The 24/7 title will be on the line on tonight’s Hell in a Cell pre-show.
WWE announced this afternoon that 24/7 Champion R-Truth will defend his title against Drew Gulak on the Hell in a Cell pre-show tonight:
R-Truth will bring his baby to the WWE Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show, as he takes on Drew Gulak.
The 42-time 24/7 Champion will have his hands full with the technically sound techniques of Gulak. Gulak has entered the 24/7 Title fray in recent weeks with three separate victories. Each time R-Truth was there to snatch back his beloved title
What chaos awaits when the 24/7 Title makes its way onto the WWE Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show?
Tonight’s pre-show will begin at 6 p.m. Eastern time. The Hell in Cell main card starts at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Gulak officially joined the Raw roster in the WWE Draft earlier this month but had been involved in the 24/7 title picture before then, first winning the championship at Clash of Champions last month.
With the addition of the pre-show match, there are now six matches announced for Hell in a Cell. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jey Uso in a Hell in a Cell I Quit match
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends against Randy Orton in a Hell in a Cell match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defends against Sasha Banks in a Hell in a Cell match
Jeff Hardy vs. Elias
Otis defends his Money in the Bank contract against The Miz
24/7 Champion R-Truth defends against Drew Gulak (pre-show)
Another round of WWE Draft picks has been revealed.
WWE announced during this week’s episode of Talking Smack that Humberto Carrillo, Drew Gulak, and Tucker have been drafted to Raw. It was also announced that Murphy and Kalisto have been drafted to SmackDown.
Those five names were among the remaining wrestlers left in the night one draft pool after last night’s SmackDown. Mickie James, the rest of The Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado), and Shorty G were also in the night one draft pool but weren’t selected. WWE has noted that any undrafted wrestlers “will immediately be declared free agents and able to sign with the brand of their choosing.”
Tucker being drafted by Raw means that Heavy Machinery have been broken up in the draft. Otis was selected by SmackDown last night.
Murphy is joining Seth Rollins and Rey & Dominik Mysterio on SmackDown.
The draft will conclude on Monday’s episode of Raw. The updated rosters for Raw and SmackDown are listed below, along with the wrestlers in the night two draft pool:
Raw —
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka
The Hurt Business (MVP, United States Champion Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander)
AJ Styles
Naomi
Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax
Ricochet
Mandy Rose
The Miz & John Morrison
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods
Last night’s episode of SmackDown saw AJ Styles make his first defense of the Intercontinental Championship.
Styles defeated Drew Gulak on last night’s show to retain the Intercontinental title. The match had been set up by Gulak defeating Styles prior to Styles becoming champion. Daniel Bryan challenged Styles to give Gulak a title shot, and Bryan appeared on last night’s show via Zoom to give his thoughts during the match.
Sheamus also appeared via video for the main event segment where he presented a toast to Jeff Hardy.
Bayley and Sasha Banks held a tribute to themselves on last night’s show, Kofi Kingston took on Shinsuke Nakamura, and — after his exclusive interview at the start of the episode was interrupted by Baron Corbin — Matt Riddle faced off with John Morrison.
The build to Extreme Rules: The Horror Show continues as SmackDown takes place from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida tonight.
In his first title defense since becoming champion, AJ Styles defends the Intercontinental Championship against Drew Gulak. Styles won the title by defeating Daniel Bryan in a tournament final three weeks ago. Styles then mocked the SmackDown roster during his championship presentation the next week. Bryan pointed out that Gulak deserves a title shot since he defeated Styles before Styles won the title.
The feud between Sheamus and Jeff Hardy will also continue as Sheamus presents a toast to Hardy on tonight’s SmackDown.
Tonight’s show will feature an “exclusive interview” with Matt Riddle, who made his SmackDown debut two weeks ago and defeated Styles in a non-title match. Riddle was also one of the wrestlers who helped lay out Baron Corbin at the end of last week’s show. Tonight’s interview will take place in the ring and will be conducted by Michael Cole.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Michael Cole and Corey Graves opened up the show and ran down the line up for tonight. Cole announced a special preview of the Swamp Fight between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman.
