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Mickie James Invites Gail Kim To NWA Empowerrr

Chris Stephens
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Mickie James invited Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo to the NWA Empowerrr PPV at Slammiversary. On Impact this week, Gail Kim revealed that she is the one who sent James out to offer the invite to the Virtuosa. In a video posted to Impact’s social media, James has now invited Gail Kim to be a part of NWA Empowerrr as well.

It’s not clear what role Gail Kim will play for the show. James only asks her for her help with the show, not necessarily to wrestle. Kim came out of retirement for one match in 2019. She wrestled Tessa Blanchard at the Impact Rebellion PPV from her hometown of Toronto that year.

NWA Empowerrr will take place from the Khorassan Ballroom At The Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis on August 28th. The NWA will present its 73rd Anniversary show from the same venue the following night.

“It’s pretty amazing because we’re going to we’re going to kick it off and we’re going to set the bar and hopefully for the rest of the weekend,” James said at a press conference in St. Louis earlier this month.

“There’s so much stuff, happening from Fan Fest, to the women’s show empowered, to NWA 73, and the two television tapings. It’s going to be an incredible four days.”

Injury Update On Natalya

Chris Stephens
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Natalya was injured and had to be helped to the back on RAW last night. Natalya and Tamina were wrestling Eva Marie and Doudrop. While in the ring with Doudrop, Natalya started favoring her leg. The injury was addressed recently on Wrestling Observer Radio.

“It was not evident watching the match but what happened was essentially Doudrop, Piper Niven, when she did the takedown she kind of rolled and the ankle was twisted in a very ugly way,” said Dave Meltzer. Unfortunately, he would continue to say the belief right now is that the injury is likely serious.

“We don’t know right now how serious it is but it’s probably serious.”

“Without a doubt, it’s probably something pretty serious because if it wasn’t she would have just walked out on it, that’s the reality,” Meltzer continued.

Natalya and Tamina have been WWE tag team champions dating back to the May 14th Smackdown. They defeated Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax to win the belts on that show. They have defended the titles twice since winning them against the former champions.

This is the 3rd title run for 39-year-old Natalya. She is a 1x former Divas Champion, 1x Smackdown Women’s Champion as well.

Mexican Legend Brazo de Plata ‘Super Porky’ Passes Away Aged 58

Alex Laybourne
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Comedic wrestlers play a very large part in professional wrestling. Often, they fail to get the respect and recognition that they deserve. However, those who work in the industry understand. The sad news was circulated yesterday that Mexican wrestler Brazo de Plata has passed away. Better known for the latter stages of his career as the comedic wrestler Super Porky. He was just 58 years old.

The news was broken by Mexican talk show Mas Lucha and was later confirmed by multiple other sources including Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer.

Brazo de Plata is better known in the US for his time with WWE where he wrestled under the name Super Porky. While he never really had a real match, he was part of the Smackdown juniors’ roster. Appearing predominantly in backstage segments.

A small man with a very large physique, it only served to make his oddly athletic moves more impressive.

Super Porky Came from a Legendary Luchador Family

While his accomplishments in the ring might not be as legendary as others, Super Porky came from the legendary luchador family. The Alvarado family runs multiple generations deep in the ring. Super Porky fought alongside his brothers for a lot of his career before eventually fully embracing the comedic side of his catching personality.

Despite failing health in later years, Super Pork continued to wrestle and work the independent scene in Mexico.

Following the news of his passing, several prominent wrestling names tweeted out their respects, including NXT star Santos Escobar.

 ‘I LOVE YOU Pepito. Rest in Peace Silver Arm “Super Porky” my condolences to the entire Alvarado family. Today the Celestial Arena receives a legend.”

A serious wrestler in his youth, his expanding waistline saw him gain the Super Porky moniker in the mid-1990s. His real legacy began once he embraced this side of himself. However, despite his bulging waistline and seeming ineptitude, he was a talented wrestler and a man who loved the business. 

Condolences go to the Alvarado family.

Kenny Omega Wants Rampage to Showcase AEW Women’s Roster

Alex Laybourne
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AEW champion and EVP Kenny Omega has spoken about AEW’s newest show Rampage. In little over two weeks the show will debut on TNT. Talking to Wrestling Observer Radio, Omega talked about how he would book Rampage if given the chance.

“The content I think we’re lacking is in our women’s division. I would love to see Rampage be home to more women’s wrestling.” Kenny Omega said.

It has long been documented that Kenny Omega is the biggest vocal for the AEW women’s division. In his role as EVP, he is the man who has the most involvement with the women’s division and female wrestlers. So, for him to make a comment such as that is not surprising.

However, he followed it up with an explanation that makes a lot of sense.

“I feel like we have incredibly gifted female wrestlers that have been working very hard and fighting for a spot and maybe it’s time for them to get more.”

Kenny Omega Wants to Avoid Over Feeding Fans the Same Wrestlers

AEW have a bulging roster and one that looks set to grow considerably in the next few months. However, Kenny Omega understands how important it is to avoid the common pitfall of showing the same wrestlers down fan’s throats each show.

Yes, AEW has some marquee names on their roster, but they do not need to appear on every show, every week. Instead, Omega would like to use the Rampage hour as a televised platform for other deserving stars.

“I think the extra hour with Rampage, rather than give them more Chris Jericho, more Kenny Omega, more MJF and the guys you know you’re going to see on Dynamite; I’d rather give them all of the extremely talented individuals that maybe you don’t see that week.

AEW have a large female roster, but often Dynamite only shows one or two female matches. Omega wants to see that change on Rampage.

It’s worth noting that Dark and Dark Elevation often feature multiple female matches, however, not everybody wants to watch wrestling on YouTube.

