Tag: Carmelo Hayes

WWE SmackDown live results: Saturday Night’s Main Event go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before their showdown for the undisputed WWE Championship on Saturday Night’s Main Event, titleholder Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens will speak on tonight’s SmackDown in Hartford, Connecticut.

The last time the two met in a match was at August’s Bash In Berlin when Rhodes defeated Owens to retain his championship. A lot has changed since then.

The semifinals of the inaugural Women’s United States Championship tournament will take place tonight as on one side of the bracket, Chelsea Green will face Bayley. On the other side, Tiffany Stratton takes on Michin. The finals will take place Saturday to crown the new champion.

Bayley advanced by defeating Candice LeRae and B-Fab while Stratton beat Bianca Belair and Blair Davenport.

Carmelo Hayes, who lobbied with SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis for a match last week, will step into the ring against a mystery opponent.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 PM Eastern.

**********

– Footage of Tiffany Stratton and Michin entering the building opened the show. Bayley was shown signing something and Chelsea Green was shown throwing her bag at someone. The Bloodline and LA were also shown walking backstage. Cody Rhodes exited his bus as well. Jimmy Uso’s music hit and Jimmy walked out with the aid of a crutch.

The Jimmy Uso segment

Weird. This sure did feel like a retirement speech … but then Jimmy pulled the nose up at the end and said next year is going to be great for him … only to have Drew McIntyre hit him with a kick. I understand furthering the McIntyre story and his issues with the original Bloodline, but this felt so much like everyone – Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, etc. – called in sick at the last minute and they had to fill eight minutes somehow. Even weirder was that it opened the show. Anyway, whatever it was meant to be, here’s hoping Big Jim has a speedy recovery from his Big Broken Toe.

Jimmy started by saying War Games was lit. He added that it didn’t “get Big Jim, but it got my big toe.” Jimmy said War Games meant everything because it was all about family. He noted how the OG Bloodline came out on top and War Games is behind them. Jimmy said for years, he’s watched his family dominate the WWE universe and the fact that they get to do that is a dream. Jimmy said he was proud to watch Roman Reigns be the most dominant champion. The crowd launched into an “OTC!” chant.

Jimmy said he watched his twin brother become one of the hottest superstars today and he’s proud of that. Jimmy said he was even proud of Solo Sikoa – he added that he might not like him, but he’s proud of him. Jimmy said he finds himself reading what everyone is saying when they wonder about what’s next for Big Jim. He said 2025 will be a big year for Big Jim. He might win the Royal Rumble, he might go after the U.S. title and he might even go after the Universal title. Jimmy said nothing will stop him from what he wants to do and while none of his friends were there, he showed up with a bum toe. Jimmy said next year will be huge for him.

Out of nowhere, Drew McIntyre showed up and hit Jimmy with a Claymore Kick. Drew kept attacking Big Jim until officials came out. McIntyre grinned and walked to the back while Nick Aldis followed and berated Jimmy.

**********

– Stratton was shown warming up backstage and Nia Jax and Candice LeRae walked in. Jax said when Stratton wins the U.S. title, she won’t need her MITB briefcase. She followed that up by saying she and LeRae will be watching her match tonight.

– Aldis was shown following McIntyre and chewing him out backstage. Bianca Belair and Naomi walked into the frame and Aldis told Drew to go into his office. Drew obliged. Aldis told Belair and Naomi that the investigation into what happened to Jade Cargill was ongoing. Aldis said because of that, Belair had to relinquish the women’s tag titles. Naomi said Belair has never relinquished anything in her life and if Belair needs a partner, it could be Naomi. Belair asked Aldis if that could be an option. Aldis said he’d run it up the flagpole, but if they really want to do it, they’d have to defend the titles next week.

Michin defeated Tiffany Stratton to advance to the finals of the Women’s United States Championship Tournament [8:25]

A surprising finish, but I’m not mad at it. The crowds continue to get louder in support of Stratton, so that babyface turn is going to hit like hot chocolate on a snowy morning. The finish clearly didn’t go as planned, and the match lost a couple minutes to picture-in-picture, but I like the twist of Michin getting to the finals in what I’m now convinced will be a hell of a TNA Knockouts title bout when Chelsea Green finds a way to beat Bayley later (but we’ll see). Quick question: Are we to believe if Jade Cargill wasn’t out for whatever reason (legit injury, work, etc.) would this be her in the finals?

The two locked up to start things out and Stratton backed Michin into a corner. Stratton threw Michin to the ground and Michin popped back up and attacked Stratton. Michin landed a dropkick and followed that up with some chops. Michin hit a shoulder block on Stratton and Michin threw Stratton to the outside, where Michin hit a dropkick through the ropes. Michin went for a kick, but Stratton caught Michin and hit a double stomp on Michin on the apron as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Stratton went for another double stomp, but this time Michin moved and hit followed that up with a kick to Stratton. Back in the ring, Michin landed a Tornado DDT. Michin did it again and got a two-count out of it. Michin went for Eat Defeat, but that turned into an Alabama Slam attempt from Stratton – but that turned into a Tarantula via Michin. Michin then tried for a shotgun dropkick, but Stratton moved and hit her Alabama Slam for a two-count. “Let’s go Tiffy” chants broke out.

Michin tried a sleeper, but Stratton broke it up and the two battled on the second rope. Michin went to the top, but Stratton cut her off and hit a rolling Senton. Stratton then went to the top and tried a Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Michin moved, but Stratton still hit Michin. Even so, Michin didn’t sell it and hit Eat Defeat for the win.

**********

– #DIY offered up a vignette and Johnny Gargano reflected on how they were screwed out of the tag titles in Cleveland earlier this year. Gargano said he bottled that deep inside and soldiered on. Gargano noted how he told everyone he’d do whatever it takes to get those tag titles back. Ciampa weighed in and complained about Motor City Machine Guns getting a title shot right away. Ciampa said they are on to better days because they are now two time WWE Tag Team Champions. Ciampa closed it out by telling everyone they are #DIY.

The Roman Reigns Video

Paul Heyman stood behind Roman. Roman began by saying it’s been a rough year and not that long ago, they ran everything until through the spring and summer, it fell apart. He lost his title, he lost his Wise Man, he lost The Bloodline – the entire Bloodline. He said most importantly, he lost his Ula Fala. Roman said four years ago, Solo Sikoa wasn’t there and he didn’t take the Ula Fala; he earned it. Roman said his uncles crowned him with the responsibility. Roman said January 6 on Netflix, it will be Tribal Combat with him vs. Solo Sikoa and he will take back his Bloodline and his Ula Fala and his respect. Roman said once he has that respect, the whole world will have no choice but to acknowledge him.

**********

– Legado Del Fantasma was shown talking to Nick Aldis backstage. Santos Escobar asked Aldis what kind of show he was running. Escobar said maybe they’d be better off with Adam Pearce. Carmelo Hayes walked into the frame and said he’d make light work of his mystery opponent and started his walk to the ring. The show then went to a break.