Matt Riddle Interview
Cole was in the ring and introduced Matt Riddle. Cole noted Riddle was known as the Orignal Bro in NXT. Riddle made his way down to ringside, and they recapped his debut. There were shots of the fans at ringside, and most of them were wearing a mask. There appeared to be a few people not wearing one.
Cole discussed Riddle’s debut and his win over A.J. Styles. Riddle couldn’t believe he fought Styles and won. Riddle also couldn’t believe he got to celebrate his victory with Daniel Bryan, Otis, and New Day.
Cole noted Riddle competes in his bare feet. Riddle explained he use to go to Wisconsin for vacation. Riddle loved swimming in the indoor pool. He’d then run out and put his feet in the snow.
One day, he got frostbite and decided never to wear shoes again. Cole pointed out that he should keep competing in his bare feet because he won against Styles.
King Corbin’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. He mocked Riddle. Corbin was furious Riddle jumped Corbin last week. Corbin noted he’d teach Riddle a lesson. Riddle was ready for a match with Corbin right away.
Corbin laughed and noted Riddle has to work his way up to a match against him. Instead, Corbin introduced Riddle’s opponent John Morrison.
Matt Riddle defeated John Morrison (w/The Miz)
King Corbin joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Cole wondered how Corbin had the power to make a match. He pointed out Corbin almost ran Raw into the ground.
Riddle and Morrison had a really good match. It was hard-hitting with a lot of fast-paced action.
Riddle and Morrison started with mat wrestling. Riddle went for a kneebar, but Morrison made it to the ropes. Morrison rocked Riddle with a stiff forearm, but Riddle fought back. Morrison attempted a running knee, but Riddle caught the leg.
Riddle locked on the ankle lock, but Morrison escaped. Riddle attempted a release German suplex, but Morrison landed on his feet and hit a springboard kick. Morrison slowed the pace down and applied a chin lock.
Riddle got back to his feet, but Morrison backed him into the corner. In a cool spot, Morrison ended up on the apron and rocked Riddle with a kick. Morrison then hit a springboard corkscrew crossbody for a close near fall.
Morrison rocked Riddle with a sick looking running knee for another near fall. Riddle absorbed a series of kicks. They teased trading shots, but Morrison poked Riddle in the eyes. Riddle fought back and gave Morrison a suplex across the ring.
Riddle ended up outside of the ring. He grabbed his flip flop and threw it at Corbin.
Corbin was furious and chased Riddle into the ring.
Back from the break, Riddle was firmly in control. He hit a broton, the Bro to Sleep, and a German suplex for a close near fall. Riddle then attempted the Floating Bro, but Morrison got his knees up.
Riddle locked on the Bromission, but Morrison made it to the ropes. Morrison and Riddle fought on the top turnbuckle. Morrison hit a Spanish Fly off the top and then a standing Spanish Fly for a near fall.
Riddle and Morrison traded shots in the middle of the ring. Riddle rocked Morrison with a jumping knee.
Riddle followed up with a powerbomb into a running knee for a close two count.
The Miz jumped up on the apron, but Riddle knocked him off. Corbin jumped on the apron, but Riddle knocked him off as well. Morrison rolled up Riddle for a near fall. Riddle recovered quickly and rolled up Morrison for the pin to win the match.
A.J. Styles jumped Riddle as he was leaving. Drew Gulak ran out and attacked Styles.
In the back, Sara Schreiber approached King Corbin, Miz, and John Morrison. Corbin was furious at Riddle and promised to do something about it.
Intercontinental Champion A.J. Styles defeated Drew Gulak
This wasn’t a bad match, but it was a bit disappointing considering who was involved. They worked a slow pace, but it did pick up towards the end.
Styles was firmly in control and beat down Gulak around the ring. Gulak fought back and used a victory roll for a near fall, but Styles quickly regained control.
Daniel Bryan joined by Zoom to give his thoughts on the match.
Styles used a snap suplex for one count.
Gulak recovered and rocked Styles with hard forearms. Styles quickly took back over with a dragon screw whip. Styles then focused his attack on Gulak’s injured leg.
Styles attempted the Calf Crusher, but Gulak rolled through and locked on a submission. Styles quickly made it to the ropes to break the hold. Styles became frustrated at ringside. Gulak suddenly rocked Styles with a sliding dropkick.