Kenny Omega plays a huge role in AEW, and his real role as EVP is a far cry from his in-ring character. He understands how wrestling works and is invested in not only growing his name but expanding the exposure of high-quality female wrestling to fans.

Tommy Dreamer Touts Omos as Being a Future WWE Champion

Alex Laybourne
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Former ECW legend Tommy Dreamer has spoken up about WWE’s newest big man, Omos. Dreamer’s comments on the taller half of the current RAW tag team champions came via Twitter.

“Everyone hating on @TheGiantOmos Wait till he is @WWE Champ #WWERaw (Remember this tweet)”

The tweet was sent just after AJ Styles and Omos defended their titles against the Viking Raiders. Since debuting as AJ’s bodyguard – a move that drew many comparisons to Shawn Michaels and Diesel – Omos has been unstoppable.

However, as Tommy Dreamer alluded to, there is an undeniable air of a future champion about Omos. He is big, he is powerful, and he is everything Vince McMahon has perpetually wanted in a champion.

How long will it take before Omos turns on his current partner and goes off on his own? Probably as long as their tag title run lasts. Then, once his inevitable feud with AJ is done, Omos will head off in search of singles gold. Tommy Dreamer is right. He will be a future WWE champion.

Tommy Dreamer Sees the Potential in the Big Man

While everybody will make the jokes, as I just did, about Vince’s penchant for the big bull champion, Tommy Dreamer knows what he is talking about. As a promotion owner, as well as being an IMPACT producer and creative mind, Dreamer knows what to look for in wrestlers.

Tommy Dreamer can see the potential in making Omos a champion and the different feuds that could be had. For company owners and management, wrestling is about making money. Telling the right story to get the right attention and make money. Omos as a champion is money.

With the way WWE have been building their recent run of champions as monsters, both with Bobby Lashley and Roman Reigns, the concept of a big man being dominant is nothing new. While the way a character like Tommy Dreamer would book the run might be different than how WWE would do it. However, the end result would be the same. Championship gold around WWE’s newest giant.

WWE RAW Results (7/26): Title Match Set For SummerSlam, Lashley Responds To Goldberg

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. RAW Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Omos put the titles on the line against the Viking Raiders tonight. WWE Champion Bobby Lashley responded to Goldberg’s challenge for a match at SummerSlam as well.

RAW Results (7/26)

  1. Damian Priest def. Sheamus (non-title match)
  2. AJ Styles & Omos def. Viking Raiders to retain the RAW Tag Titles
  3. Drew McIntyre def. Veer via DQ
  4. Karrion Kross def. Keith Lee via submission
  5. Mansoor & Mustafa Ali def. Mace & T-Bar
  6. Bobby Lashley def. Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander
  7. John Morrison def. Riddle
  8. Reginald def. R-Truth to retain the 24/7 Championship
  9. Charlotte def. Nikki A.S.H.

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

There Will Be A Triple Threat For The RAW Women’s Title At SummerSlam

RAW Women’s Champion Nikki ASH kicked off this week’s show. The crowd gave Nikki a great reaction as she welcomed everyone to Monday Night RAW. Nikki added that she was so happy to be the new RAW Women’s Champion and the crowd chanted “you deserve it”. Nikki spoke about the confidence she gets from putting on the superhero costume before Charlotte interrupted.

Flair strolled to the ring and grabbed a microphone. Charlotte claimed that it was a disgrace that Nikki was RAW Women’s Champion and she shouldn’t represent WWE dressed like that. The crowd booed Flair and chanted “you suck!” as she boasted about defeating Rhea last week again. Charlotte vowed to get her rematch at SummerSlam and blamed the fans for all the injustice.

Charlotte claimed that the fans were jealous of her and then Rhea Ripley interrupted. The crowd loudly chanted for Rhea as she poked fun at Flair for only holding the title for a day. Eventually, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville joined the party and announced a Triple Threat match for SummerSlam. They then said Charlotte will face Nikki later tonight.

Damian Priest Pinned The US Champ

US Champion Sheamus faced Damian Priest in the first match of the night. Sheamus dominated the match early and beat Damian down in the corner. When RAW returned from a break, Sheamus was still in control and had Damian trapped in a Headlock.

Damian escaped and dropped Sheamus with a kick to the face. Sheamus hit a kick of his own and climbed to the top rope. Priest grabbed Sheamus by the throat and connected with a massive Chokeslam for a two count. Damian responded with an Alabama Slam and went for the cover but Priest kicked out at two.

Priest unloaded a bunch of kicks to Sheamus’ face but Sheamus responded with a big knee to the face for a two count. Damian hit a Clothesline and followed it up with the Reckoning for the pinfall victory. Sheamus shouted that Damian re-broke his nose after the match.

Opinion: I still look forward to the day that WWE builds up challengers without pinning their champions. I’d like to think someone eventually will ask “why are we routinely making our champions look weak on television?”. It also weakens the moment when Damian does win the title because we’ve now already seen him pin the champion.

AJ Styles & Omos Retained

AJ Styles and Omos defended the RAW Tag Team Championships against Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) tonight. Viking Raiders hit Viking Experience on Styles early but couldn’t go for the cover because Omos beat them down outside the ring as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Viking Raiders were in control and had Styles isolated in the ring. Ivar tried to drag Omos off the apron but the big man just booted him away. Omos got into the ring and Powerbombed Erik to the mat. Styles followed it up with an awesome springboard 450 Splash for the pinfall victory. AJ Styles and Omos are still the RAW Tag Team Champions.

Drew McIntyre def. Veer via DQ

Drew McIntyre faced Veer on this week’s RAW. Before the match, McIntyre tried to get a “Drew is gonna kill you” chant going. Veer got in some offense early and leveled McIntyre with a shoulder tackle. Veer followed it up with an Elbow Drop for a near fall.

