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2.0 & Danny Garcia Arrive In AEW, Call Out Moxley, Kingston & Allin For Dynamite

Chris Stephens
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The former members of Ever-Rise in WWE are set to make their AEW debuts on Dynamite this week. Now known as Matt Lee & Jeff Parker (FKA Chase Parker and Matt Martel) they will team with Daniel Garcia to take on Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston and Darby Allin on Dynamite this week.

“Free agency tastes real good! 2.0 in the AEW but you know what you gotta do when you’re the new kids in the neighbourhood? You have to find someone to watch your back!”

The 3 then decided they were going to call out the 3 “baddest dudes” in the promotion. Tony Khan later sanctioned the match for this week’s Dynamite.

The members of Ever Rise spoke to WhatCulture about their release from WWE earlier this year.

“Yeah, [we were] surprised to say the least,” Martel said. “Surprised to say the least. It seemed to us that we had our whole careers in front of us in WWE. We were on TV every week doing what we wanted to do.”

“Since, like, the month of October, we were doing something every week. Especially on NXT, finally getting, like, those… fleshing out those characters, which was always the idea, but it was a slow start.”

Tomohiro Ishii to Take on Moose at NJPW Resurgence

Alex Laybourne
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Ever since the announcement of NJPW Resurgence, people have been talking about which big stars will be coming to fight on US soil. With the nature of wrestling right now, it also makes people wonder if those same travelling stars could make an appearance on any other shows, namely, IMPACT and AEW. Yesterday, a press release was circulated announcing a special, bonus match on the card. Making his first appearance on US soil since 2019, Tomohiro Ishii will face off against Moose.

The IMPACT star has faced Tomohiro Ishii once before, back in 2016. On that occasion, the Stone Pitbull emerged with the victory.

Tomohiro Ishii to Face IMPACT’s Moose at Resurgence!

An immense bonus match has been added to Resurgence August 14! The Stone Pitbull himself, Tomohiro Ishii has been added to the lineup at the Torch at L.A. Coliseum, in his first US appearance since November 2019.

Ishii presents a big fight for any opponent, and a victory over the Pitbull represents a huge accomplishment to carry with you to any promotion in the world. So for a big fight, IMPACT Wrestling has brought big opposition in the form of Moose!

Will Tomohiro Ishii Appear on Any Other Shows?

With news that Tomohiro Ishii is coming to the US, the mind starts to play out all sorts of matches that could be had, should he make an appearance on any other shows.

With the close working relationship shared between NJPW, IMPACT and AEW, the chance is high. Nothing has been confirmed so far, but seeing Ishii in an AEW ring would be something special to see.

The Stone Pitbull is one of the toughest men around. He has the ability to put on a high-calibre match against any opponent. Anybody who saw him take on Jon Moxley during the 2019 G1 Climax event will rightly be excited by Ishii coming stateside.

Offensive Max Caster Rap Edited Out of AEW Dark

Alex Laybourne
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Ever since their debut, The Acclaimed has had people talking. This is partly due to their in-ring skills, but largely due to the pre-match raps of Max Caster. His words are cutting, barbed and designed to skirt the line between acceptable and offensive.

There is no denying Max Caster is a talented linguist. However, this week on AEW Dark Caster went a little too far over the line. As is the nature of art, whether it is lyrical or visual, boundaries need to be pushed.

While his lyrics aired during the ‘live’ AEW Dark stream, they were sufficiently controversial to warrant a re-upload of the episode to YouTube. In the new file, Max Caster’s words were edited out. In fact, the entrance of both teams was fully removed from the broadcast.

During his entrance rap, Max Caster spat lines such as “make you claim mental health like Simone Biles” and a jab at the expense of the Duke lacrosse rape trial. He also referred to COVID conspiracy theorists with the line “those dudes are faker than a PCR test.”

Max Caster is No Stranger to Pushing Boundaries

This is not the first time that Max Caster’s pre-match raps have caused a bit of a storm. Including his barb at Jon Moxley following an appearance on Renee Young’s Oral Sessions podcast. However, there was something different about the venom this time around.

There was an air of poor decision making ahead of the incident, especially given when the show was filmed. This particular episode of AEW Dark was filmed immediately after Fight for the Fallen. A show hosted for the benefit of the victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. It is difficult to say where the blame should lie. Max Caster should have known better, but sometimes, in the moment, things are forgotten.

The real question is why AEW allowed the entrance to air during the initial stream when they had been sitting on the footage for close to a week.

WWE NXT Results (8/3): Love Her Or Lose Her Match, Kross Speaks, More

Andrew Ravens
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The August 3, 2021 episode of WWE NXT aired on Syfy from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

  • Ridge Holland def. Ikemen Jiro. 
  • Roderick Strong def. Bobby Fish.
  • The Grizzled Young Veterans def. Cameron Grimes and Million Dollar Champion LA Knight. 
  • NXT Breakout Tournament First Round Match: Trey Baxter def. Joe Gacy.
  • Hit Row’s Ashante “Thee” Adonis and “Top Dolla” AJ Francis def. Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde
  • Johnny Gargano def. Dexter Lumis. 

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Ridge Holland Back In Action

05 nxt

Ridge Holland defeated Ikemen Jiro in a singles match. Pete Dunne and Oney Lorcan were at ringside for Holland. Post-match, Dunne cut a promo on Timothy Thatcher and Tommaso Ciampa. 

Dunne said Ciampa and Thatcher thought they were tough men until they got in the ring with Holland. He said that Holland was going to break them and they’re the three most dangerous men in NXT. 

