Raw’s final build to WrestleMania Backlash took place on last night’s go-home show.
The episode featured a match with WrestleMania Backlash implications. AJ Styles defeated Damian Priest, meaning that Priest will now be banned from ringside for Styles vs. Edge at Sunday’s pay-per-view.
Edge attempted to distract Styles during last night’s match, but Styles was able to roll up Priest to get the win. Edge and Priest immediately attacked Styles after the match, but Finn Balor ran out to make the save and helped send Edge and Priest packing.
Ahead of their six-man tag match against Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro on Sunday, Roman Reigns & The Usos stopped by Raw last night. RK-Bro surprised The Usos with RKOs out of nowhere, leading to a brawl between the two six-man teams.
A six-woman tag match took place in last night’s main event, with Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Asuka defeating Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley & Sonya Deville. Morgan pinned Deville to get the win.
A new stipulation has been added to the Edge vs. AJ Styles match set for WrestleMania Backlash this Sunday.
AJ Styles faced Damian Priest on tonight’s episode of Raw, where if Styles won, Priest would be barred from ringside for Styles’ upcoming match against Edge on Sunday. Styles won the match after an Edge distraction failed, instead rolling up Priest for the victory.
After the match, Edge immediately attacked Styles as Priest recovered. The two were about to give the con-chair-to to Styles when Finn Balor hit the ring and attacked both Edge and Priest, sending them out of the ring.
Edge defeated Styles at WrestleMania 38 after Styles was distracted by Priest, who appeared at ringside. In the weeks after WrestleMania, Edge and Priest have formed a new stable called Judgement Day.
Here is the card for WrestleMania Backlash:
Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match for the SmackDown Women’s title
Omos vs. Bobby Lashley
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) vs. Roman Reigns and The Usos
AJ Styles vs. Edge (Damian Priest banned from ringside)
Edge and AJ Styles will meet again at WrestleMania Backlash next month.
During tonight’s Raw, Edge issued a challenge to AJ Styles for WrestleMania Backlash on May 8, saying he was going to be the one to put the stake into Styles’ heart. After the return from commercial, Styles accepted the challenge before the lights flickered. Styles and Damien Priest then appeared and attacked Styles before walking away.
The two previously met at WrestleMania 38. The finish of their match had Priest distracting Styles as he was going for his finish, allowing Edge to cut off Styles and pin him to win the match. Priest has since fully aligned himself with Edge.
Here is the current lineup for WrestleMania Backlash, which will take place at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island:
Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women’s Championship in an I Quit match
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
RK-Bro vs. The Usos in a winner take all match for both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles
A new ally helped Edge defeat AJ Styles at WrestleMania 38 night two.
Near the end of the Edge vs. Styles match, Damian Priest appeared at ringside as Styles looked to be on the verge of winning. Styles was distracted by Priest being there, which led to a Phenomenal Forearm attempt by Styles being delayed. When Styles did go for the Phenomenal Forearm, Edge hit a spear in mid-air and pinned Styles to get the victory.
Before Priest appeared, there was a near fall where Edge kicked out of the Styles Clash.
Priest got into the ring after the match — and he and Edge both laughed. Edge and Priest posed and raised their arms in celebration.
Edge turned heel leading into the WrestleMania match with Styles. After Styles answered his open challenge for the WrestleMania match on the February 28 episode of Raw, Edge laid out Styles with two con-chair-tos.
Priest lost the United States title to Finn Balor on that February 28 Raw episode. Priest snapped after losing the title. He said the fans never respected him during his entire title reign.
Randy Orton was a guest on Thursday’s Pat McAfee Show and talked about difficulties working with wrestlers from NXT, his program with Bray Wyatt, and Edge’s return.
Orton noted that Edge’s return has been refreshing for him because many of today’s performers are not as focused on protecting their opponent.
“There’s an art to what we do and a lot of guys have lost that art,” Orton said.
“When Vince (McMahon) was on, he talked about your number one priority, above all, being protecting your opponent. That’s not taught, necessarily, in NXT. I know that because I’ve been in the ring with guys that came from NXT and they don’t what the f**k they’re doing. It’s unfortunate, but that is just how things are changing.”
He then spoke about how working with Edge allows him to tell a story in the ring.
“I can trust this guy. I can give this guy my body in this ring and tell this story and I don’t have to, in the back of my head, worry about him only being concerned with looking cool in that ring and hitting the f**k out of me and taking my head off.”