Veer applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring but Drew quickly battled to his feet. McIntyre broke the hold but Veer hit him with a kick to the ribs. McIntyre responded with a shoulder tackle of his own and Jinder slid a chair into the ring. McIntyre hit the Claymore and kicked the chair into Veer’s face. According to the announcers, Drew won the match via DQ because Jinder Mahal introduced the chair. After the match, McIntyre leveled Jinder’s attorney with a Claymore to the face.

Alexa Bliss Distracted Eva Marie

Tamina & Natalya faced Eva Marie & Doudrop. Doudrop dominated early and hit Tamina with a Splash. Eva Marie demanded to be tagged in and went for the cover but Tamina kicked out. A video package for Lilly and the Lilly-Lution aired and distracted Eva Marie. Tamina capitalized with a Superkick on Eva for the pinfall victory. Natalya was shown being helped to the back after the match and appeared to have injured her leg.

Karrion Kross Tapped Out Keith Lee

Keith Lee faced NXT Champion Karrion Kross tonight on RAW. Keith Lee hit a couple shoulder tackles before Clotheslining Kross out of the ring. Lee followed him out there and Kross sent him into the ring post. Kross connected with a Suplex on the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Kross sent Keith Lee to the corner and beat him down. Lee and Kross traded punches in the middle of the ring. Lee hit the pounce and Kross fell to the canvas. Karrion battled back and locked in the Kross Jacket for the submission victory.

Mansoor & Mustafa Ali Picked Up A Win

Mace & T-Bar faced Mustafa Ali & Mansoor tonight on RAW. T-Bar leveled Mustafa Ali and then knocked Mansoor off the apron. Ali eventually battled back and was able to tag in Mansoor. Mace tagged in at the same time and Mansoor greeted him with an Enziguri.

Mace went for a slam but Mansoor countered into a reverse DDT. Mansoor went for the cover but T-Bar broke it up and sent him to the outside. Mustafa came out of nowhere and hit an awesome Suicide Dive into a Tornado DDT outside the ring. Mansoor then rolled up Mace for the pinfall victory.

Lashley Dominated & Sent A Message To Goldberg

WWE Champion Bobby Lashley came down to the ring to begin the final hour of this week’s RAW. MVP accompanied the champion to the ring. MVP asked the crowd to rise to their feet and show the proper amount of respect for the WWE Champion. MVP brought up Goldberg and the crowd started chanting his name. Lashley said he is not even going to dignify Goldberg’s challenge with a response but this is his ring and he will not be disrespected by anyone.

Cedric Alexander interrupted and challenged Lashley. Shelton Benjamin joined the party and told Cedric that he has an annoying voice. This led to a Handicap match and Lashley planted Shelton with a Neckbreaker. Lashley hit the Flatliner on Cedric and threw him out of the ring.

Benjamin hit Lashley with a knee to the face and Alexander followed it up with a DDT. Shelton and Cedric went for the cover but Lashley threw them both off of him. Lashley planted Alexander with a Chokeslam and then hit Shelton with the a Spear. The WWE Champion then sent a message to Goldberg by hitting Benjamin with a Jackhammer. Lashley stacked Shelton and Cedric on top of each other and pinned them both.

Omos & AJ Styles Helped Morrison & Miz

Riddle faced John Morrison this week on WWE RAW. Riddle sent Morrison to the corner and charged but John dropped him with a kick to the face for a near fall. Riddle booted The Miz in the face and knocked his wheelchair over. Riddle hit a springboard Moonsault onto Morrison outside the ring as AJ Styles & Omos made their way down the entrance ramp. The Miz and Morrison were shown talking to the RAW Tag Champs before the match.

Morrison connected with a kick to the face but Riddle shrugged it off. Riddle connected with the Ripcord Knee and went for the cover but Morrison kicked out at two. Omos broke Riddle’s scooter and Morrison capitalized with a spinning slam/ Uranage. John followed it up with Starship Pain for the pinfall victory. The Miz fired off the drip stick and AJ beat Riddle down some more after the match.

Reginald Retained The 24/7 Title

Reginald defended the 24/7 Championship against R-Truth. R-Truth had a microphone the entire match and taunted Reginald. R-Truth threw Reginald’s jacket over his face and went for a Crossbody but Reginald got out of the way. Reginald hit a Senton for the pinfall victory and then flipped out of the ring when superstars rushed the ring.

Charlotte Pinned The RAW Women’s Champion

Charlotte Flair faced Nikki A.S.H. in a Championship Contender’s match in the main event. Charlotte slammed Nikki’s face off the top turnbuckle and then choked her against the middle rope. Nikki shoved her away but Charlotte caught her with a forearm to the face.

Flair sent Nikki out of the ring and started mocking the crowd for being behind Nikki. Charlotte stomped away at Nikki as she got back into the ring and then a boot to the face for a two count. Nikki battled back and unloaded some strikes on Charlotte in the corner. Flair turned it around and knocked Nikki to the canvas.

Charlotte stomped Nikki back down in the corner of the ring and went for a Suplex but Nikki countered into a roll-up for a two count. Flair went for a Side Slam but Nikki escaped and sent Charlotte to the outside. Nikki connected with a Dropkick through the ropes but Flair got up and sent the RAW Women’s Champion over the announce table as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Charlotte was stretching out Nikki’s from on the ring post. Back in the ring, Flair hit a Fallaway Slam and went for the cover but the RAW Women’s Champion kicked out at two. Flair got Nikki in a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Nikki escaped and sent Charlotte to the outside.

Nikki hit a Crossbody off the apron and rolled Charlotte back into the ring. Nikki ducked a Clothesline and hit Charlotte with two more Crossbodies. Nikki went for a Sunset Flip but Flair blocked it. Nikki connected with a Running Bulldog and went for the cover but Charlotte powered out at two.

