dropped her with a punch. Bayley hit some punches and everyone started brawling as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Bianca Belair teamed with Street Profits to face Dirty Dawgs and Bayley. Belair hit Bayley with a Dropkick that sent her out of the ring to regroup. Ziggler and Ford tagged in as Bayley sent Belair into the steel steps outside the ring.

Ziggler connected with a Superkick for a near fall. Angelo Dawkins and Roode then battled in the ring. Dawkins hit Ziggler with an Exploder Suplex and followed it up with a Running Bulldog to Roode. Belair hit the KOD as Dawkins hit the Spinebuster on Roode. Ford tagged in and connected with the Frog Splash from the heavens for the pinfall victory.

Tamina & Natalya def. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler

Natalya & Tamina faced Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler in a non-title match tonight. Before the match, the Women’s Tag Team Champions were interviewed backstage but were attacked by Natalya and Tamina. Nia Jax and Baszler controlled the action early and isolated Tamina in the ring.

Natalya tagged in and planted Shayna with a German Suplex for a near fall. Natalya avoided the Kirifuda Clutch and connected with a Clothesline for a two count. Natalya quickly hit a German Suplex and went for another cover but Shayna was able to kick out at two.

Jax and Tamina then tagged in. Tamina climbed to the top rope but Reginald distracted her. Natalya tried for the Sharpshooter on Reginald but Baszler broke it up. Jax tripped up Tamina on the top rope and tagged Shayna back in. Baszler and Tamina battled on the turnbuckle. Tamina hit a headbutt that sent Shayna to the mat and then hit the Superfly Splash for the pinfall victory.

The IC Title Match Ended In A DQ

Apollo Crews defended the Intercontinental Championship against Big E tonight on SmackDown. Commander Azeez was in Crews’ corner for the match. Big E was interviewed tonight and vowed to overcome the odds and take back the Intercontinental Championship.

The action started off back and forth. Big E took control and hit a Splash on the ring apron and went for the cover but Crews was able to kick out at two. Apollo took control with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Suplex onto the floor outside the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Crews hit a Moonsault but Big E shrugged it off and hit a Belly to Belly Suplex. Apollo dodged a Splash and hit a big boot to the face for a two count. Big E battled back and connected with the Big Ending but couldn’t go for the cover because Commander Azeez dragged him out of the ring ending the match in a DQ.

After the match, Kevin Owens rushed the ring and attacked Azeez. Commander Azeez was about to hit Owens with the Nigerian Nail but Big E broke it up. Sami Zayn showed up and leveled Kevin Owens with a Helluva Kick. Sami tried to tell Commander Azeez what to do and it backfired as Azeez hit him with the Nigerian Nail.

Roman Reigns Retained & Sent A Message To Cesaro

Seth Rollins challenged Cesaro to a match next week and Cesaro later accepted in a backstage interview. Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Daniel Bryan tonight. Daniel Bryan would be barred from SmackDown if he lost the match.

Earlier in the show, Daniel Bryan vowed to win the match and defend the Universal Championship against Cesaro. Several superstars also picked who they thought was going to win the match tonight. King Corbin picked Roman Reigns just because he wanted to see Daniel Bryan go home for good.

Paul Heyman was interviewed before the match as well. Heyman said he is so tired of hearing about Daniel Bryan and that everyone thinks Bryan will win tonight. Heyman claimed that Bryan will never be seen on SmackDown again and did a “no!” chant.

Daniel Bryan hit a Dropkick that sent Reigns to the corner to begin the match. Bryan hit a few Yes Kicks but Reigns put an end to it with a massive right hand to the face. Roman applied a Bear Hug but Bryan escaped and wrestled the Universal Champion down to the mat.

Bryan went for the Yes Lock but Reigns escaped and rolled out of the ring to regroup. Daniel Bryan went after him and connected with a knee to the face off the ring apron as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Bryan was still in control and was working on the Universal Champion’s arm. Daniel connected with two Dropkicks in the corner of the ring and went for another one but Reigns dropped him with a punch to the face. Reigns hit Bryan with a headbutt and then a Suplex for a two count.

Roman controlled the next few minutes and brought Daniel Bryan down to the canvas with a Headlock. Bryan broke free but Roman leveled him with an elbow to the face for a near fall. Roman charged but Bryan was ready and sent him into the middle turnbuckle. Bryan unloaded some Yes Kicks in the corner but Reigns responded with a Powerbomb off the second turnbuckle for a near fall as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Roman sent Bryan flying into the barricade. Back in the ring, Roman beat Bryan down in the corner of the ring until the referee broke it up. Reigns went for a Superplex but Bryan escaped and crotched Roman on the top turnbuckle. Bryan connected with a Back Suplex off the top turnbuckle and both superstars crashed to the canvas.

Bryan went for a cover but Roman kicked out at two as a “this is awesome!” chant was heard. Reigns battled back with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Daniel went back to work on Reigns’ arm and sent him out of the ring. Bryan went for a Suicide Dive but Reigns countered into a Suplex on the floor. Roman went for a Spear but Bryan got out of the way and the Universal Champion crashed through the barricade as SmackDown went to a break.

Bryan connected with a Diving Headbutt for a two count when SmackDown returned. Reigns hit the Superman Punch and went for the Spear but Bryan countered into a roll-up for another two count. Bryan stomped on Reigns’ face and applied the Yes Lock in the middle of the ring.