Back from the break, Gulak had control of the match, but Styles sent Gulak shoulder first into the ring post. Styles then hit a brainbuster for a close two count.
Styles continued to dominate the match and beat down Gulak. Gulak rolled up Styles for a near fall, but Styles poked him in his eyes. Styles slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Gulak recovered and dropped Styles face-first on the turnbuckle. Gulak fired up and hit a series of dropkicks. Gulak then hit the Michinoku Driver for a close near fall.
Gulak placed Styles on the top turnbuckle, but Styles slipped out the back and dropped Gulak face-first on the turnbuckle. Styles followed up with the Styles Clash but didn’t go for the pin.
Styles picked up Gulak and stood him up against the ropes. Styles then hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the win.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions & SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks exited the production truck. Michael Cole noted they’ve been in the production truck all day working on a special tribute to Bayley and Banks that’ll put the Undertaker’s tribute video to shame.
Bayley and Sasha Banks Promo
Bayley and Sasha Banks made their way to the ring. Bayley noted Banks took on Asuka on Raw and then went to NXT. Banks cut her off and told her not to talk about that.
Bayley pointed out they’re on every show. They noted nobody respects them, but there is one person. Bayley and Banks stated the only person that respects them is Undertaker. Bayley claimed she calls him Taker.
Bayley noted Undertaker called her and praised Bayley and Banks. She said Undertaker wanted the WWE to do a tribute for them. Bayley did an impression of Undertaker calling her.
Bayley and Banks then showed a special tribute video for them. The tribute video was done well. Banks and Bayley chanted “Thank You Sasha” and “Thank You Bayley” at each other, which was funny.
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross interrupted and made their way to the ring. Bliss and Cross mocked Bayley and Banks by reading a list of their accomplishments. Bliss asked if Bayley and Banks realize what they sound like.
Banks mocked Cross and noted she couldn’t beat Bayley. Cross stood up for herself and gave a heartfelt speech. She promised to defeat Bayley at Extreme Rules: Horror Show.
Bayley laughed at Cross, and Bliss smacked Bayley in the face. Banks was furious and challenged Bliss on Bayley’s behalf to a match right now. Bayley wasn’t thrilled about the match.
This was a good segment, mainly because of Bayley and Banks.
Bayley (w/Sasha Banks) defeated Alexa Bliss (w/Nikki Cross) by DQ
Bayley didn’t have her ring gear, so she competed in her street clothes.
They had a basic match that was kept short. Bliss had the early advantage, but Bayley took over. She targeted Bliss’s arm and attacked it repeatedly. Bayley mocked Cross, and Bliss rolled her up for a near fall.
Bayley quickly took back over and worked over Bliss’s arm. Bliss hit Bayley with the injured hand but couldn’t capitalize. Bayley pulled Bliss to the apron and slammed her arm down.
Bayley mocked Cross, and she tried to jump in the ring. The referee was distracted, and Banks attacked Bliss. Cross ran around ringside and attacked Banks.
Bayley yelled at Cross. Cross heard enough and rocked Bayley with a forearm for the disqualification.
After the match, they brawled briefly until the heels took off.
The Wyatt Swamp Fight Preview
The excellent preview featured various shots of a swamp and looked at the history between the Eater of Worlds Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman.
They recapped New Day defeating Lucha House Party and Nakamura and Cesaro attacking The New Day after the match.
This was a good match that picked up towards the end. Kingston rocked Nakamura with a dropkick at the ring of the bell. Nakamura briefly took over, but Kingston hit a second rope dropkick. Kingston knocked Nakamura to the floor and attempted a dive, but Nakamura moved out of the way.
Kingston threw Nakamura into the barricade, and Big E cackled at Nakamura. Nakamura recovered and rocked Kingston with a kick to the head. Cesaro then hit Kingston with a right hand.
Big E chased Cesaro around ringside. Cesaro slipped into the ring to get away from Big E. The referee had enough and threw out both Big E and Cesaro.
Back from the break, Nakamura was firmly in control with a chin lock. Kingston tried fighting back, but Nakamura nailed Kingston with a hard knee for a near fall.
Nakamura hit a sliding German suplex for a near fall. Kingston tried fighting back, but Nakamura caught Kingston with a back elbow. Nakamura draped Kingston over the apron and hit a running knee for a two count.
