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Candice LeRae Reveals When She Plans on Starting Maternity Leave

Jake Skudder
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WWE NXT Superstar Candice LeRae recently revealed that she and Johnny Gargano were expecting their first child.

Candice confirmed on Instagram that she does not plan on going on maternity leave right now, and she will stay working for NXT until the last possible minute.

“Just when I didn’t think I could possibly be happier, you all proved me wrong. My heart is so full of love and support I never expected,” Candice LeRae revealed.

Candice LeRae on Maternity Leave

“This road for me and Johnny has been long, and I’ve had days where I thought this would never happen for us. It’s hard as a woman to choose between your career you’ve wanted since childhood and growing a life inside you. There never seems to be a right time,” LeRae noted.

“I have been a wrestler for 19 years and it’s been my constant since I was a little girl. It’s my first love. It’s given me irreplaceable friends, a brother, experiences I’d have never had otherwise, the blessing of traveling the world, the ability to make an impact on people’s lives, and (last but not least) a husband.

CANDICE LERAE

“I don’t plan on being “away” until I absolutely have to”, Candice continued. “Indi clearly needs me! — And I want to be there for my locker room of girls as long as I possibly can!”

“However, I do have to take a step back from my favorite part of this business for a while- physically wrestling. But I know this little one is going to be soooo very worth every second away from the ring,” the former WWE NXT Tag Team Champion concluded.

Bobby Lashley Gives Advice To Released WWE Superstars

Jake Skudder
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WWE Champion Bobby Lashley recently spoke to Rick Ucchino of Sportskeeda. The ‘All-Mighty’ Champion discussed several topics during the interview, including what advice he has for the recently released WWE and NXT Superstars.

“Stay motivated” Bobby Lashley began, revealing what advice he has for the dozens of performers who have been released from their WWE contracts over the past few weeks and months.

“There were guys that contacted me in WWE while I was out and they asked, ‘What’s going on? Do you have any advice?’ I always told them, ‘If you’re good, your talent can’t be denied'” Lashley continued.

Bobby Lashley Gives Advice

“That’s one. Two; never burn bridges. A lot of times, people leave the wrestling business or leave one organization and feel the need to badmouth them, I think that’s ridiculous. Every one of us made our name from WWE or pro wrestling and made a lot of money” the WWE Champion added.

“I look at it on a nightly basis when I tuck my kids in and the ability to put a roof over their head and give them things that I didn’t have. The money that I made from wrestling, I’ll always have respect for wrestling. Fans need to understand that if you see someone fighting one organization or the other, don’t even pay attention to them.”

BOBBY LASHLEY

“As a fan, walk away from it” Lashley pleaded to fans. “They [the fans] don’t understand what the wrestling business is about. Everyone needs to eat and feed their kids.”

“Everyone wants to have a good show. Instead of putting someone else down; just look at your own field and promote what you have instead of hating what you don’t like. If you leave, leave with motivation and keep doors open for yourself” Bobby Lashley would conclude.

Lashley is set to defend his WWE Championship against Goldberg at the upcoming WWE SummerSlam 2021 PPV event on Saturday August 21st.

Will Ospreay Reveals Top WWE Superstar Contacted Him After IWGP Title Win

Jake Skudder
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New Japan Pro Wrestling star Will Ospreay recently spoke to Booker T on “The Indies” podcast. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion discussed several topics during the show, including his relationship with WWE Superstar AJ Styles.

“I remember sitting down with AJ” Ospreay noted on the show. “I had a match with him and when I found out I was wrestling AJ Styles, a tear rolled down my eye. It was the greatest night of my life.”

“He’s the sole reason I got into wrestling” Will Ospreay revealed. “AJ was it for me. I started crying, I was so thankful. How genuine he was and he took the time to explain why we were doing things.”

“I told him I was going to Japan. He was leaving for WWE. I told him I was going to Japan in April and he was like, ‘I’m proud of you, you’re going to do so well there'” Ospreay revealed.

Will Ospreay on AJ Styles

“I won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and he dropped me a message like, ‘Bro, I’m so proud of you.’ It gets me every single time because that’s my hero and is such a big deal to me,” the Aerial Assassin concluded.

Will Ospreay is currently back in the United Kingdom following an injury that caused him to relinquish his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Ospreay is still the current Rev Pro British Champion, and he will reportedly be appearing at a Rev Pro show at some point to talk the status of the title and he has not been stripped.

Bianca Belair Wants Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair Matches

Jake Skudder
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Bianca Belair recently appeared on Ryan Satin’s Out of Character podcast. The SmackDown Women’s Champion discussed several topics during the interview, including which opponents she is targeting down the road in her WWE career.

“I always say that one of my main goals – I look up to the Four Horsewomen,” Bianca Belair began. “When I was in NXT, I remember just looking at the Four Horsewomen and standing in in the locker room thinking like, Wow, they used to be here in the same spot that I’m at, and now they’re on Raw, and they’re on SmackDown.”

“They’re doing these amazing things” Belair continued. “And if I could ever just get up there and be in the same ring as them, that’s when I know that I’m doing it, I’ve made it. And I’m here now.”

Bianca Belair on Charlotte and Becky

Bianca Belair is eager for Becky Lynch to return so she can pin her shoulders to the mat.

“I can’t wait for Becky to come back. I would love to feud with Becky. I’ve pinned Bayley, I’ve pinned Sasha. And now my goal is to eventually feud again with Charlotte and Becky and hopefully pin the other two Four Horsewomen.”

Bianca Belair is set to defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Sasha Banks at the upcoming SummerSlam 2021 event on Saturday, August 21st.

Banks attacked Belair to close out this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, with Zelina Vega and Carmella potentially joining Banks to form a new group, although this has not been confirmed officially.

