Tag: The Miz

The Miz recalls being rejected by Japan before WWE career

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Before starting out his WWE career on Tough Enough, The Miz had hopes of making it in Japan.

A new episode of The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast premiered today with Miz discussing his early days in wrestling. When he was contemplating trying out for Tough Enough, Miz — already a reality star from MTV’s The Real World — was worried that he would never earn respect within the wrestling industry. He had attempted to go to Japan but was rejected while training at UPW in California. Advice from Simon Dean (WWE/ECW wrestler Nova) ultimately convinced Miz to go through with Tough Enough.

“Before trying out, I called Simon Dean,” Miz said. “Do you remember Simon Dean? I called him because he was part of UPW and I said, ‘Hey, I want respect in the business. And I know if I go on Tough Enough, I won’t get any respect. Like, I didn’t do it the right way.’ And he goes, ‘It’s for a million dollars. Like, it’s for a million-dollar WWE contract. How many opportunities do you think you’re going to get? This is your opportunity, this is your time.’ And so I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to try out, I’m going to do it.’

“Because I tried to go to Japan, they wouldn’t take me. Like, every time I tried going to Zero1, they would come in and we would wrestle, we’d do a match. I’d think my match would go great. It wasn’t, but I thought at the time I was really special. But, yeah, Japan would never take me. So I was like, ‘I mean, this is the opportunity.’ So, tried out and then gave it full force and didn’t win, but got a contract to go to developmental.”

Zero1, founded by the legendary Shinya Hashimoto, is a Japanese wrestling promotion that had a working relationship with UPW where Miz trained.

The Miz lost out to Daniel Puder on Tough Enough season four but was still signed to WWE, where he has now been a fixture for two decades.

Miz still concerned he’ll be released ‘every time’ WWE does roster cuts

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Miz has been with WWE for more than 20 years now, but he’s still concerned about being released every time there’s a round of roster cuts.

On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Miz was asked if he’s ever worried for his own job security when some his friends were let go from the company. The 45-year-old WWE mainstay admitted that it’s something he’s thought about whenever cuts happen.

“Yeah,” he responded. “Honestly, every time. Every time there’s a release, I’m like, ‘Oh no, is it me?'”

A lot of Miz’s closest allies have departed WWE over the years, with Dolph Ziggler’s release in September 2023 leaving Miz as the last member of their close-knit friend group who is still with the company.

“That was a tough one for me, to see him go,” Miz said about Ziggler’s release. “Because it was kind of like the last of my really core group of friends, right? I mean, I have friends, obviously, in the locker room. But that was my core group of friends. Ah man, I’ve had such great matches with Dolph too. Him putting his career up and me the IC title. That whole IC title reign, he was a big part of elevating that title as well. And during that time for [elevating] me. So to see him go is tough, but that’s the name of this business, it happens, those type of things happen.”

Miz added that, despite being concerned when releases happen, he is confident in his abilities and what he’s done for WWE.

“For me, this is going to sound very cocky and arrogant. I know how valuable I am,” Miz said. “I know how good I am, and whether the audience sees it or not, I know people know. If you’ve wrestled me, you know. So, yes, there’s always in the back of your mind, ‘Oh, is it me? Is it me? Is it me?’ But then there’s also that other part that goes, ‘I’ve done a lot in this business, and I still got more.’”

Miz vs. Randy Orton is set for WWE SmackDown in London this Friday. The winner advances to a fatal four-way match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24 to determine Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship challenger for the Royal Rumble.


Miz praises ‘really special’ WWE star Je’Von Evans

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Miz sees Je’Von Evans as a truly special star who has unlimited potential in WWE.

Last month, the two worked together with Evans defeating Miz on SmackDown. The 45-year-old veteran came away from that experience very impressed with Evans. If Evans stays on the right track and avoids major injuries, Miz sees him having an incredible career.

“I was with Je’Von Evans and I was like — no one really knows him, right? Like, people know him, NXT, you know who he is. But the masses don’t know who he is,” Miz said on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. “So we have to really make this kid, because he’s special. He truly is. If you’ve watched him and you feel his energy, the kid has an infectious smile. He’s got charisma, he’s got the ability — and he’s young. He’s young. I was like, ‘Man, this kid’s 21? Imagine what he’s going to be like when he’s 25.’ He might be bored because he’s so good at this age. I was like, man, if this kid can keep elevating himself, keep getting bigger, keep just focusing, locking in, don’t mess up, don’t get injured. This kid can be something really special in this business.”