Nakamura slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Kingston broke free and hit a flying forearm.
Kingston fired up and hit a standing dropkick. Kingston attempted a crossbody, but Nakamura got the knees up and used an inside cradle for a near fall.
Nakamura missed the Kinsasha, and Kingston hit the SOS for a very close near fall. Nakamura briefly took over, but Kingston hit a double foot stomp for another near fall.
Kingston attempted the Trouble in Paradise, but Nakamura avoided. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa for the win.
After the match, Cesaro made his way back to the ring and pulled out a table. Big E ran down to ringside, and the heels backed off.
Sheamus Toasts Jeff Hardy
A bartender was standing in the ring with a bunch of bottles of alcohol.
Jeff Hardy made his way down to the ring. Michael Cole noted that Hardy is an admitted alcoholic. Graves argued this is the world we live in. Hardy demanded that Sheamus come to the ring.
Sheamus appeared on the big screen at his bar from home. He decided to give Hardy some distance. Sheamus praised Hardy for defeating King Corbin during the Undertaker tribute. Sheamus mocked Hardy for his issues and noted Hardy couldn’t avoid it. Sheamus figured out the solution to Hardy’s problems, and it’s in one of those bottles in the ring.
Sheamus toasted Hardy and mocked him for his problems. Hardy was furious and noted people go through the same struggle as he does. He asked if Sheamus thinks it’s funny.
Sheamus noted he’s trying to help Hardy. That’s why Sheamus sent his personal bartender to SmackDown. The bartender put the drink in front of Hardy’s face.
Hardy picked up the drink and teased having it. Instead, Hardy poured the drink on the bartender and broke a bottle over his head. Hardy then hit the Swanton Bomb on the bartender.
This was a fine segment, but it felt a little flat. Sheamus not being in attendance probably hurt whatever the original plan was for the angle two weeks ago. The bartender trying to force the drink on Hardy, and the attack felt a bit odd.
Next Week: Braun Strowman defending the Universal Championship against Bray Wyatt from Money In The Bank airs on network television for the first time. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bayley & Sasha Banks take on Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross. Plus, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defend against Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro.
Styles defeated Daniel Bryan in the finals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament on the June 12 edition of SmackDown. Prior to Styles becoming Intercontinental Champion, Gulak defeated him on SmackDown last month.
An “exclusive interview” with Matt Riddle has also been announced for tomorrow’s SmackDown. The segment will take place in the ring and the interview will be conducted by Michael Cole.
Riddle made his SmackDown debut by confronting Styles during Styles’ Intercontinental title presentation two weeks ago. He then defeated Styles in a non-title match. Last week, Riddle was one of the wrestlers who helped lay out Baron Corbin at the end of the show.
The feud between Sheamus and Jeff Hardy will continue with Sheamus presenting a toast to Hardy on tomorrow’s SmackDown. That segment was also originally scheduled for last week.
After it was confirmed that multiple people in WWE tested positive for COVID-19, the format for last week’s SmackDown changed. In addition to new content, the show featured a tribute to The Undertaker following his apparent retirement from in-ring competition. The tribute included Undertaker and Styles’ Boneyard Match from WrestleMania 36 being re-aired.
Tomorrow’s SmackDown and the July 10 episode of the show are set to be taped at the WWE Performance Center today.
After defeating Danny Burch last week, Tehuti Miles will face off with Burch’s tag team partner on 205 Live tonight.
WWE has announced that Miles vs. Oney Lorcan will air on tonight’s 205 Live episode. Last week’s match against Burch was the first time Miles has gotten a win on WWE television.
Miles pinned Burch last week with a schoolboy while holding onto his tights.
Miles, who joined the WWE Performance Center in August 2019, has made appearances on NXT, Raw, and 205 Live in recent months. He’s a United States Army veteran, was on the University of Maryland Terrapins football team, and debuted on the Maryland independent wrestling scene before signing with WWE.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs. Jack Gallagher is also set for tonight’s 205 Live. Scott defeated Tony Nese on NXT this week despite a distraction by Gallagher. Gallagher went after Scott after the match, but Scott rolled out of the ring.
Gallagher defeated Scott during the interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament last month after Nese attacked Scott during his entrance.