Lio Rush vs Tom Lawler Set for NJPW STRONG Tapings

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE Superstar Lio Rush will be challenging Tom Lawler for the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship. This was confirmed by NJPW for the upcoming NJPW STRONG tapings.

August 16 will see New Japan film Fighting Spirit Unleashed, the first show to have live fans in attendance for the US based STRONG brand. That show will see Lio Rush take on the MMA fighter for the Openweight belt.

NJPW sent out the following press release confirming the match:

Filthy Tom Lawlor’s fourth defence of the STRONG Openweight Championship will take place in Thunder Studios, at Fighting Spirit Unleashed and NJPW STRONG’s first matches in front of a live crowd.

Lio Rush vs Tom Lawler

After Tom Lawlor recently logged his third successful defence of the STRONG Openweight Championship against Satoshi Kojima; he was confronted backstage by Lio Rush. The Man of the Hour declared that he was not going to wait for any more championship opportunities to come his way; and that he would be calling his shot. Lawlor laughed off Rush, but this week on STRONG, Rush and Karl Fredericks scored a convincing victory against Lawlor and his Team Filthy partner Danny Limelight.

Can Rush be the Man of the Hour and claim his first NJPW Championship? Fighting Spirit Unleashed tapings are SOLD OUT August 16; but get set to watch the championship action in the coming weeks on NJPW STRONG!

You can watch NJPW STRONG every Friday on the NJPWWorld.com streaming service.

Details On Who Is Producing John Cena & Roman Reigns’ Feud

Jake Skudder
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This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown began with a heated back and forth promo segment between John Cena and WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.

Cena and Reigns exchanged words ahead of their WWE SummerSlam 2021 match for the Universal Title, the match that will most likely headline the show inside of Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, August 21st.

John Cena vs Roman Reigns

According to a new report from Fightful Select, we now know who produced the segment between the two main event Superstars on this week’s episode of the show.

Former WWE Superstar Jamie Noble produced the opening segment, or according to Fightful he was “at least listed as such.”

It was also noted that Paul Heyman has “also had heavy influence over Reigns’ stories” over the past few months and that Roman and Cena both have significantly more creative freedom over their segments than most within the company.

The actual promo segment had a lot of elements of the original feud between Cena and Reigns, except that on this occasion Reigns is no longer portraying the all-conquering babyface.

It has not been confirmed if Jamie Noble will be producing the actual match between John Cena and Roman Reigns, however he does appear to have a big hand in the structure of the segments between the two going forward.

Tucker On Why He Thinks WWE Shortens Names Of Wrestlers

Anutosh Bajpai
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Shortening names of superstars is a common trope within WWE. Former Heavy Machinery member Tucker has a theory as to why the company takes bits out of some superstar’s names.

The former WWE star recently had an interview with WrestlingInc. He talked about things such as what they were told during their main roster debut and more.

The duo were known as Otis Dozovic and Tucker Knight in NXT. Speaking about how the officials cut off their last names when they got on the main roster, Tucker admitted that he wishes it wasn’t the case:

“I wish they wouldn’t have, but it is what it is I guess, what the boss says goes. That wasn’t a hill I was going to die on, I’ll just say that. I just said, ‘Okay. No problem. Thank you.’”

The former 24/7 champion then provided a theory as to why he thinks the ring names get shortened. According to Tucker, it could be because of the time it takes to announce the names:

“I honestly think it has to do with how long it takes the announcer to say like, ‘Otis Dozovic! Tucker Knight! Heavy Machinery!’ I think that’s too long. I think that’s one of the reasons anyways. I have no idea. That’s pure speculation on my part.”

Apart from this, Tucker also talked about Heavy Machinary’s storyline with Mandy Rose, his heel turn and his release from the company this past April as well.

Kenny Omega Reacts To Title Loss On Rampage Premiere

Anutosh Bajpai
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Kenny Omega suffered a big loss at the premiere episode of Rampage where Christian Cage beat him for the Impact Wrestling world title in the opening bout of the night.

The now-former Impact champion took on his Twitter after the show to react to the loss. He made a tweet on his way to the airport, claiming that he feels cheated and disrespected after tonight’s events:

“Not a cheerful ride to the airport. Baggage is light and I feel so cheated and disrespected. You’re all on notice. I’m taking this personally.”

Kenny Omega defended the Impact world title against Christian in the opening match of the premiere episode of Rampage. The match saw both the competitors pulling some impressive offense.

Towards the ending of the bout, Don Callis came up on the apron. He distracted the referee, allowing Omega to hit a low blow on his opponent.

The Young Bucks then came out and slide a chair in the ring for Omega to finish the job. However, Christian countered Kenny’s attempt of a one winged angel.

The former WWE star hit Kenny Omega with a kill switch instead. As the referee brought his attention back to the match, Christian pinned Omega to become the new Impact world champion.

Mercedes Martinez To Challenge For Impact Title On First Post WWE Booking

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former NXT star Mercedes Martinez will be challenging for Impact Knockouts Championship in her first booking after being released from WWE.

Indie wrestling promotion WrestlePro has announced that the female star will be challenging Deonna Purrazzo for her title at their show from Rahway, New Jersey on Saturday, October 16.

Martinez won’t be the only former WWE star who will be part of the event. Former 205 Live roster member Tony Nese and former SmackDown star Fandango both are also announced for the show.

Fandango who is now going by the name Dirty Dango will face Impact wrestling star Brian Myers while Tony Nese will be competing against Bobby Wayward.

Mercedes Martinez had made appearances for WWE in 2017-18. She competed in the Inaugural and the second Mae Young Classic tournament and made several NXT appearances during the time period as well.