This comes after Holland made his return to WWE TV last week to align himself with Dunne and Lorcan. Holland is a highly-touted prospect on the brand, but his first big push was cut short. He suffered a left ankle dislocation and fracture, a patellar dislocation, and a ruptured patellar tendon. Holland underwent surgery to get this done.

https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1422716585203191808

Tag Team Action

04 nxt

The Grizzled Young Veterans defeated Cameron Grimes and Million Dollar Champion LA Knight in a tag team match. 

The finish saw Knight walk out on Grimes during the match. Post-match, WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr. came out to console Grimes. He told Grimes that he tried to tell him that Knight would do this and that he needs to find a way out of this. 

After Knight had turned on the WWE Hall of Famer, the legendary wrestler had disappeared from TV. Last week, they did a golfing segment that saw Knight lose to the Grizzled Young Veterans.

Hit Row In Action

01 nxt

Hit Row’s Ashante “Thee” Adonis and “Top Dolla” AJ Francis defeated Raul Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde of Legado del Fantasma via a DQ when Santos Escobar interfered with a steel chair. This was the opening match. 

After the match, Legado del Fantasma then attacked NXT North American Champion Isaiah “Swerve” Scott with a chair. They took out the grill of Scott. Eventually, Hit Row recovered and stood tall in the ring. 

These two teams have been feuding for a while now. It certainly looks like a six-man tag team match is going to happen at TakeOver 36 next month. 

Samoa Joe Beats Folks Down

01 Joe

NXT Champion Karrion Kross came to the ring for a promo on Samoa Joe. This was the latest build in their feud ahead of a match at TakeOver 36. 

Kross asked who proved who. Joe came out to confront him and ended up beating several security guards up. Kross got out of the arena real quick while Joe acted like a mad man. 

The security guards were put with Joe as a way to keep him from Kross thanks to an idea by NXT General Manager William Regal. It worked while some developmental guys got beat up and one put to sleep. 

Love Her or Lose Her Match

0NXT

Johnny Gargano vs. Dexter Lumis in a Love Her or Lose Her Match took place. Last week, there was a backstage segment with Indi Hartwell receiving a drawing from Lumis. Gargano and Candice LeRae were not happy with the gift so Heartwell came up with the stipulation that Lumis must stop chasing Hartwell if Gargano wins.

Hartwell was knocked off the apron by Lumis on accident. Lumis was concerned about her and was about to check on her when Gargano hit a DDT on the floor. Gargano defeated Lumis with One Final Beat. Post-match, an upset Hartwell kissed Lumis. Hartwell and Lumis made out and then left together.

Cody Rhodes Conducts Media Conference Before AEW Homecoming

Tyriece Simon
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All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes spoke with the wrestling media ahead of AEW Homecoming.

Rhodes will face Malakia Black this Wednesday at AEW Homecoming at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. Before the event, Rhodes held a media conference to answer questions regarding AEW.

Rhodes started the conference by warning that he will not be answering any rumors or speculation.

Rhodes Answers Black Signing with AEW

Givemesport’s Louis Dangoor asked the first question. Dangoor greeted Rhodes and talked about Black’s surprise debut in AEW. he asked to get Rhodes’s reaction to finding out about Black being available to sign with AEW and “If any potential plans had to be changed” due to Black’s arrival.

“From my understanding, no plans have been changed. Whenever there is a free agent of that caliber, male or female, you have to jump on it,” said Rhodes. He credited AEW President and CEO Tony Khan for signing Black.

Rhodes also discussed the timing of the hiring and the match not being on Pay Per View. “Dynamite is the heart and soul of the company and what we do. Being able to put these matches on Television is huge, said Rhodes. He followed up by talking about AEW not following the classic model of doing the match on PPV and said, “TV is where their bread is buttered.”

Rhodes Discuss AEW approach to Signing Free Agents

SEScoops correspondent Michael Shalik talked to Rhodes about the current state of wrestling free agency and asked, “What is AEW current appetite for talent acquisition?”

Rhodes replied, “If there is a free agent out there that can move the needle and be something significant for us, I personally think you have to go after them.” He also touted AEW’s growing success and that the company can give wrestlers opportunities.

Rhodes Reveals Live Tour Status

Digital Spy’s Stephanie Chase asked Rhodes, “How much is AEW got an idea of their live touring schedule for the rest of the year.” Chase also asked AEW ambition to tour in the United Kingdom and the west coast of the United States.

Rhodes responded by saying AEW has “Already have a good layout of where they want to go.” He also confirmed that going to the west coast in the U.S is part of the schedule.

Regarding AEW touring the U.K, Rhodes revealed he wanted to face Anthony Ogogo in the U.K. “I had always envisioned that the match with Anthony Ogogo was meant to happen in the United Kingdom,” said Rhodes. While AEW wants to go to the U.K, Rhodes admitted that it depends on what happens with the handling of the pandemic and wants to make sure fans are safe.

Rhodes Shares Opinion on Deathmatches

Bleacher Report’s Chris Wheeler wanted Rhodes’s opinion on the Nick Gage vs. Chris Jericho match last week. Wheeler also wanted to get Rhodes’s thoughts on deathmatches and their place in mainstream wrestling.

Rhodes said about Gage’s match with Jericho last week, “The match was as advertised.” He also shared that he once considered having a deathmatch with Matt Tremont.

Rhodes also said, “We were the number one show on cable, and that is a huge honor. Three weeks in a row. That’s a huge honor and responsibility to our fanbase. During the Olympics, we are the number one show on cable.” He also believes there is a place for it but said, “I don’t think it’s something you’ll see often.”

Rhodes Gives Update on AEW Rampage

Miami Herald’s Jim Varsallone asked Rhodes what AEW will do to separate AEW Rampage other AEW programming and “What are the expectation for Rampage.”

Rhodes responded that Rampage would be “More centered around the fight itself. The match itself, being that’s a one-hour program.”

