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Eddie Edwards Possibly To Miss Big Angle Due To Appendicitis

Chris Stephens
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Eddie Edwards picked up the win for his team on Saturday night at Under Siege. Edwards was teaming with David Finlay & Juice Robinson and defeated Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and Karl Anderson. Many who watched the show noted that it seemed as though the match could be leading to a potential Eddie Edwards vs Kenny Omega title bout.

According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, however, Edwards could be forced to miss time with what appears to be appendicitis.

“I’d heard appendicitis, kind of checked, and basically what I was told is it looks like appendicitis, which is not a good thing at all,” said Dave Meltzer. “But I don’t have details as far as if he’s having his appendix out right now or what is the situation but that probably went down yesterday or today.”

Moose won the #1 Contendership 6-way scramble at Under Siege. He earned a shot at Kenny Omega and the Impact World title but with Edwards picking up the win for his team against the Elite on the show as well, it seems as though Edwards could be being groomed for a shot against Omega either before or after Moose gets his.

“It looked like Eddie Edwards was the one being groomed for the next shot (against Omega),” Meltzer continued. “So, this could very well affect that.”

NJPW COVID-19 Outbreak Update

Chris Stephens
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New Japan Pro Wrestling canceled its planned Wrestle Grand Slam events on May 15th and 29th shortly after it was revealed that multiple wrestlers on its roster had tested positive for COVID-19. The promotion revealed that 2 wrestlers initially tested positive for the virus following protocols after Wrestling Dontaku Night 2. An additional 7 wrestlers were later confirmed to have tested positive as well.

NJPW has since announced a return to live events beginning next week. The big Wrestle Grand Slam show from the Tokyo Dome is still postponed, however.

According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, both David Finlay & Jay White have tested positive for the virus. There have also been some scheduling and quarantining issues that have come out of the recently canceled events.

“(The foreign wrestlers) were all going to go home because they were shut down,” said Dave Meltzer. “Well now, they are coming back on the 25th, which is 8 days from now. So a couple of days ago, they were all going to go home, and there’s a 2-week quarantine coming back. So now it makes no sense for people to go home but some people did.”

“(Juice) Robinson, (David) Finlay, and Jay White all went to the airport together to go home. Finlay and Jay White both tested positive for COVID-19 so they could not board the plane,” Meltzer continued.

Robinson confirmed that he actually tested positive for the virus earlier this year. No matches have been announced as of yet for NJPW’s shows next week.

Kurt Angle Reveals the Real Reason Booker T and Batista Came to Blows

Alex Laybourne
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Backstage arguments are common in any wrestling organization. Talking on his Kurt Angle Show podcast, Angle recently discussed one such incident during his time with WWE. The argument in question is quite well known and happened back in 2006.

Smackdown stars Batista and Booker T got into a brawl behind the scenes and according to Kurt Angle, the whole thing was one big misunderstanding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_BlA3nz4a/

Batista made a comment that Booker T overhead. Tempers flared, as they are want to do in a business such as professional wrestling. The pair went at it, and the rest is news telling history.

“I don’t think it was anything personal against Booker T or anyone else on SmackDown. Batista said it and Booker confronted him and now the situation got hotter. Now Booker confronts Batista, makes Batista look like an idiot, Batista confronts Booker and now they end in a fight competition. The fight occurred, I got there afterwards, I saw Booker T had a black eye and Batista was a little banged up and I just thought it was a big misunderstanding. I know they apologized afterwards and made up and did whatever they had to do to move on, they just misunderstood each other about the whole situation. It was a shame; it didn’t have to happen.” Angle said.

In an environment such as professional wrestling, tempers are going to run hot at times. Incidents such as this can serve as a lesson to current roster stars. It’s important to get the full context of something before charging into a confrontation.

Bayley Has a Lot of Respect for Dr Britt Baker D.M.D

Alex Laybourne
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WWE superstar Bayley opened up in a recent NY Post interview and lauded a current AEW wrestler with praise. There is a history of good blood between the pair, who have both labelled themselves as role models of their respective organization.

This point sparked a running social media exchange between the pair, but at the end of the day, Bayley was happy for the doctor to keep using the moniker that she first picked up.

When asked in the interview about there being room for more than one wrestling role model, Bayley simple shook her head at the interviewer.

However, she turned it around when further pushed on the subject.

Q: You and (AEW’s role model) Britt Baker have had a little fun back and forth on social media. Does that benefit everybody because it gets fans engaged talking about the two of you?

A: I love Britt. She’s awesome and everything she’s doing is really cool, so I can’t even hate on her. I’ve heard a podcast where she talked about it and there’s no hard feelings, there’s no disrespect and I only want the best for her because as a role model that’s how you’re supposed to react to these type of things. So, go get ’em Britt Baker.

The chance of the pair having a legitimate in-ring feud is non-existent at this point in time. However, a passive-aggressive war of words on social media is fun to watch unfold. A fight between the two, with role model status on the line, would certainly make for an interesting match.

Hikaru Shida to Defend AEW Title Against Rebel on Dynamite

Alex Laybourne
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A big match has been announced for AEW Dynamite this week. Reigning champion Hikaru Shida is set to go one-on-one with Rebel (not Reba). The match is the latest step in the long-running feud between Dr Britt Baker and the AEW champion.

The feud dates back to when Baker suffered a broken nose at the hands of the Japanese champion in 2020. Since then, Baker has clawed her way up the rankings, developing a strong heel character in the process. The title match between Hikaru Shida and Rebel is not really one that is going to have fans chomping at the bit to see, but the expectation of what will flare up either during or after will certainly set the tone ahead of Shida’s Double or Nothing clash with the good doctor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_45s1NLvl/

Hikaru Shida is the longest-reigning champion in AEW and has held the belt for 359 days. The stage is set for Dr Britt Baker to win the crown at Double or Nothing. Expect to see a beatdown on Dynamite to help further establish Baker’s heel persona. There is also every chance that this match will result in a stipulation being set for the Double of Nothing clash.

Many fans would argue Rebel has earned a match against the champ. If not just for putting up with everything she does from the good doctor. While she has been used sparingly in the ring in AEW, Rebel has a wrestling pedigree and could pose an interesting challenge for the current champ.

Even if the result is already evident, it should be a good match. This has been a well-played feud and surely won’t be the last time this group face off.

WWE RAW Results (5/17): Bobby Lashley Issues Open Challenge, Lumberjack Match

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the ThunderDome at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. It was the first episode of RAW following WWE WrestleMania Backlash. Bobby Lashley issued an open challenge and it was accepted in the main event of the show.