Braun Strowman defeated Carmelo Hayes [1:30]

A simple squash. Poor Carmelo Hayes. He went from being involved in one of SmackDown’s gems each week with the story between him and Andrade and their seven game series. But then that thing ended with a dumb conclusion and … I guess we’re never going to get a proper finale? Did neither guy really want to do the job that bad? Or did the bookers not want either guy to do the job that bad? Either way, now the fella is losing in 90 seconds to mystery opponents. Not great.

Melo made his entrance and stood in the ring … only for Braun Strowman’s music to hit. Strowman walked out and looked bigger than he did before. Melo tried to push Strowman, but Strowman grabbed Melo by the throat. Eventually, Melo jumped at Strowman, but just bounced off the big man. Strowman ran at Melo, but Melo moved and Strowman ran into the ring post. Melo followed up with a dropkick to Strowman’s leg and a DDT for a one-count. Melo jumped off the top rope and Strowman caught Melo, hit the powerslam, and that was it.

**********

– LA Knight was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Knight did all his catchphrases and said the one thing he’s always done throughout his career is handle his business. He referenced how he initially didn’t want to be involved with Bloodline business. Knight said he doesn’t have love for anyone in the family – except he likes Jey Uso, and Knight then offered a “Yeet!” Knight said Solo Sikoa will, in fact, remember Knight when it’s all said and done.

– Solo Sikoa made his entrance and stood in the ring with a microphone. The crowd chanted “OTC!” Sikoa did the “acknowledge me” bit. Everyone booed. Sikoa then said, “Roman Reigns …” but before he could finish his thought, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked to the ring for their match.

LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa via DQ [11:20]

This was a better-than-expected match. Sikoa and Knight aren’t burning down houses with their in-ring work, no matter how popular they are, but this turned out all right. Knight getting the win, even if it was via DQ, was a tiny bit surprising, but it’s not like Sikoa lost anything coming away as the official loser of the match. Fatu is so great. The way he popped up to attack Knight and end the match was like a live action horror film, but pro wrestling. Kind of. Anyway, good work from everyone involved. Oh, and speaking of that Andrade/Melo feud and what has happened to both guys since and the post-match scene here …

The two jawed at each other after the bell rang before they traded blows. Sikoa got the best of it and repeatedly headbutted Knight. Knight fought back and clotheslined Sikoa over the top to the outside. Sikoa pulled Knight outside and rammed Knight’s back into the ring apron. Sikoa slammed Knight on the commentary table and posed. Sikoa then threw Knight into the crowd barrier. Knight rolled back into the ring, but the action went right back outside. Knight threw Sikoa into the ring steps and slammed Sikoa onto the commentary table.

Knight pounded on Sikoa and rolled Sikoa back into the ring. Before long, Sikoa hit a Samoan Drop on Knight. Sikoa ran at Knight, but Knight got the boot up and hit a bulldog on Sikoa. For the third time, the action spilled outside at about the four-minute mark and Knight dropkicked Tama Tonga. From there, Sikoa landed a Spinning Solo on Knight on the commentary table. The show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Sikoa had the upper hand. Sikoa set up and tried a Superman Punch to mock Roman Reigns, but Knight countered it into a back suplex. The two got to their feet and exchanged punches, but Knight took Sikoa down with a flying clothesline. Knight stomped on Sikoa. Knight hit a running knee on Sikoa and set up for a BFT, but Sikoa rolled to the outside. Knight clotheslined both Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga outside the ring. Knight then back body-dropped Fatu over the commentary table.

Back in the ring, Sikoa hit a super-kick and went for a Samoan Spike, but Knight countered with a Side Effect. Knight went to the second turnbuckle and jumped to the top to hit an elbow for a good near-fall that had the crowd heated. Fatu woke up, went nuts and grabbed Knight, ending the match in a DQ. Fatu then hit a hip attack on Knight, who was against the crowd barrier. Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike on Knight and the Bloodline beat him down until Andrade and Apollo Crews ran out for the save. It didn’t quite work because the Bloodline quickly took them out, too. Sikoa, Fatu and Tonga stood tall to end the segment.

**********

– Strowman was shown walking backstage and he ran into Pretty Deadly. They offered Strowman a spot in “Pretty Deadly The Musical.” Strowman shook his head and walked to Byron Saxton. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller showed up. Waller offered Strowman a chance to be a guest on the Grayson Waller Effect next week. Strowman said he’d do it.

Chelsea Green defeated Bayley to advance to the finals of the Women’s United States Championship Tournament [12:11]

Clunky at times, and the crowd didn’t do them any favors, but they got where they needed to go. Green vs. Michin the finals of this thing really is surprising, but in a good way. Making things more surprising is that there really wasn’t a lot of shenanigans here designed to protect Bayley. Green’s win wasn’t entirely clean, but it wasn’t like Niven had a huge role in the match. If Green wins that title Saturday night, you have to think it’s going to be one of the loudest pops of the night, right? Like Stratton, crowds just refuse to boo her and that momentum builds larger each week.

Green ran right into a Bayley-To-Belly suplex that felt flat and Bayley only got a two-count out of it. The two then traded pin attempts until Green slapped Bayley to slow things down. Green punched Bayley and threw Bayley into a corner, but Bayley moved and took back control with a running clothesline and a two-count. Bayley landed a pair of arm-drags and a clothesline. Green rolled to the outside and Bayley chased Green. When they returned to the ring, Niven tripped Bayley and Green took advantage of that. Green had the upper hand as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Green still had the advantage. Green rolled Bayley up for a two-count. The show cut to a PIP with the trailer for “Mufasa The Lion King” taking the bigger box. Back to it, Green was working over Bayley on the apron and Bayley ran Green into the ring post. Bayley followed that up with a neck-breaker and a sliding clothesline. Bayley then suplexed Green on the outside. Bayley rolled Green back into the ring and executed a back suplex for a two-count.

Bayley went to the top, but Green cut her off and landed a running knee. Green went to the second rope, but missed a Vader Bomb. Bayley sunset flipped Green into the turnbuckles, but Green kicked out at two. Bayley went for a Bayley-To-Belly, but Greej countered with a rollup. Green hit a Rough Rider for a good near-fall. Bayley then planted Green and went to the top, but Niven dragged Green to the outside. It was outside where Bayley hit Niven with an elbow. Green then threw Bayley into the timekeeper’s area. Green returned to the ring and the referee counted, but Bayley beat the count. Green kicked Bayley in the head and hit an Un-Pretty-Her for the win.

**********

– A Motor City Machine Guns vignette aired. Turns out, Alex Shelley will face Johnny Gargano next week.