Miz noted that he wishes WWE still ran a live event schedule that would allow young talent like Evans to get more experience at house shows.

When Evans defeated Miz on the December 12 episode of SmackDown, WWE referred to it as the biggest win of his career so far. Evans is now a member of the WWE Raw roster after being called up from NXT. He worked a match on this week’s episode in Germany, defeating Bravo Americano (Tyler Bate).

The Miz explains why winning ‘really does matter’ in WWE

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Despite what others may think, The Miz believes wins and losses are crucially important in professional wrestling.

Miz addressed the topic during a guest appearance on the latest episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet. Explaining why his character works so much better as a heel, Miz said he’s able to lose and then cut a promo moving on from what happened. But when you’re a babyface, fans want to see you win. The audience loses their faith in you when you fail to make that happen.

“My character doesn’t really work as a babyface, if I’m being honest,” Miz said. “It’s a person that can lose and then the next day you’ll forget about that loss, because I’ll just cut a promo and make you believe.

“But with the babyface, babyfaces can’t really lose a lot. If a babyface loses too much — everyone always says, like, ‘Winning doesn’t matter. Winning doesn’t matter.’ It matters. It really does matter. Especially if you’re a babyface. Because in my opinion, if you’re a babyface and I’m a kid out there — my kids always ask me, ‘Did you win? Did you win? Did you win?’ And I always have to go, ‘Ahh, daddy didn’t win this week, but I’ll get them next week.’ You can only say that so many times to a kid where they’re just like, ‘I want a winner. I want a winner. I want to cheer a winner.’ People like winners. People like first place. They don’t like second place. They don’t like third place. They want the guy, their guy. They want their guy to win.”

Miz said the past year has been “weird” for him with the reactions he’s getting. His usual heel tactics aren’t receiving boos, but fans aren’t completely cheering him either. While Miz can feel the increased respect people have for him, he thinks the reaction of ‘Ahh, he’s so good’ is death for a wrestler when fans aren’t fully behind or against them.

This Friday on SmackDown, Miz will be in action against Randy Orton. It’s a qualifying match where the winner earns a spot in the fatal four-way number one contender’s bout that’s taking place on January 24 at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The winner of that match advances to the Royal Rumble to challenge WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.

WWE SmackDown live results: The Last Time is Now tournament continues

Posted on by Marc Quill

The Last Time is Now tournament continues tonight on WWE SmackDown from MVP Arena in Albany, New York.

The show will feature two first-round matchups, including one between two former World Champions Jey Uso and The Miz. The other pits LA Knight against a yet-to-be-revealed mystery opponent.

The winners will progress further in the bracketless tournament that will determine John Cena’s last-ever opponent for next month’s December 13 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

After a confrontation, new WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill will take on B-Fab in a non-title bout.

Sami Zayn will also be on the show as he has a message for Solo Sikoa after last week — when he attempted to get at Sikoa and the MFTs but was unable to. In storyline, Zayn was not medically cleared in storyline. We’ll see if tonight’s message has something to do with a Zayn return.

Plus, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY are in the house as the WarGames build continues.

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

**********

– We opened SmackDown on a recap of what happened last week with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, along with the Kabuki Warriors and the new alliance of Nia Jax and Lash Legend. The chaos involving these groups led to WarGames being declared by IYO SKY and the returning Rhea Ripley.

Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY kick off SmackDown

The dynamic tandem made their way to the ring to the loud ovation from the fans in Albany. Once the two got into the ring, Rhea Ripley addressed how things have devolved into chaos since she was gone due to her broken nose. Ripley mentioned that the Kabuki Warriors think they’re untouchable because they’re the Women’s Tag Team Champions, and that Lash Legend & Nia Jax similarly though they were untouchable because of their added numbers. Ripley said that the numbers game meant that Jax & Legend were also making a lot of enemies, as SKY mentioned that there’d be nowhere to hide in WarGames. Ripley then introduced their two partners for the Match Beyond in two weeks: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.