“[Edge] made me realize that I can go 45 minutes with a guy that knows what the f**k he’s doing,” Orton continued. “Where are these other guys that know what f**k they’re doing?”
Orton then spoke about his program with Bray Wyatt, which he referred to as “a little odd.”
“There was some issues where he was unable to do a lot of stuff in the ring for awhile so that got weird, but Bray Wyatt’s a hell of a f**king talent.”
He then spoke about enjoying his time working with Riddle.
“For the last year, I’ve been out there with him. He’s only been wrestling for six years, but he just gets it. He knows how to sell and he captivates those people. He captivates me,” Orton continued.
WWE appears to have changed the night that a significant WrestleMania 38 match will be taking place on.
WWE.com now lists Edge vs. AJ Styles for WrestleMania 38 night one. The match was originally announced for night two.
After Edge issued an open challenge for anyone to face him, Styles stepped up and was confirmed as Edge’s WrestleMania opponent three weeks ago. Edge then turned heel and laid out Styles with two con-chair-tos.
Styles made his return to Raw this week and had to defend his WrestleMania spot against Seth Rollins. Styles won the match by disqualification after Edge interfered and attacked him with a steel chair. With Rollins losing, he was still left without a path to WrestleMania. Rollins vowed that Raw won’t happen next week until he gets a WrestleMania moment.
WrestleMania 38 is being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3. Here’s the updated lineup for the event:
Night one (Saturday, April 2) —
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
The KO Show with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
Night two (Sunday, April 3) —
Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
Anything goes match: Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Queen Zelina & Carmella defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Natalya & Shayna Baszler in a fatal four-way match
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro defend against The Street Profits and Alpha Academy in a triple threat match
AJ Styles will return to WWE Raw on next week’s episode.
Styles’ return was announced on tonight’s Raw show following a promo segment by Edge where he denounced the fans and proclaimed himself WWE’s benchmark.
A tweet from Styles mocking Edge’s new persona was shown on screen, and the return was announced.
Styles tweeted:
Exercise judgement? Grant mercy? Sitting on a mountain of omnipotence? I don’t know where you got this garbage but one thing I will grant YOU … is fair warning.
I’m coming back to #WWERaw next week and you better prepare yourself…stupid haircut, dramatic lighting, and all. https://t.co/LfoyvdTiZG
On the February 21 Raw, Edge issued an open challenge for anyone in the locker room to face him at WrestleMania. Styles answered the challenge on the February 28 Raw episode. Edge then attacked Styles during that segment and left him laying after hitting multiple con-chair-tos.
In his promo this week, Edge vowed that he would pass judgment on Styles at WrestleMania, if Styles even makes it to WrestleMania. Edge vs. Styles is scheduled for night two of WrestleMania on Sunday, April 3.
The March 21 Raw is set for the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, in the greater Chicago area.
Edge vs. AJ Styles has been added to WrestleMania Sunday.
WWE announced the date of the match on tonight’s show. This is following AJ Styles accepting Edge’s open challenge on Raw last week. After Styles accepted the challenge, Edge proceeded to attack Styles, low blowing him then taking him out with two conchairtos.
On Raw this week, Edge came to the ring and explained his actions. He said that he felt the freedom to fly last week, and showed a side of himself that he’s never seen before and has fallen in love with. He felt in full control over everything he did. He closed by saying he was standing on top of a mountain of omnipotence, and the view was phenomenal.
Here is the current lineup for both nights of WrestleMania:
Night one (Saturday, April 2) —
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
Night two (Sunday, April 3) —
Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
AJ Styles vs. Edge
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Carmella & Zelina Vega defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi and Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan
Edge will appear on this coming Monday’s Raw to address his actions on this week’s show.
WWE announced during tonight’s episode of SmackDown that Edge will appear on the March 7 edition of Raw after he attacked AJ Styles.
In the closing segment of Raw this week, Styles answered Edge’s WrestleMania open challenge. The two shook hands, but Edge attacked Styles instead. Styles fought back and went for the phenomenal forearm. Edge responded by hitting Styles with a groin shot and followed it up with two conchairtos. WWE has since confirmed that Styles and Edge will face each other at WrestleMania 38. Which night the match will take place has yet to be announced.
Following the attack, Styles tweeted a response to his WrestleMania opponent.
I accepted your #WrestleMania challenge like a man and you responded like a coward.
You got the better of me on #WWERaw and made your move.