RAW Results (5/17)

  1. AJ Styles def. Elias via DQ
  2. Angel Garza def. Drew Gulak
  3. Kofi Kingston def. Randy Orton
  4. Natalya & Tamina def. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships
  5. Sheamus def. Ricochet
  6. Asuka def. Charlotte
  7. Damian Priest def. John Morrison in a Lumberjack match
  8. Kofi Kingston def. Bobby Lashley

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

McIntyre Interrupted Lashley

WWE Champion Bobby Lashley came to the ring with a bunch of women. MVP said Lashley’s knuckles are swollen from pounding the faces of Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre last night at WrestleMania Backlash. Lashley said he was supposed to have the night off but issued an open challenge to anyone that wants it.

Drew McIntyre came to the ring and accepted the challenge. MVP said Drew interrupted and the open challenge was for anyone except Braun Strowman and McIntyre. MVP told McIntyre to get to the back of the line and then Lashley & Drew traded punches. McIntyre knocked Lashley out of the ring to end the segment.

AJ Styles def. Elias

AJ Styles squared off against Elias in the first match of this week’s RAW. Styles controlled the action early and connected with a Dropkick. AJ went for a Suplex but Elias countered into one of his own. Elias launched Styles into the ring post and followed it up with a Dropkick that knocked AJ out of the ring.

When RAW returned from a break, Elias connected with a Spinebuster and went for the cover but AJ kicked out at two. Elias applied a Headlock but Styles escaped with a Pele Kick. Jaxson Ryker tripped AJ Styles up and the referee called for the bell.

After the match, Omos chased Jaxson Ryker backstage as Elias beat Styles down. Elias slammed AJ into the steel steps and then retreated once Omos came back to the ring.

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Joined Alexa’s Playground

Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya and Tamina joined Alexa Bliss on Alexa’s Playground this week. Natalya and Tamina immediately wanted to get out of there but Alexa said she hasn’t gotten to ask the tough questions. Bliss then asked their favorite color and Natalya answered pink, Tamina said black and blue. Tamina added that Bliss’ face will be black and blue if she tries anything weird.

Alexa told Tamina and Natalya that they were lucky because Lilly likes them. Bliss added that Lilly was a fan of them beating up Reginald last week. Snuka vowed to beat him up again if he gets involved tonight. Alexa Bliss then went on a rant about Lilly collecting body parts of dead bugs as the Women’s Tag Team Champions walked out of the room. Bliss wished them luck and said Lilly will be watching.

Angel Garza def. Drew Gulak

Angel Garza faced Drew Gulak once again tonight on RAW. Gulak leveled Angel with a Dropkick and locked in the Abdominal Stretch in the middle of the ring. Garza escaped and connected with a Clothesline. Garza followed it up with a Suplex and a Dropkick. Garza hit a Backbreaker and then the Wing Clipper for the pinfall victory. Garza shoved a rose down Gulak’s throat after the match.

Kofi Kingston Pinned Randy Orton

Riddle wanted Randy Orton to apologize to New Day for attacking them last week. Orton said he was not sorry and Kofi Kingston told Riddle that he will eventually be on the receiving end of an RKO as well. Kofi challenged Orton to a match and Orton accepted.

Kingston and Orton collided in the ring to start off the action and Randy rolled out of the ring to regroup. Back in the ring, Kingston connected with an Arm Drag for a two count. Orton battled back and controlled the next few minutes of the match.

Kofi hit a Dropkick and tried to get in some offense but Orton put a stop to his momentum with a big Powerslam. Xavier Woods played the trombone and it distracted Orton. Kingston capitalized and rolled up Orton for the victory.

After the match, Riddle held Orton back as he wanted to attack Kingston. Riddle then shoved Xavier Woods down to the canvas and then Kofi held Woods back as he tried to attack Riddle.

Asuka def. Charlotte

Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce told Charlotte Flair that she can have a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship if she defeats Asuka tonight. RAW Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley interrupted and said that she wants new competition because Charlotte is yesterday’s news. Charlotte told Ripley that she will take the title away from her before walking away. Ripley added that she will be watching to see if The Queen falls off her throne tonight.

Asuka and Charlotte Flair battled to begin the third hour of RAW. Asuka connected with a Dropkick and then a Hip Attack to start off the action. Asuka hit another Hip Attack and went for the cover but Charlotte was able to kick out at two. RAW Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley interrupted and came down to the entrance ramp as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Flair had Asuka in a Headlock. Asuka escaped and connected with a Neckbreaker. Flair bounced Asuka’s head off the mat a few times but the Empress of Tomorrow battled back. Asuka planted Charlotte with a German Suplex and then a Hip Attack. Asuka followed it up with a Shining Wizard and went for the cover but Charlotte was able to kick out at two.

Asuka hit a Dropkick off the middle turnbuckle for another near fall. Asuka applied a kneebar and then transitioned into a Triangle choke. Charlotte countered into a Boston Crab but Asuka was able to break free. Asuka got Flair in the Asuka Lock but Charlotte reached the ropes to break the hold. Charlotte took control but got distracted with trash talking with Ripley. Charlotte went for the Figure Four but Asuka countered into a small package for the pinfall victory.

Natalya & Tamina Retained

Natalya & Tamina defended their Women’s Tag Team Championships against Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler tonight on RAW. Nia dominated to begin the match and isolated Natalya in the corner. Shayna tagged in and unloaded a knee to the face for a near fall. Natalya connected with a Clothesline and tagged in Tamina.

Tamina beat Nia down until Shayna tagged back in. Baszler went for the Kirifuda Clutch but was distracted when Alexa Bliss appeared on the stage. Flames popped up from the ring post and it scared Reginald. The Women’s Tag Team Champions capitalized with a Hart Attack on Shayna for the pinfall victory. Natalya & Tamina are still the Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Sheamus Picked Up A Win

Ricochet stole Sheamus’ hat and jacket and the Celtic Warrior was pissed. The United States Champion marched to the ring and demanded that Ricochet return them. Ricochet came to the ring wearing the hat and coat. Sheamus attacked him on the stage and brought him to the ring. Sheamus beat Ricochet down in the corner and then slammed him into the ring post. Sheamus then threw Ricochet over the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Sheamus was in control and hit 10 Beats of the Bodhran. Ricochet tried to battle back but Sheamus hit the Irish Curse Backbreaker for a two count. Sheamus climbed to the top rope but Ricochet hopped up and connected with an awesome Spanish Fly.

Ricochet hit a Clothesline and followed it up with a standing Shooting Star Press for a near fall. Ricochet went for a Moonsault but Sheamus got his knees up. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick but Ricochet dodged it. Ricochet connected with a Neckbreaker and then a 450 Splash for a near fall.

Sheamus hit a boot to the face for a two count. Sheamus got pissed off and hit the Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory. After the match, Sheamus grabbed the microphone and said that Lashley should keep his eye on his title because he might answer the open challenge.

Damian Priest Won Another Lumberjack Match

Damian Priest faced John Morrison tonight in a Lumberjack Match. Priest defeated The Miz last night in a zombie Lumberjack match at WWE WrestleMania Backlash.