Bliss started that if Jax & Legend wanted to get dirty, that was fine by her. If the Kabuki Warriors wanted a fight, they’re on, too. Flair interrupted by saying that she couldn’t pretend to do this anymore, as she told Ripley that she couldn’t trust her as she was a “snake”. It’s something that she couldn’t look past even with a common enemy. Flair called Bliss her friend, but she couldn’t go through with this WarGames match, as she walked out.

Interesting start, which is definitely meant to give the babyface team at Survivor Series a bit of adversity heading into next week.

**********

– Michael Cole and Corey Graves teed up the action ahead for tonight, including WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill vs. B-Fab, plus LA Knight vs. a mystery opponent in the Last Time is Now tournament.

The Last Time is Now Tournament First-Round Match: Jey Uso vs. The Miz

Miz and Uso locked horns to start us off before the latter struck with a clubbing blow to the back of his foe. Uso answered back with strikes to the face, but found himself down on the mat with a knee driven to the gut by Miz. In the corner, Miz went for his signature clothesline, but Uso countered that into a backslide pin for a two-count.

Uso escaped an early Skull-Crushing Finale attempt as he then clotheslined Miz to the outside. He then took off with a suicide dive, wich was the cue for a break in the action.

As we returned from commercial, Miz had the advantage as he dropped Uso face first on his knees from the corner, followed by a spike DDT that wasn’t enough to pick up the win. Miz then kicked repeatedly at Uso’s chest, but failed to hit the last kick as the former World Champion turned that into a neckbreaker for a near-fall. As Miz scurried into the corner, he avoided a running hip strike from Uso. He then decided to do a spoof of John Cena’s shoulder charges, Protoplex and the Five-Knuckle Shuffle.

Uso recovered and superkicked Miz, as he then tried to lift him up on his shoulders. Miz wriggled free and delivered the Skull-Crushing Finale. One, two…. NO! Miz lifted Uso up on the top turnbuckle as he tried for an avalanche Skull-Crushing Finale. Uso escaped and hit some sort of drop from the top instead. This led into the Spear, and the Uso Splash for the three and the victory.

Jey Uso def. The Miz via pinfall to advance in The Last Time is Now Tournament

A decent match, though I was surprised this went down cleanly without any sort of WarGames-adjacent shenanigans. It was certainly better than Uso’s last singles match at Saturday Night’s Main Event a few weeks back.

**********

– As Nick Aldis was meeting with Ilja Dragunov, they were interrupted by an incensed Tommasso Ciampa, who stood with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Ciampa was upset at being snubbed by Dragunov once again. The U.S. Champion explained that he only gives opportunities to those who are honorable and deserve a shot at the title, and he’s found one such individual. Mr. Aldis left this scene and was met by Paul Heyman and Bronson Reed of The Vision, who wanted to chat wit him.

– We got a video of John Cena talking about how he became a wrestler. This was a tease for an interview with Cena conducted by Tom Rinaldi that will be released soon.

– Back with Nick Aldis, who requested for security to come to his office. Paul Heyman mentioned that he had an agreement regarding WarGames, stating that he was free to pick anyone across all brands. Aldis reiterated that as he asked Heyman and Reed to leave. Cody Rhodes showed up and explained that he showed up because his friends were held to the fire by The Vision and that he’d be willing to put himself through the fire next. This led to a major match being made tonight: Cody Rhodes vs. Bronson Reed for the WWE Championship.

U.S. Title Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Axiom

We started hot right away as Dragunov and Axiom were engaged in a chain wrestling duel. The U.S. Champion missed on a chop as Axiom rolled underneath, which seemed to impress Dragunov a fair bit. Axiom followed with a headlock takeover, but was felled by a running shoulder block from Dragunov afterwards. Dragunov went for a back elbow, but Axiom dodged it and hit a dropkick that sent him out of the ring.

As Axiom tried to go to the top rope, Dragunov intercepted him and left him sat on the top rope. After a brief skirmish, Dragunov headbutted Axiom down to the mat, as he then followed that with a senton for the near-fall. We then went to a picture-in-picture break at this point.

SmackDown returned to full-screen action as Dragunov connected with a German suplex. Axiom escaped and caught his championship foe with a release Northern Lights suplex. As both men got themselves back up, Axiom blasted Dragunov in the face with a strike, as he then leapt from the top rope with a shotgun missile dropkick for the two-count. Axiom took shots at the chest of Dragunov, who responded with a hard boot to the face.