He also reveals that Mark Henry will be one of the commentators on the show. In another minor spoiler, Cody said the AEW logo on the ring canvas for Rampage.

Rhodes Discuss AEW’s Community Outreach Program

Wrestle Joy’s Amy Nemmity asked Rhodes about AEW ‘s Community Outreach Program and how AEW chooses the program they will be working with.

Rhodes says that “All the stars were aligning at once on community outreach. Paul Wight, he’s an ambassador of the Special Olympics. Wight arrived, I have a relationship with him. Mark Henry is all about community outreach, and at the time, I was banging on Tony Khan’s door everywhere wanting to put this department together.”

Rhodes credits former WWE employee Sue Aitchison immensely for inspiring him to give back to the community. He also praised Paul Wight, Mark Henry, Thunder Rosa, and Sean Dean for their involvement with the program. Now with a committed department to the community outreach program, Rhodes shared the excitement that he can pull from different talent on the road for programs that AEW can help with. “I can ask Lance Archer about Texas. I can ask Jon Moxley about Cincinnati, and I can do that everywhere we go,” said Rhodes.

At AEW Homecoming, Rhodes announced that AEW would help transport 600 kids to attend the event.

Rhodes Thoughts on the United Center

Comicbook’s Connor Casey asked Rhodes about the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, and if they will do more shows there when in Chicago.

“I know for Tony Khan it was a childhood dream to run the United Center and to sell it out instantly,” said Rhodes. He went on to say that it’s not about the venue but that Chicago has been a great place to have shows.

Rhodes shared he doesn’t believe he’s wrestled in the United Center. “I can’t wait to see the vibe there,” said Rhodes.

Rhodes speaks on Mask Mandate

Spectrum Sport’s Jon Alba asked Rhodes about AEW’s stance on the CDC’s mask mandate and “Is there any concern over how that may impact future events like All Out.“

Rhodes responded by saying, “We’re always going to go off of state mandate. We’re not going to try to break any rules or any laws. The health and safety of our talent, staff, and fans it’s the highest priority.” He also said that while there won’t be a mask mandate for AEW Homecoming, AEW encourages wearing a mask if fans feel comfortable.

Ric Flair Addresses Why He Left WWE

Andrew Ravens
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WWE confirmed on Tuesday that they had parted ways with Ric Flair. This came after reports were published about how Flair had requested to be let out of his contract after sending a text message to Vince McMahon regarding the way he had been booking Charlotte Flair. 

Flair spoke with People Magazine today where he went into detail about what caused the split. 

“We just didn’t see eye to eye on some business opportunities that I wanted to pursue, so I asked for my release,” Flair said. “There has been no animosity and everything has been on friendly terms.”

The WWE Hall of Famer also dismissed him reportedly sending a text to McMahon. He called the reports “absolutely not true.” He noted that in business, you don’t see eye to eye and he doesn’t have any animosity towards the company that made him who he is. 

Flair also noted that some of his best friends in the world work at the company and questioned how he could be upset with a company where his daughter works at. He called her the most decorated woman’s wrestler in history. 

“It was a mutually agreed-upon decision and I will be moving forward to pursue other exciting endeavors such as my own line of wine, my own network, as well as comic books,” he said. “I had to make this decision personally for my business and my brand.”

Flair did tell TMZ that the split had been in the works for some time, but just recently did the two sides come to an agreement.

Chris Jericho Fires Back At Vince McMahon Saying AEW Isn’t Competition For WWE

Andrew Ravens
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Vince McMahon was asked about WWE seeing AEW as competition during last week’s Q2 earnings call with investors. This is where he noted that he doesn’t see AEW in the same way that he did with WCW. 

AEW’s Chris Jericho spoke with Kenny McIntosh of Inside The Ropes and noted that McMahon was smart to say what he did because what else was he going to say. 

“We’re not worried about what WWE is and we haven’t been since day one,” Jericho said. “We weren’t worried about what NXT did. The whole time with the NXT vs. AEW war, which ended in a total abysmal failure for NXT, we never once had a TV screen watching what they were doing when we were doing it. 

Jericho stated that he thinks WWE is watching what the competition is doing, but AEW is just focused on what they’re doing and he thinks that’s one of the reasons why AEW has done so well.  He noted that AEW couldn’t control the fact that NXT was put up against Dynamite so they can only control what All Elite Wrestling is doing. 

“So WWE is not competition for us,” Jericho said. “We’re competition for ourselves. So for Vince to say that – to me, it’s probably reverse psychology and that he does see us as competition. But deep down inside, what does it really matter?”

Jericho stated that while WWE has billions of dollars locked in via TV deals right now, AEW is working towards that. 

“Now when our demo ends up beating theirs and TV deals start coming in for us at the billions, then I truly think there will be a lot of competition because now you’re fighting for money, you’re not just fighting for bragging rights – and bragging rights don’t mean anything.”

Jericho ended by stating that it’s the money that a company makes that counts. 

Ronda Rousey Resurfaces, Rips Rebellious WWE “Fans”

Andrew Ravens
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Bray Wyatt was released by WWE last Saturday after being informed by Head of Relations John Laurinaitis in what was blamed on budget cuts for his release. 

Ronda Rousey took to Twitter to go off on fans of the company who disrespected Bray Wyatt while he was still with the company. She also brought up the chants by fans for wanting him while also being the same people who would chant for wanting beach balls during matches at a time when Wyatt was still with the company. 

She wrote, “I’ve seen you same “fans” chanting #WeWantWyatt last night chanting “We want beach balls” over @WWEBrayWyatt performing. If the @wwe treated him like he was expendable it was because you ungrateful idiots did first.”

In regards to the “we want beach balls” chant, it happened during a 2017 Finn Balor vs. Jason Jordan match in Brooklyn at the Barclay’s Center.