Priest dominated the action early and beat Morrison down. Morrison sent Damian out of the ring and the lumberjacks attacked him. Morrison tried to join in but the lumberjacks threw him back into the ring. Damian connected with a massive Chokeslam as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Morrison went for an Armbar but Damian escaped. Priest connected with a Superplex that took out all the lumberjacks. Damian followed it up with a Frankensteiner and then Hit the Lights for the pinfall victory.

Kofi Pinned The WWE Champion

Lashley and MVP came down to the ring and asked who is answering the open challenge. New Day’s theme hit and Kofi Kingston accepted the challenge. MVP then said that this is just an open challenge to face the WWE Champion and not a title match.

Kofi attacked Lashley just before the bell rang and got in some strikes. Lashley hit a Spinebuster and went for the win early but Kofi kicked out at two. Lashley lifted Kingston up for a Suplex but Kofi was able to break free. Kofi knocked Lashley out of the ring and leaped onto him as MVP & Woods argued outside the ring.

When RAW returned from a break, Lashley sent Kofi into the ring post and was in control the match. Woods tried to help but got tossed out. Drew McIntyre rushed the ring as MVP was trying to hit Kofi with the cane. McIntyre ripped the cane away and headbutted Lashley but the referee didn’t catch it. Kingston then capitalized with the cover for the victory.

The Miz Injured At WWE WrestleMania Backlash

Andrew Ravens
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The Miz not only apparently got eaten by zombies, but also suffered an injury while working his latest match inside of a WWE ring. 

The former WWE Champion worked a zombie lumberjack match against Damien Priest at Sunday’s (May 16, 2021) WWE WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view event in Tampa, Florida at Yuengling Center on Peacock. 

Dave Meltzer noted in today’s daily update on F4Wonline.com that Miz suffered a knee injury in the match. As of this writing, there are no other details on the injury such as the exact damage that was done to the knee nor how long he will be out of action. 

The match came under heavy criticism from fans and even Chris Jericho mocked it. The reason that WWE had zombies at ringside for the match was to promote “Army of the Dead” starring former WWE Champion Dave Bautista on Netflix starting this Friday or you can check it out in theaters now. 

Bautista did the narration for the opening video package of the show and WWE heavily promoted the film throughout the show. The former WWE star did respond to a fan noting that he didn’t book the match. 

Jon Moxley Autobiography To Be Released This Fall

Andrew Ravens
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Jon Moxley is preparing to tell his story via a new book that will give fans an insight into his life and career. Fans can now pre-order his upcoming autobiography, MOX, which will be released on November 2nd.

Pre-order from Amazon:

Jon Moxley Book Description

The description reads like the following: 

“A vivid trip through the mind of the top professional wrestler in the business—a nobody from nowhere who achieved his ambitions and walked away with the gold and the girl of his dreams.

Ride alongside Jon Moxley as he retraces some of the highways traveled on his remarkable journey. Revel in the never-before-told stories about his early life in Cincinnati, Ohio; the gritty independent wrestling scene where he cut his teeth; the complicated corporate landscape of the WWE where he bucked against authority; and the rebellious upstart AEW, where he won the championship in 2020 and was finally free to achieve the vision of the wrestler he’d always wanted to be.

With plenty of pitstops and revelatory insights, including grizzly ultraviolent encounters, crazy characters who became lifelong friends, and his unforgettable matches in Japan, MOX is the riveting account of the life of a brawler. It is a tale written in blood and soaked in debauchery, with a good dose of wisdom accumulated along the way.

More than a backstage pass into the arena, MOX is a ticket into the ring. Once inside, you’ll never look at pro wrestling the same again.”

Mox

Moxley made a name for himself on the independent wrestling scene before going to WWE where he became a top star as Dean Ambrose when he was paired with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in The Shield. He later branched off to being a singles star where he would become the WWE Champion. In 2019, Moxley left WWE to join AEW and also became a top star for the promotion. 

Moxley will team with Eddie Kingston to take on (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) this Wednesday night on AEW Dynamite.

WWE Working On New Raw & SmackDown Entrance Sets

Andrew Ravens
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With WWE expected to go on the road this summer, it looks like WWE is planning to reset the look of their weekly television shows – Raw and SmackDown. 

Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men Podcast noted today that WWE is working on new stage sets for the shows. Zarian first reported the day before WWE and the USA Network confirmed NXT’s move to Tuesday nights last month that the announcement was coming as well as WWE resuming touring in the middle of July. 

Over the years, WWE has changed the stages for their shows. WWE confirmed during Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view event that the Hell in a Cell show, which historically takes place in October, will now go down in June. 

The Money in the Bank event will be the first pay-per-view back on a full touring schedule. Previously, the idea was for WWE to resume touring in August with SummerSlam being the start of having fans in attendance on a weekly basis going forward. 

The decision to take shows back on the road came shortly after All Elite Wrestling announced they would start running shows outside of Jacksonville, Florida in July. WWE still has a lease with the Yuengling Center through August. 

AEW Double Or Nothing Tickets Are Moving Fast

Andrew Ravens
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On Monday, AEW released tickets for the Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event. The first batch of tickets sold out quickly then the promotion released a few hundred tickets. 

As of this afternoon, there were two tickets left in the lower area, but the floor and ringside seats are all sold while the upper sections still have several hundred seats left. Those tickets will likely sell out as the price points range from $49 to $85.

This event will be held at full capacity, which is a little over 5,000 seats. AEW will hold a house show the Friday before this pay-per-view event and there are still hundreds of seats left. 

AEW will be returning to touring this July with Dynamite events. So far three dates in Miami and Texas have been announced. 

don tickets

The AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event will take place on Sunday, May 30, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place. Here is the updated card: 

  • AEW World Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega vs. PAC and Orange Cassidy
  • AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida vs. Dr. Britt Baker
  • “The American Dream” Cody Rhodes vs. Anthony Ogogo
  • Adam Page vs. FTW Champion Brian Cage
  • Casino Battle Royale: Competitions announced thus far include Christain Cage and Matt Sydal

Kip Sabian Undergoes Surgery

Andrew Ravens
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Kip Sabian has undergone surgery and it was successful. 

Since September 2020, Sabian and Penelope Ford have been paired with Miro as the former WWE star was brought in as Sabian’s “best man”. 

He and Miro lost to Chuck Taylor and Orange Cassidy a few weeks ago on Dynamite, but then Sabian was attacked by Miro in a backstage segment to write Sabian off television. In this match, Kris Statlander and Trent made their returns from being sidelined with injuries. 

Sabian shared the news of the surgery in a post on Twitter. He added that it is time for him to rebuild. There’s no word yet on the exact injury he needed surgery to fix nor how long he will be out of action for, but the injury angle did feature Miro going after his arm. We wish him a speedy recovery. 

Last week on Dynamite, Miro defeated Darby Allin to become TNT Champion. After the match, Lance Archer came out with his manager Jake Roberts to confront the newly crowned champion. 

