Tag: dexter lumis

WWE NXT live results: Love Her or Lose Her match

Posted on by Chris Aiken

A Love Her or Lose Her match headlines tonight’s episode of NXT.

Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis will face off in tonight’s main event. If Lumis wins, he’ll be able to date Indi Hartwell. If Gargano wins, Hartwell — who has been infatuated with Lumis for months — will have to stop pursuing a relationship with Lumis.

The first round of the NXT Breakout Tournament will conclude tonight as Trey Baxter faces off with Joe Gacy. Plus, Bobby Fish vs. Roderick Strong, Hit Row (Top Dolla & Ashante “Thee” Adonis) vs. Legado del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde), LA Knight & Cameron Grimes vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans, and the in-ring return of Ridge Holland are set for the episode.

Dakota Kai will also address why she turned against NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez.

Due to a scheduling conflict with the Olympics, NXT will air on Syfy for the second straight week tonight. The show will move back to USA Network next Tuesday.

Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

The show opened with a tag team grudge match.

Hit Row (Ashante “Thee” Adonis & Top Dolla with Isaiah “Swerve” Scott & B-FAB) defeated Legado del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde with Santos Escobar) via disqualification

Santos Escobar interfered by hitting Top Dolla with a chair, causing the DQ. Lame finish, but it led to an angle afterwards. 

Like any grudge match, they started with a brawl. After things settled into a tag match, Top Dolla displayed his strength and power. He manhandled Wilde. The tide turned when Esocbar caused a distraction, and a low bridge by Mendoza sent Adonis crashing to the floor. 

Legado del Fantasma worked over Adonis through a commercial break, inlcuding quick tags and double team moves. Hot tag to Top Dolla, and he cleaned house. Escobar then smacked Top Dolla with a steel folding chair, and the referee called for a DQ.

Escobar continued his assualt after the match. Escobar hit Top Dolla a few more times with the chair, and then Escobar sent Top Dolla crashing into the steps. Legado del Fantasma turned their attention to Isaiah Scott. They held him while Escobar hit Scott with the chair. Escobar then stole Scott’s grill out of his mouth. 

Top Dolla eventually got to his feet, and he was quite angry. B-FAB jumped in to hit Wilde with a chair. Top Dolla struck with a shotgun dropkick on Escobar. Adonis took down Mendoza. Scott also got some revenge as he executed his finisher on Mendoza. The heels soon fled up the ramp, but Escobar still had Scott’s grill.

General Manager William Regal brought a team of security guards to watch over Samoa Joe. Security was supposed to keep Joe and Karrion Kross away from each other until TakeOver. With the history of security teams such as this in pro wrestling, I do not like their chances.

Dexter Lumis was drawing creepy pictures. 

A recap of Ridge Holland hyped his in-ring return that was up next.

Ridge Holland (with Pete Dunne & Oney Lorcan) defeated Ikemen Jiro

Holland pinned Jiro in a glorified squash.

Jiro was basically fed to the monster that is Holland. Jiro did land some strikes with the help of his sports jacket. Holland countered by shoving Jiro over the top rope, and Jiro crashed to ringside. Holland threw Iro into the barricade, and Holland suplexed him when they got back into the ring. ‘

Then came the most dastardly thing Holland could do, he tore Jiro’s sports jacket. Holland tossed the jacket out of the ring. That almost fired up Jiro, but he was suplexed by Holland instead. Holland ended the match with a powerslam, followed by a three count.

Pete Dunne cut a promo after the match on behalf of Holland. Dunne warned Thatcher that Holland will knock his teeth out. That was not very nice.

Franky Monet was upset that she lost last week in a tag match with Jessi Kamea, and she let Robert Stone and Kamea know about it. Monet blamed Stone’s botched interference for the loss. She said Stone and Kamea are used to being “losers,” but Monet does not even know what that word means. Monet said for this group to work, they have to rebuilt in Monet’s image.

Roderick Strong (with Diamond Mine) defeated Bobby Fish

Strong pinned Fish in a pretty darn good match. This match to me felt like it should be a bigger deal than it was here. Nonetheless, Strong looked … well, strong in winning. 

Intense grappling at the outset. As the match went to a picture-in-picture commercial break, Strong was reeling. During the break, Strong gained the upperhand. Fish fought back as the show returned from the break, but Strong struck him down.

Comeback by Fish with a series of kicks. Lots of kicks in fact, including a mule kick. That is a kick that is not done enough in pro wrestling anymore. Bless you Fish. Nevertless, Strong cut off Fish with a backbreaker.

They traded near falls. First Strong got a two count. Fish again came back with a kick, this time a roundhouse that led into a near fall. Fish went for a high risk move off the ropes after being briefly distracted by Diamond Mine, but Fish was instead shoved over the ropes. 

Strong with a jumping knee lift, and Strong followed with a falling backbreaker for a pinfall.

Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson) defeated LA Knight & Cameron Grimes

Drake pinned Grimes to win the bout after it turned into an impromptu two-on-one handicap match. Knight refused to tag in, leaving Grimes to the wolves. Ted DiBiase came to Grimes’ aid after the match.

Knight made Grimes wrestle in his butler’s outfit, and Knigth also made Grimes start the match. Knight soon tagged in when Grimes had Drake under control. Knight was soon getting his butt kicked, and Knight had to tag out. 

Grimes leapt into the ring with a flying crossbody in a butler’s outfit. Blind tag allowed for Drake to waylay Grimes. Heat on Grimes, but he soon created separation. Knight refused to tag in. Grimes was pissed about that. He threw his gloves down in anger, and Grimes took off his coat. He motioned for the GYV to bring it. They brought it, which was a double team.

Grimes made his own comeback. He punted Drake, and he caught Gibson in a running Spanish Fly crossbody for a two count. Grimes signaled for the Cave In, but he was outnumbered. GYV with a double team finisher called the Ticket to Mayhem, and Drake pinne Grimes for the pinfall.

Ted DiBiase walked to ringside after the match, coming to help Grimes. DiBiase told Grimes he had to figure a way out of this situation with Knight. 