Former NXT Superstar Mercedes Martinez Comments on WWE Release

She returned to the company in 2020 after signing a contract in January. She even made her main roster debut as part of the Retribution faction but decided to withdraw from the group. She was released from her WWE contract on August 6.

The October booking suggests that Martinez was still under a standard NXT contract when she was released. NXT contracts feature a 30 days non-compete clause opposed to 90 days for main roster stars.

DDP Believes AEW Has Become ‘Real Competition For WWE’

Anutosh Bajpai
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AEW has been growing steadily since its launch in 2019. The company even managed to survive and grow during the pandemic era and DDP believes it has finally risen to a level where it can be considered competition for WWE.

The WWE Hall Of Famer recently had an interview with Foundation Radio. He talked about the growth of the company and claimed that it now looks like AEW is not just another wrestling organization:

“All of a sudden, it looks like AEW is not just another wrestling organization,” said DDP, “They have risen to the level of like real competition for WWE and I never thought that would be possible again.”

“Real Competition”

The former WCW champion then talked about the company’s ticket sales. He mentioned how AEW sold tickets for their Chicago shows very fast. He compared the ticket sales for Rampage to WWE’s shows:

“I know they just sold tickets for Chicago, and it was a number of shows like three nights in a row.” mentioned DDP, “They all sold out. I would say it’s about ten, eleven thousand people, and then they got the United Center.

They’re doing a new show now. I think it’s called Rampage. They sold out the United Center in 30 minutes. You can’t tell me they ain’t the real deal. WWE’s tickets aren’t selling like that.”

Apart from this, DDP also offered praise to AEW President Tony Khan calling him ‘the most amazing cat.’ He claimed that you’d never know he is a billionaire by seeing him because he acts like a regular dude.

DDP On His Love For Darby Allin: “He’s a Bigger Risk-Taker Than Jeff Hardy”

Keith Lee And Others Wrestle Dark Matches Before SmackDown

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Raw star Keith Lee and several NXT stars were in action tonight and they wrestled dark matches before this week’s episode of SmackDown went on air.

Lee wrestled in a very short match against an enhancement talent who wasn’t introduced to the crowd. He squashed the unnamed star for a quick win.

The second match of the night saw NXT star Ridge Holland facing the high flyer Austin Theory. Holland picked up a victory over Theory in this singles match.

The final dark match before the episode of SmackDown kicked off was a tag team bout featuring female competitors from NXT. It saw Xia Li and Aliyah teaming up for a match.

The duo faced the team of Dakota Kai and Kacy Catanzaro during this dark match. The team of Li and Aliyah ended up defeating Kai and Catanzaro after a standard match.

Keith Lee recently posted a video explaining his absence from WWE programming over the last few months. He revealed that some post covid complications led to him not being able to wrestle for an extended period.

This week’s episode of SmackDown featured many notable developments including a big title change. You can check out the full SmackDown results at this link.

Jamie Hayter Returns To AEW, Aligns With Britt Baker

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jamie Hayter has made her way back to AEW and she is joining forces with Britt Baker.

In the main event of the debut edition of Rampage, Baker defended her AEW Women’s World Championship against Red Velvet. Baker fought through a wrist injury in order to defeat the challenger. To do so, “D.M.D.” had to use her uninjured hand to secure Lockjaw for the tap.

After the match, Britt attempted to add insult to injury. She went to Curb Stomp Velvet’s head onto her title but Kris Stantlander initially thwarted Baker’s attack. This didn’t last, however, as Hayter rushed the ring and attacked Statlander. Ultimately, Baker was able to Curb Stomp Velvet into the championship gold.

Watch Hayter’s AEW return below.

AEW announced that Jamie Hayter is All Elite, which means she’s signed a full-time contract with the promotion.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1426380556548325378

Jamie Hayter had made some appearances for AEW prior. Her close friend and fellow former Stardom wrestler, Bea Priestley, was released as she simply couldn’t get into the United States to compete due to global restrictions. Many believe this is why Hayter hasn’t worked with AEW more regularly.

What’s interesting about Hayter’s return is that the last time she competed in a singles match on AEW television, it was inside the same venue as her appearance on Rampage. She competed inside the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her opponent was none other than Britt Baker.

https://twitter.com/williamrbr/status/1426384373759156228?s=21

To make things even more intriguing, Baker seemingly teased this alliance with Hayter all the way back in April.

Fuego Del Sol Earns AEW Contract Despite Losing To Miro

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Fuego Del Sol is All Elite.

Del Sol challenged Miro for the AEW TNT Championship on the debut episode of Rampage. The stipulation was that not only was the gold on the line, but Del Sol would earn an AEW contract with a victory. Despite a red hot start, Del Sol failed to vanquish Miro.

After the match, Miro ripped up what would’ve been Del Sol’s contract. Luckily for the masked luchador, the story doesn’t end here.

Once Rampage returned from a commercial break, Del Sol stood in the ring and received a standing ovation. Sammy Guevara made his way out and he was handed a contract by Tony Khan.

Guevara then entered the ring to inform Del Sol that he is the latest addition to the AEW roster.

“Fuego, Fuego man you lost but sometimes there’s victory in defeat. I mean, you’ve been coming here for the past year, you’re like 1-50 but who cares cause these people love you. And Fuego, whether you know it a lot of guys love you back there too. Tony Khan thought it was only right for me to be the one to come out here, since you’re my best friend, to say officially Fuego Del Sol is All Elite.”

The debut episode of Rampage opened up with an Impact World Title match. Kenny Omega put his gold on the line against Christian Cage. Cage turned the tables on Omega, who tried to plant him with the One-Winged Angel on a chair. Cage reversed and nailed Omega with a Killswitch on the chair to capture the Impact World Title.