As it stands right now, All Elite Wrestling has yet to confirm when the match between Archer and Miro could take place, but it could be at the Double Or Nothing pay-per-view that is scheduled for May 30th. 

Lanny Poffo Shares His Thoughts On Macho Man A&E Documentary

Chris Stephens
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The recent A&E documentary on the life and career of “Macho Man” Randy Savage has drawn polarizing reactions. Some fans feel the episode focused too much on the negative aspects of Savage’s life.

Macho Man’s brother, Lanny Poffo, recently penned a column for Pro Wrestling Stories regarding his thoughts on the documentary.

“75% of the A&E Biography episode on Randy Savage was great, 20% was lousy, and 5% was horrible,” Poffo says. “The people responsible for the 5% are Stephanie Bellars (Gorgeous George, Frankenstein, whatever) and Bubba The Love Sponge.”

He also took aim at wrestlers making claims about Savage based on gossip or rumors.

“Wrestlers love to make profound observations that they have overheard,” Poffo writes. “Contrary to popular belief, my brother Randy Savage never locked Elizabeth in any closet in the dressing room.”

“Nobody would know if the door was locked or unlocked because nobody had the guts to open or try to close the door. And now that Randy has been gone over ten years, everybody seems to have the balls now, but they didn’t then.”

Jerry Lawler’s Involvement

Poffo made a point of noting that Jerry Lawler was not in WWE at the same time as Savage and Elizabeth, and despite his comments in the documentary, would not have direct knowledge of certain things.

“Jerry Lawler, who spoke of my brother Randy’s marriage to Liz in the A&E Biography episode, wasn’t even in the WWE when Elizabeth was there.”

Poffo would continue to say, however, that his brother liked Lawler, considered him very smart, and a good worker.

Bubba The Love Sponge

Many fans were surprised to see Bubba the Love Sponge during the episode. Poffo was also confused as to why the radio host was interviewed.

“Bubba the Love Sponge — when was the last time a woman ever made love to him and meant it?” Poffo said. “It was in poor taste to even put him out there.”

“Roddy Piper and Stone Cold Steve Austin were glorified in these A&E episodes while Randy got vilified,” Poffo continued.

Gorgeous George’s Claims

Poffo also said he does not believe Gorgeous George’s claims that Savage took ecstasy with her.

“In the episode, Stephanie said that she and Randy took ecstasy. I don’t believe my brother ever did any of the stuff she mentioned. Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, but it was totally inappropriate for her to say those things.”

He also corrected George’s claim that Savage took steroids, noting that he used Human Growth Hormone during this time.

“No, it wasn’t steroids because that was illegal at the time. It was human growth hormones,” Poffo continued. “That’s how Randy got massively large for the movie Spider-Man.”

“I notice she keeps going to wrestling reunions and tries to sell merchandise of her and the Macho Man in photographs together. The people that buy them, I don’t think they’re buying them to see her,” Poffo continued to say about George.

Eric Bischoff’s Involvement

Poffo was much more complimentary to Eric Bischoff in his article.

“Randy liked Eric Bischoff and his family. I never heard anything bad about Eric from Randy, although I’ve heard a lot of bad from other wrestlers about Eric.”

Bischoff has expressed regret for appearing in the documentary on Savage.

“I’m embarrassed that I was a part of that as well,” Bischoff said on his 83 Weeks Podcast. “So people understand and know, both me [and my wife] shot those segments while I was still working for WWE and both of us were still living in Stamford a year and a half ago. I’ve been involved in so many WWE projects, and I hope to continue to be involved.”

Randy Did Not Marry His High School Sweetheart

Poffo also cleared up the commonly held belief that Randy’s wife Lynn was an old high school sweetheart.

“This was false. Randy couldn’t have graduated high school in Downers Grove, Illinois, and have a sweetheart from a suburb of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Even the Macho Man can’t pull that off!”

The two actually met when Randy was playing minor league baseball and Lynn was at college. They would then rekindle their relationship later in life.

Positives Left Out

Poffo also lamented that numerous positive aspects regarding Randy’s life were left out of the documentary.

“How come they didn’t mention one thing about Randy’s activity with the Special Olympics, Make-a-Wish, Children’s Cancer, Jerry Lewis’s Telethon, March of Dimes, underprivileged children, and everything else he did? That’s not newsworthy? None of that matters? Do you want to just dig for the dirt?”

The Miz Checks In Following Zombie Attack At WrestleMania Backlash

Chris Stephens
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0

The Miz was defeated by Damian Priest last night in a lumberjack match at WrestleMania Backlash. Unfortunately, that was the least of his worries.

The lumberjacks for the match were zombies from the recently released Army of the Dead movie starring Dave Bautista. After the match, the zombies attacked Miz. The camera cut away as they were seemingly feasting on him.

Thankfully for those worried about his safety, the Miz appears to be okay. There are rumors he has developed an appetite for human brains, however. He posted the following update to his Twitter:

Sadly, no one has heard from John Morrison, who also was the victim of an undead assault at WrestleMania Backlash. There is no word on his condition.

Many wrestling personalities shared their thoughts of the controversial zombie inclusion last night. Some notable online posts are below:

“Zombies…ZOMBIES? Wow that just set wrestling back 30 years,” Tweeted Chris Jericho.

Hurricane Helms was a fan of the zombie inclusivity at WrestleMania Backlash:

While the zombies were meant to help promote a Dave Bautista movie, the former member of Evolution said he had nothing to do with booking them on the show.

“Following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, a group of mercenaries take the ultimate gamble, venturing into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted,” reads a plot description for Army of the Dead.

Keith Lee’s Latest Tweets Express Optimism Despite WWE’s Booking

Alex Laybourne
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In a quick series of Tweets, WWE superstar Keith Lee has drawn more intrigue than many other active storylines.

The limitless one has fallen out of favour on the main roster in recent months. Injuries are being cited as the reason for this. However, there are enough rumours claiming it is more of a creative dispute than anything else. This was openly discussed by Mike Johson of PWInsider on a recent audio show.

Keith Lee is a firm fan favourite in WWE. Unfortunately, his use since making the step up to the main roster has seen his career stall quite dramatically. If Lee’s tweets are anything to go by, there is a chance we will be seeing him back on the black and gold brand sooner rather than later.

This tweet is unsubtle with its message. He followed up by sharing an image of himself and the NXT War Games cage.

If the rumours of creative disagreements are true, then Keith Lee would be better served moving back to NXT. The time is fast coming where NXT is also going to be regarded as a main roster show. Their talent regularly outperforms their Raw and Smackdown counterparts, and with brand loyalty increasing, it has to be announced that it is no longer merely a developmental territory.

Lee would fit right in on NXT, and there are already a number of interesting rivalries that the Limitless One could walk straight into.