Dakota Kai in a vignette explained her turn on Raquel Gonzalez. Ever the heel, Kai blamed Gonzalez for being selfish. Of course, Kai is actually being the selfish one.

Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae cut a promo saying they what is best for Indi Hartwell. Gargano vowed to end In-Dex for good.

Announced for next week on NXT is face-to-face between Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly mediated by William Regal.

Trey Baxter defeated Joe Gacy to advance in the NXT Breakout Tournament

Baxter pinned Gacy clean to win the match. Baxter moves on to the semifinals against Odyssey Jones.

Baxter with a 450 foot stomp before scoring the pinfall. Really good match, albeit short. 

Next came a wacky skit with Io Shirai and Zoey Stark. They went together to a sushi restaurant. Shirai ordered in Japanese. Stark in English said she would have what Shirai ordered. The food came and it looked like squid. Stark was very unsure, but she tried to play it off. She acted like she was eating the food, but Stark spat it into napkicks and threw it on the floor. Stark ate too much wasabi, and it was spicy. Shirai hugged the waitress after she brought them the bill. Stark went for a hug, but Shirai pushed her away and gave her the bill.

Indi Hartwell was lovestruck ahead of the main event. 

NXT Champion Karrion Kross stormed into the CWC, calling out Samoa Joe. Out comes Joe as security tried to hold him back. They were no match for an enraged Samoa Joe. He tossed them aside and stormed into the ring. The security team bunmped and fed into the ring as Joe dismantled them one-by-one. He chocked one dude out, and Joe glared a hole through a camera. Joe let out a primal yell before leaving the ring.

A “Prime Target” video package hyped the upcoming title match with WALTER defending the NXT UK Championship agiainst Ilja Dragunov at TakeOver 36. Gerat stuff.

NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida said he would give Roderick Strong a shot at the title.

NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez “breaks her silence” next week on NXT. Also announced for the show is Ember Moon vs. Sarray in a first time match. In additon, Ilja Dragunov will be in the CWC. Plus, already announced for next week is face-to-face with Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly.

Johnny Gargano defeated Dexter Lumis in a “Love Her or Lose Her” match

Gargano pinned Lumis, but Lumis and Hartwell got together in the end. Go figure. That is reneging on stipulation in record time.

Indi Hartwell came out to ringside during the match. Lumis went underneath the ring at one piont. Hartwell went under the ring after him. Candice LeRae came ringside. She and Gargano dragged Hartwell out from under the ring. Hartwell was also holding on to Lumis, so he was dragged out also. An enchanted moment broken up by a Gargano punt to Lumis’ ribs.

The match went through a picture-in-picture commercial break. Meanwhile, Gargano retrieved his headband that had fallen off earlier in the match. Gargano also dashed a hope spot from Lumis.

Comeback by Lumis after the show returned from the break. Bump and feed by Gargano, and Lumis was on fire. Gargano cut him off, and he executed a tope suicida. Lumis countered a slingshot spear, and Lumis used a slingshot Falcon Arrow.

Lumis leapt off the top rope, but no water in the pool. Lumis ate a superkick for a near fall. Gargano was soon countered, and he was down prone on the mat. Lumis signaled to Hartwell that he was going for an elbow drop off the top rope. Gargano rolled out of the way, and Lumis missed a springboard flying elbow. 

Gargano applied his crossface submission finisher, but Lumis got a rope break. Hartwell got on the apron, distracting Gargano. Lumis with a school boy roll-up for two. When Gargano kicked out, that sent Lumis crashing into Hartwell. She was knocked off the apron into the arms of LeRae. Lumis went outside the ring to check on Hartwell, and Gargano caught Lumis with a swinging DDT on the floor. Gargano followed up with One Final Beat, and Gargano covered Lumis for a pinfall.

Gargano and LeRae tried to make Hartwell leave with them. Hartwell turned away from them, and she dashed into the ring. Hartwell tackled Lumis with a Thesz press, and then she and Lumis embraced with a kiss. Ol’ Lou never did that after when he did a press. Hartwell and Lumis made out for awhile. And they all lived happily ever after … at least until next week.

‘Love Her or Lose Her match’ to headline next week’s WWE NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A “Love Her or Lose Her match” will headline next week’s episode of NXT.

WWE has announced that Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis will face off on NXT next Tuesday. The stipulation is that, if Lumis wins, he’ll be able to date Indi Hartwell. If Gargano wins, Hartwell has to stop pursuing a relationship with Lumis.

In storyline, Hartwell has been infatuated with Lumis for months. She proposed the “Love Her or Lose Her match” during a backstage segment with Gargano and Candice LeRae on tonight’s NXT. Gargano and LeRae were upset after Hartwell received a drawing from Lumis as a gift. The drawing had Lumis included as part of The Way with Hartwell, Gargano, and LeRae.

Next Tuesday’s NXT will again air on Syfy due to a scheduling conflict with the Olympics. NXT will then move back to USA Network the following week.

Here’s the full list of what’s been announced for next week’s NXT:

  • Love Her or Lose Her match: Johnny Gargano vs. Dexter Lumis
  • NXT Breakout tournament first-round match: Trey Baxter vs. Joe Gacy
  • Bobby Fish vs. Roderick Strong
  • Hit Row (Top Dolla & Ashante “Thee” Adonis) vs. Legado del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde)

WWE NXT live results: TakeOver In Your House fallout

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Change could be coming to NXT starting with tonight’s TakeOver: In Your House fallout episode.

At the end of Sunday’s TakeOver event, NXT general manager William Regal said he thinks it’s “time for a change.” Regal said he’s been GM for seven years and has never seen this much bedlam. Regal called it complete madness.

In the lead-up to TakeOver, NXT Champion Karrion Kross accused Regal of having lost control of NXT. There were also multiple brawls that broke out on the day of TakeOver.

Tonight, Regal will address the future of NXT.

Kross retained his NXT Championship by defeating Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, Johnny Gargano, and Adam Cole in a fatal five-way match in the main event of TakeOver.

Raquel Gonzalez also retained her NXT Women’s Championship against Ember Moon at TakeOver, NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed & NXT Tag Team Champions MSK won a winner-take-all six-man tag match against Legado del Fantasma, LA Knight defeated Cameron Grimes in a ladder match to become the new Million Dollar Champion, and Xia Li defeated Mercedes Martinez before Martinez got into a confrontation with Mei Ying.