Only one match has been announced for Raw next Monday. Alpha Academy’s Chad Gable & Otis will defend the Raw Tag Team Championships against RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) and Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens. The show will take place from the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
After having his WrestleMania challenge answered, Edge turned heel on last night’s episode of Raw.
AJ Styles stepped up and accepted Edge’s open challenge for WrestleMania 38 on last night’s show. Edge said he’s wanted this match for a long time, Styles has wanted this match for a long time, and the fans have wanted it for a long time.
But Edge told Styles that he wanted the bulldog version of him — not the Styles that has been playing “tag team bitch” to Omos for the last year. Edge offered Styles a handshake and Styles went to accept, but Edge then attacked him.
When Styles fought back and went to hit a Phenomenal Forearm, Edge avoided it and gave Styles a low blow. Edge then set up Styles for a con-chair-to. Edge had second thoughts about going through with it, but he laid out Styles with a con-chair-to and then gave him another one.
AJ Styles accepted Edge’s challenge for a match at WrestleMania 38.
On tonight’s Raw, Edge asked for someone in the locker room to challenge him. Styles arrived and told Edge he accepted. Edge said that he wanted the bulldog Styles, not the Styles who had been teaming with Omos for most of the last year. Edge extended his hand as Styles went to extend his, but Edge ended up jumping Styles. When Styles fought back and went for the phenomenal forearm, Edge dodged and low blowed Styles. He then took two steel chairs and eventually gave Styles two conchairtos to close out the show.
Last week’s Raw had Edge come out issuing an open challenge for anyone to face him at WrestleMania. After listing his various WrestleMania accomplishments, he ended last week’s segment by saying that if you fight Edge at WrestleMania, you’ll live forever.
The current cards for this year’s WrestleMania is as follows:
Night 1 (April 2)
Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship
Rey and Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz and Logan Paul
Night 2 (April 3)
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE and Universal Championships in a title unification match
Also announced:
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Queen Zelina and Carmella vs. Sasha Banks and Naomi for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
Date: February 28, 2022 Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
The Big Takeaway —
AJ Styles will be Edge’s WrestleMania opponent. Edge turned heel in the segment, giving Styles a con-chair-to.
Finn Bálor will (likely) be Damian Priest’s WrestleMania opponent. Priest turned heel in the segment, giving Bálor a Razor’s Edge onto the announce table.
Read more below.
Show Recap —
Raw kicked off with a new intro video.
Kevin Owens entered wearing a cowboy hat (sideways) and he introduced his best friend Seth Rollins.
The announcers ran down tonight’s card.
KO Show with guests Alpha Academy
Owens said he and Rollins had yet to get a spot on WrestleMania and they’d be the biggest stars in history to miss the show. Rollins said they have one more chance to get on and that was by winning the tag team titles.
Owens said people were wrong if they thought his disdain for Texas would distract him from winning the tag titles. Not even Texas legends like JBL and Shawn Michaels could distract him. He angrily stomped on his cowboy hat. Rollins reminded him that they were not in Texas tonight and he introduced their guests, Alpha Academy.
Owens said they had Otis’ chair re-enforced. Chad Gable thanked them for inviting them on the show. Owens noted how weird it sounded anytime Gable said “thank you.” Gable didn’t think so. Gable noticed he’s been hearing a lot of asses making a lot of ass-umptions about the tag titles.
Gable put over his intelligence and insulted Ohio State University which got a ton of heat (the crowd was oddly quiet for everything right up until that). Gable said it was ridiculous that Owens and Rollins got themselves added to the title match and they were so obsessed about their WrestleMania spot that it was pathetic.
Gable said Owens and Rollins have each had their chances at Mania but it was time for himself and Otis to get their first opportunities. Gable told them to shoosh so Owens told him to shush and they yelled “shoosh” and “shush” back and forth until Owens gave Gable a stunner.
Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens defeated Raw Tag Team Champions Alpha Academy in a non-title match (approx. 12:45)
Owens made a hot tag and gave Gable a frog splash off the apron to the outside but Otis ran him over. (This started during a break and they went to another break after about four minutes of wrestling.)
Gable worked over Owens until Owens hit an enziguri. Rollins tagged in and hit a slingblade, springboard knee and falcon arrow for two. Owens tagged himself in, superkicked Gable and hit a pumphandle neckbreaker but Otis broke up the cover. Otis gave Owens a Vader Bomb and Gable followed with a moonsault but Rollins broke up the cover.