What do you make of Fuego Del Sol being All Elite?

AEW Rampage Results (8/13): Three Title Matches, New Champion Crowned

Robert Lentini
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The debut episode of AEW Rampage aired live from the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kenny Omega defended the Impact World Championship against Christian Cage in the fist match of the night. Miro put the TNT Championship on the line against Fuego Del Sol and Britt Baker defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Red Velvet in the main event.

AEW Rampage Results

  1. Christian Cage def. Kenny Omega to become the Impact World Champion
  2. Miro def. Fuego Del Sol via submission to retain the TNT Championship
  3. Britt Baker def. Red Velvet via submission to retain the AEW Women’s Championship

Here are the takeaways from the debut edition of AEW Rampage:

Christian Cage Captured The Impact World Championship

Kenny Omega put the Impact Championship on the line against Christian Cage in the first match of the night. Don Callis accompanied Omega to the ring. Omega and Christian circled each other and had a stare down as the crowd cheered. Kenny and Christian locked up and the AEW Champion drove Cage to the corner.

Christian broke free and the two circled each other again. Cage got Omega in a Headlock and brought him down to the mat. Omega escaped but Cage decked the champion with a shoulder tackle. Kenny hit a few chops to the chest and went for the One Winged Angel but Cage broke free. Christian booted Kenny Omega out of the ring and the champion had a brief conversation with Don Callis.

Cage chased Omega back to the ring and the champion caught Christian with a stomp to the midsection as he slid into the ring. Omega and Cage then traded chops in the corner of the ring. Cage knocked Omega to the outside and hit a Dropkick through the ropes. Christian climbed to the top rope but Omega shoved him to the floor outside the ring as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Omega was in control and set up Christian for a Suplex. Cage countered with a Suplex of his own but Kenny responded by raking Christian’s eyes in the corner. Kenny perched Cage up on the top turnbuckle and tried for a Superplex but Cage blocked it. Cage countered into a Sunset Flip Powerbomb off the top and some then some punches in the corner.

Cage connected with a right hand and an uppercut off the middle rope for a two count. Omega went for a Fisherman’s Buster but Christian countered into a slam for a two count. Christian charged but Omega was ready and hit a knee to the face. Omega followed it up with a big Powerbomb and then a V-Trigger for a two count.

Omega lifted Cage up for the One Winged Angel but Cage escaped with some punches. Omega went for the Snap Dragon but Christian blocked it. Omega went for a V-Trigger but Cage dodged it and the champ crashed into the turnbuckle. Cage rolled him up for a near fall.

Christian set up for the Killswitch but Omega countered with a Snap Dragon Suplex. Kenny hit another one and went for a V-Trigger but Cage rolled to the apron. Christian tripped up Omega and hit a Frog Splash for a two count. Don Callis distracted the referee and the Young Bucks slid a chair into the ring.

Omega set it up and went for One Winged Angel on the chair but Christian escaped. Cage then planted Omega with the Killswitch on top of the steel chair for the pinfall victory. Christian Cage is the new Impact Champion.

Mark Henry interviewed Christian Cage after the match. Christian told Mark he loved him and he is so glad he is here. Cage stated that Omega is as advertised and it is going to nearly impossible to beat Kenny for the AEW title at All Out. Cage claimed that he was living in Omega’s head now and he knows he can beat him.

Miro Tapped Out Fuego Del Sol But He Got A Contract Anyway

Miro put the TNT Championship on the line against Fuego Del Sol tonight on AEW Rampage. Fuego Del Sol has to win the match to earn a contract with All Elite Wrestling. Fuego hit a Tornado DDT before the match started and the referee checked if Miro could continue. Fuego hit another Tornado DDT after the bell rang but Miro was able to escape out of the ring before he could go for a cover.

Fuego hit a third Tornado DDT when Miro got into the ring but the TNT Champion was able to kick out at two. Fuego went for another one but Miro caught him. Miro hit a Samoan Drop and followed it up with the Machka Kick. Miro locked in the Game Over for the submission victory. Miro ripped up the contract and posed with the TNT Championship as Dynamite went to a commercial.

Fuego Del Sol was in the ring when Sammy Guevara and Tony Khan came to the entrance ramp. Sammy brought an AEW contract to the ring and said that sometimes there is victory in defeat. Guevara added that is only right as Fuego’s best friend to come out and give him a contract. The two shared a hug and celebrated in a cool moment.

Britt Baker Retained The AEW Women’s Title

Britt Baker defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Red Velvet in the main event. Before the match, Sting & Darby Allin were shown in the crowd and AEW hyped The First Dance next week as the biggest crowd in AEW history. Baker and Red Velvet were interviewed by Mark Henry before the match. Red Velvet vowed to win the title and Baker said that isn’t happening in her hometown and that tonight is her night. Rebel accompanied the AEW Women’s Champion to the ring as the crowd waved the towels.

Britt and Red Velvet locked up int he middle of the ring to begin the action. The two circled each other and locked up again. Baker brought Red Velvet to the mat and went for a Headlock but Britt countered. Britt and Red Velvet got in a shoving match before Red Velvet rolled the champ up for a two count.

Baker connected with an Arm Drag and sent Red Velvet into the turnbuckle. Red Velvet battled back and shoved her boot into Baker’s face in the corner. Red Velvet went after Baker’s injured wrist but the referee broke it up. Baker booted Red Velvet but the challenger responded with a Dropkick to the face. Red Velvet followed it up with a Standing Moonsault and went for the cover but Baker was able to power out at two as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Red Velvet connected with a Slingblade and sent Baker to the corner. Red Velvet unloaded some punches and booted Baker to the canvas. Britt battled back with a Swinging Neckbreaker and went for the cover but Red Velvet kicked out at two. Britt hen went for the Lockjaw submission but Red Velvet countered into a cover for a two count.