On tonight’s show, Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher will face The Grizzled Young Veterans in a tornado tag match. NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida will also issue an open challenge, Gonzalez & Dakota Kai will take on Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro, Imperium will face Breezango, Io Shirai will appear, and there will be a Million Dollar Coronation for Knight.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

The show opened with a canned intro recapping TakeOver: In Your House from this past Sunday. 

William Regal is kicking off the show with a serious look on his face. Seemingly holding back tears, an emotional Regal talked about being in NXT since the beginning. He did commentary. and called the first TakeOver. Trying to maintain his composure, Regal fought back tears as he talks of NXT success over the years. 

Regal went on to mention the shows overseas, including his hometown in Blackpool where his nieces sat with him at a show. Regal was tearing up, but he composed himself enough to keep going. He thanked the fans for NXT being able to travel around the country. 

With what he called “chaos” lately, Regal says he has given everything he could give. Regal went on to say he is not capable of giving the audience or the staff what they deserve. Suddenly, NXT Champion Karrion Kross’ theme song blared over the speakers. Kross and Scarlett interrupted Regal’s speech to confront him in the ring.

Kross said he and Scarlett knew this day would come, but they didn’t know when. Kross proceeded to bully Regal, and he asked Regal if he was crying. For that Kross called him “completely pathetic.” Kross knew Regal was losing control of NXT. Kross said he “punched a whole through the Mount Rushmore of NXT,” and Regal knew Kross could control NXT through violence and chaos. What? 

Kross wanted Regal to say it. Tell these people you are leaving, then “walk your ass up that aisle and never come back.” Kross ordered Regal to say Kross was right. “Say Kross conquers all!”

Enter Samoa Joe

The first few bars of Samoa Joe’s theme song rang throughout the CWC, and business was about to pick up. Kross stared in disbelief. Joe, wearing a fly blue suit, confronted Kross in the ring as the crowd chanted “Joe… Joe… Joe!”

Joe said Regal wanted to speak with him. Regal responded by saying he wanted Regal to be the new General Manager of NXT. Joe answered “absolutely not,” and he explained why. Joe said Regal brought the best talent to NXT. Joe said Regal made NXT and international phenomenon in the seven years Regal ran the promotion. 

Glaring a hole through Kross, Joe said he would make sure everybody respected Regal. Joe was apparently wanting to work with Regal to help him. Regal said that was interesting, but there were conditions. Joe could not be a comepetitor, and he “cannot lay a hand on anyone,” Regal said before adding, “unless provoked.” Joe said he accepted the conditions.

Joe got in the face of Kross asked what he was still doing in this ring. “Tick tock, young champion,” Joe said to Kross. The champion left the ring, and the crowd in the CWC sang the “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” song as Kross and Scarlett leave.

Grizzled Young Veterans cut a promo on Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher ahead of their tornado tag match.

Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango) defeated Imperium (Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner)

Breeze pinned Aichner with a small package. Imperium then jumped Breeze after the bell.

The match was rolling along, and Breeze missed a plancha. Fandango then went flying over the ropes with tope con giro. Imperium with a distraction was able to trip up Fandango, but Fandango fought back.

The match went through a commercial break, and Imperium was getting heat on Fandango when the show returned from the break. Hot tag to Breeze, but he was soon mowed down by a lariat from Aicher. Breeze was still able to trap Aichner in a small package for a three count.

Imperium attack Breeze after the bell. They lay him out, and they “bury” him under an Imperium banner flag. 

Samoa Joe chokes out Adam Cole in backstage angle

To the back! Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly were having a pull apart brawl. Regal yelled at them they could settle this at The Great American Bash. Cole and O’Reilly still tied up again in a brawl. Samoa Joe stepped in to separate them. Cole shoved Joe aside, which apparently is provocation. Joe took off his suit jacket, and he proceeded to choke out Cole. Joe left them limp on the concrete. Joe said to tell Cole when he wakes up that Regal expects his decision.

Kushida defeated Trey Baxter for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship

Kushida submitted Baxter with a Hoverboard Lock. Why do people debut on WWE TV only to lose? 

Trey Baxter is the WWE name for “All Heart” Blake Christian. He was able to keep the “All Heart” nickname. Tonight he debuted on NXT to answer Kushida’s open challenge. A vignette before the match hyped his debut. He looked cool. Too bad he lost.

They built to Baxter doing a Fosbury Flop to the outside. Kyle O’Reilly walked down to ringside as the show cut to commercial. Kushida with a comeback after the break, but Baxter cut him off with a cool flip into a kick. 

They traded strikes, and Baxter is rocked by a right hand. Bazter still managed to catch Kushida in a running Spanish Fly. Baxter sprinboarded into a 450 splash for a close near fall. O’Reilly nodded seemingly in approval.

Kushida caught Baxter in a Kimura while both were perched on the ropes. Kushida then leapt off the ropes to deliver an avalanche shoulder breaker. Following up with a punt to the shoulder, Kushida applied the Hoverboard Lock. Baxter tapped out.

O’Reilly challenged Kushida after the match to a bout next week on NXT. Kushida accepted the challenge, so the match is set for next Tuesday.

Franky Monet in a backstage interview said next week would be the encore performance of her world premiere. Presley was also there. He’s such a good boy.

LA Knight turns on Ted DiBiase during Million Dollar Coronation

Ted DiBiase entered the CWC soundstage. The Million Dollar Championship belt was on display in the ring. DiBiase threw to a hype video featuring LA Knight. Arriving to the building in a fancy sports car, Knight sauntered to the ring with a cigar in his mouth.

Knight wanted to talk, and the crowd booed him. Knight told DiBiase that not often in life you can meet your heroes, much less share the ring with them. Knight can barely describe what he is feeling now that he carrying on DiBiase’s legacy. Knight is banged up, but it means the world to him being here. Had had DiBiase’s action figure, and came with the belt. Now Knight has the title.