Paul Heyman Comments On Roman Reigns’ Victory Over Cesaro

Chris Stephens
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Roman Reigns defeated Cesaro to retain the Universal Championship at WrestleMania Backlash last night. Following his victory, WWE correspondents attempted to speak with Reigns and Paul Heyman.

“Roman Reigns is the end all be all, he’s the head of the table, he’s the Tribal Chief, he’s the Reigns-ing, defending, undisputed, incontrovertible, Universal Heavyweight Champion,” Heyman said. “Cesaro was a qualified opponent but he’s not a champion. That distinction belongs to Roman Reigns.”

The interview with Paul Heyman can be viewed below:

The win over Cesaro was Reigns’ 11th successful title defense since winning the Universal title on August 30th, 2020 at Payback. No other holder of the title has defended it more than 6 times. Brock Lesnar held the title for a 504-day stretch from April 2017 until August 2018 but only defended the title 6x before losing it to Reigns at SummerSlam 2018.

Reigns holds the record for the most defenses of the Universal title in one reign (11) and across all reigns (13). Lesnar holds the record for most reigns with the belt (3x) and total days spent with the title (688) as well as the longest single-reign (504).

ROH To Welcome Back Fans For “Best in the World” On July 11th

Chris Stephens
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Ring of Honor is the latest pro-wrestling company to announce they will welcome back fans this July. The promotion announced its “Best in the World” PPV this year on July 11th will include the return of fans for the first time since February 2020.

The event will be held in Baltimore’s Employers Insurance Arena. Seating will be done in “pods” with groups placed 6-feet away from each other.

Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff issued the following statement regarding their decision to resume live events with fans in attendance:

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of our talented athletes, fans and everyone who has done their part to keep each other safe. It’s been a challenging year, no doubt, but we’re excited to continue to ramp up what we do best. Nothing beats the thrill of witnessing The Best Wrestling on the Planet and seeing your favorite stars LIVE and in-person. We would like to do this still with the fans’ safety, health and well-being as ROH’s top priorities.

ROH Best In The World tickets will go on sale for Honor Club members on May 24th. Tickets will then be released to the general public on June 7th.

ROH is the fourth company to announce a return to live events with fans for July. AEW will return to live touring for Dynamite on July 7th, WWE is rumored to be hoping to return to live touring in mid-July, and MLW will welcome back fans for a live show from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena on July 10th.

Sasha Banks To Alexa Bliss: “Let Me In”

Alex Laybourne
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Sasha Banks made the transition from a singles competitor to a tag-team wrestler with ease. Her partnership with Bayley was well placed, and the two reigned over the entire women’s division. Since their split, Banks has continued her solo push, but now, it once again seems like she is on the hunt for a partner.

In a recent Tweet, Sasha Banks sent an open invitation to the dark goddess Alexa Bliss, “Let me in.”

Let Me In

It’s a phrase used by Bliss’s previous cohort, Bray Wyatt, and therefore is a request that is hard to take any other way than being genuine.

The pair have a little history together, with rumours of heat between them circulating back in 2020. However, around the same time, Sasha Banks claimed in an interview saying she would choose Alexa Bliss as a partner.

Sasha Banks has not been seen on WWE programming since her defeat to Biana Belair at Wrestlemania 37. With the normally standard rematch for the title skipped, it remains to be seen if Banks will return to her feud with Belair. Either way, it could be a great moment for Little Miss Bliss to make an appearance. Appearing after a loss, to guide Banks over to the power of darkness.

There is no denying that Banks makes a good heel. However, casting her alongside Bliss in that anti-hero role that Bliss plays so well could be exactly what she needs. It could give her character a fresh injection of creativity.

Hell in a Cell Brought Forward to June 20th

Alex Laybourne
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The WWE calendar is known to fluctuate from year to year, however, there are several that have found a regular slot. This includes Hell in a Cell which has been in October – for obvious reasons – ever since 2009.

This yeah, however, the hellacious event has been moved on the calendar. It will be happening in just 5 weeks’ time. This has the knock-on effect that means Money in the Bank – usually held in June – currently has no confirmed date. It could be pushed to July, but that would mean Extreme Rules has to be moved.

The Reason for Moving Hell in a Cell is Not Clear at This Stage

As of now, there is no reason given for the rescheduling. It is well known that WWE is planning to bring back live fans, possibly as early as SummerSlam. Therefore, it seems that the company feel Money in the Bank is the best choice for a live audience. It is a shame, as Hell in a Cell matches certainly thrive off the crowd reactions.

It makes sense in so far as the Money in the Bank event has two key matches that can shape the landscape of both male and female divisions for the next twelve months.

From a story perspective, moving Hell in a Cell to June works. There are a couple of current rivalries that could be nicely positioned for a Hell in a Cell clash. It just doesn’t feel right having the event in mid-summer. Cesaro and Rollins look set for a match between the mesh. Charlotte and Reah Ripley would be another. Another possibility would be an Uso vs Uso fight, but that rivalry is yet to get off the ground and could turn into an opportunity missed.

Either way, the timing of the move is strange, and it will be interesting to see how this impacts not only the current feuds but also the scheduling for the rest of the year. Either way, Hell in a Cell is always a fun PPV for the calendar, and with the return of live fans looming, there are exciting times ahead for the WWE universe.

NJPW Announces Return To Live Events

Chris Stephens
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New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced it will return to running live events in front of fans beginning on May 22nd. The Road to Wrestle Grand Slam show scheduled for May 22nd from the Nagoya Congress Center Event Hall will take place as previously planned. Events scheduled for May 24, 25, and 26 from Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall will also take place as previously planned.

The Wrestle Grand Slam event on May 29th from the Tokyo Dome has still been postponed, however. NJPW has not revealed new dates for either the canceled Wrestle Grand Slam show on May 15th or the show planned for the 29th.

Earlier this month, multiple wrestlers were pulled from Wrestling Dontaku Night 2. In total, 9 wrestlers from NJPW have tested positive for the virus since. NJPW gave an update on their condition in today’s update.

“Infected wrestlers have all continued to display minor or no symptoms, and have isolated and received appropriate medical treatment,” NJPW’s statement reads.

On June 6th, NJPW has scheduled Dominion from Osaka Jo Hall. There has been no announcement made regarding if that show will be postponed or not. So far, it remains on NJPW’s schedule.

NJPW also announced updates to its health and safety protocol for its return to live events. The company noted that it conducts “daily temperature and blood oxygen saturation checks, as well as regular screening before events. At events, attendees are temperature screened on entry to venues, masks are required during training and backstage, and packaged food is provided in order to limit unnecessary movement outside.”

Tyson Fury Was Backstage at WrestleMania Backlash

Jake Skudder
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It has been revealed that boxing icon Tyson Fury was backstage at the WrestleMania Backlash event this past weekend. The man who will be fighting Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia come August posted to social media to confirm that he and his son were in attendance for the event.