The RAW Women’s Champion fired up the crowd as Charlotte made her way back up. Flair unloaded some chops that knocked Nikki to the corner of the ring. Nikki planted Flair with a DDT and climbed to the top rope. The champ went for a Crossbody but Flair rolled through and pinned the champion.

Charlotte was annoyed that she was congratulated after the win by the interviewer. Flair referred to herself as “The Opportunity” and told Nikki that nobody was in her league. The crowd booed and Flair said that she wasn’t sorry. Charlotte posed in the ring and Nikki shouted that she said “Almost A Super Hero!” and can admit that she lost the match. Nikki challenged Flair to a rematch next week. Flair told Nikki that she can beat her any week and accepted the match.

Flair booted Nikki in the face and beat her down next to a fan holding a “Nikki A.S.H.” sign. Charlotte leveled Nikki with another boot to the face and posed for the crowd to close the show.

Opinion: Apparently, you simply are not a champion unless you are constantly getting pinned in non-title matches. I don’t understand the point of making Nikki A.S.H. the champion and immediately handing her a loss.

Date For Next WWE PPV Event In Saudi Arabia

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is planning to return to Saudi Arabia this October for a pay-per-view event just as long as COVID-19 regulations allow for it.

Mat Men’s Andrew Zarian first reported the news on Monday. He noted that Thursday, October 21st was the targeted date. POST Wrestling’s John Pollock tweeted he had heard the same while Dave Meltzer confirmed the date. 

The name nor the location and venue of the show has yet to be revealed. WWE has also yet to confirm the show. 

WWE hasn’t held an event in the country since Super ShowDown in February 2020, which was headlined by Goldberg defeating “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship. Since 2018, WWE has held 5 total pay-per-view events in Saudi Arabia. 

In June 2019 at the Super Showdown event, WWE was slated to present a women’s match for the first time in the country as Alexa Bliss was set to take on Natalya, but that got nixed due to the local government. However, later that year, Natalya and Lacey Evans competed instead at Crown Jewel. 

After Crown Jewel, the infamous incident with a plane holding wrestlers, staff and other personnel stuck at the airport for several hours happened. 

After that event, WWE and the Saudi General Entertainment Authority signed a long-term partnership through 2027. That contract states WWE is obligated to hold two events per year in the country.

Natalya Injured During WWE Raw Match

Andrew Ravens
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Unfortunately, Natalya went down with an injury while working a match on Monday’s episode of WWE Raw. 

The Raw Tag Team Champions (Natalya and Tamina) wrestled Eva Marie and Doudrop in a Raw Women’s Tag Title Contenders match on the show from Kansas City, MO at the T-Mobile Center.

Late in the match, Natalya had to leave the ring and Tamina finished the match. The referee called for an audible as a pre-taped skit with Alexa Bliss’ doll aired that caused the distraction finish for Marie to get pinned by Tamina. 

After the match, Natalya was shown being helped out to the back by Tamina and a medical staff member. It’s unclear what the injury is, but it appears to do with her leg as she wasn’t able to walk on it. 

We wish Natalya a speedy recovery and hope the injury is not serious. 

Natalya and Tamina have held the titles since they beat Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler for them on the May 14th episode of SmackDown from the ThunderDome. Jax and Baszler had held the titles for 103 days. Thus far, Natalya and Tamina have held the titles for 72 days. 

Title Match Set For AEW Dynamite: Homecoming

Andrew Ravens
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All Elite Wrestling has announced a new match for the Dynamite episode with a “Homecoming” theme. 

On Monday’s episode of AEW Dark: Elevation, Lee Johnson defeated Luther to earn a chance at Miro’s TNT Championship on the August 4th episode. The match was booked by AEW Elite GM Invitational Tournament winner Pulse.

On the show, Miro confronted his next challenger and stated that while Johnson’s last opponent was picked by the fans, his next opponent is picked by God. 

This episode of Dynamite will take place from Daily’s Place at Jacksonville, FL, the home of the promotion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Miro’s previous TNT Title defense came on the June 30 episode of Dynamite. He won the title from Darby Allin. 

Also confirmed for this upcoming Dynamite episode is Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes, which marks Black’s first match since being released by WWE.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1419815044783611906

Wednesday’s Dynamite: Fight For The Fallen Card

  • No Rules Match: Chris Jericho vs. Nick Gage
  • FTR with Tully Blanchard vs. Santana and Ortiz with Konnan
  • Christian Cage, Jungle Boy, and Luchasaurus vs. Private Party and Angelico
  • The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and The Good Brothers) vs. Hangman Page and Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, John Silver, and Alex Reynolds)
  • IWGP US Champion Lance Archer vs. Hikuleo 
  • QT Marshall and The Factory to apologize to Tony Schiavone
  • Celebration for FTW Champion Ricky Starks
  • Tony Khan to make major new live event announcement

Triple Threat Title Match Announced For WWE SummerSlam

Andrew Ravens
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With Money in the Bank in the rear-view, it’s time for WWE to shift gears towards its next pay-per-view event, SummerSlam. 

In the opening segment of Monday’s episode of Raw, newly crowned Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H did an in-ring promo about cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase after she won the women’s ladder match.

She cashed in last week’s Raw to beat Charlotte Flair, who had beaten Rhea Ripley the night before at the PPV event to win the title. Yes, back-to-back title changes in back-to-back nights. 

This led to Flair and Ripley coming out to interrupt and this caused a back and forth promo exchange. Both Flair and Ripley made their cases for why they should get a title match at SummerSlam. 

Eventually, WWE authority figures Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville came out to announce a triple threat match at SummerSlam with the Raw Women’s Title on the line. 

WWE presents the SummerSlam pay-per-view event on Saturday, August 21 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Allegiant Stadium that will air on Peacock. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming weeks. 