Reigns broke free and hit the Spear for a near fall. Roman applied the Guillotine Choke but Daniel was able to escape and got Reigns in the Yes Lock again. Roman escaped again with several forearms to the face and then a Powerbomb. Reigns then applied the Guillotine Choke and Bryan passed out to end the match. Roman Reigns is still the Universal Champion and Daniel Bryan is barred from SmackDown.

After the match, Roman brought some chairs into the ring but Cesaro made the save. Cesaro hit Reigns with some uppercuts but turned around into a Superkick from Jey Uso. Jey then held Cesaro back as Roman Reigns hit Daniel Bryan with the Con-Chair-To to close the show.

Daniel Bryan Banished From SmackDown As Reigns Retains Universal Title

Andrew Ravens
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Roman Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Daniel Bryan on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown. The stipulation to go along with this match was if Bryan lost then he would be banished from SmackDown.

The match saw Bryan work over the right arm of Reigns. It was a battle between the supreme bigger champion against the hungry underdog. The back and forth match saw Reigns lock in the guillotine choke for the win to retain the title. Bryan’s SmackDown career is over, but he never tapped. Instead, he passed out. 

WWE did a show-long storyline last week that was about Reigns responding to Cesaro’s challenge for a Universal Championship match, which Bryan advocated for Cesaro to get the title shot. It turned out that Bryan teamed with Cesaro to defeat Seth Rollins & Jey Uso.

Paul Heyman later promised that at the end of the show Reigns would give an answer to Cesaro’s challenge. Fast forward to the main event segment, Reigns told Cesaro that his answer is no and will always be no because he doesn’t think Cesaro deserves it and isn’t on his level.

Reigns said the Universal Champion issues the challenges around here before turning his attention to Bryan. Reigns gave Bryan one more shot at the title, which Cesaro sided with Bryan. Reigns said he doesn’t want to see Bryan on his show again after Bryan loses and thus the match was made official. 

Andrade Joins Federacion Wrestling PPV (June 19th)

Andrew Ravens
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Andrade is headed to Federacion Wrestling. The Mexico-based upstart promotion will hold its first pay-per-view on June 19th.

During a virtual press conference held on Friday, the former WWE star was officially announced as appearing at the event. He will wrestle as part of La Facción Ingobernable. 

Andrade, RUSH, Bestia Del Ring, and a surprise partner against Matt Taven, PJ Black, and two surprise partners has been booked for the June 19th pay-per-view event. 

Penta El Zero M & Rey Fenix against Bandido & Dragon Lee is the other match booked for the show. Red Velvet and Tay Conti will compete in six-woman trios action.

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Andrade – Federacion Wrestling

This marks his second post-WWE booking as his other match will take place on July 31st. 

Andrade requested his release from WWE last month, but at first, it was denied. Six days later, WWE announced in a statement posted on their website Sunday evening that he had been released. 

When he departed from WWE, he didn’t have the traditional 90-day non-compete clause like other wrestlers have been under, which is the reason that he was able to sign with this promotion. 

Sammy Guevara Addresses His Creative Disagreement With Impact Wrestling

Andrew Ravens
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Back in February, there was a situation between Sammy Guevara and Impact Wrestling. The AEW star was pulled from TV tapings with the idea of him working for the promotion after he quit Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle faction, but he didn’t like the creative direction and was later informed by Jericho to go home after he expressed criticism.

He was supposed to win three matches at the Impact tapings. It was reported at the time that Impact was mad about AEW sending talent over, putting plans in place, and then the talent wouldn’t do what was planned. In an interview with Fightful, Guevara commented on the matter. 

“It’s business at the end of the day. What was presented, I didn’t see it working for me. I still wish nothing but the best for Impact and everybody there. I didn’t put any information out online and I know there’s only a certain amount of people that knew certain information, so the information that was put out online is only coming from one side. 

I wish we could have kept it more close-knit instead of having to make it everybody’s business, because I feel like it wasn’t necessary for everybody to know any of this stuff. So that’s why I started trolling on the vlog, and certain things are coming out where I’m like, ‘Yo, this is not true at all’. So, don’t believe everything you read online. But hey man, it is what it is. We all could have handled things better, but that’s life in general man. You live, you learn, you grow and you go.”

He continued by noting that he has a lot of friends in Impact and there’s plenty of wrestlers he’d like to work with.

However, he knows that he will wrestle those wrestlers at some point whether that’s in AEW, Impact or on the independent scene. 

Mick Foley Pushes For Vince McMahon To Create An All-Women’s Brand

Andrew Ravens
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Mick Foley has been a big supporter of women’s wrestling for years and is now making the call to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon to make something special for the women’s division. 

The WWE Hall of Famer took to Twitter to send a message to his former boss, which is to create an all-women’s brand in WWE. He also added some possible bragging rights to it as he mentioned that if McMahon doesn’t then AEW could beat him to it. 

The Hardcore Legend wrote, “Dear Vince, An all women’s brand NEEDS to happen in @WWE Unless you want @AEW to beat you to the punch. Sincerely, Mick @VinceMcMahon.”

It should be noted that there’s been no talk of WWE creating an all-women’s brand, but perhaps, this suggestion made by the former WWE Champion could lead to it becoming a reality. 

The closest thing to what Foley is pitching was the WWE Evolution pay-per-view, which was the first-ever women’s event under the WWE banner back on October 28, 2018, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, in Uniondale, New York.

WWE hasn’t held a second show like this since but various stars including Sasha Banks have expressed support for WWE to do so.