Rollins took out Otis with a dive and gave Gable a buckle bomb. Owens followed with a stunner and Rollins finished him off with a curb stomp for the pinfall win.
Fun match and the crowd was into Rollins and Owens as babyfaces.
********
There was an Omos video package followed by an interview. Omos mentioned all of the teams he has dominated over the past year as well as AJ Styles. He said T-Bar was his biggest opponent to date and he was going to dominate.
Omos defeated T-Bar (0:39)
Omos attacked T-Bar during his entrance and dragged him into the ring. The referee at least waited until T-Bar (barely) got to his feet before starting the match. Omos turned him around with a clothesline before hitting a tree slam for the pinfall win.
********
Nikki ASH and Doudrop did a promo about their upcoming six-woman tag match. Nikki called herself a hero and Doudrop said she was just fine being a villain. Becky Lynch showed up and said she was happy to team with Doudrop despite their recent issues because they were both willing to do whatever it took to win. (Nikki put her hand out for a fist bump but her partners already left.)
After a break, Liv Morgan asked Rhea Ripley what their strategy should be. Ripley responded, “brutality.” Bianca Belair entered the frame and told them to let her have Lynch when she enters the match. Belair and Morgan offered a fist bump to Ripley who reluctantly accepted.
Six-woman tag team match: Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan defeated Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, Doudrop & Nikki ASH (12:18)
Lynch wanted to face Belair to start the match but, of course, she bailed when Belair entered. Belair and Ripley gave Doudrop a double vertical suplex before Morgan wiped out all three opponents with a dive.
[SECOND HOUR]
Belair and Lynch actually did have an exchange following a break. Belair went for a suplex but Lynch reversed into a cradle for two. Lynch followed with a thrust kick before yanking Belair by her braid and driving her head/shoulder into the post. Lynch followed with a diving leg drop for two.
Lynch, Doudrop and Nikki traded tags and worked over Belair. Lynch specifically used Belair’s hair to her advantage until Belair tagged in Ripley. Ripley was all over Lynch and tried a pin but Doudrop broke up the cover. Nikki tagged herself but Belair gave her a Glam Slam variation.
Belair went for a handspring move but Lynch yanked her out of the ring. Morgan hit Lynch with a suicide dive. Everyone traded moves until Belair had Nikki pinned but Lynch broke up the cover, again going for the braid.
Belair responded by whipping Lynch repeatedly with her braid until Lynch bailed. Lynch backed up the ramp really selling it hard. (I’m not sure how they did it but the first braid shot, in particular, sounded like a shot with a kendo stick.) Lynch had visible bruises on her abdomen.
Nikki tried a rollup as Belair watched Lynch but Belair kicked out and hit KOD for the pinfall win.
********
Tommaso Ciampa defeated Robert Roode (w/Dolph Ziggler) (2:42)
Ciampa kneed Ziggler off the apron before beating Roode with a schoolboy.
After the match, Roode attacked Ciampa from behind and Ziggler followed with a superkick. Ziggler grabbed a mic and issued a warning to Ciampa (and Bron Breakker) ahead of their tag match tomorrow on NXT.
Ciampa had new music.
********
Mixed tag team match: 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke & Reggie defeated Tamina & Akira Tozawa (1:42)
Reggie pinned Tozawa with a flipping senton.
Brooke gave Reggie a big kiss after the match. Byron Saxton was very excited.
Tozawa wanted a kiss from Tamina again and this time she gave it to him. Tozawa acted love-struck.
********
Kevin Patrick interviewed the Street Profits. Montez Ford said if they beat RK-Bro tonight, they’d find themselves next in line for the titles. Angelo Dawkins referred to Seth Rollins as Doctor Eggman.
The announcers gave us a non-update regarding the Madison Square Garden show. They said Bobby Lashley was still in concussion protocol and if he’s unable to compete on Saturday, Brock Lesnar will still defend the WWE title.
********
Rey and Dominik entered and issued a warning to Miz and Logan Paul. Miz entered to recap his entire career before boasting about joining forces with Paul last week. He called that a career highlight. Miz noticed a few cheers last week and wondered if he was finally getting the respect he deserved. The crowd chanted “you suck.” Miz talked forever before calling himself awesome.
Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander defeated Rey & Dominik Mysterio (4:27)
Dominik posted Benjamin but Miz grabbed him by the foot as he tried entering the ring. Rey chased Miz off but the distraction allowed Benjamin to roll-up Dominik for the pinfall win.