Also, in 2018 at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, those same chants were made during the Bray Wyatt vs. Matt Hardy match. 

It should be noted that not all fans are guilty of these chants, but rather a vocal minority that shows disrespect to the wrestlers at some shows. 

Ronda Rousey and husband Travis Browne are expecting their first child together, a baby girl some, time next month.

WWE Raw Ratings Slightly Up From Last Week (8/2)

Andrew Ravens
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Monday’s edition of WWE Raw averaged 1.821 million viewers with a 0.51 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic. This is up from last week’s 1.814 million viewers and the 0.49 rating. 

Here’s the rest of the viewership breakdown for Monday Night Raw, courtesy of Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics:

  • P2+: 1.821
  • P18-49: 657,000
  • M18-49: 442,000
  • F18-49: 215,000
  • P18-34: 216,000
  • M18-34: 131,000
  • F18-34: 86,000
  • P35-49: 440,000
  • M35-49: 312,000
  • F35-49: 129,000
  • non-P18-49: 1.164

Raw was expected to remain the same as it went up against the Olympics. Per the report, the increase in the 18-49 viewership was mostly carried by viewers aged 35-49. 

This episode featured Goldberg’s latest comments about facing WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre vs.Shanky & Veer, Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax, Damian Priest & Ricochet vs. John Morrison & Sheamus, Keith Lee vs. Karrion Kross, Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. vs. Charlotte Flair in a no holds barred match, Matt Riddle vs. Omos, 

SmackDown Viewership

The episode drew an average of 1.909 million viewers in the overnight ratings, down from the previous week that did 2.04  million viewers. In the 18-49 demographic, it did a 0.57 rating, which was down from the 0.55 rating the week before.  The final ratings were 2.043 million viewers, down from last week’s 2.137 million viewers.

CM Punk: Betting Odds Released for First AEW Opponent

Jake Skudder
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The rumors surrounding CM Punk and his impending debut for AEW have been ramping up over the past few weeks.

Several AEW stars alluded to the former WWE Superstar on this past week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, with Darby Allin essentially calling out the man who was known as the ‘Best In The World.’

Although Allin has since denied that his promo was aimed at CM Punk, the straight edge Superstar will be making his debut at an upcoming event, likely AEW Rampage in Chicago on August 13.

CM Punk Betting Odds

Bet Online recently released the following list of odds for Punk’s first AEW opponent, with Daniel Bryan and Darby Allin looking like the two most likely candidates:

  • Darby Allin: +100
  • Daniel Bryan: +200
  • Christian Cage: +320
  • Orange Cassidy: +600
  • Matt Hardy: +700
  • Chris Jericho: +800
  • Cody Rhodes: +800
  • Jungle Boy: +900
  • Sting: +1000

Although Punk vs Daniel Bryan would be a big match for AEW, it is unlikely that his first match in the company would be against the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Darby Allin seems to be the safe bet for Punk as a first match when he finally debuts in All Elite. It’s unlikely that he will wrestle on the Rampage show itself on August 13, but he may well set up an ALL OUT match against the former TNT Champion for September 5.

Who do you think CM Punk will face in his first AEW match? Let us know in the comments

Chris Jericho Comments On Wrestling Daniel Bryan On NXT In 2010

Chris Stephens
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Chris Jericho’s book “The Complete List of Jericho” is available now and runs down every match Le Champion had in his first 30 years of wrestling. During an interview with Inside the Ropes, Jericho spoke about a match he had against Daniel Bryan in 2010 as rumors of Bryan heading to AEW shortly continue.

Jericho and Bryan have faced each other in singles action 3 times. The first took place in 2010 when Jericho was World Heavyweight Champion and Bryan was one of the rookies on the old format of NXT. Jericho spoke to Inside the Ropes about the match.

“I didn’t want to have that match. I just thought, ‘Why is the WWE Champion having a match against some guy that’s just coming in for NXT?’ I remember it was Undertaker that was like, ‘Go out there and show them why you’re the champion.”

The match ended with Jericho winning in just under 6 minutes.

“I don’t think I wrestled Daniel many more times, maybe two or three times, but none of them memorable. That one was the one that was memorable and who would have thought it at the time? But here we are, you know, ten years later and people still talk about it because it was such a monumental match and the first meeting between two guys that, you know, are still doing it pretty much at the top of our games ten years later.”

Jericho and Bryan have only wrestled two other singles matches, with Jericho winning both. The next match came 7 months later at a house show. Then in 2013, Jericho defeated Bryan in a singles match on RAW.

Chris Jericho Praises Haku After Appearance On Dynamite

Chris Stephens
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Last week at Fight for the Fallen, HIKULEO came out for his IWGP United States Championship match against Lance Archer along with his father, Haku. Chris Jericho took to Instagram recently to praise the legend.

“It was great to see #KingHaku….my Sempai & one of my favorite people on Earth…in Charlotte last week!! From 1993-1995, I travelled the world with #Tonga and we had many amazing adventures together….some of them were even sober!!” Jericho wrote.

“Whether it was taking on the entire security team in the #MexicoCity Airport, drinking coconut rum right from a coconut (that Tonga scaled a tree to grab) or doing Mezcal fueled aerobics in a gym surrounded by futbol moms at 7am, we always had a blast! He’s also such a kind hearted & gracious man…you don’t hear that much, but it’s true. And of course he’s tough as f**k!! Malo e lelei Tonga!!”

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

Chris Jericho’s Haku Stories

During an appearance on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s podcast earlier this year, Jericho told the story of him and Haku getting in a brawl at an airport. Jericho was being surrounded by security agents when Haku sprung to the rescue.