In addition to the two matches, an encore of El Hijo del Fantasma vs. Drake Maverick in the interim Cruiserweight title tournament finals from this week’s NXT will also be shown on 205 Live tonight. Fantasma defeated Maverick and became interim champion, but Maverick was offered an NXT contract by Triple H after the match.
Drew Gulak appears to be back in WWE following the expiration of his contract earlier this month.
Fightful Select reported this evening that Gulak will be working a battle royal that is scheduled to take place on this week’s SmackDown. Fightful said it wasn’t confirmed if Gulak had re-signed with WWE or not. However, PWInsider has reported that is the case.
Gulak’s bio on WWE.com, which was moved to the alumni page, has since been moved back to SmackDown.
It was confirmed on May 16 that Gulak was no longer under WWE contract as the two sides had come to an impasse during renegotiations. Although WWE never confirmed the release, Gulak’s profile was moved to the alumni section of the WWE website.
Gulak last appeared on WWE television back on May 15, when he lost to Daniel Bryan in the opening round of the Intercontinental title tournament. Gulak and Bryan had been teaming with one another prior to Gulak’s contract expiring.
On this week’s edition of Wrestling Weekly, former wrestler, trainer and commentator Les Thatcher and I talk about Drew Gulak being out of WWE, some shady promoter stories, and what it’s like working out with the legendary Four Horsemen.
We also tackle a Ric Flair approved body weight workout if gyms in your town still aren’t open yet, and what (if anything) is going on with Vince McMahon possibly trying to revive the XFL again.
Thanks for listening and have a great Memorial Day weekend~!
A new double issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is out with a wider variety of news stories than any issue we’ve done in a long time.
From a perspective among leading sports doctors about opening up, to Becky Lynch’s pregnancy and what the plans for her that won’t happen were scheduled to be, to Money in the Bank coverage, Roman Reigns risk factors, New Japan talks its future, AEW profitability, Oliver Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and Georges St-Pierre in the Hall of Fame, it’s all covered here.
The issue covers in detail:
Becky Lynch’s pregnancy, her comments on it, timing, what were the booking plans for her and how Money in the Bank changed, a look back at how Lynch got over when she wasn’t supposed to and the time frame where Lynch became the chosen one, while at the same time the crowd was mad, not realizing any of this.
Ronaldo Jacare Souza’s positive test for COVID, UFC handling the situation, and the key components of the story that have not been covered well elsewhere.
How UFC didn’t abide by its own policies, what UFC did learn, and what fighters and reporters signed to get in the door to the show.
Facts of the Coronavirus and on combat sports from three doctors who have extensive experience with combat sports.
Harold Meij talking about New Japan Pro Wrestling, why it made the choices it did not to turn, as well as its plans when it can run and the stages it will go through, why the company has been able to remain solvent while not running live events.
Complete coverage of UFC 249 and WWE Money in the Bank, including match-by-match coverage and poll results on both shows.
Behind the scenes notes on both shows, including UFC business, and interest level in WWE.
The arrest of Alberto Rodriguez, the former Alberto Del Rio, for sexual assault, the harrowing description of what happened and more.
Roman Reigns sitting it out including what he said and his risk factors.
Updated plans for SummerSlam and where Vince is coming from, plans for the next Takeover, WWE book on best sellers list, The softening of the brand split, update on Rey Mysterio, Rachael Ellering release info, NBA star says he’s going to WWE, Undertaker documentary notes, the story of how two different planned WrestleMania main events in 2011 fell through, Sting update, Canadian TV ratings, One of the best college wrestlers mentions going into pro wrestling, Raw DVR numbers, WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Smackdown’s renewal and what it means.
Feature on the career of Georges St-Pierre and his records and his legacy, as he gets inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Oliver Luck lawsuit against Vince McMahon, including details of his contract, Vince’s attempts and arguments to get out of paying him on that contract and arguments both sides are making.
AEW’s Double or Nothing plans as well as the return of some of the company’s biggest stars.
AEW’s profitability in April, the cost of production and cost savings, Mike Tyson, the casino ladder match and more.
May 13 UFC show.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
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].
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Our weekend show is up on the site covering everything from Jim Cornette’s take on Becky Lynch, to Chris Jericho’s interview with Martha Hart, to last night’s UFC show.