Mario Lopez in Talks to Make His WWE Debut

Alex Laybourne
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WWE have a long history of celebrity wrestlers stepping between the ropes, and the newest name linked to making their WWE debut is none other than Mario Lopez. 

The former Saved by the Bell star is already 47 years old, but has kept himself in great shape. He also has experience in wrestling dating back to his high-school days. This fundamental knowledge would certainly put him at an advantage and point towards his ability to really engage with an opponent. 

Mario Lopez was talking to WWE Legend Jerry the King Lawler on his own On With Mario Lopez podcast he mentioned that the WWE had already made an approach to have him appear.

“Jerry, they’re trying to get me to do something in the ring. For my kids, I think I wanna do it, get in there as a storyline.

“I’m almost gonna be 48 – I’m in pretty good shape though, and athletic. Any suggestions, any advice I need to know when I get in there. By the way, I grew up wrestling too!”

Mario Lopez Has a High School Wrestling Background

Mario Lopez is a long term fan of sports entertainment and for those that grew up in the early nineties we all remember the successful exploits of AC Slater and the Bayside High wrestling team.

Jerry Lawler was quick to encourage Lopez to get between the ropes. He referenced the recent WWE run for rapper Bad Bunny. The music star put in arguably the best celebrity performance ever seen on the biggest stage of them all. 

Lopez was also quick to jump on the bunny, laying down the challenge. “I wanna wrestle Bad Bunny! I wanna body slam and suplex Bad Bunny!”

Someone should make sure Lopez knows that they are fighting words. Could we be seeing the start of the first celebrity vs celebrity WWE feud?

Tessa Blanchard & Daga In Talks To Sign With AEW

Michael Reichlin
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Tessa Blanchard and husband Daga are in talks to sign with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The negotiations have been ongoing for over a month. One source close to the situation tells us that it’s “all but a formality” until they are signed.

Blanchard is a former Impact World Champion. She is widely considered one of the most talented female competitors on the open market.

She’s weathered her share of controversies, including claims that she is difficult to work with and allegations of racism, which she adamantly denied. AEW officials have discussed the idea of acknowledging Tessa Blanchard’s prior ‘issues’ on television and presenting her with a redemption storyline of sorts.

https://twitter.com/Tess_Blanchard/status/1387220024872603652

Blanchard’s father, the legendary Tully Blanchard, is currently part of AEW as a member of MJF’s faction, The Pinnacle.

Daga has been wrestling for Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA promotion. He was the AAA Latin American Champion up until this past week, when he vacated the belt.

Scott D’Amore Comments On Recently Released WWE Stars Coming To Impact

Chris Stephens
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Last year when WWE released 20+ talents in April, Impact built up their Slammiversary PPV around who would be debuting or returning to the company. Promotional materials for this year’s Slammiversary event carry a similar feel.

Scott D’Amore recently appeared on the Wrestling Perspectives podcast and implied that negotiations with some recently released WWE talent might have already begun.

“I think you look at what we did at Slammiversary last year with all the buzz, and I think there’s an opportunity here. There’s some great talent and they’ve got this hiccup in their career. We’ve all been there probably where we’ve been let go and they’ve got the opportunity to do like so many of the people did last year and forge new opportunities and different and in some ways better opportunities for themselves,” D’Amore said (transcriptions via Fightful).

Scott D’Amore on Samoa Joe

With Samoa Joe now a free agent, D’Amore made specific mention of when he wanted to bring Joe to TNA in 2005.

“In 2005 when I got put in charge of the creative for TNA I knew there was one guy that I wanted, and that was Samoa Joe, and I worked very hard getting on the phone because WWE wanted him as well. Myself and Mike Tenay, who’s an amazing, amazing dude that I know some of you have met and got to be around, we just knew Joe was different and special and we wanted to have him there. That was 2005, we were able to get him and do some pretty damn cool stuff. I got mad respect for Samoa Joe and would always love an opportunity to work with him again, both because of his unbelievable talent and his unique charisma and also because he’s just a good dude.”

Scott D’Amore On Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, and Chelsea Green

D’Amore also hinted that some conversations may have already started.

“So many of that other talent. you look at it, whether it’s Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, whether it’s Chelsea Green, you know, there’s just so much there and I just got to say, I think there’s a chance that some talent’s going to move around and you’re just going to have to stay tuned and be careful what I say, but maybe some conversations have started.”

NBA Playoffs To Disrupt AEW Dynamite Schedule Next Month

Chris Stephens
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The NBA Playoffs get going on May 22nd, 2021 and several of the games will air on TNT. The episode of AEW Dynamite originally scheduled for May 26th, 2021 will not air in the promotion’s usual time slot due to the basketball schedule.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the show scheduled for the 26th will now take place on Friday, May 28th. Additionally, the show will air at 10 PM est rather than at 8 PM est. AEW’s next PPV is scheduled to be Double or Nothing on May 30th, 2021. This means the delayed show on the 28th will be the go-home show for the event.

AEW was also forced to move several shows last summer to make way for the NBA Playoffs. The NBA was forced into a bubble for the end of the season and playoffs last year, months after the season would have normally already ended.

Tony Khan On AEW’s Deal With Turner For Wednesday Nights

Turner Sports also recently signed a deal with the NHL. The deal is not expected to impact AEW programming much, however. Tony Khan recently spoke about AEW’s deal with Turner for Wednesday nights during an appearance on Busted Open Radio.