“He threw guys out of the way to get over to me. They were starting to get like, it was a fight and dude was like Old Western back to back, kind of pushing guys and throwing guys around. I remember he had a guy like Darth Vader, he just picked the guy up by his collars and had him in the air, and then out came the guns.”

WWE Executives Frustrated with Adam Cole’s Contract Situation

Tyriece Simon
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WWE Executives are not happy with NXT Superstar Adam Cole’s contract situation going public.

The news broke yesterday by Wrestling Inc’s Raj Giri that Cole will be a free agent after Summerslam. Giri also reported that Cole already has options, including “companies who are not even in the current wrestling space.”

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has also followed up on Giri’s report and confirmed the news while adding that WWE executives are unhappy. “Multiple sources within WWE confirmed the story, admitting frustration that it had become public,” said Johnson.

Cole’s Contract Situation

The news of Cole’s contract expiring has caught fans by surprise. Giri reports that Cole’s contract actually expired after the Great American Bash on July 6th. However, Cole decided to extend the contract to this upcoming Summerslam.

Johnson also reports that WWE executives believed Cole was under contract to at least January 2022.

The timing of Cole’s contract issue could also be connected to the release of former Senior Vice President of Talent Development Canyon Ceman. Johnson reported Ceman release on July 23rd and noted he was very involved with the hiring process in NXT.

Wrestling Inc’s Marc Middleton reports that the timing of Cole’s contract issue “Very much lines up with the timing of Ceman’s departure.”

The WWE has yet to release a statement on Cole’s contract situation.

Cole’s WWE Career

Cole signed with the WWE on August 14, 2017, after leaving Ring of Honor. Five days later, he made his NXT debut at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3 on August 19, 2017, at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York. Cole has been an NXT tag team champion, North American champion, and World Champion. He also still holds the record for longest-reigning NXT World Champion.

He’s currently in a feud with a long-time ally/rival Kyle O’Riley. Since February, the feud has been ongoing, with both Cole and Riley getting a win over the other. It is unclear if Cole will finish his feud with Riley at the upcoming NXT Takeover 36 on August 22nd.

Shotzi Blackheart Comments On Chris Jericho’s Blood & Guts Fall Off The Cage

Chris Stephens
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AEW presented the Blood & Guts double steel cage match on the May 5th edition of Dynamite. The finish saw Maxwell Jacob Friedman throw Chris Jericho off the cage. Jericho landed on padding, which some fans criticized as appearing “too safe.”

WWE Superstar Shotzi Blackheart joined in on the mockery, tweeting out this GIF of someone falling gently onto a comfortable bed.

https://twitter.com/ShotziWWE/status/1390124361357660163

Le Champion wasn’t pleased. He addressed Shotzi Blackheart’s apparent sign of disrespect on his Talk is Jericho podcast.

“Best of luck to anybody in our business, and anybody that bags on somebody who’s taking a chance and putting their bodies on the line can really f*** off,” Jericho said. “Especially people in the business. I could say some names.” 

“There’s a couple of chicks in WWE who said some stuff and they should probably not have said that. They probably weren’t trained any better, and in 6 months they’ll probably be asking us for a job anyways and I’ll remember that, so we’ll leave it at that.”

Take A Joke, Bud!

During a recent interview with Alex McCarthy for TalkSport, Shotzi Blackheart responded to Jericho getting salty about her playful GIF.

“I meant no offence to Chris Jericho,” Shotzi stated. “I thought, honestly, the match was great. But, you know what… like, take a joke, Take a joke, bud! [laughs].” 

“It’s just a GIF. Laugh at it and move on. It’s live TV. Things happen, it’s pro wrestling. Don’t take life too seriously is all I have to say.”

You can see her comments about Chris Jericho here:

TV Networks Reportedly Concerned Over Bray Wyatt’s Release

Chris Stephens
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Back in 2019, when Fox first began airing episodes of Smackdown, executives from the network reportedly really wanted Bray Wyatt on their brand. Wyatt had just returned to WWE that summer as the Fiend. Wyatt would be drafted back to RAW the following year, however. Now, nobody gets Wyatt as he had been released from the company altogether.

According to Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men podcast, television executives are reportedly quite concerned that WWE has been releasing top stars like Wyatt.

“Bray’s released is really disappointing and a little scary that top stars are being let go,” a source reportedly said on the situation.

“Yeah regardless of what the internet thinks Bray is a major star with a lot of money put into him,” Zarian said in response to someone who questioned whether Wyatt is a top star.

Zarian would continue to give some details as to who is source within the networks is.

“I don’t want to detail it but one is a high up executive that I get drinks with weekly. It’s perception more than anything else. Remember they are not fans like us. They read and see the names,” he Tweeted.

Recently, it was also reported that Wyatt had been out of action due to a medical issue.

“He’d been out for medical reasons, and he had just gotten cleared,” said Dave Meltzer. “I guess when he got cleared they evaluated the situation and he was told that due to budgetary reasons that he is being cut.”

Update On Why Ric Flair Was Released From WWE

Chris Stephens
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Ric Flair was reportedly released from his WWE contract recently. There are conflicting reports regarding the reason why he was released, however. Initial reports suggested that Flair was unhappy and asked WWE to be released. According to comments on Wrestling Observer Radio, however, Flair did not ask WWE to be let out of his contract. Rather, it was solely Vince McMahon’s decision to let him go.

“He had sent a message, I think it was a text message, but he sent a message to Vince McMahon and it was basically complaining about Charlotte’s booking, her situation, and now he’s gone,” said Dave Meltzer.

“Now, I’ve seen it said that it was his decision to leave and I just know from people who I know who are closer to this situation than I am that say that it was Vince’s decision,” Meltzer continued.

As far as Flair possibly ending up in AEW, Meltzer noted that him and Tony Khan are friends.