Rebel hopped on the apron for a distraction but Red Velvet shoved her off. Baker capitalized with a roll-up for a near fall. Rebel hopped don’t he apron again and the referee kicked her out. Red Velvet hit Baker with a Superkick and climbed to the top rope. Red Velvet connected with a Moonsault and went for the cover but Britt kicked out at two.

Baker hit a Clothesline and went for the cover for a two count. Britt booted Red Velvet in the face for another near fall. Britt and Red Velvet traded punches and then Red Velvet got Britt in the Lockjaw but couldn’t get the hold fully locked in. Britt escaped and went for the Lockjaw but Red Velvet slammed away on her injured wrist. Baker then used her leg instead of her injured wrist and got the Lockjaw applied for the submission victory. Britt Baker is still the AEW Women’s Champion.

After the match, Britt hit a Neckbreaker and set up for a Stomp on the title but Kris Statlander broke it up. Statlander beat Baker down before Jamie Hayter rushed the ring. Jamie sent Red Velvet and Statlander out of the ring and posed with Britt Baker to close the show.

Christian Cage Wins Impact Wrestling World Title On AEW Rampage

Andrew Ravens
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AEW loaded up the first episode of Rampage on TNT with three title matches including Kenny Omega defending the Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Title against Christian Cage. 

The title bout, which was booked after Cage challenged Omega to it on this past Wednesday’s Dynamite, kicked off the episode from Pittsburgh, PA at the Petersen Events Center. The match saw Cage the majority of the offense before going back and forth down the stretch.

At one point, Omega hit a powerbomb then the V-Trigger for a near fall. Cage hit the Kill Switch on a chair while the referee was distracted by Don Callis for the win. 

This comes before Cage challenges Omega for the AEW World Heavyweight Title at the All Out pay-per-view event on Sunday, September 5, 2021 from Chicago, Illinois at Now Arena.

Heading into this match, Omega’s reign surpassed 108 days after beating Rich Swann back in April at the Rebellion pay-per-view event. 

Omega was supposed to defend the Impact Wrestling World Title against Brian Myers at the Emergence special at Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee next Friday on Impact Plus. 

This episode of Rampage also featured Miro vs. Fuego Del Sol for the TNT Championship and Dr. Britt Baker, DMD vs. Red Velvet for the AEW Women’s World Championship.

WWE SummerSlam Updated Card: New Match Confirmed

Andrew Ravens
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A new match has been announced for the upcoming WWE SummerSlam PPV.

During Friday’s episode of SmackDown, WWE confirmed that Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal in a singles match will take place at this show. 

The former 3MB partners have been feuding for several weeks now. McIntyre defeated Mahal in singles action on the July 5th edition of Monday Night Raw. Mahal cost McIntyre his chance to win the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match last month. 

Also, McIntyre has picked up a 2-on-1 Handicap Match win over Veer and Shanky.

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 week. Here is the updated card:

Updated WWE SummerSlam Card

  • WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. John Cena
  • WWE Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg
  • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley
  • WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks
  • WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio
  • Seth Rollins vs. Edge
  • WWE United States Champion Sheamus vs. Damien Priest
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal

WWE SmackDown Results (8/13): Cena & Reigns, New Champion, Contract Signing

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the BOK Center in Tulsa, OK. Apollo Crews defended the Intercontinental Championship against King Nakamura on tonight’s show. Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair signed their contract to make the match at SummerSlam official and Universal Champion Roman Reigns & John Cena met face-to-face.

SmackDown Results (8/13)

  1. King Nakamura def. Apollo Crews to become the new IC Champion
  2. Street Profits def. Alpha Academy
  3. The Mysterios def. Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler
  4. Kevin Owens def. Baron Corbin

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

John Cena & Roman Reigns Met Face-To-Face

John Cena kicked off this week’s show to a great reaction from the crowd. Cena noted that school is back up and running and gave Roman Reigns a “D” on his report card. John added that Reigns is a d-bag and a huge disappointment.

Cena said that WWE has been trying to sell Reigns for ten years and the only one buying it is Roman. John vowed to give Roman an “F” at SummerSlam and proposed a pop quiz to the crowd. Cena asked if Reigns will beat the hell out of him at SummerSlam and there was a mix of chants & boos.

He said that Reigns will beat the hell out of him at SummerSlam but Roman will also lose and there is nothing he can do about it. Universal Champion Roman Reigns interrupted with Paul Heyman and came to the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Reigns told Cena to not waste his time and “lets get to it”. John Cena said that he is going to wait until SummerSlam to embarrass Reigns on the biggest stage of them all. Cena told Reigns that the WWE doesn’t belong to him, it belongs to the fans.

Cena claimed that he was back because he is the only one that can shut Reigns up. John added that Reigns is still getting pushed after 10 years because WWE figures that Roman is the best chance they’ve got. Cena vowed to serve Reigns some humble pie at the PPV.

John told Reigns that he doesn’t need to prove himself to Roman, he just needs to pin him. Cena noted that if he won, that would make him a 17-time champ and the most decorated champion in history. Cena added that he was here to help Reigns.

Roman stated that we don’t have enough time on SmackDown to promote all of Cena’s movies. Reigns told Cena that he may be good enough to win the WWE Championship, but he is not good enough for the Universal Championship. Roman said “20+ years of missionary might have been good enough for Cena, but it wasn’t good enough for Nikki Bella”.