– A Nakamura vignette aired. It had subtitles and he said one by one everyone will fall to him. He said LA Knight was just the beginning and Knight is pining for something that he no longer has. Nakamura closed by saying he is inevitable.

– Stratton was walking backstage and ran into Jax, who said it was a tough night, but not everyone is meant to be a champion. LeRae walked in and said next week, LeRae and Jax will team to face Naomi and Belair for the women’s tag titles. Jax was excited and said they need to go brainstorm. LeRae stuck back and told Stratton that maybe Stratton isn’t cut out for singles wrestling.

– Cole and Graves ran down the card for Saturday Night’s Main event.

The Cody Rhodes/Kevin Owens segment

A very underwhelming go-home segment. It was also not what they advertised, in terms of the two talking to each other, but that’s pretty much how these things typically go anyways. The brawl itself even kind of/sort of came up tame and lacked a spark, which was surprising considering how good both guys are at brawling. Just not a lot here. I hope they deliver on Saturday night. If I hadn’t seen any of the build to the match prior to this go-home segment, I’m not sure I would think they will.

Michael Cole stood in the ring and introduced Cody Rhodes. Cody walked to the ring in a suit, sans tie. Cole then introduced Kevin Owens, and nothing happened. Cody said Kevin Owens wasn’t there, but the crowd was there, so he would do the interview with Cole alone. Cole referenced the video from this week with Paul Levesque and Cody and the possibility of the return of the winged eagle belt.

Owens appeared on a video screen, cutting a promo from his car again. Owens said Cody used all his friends to help him finish his story and Owens asked Cole to ask Cody about that. Owens said Cody is as bad a friend as he is a son and a brother. Owens said there was something he meant to tell him: It didn’t matter how long Cody is champion, the truth will always be that Cody was way more interesting as Stardust.

Cody said he was sure Owens had a lot more zingers up his sleeve. Cody threw his belt to the canvas and said he would go find Kevin Owens now. The camera followed Cody through Gorilla and Cody shouted “Kevin!” backstage. Owens appeared out of nowhere and the two brawled in Gorilla and back out into the arena. Owens was getting the best of Cody while wearing a Stardust t-shirt. Officials came out to try and break it up, but Owens fought them off. Cody then got the upper hand and he started beating up the officials, too.

The wrestlers got into the ring and brawled and more security and officials appeared. Cody broke away from them and hit a splash on Owens. Cody kicked Owens and Owens went down. While officials held Cody back, Owens hit Cody in the head with his title. Owens threw the title on top of Cody and the crowd booed. Owens left the ring and the show ended with the visual of Cody being down on the mat.

Cody Rhodes vs. Carmelo Hayes set for next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The Undisputed WWE Champion will be in action on next week’s SmackDown, plus the Women’s United States Championship tournament will continue.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face Carmelo Hayes in a non-title match on the Friday, November 29 WWE SmackDown. The bout was agreed to in a backstage segment during this week’s episode.

The Women’s United States Championship tournament also continues with a triple threat quarterfinals matchup on the November 29 episode.

A mystery competitor will face Piper Niven and Michin in a triple threat quarterfinals tournament bout on next week’s SmackDown. Jade Cargill was originally set for the match, but an injury angle on Friday’s SmackDown saw Cargill hit by a car backstage, taking her out of the contest.

Next week’s SmackDown is being taped this week in Salt Lake City.

The announced lineup for the Friday, November 29 WWE SmackDown:

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • WWE Women’s United States Championship tournament quarterfinals: TBA vs. Piper Niven vs. Michin

Carmelo Hayes: I’m ‘forever indebted’ to Baron Corbin

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Carmelo Hayes appreciates all the ways that Baron Corbin helped him both in the ring and outside of it.

It was revealed last Friday that the 40-year-old Corbin had departed WWE with the company choosing not to renew his contract. While speaking with The Metro, Hayes reacted to the news and express how much Corbin helped him in WWE.

“Listen, Baron was one of the people that actually took a liking to me, and took me under his wing. He did so much for me, he helped me so much, he gave me so much advice. Not just wrestling, life advice, money advice, so many things. I’m forever indebted to Baron Corbin — super talented, and I hate to see him go,” Hayes said.

“That was one of those ones that really kinda hurt, seeing that, because believe it or not, me and Baron were pretty close, pretty tight. Everybody loved Baron.”

Hayes and Corbin were opponents in NXT in 2023 and later worked against each other on SmackDown this year.

Earlier this week, Corbin tweeted out a message thanking fans for their support. His career with WWE lasted more than a decade after starting out in developmental in 2012.

Along with Corbin’s contract not being renewed, Indi Hartwell and Tegan Nox were released from WWE last week. Hayes told The Metro that he almost feels “survivor’s guilt” whenever there is a round of roster cuts.

“It’s weird because I’ve been through it a lot unfortunately, where you’re with somebody one day and they’re gone the next,” he said. “It’s kinda like a survivor’s guilt, you know what I mean? After a day or two, you’re like, ‘Man!’ You just hate to see that for them.”

In WWE, Hayes has been in a long-term feud with Andrade that still remains unresolved. LA Knight retained the United States title against both of them in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel on November 2.

Daily Update: Wade Barrett, Carmelo Hayes, TNA

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Updates on Chris Bey and El Hijo del Vikingo
  • Preview of Crown Jewel
  • Lots of notes on 2025 WrestleMania
  • WWE tie-in with some wrestling schools and what does it mean
  • Changes in TKO as a company
  • More on Samantha Irvin leaving WWE
  • Sports star ways he wants to do pro wrestling after he retires
  • Preview of Full Gear
  • Crown Jewel favorites
  • Updated Bad Blood and WrestleDream PPV numbers and the most shocking thing about the Bad Blood number.
  • Why the ringboys lawsuit was filed in Baltimore this year
  • A star from the 80s and 90s talks about the ring boys lawsuit
  • NXT Halloween Havoc coverage
  • UFC 308 coverage, fighter of he year thoughts, what’s next for the winners
  • Previewing Wednesday’s AEW & NXT going head-to-head, what are the key things to look out for
  • TNA Bound for Glory coverage
  • The weekly placing of the pro wrestling shows on cable
  • Competition, demos, where NXT was way down this week and where AEW is right now
  • Looking at how the segments did for the major shows
  • The longest reigning world champion of a major promotion of the modern era gives up his title
  • Women’s Grand Prix tournament
  • New Japan Super Junior tag tournament notes
  • Fantastica Mania 2025 notes
  • Kota Ibushi issues with DDT
  • Two pro wrestlers and MMA star entering amateur wrestling Hall of Fame
  • Anthony Robles movie out soon
  • TNA TV tapings notes
  • What interview actually secretly had the biggest AEW news in it
  • More on Young Bucks taking time off and dropping the titles
  • Jericho tries to get Hall of Famer to come out of retirement
  • Kenny Omega talking about a return
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • International TV ratings Netflix ratings notes, streaming numbers
  • Merch numbers
  • Dana White wants to do rankings a new way
  • Former UFC champion retires at the end of this year and turns down January fight