“Ric had a great contract with WWE, it was exceptional. Ric Flair is also friends with Tony Khan, I mean they’ve been friends for years,” Meltzer continued to say.

The 72-year-old Flair recently posted this picture of what appears to be a new boat:

WWE RAW Results (8/2): Goldberg Responds To Lashley, No Holds Barred Match

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago. Goldberg appeared on the show to respond to WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and Nikki A.S.H. battled Charlotte Flair in a No Holds Barred match in tonight’s main event.

RAW Results (8/2)

  1. Drew Mcintyre def. Shanky & Veer via DQ
  2. Rhea Ripley def. Nia Jax
  3. Mace & T-Bar def. Mansoor & Mustafa Ali
  4. Tamina def. Doudrop
  5. Damian Priest def. John Morrison
  6. Damian Priest & Ricochet def. John Morrison & Sheamus
  7. Omos def. Riddle
  8. Keith Lee def. Karrion Kross
  9. Reginald def. Akira Tozawa to retain the 24/7 Championship
  10. Nikki A.S.H. def. Charlotte Flair in a No Holds Barred Match

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Goldberg Attacked MVP

WWE Champion Bobby Lashley kicked off the show and MVP accompanied him to the ring. MVP said he knows the crowd is excited to see Goldberg but they responded with boos. MVP added that Goldberg is used to walking into the coliseum and squashing any other gladiator, but Lashley is not a gladiator. Lashley is an unstoppable force and may end Goldberg’s career.

Goldberg interrupted and made his way to the ring. He shared a moment with his son at the bottom of the entrance ramp. Goldberg said that Lashley should worry about losing the WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Goldberg got right in Lashley’s face and claimed that the WWE Champion looked scared.

Goldberg added that this isn’t a coliseum, it is Chicago and the fans can smell Lashley’s fear. He said that he lives by the Spear, and the champion will die by the Spear. Goldberg shouted that Lashley is next and exited the ring. MVP got out of the ring and started taunting Goldberg’s son. Goldberg rushed down the ramp and leveled MVP with a Spear.

Chairs Are No Match For A Sword

Shanky & Veer faced Drew Mcintyre in a Handicap match that was cut short when Jinder Mahal interfered. The former WWE Champion attacked McIntyre with a steel chair to end the match in a DQ. Mahal, Shanky, and Veer surrounded Drew with chairs but he rolled out of the ring. Drew got back into the ring with the sword and swatted the chairs away. McIntyre posed with the sword as Mahal retreated to end the segment.

Rhea Ripley def. Nia Jax

Nia Jax faced Rhea Ripley tonight on RAW. Jax shoved Ripley to the corner and then shoved her into the ring post. Ripley booted Jax in the back of the head and shoved her out of the ring. Rhea went for a Senton but Nia got out of the way and Ripley landed on Baszler. Jax then planted Ripley with a Samoan Drop on the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Nia was still in control and went for another Samoan Drop but Rhea escaped. Ripley went for the Riptide but Shayna hopped on the apron for a distraction. Rhea rolled up Nia for the victory and then Jax & Shayna argued. Shayna left Nia behind and Rhea got back into the ring. Ripley planted Jax with the Riptide and celebrated.

Mace & T-Bar Picked Up A Win

Mansoor & Mustafa Ali faced Mace & T-Bar tonight on RAW. Mace and T-Bar controlled the action early but Ali and Mansoor battled back as the crowd got behind them. Mustafa planted T-Bar with an incredible DDT and tagged in Mansoor. T-Bar kicked Mansoor into the ropes and Mustafa fell off the top turnbuckle. T-Bar then hit Mansoor with a boot to the face for the pinfall victory. After the match, Mace and T-Bar hit Mustafa Ali with a Chokeslam.

Nikki Attacked Charlotte

Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring and brought up Simone Biles withdrawing from the olympics. The crowd started chanting “Becky!” and Flair said that Becky isn’t here and that she was the one that sold out the Allstate Arena. Charlotte boasted about being the 11-time champion and that cashing in the MITB contract is the most cowardly way to win a title. Charlotte complained about being cashed in on three times while throwing weapons into the ring. Flair eventually brought up her No Holds Barred match against Nikki later tonight and A.S.H. attacked her from behind. Nikki hit Flair with a chair to end the segment.

Tamina def. Doudrop

Tamina faced Doudrop tonight on RAW. Eva Marie was ringside for the match. Doudrop and Tamina traded shoulder tackles to begin the action. Tamina sent Doudrop to the canvas and made her way to the top. Eva Marie hopped on the apron for a distraction and Doudrop capitalized by slamming Tamina into the ring post. Doudrop followed it up with an Elbow Drop for a two count. Tamina connected with a Crossbody and sent Doudrop to the corner. Doudrop missed with a Splash and Tamina connected with a Samoan Drop for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Alexa Bliss appeared on the Jumbotron with Lilly. Bliss laughed and said “the loser of this match is Eva Marie”. Later on RAW, Eva Marie & Doudrop attacked Bliss at Alexa’s Playground.

Damian Priest Pinned John Morrison Twice

The Miz and John Morrison came to the ring for an episode of Miz TV. Damian Priest was the guest and they immediately started taunting him. Priest dared The Miz to do something about it and after a painful few minutes, this promo led to a match between Morrison and Priest.

Damian Priest then faced John Morrison in a singles match. Priest had the match in control and made his way to the top turnbuckle. The Miz sprayed the drip stick in his face and Morrison capitalized with a slam on the apron. Morrison rolled up Damian for a near fall and followed it up with a Standing Moonsault for a near fall. Damian connected with a Chokeslam for the pinfall victory.