Reigns vowed to make this the last time we ever see John Cena at SummerSlam. Cena noted that Reigns is protected because of his pretty face and “the bars of soap he has for teeth. John added that Reigns almost ruined Seth Rollins, and ran Dean Ambrose out of WWE. He vowed to take the title, hop the barricade, and possibly blow Reigns a kiss before leaving (CM Punk reference). Cena ended the promo that Reigns will kick his ass at SummerSlam, but all he has to do is hang in there for a three count and Reigns will just be the answer to the trivia question “who did John Cena beat to become 17-time champion?”.

King Nakamura Captured The IC Title

Apollo Crews defended the Intercontinental Championship against King Nakamura. Rick Boogs and Commander Azeez were ringside for the match. Nakamura controlled the action early but Commander Azeez hopped on the apron. The referee kicked out Boogs & Azeez as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Nakamura hit a slam and went for the cover but the Intercontinental Champion kicked out at two. Nakamura climbed to the top rope but Crews caught him with an Enziguri. Crews climbed up to the top and connected with a Superplex for a two count.

Crews followed it up with a Powerbomb for a two count. Apollo went for a Frog Splash but Nakamura got his knees up. Crews rolled up Nakamura and used the ropes for leverage but the referee caught it. Apollo hit a Suplex and went for the cover again but couldn’t keep Nakamura down.

Shinsuke battled back with a Falcon Arrow for a near fall and then followed it up with an Exploder Suplex that sent Crews flying across the ring. Nakamura geared up in the corner and then hit the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory. Shinsuke Nakamura is the new Intercontinental Champion.

Street Profits def. Alpha Academy

Street Profits faced Alpha Academy tonight on SmackDown. Street Profits controlled the action early and isolated Gable in the corner. Otis tagged in and sent Dawkins to the corner. Otis hit a Splash and tagged in Gable. Chad and Otis took turns beating Angelo Dawkins down in the corner of the ring. Montez broke it up and sent Otis to the outside. Montez flipped onto Otis but almost overshot him and thankfully there wasn’t an injury. Back in the ring, Dawkins hit the Anointment on Gable for the pinfall victory.

Seth Rollins Warned Edge

Seth Rollins came to the ring and claimed that Edge was not here tonight. Rollins suggested that his career was a little bit better than Edge’s and claimed to have proof of that. Seth rolled a career retrospective of both of their careers. The narrator of the video package hyped the hell out of Rollins’ moments and made Edge’s career seem forgettable.

Rollins bitched about not finishing the job in 2014 and that Edge wouldn’t be pushing his little girls in a swing-set, his little girls would be pushing him in a wheelchair. Seth claimed that he will not hold back at SummerSlam, and so be it if he puts Edge out for good.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1426349651930894336?s=20

The Mysterios def. Roode & Ziggler

Dominik & Rey Mysterio faced Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler tonight on SmackDown. Rey and Robert Roode started off the action. Roode connected with a Backbreaker and followed it up with a Clothesline. Ziggler tagged in and hit Rey with a running knee to the face for a near fall.

Dominik tagged in and connected with a Neckbreaker. Dominik knocked Roode off the apron but turned around into a Fameasser from Dolph for a two count. The Usos appeared on the Jumbotron for a distraction but Rey saw it coming. Rey told Dominik to focus and Dominik rolled up Roode for the pinfall victory. After the match, The Usos told The Mysterios that they will see them at SummerSlam.

Kevin Owens def. Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin lumbered to the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Baron Corbin said he is going to have to file bankruptcy and the crowd cheered. Corbin claimed that is what is wrong with society, when somebody falls everyone just wants to watch them fail. Corbin stated that he is used to a standard of life and asked everyone in the crowd for $1,000. Baron pulled out a credit card scanner but was interrupted by Kevin Owens.

Corbin said he isn’t sure that if his scanner works with Canadian credit cards. Owens told Corbin to stop embarrassing himself. Baron demanded a thousand dollars from Owens or he wouldn’t leave the ring. Owens told Corbin that he will give him a grand if he can beat him in a match tonight. Corbin agreed and called Owens a cheap piece of crap. Owens hit Corbin with a Stunner to end the segment.

Owens then battled Corbin when SmackDown returned. Corbin was holding his throat and complained that the match shouldn’t start. Corbin went for a roll-up but Owens kicked out at two. Owens bounced Corbin’s face off the top turnbuckle and booted him down in the corner of the ring.

Corbin sent Owens to the corner and went for a Clothesline but got a Superkick to the face instead. Owens followed it up with a Cannonball for a two count. Owens made his way to the top rope but Corbin hopped up. Corbin grabbed Owens by the throat and dragged him to the apron. Corbin unloaded a big right hand that knocked Owens out of the ring and to the floor outside the ring.

Owens got back into the ring and Corbin greeted him with some punches to the face. Corbin went for a Suplex on the ring apron but Owens blocked it. Owens then went for a Powerbomb but Corbin countered into a Back Body Drop on the ring apron as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Corbin and Owens were battling in the corner. Owens hit a headbutt and Corbin fell to the canvas. Owens hit a Swanton Bomb and went for the cover but Corbin kicked out at two. Corbin sent Owens into the ring post and rolled him up but Owens kicked out at two. Owens went for the Stunner but then rolled up Corbin for the pinfall victory. Corbin threw a tantrum after the match as Owens celebrated. Owens hit Corbin with another Stunner and posed for the crowd to end the segment. Corbin was interviewed backstage and stole the MITB contract from Big E.

Sasha Banks Sent A Message To Bianca Belair

Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair had a contract signing for their SmackDown Women’s Championship match at SummerSlam. Sonya Deville moderated the singing. Sasha Banks came to the ring first and then Sonya introduced the SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.