“I know Wednesday night is our slot and our home,” he said. “I’m thrilled with our partnership with TNT. It’s the lifeblood of our company and our primary revenue source and t’s the way most fans get exposed to AEW and see our show. And tonight and every night that we do Dynamite, for a lot of wrestling fans, it’s a really important night of the week.”

“We have a contract with over two and a half years left for Wednesday nights in this slot. And if there was ever an opportunity to move or if there was a deal to be had, I would consider it. If we did something, it would have to be a really good deal for AEW and it would have to make sense for us. As it stands right now, that is the spot we’re in. If we move, I would certainly consider a deal if there was something in it for AEW.”

Impact Results (4/29): Kenny Omega & Good Brothers Attack

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling this week was the first show since Kenny Omega defeated Rich Swann to become the new Impact World Champion. Omega would appear on this show but Scott D’Amore had to go to great lengths to ensure the new champion would fulfill his commitments.

The full replay is available on Impact Plus even for non-subscribers.

Impact Wrestling 4/29 Quick results:

  1. Under Siege Qualifier
    Chris Bey defeated Jake Something
  2. W. Morrissey defeated Sam Beale
  3. Taylor Wilde defeated Kimber Lee
  4. X-Division Championship
    Josh Alexander (c) defeated Ace Austin
  5. Under Siege Qualifier
    Matt Cardona defeated Brian Myers
  6. Under Siege Qualifier
    Sami Callihan vs Eddie Edwards – No Contest

Scott D’Amore Reveals How Kenny Omega’s Next Challenger Will Be Determined

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKIypVMvjF0

Scott D’Amore cut an in-ring promo to start this week’s show. He noted that because of the “winner take all” aspect to Omega vs Swann at Rebellion, there was no rematch clause put in the contract. A new challenger will have to be determined to face Omega. D’Amore then announced there will be a 6-way match at Under Siege to determine who will challenge the champion next. 3 qualifying matches would take place on this week’s show and 3 on next week’s show. Without much delay, Jake Something was chosen to face the returning Chris Bey in the first qualifier.

Qualifying Matches:

  • Chris Bey vs Jake Something (this week)
  • Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona (this week)
  • Eddie Edwards vs Sami Callihan (this week)
  • James Storm vs Moose (next week)
  • Rhino vs Chris Sabin (next week)
  • Trey Miguel vs Rohit Raju (next week)

Chris Bey Qualifies For Under Siege

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz7qkaz3P6M

Something and Bey had a back-and-forth match with Bey using his speed and “finesse” against Something’s size and strength. The ending came when Rohit Raju grabbed at Something’s foot from ringside. The momentary distraction allowed Bey to roll-up Something for the pin. This could lead to some type of angle between Something and Raju as Bey now has a chance to qualify for a title shot against Kenny Omega.

W. Morrissey Debuts On AXS TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0InwUJrz94

After making his promotional debut at Rebellion, W. Morrissey (FKA Big Cass) made his debut on AXS TV this week. Before his match against Sam Beale, Morrissey cut a promo about how the fans don’t really know him and they don’t really know the wrestlers in the back. He continued to say the wrestlers in the back are all bad people and so is he. The difference is, he’s at least honest about being a bad guy.

Morrissey then made quick work of his opponent in a complete squash match. Later in the show, Willie Mack would challenge him to a match at Under Siege. Morrissey pinned Mack in 8-man tag action at Rebellion.

Taylor Wilde Not Interested In Teaming With Tenille Dashwood

Taylor Wilde has returned to Impact Wrestling and she’s looking to “Main Stage Impact-alooza” as she said this week. Tenille Dashwood and Kaleb interrupted her backstage segment and Dashwood implied that the two should form a tag-team. Wilde, however, is interested in going for singles gold and not teaming with Dashwood.

Wilde would go on to defeat Kimber Lee in singles action later in the show. Susan was at ringside and did everything she could to help her ally gain the advantage but it was all for not. Wilde made Lee submit to a deathlock.

After the match, Susan attacked and the heels had a 2-on-1 advantage on Wilde. Dashwood then made the save for Wilde. So it’s possible these two could end up teaming together even if that’s not what Wilde wants.

Josh Alexander Retains X-Division Championship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pl7zJ4gfL0

Josh Alexander won the title at Rebellion in a 3-way match that also involved TJP. This week, he’d have to face the former 2x champion Ace Austin in singles action. The end of the match came shortly after Madman Fulton had attempted to interfere on the outside. The distraction allowed Austin a momentary burst of offence but Alexander countered a Divine Intervention attempt and the locked in the Ankle Lock submission for the win.

Matt Cardona Avenges Loss At Rebellion, Defeats Brian Myers To Qualify For Under Siege

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

Brian Myers defeated Matt Cardona at Rebellion after taking advantage of his opponent’s injured knee. This week, Cardona attempted to gain the advantage by attacking Myers before the match. Myers would counter this by continuing to focus on Cardona’s leg throughout the match. Cardona struggled to get sustained offence as his former tag partner continued to focus on his injured limb. Finally, as Myers appeared to be setting Cardona up for the Roster Cut Lariat, Cardona countered it with Radio Silence and got the 3-count.

El Phantasmo Coming To Impact Wrestling

With the Forbidden Door getting wider and easier to walk through every week, NJPW’s El Phantasmo was advertised as coming to Impact Wrestling on this week’s show. ELP is a 2x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and has won the Super J-Cup tournament two years in a row in 2019 and 2020.