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • In an interview with Metro, Carmelo Hayes praised Baron Corbin for his help following the news that his contract wasn’t renewed by WWE: “Listen, Baron was one of the people that actually took a liking to me, and took me under his wing. He did so much for me, he helped me so much, he gave me so much advice. Not just wrestling, life advice, money advice, so many things. I’m forever indebted to Baron Corbin – super talented, and I hate to see him go. That was one of those ones that really kinda hurt, seeing that, because believe it or not, me and Baron were pretty close, pretty tight. Everybody loved Baron!”
  • Wade Barrett told PWMania that there is a small chance that an in-ring return could happen, naming Drew McIntyre as a possible opponent: “If the opportunity arises, obviously it’s something I would consider and think about and think, could I deliver something here but similarly, I’m absolutely thrilled with my role on commentary. It’s not something I’m looking to step away from. I don’t have some itch to scratch like a lot of the older guys have when they talk about comebacks. I’m really, really satisfied with what I’m doing right now. I love contributing in any way I can on the desk. But like I say, if the magic is there and it happens and it’s the perfect storm, maybe those tights will be pulled out of storage, have to make sure the moths haven’t eaten them or I may have to pay for a new pair, we’ll see. There’s always a tiny, tiny chance, but don’t hold your breath.”
  • Seth Rollins was on The Pivot podcast.
  • Ivy Nile is featured in HERS magazine.
  • Netflix will remove all of its interactive titles on December 1, including WWE’s Escape The Undertaker special.
  • WWE Vault has added the War Games match from WCW Fall Brawl 1993 and a three-hour video focused on Randy Orton.
  • Rhea Ripley vs. Zoey Stark from Survivor Series 2023 has been added to WWE’s main YouTube channel.

AEW/Other Wrestling

Wrestling Weekly: WWE Crown Jewel predictions

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

On a new Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I preview Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel from Saudi Arabia.

Who will become the inaugural Crown Jewel champions? Can Roman Reigns and Jey Uso get on the same page? Will Kevin Owens make Randy Orton pay for demanding a match with him?

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes & Gunther go face-to-face

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Nearly one week before they square off at Crown Jewel, undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will go face-to-face with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The last time these two shared a ring was on the October 14th Raw where they exchanged verbal barbs before Rhodes invited Gunther to SmackDown. The two will meet for the ceremonial Crown Jewel Championship next Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

Carmelo Hayes and Andrade will go one-on-one in the finale of their recent best-of-seven series. United States Champion LA Knight will be the special guest referee.

After winning their respective triple threat matches last week, #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) will face the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) who debuted on last week’s show. The winner will earn a future Tag Team title shot against The Bloodline.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 PM EST.

**********

– The show opened with the Crown Jewel Championship case shown being brought into the arena. Gunther and Cody were also shown entering the building. Ditto for Motor City Machine Guns, #DIY and Randy Orton, the last of which featured Orton stopping on the way to the ring to talk to Paul Levesque in Guerrilla Position. Levesque motioned for Orton to go the ring.

The Randy Orton/Paul Levesque segment

Well, it was fun to have Levesque out there, and it was fun seeing Orton walk past him backstage before ultimately getting to the ring and calling Levesque out. They tried with the promo. Hard. Really hard. Noticeably hard. But I am interested in seeing what this means for how Owens approaches their match at Crown Jewel. If he’s going to be painted as a ruthless, angry fella, he better be both ruthless and angry and he better not hold back – especially after all this.

Orton noted how he wanted to get his hands on Kevin Owens, but it looks like Owens is off limits. Orton then invited Levesque to the ring. Orton said he thought Levesque was protecting Owens from Orton. The Triple H music then hit and Levesque was seen getting up from Guerrilla and Levesque appeared in the entranceway. Levesque said Orton never shows up to work on time and because of that, they had to “do this now.”

Orton yelled that Levesque is protecting Owens, but Levesque said he wasn’t protecting anybody. Levesque told Orton that the match isn’t going to happen and Orton kept yelling it is because Levesque is trying to protect Owens and finally Levesque shut orton up and said he was trying to protect Orton. The crowd chanted “RKO!” Levesque explained that Owens has never had a friend in this business. Levesque noted how Owens is all about nothing but business. Levesque said for the first time, Owens let his guard down and trusted Orton and Cody. Levesque worked in calling Orton a “miserable prick.” Levesque then noted how Cody and Orton turned on Owens.

Levesque said he talked to Owens and he doesn’t think Owens is the same Kevin Owens and he doesn’t want to put him in the ring with Orton. Levesque referenced how steel rods were just put into Orton’s back and he said he doesn’t want to see Orton go back on the shelf – perhaps permanently. Orton said none of that would happen and he didn’t ask “Paul Levesque” to come to the ring – instead, Orton wanted the Cerebral Assassin and The Game. Orton referenced how The Game used to beat the hell out of him, including in his front lawn. Orton asked Levesque what he would do if he was in Orton’s shoes. Orton said this was him talking man to man. Orton said Levesque knows what it’s like to have everything taken away from him and if Levesque was in Orton’s shoes, he would want to handle his business the only way he knows how – in the middle of the ring. Orton begged Levesque for the match against Owens.

Levesque said he hopes to God Orton knows what he’s asking for and noted how if Orton wants Owens at Crown Jewel, he’s got him. Levesque then left the ring after saying he hopes Orton protects himself at all times.

**********

Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes ended in a No Contest [9:45]

Lame. Lame on every level. Lame on every single solitary level. Even the live crowd agreed as the finish fell flat and Knight, who is typically super-over everywhere he goes, got little to no response as he spoke on the microphone. WWE stumbled into a great wrestling-focused program with Andrade and Melo and this is how they blow it off? Obviously, this won’t be the real blow off, but to tease a Game 7 like that and then do this? It’s a betrayal of trust to any fan who bought into the Melo/Andrade series organically based almost exclusively on the fact that they had good wrestling matches. You could see this coming. But it was still dumb.

Knight was wearing his vest, sunglasses and his U.S. title during the match. Andrade went for a quick pin after a back elbow and got a two-count out of it. Hayes rolled to the outside and Hayes threw Andrade into the barricade. Back in the ring, Andrade retook control with some chops and stomps. Knight was yelling at Andrade and Hayes took advantage of it until Andrade simply pushed Hayes over the top rope. Andrade ran for a splash, but Knight stopped him to start a count. As a result, Andrade flipped over Knight and landed on Melo as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and there was an inverted Spanish Fly off the second rope, but both guys sold the effects. Knight, at this point, had his belt and sunglasses off. Hayes and Andrade traded blows until Hayes planted Andrade with a tilt-a-whirl face-buster for a two-count. “This is awesome!” chants began from the crowd. Andrade set up for The Message, but it turned into a Destroyer from Andrade onto Hayes. Andrade hit a double-knees in a corner and got a two-count out of it. When Hayes kicked out, he threw Andrade onto Knight, which meant Knight wasn’t free to count a pin. Melo then accidentally super-kicked Knight. Andrade went for Three Amigos, but it turned into a Melo planting Andrade. Knight then threw Hayes into the commentary table and hit a BFT on Andrade. Knight did the same to Melo.