Knight told DiBiase it would be an honor if DiBiase crowned him the new Million Dollar Champion. DiBiase said he would be glad to, and he draped the belt over Knight’s shoulder. They shook hands and pyro went off. DiBiase did his signature laugh.

Taking the Million Dollar Championship belt off his shoulder, Knight look down at it in his hands. Now that he has everything he wanted, Knight said he “it’s time to drop what I don’t need.” Knight then decked DiBiase with a punch. The right hand dropped DiBiase. Knight went to leave, but he turned back to attack DiBiase once again. Knight stomped and kicked DiBiase.

Knight was putting the boots to DiBiase when Cameron Grimes ran down to make a save. Grimes cleaned house and cleared the ring of Knight. Grimes screamed at Knight that he had crossed a line.

In a backstage interview, NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez and her tag team partner, Dakota Kai, indicated they were after a shot at the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. After a commercial break, Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart confronted Gonzalez & Kai near Gorilla Position. Samoa Joe and William Regal tried to keep the teams apart. In between was a teaser with the icon of a charging cellphone battery. 

NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai defeated Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro

Kai pinned Catanzaro to win the match. 

Heat on Catanzaro as the match went through a commercial break. Hot tag to Carter, and she ran wild with a flurry of offense. Carter was soon cut off by Gonzalez, and a sidewalk slam by Gonzalez led to a two count.

Doube team by Kai & Gonzalez, and another near fall. This time Catanzaro jumped in to break up the count. Catanzaro & Carter with double team moves on Kai. They concluded with Carter giving Kai a neckbreaker as Catanzaro flipped into a 450 splash. Catanzaro then covered Kai for a near fall where Gonzalez dragged Catanzaro out of the ring to break the count. Gonzalez also smashed Carter into the barricade.

Kai with a drapping GTS on Catanzaro, and Kai covered her for a pinfall.

Ever-Rise cut a promo on Hit Row. I guess this was supposed to be comedy and serious at the same time. It was neither.

Cole vs. O’Reilly was officially announced for The Great American Bash on July 6th.

Announced for next week on NXT is O’Reilly vs. Kushida (presuambly in a non-title match). Adam Cole is also “in action” next Tuesday.

Candice LeRae confronts Io Shirai

During an in-ring promo, Io Shirai was about to talk about her next target when she was interrupted by Candice LeRae. According to LeRae, a lot has changed in NXT since Shirai was last here. Shirai rolled her eyes when LeRae said she was no longer an uncrowned champion. LeRae is, of course, one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions. 

LeRae said one thing that has not changed is LeRae still cannot stand her. LeRae said Shirai picked the wrong time to screw with her. Indi Hartwell in sneak attack jumped Shirai, and LeRae soon joined in. They were attacking Shirai when Shirai fired up on them. Shirai gave Hartwell a Tiger Feint Kick, and Shirai went to follow up with a springboard. LeRae blocked Shirai’s attempt, and LeRae pulled Shirai off the apron. 

The attack on Shirai continued with Hartwell clearing off an announce desk. LeRae put Shirai on the desk, and LeRae ordered Hartwell to give Shirai an elbow drop. Zoey Stark ran in to make a save. Stark brawled with LeRae and Hartwell, and Stark sent The Way packing as they fled the scene. Looks like a tag team match is coming soon. Babyface saves seem to be a theme tonight.

Cut to outside the building where McKenzie Mitchell interviews William Regal and Samoa Joe as they are leaving the CWC. Mitchell remarks that “it seems like order is being restored in NXT.” What show is she watching? There was a wild brawl moments ago. There were even brawls throughout the night. A legend was assaulted in an unprovoked  attack. There is chaos everywhere. And why are Regal and Joe leaving before the show is over? Who’s running things when they leave? Not only do we not get answers to those questions, we get no answers at all! None. No explanation. Regal began to speak, and the director cut away to Ciampa & Thatcher heading to the ring. What in the flying heck was that?

After a commercial break, Mitchell was back with Joe and Regal. Now they were back inside the building. Regal was about to speak when he was interrupted by Johnny Gargano and Austin Theory. Imagine that, heels interrupting someone on this show. Has to be a first.

Gargano thanked Joe for being in NXT, and Gargano said it was good Joe was here. Joe asked Gargano if he could do him a favor, and Gargano said sure. Joe said very sternly, Get out!” Gargano left without any further incident. Pete Dunne then entered the scene, and he had a staredown with Joe.

Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher defeated Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake and Zack Gibson) in a tornado tag match

Drake tapped out after a double team submission. Easily the best match on the show.

They started by brawling during the ring introductions when Thatcher & Ciampa attacked Grizzled Young Veterans. Drake & Gibson still had their jackets on when Ciampa & Thatcher applied arm bar submission holds. Grizzled Young Veterans escaped the holds. They took their jackets off, and they turned the tables on Ciampa & Thatcher. 

Wild brawling with everybody jumping in and out of the action. Grizzled Young Veterans looked to gain an advantage. They double teamed Thatcher. Drake & Gibson began to work him over, but Ciampa is soon back in the ring to clean house. The fight spilled out to the floor, and Ciampa was wrecking shop on Grizzled Young Veterans. 

Thatcher soon joined in the fun as he and Ciampa delivered a series of charging uppercuts. The fighting continues through a commercial break, and the bedlam goes on. Grizzled Young Veterans were again double teaming Thatcher after the break.

Thatcher was trapped in a submission hold, but Ciampa jumped in to break it up. Ciampa was then double teamed, and Grizzled Young Veterans set up for a Doomsday Device. It was Thatcher turn to make a save, which allowed Ciampa to exdecute a Super Air Raid Crash for a near fall.

One highspot might have gone awry. Gibson was on the floor with Ciampa in an electric chair. Drake with dive through the ropes on Ciampa, and Ciamp sold like he was out. Drake screamed out in pain like he hurt something.

Drake was able to get back into the match moments later, and Drake made a save to break up a pinning attempt. Ciampa also jumped in to break up a pin. Grizzled Young Veterans looked to put Ciampa through the announce desk. They propped the table’s particle board cover on the desk, and they slammed Ciampa through the particle board.