Kenny Omega, Don Callis & The Good Brothers Interfere In The Main Event

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNbzkeh5a8E

As the match between Eddie Edwards and Sami Callihan was ongoing in the main event, Kenny Omega, Don Callis, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows did a run-in.

Throughout the night, Scott D’Amore had said that if Omega didn’t appear personally live on the show, he’d be stripped of the title. Omega made it at the last second to interfere in the main event. Omega was about to give Callihan a V-Trigger when FinJuice made the save. The heels still had the numbers advantage, however, and were able to fight off the tag champs. With the ring cleared, Don Callis cut a promo praising Kenny Omega to end the show.

Coming Up In Impact Wrestling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NM2DTRHwm0

The following matches are upcoming in Impact Wrestling.

Next week:

  • James Storm vs Moose
  • Rhino vs Chris Sabin
  • Trey Miguel vs Rohit Raju
  • El Phantasmo vs TBA

Under Siege (May 15th)

  • Kenny Omega & The Good Brothers vs Eddie Edwards & Finjuice
  • Knockouts Tag Team Championships
    Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering (c) vs Fire N Flava
  • 6-Way #1 Contenders Match
    Chris Bey vs Matt Cardona vs TBD vs TBD vs TBD vs TBD

NJPW’s El Phantasmo Headed To Impact Next Week

Chris Stephens
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On last night’s edition of Impact Wrestling, a vignette for NJPW’s El Phantasmo was shown to preview the 34-year-old’s pending arrival in the promotion. ELP going to Impact comes on the heels of NJPW’s David Finlay and Juice Robinson doing the same. FinJuice are the current Impact Wrestling tag-team champions and wore the title bouts to the ring during a recent NJPW tour.

Phantasmo is a former 2x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. He’s also won the Super J-Cup tournament two years in a row in 2019 and 2020.

ELP is from Vancouver and began his training alongside other British Columbia bred wrestlers, Kyle O’Reilly and WWE’s Bollywood Boyz (aka the Singh Brothers).

Following the announcement of his forthcoming debut for Impact, Phantasmo named over a dozen wrestlers he wants to work with.

https://twitter.com/elpwrestling/status/1388110725894180866

Forbidden No More

NJPW President Takami Ohbari recently commented on his company’s new approach to talent-sharing with other promotions:

“I will say this until I’m blue in the face: this is a star driven business, and the wrestlers are the focus,” Ohbari said in an interview with NJPW1972.com. “So if our wrestlers say ‘I want to wrestle that guy’ ‘I want to test myself against that guy’ ‘I want to show that I’m better than that guy’. Then it becomes our job as a company to do what we can to back them, make it happen and make it successful.”

NJPW President Reveals Position On Talent-Sharing With Other Companies

Chris Stephens
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Takami Ohbari took over from Harold Meij has President of New Japan Pro Wrestling in October. The change in management led to much speculation that NJPW could reverse its position on talent-sharing and working with other wrestling companies.

During a recent interview with NJPW1972.com, Ohbari clarified the company’s current position on the matter is to support wrestlers who wish to work for other companies.

“I will say this until I’m blue in the face: this is a star driven business, and the wrestlers are the focus,” Ohbari said. “So if our wrestlers say ‘I want to wrestle that guy’ ‘I want to test myself against that guy’ ‘I want to show that I’m better than that guy’. Then it becomes our job as a company to do what we can to back them, make it happen and make it successful.”

New Japan Strong

NJPW Strong
NJPW Strong

Ohbari continued to talk about the door is open for more American talent to wrestle for NJPW on New Japan STRONG, which airs Fridays on the New Japan World streaming service.

If there is someone who wants to come in and the fans want to see it, NJPW will work to make it happen. “When you look at things overseas right now, especially in the US, there are a lot of wrestlers who want to come to Japan, and can’t, right? Even if you get into the country, you have to quarantine. But STRONG is there for those guys.”

He added, “That is authentic, genuine New Japan Pro-Wrestling. If you want to be in NJPW, and you’re good enough, this door is open: come in, come do what you can do, and we’ll make sure the world can watch it. That goes for the fans too; if there’s a match you guys want to see, we’ll do what we can to make it happen.”

Ohbari’s comments come on the heels of several “Forbidden Door” type moves in recent months. NJPW’s David Finlay & Juice Robinson have been performing for Impact and are the promotion’s current tag champions. Yuji Nagata will be appearing on AEW Dynamite to face Jon Moxley next week for the IWGP United States title as well.

The full interview can be read here.

W Morrissey Debuts At Impact On AXS TV (Video)

Michael Reichlin
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W Morrissey made his Impact on AXS TV debut this week. The man formerly known as WWE Superstar Big Cass is the newest member of the Impact roster.

Morrissey came out and cut an impassioned promo on the show. Morrissey said, “You may recognize this face, but you do not know who I am.” Wrestling fans don’t know who any of the wrestlers are. They’re not heroes, they do not love you and they do not care about you. These are very bad people.

“This entire industry is filled with bad people and the only difference between me and all of them is I’m not afraid to admit it.”

He then proceeded to demolish Sam Beale.

Morrissey looks to be in the best shape of his career. He is a big signing and will be a serious threat to anyone who stands in his way.

Check out W Morrissey’s debut:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0InwUJrz94

Impact Under Siege Main Event Announced (May 15th)

Michael Reichlin
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The main event is set for the upcoming Impact Under Siege special event: Kenny Omega team with the Good Brothers against Eddie Edwards and FinJuice.