Knight walked to the outside and rang the bell and grabbed a microphone. Knight said “to hell with Game 7.” Knight said he was the United States Champion and he was the winner of Game 7. Knight’s music hit and Knight walked to the back and the match was off.

**********

– Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton were talking backstage and Candice LaRae walked into the frame. LeRae said she’d take care of Jax’s Naomi problem and Stratton looked disgusted.

– Knight was walking backstage and walked into GM Nick Aldis, who was angry and booked Knight, Melo and Andrade in a triple threat for the U.S. title at Crown Jewel.

Naomi defeated Candice LeRae [8:53]

I was kind of hoping LeRae would somehow get the win, but it was not to be. As such, does this mean LeRae’s momentum is halted after that win last week? I hope not. Time will tell. As for this match, it was fine. It started slow and was a little clunky to start, but the women worked hard and got to the next gear by the time the finish came around, so good for them. I’d just prefer a better way to get out of this match, but those decisions are not mine to make.

LeRae had control early until Naomi hit a kick to the head. LeRae came back with a cross-body and a couple pin attempts. Naomi earned the upper hand with a kick and a Bulldog into the turnbuckle. Naomi went to the top and LeRae caught Naomi, planting her on the apron. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Naomi had control until LeRae pulled Naomi down by her hair. LeRae worked a ground-and-pound. Naomi fought back and planted LeRae to even things out. Naomi then landed a series of dropkicks and a Bulldog. Naomi went for another Bulldog, but LeRae countered and Naomi went to the outside. Indi Hartwell ran Naomi into a ring post and rolled Naomi into the ring. Bayley’s music hit and Bayley took Hartwell out. This distracted LeRae and Naomi hit her finish on LeRae for the win.

**********

– Lin-Manuel Miranda was shown in the front row and he even gave the camera the Suck It sign. Cody’s music hit and at the 9 p.m. EST turn, we went to the Cody/Gunther segment.

The Cody/Gunther face-to-face

Undoubtedly the best segment of the night. This was great. Tell me where Gunther is telling lies and I’ll tell you that you’re wrong. He has such a way of keeping his badass-ness, taking pot shots and maintaining composure in such a unique way – a way that’s even kind of impossible in today’s world of smart wrestling fans. There is absolutely nothing anyone should ever change about that character. Cody, for his part, showed up, too, and this was a major improvement from last week. Good fire. Good verbal jabs. Good stuff all around.

As Cody was about to do the third (or fourth?) “Whoa!” inside the ring, Gunther’s music hit to ruin the fun, which was great. The crowd chanted “Cody!” Gunther asked Cody what he wanted to talk about, which was funny. Cody told Gunther he wanted to know why he wanted to be Crown Jewel Champion. Gunther said it was “totally unnecessary” to mention his daughter last week, so he clearly reads this website regularly. Gunther talked about how Cody finished his story and it was all for the legacy of Dusty Rhodes.

Gunther mocked Cody for asking for the “John Cena schedule,” just to live up to other standards. Gunther said Cody just loves the dramatics. Gunther said his only reason is himself and he is the greatest pro wrestler in the company and the crowd responded in kind. Gunther said he simply just wanted to live up to himself. Gunther asked Cody what the real reason was that he wanted the Crown Jewel Championship.

Cody responded by saying that was the dumbest question he’s ever been asked in a wrestling ring. Cody said none of it exists without all the fans. Cody then led the crowd in a “Whoa!” and he even counted it in. Cody said, “you bet your ass I’m dramatic,” and he said he was proud to be dramatic. He also celebrated the Cody Crybabies. Cody talked about he was making the media rounds and he realized that what Gunther was missing was the responsibility that came with being a champion. Gunther interrupted Cody and said he knows everything about responsibility. The crowd actually cheered.

Gunther told Cody he gets the same requests Cody does, but Gunther just tells them no because he has the guts to say no. Gunther said he has the guts to say no “to all of them,” referring to the fans, who booed. Gunther said the reason Cody doesn’t say no is because his “little story is over,” and that makes Cody a “gutless champion.” Gunther said the gutless champion will always be secondary to Gunther. Cody mocked Gunther for being a “ring general” and said he sees no general because he leads no one but himself.

Cody said his whole career has been built on guts and out of nowhere dropped down and hit Gunther with a punch. Ludwig Kaiser ran in and stopped Cody and as a result, Kaiser and Gunther attacked Cody. Gunther hit a lariat on Cody, but Randy Orton ran out and chased the heels out of the ring. The crowd chanted “Randy!” Cody’s music hit the end the segment.

**********

– A video recapping last week’s Bloodline developments aired.

– A ton of women were arguing backstage. Adam Pearce, Ava and Aldis walked into the frame. Aldis said at Crown Jewel Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill will defend their tag titles against Damage CTRL, Piper Niven & Chelsea Green, and Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend in a Fatal Four-Way.

– Next week, Liv Morgan and Nia Jax will go face-to-face. Also, Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton will go up against Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser. Plus, the Fatal Four-Way for the women’s tag titles will take place on SmackDown – and not Crown Jewel.

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) to become the No. 1 Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship [11:17]

This was a very good match, if not a tiny bit predictable. Perhaps the most interesting development is the inevitable dissension between Gargano and Ciampa. In a weird way, I’m hoping they aren’t pulling the trigger on a breakup yet, but at the same time, we know they both probably work better as singles acts. Either way, the tag action was great here and this was a big step up from last week’s debut match from MCMG. And good on them for it. All four guys felt like they had something to prove and the result was a very good tag team wrestling match. The Bloodline vs. MCMG should be a lot of fun.

Gargano and Shelley started the match. The two traded pin attempts and things restarted. Ciampa tagged in and before long, Sabin came in to hit Ciampa with a series of rapid-fire double-team moves. Gargano tagged in and #DIY hit their own double-team moves on Sabin. Gargano kicked Sabin’s head for a two-count. Gargano chopped Sabin and tagged in Ciampa, but Sabin tagged in Shelley. Things broke down and Ciampa was recipient of a Meet In The Middle from MCMG. Gargano hit a spear on Sabin and Ciampa worked over Shelley on the outside. Gargano and Ciampa celebrated and the show went to a commercial break.