Belair and Banks started arguing right away and Sasha called Bianca a bitch. Sonya shouted that they are not doing this again and demanded that they sign the contract. Banks went to sign the contract but claimed that she is going to need some witnesses. Carmella, Zelina Vega, made their way to the ring and stood behind Banks as she signed the contract. Bianca quickly signed and then threw the contract in Sasha’s face. Bianca cleared the ring of Vega and Carmella and beat Banks down. Vega tried to break it up but Bianca slammed her into the turnbuckle.

Belair launched Carmella out of the ring but Sasha caught her with a Backstabber. Sasha unloaded some punches and then watched on as Vega & Carmella did the same. Banks bounced Bianca’s face off the table a couple times and then raised the SmackDown Women’s Championship before applying the Bank Statement to close the show.

John Cena References CM Punk & Jon Moxley On SmackDown

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John Cena dropped quite a reference involving CM Punk and Jon Moxley.

The Aug. 13 edition of SmackDown opened up with Cena addressing the WWE Universe. He made it clear that while he believes he’s in for a beating against Roman Reigns at WWE SummerSlam, he’ll still pull off the victory to become a 17-time world champion in WWE.

Reigns later came out with Paul Heyman to respond to Cena. It was during this exchange that Cena referenced CM Punk with the following.

“You’re gonna show up all full of yourself like you normally do and put on a hell of a show. I’m just gonna hang in there for 1,2,3. And then I’m gonna take your title, I’m gonna jump the barricade, and I’m gonna run out of Allegiant Stadium as fast as I can. I may even blow you a kiss goodbye.”

Cena is referring to his July 2011 showdown with Punk at the Money in the Bank PPV. The storyline going into that match was that CM Punk’s contract was expiring and he wanted to leave the company as WWE Champion. Punk ended up pinning Cena with the GTS and blowing a kiss at Vince McMahon before exiting through the crowd.

Cena then referenced another former WWE star in Jon Moxley, who used to be known as Dean Ambrose with the company.

“You haven’t been embarrassed, you’ve been protected. Pretty face with giant bars of soap you got for teeth. You’ve been protected, Roman. You’ve been protected by The Shield. Hell, you almost ruined Seth Rollins. You ran Dean Ambrose out of WWE.”

Is CM Punk Headed To AEW?

Punk has been heavily teased for a return to wrestling under the AEW banner. Many speculate that he will make his promotional debut on the Aug. 20 edition of Rampage. That episode will be taking place inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Punk, himself, dropped what many believe to be a major hint. On his Instagram Stories, Punk posted a quote that is tattooed on AEW star Darby Allin’s chest.

Shinsuke Nakamura Wins WWE Intercontinental Title

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WWE decided to do a title change on Friday’s episode of SmackDown as Shinsuke Nakamura became the new Intercontinental Champion. 

He did so when he beat Apollo Crews in the opening match on the show that was broadcasted live on FOX from Tulsa, OK at the BOK Center. Both Rick Boogs and General Azzez were thrown out from ringside due to outside inference in the match that was back and forth. 

Nakamura was able to score the win and become WWE Intercontinental Champion for the second time in his career when he hit Crews with an Exploder Suplex and then followed up with the Kinshasa. 

Crews beat Big E in a Nigerian Drum Match at the WWE WrestleMania 37 pay-per-view event on April 11, 2021. Nakamura won the title for the first time during the Summer of 2019 when he won it at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view by beating Finn Balor. 

It’s possible that WWE books a rematch between these two stars at the SummerSlam pay-per-view event on Saturday, August 21 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada at Allegiant Stadium.

CM Punk Offers Words Of Encouragement For Released WWE Talent

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CM Punk has given some advice for the slew of talent released by WWE.

This year hasn’t been kind to many who once called WWE home. While there were also cuts in 2020, there have been some big surprises as of late such as the releases of Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman. Recently, 12 wrestlers who competed on the NXT brand saw their WWE runs come to a close.

Punk appeared on Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast and offered words of encouragement for those who have been cut.

“Um, hmm… I mean, I don’t know, I’ve been out of the loop. I don’t know a lot of the people who got fired but I know that it’s probably more of a blessing than anything. You know, if you want to be a pro wrestler, you can be, but you don’t have to work for WWE. I think it sucks, I think anybody getting fired sucks, but I do think, for a lot of people it could be the best thing that ever happened to them.

“You know, if that’s where you want to be and you got fired, well then your job is to work hard and prove them wrong, and try to get your job back. But if your job is just to be the best pro wrestler you can be, put food on your table, have money in your pocket, I think there’s a world now in 2021 where, more so than in recent times, you can be a pro wrestler.”

CM Punk is heavily rumored to be making his debut on AEW television on the Aug. 20 edition of Rampage. The show will emanate from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Of course, this is Punk’s hometown.

Punk hasn’t been seen in action since 2014. He made his exit from WWE following the Royal Rumble PPV. Punk cited frustrations with how WWE’s medical team handled a staph infection, lack of time off, and booking decisions.

Samoa Joe Says His WWE NXT Return Was Initially Discussed Years Ago

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Just months after being released by WWE due to budget cuts, Samoa Joe didn’t just get signed back, but also to put him back in the ring at a time where some fans questioned whether he would ever be cleared to wrestle again inside of a WWE ring. 

Joe spoke with Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT to talk about his return and during it, he noted that WWE did have talks about moving him back from the main roster to NXT a few years ago, but it was nixed. 

“I just think a decision was made on one-end, but this tenure and position in NXT I currently have now was kind of talked about two or three years ago. It was a matter of when we were going to get the opportunity to make the transition and there really wasn’t an opportunity because I was so busy with Raw and SmackDown. So it’s not like they were going to pull me from there and move me to NXT at the time.”