John Cena Advertised For WWE’s Return To MSG After SummerSlam

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena is currently on a collision course with Roman Reigns that will culminate at WWE SummerSlam on Saturday, August 21st. Reigns has yet to formally accept Cena’s challenge, but the showdown is a foregone conclusion.

Following Cena’s surprise return at Money in the Bank, WWE announced John Cena’s summer schedule. Many fans were delighted to see that Cena’s return included multiple episodes of Raw and SmackDown, as well as non-televised live events. In total, WWE announced Cena for 15 shows. We’ve now learned the “Summer of Cena” will continue beyond SummerSlam.

John Cena to the Rescue

WWE announced on Monday that the 16-time World Champion’s current run will include a stop at Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 10th.

Over the weekend, @Wrestletix reported that WWE had sold fewer than 9,000 tickets for the September 10th Smackdown from MSG.

Early ticket sales were less-than-stellar, which led WWE to make this a “Super Show” involving talent from the Raw brand. With John Cena now advertised, WWE should have no problem getting over that 9,000 mark and might be compelled to open additional sections of the Garden, if the demand is there.

Impact Announces Teams For Homecoming Tournament

Chris Stephens
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impact Wrestling will be running a mixed-gender tag-team tournament at Homecoming this weekend. The event will take place July 31st from Nashville’s Skyline Studios where Impact has been running its shows since the pandemic.

4 of the 8 scheduled teams for the Homecoming tournament have been announced. Those teams are:

  1. Tommy Dreamer and Rachael Ellering
  2. Petey Wiliams and Jordynne Grace
  3. Crazzy Steve & Rosemary
  4. Matt Cardona & Chelsea Green

Also, Brian Myers will be in the tournament but his partner has yet to be determined. Tenille Dashwood told Myers she would not be going to Homecoming with him on this week’s show. Myers then tasked Sam Beale with finding him another partner for the tournament.

The only other match announced thus far for this weekend’s Homecoming event is W. Morrissey vs Eddie Edwards in a hardcore match.

Impact has announced a few matches for this week’s television show on Thursday night as well:

  1. The Good Brothers vs Jay White & Chris Bey
  2. Violent by Design (Deaner and Rhino) vs. Willie Mack & Rich Swann 
  3. Moose vs Chris Sabin
  4. Kaleb Konley vs Taylor Wilde
  5. Steve Maclin vs Trey Miguel (Before the Impact)

Impact has also announced they will be back in the studio for tapings mid-August as well.

The Rock Says ‘There’s Nothing’ To Tease About WWE Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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We have seen a number of big WWE returns in the past couple of months including names such as John Cena and Edge. Though reports suggest that there is an even bigger return being planned for later this year in form of The Rock.

The Great One hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since the SmackDown 20th anniversary show back in October 2019. His last proper wrestling match was his bout with John Cena during WrestleMania 29 in 2013.

The Rock had a chat with Entertainment Tonight alongside his Jungle Cruise co-star, Emily Blunt on the premiere of their new movie. When asked if he can tease anything about his rumored WWE return, he said “there’s nothing.”

Emily Blunt then chimed in to joke that she is going to be forming a tag team with The People’s Champion: “[It’s] gonna be me and him, and there’s gonna be a big fight.”

WWE is reportedly working on a match between Roman Reigns and The Rock for WrestleMania 38. The Hollywood star is expected to make his return to the company later this year to set up this bout.

While not confirmed, latest reports suggest that the plan is for the former champion to make an appearance at this year’s Survivor Series PPV in November. It will mark the 25th anniversary of his official in-ring debut for the company.

Kalisto On The Original Name For The Lucha Dragons

Anutosh Bajpai
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Being part of the Lucha Dragons with Sin Cara was one of the highlights of Kalisto’s WWE career. The duo even won the NXT tag team titles during their time together.

The star now known as Samuray Del Sol recently spoke to Lucha Libre Online. He talked about many things and also revealed the original name for their tag team.

According to Kalisto, the Lucha Dragons were originally going to be called The Lucha Lions. However, he didn’t like the name very much so he suggested a change:

“Initially, The Lucha Dragons were going to be the Lucha Lions. I didn’t like it so much. I love the Japanese culture. So why not a dragon? Let’s try Lucha Dragons. Sounds better.”

Sin Cara returned to NXT after a main roster run and formed the Lucha Dragons tag team with Kalisto in May 2014. The duo went on to defeat The Ascension for the NXT tag team championships in September the same year.

They held the title for a few months before losing it to Blake and Murphy in January 2015. The Lucha Dragons made their main roster debut in March 2015. They remained a team until they decided to go their separate ways before the 2016 draft.

Chelsea Green Reveals She Was ‘Jealous’ of Alexa Bliss Character

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE NXT Superstar Chelsea Green recently appeared on Those Wrestling Girls podcast. The ‘Hot Mess’ discussed several topics on the show, including revealing some of the pitches she had whilst in WWE.

“I really think one that stuck with me, that I tried to shove down WWE’s and NXT’s throats was always the crazy, obsessive character,” Chelsea Green began. “Someone a lot like Mickie James, but possibly a little darker, a little more like the movie Obsessed and Swimfan, kind of in that direction.”

“Very creepy. I like that,” Green continued. “For me, character work is my thing. So I just want to do something that shows my character work and my mic skills, as well as my wrestling skills.”

“I mean, I don’t know why I’m not just an actress. I don’t know why I’m wrestling!”

Chelsea Green

Chelsea Green on Alexa Bliss

Chelsea Green also admitted that she was ‘jealous’ of Alexa Bliss’s character that currently appears on WWE television. “Trust me; I tried, I really tried. And when I saw Alexa Bliss do what she’s doing, I’m so happy for her, but I have forever been jealous of that character.”