The inter-promotional attraction features talent from Impact, AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Omega is the reigning Impact World Champion and also holds the AEW World Championship. NJPW stars FinJuice are the Impact tag team champions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNbzkeh5a8E

We’ll also see a 6-man #1 contender’s match to determine the next challenger to Kenny Omega. Chris Bey and Matt Cardona will face 4 more competitors determined by qualifying matches taking place over the net few weeks.

Check back for updates on the full match card as additional matches are announced.

Impact Under Siege takes place Saturday, May 15th. It airs live on the Impact Plus App. Visit ImpactWrestling.com for subscription details.

Upcoming Impact Special Events:

  • May 15: Under Siege | IMPACT Plus
  • June 12: Against All Odds | IMPACT Plus
  • July: Slammiversary | Pay-Per-View
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO31Vtkw9q0

Daniel Bryan Heaps Praise on ‘Innovative’ Kenny Omega

Alex Laybourne
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WWE superstar Daniel Bryan is going to be fighting for his career this week on Smackdown. Yet, it wasn’t Roman Reigns he was heaping praise on during his recent podcast interview for My Mom’s Basement.

During their 30-minute chat Daniel Bryan covered a range of topics, including lauding praise on current AEW and IMPACT world champion Kenny Omega.

“He looks at wrestling differently than anybody else.” Bryan started. “With Kenny Omega, there’s no previous evolution point. It’s just these completely new things that have entered his head that he’s daring to try.”

The Best Bout Machine caught wind of Daniel Bryan’s complimentary remarks. Naturally, he agreed and said Bryan “gets it.”

Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega?

Kenny Omega and Daniel Bryan are wrestling fans to their core. Both have held multiple titles around the world, and years ago, just as their careers were getting started, they locked up in the ring. During stints with Ring of Honor the pair fought three times. There can be no denying that a fourth match-up between them would be a main event match without a doubt.

Daniel Bryan’s comments have interesting timing. When you think he could be kayfabe retired after Friday night and has mentioned in recent interviews how he might step back from full-time competition.

It is also interesting to note that in the same interview, Bryan went on to champion the notion that WWE should open their minds and allow wrestlers to fight for other promotions while under contract.

These are separate points made by a man who has earned the right to share his opinions. However, the thought of seeing Brian Danielson vs Kenny Omega in an AEW ring at some point down the line is enough to excite any wrestling fan.

AEW Dynamite Falls To 889,000 Viewers, 0.33 Demo (4/28)

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Dynamite viewership took a major hit this week after a strong start running unopposed on Wednesday nights.

The April 28th edition of AEW Dynamite on TNT averaged 889,000 viewers. The show did a 0.33 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic to finish #10 on cable. The data comes courtesy of ShowbuzzDaily.

Dynamite viewership was down significantly after drawing viewership above 1.1 million the past two weeks. The show went up against US President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address to Congress and the subsequent coverage.

Digging into the demographics, AEW’s numbers were down across the board. The demographic that was hit the hardest was Adults 50+, which was down 23%.

AEW has Blood and Guts scheduled for next week, which should spike a big number and bring things comfortably back above the 1 million mark.

Wednesday’s show featured FTW Champion Brian Cage getting a surprise win over Hangman Page, Penta El Zero M getting a win over Orange Cassidy, an appearance from AEW/Impact World Champion Kenny Omega, a face-to-face showdown between the Inner Circle and the Pinnacle, Darby Allin retaining the TNT Championship over Dark Order member 10 and much more.

Check out our AEW Dynamite Results & Takeaways (4/28).

Konosuke Takeshita Calls Out AEW Top Talent For His Return

Alex Laybourne
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Konosuke Takeshita was impressive during his recent visit to AEW. The Japanese talent was an unknown entity to everybody. However, he is a superstar of some repute back in his homeland. He has held close to every title in the DDT promotion including their Openweight belt.

Talking in a recent press conference, Takeshita spoke about making his debut for the company and wrestling with a roster and a crowd who had little to no idea who he was.

“To be appreciated at that time was what gave me the most confidence. That kind of environment is what I think was different. But I really drew motivation from it. I felt the hunger to perform the most.”

Konosuke Takeshita only had three matches with AEW, one on each of their Dark shows, following a debut at their first-ever house show. Fighting alongside AEW Champion Kenny Omega, he held his own and left wrestling fans eager to see more.

Takeshita went on to mention that he was eager to return to AEW and has already signalled out two potentially huge matches that he would like to have upon his return.

While he featured as one of Kenny Omega’s boys during his first run, the current AEW and IMPACT champion was the first name on his list of potential opponents. This was closely followed by another wrestling legend in Chris Jericho.

“As for who I want to face, the one who has really had the most influence on me the last few years is Kenny Omega. Also, I had a little conversation with Chris Jericho.”

A match against either opponent would be a great chance for Konosuke Takeshita to demonstrate his true potential and win over the hearts of an entirely new continent of fans.

Braun Strowman Sets WWE Raw Record

Alex Laybourne
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Braun Strowman has been receiving more and more TV time recently. This past Monday on RAW he received more than his fair share when he set a brand new RAW record.

After reviewing close to a thousand different records, WWE has officially confirmed that the Monster Among Men is the first person to fight in a singles match, a tag-team match, and a handicap match all on the same night.

He first faced T-Bar and Mace in a handicap match. This then became a tag match alongside Drew McIntyre. A miscommunication would see them lose in a double count-out. A powerslam to McIntyre after the match ended set the pair on course for a main event singles match.