The Vets went to put Ciampa through a table, but Drake had to get back into the ring to fight with Thatcher. Ciampa countered Gibson, and Ciampa dropped Gibson on the desk with an Air Raid Crash. The desk did not fold up on impact.

Drake was yelling at Ciampa to get back into the ring. Unbeknownst to Drake, Thatcher was stalking him. Double team chops by Thatcher & Ciampa. Fairy Tale Ending by Ciampa, and Thatcher applied an ankle lock. Ciampa also jumped on Drake to apply an armbar at the same time. Drake tapped out.

To the back! McKenzie Mitchell is again trying to interview Samoa Joe and William Regal. They stuck around for the end of the show after all. “I think things are going to be a little different around here,” Regal said. “Night one of many,” Joe said. “Shall we?” Then they left. Turn off the lights on your way out, kids. See y’all next week.

Dexter Lumis vs. LA Knight announced for WWE NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dexter Lumis is set to face off with the person who eliminated him from NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver’s Gauntlet Eliminator match.

WWE has announced that Lumis vs. LA Knight will take place on Tuesday’s episode of NXT. It will be the second NXT episode since the show moved to Tuesday nights.

In the Gauntlet Eliminator match at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night one, Knight pinned Lumis as Lumis had his Silence choke locked on Cameron Grimes. Knight taunted Lumis and then turned around into a knee strike from Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. Grimes slammed Knight, then Bronson Reed hit a senton on Knight and pinned him. After Knight was eliminated, Lumis put him in the Silence choke outside of the ring.

Reed won the Gauntlet Eliminator match at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night one and then unsuccessfully challenged for Johnny Gargano’s NXT North American Championship at night two.

On this week’s NXT, Lumis, Reed, Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon defeated The Way (Gargano, Austin Theory, Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell) in an eight-person tag team main event. Lumis carried Hartwell out during the match, but she returned to The Way during an interview that WWE uploaded after the show.

Here’s the updated lineup for Tuesday’s NXT:

  • Kyle O’Reilly makes his first appearance since defeating Adam Cole in their unsanctioned match at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver
  • Sarray debuts
  • Dexter Lumis vs. LA Knight

Participants set for NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver Gauntlet Eliminator

Posted on by Joseph Currier

We now know the six wrestlers who will be taking part in the Gauntlet Eliminator match at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver.

LA Knight, Dexter Lumis, Cameron Grimes, Bronson Reed, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, and Leon Ruff will face off in the Gauntlet Eliminator match at night one of TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. The winner of that match will challenge for Johnny Gargano’s NXT North American Championship at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two.

An 11-man battle royal on tonight’s NXT determined which six wrestlers would advance to the Gauntlet Eliminator match. Knight won the battle royal and will enter the Gauntlet Eliminator last. Ruff will enter the Gauntlet Eliminator first, followed by Scott, Reed, Grimes, Lumis, and Knight.

The Gauntlet Eliminator match will begin with Ruff and Scott in the ring. Every three minutes, a new entrant will be added. Eliminations can occur via pinfall or submission.

Tonight’s battle royal was originally supposed to feature 12 wrestlers, but there was a storyline where Roderick Strong left the building after losing to Grimes earlier in the night. Jake Atlas, Tyler Rust, Austin Theory, Pete Dunne, and Kushida also took part in tonight’s battle royal and were the first five wrestlers eliminated. Dunne and Kushida will face off in a singles match at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night one.

Night one of TakeOver: Stand & Deliver is taking place on Wednesday, April 7. It will air live on the USA Network and will also be simulcast live on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network everywhere else. Night two is taking place on Thursday, April 8 and will be live on Peacock in the United States and live on the WWE Network everywhere else.

Here are the updated cards for TakeOver: Stand & Deliver:

TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night one —

  • NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defends against Raquel Gonzalez
  • NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER defends against Tommaso Ciampa
  • Triple threat match for the vacant NXT Tag Team titles: MSK (Wes Lee & Nash Carter) vs, The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) vs. Legado Del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde)
  • Gauntlet Eliminator match to determine NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano’s challenger for TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two (Leon Ruff, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Bronson Reed, Cameron Grimes, Dexter Lumis, and LA Knight are the Gauntlet Eliminator participants)
  • Pete Dunne vs. Kushida

TakeOver: Stand & Deliver night two —

  • NXT Champion Finn Balor defends against Karrion Kross
  • Unsanctioned match: Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly
  • Ladder match to determine undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Champion: Jordan Devlin vs. Santos Escobar
  • NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano defends against the winner of the Gauntlet Eliminator match from night one
  • NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon defend against Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell

Johnny Gargano vs. Dexter Lumis set for WWE NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

North American Champion Johnny Gargano is set for non-title action on this week’s episode of NXT.

WWE has announced that a non-title match with Gargano facing Dexter Lumis will take place on NXT this Wednesday night. Gargano retained his North American Championship against Kushida at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day earlier this month, but Austin Theory was abducted by Lumis as The Way (Gargano, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Theory) were coming out to the ring.

WWE followed up on the abduction angle with The Way looking for Theory on NXT last Wednesday. A white van was shown arriving during LeRae & Hartwell’s match against Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon on the episode. Gargano went outside and approached the van and then returned with Theory, which led to Moon pinning Hartwell as she was distracted. In a post-show interview, Theory said he thought he was on vacation for three days during the time that he was abducted.

Here’s the updated lineup for this week’s NXT:

  • After turning against Kyle O’Reilly and attacking NXT Champion Finn Balor, Adam Cole explains his actions
  • No DQ match: Karrion Kross vs. Santos Escobar
  • Non-title match: NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano vs. Dexter Lumis
  • Xia Li vs. Kacy Catanzaro

Blackheart vs. LeRae, Gargano vs. Lumis added to WWE NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Two new matches have been added to the lineup for tonight’s episode of NXT.

WWE has announced that Shotzi Blackheart vs. Candice LeRae will take place on NXT tonight. NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano (w/ Austin Theory) will also face Dexter Lumis in a non-title match on tonight’s show.

Lumis was the host of NXT New Year’s Evil last Wednesday. After Blackheart and Kushida interrupted a celebration for Gargano breaking his title defense curse, Lumis made a mixed tag team match where Kushida & Blackheart defeated Gargano & LeRae.