Joe was moved from an active in-ring performer to being an announcer after he suffered a concussion in early 2020 during a Raw commercial shoot for the USA Network.

He’ll challenge Karrion Kross for the NXT Title at TakeOver 36 next Sunday.

Riho’s Absence From AEW TV Explained

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Former AEW Women’s Champion Riho is expected to return to AEW television soon.

Many have wondered why Riho hasn’t been seen in action for over a month. Her last appearance took place on the July 7 edition of AEW Dark: Elevation. Riho picked up a victory over Amber Nova.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Riho has a bad reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine. The good news is that she has been feeling better and is looking to return to the ring soon. An exact timeframe wasn’t revealed.

Riho decided to make the full-time jump from Stardom to AEW. Stardom reportedly wanted to sign her full-time but AEW got the jump on it first. She was reportedly in the process of moving from Japan to the United States.

Back in Oct. 2019, Riho became the inaugural AEW Women’s World Champion. She held on to that title for 133 days before losing it to Nyla Rose. Her last high-profile match took place back in May at Double or Nothing. She challenged Serena Debb for the NWA Women’s Title. Riho was submitted in the title match.

Who would you like to see Riho feud with upon her return to AEW TV?

Real Reason Why WWE Released Bronson Reed Revealed (Report)

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It appears we now know the true reason why WWE cut ties with Bronson Reed.

Reed was among the dozen names released from NXT earlier this month. The cut came as a surprise to many as Reed appeared primed for a main roster call-up. After all, he had been chosen to compete in a dark match before an episode of SmackDown.

As it turns out, that dark match ended up leading to his release. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon passed on bringing Reed up to the main roster.

McMahon felt it was pointless to keep the former NXT North American Champion on the payroll if he was never going to make it to the big show (Raw and SmackDown). This same attitude was the primary justification for the other releases, as well.

Bronson Reed Reacts

Reed took to social media to give his reaction to being let go from WWE.

“I was very shocked, very upset. As you know this doesn’t just affect me but affects my wife as well as we are here in a foreign country. But my wife is a super positive person and she’s kept me positive as well.

“The love and support that I’ve received online is just incredible. I was trending on Twitter. That means a lot to me, it means a lot to me that a lot of you feel for me and will still continue to follow me no matter what.”

“I did want to thank NXT, I want to thank Hunter and Shawn for believing in me. I want to thank all the coaches; Terry Taylor, Scotty 2 Hotty, Normal Smiley, Steve Corino, those guys that I learned a lot from. And I want to thank all the boys backstage as well. It was a great locker room to be a part of.”

Reed has promised to bounce back. He’s already called for a match with AEW TNT Champion, Miro.

Bronson Reed Calls Out AEW TNT Champion Miro

NWA 73 Full Card Announced

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The NWA revealed the full card for its 73 event. NWA President Billy Corgan took to YouTube on Friday to share the lineup. 

NWA World’s Heavyweight champion Nick Aldis vs. Trevor Murdoch will main event the show. Murdoch cashed in his Champion Series Title Shot to get the bout. 

Also on the card is NWA National Champion Chris Adonis facing a returning National Champion in James Storm, NWA Tag Champions Aron Stevens and Kratos vs. AAA’s Mecha World and Bestia 666: La Rebelion, and Mickie James taking on  Kylie Rae. 

This will mark the in-ring debut of James, who was released this year by WWE due to budget cuts and will produce NWA EMPOWERRR.

NWA 73 is scheduled for August 29 at The Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, MO and will air on FITE TV.

NWA 73 Card

  • NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis vs. Trevor Murdoch
  • NWA National Champion Chris Adonis vs. James Storm
  • NWA Tag Team Champions Aron Stevens & Kratos vs. La Rebelion (Mecha Wolf & Bestia 666)
  • Mickie James vs. Kylie Rae
  • NWA Women’s Champion Kamille or Leyla Hirsch vs. NWA Invitational Winner at Empowerrr
  • Thom Latimer vs. Crimson vs. Tim Storm
  • Tyrus, Masked Man, & Jordan Clearwater vs. Da Pope, Odinson, & Parrow
  • Competitors to be announced for a 12-Man Battle Royal to determine NWA National Title number one contender

Update On Becky Lynch’s Training For In-Ring Return

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Becky Lynch has been training for her eventual in-ring return and her progress has been noted.

Lynch has not been seen on WWE television since April 2020. She announced her pregnancy and vacated the Raw Women’s Championship. After giving birth and entering motherhood, it appears Lynch is preparing for a return to action.

Fightful Select reports that Lynch has been training at the Black and Brave Academy since May. Oftentimes, she trains with her husband Seth Rollins.

According to the report, Lynch has already gotten herself to in-ring shape. It’s been said in other reports that Lynch could be making her return to TV this fall. PWInsider has also reported that Lynch will make the trip to SummerSlam but it’s possible she may not be on camera.

No Shortage Of Opponents

When Lynch does return to the WWE, she’ll have no trouble finding a fight. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair told Planeta Wrestling that she’d like to welcome “The Man” back.

“I would love to defend my title against Becky Lynch. You know, I think it speaks volumes of how big Becky is that she hasn’t been here in over a year but she is still one of the most talked-about names. That shows just how big and how amazing a superstar she is. And, of course, when she comes back, I would love to be the first feud with Becky Lynch when she comes back and I’m the type of person, I’m an athlete, right! So I know that in order to be the best you have to get in the ring with the best.”

Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. is also willing to share the ring with Lynch.

“I’m ready for the challenge from Becky and I truly hope it does happen, Becky and Drew [McIntyre] have been amazing role models, inspiring me and creating that blueprint.”

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