The three matches also capped a night of triple celebration for Braun, who not only set the record for matches on Raw but also picked up a win against McIntyre and in the process got himself into the championship match at Backlash. Not a bad night of work for the big man.

Braun has been a fan favourite ever since he began his singles push after leaving the Wyatt family. His inclusion in the main event at Backlash is surely not only well deserved but well-earned. Especially after everything he was put through in his recent storyline with Shane McMahon.

While there is a lot for Braun to do if he wants to walk out of Backlash with the gold, a match with Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman certainly has show-stealing potential.

Daniel Bryan: WWE Wrestlers Capable Of More Than ‘Sports Entertainment’

Chris Stephens
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Daniel Bryan recently took part in an interview with Barstool Sports. During the discussion, Bryan said he doesn’t feel wrestling fans understand how talented many WWE Superstars are.

“I don’t think people truly understand how great a lot of the WWE Superstars are because we don’t necessarily put on a pure wrestling product,” Bryan said. “We put on a sports entertainment product.”

Bryan would continue to say that if some WWE Superstars performed for a more wrestling-based company, fans would better appreciate their talent.

“If all of a sudden you saw Cesaro in New Japan for example like people would be like, ‘oh my god, this guy is the greatest!'”

He continued to use Otis as an example of someone else who would be perceived differently if they wrestled in NJPW.

“I think you put Otis in New Japan and people would be like ‘Holy cow! This guy is amazing!’ Like Vader from the 90s type of vibe. People think of him as the worm guy but it’s just a different presentation.”

Daniel Bryan on the Forbidden Door

Bryan was also asked about recently having expressed a desire to wrestle outside of WWE while still working for the company.

“I’ve brought it up to a lot of people and now is more than ever is a time when people are open to new ideas,” Bryan said during the interview. “I think I have made some headway whether any of it actually happens, who knows?”

He would continue to say that he feels WWE Superstars performing for other companies would be good for WWE and wrestling in general.

“I also think it would just be good for WWE and just wrestling in general. For people that are in the developmental system right now, for them to be able to go and learn in other places. I wouldn’t be the performer I am today if I hadn’t wrestled in Japan and not just like Japan where it’s like sports stuff but also like Butlins in the UK where it’s all comedy.”

The full interview can be viewed in the player below:

MLW Fusion Results (4/28): Tom Lawlor vs Marshall Von Erich

Chris Stephens
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MLW Fusion on 4/28 featured the Von Erichs and Team Filthy continuing their rivalry. Tom Lawlor would take on Marshall Von Erich in the main event. The full show is available in the player below:

MLW Fusion 4/28 Quick Results:

  1. Ross Von Erich defeated Dominic Garrini
  2. Bu Ku Dao defeated El Hijo de LA Park
  3. Tom Lawlor defeated Marshall Von Erich via referee stoppage

The Von Erichs Strike First Against Team Filthy

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1387545620186116097

The first match of the night also featured the rivalry between the Von Erichs and Team Filthy. Ross Von Erich picked up the victory over Dominic Garrini in just over 5 minutes after countering a suplex into a modified falcon arrow.

After the match, the two factions came to blows in the ring and had to be separated by referees.

Tom Lawlor Enlists Help From Tim Donaghy

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1387547372004290560

After Garrini’s loss to Ross Von Erich, Team Filthy got nervous. They were shown in the back discussing strategy and Lawlor called someone. It was later revealed that Lawlor called disgraced former NBA official, Tim Donaghy. Lawlor was later shown in the back giving an envelope to Donaghy.

Later in the show, Lawlor and Donaghy confronted Marshall Von Erich and forced him to take a drug test. When Von Erich returned with a full cup, however, he just tossed it back in Lawlor’s face instead.

Bu Ku Dao Picks Up Another Big Victory

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1387550005364416516

After a recent victory over his former mentor, TJP, Bu Ku Dao picked up another big win this week on Fusion. He picked up the victory over Azteca Underground’s El Hijo de LA Park after a diving flat-liner.

Immediately after the match ended, a worried-looking Salina de la Renta stormed away from the ring area. Later in the show, she was shown being shoved into the back of a car by a masked assailant, possibly an associate of “El Jefe.” She appeared to have escaped later, however.

https://twitter.com/salinadelarenta/status/1387775808744431618

Bu Ku Dao cut a promo after the match saying he hates TJP, that it’s his time now, and his victory this week was dedicated to his parents.

Lio Rush No Shows Media Event

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1387538366015676416

Middleweight champion Lio Rush no-showed a media event ahead of next week’s title match against former champion Myron Reed. MLW would later announce that he has been fined for missing the event.

Tom Lawlor Defeats Marshall Von Erich In The Main Event

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1387556179883270144

In the night’s main event, Marshall Von Erich and Tom Lawlor would go one-on-one. Von Erich came out with his knee taped up and Lawlor made a point to target the injured limb throughout the match. This included hitting Marshall with a wrench to the knee while the referee’s back was turned.

The match looked to be over around the 11-minute mark when Von Erich hit the Claw Slam but surprisingly, Lawlor kicked out. Shortly after, Lawlor locked in the leg lock and Marshall passed out due to pain. The ref called for the bell and Lawlor picked up a huge victory via referee stoppage.

Team Filthy and the Von Erichs continued the fight after the match with ACH coming out to help the brothers. The brawl would spill to the back and all around the arena to end the show.