Gargano broke his title defense curse by retaining the North American Championship against Leon Ruff on NXT two weeks ago.

Blackheart and LeRae were the captains for the women’s WarGames match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames last month. LeRae, Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez & Toni Storm defeated Blackheart, Ember Moon, Rhea Ripley & NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai.

Here’s the updated list of announced matches for tonight’s NXT:

  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic first round match: Undisputed Era (Adam Cole & Roderick Strong vs. Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango)
  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic first round match: Ever-Rise (Chase Parker & Matt Martel) vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake)
  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic first round match: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott & Jake Atlas vs. MSK
  • Shotzi Blackheart vs. Candice LeRae
  • Non-title match: NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano (w/ Austin Theory) vs. Dexter Lumis

MSK is a new tag team debuting in the Dusty Classic. WWE hasn’t revealed who MSK are.

The full bracket for 2021 men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic was announced earlier today.

Lumis to host NXT New Year’s Evil, Kross vs. Priest set

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has made two new announcements for NXT New Year’s Evil.

The New Year’s Evil episode of NXT is taking place on Wednesday, January 6 and will air live on the USA Network at 8 p.m. Eastern time. It was announced on tonight’s NXT that Dexter Lumis will be the host of New Year’s Evil. Later in the night, it was also confirmed that Karrion Kross vs. Damian Priest will take place at New Year’s Evil.

For the first time since suffering a separated shoulder and having to relinquish the NXT Championship this August, Kross returned to in-ring action on tonight’s NXT. After demolishing Desmond Troy, Kross looked into the camera and issued a challenge to Priest.

Kross appeared on NXT last week, attacked Priest, and put him through a table. Priest had insulted Scarlett and Kross earlier in the night after Kyle O’Reilly, Pete Dunne, Priest, and Scarlett all confronted NXT Champion Finn Balor.

Lumis was shown sketching a picture throughout tonight’s NXT, with it being revealed that he was drawing the New Year’s Evil logo with him as the host of the show.

Lumis defeated Cameron Grimes in a strap match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames earlier this month.

New Year’s Evil will also feature Balor defending his NXT Championship against O’Reilly. O’Reilly defeated Dunne on NXT tonight to become the number one contender to Balor’s title.

WWE adds two matches to NXT TakeOver: WarGames

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has added two new matches to the card for NXT TakeOver: WarGames.

The North American Championship will be on the line at TakeOver: WarGames as Leon Ruff defends his title against Johnny Gargano and Damian Priest in a triple threat match. Dexter Lumis and Cameron Grimes will also face off in a strap match at TakeOver.

The North American Championship match was announced after Gargano and then Priest interrupted a KO Show segment with Ruff as the guest on NXT tonight. Ruff shockingly won the title on NXT two weeks ago after getting help from Priest distracting Gargano.

Ruff and Gargano faced off in a rematch last week, but the match ended in a disqualification when Priest punched Ruff so Gargano wouldn’t be able to win the title back. Ruff wasn’t happy with Priest treating him like a joke. He slapped Priest and later got the better of a three-way brawl with Gargano and Priest.

Lumis and Grimes have previously faced each other in a Haunted House of Terror match and a blindfold match. Grimes defeated Jake Atlas on NXT tonight, but Lumis appeared after the match and taunted Grimes. Lumis pulled a strap out and threw it toward Grimes.

Here’s the updated card for TakeOver:

  • WarGames match: Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish) vs. Team McAfee (Pat McAfee, Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch)
  • WarGames match: Team Shotzi (Shotzi Blackheart and three partners to be announced) vs. Team Candice (Candice LeRae; Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez & Toni Storm)
  • NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff defends his title against Johnny Gargano and Damian Priest in a triple threat match
  • Strap match: Dexter Lumis vs. Cameron Grimes

Blindfold match, Moon & Storm vs. Kai & Gonzalez added to WWE NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has announced two additions to the card for tonight’s episode of NXT.

Dexter Lumis and Cameron Grimes will face off in a blindfold match on tonight’s show. Ember Moon & Toni Storm will also team up against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez in a tag match tonight.

This will be the first time Lumis and Grimes have faced each other since Lumis won their Haunted House of Terror match at Halloween Havoc last month. On last week’s NXT, Timothy Thatcher defeated Lumis after Grimes got involved in the match. Grimes then temporarily blinded Lumis by putting a burlap sack over his head. Grimes beat Lumis down, placed him on a chair, and gave him a double stomp.

Moon and Storm both returned to NXT at TakeOver 31 last month. In her first match after returning, Moon teamed with Rhea Ripley to defeat Kai & Gonzalez. But Kai defeated Moon in a singles match  two weeks ago after a brief distraction by Gonzalez.

Candice LeRae defeated Storm on NXT last week. LeRae put her feet on the ropes for leverage to get the pin.

Here’s the updated lineup for tonight’s NXT:

  • NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai defends her title against Rhea Ripley
  • NXT North American Champion Leon Ruff defends his title against Johnny Gargano
  • Dexter Lumis vs. Cameron Grimes in a blindfold match
  • Ember Moon & Toni Storm vs. Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez
  • NXT Champion Finn Balor makes his return and will address the future of the NXT Championship

This will be Balor’s first appearance since he underwent surgery for a broken jaw last month.

WWE announces two matches for next week’s NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Coming out of Halloween Havoc, two matches are set for next week’s episode of NXT.

WWE announced tonight that Tommaso Ciampa vs. Velveteen Dream and Ember Moon vs. Dakota Kai will take place on NXT next Wednesday. Promos by Ciampa and Moon building up their matches for next week aired on Halloween Havoc tonight.

Ciampa has been feuding with Dream since Dream interrupted his match against Kushida earlier this month and accidentally hit Ciampa. Kushida defeated Ciampa and Dream in a triple threat match on NXT last week. After Dream hit Ciampa with the cast on his arm, Kushida gave Ciampa a German suplex and pinned him to get the win.