Back from the break and Sabin was battling both Gargano and Ciampa. Ultimately, Shelley tagged in and the two worked over #DIY, complete with a wild double-team move that involved all four wrestlers. Sabin tagged in and lifted Gargano, but Gargano rolled Sabin up before kicking Sabin in the ear. Ciampa tagged in and hit an assisted Fairytale Ending. Ciampa landed a running knee on Sabin for a good near-fall. Gargano tagged in and they set up for a Meet In The Middle, but that resulted in multiple failed pin attempts. Gargano then accidentally super-kicked Ciampa. Shelley tagged in and they hit Skull & Bones to win the match.

After the match, Gargano and Ciampa argued a little on the outside of the ring. The Bloodline’s music hit and Solo Sikoa walked out with his crew as MCMG stood in the ring. The Bloodline walked to the ring and the show went to a break.

**********

– The show returned and Nick Aldis was in the ring. Aldis said the tag match would not happen tonight and the crowd chanted “OTC!” Sikoa told Brooklyn to “shut your mouth.” Sikoa said he just wanted to come out and introduce themselves to the No. 1 Contenders. The crowd booed loudly. Sikoa then did his “acknowledge me!” bit to Brooklyn and got a lot of heat for it. Sikoa welcomed MCMG to SmackDown and told MCMG to acknowledge Sikoa as their Tribal Chief. Sabin introduced MCMG and said they’d wrestle any place, anytime. Sikoa said that was funny and if they wanted to make an “impact” – which was funny – they could have the match now.

Aldis chimed in and said MCMG has given everything to the business and he’d be damned if he’d standby and let … Shelley interrupted Aldis and said Aldis knows more than anyone else what they put into the industry. Shelley said if they want a match right now, they can have it. Aldis asked MCMG if that’s what they want, they said yes and a match was made.

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated The Bloodline (Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa) to win the WWE Tag Team Championship. [7:27]

I love it. I don’t care that the Bloodline nonsense had to happen. I don’t care if it feels too soon. I don’t care if the title change is overshadowed. Sabin and Shelley deserve this and more and to see it happen in real time is almost surreal, especially if you’ve followed them all these years. Goodness, that was a lot of fun. This was a show that had a borderline terrible first hour and a borderline perfect second hour. Pro wrestling, man. There’s nothing like it.

The four guys brawled to begin the match, but Tonga and Loa dropkicked MCMG to take them down. The show went to its final commercial break. The show returned and Tonga was working over Shelley. Loa and Tonga went for a double splash, but Shelley moved and Jimmy Uso appeared to attack Sikoa and Fatu on the outside. Sikoa and Fatu quickly fought back and Roman Reigns’s music hit. Reigns then walked out and gave Fatu a Superman Punch. Reigns, Jimmy, Sikoa and Fatu fought to the back.

Sabin tagged in and Sabin worked over Tonga and hit a shotgun dropkick. The Bloodline fought back and moved the referee in the way of a splash. With the referees out, Tonga and Loa grabbed chairs. Another man in a hoodie appeared and it was Jey Uso. He took out Loga and threw him over the commentary table. Jey then hit Tonga with the chair and landed a spear on Tonga before revealing himself. MCMG set up their finisher, hit it and got the win.

After MCMG made it to the back, Jey was alone in the ring and Jimmy walked back out to the ring. Jimmy and Jey hugged hard in the middle of the ring. Roman stood in the entranceway and watched. Roman looked contemplative as the show went off the air.

Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes best-of-seven series to conclude on next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Andrade and Carmelo Hayes will wrap up their best-of-seven series on next week’s WWE SmackDown.

It was revealed during Friday’s episode that the Andrade-Hayes series will climaz next week with a tie-breaking seventh bout. Additionally, United States Champion LA Knight will be the special guest referee for the bout.

The winner of the Hayes-Andrade series is the logical next challenger for Knight’s US title.

A number one contender’s match for the WWE Tag Team titles is also set for next week. After debuting on this week’s show with a victory, Motor City Machine Guns will battle DIY for the right to challenge for the WWE Tag Team Championship.

In addition to the two matches official for next week, another face-to-face between Crown Jewel opponents Cody Rhodes and Gunther will take place.

The announced card for the Friday, October 25 WWE SmackDown:

  • Best-of-seven series finale: Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes w/LA Knight as special guest referee
  • Number one contender’s match: Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)
  • Cody Rhodes & Gunther face-to-face

United States title match official for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

This Friday night, Carmelo Hayes will attempt to win his first championship on the WWE main roster.

WWE has confirmed that LA Knight vs. Hayes for the United States title will take place on this week’s episode of SmackDown. The show is being held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Hayes is coming off a victory over AJ Styles on SmackDown last Friday. Before the match, Knight told Hayes that he would give him a title shot if he was able to beat Styles. The match ended with Hayes technically winning by referee stoppage after Styles was unable to continue due to injury. Knight then laid out Hayes as he was being announced as the winner.

In addition to going after the U.S. title, Hayes has been involved in a program with Andrade on SmackDown. They’re tied at 3-3 with a seventh match to decide their feud likely on the horizon.

Here’s the updated SmackDown lineup for this week:

WWE SmackDown (Friday, October 11) —

  • Roman Reigns speaks
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defend against NXT’s Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson
  • United States Champion LA Knight defends against Carmelo Hayes

Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes series continues on next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Andrade and Carmelo Hayes will continue their series on next week’s WWE SmackDown.

The sixth bout in the ongoing series between Andrade and Hayes was officially announced for the Friday, September 27 WWE SmackDown during this week’s episode.

Andrade holds a 3-2 edge in the series after claiming the first two matches on July 19 and August 2, then the fifth bout on the September 13 SmackDown. Hayes won two in a row on August 16 and August 30 for his victories in the series.

A number one contender’s match is also set for the September 27 SmackDown.

Bayley and Naomi will go one-on-one next week to determine the number one contender to Nia Jax’s WWE Women’s Championship and will face Jax for the title at Bad Blood on October 5.

Bayley and Naomi teamed on Friday’s SmackDown in a match where the person executing the pinfall would earn the Bad Blood title shot, with both Bayley and Naomi declared the winners in a double pin over Jax. Had Bayley or Naomi taken the pinfall, they would have been forced to leave SmackDown.

The announced lineup for the Friday, September 27 WWE SmackDown:

  • Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes (Andrade leads series 3-2)
  • Number one contender’s match, winner faces Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship at Bad Blood: Bayley vs. Naomi

Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes trilogy matchup set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The rivalry between Andrade and Carmelo Hayes is set to become a trilogy.

WWE has announced that Andrade vs. Hayes III will take place on SmackDown this Friday night. In their first two meetings, Andrade has a 2-0 record. This third match comes after interference by Hayes cost Andrade a United States title number one contender’s bout against Santos Escobar last week.

“You see what happens when you take matters into your own hands? You see what happens when you don’t beg for opportunities like some people? You get exactly what you want,” Hayes said in a social media promo. “And that’s why tomorrow I got exactly what I want — and that’s Melo vs. Andrade III in Orlando.”