“Because I know that that is the exact type of character I would’ve thrived [in] if I was given it. But, you know, that’s the crazy thing about wrestling,” the IMPACT and ROH star would conclude.

Where else do you want to see Green appear? Let us know in the comments.

Konnan Hints There’s ‘More To Come’ in FTR/Santana and Ortiz Angle

Jake Skudder
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Former WCW star Konnan recently appeared on a special AdFreeShows event over at their Patreon. Konnan discussed the ongoing Pinnacle vs The Inner Circle feud during the show, which includes the ongoing feud between Santana & Ortiz and Pinnacle’s FTR.

Santana & Ortiz of course have a long history with Konnan, with the duo having been introduced as part of the LAX stable during their time on IMPACT.

Konnan has been brought in for this feud and has appeared a couple of times on AEW programming, almost as a direct answer to FTR’s manager, Tully Blanchard.

Konnan on FTR vs Santana & Ortiz

“There are a couple of guys in this business I consider my Lucha sons like them (Santana and Ortiz), Pentagon, and Fenix”, the LAX leader revealed on the AdFreeShows event.

“Let me just put it to you this way. There’s still more to be seen in the FTR-Santana/Ortiz-Tully/Konnan thing. Just stay tuned,” Konnan concluded.

FTR and Santana & Ortiz will be colliding this week on the Fight For The Fallen episode of AEW Dynamite. Here’s the full card for that event:

  • No DQ Match for the Trials of Jericho – “The Painmaker” Chris Jericho vs. Nick Gage
  • IWGP United States Championship Match – Lance Archer (c) vs. Hikuleo
  • Tony Khan makes “a major new live event announcement.”
  • 10 Man Elimination Match – Hangman Page, Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, John Silver, and Alex Reynolds vs. Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson Nick Jackson, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows
  • Santana and Ortiz vs. “FTR” Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood.
  • Christian Cage, Jungle Boy, and Luchasaurus vs. Angelico, Marq Quen, and Isiah Kassidy.
  • QT Marshall’s apology to Tony Schiavone

WWE Announces “The United States of America vs Vince McMahon” TV Series

Chris Stephens
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WWE has announced today a partnership with Blumhouse television that will see the creation of a limited scripted series titled, “The United States of America vs Vince McMahon.”

The series will focus on WWE during the 1990s and Vince’s trial for allegedly supplying anabolic steroids to WWE wrestlers. Vince was indicted, rejected a plea deal, and then went to trial. He was unanimously acquitted by a jury on all charges.

“In 1994, the U.S. government indicted McMahon for allegedly supplying anabolic steroids to WWE talent. McMahon, with his liberty at stake, two school-aged children at home and with WWE on the brink of bankruptcy, refused to take a plea deal,” a description of the project reads.

Kevin Dunn and Blumhouse Television President Chris McCumber were quoted in a press release.

“Jason, Chris, and their team at Blumhouse create amazing work and we look forward to delivering an inside look into one of the most pivotal moments in our company’s history,” said Kevin Dunn, WWE Executive Producer & Chief of Global Television Distribution.

“We have a dramatic, riveting saga – one that’s crazier than fiction – that will appeal to the cross-section of Blumhouse and WWE fans,” said McCumber. “To say I’m thrilled about collaborating again with WWE is an understatement.”

WWE is also working with Bill Simmons and the Ringer to produce a multi-part documentary series on McMahon for Netflix.

Malakai Black Reveals Conversation With Brodie Lee That Inspired Him To Join AEW

Anutosh Bajpai
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Malakai Black didn’t spend a lot of time on deciding which company he wanted to sign with after his WWE release. As it turns out, an old conversation with late Jon Huber aka Brodie Lee helped him in this decision.

The former WWE star recently appeared on The Wrestling Perspective podcast. He talked about things such as his desire to work with NJPW and more.

Discussing his decision to sign with AEW after his release, Black revealed that the name of the promotion popped into his head on the same day because of a conversation he had with Huber:

“I’ll be completely honest with you, the day I got released, AEW popped into my head. I had so many friends there. One of the last conversations I had with Jon Huber, rest in peace, he told me, ‘You’d love it here. You’d have so much fun here.’

That kind of always stuck with me because him and me,”said Black, “Every once in a while, would talk and there have definitely been moments where I was very frustrated.”

The former NXT champion was released from his WWE contract back in early June. He made his AEW debut during the July 7 episode of Dynamite.

Later reports revealed that WWE had forgotten to update Black’s contract when he was moved to the main roster. He was able to sign with AEW because his non compete clause with WWE lasted only 30 days, which is a standard for NXT talents.

Mojo Rawley Says ‘The Door Is Open’ For A WWE Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former WWE star Mojo Rawley recently spoke to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful where he opened up about his release from the company among other things.

WWE is known for putting a lot of restrictions on the stars contracted to the promotion. Rules they have to follow not only dictate their real-life but the officials have control over their lives on social media as well.

During the interview, Rawley discussed how he feels now that he is free from such restrictions. He explained that he is once again learning what freedom smells like, now that he can do anything he wants without asking for permission:

“Now, it’s like, I’m re-learning what freedom smells and tastes like and I can do anything I want,” he said. “I don’t have to ask permission. I can start a Twitch account.

I can go to a restaurant for a nice meal and tag the restaurant on my personal social media. So, there’s a lot, man. I’m hustling. I’m busier now than I’ve ever been, which has been nuts. It just shows it was time. It’s a win-win.”

Mojo Rawley On Potential WWE Return

On the topic of whether or not a WWE comeback is possible somewhere down the line, Mojo Rawley revealed that he was told that the door was open for his return in future when he was let go by the officials:

“More or less. There was a lot that went into that. Maybe we’ll touch on that later. But, yeah, more or less it was like, ‘Hey, man. Door’s open. Good luck,”

After a nine-year-long career in WWE, Mojo Rawley was released from the organization back in April this year. His non-compete clause has expired but the former 24/7 champion has not revealed his future plans just yet.