In his promo on tonight’s NXT, Ciampa spoke about taking back what fate took away from him and getting back to the top of NXT. Ciampa said that starts with Dream. Ciampa called Dream a 25-year-old prodigy who can’t seem to get out of his own way. Ciampa said if you hit him with a cast once, shame on you. If you hit him with a cast twice, you’re a dead man.

Moon defeated Jessi Kamea on NXT last week but was attacked by Kai after. Moon had previously teamed with Rhea Ripley to defeat Kai & Raquel Gonzalez. Moon pinned Kai in that tag match after hitting her with The Eclipse.

Moon said during her promo on NXT tonight that Kai stepping up is exactly what she wanted. When Moon left NXT, Kai was afraid of her own shadow. But Moon said Kai is now one of the best in the world. Moon said Kai has a pretty sick kick, but she isn’t going to like this receipt.

Haunted House of Terror match added to NXT Halloween Havoc

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A Halloween-themed stipulation match is the latest addition to NXT’s Halloween Havoc lineup.

It was announced on tonight’s NXT that Dexter Lumis and Cameron Grimes will face off in a “Haunted House of Terror’ match at Halloween Havoc next Wednesday. The details of the stipulation haven’t been revealed.

Grimes interfered in last week’s main event and helped cost Lumis an NXT North American Championship match against Damian Priest. Priest laid out Grimes with The Reckoning after the match.

After being out of action since July due to an ankle injury, Lumis returned to NXT television three weeks ago. Lumis appeared in a backstage segment where he stared at Grimes. Grimes called Lumis a freak and told him to get out of his face. The following week, Lumis defeated Austin Theory but was laid out by a double stomp from Grimes after.

Three other matches have also been announced for next Wednesday’s Halloween Havoc episode of NXT: Io Shirai vs. Candice LeRae for the NXT Women’s Championship, Priest vs. Johnny Gargano for the NXT North American Championship, and Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Gonzalez.

Shotzi Blackheart will be the host of Halloween Havoc. She announced last week that Shirai vs. LeRae and Priest vs. Gargano will have stipulations determined by Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal. Coal miner’s glove on a pole match, blindfold match, casket match, Chamber of Horrors, biker’s chain match, buried alive match, devil’s playground match, boiler room brawl, Shotzi’s choice, weapons wild match, trick or street fight, and TLS (tables, ladders, and scares) match are the stipulation options listed on the wheel.

WWE announces North American title match for NXT

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The North American Championship will be on the line on NXT this Wednesday night.

In a tweet posted by William Regal tonight, WWE announced that Damian Priest will defend his North American Championship against Dexter Lumis on this week’s episode of NXT: “I have been extremely impressed with @ArcherOfInfamy as of late, and as a fighting champion, he should welcome all challengers. @DexterLumis was unfortunately injured before his last opportunity … but he’ll have it tomorrow night! Lumis vs Priest for the #NXTNATitle! #WWENXT”

Priest won the North American title in a five-way ladder match at NXT TakeOver XXX this August. Lumis had originally qualified for the ladder match but was removed after suffering an ankle injury.

Lumis returned to NXT two weeks ago during a backstage segment where he stared at Cameron Grimes as Grimes was looking for Regal. Grimes called Lumis a freak and told him to get out of his face. Last week, Lumis defeated Austin Theory after answering Theory’s open challenge. Grimes then laid out Lumis with a double stomp after the match.

Priest has had successful title defenses against Timothy Thatcher and Johnny Gargano since becoming North American Champion.

Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong & Bobby Fish is also set for this week’s NXT. The winning team will become the number one contenders to Breezango’s NXT Tag Team titles.

Lumis out of NXT North American title ladder match, new matches set

Posted on by Josh Nason

On Wednesday’s edition of NXT, General Manager William Regal announced that Dexter Lumis is out of the vacant North American title ladder match at Takeover XXX.

The reason given was that Lumis sustained an ankle injury at the hands of Timothy Thatcher in last week’s qualifying match. Lumis submitted Thatcher with his Silence choke to win the match as Thatcher had Finn Balor in a leglock.

Regal said that due to complaints from Johnny Gargano and Balor that they didn’t directly lose in their respective qualifying matches, he is booking two matches for the Wednesday, August 19th NXT involving the four men that didn’t get beat in the qualifying matches. The winners of those two singles matches will get two of the remaining three spots.

Balor, Gargano, and Ridge Holland are three of the men with the fourth to be decided next week as Kushida vs. Cameron Grimes vs. TBA will square off for the other spot.

Thus far, Bronson Reed and Damian Priest have qualified for the five man match.

Daily Update: Cole-McAfee, Dexter Lumis, Fight Island

Posted on by F4W Staff

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WON NEWSLETTER: August 3, 2020 Observer Newsletter: WWE has most profitable quarter ever

The most in-depth look at WWE business is the focal point of this week’s double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

WWE set an all-time record for profits even while having no revenue from arena shows or live event merchandise. We go through the key places the cost savings came from and how reliant the company is now on television money.  We also have notes on investors grilling Vince McMahon about the declining ratings and the firing of Paul Heyman and his responses.

The new issue also covers:

Huge growth in June of the WWE Network, the reasons it happened, and whether or not it’s sustainable. We give a realistic reason for the growth as well as a WWE-speak version. We look at the change in marketing strategy and the early returns from this change; We look at where analysts were wrong about profitability, how the stock price rose, and why the rising level wasn’t that much because of many analysts long-term concern and why.

The difference in tax rate, current market value of the company, why the big talent cuts played no part in these profits and how the profits should go once that talent that was let go is no longer being paid.

What the company is now talking about doing with all the extra cash on hand because the pandemic greatly helped short-term business.

Where the stock price really should be based on the sure-fire profits through 2024, and why it’s still much lower. We also look at the Raw and Smackdown numbers for quarter two, how they compare to last year, and break through  just the numbers to look at the impact of wrestling on the USA Network both last year and this year.

More changes in the WWE Network strategy, updates on WrestleMania in Los Angeles, how soon Vince McMahon thinks before ratings turn around, building new stars, Vince’s reason why AEW numbers are holding up better than Raw or Smackdown, safety measures, and even the WWE Hall of Fame.

The health of Antonio Inoki and look at his disease.