“Great times with my boy @princejohnjamesfury1” Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram. “His face when he meets Rey Mysterio, making dreams reality brother, thanks Rey.” 

He thanked WWE boss Vince McMahon and Nick Khan for the chance to visit.

Tyson Fury in WWE

It is not confirmed at this time if Tyson Fury will be returning to WWE anytime soon. The lineal World Heavyweight Champion will now be preparing for the mega clash in August against Joshua.

Fury did perform for WWE in Saudi Arabia previously, facing Braun Strowman. With the Joshua fights likely to be two consecutive bouts, it’s unlikely that Fury will be available until at least 2022 before WWE can consider bringing him back in.

Fury’s son also posted some images to Instagram with Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman, Ric Flair and more. Check these out below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO84yB7jFtJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO82mFWjC2e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO85Px7j7iG/?utm_source=ig_embed

Would you like to see Tyson Fury back in WWE? Let us know in the comments

Rob Van Dam Talks Importance of Bam Bam Bigelow ECW Match

Jake Skudder
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ECW legend and WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam is the subject of the latest WWE Icons series. The new episode aired on Peacock and WWE Network just after the WrestleMania Backlash show and highlighted the career of the ‘Whole F’ing Show.’

During the special, RVD would discuss the ECW Television Title match that he believes made him a star in the company. “Bam Bam Bigelow was the Television Champion. I wrestled him in Buffalo, New York” Rob Van Dam began, discussing the match from 1998. “At the time, that was probably our best building with the biggest crowd.”

Rob Van Dam on Bam Bam Bigelow

“That match was very important to me,” Van Dam continued. “I loved wrestling with Bam Bam Bigelow. He was so strong. … The match was awesome, everything was just so good.”

“At the end of the match, I rolled him up. Winning the ECW Television Championship was a very big moment for me” RVD revealed. “I don’t think that I realized how pivotal that was going to be for my career.”

“What I probably didn’t realize was that all of a sudden I was a superstar” RVD concluded. “I held the TV Championship for two years, and it was very rewarding.”

This was the match that saw RVD fly from the top turnbuckle to the crowd and it became a moment that has been used in highlight packages ever since.

Check out a sneak peak of the new WWE Icons episode below:

Chris Jericho Reacts To WWE WrestleMania Backlash Zombie Lumberjack Match

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE Superstar and AEW’s ‘Le Champion’ Chris Jericho took to social media to react to the Zombie Lumberjack match from WrestleMania Backlash.

It was recently reported that WWE were not happy with the AEW Blood & Guts match from just over a week ago. Several within WWE felt that the WarGames styled match “set the industry back 30 years.”

This was mainly due to the violence being taken up a notch from the standard fare on TNT.

Chris Jericho on Lumberjack Match

It’s fascinating that WWE opted to have a segment on the PPV just after this that featured ‘zombies’ as lumberjacks in The Miz vs Damian Priest match. The angle and bout was divisive online; most fans being bemused and angry that WWE would even consider this as something to put on television in 2021.

As mentioned, Chris Jericho was one of the names that decided to react to the match online. Jericho even hinted at the Blood & Guts report in his critique of the contest, saying “Zombies…ZOMBIES? Wow that just set wrestling back 30 years.”

Did you enjoy the Zombie segment from WWE WrestleMania Backlash? Let us know in the comments

Zombies Invade Wrestlemania Backlash

Alex Laybourne
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Things took a rather unique turn at Wrestlemania Backlashlast night. The scheduled lumberjack match between Damian Priest and the Miz put a spin on things but using zombies to surround the ring.

This was a promotional event to support WWE alumni Dave Batista’s new movie, Army of the Dead. The move was a strange one and certainly caught a lot of fans off guard, however.  The reaction to the event put Twitter into a spin, with people appearing to either love or hate the gimmick.

Even the star of the movie himself seems less than impressed with things after replying to one of the many Tweets sent in his direction during the show.

Given the matches on the Wrestlemania Backlash card, using the lumberjack match made the most sense. However, these things are not put together on the spur of the moment, and you can’t help but think a better match could have been set. Especially given the effort that went into the zombies and the way everybody ringside sold the invasion.

When you look at WWE programming right now there are two names that instantly come to mind when planning something like this.

Alexa Bliss and Bray Wyatt are mainstay characters, both of whom have a supernatural presence. The way their relationship ended at Wrestlemania this year would have provided the perfect moment for them to come head-to-head. At the very least provided a good backdrop for The Fiend to make a Wrestlemania Backlash return.

You must applaud WWE for their efforts, and it certainly breaks up the monotony of recent programming. However, a little more thought into the placement of the zombies might have seen a more positive and less divisive response.

WWE WrestleMania Backlash Results: Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro, New Champions

Robert Lentini
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WWE WrestleMania Backlash aired live from the ThunderDome. There were five title matches tonight on the PPV. Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Cesaro in the main event of the PPV.

WrestleMania Backlash Results:

  1. Sheamus def. Ricochet (Kickoff Show)
  2. Rhea Ripley def. Charlotte & Asuka to retain the RAW Women’s Championship
  3. Rey Mysterio & Dominik def. Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
  4. Damian Priest def. The Miz in a Lumberjack match
  5. Bianca Belair def. Bayley to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship
  6. Bobby Lashley def. Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman to retain the WWE Championship
  7. Roman Reigns def. Cesaro to retain the Universal Championship

Here are the takeaways from the PPV:

Rhea Ripley Retained The RAW Women’s Title

Rhea Ripley defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair & Asuka in a Triple Threat match tonight at WrestleMania Backlash. Asuka caught Charlotte with an elbow tot he face and followed it up with two German Suplexes in a row.

Asuka hit Ripley with a Hip Attack in the corner of the ring and then delivered a kick to Flair’s midsection. Asuka knocked Ripley out of the ring with a knee to the face. Charlotte launched Asuka out of the ring and then made her way to the top rope. Charlotte climbed to the top rope and hit a massive Moonsault onto both superstars.

Charlotte climbed back up to the top rope but Ripley caught her with some punches. Ripley went for a Superplex but Charlotte blocked it. Asuka joined in and the two planted Flair with a Superplex. All three superstars traded punches from their knees in the middle of the ring.

Flair and Ripley hopped up and continued to trade punches. Ripley started unloading headbutts and then teamed up with Asuka again for a Suplex. Charlotte landed on her feet and planted them both with Natural Selection. Flair laid across both superstars for the cover but Asuka and Ripley both kicked out at two.

Charlotte went for a Moonsault but Asuka got out of the way. Flair landed on her feet but Asuka caught her with a Codebreaker. Asuka booted Flair in the face and then leveled Rhea with a kick. Rhea planted Asuka with the Riptide for the pinfall victory as Charlotte couldn’t break it up in time.