Tony Khan & AEW EVPs In Chicago Over The Weekend (Report)

Chris Stephens
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As the CM Punk to AEW rumors continue, it is being reported that Tony Khan and AEW’s EVPs flew to Chicago yesterday. According to a report from Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net, AEW might be looking at a new venue in the city.

AEW is reportedly eyeing the United Center in Chicago for a future event. Previously, the All Out/All In events have run from what is now known as the NOW Center (previously the Sears Center) just outside of the city.

Tickets for All Out 2021 sold out quickly, however, so AEW might be looking for a larger venue in one of its hottest markets. The 2019 event drew a crowd of 10,500.

The United Center can hold 19-20,000 for hockey and basketball games, and around 22,000 for concerts. The last time a wrestling event was held in the venue was a WWE house show in late 2018.

The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.

Although not confirmed, it is believed Khan and the EVPs were in town to film some promotional content at the United Center.

Tony Khan is scheduled to make an announcement regarding a new live event this week on Dynamite as well.

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WWE typically runs the Allstate Arena near Chicago for events. That was the venue for CM Punk’s WWE title win over John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011. It was also the host venue for Survivor Series 2019 and NXT TakeOver: War Games III.

MLW Announces Mini-Series “Fusion Alpha” For Next Month

Chris Stephens
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MLW Battle Riot III aired this past weekend weekend on BeIN Sports and YouTube. The show kicked off Cesar Duran (Lucha Underground’s Dario Cueto) announcing that he is MLW’s new match maker.

“My reputation for super luchas and violence is second to none!” Duran said. “I’ve introduced you to the best luchadores in the sport today and I’ve even created the most imagitive matches of the century.”

“I’ve reached an agreement with MLW that my company, Azteca Underground, yes, will promote fights for MLW. Yes! But wait, there is more,” he continued. “I’ve made a deal with Court Bauer, you’re matchmaker in MLW!”

Duran’s Azteca Underground promotion was later featured in a promo for MLW’s new mini-series set to debut next month “MLW Fusion Alpha.”

“The world has changed. Wrestling is at war! Invasions! Alliances! Raids! Jumps! Beware!! Major League Wrestling is under attack. Who will rise up? An Underground Revolution begins. A deal with the devil?! Who do you trust? A league is shattered? MLW Fusion Alpha. A mini-series. August 2021.”

The promo for MLW’s new mini-series begins around the 18:20 mark of the below video. Watch MLW’s Battle Riot III in the player below:

Evil To Challenge Shingo Takagi In MetLife Dome

Chris Stephens
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New Japan Pro Wrestling has booked 3 matches for Wrestle Grand Slam on September 5th. The promotion will present shows from the MetLife Dome on both September 4th and 5th. On the second night, Evil will challenge Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Also booked for the 2nd night inside the MetLife Dome will be Robbie Eagles defending his newly won IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against the returning Hiromu Takahashi.

The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships will also be on the line on September 5th. The champion Dangerous Tekkers team of Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi will defend against both the LIJ team of Tetsuya Naito & SANADA as well as the CHAOS team of Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI.

Takagi successfully defended his title from the Tokyo Dome this weekend. He defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi who was replacing Kota Ibushi. After the match, Takagi spoke to NJPW1972.com.

‘Well, it’s definitely the day after the night before. I’m sore all over- my neck, my back, my legs. But y’know, waking up with those aches and pains reminds me of what I do for a living, and I’ve gotta admit I don’t hate that feeling. That said, Tanahashi was amazing.”

“Yesterday was the biggest stage, against the best opponent, and we had the best match. That kind of opportunity doesn’t come your way all the time, and it felt damn great, right down until that dirty S.O.B. EVIL ruined everything. Yesterday, I was hot when I got backstage, and said what I did about wanting the match as soon as possible. Now I’ve slept on it, though…”

Malakai Black Would Love to Have a Run in NJPW

Alex Laybourne
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Malakai Black is All Elite. Everybody saw the debut, and everybody saw the famous image. However, AEW is not the only company Black wants to fight.

Talking during a recent appearance on The Wrestling Perspective, Malakai Black talked about his long-term dream to work over in Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling.

“One of the companies that I still want to do some stuff for, hopefully in the future, is New Japan. That would make my circle complete. That’s what I was raised on. I always wanted to go to Japan. I always wanted to go to New Japan. It has always been one of my ultimate goals, one of the last few things on my checklist is New Japan. Let’s hope in due time, someway, somehow, we can make that happen in the future.” Malakai Black explained.

The way Malakai Black fights would be a great fit for Japan, and there is no end to the number of mouth-watering feuds he could have with different members of the NJPW roster.

Malakai Black Could Use the Forbidden Door to Work Japan

While WWE only allows their athletes to perform on their own shows, AEW has made it clear that they want to work with others. They have a working relationship with several different promotions including IMPACT, AAA and NJPW. This means there is every chance that Malakai Black will get his wish. Whether it is for a full tour, sporadic appearances or as part of a cross-promotion event, fans can legitimately get excited by the thought of seeing him in an NJPW ring.

Black is a tough fighter. Muay Thai trained, and powerful striker, he would fit into the NJPW roster without much trouble.

However, first Malakai Black needs to finish the fight he started with Cody Rhodes. After attacking not only Cody but Arn Anderson during his shock debut for the company, Black needs to keep everything focused on extinguishing a fired up Cody Rhodes.

Five Stars Who Need To Work International Indies Post-Pandemic

Jake Skudder
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The past 18 months have had a huge impact on the professional wrestling scene internationally. Stars that would usually travel for much of the year have now had to work either local shows or be forced to semi-retire for the foreseeable future.