The merger of several Japanese companies and what it really means.

We also look at long-term WWE stock analysis.

Update on Rey Mysterio and WWE, WWE hires a new major executive from NBC, Update on people furloughed, departure of Kairi Sane, constant booking plan changes, Randy Orton talks philosophy of wrestling, Lance Storm talks his own status, Xavier Woods wants non-wrestling gig, Kurt Angle talks his retirement, where wrestlnig stands in sports ratings, update on U.K. ratings, strange Bruce Prichard/Nick Aldis story, return of Kyle O’Reilly as well as the most watched shows on the WWE Network.

A feature on Regis Philbin and his long association with pro wrestling. We look at where it started, where it didn’t take place, how Philbin started using WWF talent and what segment nearly ended it.

New Japan’s Sengoku Lord show with match-by-match coverage, business notes, poll results and star ratigns. We also look at the history of pro wrestling at Jingu Stadium, why New Japan booked a stadium show with such little advance time, the creation of the new KOPW title, and the famous world champion vs world champion match at the stadium in 1994.

This past week’s UFC show, the final event of the Abu Dhabi Fight Island series.

The career of Zoltan Boscik, one of the great technical wrestlers of the 60s and 70s and a television regular. Despite being less than 150 pounds and having nothing of an impressive look, Boscik was a two-time British lightweight champion and a regular world title contender.

Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Ahead of tonight’s NXT, Pat McAfee posted pictures of him talking with Adam Cole and them shaking hands: “Hey @AdamColePro.. I’m thankful for the opp to chat. I feel like the convo was something that doesn’t happen often anymore..2 people have a miscommunication, they talk about, can agree to disagree about some things & they move forward. How you doin? Keep it movin. #WWENXT”
  • Cole then responded to McAfee: “What happens when two grown adults hash things out. Class act @PatMcAfeeShow”
  • Dakota Kai and Rhea Ripley’s number one contender’s match will open tonight’s NXT. The winner will challenge for Io Shirai’s NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver XXX on Saturday, August 22.
  • WWE posted a storyline injury update on Dexter Lumis after his match against Timothy Thatcher and Finn Balor from last week’s NXT: “WWE Digital has learned that the severity of the ankle injury suffered by Dexter Lumis is worse than previously reported. In last week’s NXT Injury Report, it was revealed that Lumis had suffered an osteochondral lesion to the talus after a grueling battle with Finn Bálor and Timothy Thatcher for a North American Championship Match opportunity. Lumis won the bout, but the growing severity of his ankle injury has raised some questions around Lumis’ status for the North American Championship Ladder Match at TakeOver XXX.” It was said on WWE’s The Bump this morning that Lumis will still wrestle at TakeOver.
  • Triple H announced that Metallica’s “Moth Into Flame” is an official theme song of NXT TakeOver XXX: “#NXTTakeOver: XXX will be our biggest event yet…so we had to make it as LOUD as possible. A special thank you to @Metallica for this #NXTLoud theme. ‘Moth Into Flame’ gets even LOUDER on S&M2, out August 28th. #WeAreNXT”
  • ESPN reported that James Kimball is taking a senior operations role in WWE: “James Kimball, who has been the operations head of the UFC Performance Institute (in Las Vegas and Shanghai) since the conception of the idea, is leaving the UFC for WWE, sources told ESPN. Kimball is taking a senior business operations role in WWE and will be working out of the corporate office in Stamford, Connecticut. As MMA Junkie reported Wednesday, Dr. Duncan French, who had been the performance head of the UFC PI, will take over as operations head.”
  • Mustafa Ali, Ruby Riott, Big E, and Bronson Reed appeared on WWE’s The Bump this morning.
  • Bret Hart, Matt Riddle, Big Show, Dakota Kai, and comedian Gabriel Iglesias have been announced as guests for next week’s episode of The Bump.
  • WWE on FOX has video of last night’s SummerSlam 1992 watch party with Renee Young, Booker T, CM Punk, Finn Balor, and Bret Hart.
  • The WWE Performance Center uploaded a video on Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, his music, and his Swerve City podcast.
  • Kurt Angle celebrated reaching seven years of sobriety yesterday: “Celebrating 7 years of sobriety today. To all of you who supported me and stood by me, through good and bad, I want to thank you for not giving up on me. Salute! (With a glass of milk in my You Suck cup). #sobriety #addictionsucks #yourenotalone #recovery”
  • Byron Saxton will be the guest on tomorrow’s edition of After the Bell with Corey Graves.

Other Wrestling

  • The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) will get their rematch for the Impact Tag Team titles against the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) at Emergence. Emergence is a two-week special taking place on the August 18 and August 25 episodes of Impact.
  • The following matches have been announced for next Tuesday’s Impact:
    Eddie Edwards Impact World Championship open challenge
    Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan vs. Jessicka Havok & Nevaeh in a no DQ match
    Jordynne Grace vs. Kimber Lee
  • During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Matt Cardona discussed his love for pro wrestling: “There are times when it has sucked and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. That’s when you really have to love it. It is so easy to love it when you are on TV every week and in a great spot. Who wouldn’t love that. You have to love it when you are sitting in catering. You have to love it when you are not booked. You have to love it when things aren’t going your way. Then, when you get nights like last week, everything is so much better and sweeter that way. Maybe that’s just my delusional way of thinking about it. For me, that’s how I live my life. I don’t want to live in bitterness. What’s the point? Why complain online? You’re not going to be happier, I’ll tell you that.”
  • Cardona and Brian Myers interviewed Tony Khan on The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast.
  • Khan tweeted yesterday after Fulham FC secured promotion to the English Premier League for next season: “Thank you @FulhamFC supporters worldwide, thank you so much to the squad & staff for today’s win. I love being an owner but being your Director of Football/Sporting Director/GM is my favorite role in life. I love the people at this Club. What a day! Thank you all. Come on Fulham!”
  • Fred Yehi spoke to Andrew Thompson about EVOLVE, MLW, the rise of Black wrestlers, and the ROH Pure title tournament.
  • POST Wrestling has an article on the death of Jaguar Vijay Singh, who passed away last Friday.

MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Great Sasuke wins Unified J-Crown

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