Shelton Benjamin and Rey Mysterio first wrestled each other on TV 19 years ago in 2003 when Team Angle (Benjamin and Charlie Haas) beat Rey and Billy Kidman on Smackdown.
********
Riddle told Randy Orton he was colouring in his colouring book and trying to stay within the lines to stay focused. He hasn’t been able to focus since last week and wasn’t sure if it was because he got stomped or because he put the high in Ohio. Orton thought he seemed just fine and even referred to Riddle as his friend. Orton was ready to kick ass. Riddle was happy and they were on the same page.
[THIRD HOUR]
They aired a clip from Smackdown of Naomi and Sasha Banks saying they would win the tag titles.
Queen Zelina told Carmella that she watched her reality show and said all they talk about was sex. Carmella said if Zelina thought that was something, just wait to see what happens when they retain their titles at WrestleMania. She planned “celebrating” with her fiancé in the ring.
(I don’t think they ever actually referred to Corey Graves by his name.)
********
The Street Profits defeated Randy Orton & Riddle (8:36)
Something went wrong here.
After a break, Riddle wiped out Dawkins before Ford hit Orton with a frog splash. Ford took his time to make a cover as Orton slowly rolled toward the rope. Orton tried to get his foot on the rope as Ford made the cover but he couldn’t reach and the referee counted three.
(Dawkins tried “preventing” Orton from getting his foot on the rope but he didn’t really need to because of what happened.)
You see the referee and wrestlers checking on Orton while going along with the result. Orton was grabbing his shoulder after the splash so maybe he got hurt.
********
Owens and Rollins did a quick interview where Owens insulted Dallas again.
Veer is coming.
********
Austin Theory was with Vince McMahon in his office and he spoke about McMahon going on Pat McAfee’s show. Theory said it would be McMahon’s first sit-down interview in 20 years and the last time he did one, he slapped the papers out of the interviewer’s hands. Theory wondered what if something like that happened here and offered to be there with McMahon (as protection). McMahon said it wasn’t that kind of interview.
********
I wish I timed it but Finn Bálor was in the ring forever before his match started. Bálor entered, they went to break, aired the Veer video, aired a Smackdown recap, Damian Priest entered, went to break again, and aired the McMahon/Theory segment.
Finn Bálor defeated Damian Priest to win the United States Championship (11:01)
Bálor hit a flip dive and they went to break (they did the same thing earlier when Ford gave Riddle a flip dive).
They had a pretty good strike exchange but Bálor missed a Coup de Grace and Priest followed with a clothesline. Bálor followed with a rollup for two and Priest came back with a sit-out chokeslam for a nearfall.
Bálor reversed a Reckoning into a headlock elbow drop, hit a shotgun dropkick and Coup de Grace for the pinfall win. Bálor is the new champ. Crowd got into it and they popped for the win.
After the match, Priest grabbed a mic and said the fans carried Bálor to a win. Priest said the fans never gave him that respect despite all of his success. Priest told Bálor he planned on winning the title back and the crowd’s motivation wouldn’t be enough. Bálor got in Priest’s face and Priest decked him.
Priest chucked Bálor out of the ring and gave him a Razor’s Edge onto the announce table (which didn’t break). The crowd booed and Priest said, “Yeah, I am the bad guy, that’s right.”
I liked this.
********
Edge segment
Edge said it was time to see who it was going to be. He begged someone to step up. Nobody came out and Edge wondered, “what’s happened to this place?”
AJ Styles entered. Edge smiled.
Styles told Edge, “I accept.” Edge was thrilled. He noted that he’s wanted this match for a long time and so has Styles. Edge wanted the bulldog Styles, not the guy playing Omos’ bitch. Styles was caught off guard by that remark.
Edge offered a handshake and decked Styles before he could accept. Edge hammered away but Styles fought back. Edge avoided a Phenomenal forearm and kicked Styles in the nuts.
Edge mounted Styles and hammered away as the crowd booed.
Edge grabbed two chairs and set up for a con-chair-to. Edge put the second chair down and reconsidered before grabbing it and smashing Styles’ head.
(When this started, I thought maybe Edge was just being a dick to fire up Styles, but this was almost certainly a heel turn — meaning they did two big heel turns in back-to-back segments.)
During tonight’s episode on SmackDown, it was announced that Edge would appear on the show to address his status for WrestleMania.