Andrade’s two victories against Hayes took place on the July 19 and August 2 episodes of SmackDown. The updated lineup for this Friday’s show is listed below:

WWE SmackDown (Friday, August 16) —

  • Roman Reigns appears
  • Nia Jax WWE Women’s Championship celebration hosted by Tiffany Stratton
  • WWE Tag Team title number one contender’s match: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)
  • Naomi vs. Blair Davenport
  • Kevin Owens vs. Grayson Waller
  • Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes

Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes both eliminated in first-ever WWE Speed draw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Former NXT Champions Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes renewed their rivalry on this week’s episode of WWE Speed.

In the first-ever time limit draw to take place on the show, Dragunov and Hayes wrestled for the full three minutes without a winner being decided. Per the rules, Dragunov and Hayes are both eliminated from the WWE Speed Championship number one contender’s tournament. Baron Corbin earns a bye and will challenge Andrade for the WWE Speed title on the episode that airs on X/Twitter next Wednesday (July 24).

Dragunov vs. Hayes was taped in Worcester, Massachusetts before WWE SmackDown last Friday. Dragunov had the advantage when the three-minute time limit expired. After the match, Hayes kicked him and they needed to be kept apart by officials.

WWE uploaded a post-match promo where Dragunov said he wasn’t all that surprised by the draw, because he knows Hayes is someone who can push him to the limit. The two feuded over the NXT Championship last year in a series of matches against each other.

Hayes also cut a promo saying he knows this won’t be the last time he and Dragunov wrestle.

In the 2024 WWE Draft, Dragunov and Hayes were both called up to the main roster. Dragunov is involved in a program with Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn and Bron Breakker on Raw. Hayes is on SmackDown and recently took part in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

Logan Paul’s return set for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The United States Champion will return to WWE SmackDown on July 19 to answer LA Knight’s SummerSlam challenge.

Logan Paul’s return has officially been announced for the Friday, July 19 SmackDown, where he will presumably answer the SummerSlam challenge issued by LA Knight during this week’s episode. Knight presented a signed contract for a title match against Paul at SummerSlam during Friday’s show, with only Paul’s signature standing in the way of a US title bout for the August 3 pay-per-view in Cleveland.

A one-on-one contest has also been announced for next week’s show.

Following a backstage interaction between the two on this Friday’s episode, Andrade and Carmelo Hayes are set to square off in the ring on the July 19 SmackDown.

The bout will be the first for Hayes since taking part in the Money in the Bank ladder match on July 6, a contest he qualified for by pinning Randy Orton in a triple threat qualifier on the June 21 SmackDown.

The announced card for next week’s show:

  • United States Champion Logan Paul returns
  • Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes

Daily Update: WWE Speed, Carmelo Hayes, new AEW Dynamite match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered in this huge issue:

  • The life and times of Sika Anoa’i, from moving to San Francisco, being a fan at the Cow Palace watching Peter Maivia, to running through territories, going all over the world, to being one of the most legendary tag team champions in WWF history, along with his role in the most famous modern pro wrestling family today as the father of Roman Reigns and uncle of the Usos, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.  We look at the legends, realities and more.
  • A look at WWE’s deal in Indiana and the news behind the scenes on it.
  • We look at the life and career of Jamie Kellner and the death of  WCW, including the last two months of WCW and the strange questions that to this day haven’t been answered.
  • A detailed look at Forbidden Door, the unique match on the undercard, business notes, stories behind the matches and an update on how Double or Nothing ended up doing.
  • A look at the final episode of  Who Killed WCW, why it ultimately was such a major disappointment and a timeline of faulty memories
  • An updated look at WWE coming to Toronto for Money in the Bank and NXT Heatwave, lineups and business.
  • A look at the biggest Fantastica Mania show to date, last week’s show at Arena Mexico
  • A look at the life and career of Taylor Wily, also known as Teila Tuli, the first man to walk the aisle at the first UFC PPV, and the fight that remains etched in history. We look at a life that includes sumo, and being a regular on Hawaii Five-O.
  • The continued drop in homes that air WWE, AEW, and all pro wrestling and MMA programming.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings over the past week, including how wrestling shows did in the weekly standings, how each show did and its placing, comparisons to last year, competition and audience makeup.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hechicero and why it’s a must-see match.
  • A look at one of the biggest weeks of the year in CMLL
  • Notes on the last TripleMania show of the year
  • Breakup of a legendary Stardom faction
  • G1 qualifying tournament and who will miss G1 for the first time since 2007
  • Former WCW wrestler and Japanese Lucha star about to retire
  • One year celebration of the death of Terry Funk talked about for August
  • Death of Louie Tillet, a well known wrestler and booker
  • Very detailed look at the arrest of 2 Cold Scorpio
  • Nick Bollea sentenced for drunk driving arrest last year
  • MLW hiring new name people for production
  • Tony Khan press conference and keys things he talked about
  • Khan again discusses media rights talks
  • Khan talks Shane McMahon
  • Death of German announcer Gunter Zapf, the voice of WWE for a generation, AEW, Lucha Underground and the NFL with notes from those who worked with him.
  • AEW’s first TV taping outside North America
  • Details on AEW expenses broken down for a PPV as well as the percentage of revenue that the talent makes and how it compares with WWE, UFC and other sports.
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • Advanced ticket sales for WWE & AEW events
  • Update on the Cung Le lawsuit
  • Update on Conor McGregor’s fighting again
  • Why UFC is only running one show and never again at The Sphere and why WWE & AEW are unlikely to ever run it.
  • ONE financial breakdown
  • A look at a number of people leaving WWE for different reasons
  • New head writer for SmackDown
  • Daughter of major WWE star trying to make the Olympic team this year
  • WWE house show reports