Rey & Dominik Captured The Tag Titles

Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Rey & Dominik Mysterio tonight at WrestleMania Backlash. Before the match, it was ruled that Dominik could not compete due to an injury from an attack earlier in the night. Rey opted to compete in the match alone instead of finding a new partner.

Mysterio sent Ziggler out of the ring and connected with a Splash. Roode leveled Mysterio from behind but Rey battled back and sent Robert into the ring post. Mysterio hit Roode with a Senton and got back into the ring. Roode connected with a massive Clothesline and Dolph tied up Rey in the corner.

Roode stomped away on Mysterio while he was hung up in the ropes. Mysterio rolled out of out the ring and slammed his leg on the floor. Back in the ring, Dolph went for the cover but Rey kicked out at two. Ziggler hit a Fameasser but Rey was somehow able to kick out at two.

Robert threw Rey under the bottom rope and Ziggler caught him with a Superkick. Ziggler rolled Rey back into the ring and tagged in Roode. Rey planted Roode and Ziggler with a Tornado DDT out of nowhere. Dominik Mysterio limped down the entrance ramp holding his injured ribs.

Dominik climbed to the ring apron as Rey wondered what he was doing. Ziggler hit the Zig Zag but Mysterio was able to kick out at two. Roode tagged in and planted Rey with a Gutbuster for a near fall. Rey battled back and hit a Bulldog off the top rope.

Rey hit a Dropkick and Dominik tagged himself in as Roode laughed. Dominik knocked Ziggler off the apron but turned around into a Spinebuster from Roode. Ziggler tagged in and hit a Neckbreaker for a two count. Dolph launched Dominik into the ring post and taunted Rey.

Dominik caught Ziggler with a Superkick and tagged in Rey. Mysterio hit Ziggler with a Senton but Roode caught him with a Backbreaker for a near fall. Roode went for a Powerbomb but Rey escaped. Rey hit Roode with a 619 and tagged in Dominik. Dominik tagged in and climbed to the top rope. Dominik hit a Splash for the pinfall victory. Dominik & Rey are the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Damian Priest Won A Terrible Lumberjack Match

The Miz faced Damian Priest in a Lumberjack Match tonight at WrestleMania Backlash. The lumberjacks were zombies to promote the new Army of the Dead movie. The Miz spend the first couple minutes avoiding the zombies and walked into a massive Clothesline from Damian.

Priest leveled The Miz with a kick to the face and then climbed to the top rope. Damian hit a spin kick and went for the cover but Miz kicked out at two. Miz battled back and applied the Figure Four in the middle of the ring. The action spilled out of the ring and both superstars beat up some zombies.

Back in the ring, Damian hit Broken Arrow for a near fall. John Morrison rushed to the ring but the zombies dragged him away. Priest connected with Hit the Lights on The Miz for the pinfall victory. The zombies all crawled towards The Miz after the match.

Bianca Belair Retained The SmackDown Women’s Championship

Bianca Belair defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bayley tonight at WrestleMania Backlash. Belair absolutely dominated the first few minutes of the match and sent Bayley out of the ring. Bayley turned the momentum by slamming Belair into the steel steps.

Bayley controlled the next few minutes and went for the Rose Plant but Belair sent her to the ropes. Bianca planted Bayley with a Spinebuster and went for the cover but Bayley kicked out at two. Bayley connected with a Clothesline and made her way to the top rope.

Bayley connected with a flying Elbow Drop and went for the cover but Bianca kicked out at two. Bayley bounced Bianca’s face off the ring post and the SmackDown Women’s Champion fell to the floor. Bayley went for a Suicide Dive but Belair got out of the way.

Bianca bounced Bayley off the ring apron and went for the cover but Bayley kicked out at two. Bayley rolled up Belair and used the ropes for leverage but Belair was able to kick out at two. Bayley tried to do it again but the referee caught her this time.

Belair unloaded some strikes but Bayley raked her eyes. Bayley connected with a Bayley to Belly but Belair kicked out at two. Belair then used her hair to roll-up Bayley for the pinfall victory in a clumsy finish. Bianca Belair is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Lashley Retained The WWE Championship

Bobby Lashley defended the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman tonight at WrestleMania Backlash. Lashley tried to form an alliance with McIntyre at the beginning of the match and they beat Strowman down. Lashley and McIntyre planted Strowman with a massive Suplex before trading punches in the middle of the ring.

McIntyre slammed Lashley to the canvas and delivered the Glasgow Kiss to Braun. Lashley brought McIntyre out of the ring and slammed him into the barricade surrounding the ring. Strowman came out of nowhere and leaped onto Lashley and McIntyre.

Back in the ring, Strowman hit Lashley with a Chokeslam and went for the cover but Bobby was able to power out at two. Bobby went for the Hurt Lock but McIntyre broke it up with a ridiculous Crossbody off the top rope. Drew sent Strowman into the ring post and delivered another Crossbody to the Lashley.

McIntyre hit Strowman with a slam and went for the cover but Lashley broke it up at two. Lashley connected with an overhead throw on McIntyre and then a Spinebuster on Strowman for a near fall. Lashley threw McIntyre into the barricade and then bounced his head off the ring post.

Braun Strowman leveled Lashley with the steel steps but turned around into a Claymore from McIntyre. Drew and Lashley battled up the entrance ramp and Lashley connected with an overhead throw. Lashley slammed McIntyre into a screen but Drew responded with a Glasgow Kiss.

Drew bounced Lashley’s face off the screens and then threw him through the stage. McIntyre looked around but the WWE Champion was nowhere to be found. Strowman brought McIntyre to the ring and hit him with a Senton for a near fall. McIntyre hit Braun with an unbelievable Michinoku Driver for a near fall.

McIntyre hit an overhead throw on the floor but Strowman hopped up and Powerbombed Drew through the announce table in an awesome sequence. McIntyre hit Strowman with a Claymore but Lashley showed up again. Lashley threw McIntyre out of the ring and hit Strowman with a Spear for the pinfall victory in a great match. Bobby Lashley is still the WWE Champion.

Reigns Retained & Rollins Attacked Cesaro

Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Cesaro in the main event of WrestleMania Backlash. Before the match, Roman Reigns told Jey that he was sounding like Jimmy and didn’t like his attitude. Reigns told Jey that maybe he should go find his brother and went to the ring with just Paul Heyman.

Roman Reigns shoved Cesaro to the corner of the ring to start off the action. Reigns took Cesaro down and applied a Headlock. Cesaro broke free but Reigns decked him with a shoulder tackle for a one count. Cesaro battled back with a shoulder tackle of his own for a one count.

Reigns rolled out of the ring to regroup and had a conversation with Paul Heyman. Roman slowly made his way back to the ring and Cesaro allowed him to do so. Cesaro went for a Waist Lock but Reigns blocked it and threw Cesaro to the corner. Roman bounced Cesaro’s face off the top turnbuckle but Cesaro responded with a springboard uppercut.