Dragunov’s attempt at a Constantine Special was reversed into an armbar by Axiom. The U.S. Champion used his strength to break free of the hold with a deadlift powerbomb. Axiom got ahead of an attempted H-Bomb and turned that into an incredible leaping springboard DDT for the close near-fall. With Dragunov stunned in the corner, Axiom lifted him up the top rope and was looking for an avalanche Spanish Fly. Dragunov tried to fight back, but could not prevent the Spanish Fly from the top.

Axiom had Dragunov locked for the Golden Ratio, but he was intercepted by a fierce Torpedo Moscow. An H-Bomb from the U.S. Champion put an end to this Open Challenge and brought victory for Ilja Dragunov.

After the match, Dragunov showed respect for Axiom’s effort in this one as he shook the challenger’s hand.

Ilja Dragunov def. Axiom via pinfall to retain the United States Championship

Another solid U.S. Title Open Challenge match. Dragunov has been just on a tear since his return with fantastic matches one after the other, and this week’s match was no exception. Axiom was a perfect challenger for Dragunov and looked great even in defeat.

**********

– During the commercial break, we saw Tommasso Ciampa brutally attacking Axiom before Nathan Frazer chased him off.

Sami Zayn addresses The M.F.T.s

The former U.S. Champion was out as he made his way to the ring and began by greeting the Albany crowd.

Zayn said that since he came to SmackDown, there were some extremely high highs and extremely low lows. He talked about how he beat Solo Sikoa for the U.S. Title and that he did some incredible things, like facing John Cena in his last-ever SmackDown ever. Zayn mentioned that the last four weeks have been incredibly rough on him as he wasn’t medically cleared yet. He was forced to watch Sikoa and the M.F.T.s attack his friends and people that he respected. And now, that will end tonight, as Zayn challenged Sikoa to face him right now.

On cue, Sikoa walked to the ring, surrounded by his motley crew. Sikoa talked about how he knew the real Sami Zayn: someone who was a pathetic, a liar, and selfish. He claimed that Zayn didn’t care about the people in the back or the people in Albany. That was in contrast to Sikoa, who said that he cared about his “family” and their loyalty to him. Sikoa told Zayn that he knew nothing about loyalty or love of his family. Sikoa threatned to do harm Zayn as he was “still wounded”. He motioned for the M.F.T.s to approach Zayn in the ring.

Sikoa stopped them from going on the attack as he wanted Zayn to be 100% and medically cleared, because he was coming for him. Zayn answered that he was medically cleared and that if Sikoa wanted to do something about it, he’d do something about it right now. Zayn then burst Sikoa’s balloon by stating that he wasn’t here alone. Just then, Shinsuke Nakamura, the Motor City Machine Guns, and Rey Fenix evened the odds as they helped Zayn clear the ring of the M.F.T.s.

Bless Zayn for trying to generate interest into this feud, but it’s still kind of doing nothing for me even with that. This Bloodline retread just is not clicking for me at all, I’m sorry to say.

**********

– Cody Rhodes was approached by Jey Uso, who wished him luck for his Undisputed WWE Title match later on tonight. Jimmy Uso then showed up and told both Rhodes and brother Jey that he spoke with CM Punk, who officially put Jimmy on their WarGames team for Survivor Series.

– Backstage, Nick Aldis declared that in two weeks we’d see the M.F.T.s take on the team of Sami Zayn, the Motor City Machine Guns, Rey Fenix, and Shinsuke Nakamura in a 5-on-5 Traditional Survivor Series match. The Wyatt Sicks’ VHS glitches were shown as Solo Sikoa and Mr. Aldis left.

The Last Time is Now Tournament First-Round Match: LA Knight vs. Zack Ryder

Ryder was revealed as Knight’s mystery opponent moments before this match got underway. He got a great reaction from the crowd.

As the bell rang, Ryder went for an early school boy roll-up pin, but that was clearly not enough this early into the match. Knight countered a Rough Ryder attempt, but was sent out of the ring, which was the cue to take us into the commercial break.