This Week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • Xavier Woods defeated Nathan Frazer on today’s WWE Speed episode to earn a title shot against Andrade. This Friday, Andrade vs. Woods for the WWE Speed Championship will premiere on X/Twitter at noon Eastern time.
  • Woods cut a promo putting over how much winning the WWE Speed Championship would mean to him:
    • You know your boy does not lose in tournaments. I just became the number one contender for the Speed Championship. Some of you might be wondering what that even means. The Speed Championship is another championship that WWE has to offer. You become champion, you make more money. You become champion, that is how you build your legacy.
    • Yes, I am a tag team specialist. Yes, I am a member of the greatest tag team to ever exist in this industry. Yes – but the problem that I’ve had for years, for 11 years – the 11 years since I’ve been on the main roster, to be exact – is that I have been unable to hold a singles championship.
    • So, for me, this is just not a championship to parade around on Twitter, to parade around in the back and show everybody how cool I am. This is a championship that will help me begin to define my legacy. It’s soon about to be the era of Xavier Woods.
  • On The Pivot podcast, Cody Rhodes was asked about the possibility of turning heel in the future:
    • Being a heel in wrestling, it’s very hard to be a heel today. What is a heel? If a heel is trying to actively take something away that you like, You’ll hear people in wrestling say there is a wrong type of heat. There is truly no such thing as the wrong type of heat, as long as you can manage it. As long as you can take it. Today, people get canceled for everything. Every hour, somebody is getting canceled and uncanceled. A heel’s job is to get canceled. A heel’s job is to not be cool and not sell merch. In wrestling, the term has gotten more identified with The Rock types that aren’t really heels. He’s just The Rock. He’s in a Disney movie. He’s beloved. Watching him is a prime example. You have to really go to lengths to upset people and do something. In this case, he upset them greatly because he was taking away a spot. He was smart enough to know, ‘That’s a good spot to be in.’ Most people are uncomfortable in that spot. Most people don’t want to explore being hated. John Bradshaw Layfield, you couldn’t sell his merch, even in his hometown. If there were JBL shirts, he would go up to the stands personally and make sure they were not there. He was meant to be hated. He wanted you cheering for John (Cena) and Eddie Guerrero. That is a hard ask. There is beauty if you can commit to being a bad guy. It’s a unique space creatively. You have to be really vulnerable, open, and open and blood-hungry in terms of how you are on the microphone. There is a growing sect of fans that want to see that happen for me at some point. If you’re really wishing for that, it’s scorched earth. Then you might be, ‘We don’t like that.’ You have to really go scorched earth, and in 2024, that is hard for anyone to understand. You’re not meant to be cool. You’re not meant to be the next Rock. You’re meant to be a bad guy.
  • In an interview with CBS Sports, Carmelo Hayes said he’s embracing all the opportunities he’s gotten on the main roster so soon after being called up from NXT:
    • I’d be lying if I said it felt new because I feel like they did the same thing when I got to NXT. They immediately put me up against Kushida for the cruiserweight championship, put me against Adam Cole, and put me in the Breakout Tournament.
    • I’ve been put in these high-pressure and sink-or-swim situations for as long as I can remember. I’ve proven every time that I’m a swimmer and I’m worth the opportunities.
  • Boxer Amanda Serrano told Sports Illustrated that she wants to compete in a WWE ring in the future:
    • I’ve always wanted to step into WWE. My nephew’s dream is to become a WWE wrestler, and he’s the one who really got me into this.
    • Testing myself in WWE, that’s something I really want to do. I have so much respect for all the pro wrestlers, especially the women on their roster.
  • Chelsea Green was a guest on Wrestling With Freddie.
  • The Masked Man Show has an interview with Bron Breakker.
  • The Toronto Sun interviewed Sami Zayn.
  • Kevin Owens & Cathy Kelley hosted episode three of The OK Show.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • A trios match with Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Hook facing Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony has been added to tonight’s Dynamite.
  • Tony Khan also announced that Dynamite will have an overrun tonight.
  • Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson spoke to Sports Illustrated about the passion Khan has for AEW: “Tony is very passionate about AEW. We saw that passion during the draft, and the blows in the ring he’s willing to take.”
  • Pederson discussed working with Khan on the Jaguars: “Tony and I work closely together, and he does a lot of the analytical stuff. I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s very passionate about the Jaguars, and he’s a very good resource for our team. I know he’s excited about AEW, but he’s also very excited about Jacksonville, the direction we’re going, and putting us on a winning path.”
  • Willow Nightingale made an appearance on WGN News in Chicago to promote tonight’s Dynamite.
  • After winning the ROH TV title from Kyle Fletcher, CMLL wrestler Atlantis Jr. is now featured on the poster for ROH Death Before Dishonor. The pay-per-view is taking place from Arlington, Texas on Friday, July 26.
  • A Proving Ground match with Wheeler Yuta facing Lee Moriarty will air on ROH television this Thursday night. If Moriarty wins, he earns a future shot at Yuta’s ROH Pure Championship.
  • ROH Tag Team Champions Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs. Metalik & Komander in a Proving Ground match is also set for Thursday’s ROH TV episode. Plus, we’ll hear from Athena & Billie Starkz.
  • MLW announced that Janai Kai will defend her Women’s Featherweight Championship against Gigi Rey at their Blood & Thunder event in St. Petersburg, Florida on Friday, July 12.
  • Violence X Suffering Wrestling promoter Isaac Rodriguez posted a thread on social media alleging that he’s been given “runaround after runaround” while waiting on being paid by Triller TV (the former Fite TV)
    • It’s been MONTHS since our last show & the promotions who make your platform thrive are still waiting on payments. We’re constantly given runaround after runaround w/ zero support team & they dont realize some people depend on iPPV revenue to continue. This is not okay, @FiteTV
    • And it’s not just VxS. I’ve confirmed w/ multiple promoters about not receiving any form of payout since January. This is why companies are moving away to build their own platforms. I feel insulted as a long time creator, user, & hope all creators are eventually taken cared of.

Carmelo Hayes, Kiana James, Baron Corbin called up from NXT in WWE Draft

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

Baron Corbin, who has been in NXT, is also now back on the main roster. He’s been drafted to SmackDown. That’s the opposite brand of his NXT tag team partner Bron Breakker, who was drafted to Raw.

**********

Night one of the 2024 WWE Draft saw two wrestlers from NXT join the main roster.

Carmelo Hayes was drafted to SmackDown, while Kiana James went to Raw. Hayes was taken with the third overall pick in the first round. James was the last pick of the fourth round.

After being drafted, Hayes faced Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes in the main event of SmackDown. Rhodes won the non-title match with Cross Rhodes. The story was that, even though he lost, Hayes earned Rhodes’ respect in the process.

Hayes had one reign as NXT Champion and two reigns as NXT North American Champion during his time with the brand.

Shawn Michaels, who runs NXT, tweeted about Hayes joining SmackDown:

@Carmelo_WWE is a champion in every sense of the word who helped lay the foundation of everything this new era of #WWENXT has become.

#SmackDown just picked up a game changer, and I couldn’t be more proud. #WWEDraft

An interview with James from the WWE Performance Center aired after she was drafted. Michaels appeared and congratulated her on being called up to Raw.

James has played a heel businesswoman character in NXT.

The WWE Draft concludes with night two taking place on Raw this coming Monday. NXT wrestlers are also eligible to be selected that night. It’s expected that former NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov will be among those drafted.

Fight Game: AEW Dynasty preview

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and I are back with another episode of The Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked things off with our discussion on this week’s Dark Side of the Ring episode on Chris Adams, looking at a major unanswered question as well as going through some of the finer details of Adams’ death through Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter bio from 2001.

We then got to the rest of our topics which included:

  • How WWE handled Rhea Ripley’s injury
  • Cody Rhodes’ first WWE title defense
  • Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable in Montreal
  • Trick vs. Melo II
  • AEW Dynasty preview

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)