Cesaro hit an Atomic Drop and went for the Swing but Reigns grabbed the bottom rope to break it up. Roman sent Cesaro out of the ring and Cesaro appeared to tweak his right arm/shoulder while landing on the floor. Back in the ring, Cesaro hit a couple uppercuts but Reigns shrugged them off with a Clothesline.

Roman targeted Cesaro’s injured arm and launched him into the ring post. Roman bounced Cesaro off the announce table a couple times before rolling him back inside the ring. Cesaro went for a Suplex but Roman countered into a Suplex of his own in the middle of the ring for a one count.

Reigns unloaded some right hands and then stomped Cesaro down to the canvas in the corner of the ring. Cesaro hit a couple uppercuts but the champ responded with a massive shot to the face. Reigns applied a Headlock and brought Cesaro down to the mat.

Cesaro broke free but Roman hit a Clothesline for another one count. Reigns smiled that it was only a one count and started unloading punches to Cesaro’s face. Roman went back to the Headlock and the action slowed down again. Cesaro battled to his feet and booted Reigns in the knee.

Cesaro hit an uppercut but Reigns immediately responded with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Heyman chuckled ringside as Roman made his way back to his feet. Reigns set up for the Superman Punch but Cesaro avoided it. Cesaro connected with a Pop-Up Uppercut and both superstars fell to the canvas.

Roman stumbled to the corner and Cesaro hit him with a flurry of uppercuts. Cesaro hit a boot to the face and went for the cover but the Universal Champion powered out at two. Cesaro booted Reigns in the knee a few more times and locked in the Sharpshooter in the center of the ring.

Reigns quickly reached the bottom rope to break the hold and then rolled to the apron. Cesaro leaped onto Reigns outside the ring and then rolled the Universal Champion back inside. Reigns quickly rolled out of the ring again and Cesaro went after him with an uppercut that sent Roman into the barricade.

Back in the ring, Cesaro climbed to the top rope and hit a Crossbody for a near fall. Reigns and Cesaro then battled on the turnbuckle. Cesaro slammed Reigns’ face off the ring post but Roman responded with a punch to the face. Reigns booted Cesaro in the face and stretched out Cesaro’s injured arm over the top rope.

Roman hit the Drive By and rolled Cesaro back in the ring. Reigns went for the cover but Cesaro kicked out at two. Reigns smiled at Cesaro as the challenger was grimacing in pain. Cesaro got up and punched Roman in the face. Reigns shrugged it off and went back to work on Cesaro’s arm.

Reigns started taunting Daniel Bryan and said “I hope you are enjoying this from your house DB” and hit Cesaro with a Clothesline for a near fall. Reigns continued to trash talk Cesaro while punching him in the face. Roman unloaded some knee strikes and dropped Cesaro with a big boot to the face.

Roman said he has a lot of responsibility and delivered a headbutt to Cesaro. Roman shrugged off an elbow to the face but Cesaro followed it up with an uppercut. Cesaro hit another uppercut and grabbed his arm in pain as both superstars fell to the mat. Reigns and Cesaro traded punches from their knees and battled to their feet.

Cesaro hit an uppercut and unloaded some stomps in the corner of the ring. Cesaro climbed to the middle turnbuckle and shook off the pain in his arm. Cesaro hit an awesome Superplex and went for the cover but Roman powered out at two. Cesaro went for the Neutralizer but his arm gave out.

Reigns brought Cesaro down to the mat and locked in an Armbar in the center of the ring. Cesaro countered into a roll-up for a two count. Reigns connected with a big Superman Punch and went for the cover but somehow Cesaro was able to kick out at the last moment.

Roman went a Spear but Cesaro countered with an uppercut. Cesaro went for another Pop-Up Uppercut but his arm gave out. Reigns capitalized with the Guillotine choke but Cesaro broke free with a Spinebuster for a two count. Cesaro unloaded some punches and locked in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Roman reached for the ropes and Cesaro transitioned into a Crossface.

Reigns broke free and mounted Cesaro in the middle of the ring. Roman unloaded several punches to Cesaro’s face and deadlifted Cesaro for a massive Powerbomb for another near fall. Reigns unloaded some more punches but Cesaro grabbed his arm. Cesaro sent Roman across the ring but Reigns went right back to the Guillotine choke. Cesaro slammed Reigns to the mat but Roman didn’t let go. Cesaro tried to break the hold but Reigns kept it locked in and Cesaro passed out. Roman Reigns is still the Universal Champion.

After the match, Jey Uso came to the ring and attacked Cesaro. Reigns laughed in the corner with Paul Heyman as Jey beat Cesaro down. Jey climbed to the top rope when Seth Rollins’ music hit. Rollins marched to the ring in an absurd suite and stood across from Roman Reigns. Rollins and Reigns stared at each other and then Seth laughed. Rollins attacked Cesaro and slammed him into the steel steps.

Seth slammed the injured arm into the announce table and then hit him with a steel chair. Rollins put Cesaro’s arm in the chair and shouted that nobody makes a mockery out of him. Rollins slammed the injured arm into the ring post and laughed about it. Seth then delivered the Stomp to Cesaro and posed in the ring to end the PPV.

Opinion: WWE WrestleMania Backlash was a very good show. The zombie Lumberjack match was the low point of the PPV but every other match delivered. The Triple Threat match was fun as hell and the Universal Championship match felt like a war. I hope Cesaro gets his moment in the future but it is impossible to take the title off Roman Reigns right now. He has been incredible as the Tribal Chief and it will be interesting to see who his next opponent is.

Roman Reigns Retains WWE Universal Title At WrestleMania Backlash

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his latest title defense against Cesaro. 

It happened at Sunday’s (May 16, 2021) WWE WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view event. The match had a slow start but built over time like any other main event. 

Throughout the match, Cesaro would have a moment of offense only to be cut down by Reigns, who worked over the right arm of Cesaro and at one point, he noted that was “DB style” (Daniel Bryan reference). Reigns won it with the guillotine choke. 

Post-match, Seth Rollins came out to the ring and had a staredown with Reigns before he attacked Cesaro. Rollins has been feuding with Cesaro over the last few months.

Reigns previous title defenses came at WrestleMania 37 where he beat Daniel Bryan and Edge in a triple threat match. Then, earlier this month on an edition of SmackDown, Reigns beat Bryan in a match that had Bryan’s SmackDown career on the line. With him losing, Bryan was banished from SmackDown only for it to be revealed later that Bryan’s contract had expired with WWE. 

Cesaro had interrupted Reigns, The Usos, and Paul Heyman in the opening segment of the throwback edition of SmackDown which led to Seth Rollins attacking him from behind. Cesaro defeated Rollins when they faced off at WrestleMania 37 last month and did so yet again on this throwback SmackDown. 

Cesaro has been wanting a title match with Reigns for quite some time. Thus, Teddy Long announced if he defeated Rollins on this show then he would get a title shot.

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