We resumed the match from the break with Knight getting sent hard into the corner by Ryder. This was met in kind with a nice back body drop from Knight shortly after. Knight avoided a clothesline from Ryder, as he then unleahsed a flurry of punches, followed by the neckbreaker for the near-fall. Knight continued on the offensive, but a reversal on a scoop slam led to Ryder picking up some momentum. As Knight was left down and out in the corner, this left him open to Ryder’s Broski Boot for a close near-fall.

Knight countered an attempt at an Unprettier from Ryder into a reverse DDT. The elbow from the top was avoided by Ryder, who turned that into the Rough Ryder on his foe. One, two… Knight was able to kick out at two. Knight’s BFT was countered into a roll-up pin, by Ryder, as he headed up to the top rope. Ryder’s attempt at a standing legdrop was turned into a powerbomb by Knight, who then soundly finished off Ryder with the BFT for the three.

LA Knight def. Zack Ryder via pinfall to advance in The Last Time is Now Tournament

Zack Ryder was a nice surprise, and it was at least nice to see LA Knight back in the winning column here for this match.

**********

– As Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and Alexa Bliss were discussing what to do with Charlotte Flair walking ou on them, they were ambushed by the Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. The Jamie Noble-led vanguard of security officials got them to back off after the ambush.

Jade Cargill vs. B-Fab

B-Fab escaped an early chokeslam attempt by Cargill, as she then hit her with a dropkick and repeated elbows in the corner. B-Fab’s attempt at a pump kick was met by a fierce elbow to the face from Cargill, who followed that up with a fallaway slam. Cargill managed to connect with the chokeslam on B-Fab. This was followed by the powerbomb on her foe. Not satisfied with just one powerbomb, Cargill then dropped her with one more powerbomb, then the Jaded for the dominant victory.

After the match, Michin ran in to check up on B-Fab, which caught Cargill’s attention. The WWE Women’s Champion shoved her down afterwards.

Jade Cargill def. B-Fab via pinfall

Just kind of there in terms of being a match, and with how barebones the SmackDown’s women’s division is, that’s not a good sign. Not saying that B-Fab should be having competitive matches with the WWE Women’s World Champion, but sub-three minute matches are not the way to do it.

**********

– Nick Aldis revealed two more The Last Time is Now tournament matchups: Carmelo Hayes vs. Bronson Reed and Penta vs. Finn Balor, with these match set for next week’s SmackDown.

Next Week on SmackDown:

  • The Last Time is Now Tournament: Carmelo Hayes vs. Bronson Reed
  • The Last Time is Now Tournament: Penta vs. Finn Balor
  • Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommasso Ciampa)

– We got remarks from Aleister Black, with Damian Priest once again being the subject of discussion for him. Black said that they forced Priest to break his code, and now he had greater things in mind, namely those who hold championships on SmackDown.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Bronson Reed (w/ Paul Heyman)

The main event started off fast and furious as Rhodes went on the attack against Reed. A running thump from the Aussie put an end to that flurry as he maintained the assault on ringside with another running thump.

Our main event returned from the break as Rhodes nailed Reed with the Disaster Kick. This fired up the Undisputed WWE Champion as he attempted to blast Reed with the Dusty elbow strikes. Reed countered that into Jagged Edge, but he missed on the Tsunami. This left Reed open for a Cody Cutter for the close near-fall. As Reed scurried outside to the ring, Rhodes went for a suicide dive, but Reed intercepted him with an elbow.

Outside the ring, Reed had Rhodes in sight for an avalanche run, but he was met at the pass by the Undisputed WWE Champion. Things broke down once Bron Breakker and Logan Paul ran in to attack Rhodes as this match ended in a DQ.

The Usos ran in for the save as they cleared the ring of Paul and Breakker. Jimmy and Jey dropped Paul with a 1D, as they then grabbed a table from underneath the ring. Drew McIntyre showed up, despite being suspended. Nick Aldis confronted Paul Heyman about this outside the ring, as the heels got the upper hand in the ring. The Levesque & Fitting credits saw us off once more with The Vision standing united in the ring.

Cody Rhodes def. Bronson Reed via DQ to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship

**********

An okay ending to an otherwise better-than-average SmackDown once again carried hard by the U.S. Open Challenge. WarGames is at least setting up quite nicely, and presumably Roman Reigns will fill out the babyface team in the coming weeks. Perhaps, even John Cena.