Some updated notes regarding Drew Gulak. Gulak’s contract expired after Friday’s show and both sides did not reach a new deal on money. While the belief is that he is gone, it’s been hinted to me it’s not a dead issue. Gulak I believe is being represented by Barry Bloom in his negotiations.
PWInsider reported that Mason Burnett (Caleb Konley) & Matt Riley (Zane Riley) sent a desist letter to Dave Harwood & Daniel Wheeler, best known as The Revival, regarding usage of the name The Revolt. Burnett & Riley have used the name in Carolina independents and Harwood & Wheeler attempted to trademark the name since WWE owns the name The Revival. It appears Harwood & Wheeler want to go by the name FTR.
For Google searches this past week:
UFC was No. 6 yesterday with 200,000
Kevin Randleman was No. 12 yesterday with 100,000 for his announcement into the UFC Hall of Fame
UFC was No. 3 on Wednesday with 200,000
Becky Lynch was No. 4 on Monday with 500,000
A correction from last night’s show in talking about how WCW outbid WWF for Dennis Rodman, we had the year as 1996 but it was actually 1997 when this happened.
WWE
The second episode of the Undertaker anthology is on the WWE Network today.
Natalya has a story in her Calgary Sun column about Becky Lynch’s pregnancy
Today is the 57th anniversary of Bruno Sammartino beating Buddy Rogers to win the WWWF championship in Madison Square Garden.
UFC
Alistair Overeem turned 40 today, just hours after his win in last night’s UFC main event over Walt Harris. Nancy Toffoloni (Benoit) would have turned 56 today.
AEW
Chris Jericho has formed a KISS cover band called “Kuarantine” with bassist P.J. Farley, guitarists Joe McGinness and drummer Kent Slucher. They’ve released a cover of the 1987 song “No No No.”
A Frank Zarrillo film called “The Wrestler: A Q.T. Marshall Story” airing on Amazon Prime won Best Documentary at the San Diego Comic Con. The trailer can be found here.
MISCELLANEOUS
The German Bundesliga began play this past weekend. There were no crowds. Players were not allowed to celebrate goals together, although they did. Players were not allowed to spit on the field. Players not in play at the time were in the crowd apart from each other wearing masks. Five substitutions rather than three per game were allowed because of the feeling the players are not in 100 percent game shape. Everyone except the two head coaches and the players in play are wearing masks. There is full testing of all the players. There were limited media allowed in the stadium
Pro Wrestling Sheet was the first to report that Gulak had been released from his contract. However, PWInsider reported that Gulak’s contract expired, rather than him being released. Our Dave Meltzer confirmed Gulak is no longer with the company and that his contract expired. Meltzer said he heard they were working on a renewal, Gulak asked for more money, and WWE chose to not move forward.
Gulak has been moved to the alumni section of WWE.com.
Gulak had just wrestled Daniel Bryan in a losing effort in an Intercontinental title tournament match on Friday’s SmackDown. The two had been a team following the February’s Elimination Chamber when Bryan was left impressed by Gulak’s performance.
He joined WWE in 2016, becoming part of the new cruiserweight division that was the centerpiece of 205 Live. Adopting the gimmick of a wrestler who hated the high flying nature of the division, he became a prominent character on the show, winning the Cruiserweight championship at Stomping Grounds on June 23 of last year.
After losing the title in October, Gulak was moved to the SmackDown brand and was mainly used as an enhancement talent until the storyline with Bryan started.
After the title was declared vacant, WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion kicked off on last night’s SmackDown.
Two first round matches took place on last night’s show. One featured two partners facing off, while the other continued a feud. Daniel Bryan submitted Drew Gulak to move on to the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Elias moved on to the semifinals by defeating Baron Corbin.
Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the remaining first round matches. Both will air on next week’s SmackDown. The winner of Hardy vs. Sheamus will advance to face Bryan in the semifinals. The winner of Styles vs. Nakamura will face Elias.
In last night’s main event, men’s Money in the Bank winner Otis teamed with Universal Champion Braun Strowman to face The Miz & John Morrison. Otis needing to find a partner for the match was set up during his appearance on Miz TV earlier in the night.