Coming Up In MLW

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1384322923226439681

MLW’s upcoming schedule looks like this:

Saturday May 1st:

  • MLW debuts on VICE TV at 12 PM.

Wednesday, May 5th, 2021

  • MLW World Middleweight Championship
    Lio Rush (c) vs Myron Reed
  • Richard Holliday vs TBA

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

  • MLW Underground Classic episode featuring Terry Funk vs Steve Corino

July 10th, 2021

  • MLW begins a new season with a show at Philadelphia’s famed 2300 Arena

Mauro Ranallo Says Impact Rebellion PPV “Reignited His Passion” For Wrestling

Chris Stephens
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Mauro Ranallo made his return to pro-wrestling commentary at Sunday’s Impact Rebellion pay-per-view. He called only the high-profile main event match between Kenny Omega and Rich Swann.

Ranallo talked about the experience recently on his Maurologue podcast. The former WWE and NXT broadcaster sounds like he had the time of his life.

“I’ve got to tell you, I had a blast working with D-Lo Brown and Matt Striker and what a match between AEW Champion Kenny Omega and Unified IMPACT belt-holder Rich Swann in a title-for-title mega main event,” Ranallo said.

There is no word on what the future might hold between Impact and Mauro. It sounds as though Ranallo appreciates how he was treated by the company, however. He said Rebellion “reignited his passion” for pro-wrestling.

“A big thank you to Scott D’Amore and all the people at IMPACT Wrestling for making me feel so welcome. It reminded me of, honestly, when I started my career at 16. Yeah, [Rebellion] reignited my passion for professional wrestling.”

Mauro Ranallo
Mauro Ranallo in Impact Wrestling

Ranallo called it a “very chill, relaxed atmosphere” with a supportive, respectful locker room. He has been in several pro wrestling locker rooms and feels that Impact has a great mix of decorated veterans and talented up-and-comers.

He also spoke about the positive reaction the PPV has garnered.

“Man, they had their working boots on last night. I thought everyone delivered and from what I understand, the pay-per-view is getting rave reviews, and even more importantly, the pay-per-view buy-rate should be one of the best that IMPACT Wrestling has done in some time. Yeah, it was great to see so many familiar faces and I do hope to get to do it again.”

A link to the full episode is here.

Triller Fight Club Would Be ‘Open’ To CM Punk Boxing Match

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE Superstar CM Punk has been (somewhat) linked with a potential return to combat sports. Whilst Punk is currently 0-2 in his MMA career, he has been named as a potential combatant in the Triller Fight Club arena.

Triller Fight Club and MLW broadcaster Ray Flores was recently interviewed by Wrestling INC. Flores stated that there’s a chance CM Punk could end up appearing on a Triller Fight Club card.

“I think if CM Punk wants to do it, I think that Triller would absolutely be open to it because he’s still a big name,” Flores said in the interview. “I mean now the fans are coming back. You go to arenas all over the world and you still here chants of CM Punk in different wrestling arenas all over.”

CM Punk in Triller?

“So if he wants to come back and he’s willing to go in there and train; then I think he absolutely can make the connection” Flores continued. “They’ll [Triller] definitely be open to it. Whether or not it will happen, it’s kind of like the perfect storm.”

Check out our latest video where we discuss the potential of Punk making his way to Triller Fight Club:

Lex Luger Talks Slamming Yokozuna On The USS Intrepid

Chris Stephens
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When Hulk Hogan departed the World Wrestling Federation in 1993, the company looked to create their next top babyface out of Lex Luger. The man formerly billed as The Narcissist was repacked as ‘Made in the USA’ Lex Luger and traversed the United States in the “Lex Express” tour bus.

On July 4th of that year, Luger shocked the world by slamming the mighty Yokozuna onboard the USS Intrepid battleship in New York City. This set the stage for their clash over the WWE Championship at that year’s SummerSlam.

Luger recently appeared on Sean Waltman’s “Pro Wrestling 4 Life” podcast and spoke about Yokozuna’s legendary bodyslam challenge.

“We did a walkthrough the week before,” Luger said about the event on the USS Intrepid. “They didn’t allow me to slam Yoko because they didn’t want him to get hurt. I’m the one lifting 627 pounds, and they didn’t want him to get hurt. So, I was so nervous.”

“I didn’t have good footing when I got in that ring there. I had cowboy boots on, and Yoko calmed me down and said, ‘Don’t worry, I got this. Just get a wide base.’ I just got a good base and helped turn him, but Yoko, as you know, I called The Dancing Bear. Those island boys, so athletic and born to wrestle.”

yoko slam

Luger continued, “[Yokozuna] literally almost slammed himself off of me getting a good base and helping turn him just a little bit. He was that agile. I was so relieved after that. He was unbelievable.”

The Total Package recalls this as one of the most memorable moments of his storied career. The crowd reaction, the Manhattan skyline in the background and the overall atmosphere made this an extremely unique segment.

Lex Luger On Not Winning The WWF Championship At SummerSlam 93

Luger only defeated Yokozuna by count-out at SummerSlam, however, and Yoko retained the title.

“With that big of a buildup, as a babyface, you almost have to come through because it lets all the air out of your tires,” Luger said regarding not winning the title at SummerSlam that year. “I enjoyed the opportunity obviously, and it was a great promotion, but a lot of people thought it might have been more beneficial if you’re going to still go with Yoko to have the babyface win and have Yoko win it right back or something. It might have been good. I agree with that for sure.”

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