Other than that, when I say that this show was decent, it is, of course, in comparison to the previous weeks of rather milquetoast episodes. The M.F.T.s storyline continues to just be kind of there, but I am enjoying everything surrounding the U.S. Title and the Ciampa/Dragunov feud that’s been building in the background of it. At the end of the day, a decent show is certainly better than a forgettably bad one.

Tag team officially splits up on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Melo Don’t Miz is no more.

After Carmelo Hayes told Miz on Friday that they were done being a team, the former WWE Champion cemented the end of their association with one another by attacking Hayes from behind as he was challenging Sami Zayn for the United States Championship. Miz took out his now former tag team partner with the skull crashing finale, leaving Aleister Black to take the open challenge instead.

Minutes before, The Miz confronted Hayes backstage, asking why he didn’t make the save for him in their tag team match last week. Melo told Miz that he thought Miz was in his way and chose to end their relationship amicably.

The Miz and Melo have been associated with one another for most of the year, though Melo seemed reluctant to fully associate himself with Miz. A split had been hinted at in recent weeks, with Hayes choosing to focus more on winning the United States title instead of the Tag Team titles, which Miz wanted. The two did end up getting a number one contender’s match on last week’s SmackDown against The Street Profits, but Hayes chose not to help Miz as he was being pinned, causing this week’s confrontation.

Daily Update: AEW Women’s tag title belts, The Miz, AKIRA

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • A look at the build and the importance of Wrestlepalooza and All Out. We look at the shows and the stories behind the shows as well as what to look at as well as comments from ESPN execs on WWE, debuts of new services and other hilarious notes.
  • Betting odds for both shows
  • WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia, the fallout of the announcement, will AEW counter, should AEW counter, and what affect the going to Saudi Arabia in 2027 has already had for WrestleMania in 2026.
  • Terrence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez as TKO gets into boxing, what can be improved on judging, real numbers as well as made up numbers and realities the night shows about sports in general
  • A look at the CMLL anniversary show and its stories
  • Full coverage of Worlds Collide
  • Andrade fired by WWE, a look back at his career
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the wrestling TV shows this past week, including Netflix numbers and what they mean in reality, segment by segment and what we can learn, competition, and much more.
  • Brody King & Bandido go to Arena Mexico as AEW tag team champions but it doesn’t go right.
  • CMLL has two Arena Mexico crowds of 16,000 over the next week and a third big show as well
  • The unique Thursday show.
  • CMLL featuring women more prominently next month and Mercedes Mone returns
  • Surprise on AAA television this past week
  • Actress has just started training to be a pro wrestler after playing the role of one
  • All Japan completes Oudou tournament
  • NOAH N-1 tournament
  • Unique NJPW PPV main event
  • US team at the world championships
  • FTC investigating Ticketmaster for for price gouging
  • Notes on the deaths of Tom Gerbasi and Nacho Barrera
  • Former wrestling personality injured in accident
  • First black world champion being honored
  • Why Conor McGregor pulled out of the race for President of Ireland.
  • TKO plans for 2026
  • More on Turki Alalshikh
  • Death of Ricky Hatton
  • Gable Steveson accuses Craig Jones of trying to fix a fight
  • Boxer sues over brain injuries
  • Paul Levesque talks talent recruitment
  • Lots of injury updates

This Week’s Back Issue

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Thursday Update

WWE

  • While appearing on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, The Miz said CM Punk seems like a different and happier person this WWE run:
    • Seeing him come back, it’s been interesting. Because I remember before, like I remember driving with him, but I also remember when he was at the tail end and it didn’t seem like he was a happy person.
    • And now I see him backstage and it’s a different person than I remember. He seems very happy. I wouldn’t even say complacent because he’s always competitive and always wants to be number one. But also is in a position where he’s teaching a lot, and there are not many of us who have been here for 20 years and have been able to teach, and learn, and adapt. So it’s cool to see the change and happiness, right? Because you want happiness for everyone.
  • Jeff Hardy – who is currently with TNA Wrestling – told the I Love Wrestling Podcast that one of his goals is winning the NXT Tag Team titles with his brother Matt:
    • I meditate and I manifest a lot. As pro wrestlers, you know, we manifest the near future all the time. I kind of medi-fest these days. Over a year ago – if not two years ago – I kind of was meditating and manifesting the thought of us showing up in NXT. And sure enough, that eventually happened. Definitely, for me, to be the NXT champions is on my list of things to accomplish.
  • The Undertaker & Alexa Bliss will be featured as operator skins on the Call of Duty: Mobile game starting next Wednesday.
  • Sports Illustrated has an interview with Lola Vice.
  • WWE Vault uploaded the full Bashed in the USA Coliseum Home Video featuring Undertaker vs. Yokozuna, Razor Ramon vs. Big Boss Man, Bret Hart vs. Rick Martel, and more.
  • Logan Paul shared a new vlog.