With the potential of the pandemic now getting to a somewhat controlled point, with vaccines being rolled out across the major hubs of independent wrestling, there’s a good chance that some of the biggest names on the indie scene will be able to work internationally once again.

Here are 5 of the names we want to see making the rounds again on the US, European and Australian scenes towards the end of the year and into 2022.

Chris Hero returns to the Indies?

Before Chris Hero re-signed with WWE back in 2017 as Kassius Ohno, he was regarded as one of the very best performers on the independent circuit. The Knockout Artist moved to NXT UK during his last stint with WWE, and he has a wealth of experience on the UK scene overall.

Chris Hero has not wrestled since March 2020 for the NXT UK brand, so a return to the UK independents, where he was a major star for PROGRESS and Rev Pro, would be more than welcome later this year.

Match we NEED to see: Chris Hero vs PROGRESS World Champion Cara Noir

Chelsea Green

The former WWE NXT Superstar was released from the company earlier this year and has been extremely active on social media. Recent appearances on Ring of Honor and IMPACT have shown that she is more than ready to get back out on the circuit, and there’s a ton of fantastic independent companies that could use the talents of Green.

GCW looks like it could be a great fit for Chelsea at some point; with her fiance Matt Cardona having just won the Game Changer Wrestling title, she could be brought in as part of a ‘GCW Universe’ stable to bring even more heat to the jacked Champion.

Match we NEED to see: Chelsea Green vs Mickie James

Charli Evans

The Medusa Complex (Charli Evans and NXT UK Superstar Millie McKenzie) were one of the most intriguing acts on the UK independent scene before the pandemic. McKenzie has since signed for WWE; however, Charli Evans is still an incredible performer in her own right. The Australian star has helped build PWA Black Label, Deathmatch Down Under and Newcastle Pro Wrestling in 2021.

There’s still a wealth of opportunities for Evans on the UK circuit, with the former Pro Wrestling: EVE Tag Team Champion (along with Millie) looking like an ideal fit for the next generation of UK talents such as Lizzy Evo, Kanji, Gisele Shaw and Mercedez Blaze.

Match we NEED to see: Charli Evans vs PROGRESS Women’s Champion Kanji

Drew Parker

Drew Parker was a promising UK performer when he made the jump to Japan. That was several years ago, and the Deathmatch specialist has proven that the expectation levels were right for the current GCW Ultraviolent and BJW Death Match Heavyweight Champion.

There is a renaissance of Deathmatch wrestling across the globe (although we Deathmatch fans would say it never went away). Parker could be a mainstay with the likes of TNT Wrestling in the UK, who have a wealth of Deathmatch talent on their roster and seem to be cornering the market on the style in the United Kingdom.

Match we NEED to see: Drew Parker vs TNT Extreme Division Champion Clint Margera

Mickie James

One of the most important performers in Women’s wrestling history is back on the free market and looking to prove once again why she is up in the pantheon of greats. Not that Mickie James needs to prove anything, but the former WWE Women’s Champion could be a fantastic fit on both the European and Australian indie scenes.

With the aforementioned current crop of Women’s talent in the UK, James could be having some blow-away matches against some of the EVE, Rev Pro and PROGRESS talent. Gisele Shaw looks like she would be a top draw opponent for Mickie, with the Rev Pro Women’s Champion building herself up as the Quintessential performer on the UK circuit right now.

Match we NEED to see: Mickie James vs Revolution Pro Women’s Champion Gisele Shaw

Edge Admits He Needed to be Talked into Money in the Bank Match

Alex Laybourne
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Everybody who follows professional wrestling knows the story of Edge. He was one of the driving forces of the attitude era and took part in many legendary moments. Moments and matches that influenced or even changed the course of WWE.

He took part in the first-ever TLC match. In fact, he was involved in the first three TLC matches in WWE history. Edge was also one of the participants in the first-ever Money in the Bank ladder match back in 2005.

Talking recently, however, during an episode of The Bump, Edge talked about how he originally refused to take part.

“I wish I could say that I had this vision of how it would become its own PPV, and no, not at all. As a matter of fact, when they first told me that I’d be in this thing called the Money in the Bank match, I said, ‘Another ladder match? I don’t want to be the ladder match guy, I want to do more than that. I want a straight wrestling match. Where I can just get in there and go. ’ I actually said, ‘Don’t put me in it. I’ll find my way on WrestleMania another way and if I’m not on this year I’ll make sure I’m on next year, but I’m tired of ladder matches. I don’t want to get pigeonholed for that.’ That was not very bright thinking.” Edge explained

Edge was Influential in Establishing Money in the Bank

Edge was the first-ever Mr Money in the Bank. Moreover, he was directly involved in the first five Money in the Bank cash-ins. It was only after his historic win that he realized Money in the Bank was different. It was something special.

“So finally, and this sounds so stupid, but I had to be talked into participating in the match. It wasn’t until about eight months in, holding this briefcase, carrying it with me on every plane because I had to take that thing everywhere. That’s when I started to realize. When I came out at New Year’s Revolution and I heard the crowd, that’s when I went, ‘Oh man, this is something, this is something very cool.’”

“Then to be involved in the next five year’s worth of cash-ins or — Either it was I cashed-in or it was cashed-in on me. Or I was in the match where it was cashed-in. It’s so amazing to sit back and think I was a huge part of Money in the Bank, which is now a PPV, and TLC, which is now a PPV. That’s really cool.” Edge reflected on his role in Money in the Bank.

There can be no denying the impact Edge’s career has had on wrestling. Now, after returning to the ring he is looking to continue building his legacy. Heading into Summerslam, he is locked in a feud with another former MITB winner in Seth Rollins. Two of the biggest and brightest wrestlers of their respective generations.

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