After the match, United States Champion Sheamus rushed the ring and beat Damian down. Ricochet made the save and leveled Sheamus with a Dropkick. Damian then launched Morrison out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

Ricochet & Damian Priest faced Sheamus & John Morrison in a tag team match with The Miz still ringside. Morrison and Sheamus isolated Ricochet in the corner to start off the match. Sheamus connected with a Clothesline and unloaded some strikes to Ricochet’s midsection. Ricochet hit Sheamus with an Enziguri and followed it up with a Dropkick to Morrison when he tagged in.

Damian tagged in and leveled Morrison with a Clothesline. Priest hit a Backbreaker and followed it up with a Chokeslam but Sheamus broke it up at two. Priest Clotheslined Sheamus out of the ring and Ricochet flipped onto the US Champion. Damian then planted Morrison with the Reckoning for the pinfall victory.

Omos def. Riddle

Riddle faced Omos tonight on RAW and AJ Styles was ringside for the match. Riddle got in some forearms to the face to start off the action but the big man shrugged them off. Omos launched Riddle out of the ring and then over the barricade. Riddle made it back into the ring at the count of nine but Omos quickly sent him back to the outside. Back in the ring, Omos connected with a Chokeslam for the pinfall victory.

Keith Lee def. Karrion Kross

Keith Lee faced Karrion Kross tonight on RAW. Karrion dominated early and connected with an Exploder Suplex in the corner. Kross launched Lee into the steel steps as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, the NXT Champion was still in control. Karrion went for the Krossjacket but Keith was able to escape and threw Kross to the ropes. Keith Lee then hit the Spirit Bomb and pinned the NXT Champion.

Reginald Retained

Reggie/Reginald defended the 24/7 Championship against Akira Tozawa tonight. Tozawa got in some offense early and then shouted at Reginald to stop. Tozawa shouted “Ninja Power” and promptly got hit with a Senton by Reggie for the pinfall victory.

Nikki A.S.H. Pinned Charlotte Flair

Charlotte Flair faced RAW Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. in a non-title No Holds Barred match. Charlotte slammed Nikki into the turnbuckle and went for a Splash but Nikki got out of the way. Flair stayed on the attack with some elbows to the face before sending the RAW Women’s Champion out of the ring.

Flair started clearing off the announce table and throwing tablets around. Charlotte brought out a table from under the ring but it allowed time for Nikki to regroup. Nikki sent Charlotte into the ring post but Flair battled back as Rhea Ripley was shown watching from backstage.

Nikki and Charlotte traded kicks and chops but Flair got the better of the exchange. Charlotte connected with a Fallaway Slam on the floor outside the ring and then Spears Nikki through the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Charlotte and Nikki were battling on the turnbuckle. Nikki went for a Crossbody but Charlotte got out of the way and the champion crashed to the canvas. Charlotte hit a big boot to the face and went for the cover but pulled Nikki up at two. Charlotte hit another boot to the face and stopped the count at two again.

Flair grabbed a chair from under the ring but turned around into a Dropkick through the ropes. Nikki followed it up with a Tornado DDT onto the floor outside the ring. Charlotte threw Nikki over the barricade and posed for the crowd as they booed. Flair then Powerbombed Nikki through the announce table and a “yes!” chant broke out.

Charlotte brought Nikki back into the ring and placed her boot on her midsection for a pin but Nikki kicked out at two. Charlotte went for a Spear but Nikki got out of the way and Flair crashed through a table in the corner of the ring. Nikki went for the cover but Flair kicked out at two. Nikki then planted Flair with a Swinging Neckbreaker for the pinfall victory.

Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley Confirmed For WWE SummerSlam

Andrew Ravens
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WWE had teased it happening and so it did, the confirmation of Goldberg challenging Bobby Lashley for the WWE Title at SummerSlam was made official during Monday’s episode of Raw. 

It happened after the opening segment where Goldberg sent a warning to Lashley. MVP had started talking trash to Goldberg’s son at ringside and the WWE Hall of Famer speared MVP. Later in the show, Lashley accepted the challenge and told Goldberg to bring his son so he could watch his father get annihilated. 

Back on the July 19th episode of Raw, Goldberg confronted Lashley, who had just beaten Keith Lee in a singles match. Goldberg came out to a mixed reaction and told Lashley that he was next. Lashley wanted to fight right then, but MVP held him back. MVP later stated that the disrespect from Goldberg wouldn’t dignify a response from them. 

There had been speculation that Lashley could end up defending the WWE Title against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, but Lesnar has yet to come to terms with WWE regarding a return. 

WWE holds the SummerSlam pay-per-view event on Saturday, August 21 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Allegiant Stadium which will air on Peacock. This is the top match on the card from Raw. 

Lio Rush Is Medically Cleared For In-Ring Return

Andrew Ravens
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Lio Rush is ready to return to the ring. 

Rush took to Twitter to announce that he’s been cleared after three months of rehab. He’s been sidelined since suffering an AC injury in the Casino Battle Royale at AEW Double or Nothing. This marked his AEW debut as he was the surprise entrant in the match.

He wrote,“Every single day for the past 3 months I’ve been in rehab working harder than I ever have before. Happy to announce that today….I’ve been cleared.”

Back in June, Rush announced his plans to retire because he felt fulfilled with his professional wrestling career and was happy to be moving on to be a better father and husband.

Rush was released from WWE last year along with several other wrestlers due to budget cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He continued his career by working for MLW and NJPW. 

Although he wants out of the wrestling business, he plans to continue his contractual agreements with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Rush is advertised for upcoming NJPW events including Resurgence on August 14 and Fighting Spirit Unleashed on August 16.

Britt Baker Comments On Adam Cole Possibly Joining AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Adam Cole reportedly will have the decision to either re-sign with WWE or test the waters as a free agent. The contract of the former NXT Champion will expire later this month shortly after SummerSlam. 

AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker, who has been dating Cole for the past few years, recently did an interview with the Daily Star before the report about Cole’s status came out. 

During the discussion, Baker was asked about the possibility of Cole jumping ship to All Elite Wrestling and if he would do it for her.

“He has got to hold down Tuesday night and I’ll hold down Wednesday night, right?! I think it’s funny when people say, ‘He has to go to AEW because of Britt!’ because there are so many more people at AEW who have played a bigger role in the wrestling side of his life.”

I Just Want Him To Be Happy

Baker continued by noting that The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega were in the Bullet Club for the majority of the time that Cole was a big star in ROH so he was around them. She noted that his history with some of the top stars in AEW would create endless storylines for Cole. 

“But he’s happy where he is. So, if he were to jump ship and come my way, that would be awesome, but if he stays in WWE forever then I’d be happy, too, as I just want him to be happy.”

Cole nor WWE has yet to publicly comment on his contract status. It was reported that WWE executives were surprised to learn that they had let the expiration date of Cole’s contract get so close without realizing it was set to end.

Alexa Bliss Throws First Pitch At Chicago White Sox Game (Video)

Michael Reichlin
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Alexa Bliss threw the ceremonial first pitch at Sunday’s Chicago White Sox baseball game at Wrigley Field. She was joined by her fiancé, pop star Ryan Cabrera.

WWE is currently in Chicago for Monday’s Raw at the sold-out Allstate Arena.

Bliss was good luck for Sox, who picked up a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Check out this video of Alexa Bliss throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Sunday’s White Sox game:

https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1422021045876404233

Update On When Becky Lynch Is Expected Back In WWE

Chris Stephens
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Fans expecting to see Becky Lynch back in WWE as soon as SummerSlam might be in for a bit of a disappointment. According to a report from PW Insider, Lynch is not expected to be at SummerSlam and the word going around backstage in WWE is that she won’t be back until the fall. October was discussed as when she may be back.

Lynch has not wrestled a match since WrestleMania 36. She successfully defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler on that show. Lynch would later vacate the title, giving it to 2020 Money in the Bank winner Asuka.

Lynch gave birth to her and Seth Rollins’ first child Roux in December. The pair got married on June 29th, 2021.

In WWE, Lynch is a 4x World Champion. She’s held the Smackdown Women’s Championship on 3 occasions. Lynch became the inaugural holder of the belt at Backlash in 2016. She ranks in at #2 in terms of days spent with the Smackdown Women’s title behind only Bayley. Lynch is also a 1x RAW Women’s Champion. Her title reign beginning from WrestleMania 35 all the way to the night after Money in the Bank 2020 was the longest single reign with the belt in history at 373 days.

Lynch has teased returning at the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and Money in the Bank so far this year.

AEW “First Dance” In Chicago Sells Out

Chris Stephens
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AEW’s “First Dance” event on Friday August 20th inside Chicago’s United Center has sold out. Over 12,000 tickets were sold during the presale last Friday. Tickets went on sale to the general public today and the rest sold quickly. In total, 13, 654 tickets have been distributed to the event.

Just under 5000 seats in the venue will likely be behind the stage or camera setup. It’s possible more tickets open up closer to the date of the show.

It’s a big next month for wrestling in Chicago. Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW will emanate from the Allstate Arena in the city. The show is a near sellout of over 12,000.

AEW First Dance will technically be the second ever episode of Rampage. The first edition of the show will be on Friday, August 13th, in Pittsburgh.

Other Event Ticket Sales

NJPW has just over 2000 tickets distributed for NJPW Resurgence from the LA Coliseum on August 14th.

The NWA 73rd Anniversary show in St. Louis at the end of the month is almost sold out. Capacity for the show is just under 900.

WWE SummerSlam has just under 45,000 tickets distributed.

WWE Announces Ric Flair Has Been Released

Michael Reichlin
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2-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has been granted his release. The company confirmed the news on Tuesday morning. Contrary to common practice, WWE did not wish him the best in his future endeavors.

The 16-time World Champion is one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time. His daughter, Charlotte, remains with the company.

His most recent on-camera appearance with WWE occurred back in February 2021. He was involved in a romantic storyline with Lacey Evans, who was feuding with Charlotte. The angle was dropped after Evans legitimately became pregnant.

During an interview with Ariel Helwani back in May, Flair revealed that he and Lacy Evans were both very uncomfortable with the storyline. He was angry about what WWE creative came up with, but went along with the angle in an effort to be a team player.

Ric Flair issued the following statement regarding his departure from WWE. The Nature Boy says WWE granted his request and there are no hard feelings on his end. “We have a different vision for my future.” He’s not upset and wishes them nothing but continued success.

AEW Signs TV Deal In India For Dynamite & Rampage

Chris Stephens
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AEW has signed a deal with Eurosport India to broadcast episodes of AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage. According to a report from Sportskeeda, the first broadcast will be on Sunday August 15th, 2021 which happens to be Independence Day in the country.

Eurosport India also broadcasts episodes of Impact Wrestling and NJPW. WWE is broadcast on Sony Sports India.

Tony Khan was quoted in a press release announcing the news.

“In less then two years since launching AEW DYNAMITE, we’ve started a professional wrestling revolution,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “Through our partnership with Eurosport India, we’re looking forward to showcasing the best professional wrestling that fans in India demand and deserve.”

“We were an instant success in the U.S., and now fans across the world are discovering AEW, feeling refreshed and excited about professional wrestling again. We can’t wait for fans in India to experience our dynamic storytelling, high-flying action and incredible roster of global stars and homegrown talent on a weekly basis.”

The deal comes just as AEW is getting ready to begin airing its 2nd show. AEW Rampage will debut a week from Friday on August 13th, 2021 from Pittsburgh.

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