After Otis & Strowman won, Otis teased cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase but then said he was only joking when Strowman caught him.
NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair was on last night’s SmackDown as part of the brand-to-brand invitation. She accepted a challenge from Bayley for a non-title champion vs. champion match next week. Charlotte also tried to create dissension between Bayley and Sasha Banks by asking if Banks was her own woman or happy being Bayley’s lackey and an afterthought.
The bracket for WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion has now been revealed.
It’s an eight-man, single-elimination tournament. The left side of the bracket has Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak and Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus as its first round matches, while Elias vs. Baron Corbin and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the first round matches on the right side of the bracket.
Styles is taking part in the tournament despite being a Raw wrestler. When the bracket was announced on SmackDown tonight, it was said that Styles was going after one of the only titles that he hasn’t won in WWE.
The brand-to-brand invitation was announced on Raw this week, allowing for a limited amount of crossover between the Raw and SmackDown brands.
It was first announced on WWE Backstage this week that the Intercontinental title has been declared vacant. Sami Zayn was the Intercontinental Champion prior to that announcement. Zayn hasn’t appeared on WWE television since he retained the Intercontinental title against Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
Two matches, along with a pair of segments, have been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
It was announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak will find a mystery partner to take on the team of Baron Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro next week in a six-man tag team match. This was set after Cesaro and Nakamura aided Corbin in attacking Daniel Bryan tonight.
Tamina and Lacey Evans will also team up next week to take on best friends Sasha Banks and Bayley. This follows an altercation tonight that involved Bayley and Banks attacking Tamina backstage. Evans got involved to even the odds, leading to officials breaking up the fight.
A face-to-face meeting between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt has also been set. Wyatt confronted Strowman tonight by reading a “story” that alluded to Strowman’s previous association with the Wyatt family.
Additionally, Jeff Hardy will make his return on SmackDown. Recent weeks on SmackDown has focused on Jeff Hardy’s road to redemption, something that Sheamus has taken offense to in recent weeks. After the conclusion of tonight’s video package, Sheamus made it clear to the announcers that he would be around next week as well.
SmackDown’s next two participants for Money in the Bank will be confirmed next Friday.
WWE has announced two Money in the Bank qualifying matches for next week’s episode of SmackDown. Sasha Banks and Lacey Evans will face off to determine who will be in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, and Drew Gulak and Baron Corbin will face off to determine one of the spots for the men’s ladder match.
Evans got involved in Banks’ match against Tamina on SmackDown tonight. Bayley distracted Tamina during the match and went to attack her with a shoe, but Evans ran out and laid Bayley out. Tamina defeated Banks and will get a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Gulak stopped Shinsuke Nakamura from interfering in Daniel Bryan’s qualifying match against Cesaro tonight. Baron Corbin also made an appearance on tonight’s show, attacking Elias backstage.
The Money in the Bank ladder matches will feature three wrestlers from Raw and three from SmackDown. Raw’s Shayna Baszler, Asuka, and Nia Jax and SmackDown’s Dana Brooke have qualified for the women’s ladder match. Daniel Bryan is the first wrestler to qualify for the men’s ladder match.
Three men’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches have been announced for Monday’s Raw: Rey Mysterio vs. Murphy, Aleister Black vs. Austin Theory, and Apollo Crews vs. MVP.
WWE has announced two matches that will be airing across tonight and tomorrow’s pre-shows for WrestleMania 36.
Drew Gulak vs. Cesaro and Natalya vs. Liv Morgan are the pre-show matches for this year’s WrestleMania. There’s a pre-show for each night of the event, with both of them starting at 6 p.m. Eastern time. The main cards will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Gulak defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown last week to earn Daniel Bryan an Intercontinental title shot against Sami Zayn at WrestleMania. Cesaro is aligned with Zayn and Nakamura.
Natalya vs. Morgan is the fifth women’s match announced for WrestleMania 36. Becky Lynch is defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler, Bayley is defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Naomi, Lacey Evans, Tamina, and Sasha Banks in a five-way elimination match, Charlotte is challenging Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship, and Asuka & Kairi Sane are defending their Women’s Tag Team titles against Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross.
In addition to the WWE Network and WWE’s social media accounts, the pre-shows for both nights of WrestleMania 36 are airing on FS1.