On this past Monday’s Raw, Edge came out for a promo and talked about WrestleMania, his first being WrestleMania XIV in 1998. After going over past matches with the likes of Mick Foley, the first Money in the Bank, and The Undertaker, he issued an open challenge for WrestleMania, saying if you fight him at WrestleMania, you’ll live forever.
Edge’s last match was at the Royal Rumble, where he and Beth Phoenix defeated The Miz and Maryse in a mixed tag match.
Already announced for Raw is a United States Championship match between champion Damian Priest and Finn Balor. On last week’s Raw, Priest asked for an opponent of world title caliber. Balor, a former Universal Champion, came out and accepted the match.
Raw will be held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Edge talked to Sports Illustrated about his recent storyline, teaming with wife Beth Phoenix in a feud with The Miz and Maryse. We never thought this would be a possibility,” Edge said. “I was forced to retire [in 2011]. A year later, Beth retired. Then we started having kids. Coming back to wrestling was never on the docket for me, let alone come back and be asked, ‘What do you think about teaming together for a month? We’re having so much fun. Riding together, flying together. That’s the only part of the job that can be unenjoyable at times, but when you have your best friend next to you, it’s a lot more fun.”
Roman Reigns also spoke to Sports Illustrated on his recent battle with COVID-19 that kept him off the Day 1 pay-per-view earlier this month. “For me, obviously in comparison to some of the worst scenarios that are out there and that we’ve seen through the pandemic, it wasn’t bad. For me, it was mainly a pretty good sinus infection, a bronchitis cough, a lot of chest tightness. I still feel that actually. When I’m doing my conditioning because we don’t wrestle quite as much and we’re doing a lot of six-man [tag team matches], I don’t have singles matches as much as I used to, so I have to continue to really push the conditioning on my own and I’ve noticed in the past couple of weeks that when I really blow myself up on the bike or running, or whatever I’m doing, I can feel that tightness and a little bit of wheezing. So it’s definitely something serious. As someone who is vaccinated and boosted, it still got to me and I still felt the effects. While they weren’t as severe as they can be for some, it did hang around and linger for a while.”
The new date for the WWE/Cathrine Alexander trial is set for 9/26. Alexander is a tattoo artist suing WWE over Randy Orton’s appearance in the WWE 2K video game series, saying that she never gave permission for her work to be used in the game.
Saurav Gurjar made his return to NXT last night, aligning himself with Grayson Waller and going under the name Sanga.
Seth Rollins spoke to talkSPORT about his recent Mox namedrop during a promo between himself and Roman Reigns. “I’m not going to sit here and ignore that history, I’m going to bring that up because I think that’s important. And I think people who care about that appreciate it. It’s one of those things where it was on the tip of my tongue, it made sense, so it came.”
WWE’s latest trademarks include the terms “The Queen” and “Sudu Sudah”.
WWE Music Group has released a soundtrack for NXT 2.0 called “As Close As It Gets”, which is out now on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
Booker T on his Hall of Fame podcast talked about Mustafa Ali requesting his release from WWE. “This is entertainment, this is not reality TV,” he said. “The embellishment is to be between the actors and the writers, and if you come in with an idea, it might not be something they want to do with you. The company is going to be run the way they want to be run. They aren’t going to run the way you want it. Therefore, if that happens, boom, move on and get out.” Ali reportedly had his request to be released denied by WWE.
This week’s Road to AEW show, focusing on the Adam Cole vs. Orange Cassidy lights out match, the TNT title unification ladder match, and the six man tag with 2point0 and Daniel Garcia vs. Chris Jericho and the team of Santana & Ortiz.
Malakai Black was a guest on this week’s Wrasslin podcast.
Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly are the guests on this week’s Talk is Jericho podcast.
GCW owner Brett Lauderdale on Twitter: “Sunday was a smash hit business wise for gcw. All records shattered and its not even close. But im not happy at all. Feel like I let a lot of people down. Got played and I shoulda known better. Big time learning experience. Gonna work harder than ever to get a 2nd chance.”
Biff Busick has been added to C4’s Fantastic Voyage event on March 25.
A new 10/31 date has been set for the lawsuit Jerry Lawler filed against Hardeman County, Tennessee over the death of his son, Brian Lawler aka Grandmaster Sexay.
MLW has uploaded their first chapter of All Access featuring Jacob Fatu.
Trish Stratus is a guest on this week’s The Bellas Podcast.