Other Wrestling

  • On social media, AEW provided a better look at the new Women’s Tag Team title belts that were unveiled last night.
  • Mercedes Mone indicated that she wants to add the AEW Women’s Tag Team titles to her belt collection, sending a tweet asking who her partner is going to be.
  • Jerry Lynn named MJF, Ricochet, Will Ospreay, and Bryan Keith as some of the wrestlers from AEW he would like to face if he were still able to compete.
  • Capt. Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo of The Infantry appeared on AEW Unrestricted this week.
  • MLW has announced Matt Riddle vs. Alex Hammerstone for the promotion’s Slaughterhouse event in Long Beach, California on October 4.
  • Marigold sent out a message stating that the promotion will be making an announcement late tonight: “We will be announcing breaking news right here on X at 12:00 PM JST on Friday, September 26, 2025. Please be sure to check it out. 11PM Eastern Thursday 8PM Pacific Thursday 4AM BST”
  • Shotzi Blackheart was the guest on the latest episode of Saraya’s Rulebreakers podcast.
  • For his YouTube channel, Matt Cardona produced his own version of a WWE Unreal episode, documenting a recent GCW show that he competed at.
  • After domestic violence allegations against Masha Slamovich were made public, her former partner AKIRA sent out a message thanking everyone for their support. He asked that fans not direct ill will toward Slamovich despite her alleged physical and emotional abuse toward him:
    • I appreciate everyone who has come to my defense. I still have concern for my ex partner and despite what others may say, I want to forgive. I do. 
    • I don’t hate her. I don’t wish her ill will.
    • I would have held it close to my chest and never have said anything, but I am thankful for people messaging me and telling their stories. I have grown a great deal, and I hope others do too with whatever they get out of my past.
    • However, please do NOT wish ill will, enough of that has been said and it’s been hard to detach. I loved her and still love her in the bottom of my heart and anyone pushing her to do something drastic, needs to learn the art of forgiveness. 
    • I believe that she has good in her and that she will evolve in a positive way. I believe that she is one of the best wrestlers I’ve been blessed to meet. I want her to grow as a Human and I want her to continue her work as a wrestler when she finally becomes that person.
    • The woman I loved was put on this earth to be a wrestler, and I would never see her do anything but that. 
    • We live life and we fail. We all have. We must take accountability and repent for those actions in which we hurt others, but I believe in forgiveness and change. If we don’t have that in this world, we have nothing. I believe there is good in people and good in the world, and despite everything I still believe in the good in her. 
    • She taught me many things about myself during and after, and the person I became after it is finally someone I can look in the mirror and see doing the things i aspire to. 
    • Do not wish pain and suffering. Wish for change and accountability. Be better than the people who live within the world and bring nothing but pain to it. 
    • I am not asking for idle hands or recompense. I am asking to remember that in order for people to learn, we must remember it’s about second chances. 
    • ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ Ephesians 4:32

Multiple names from the past appear during WWE NXT Homecoming

Posted on by Bryan Rose

It was a homecoming for many NXT stars of the past.

During Tuesday’s show at Full Sail University, multiple former NXT stars made an appearance. The first surprise was after the WWE Women’s Tag Team title match. Zol Ruca and Zaria were arguing about the finish of last week’s number one contender’s match when Laney Reid and Candace LeRae interrupted. Shayna Baszler then showed up and said she made history in NXT by being the longest-reigning champion. She told Sol and Zaria to fix it and apologize as they’ll get everything they want if they do.

Later, The Miz made a surprise appearance. He attacked Johnny Gargano on the outside giving him the skull crashing finale. He then threw him into the ring and helped Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams score the victory over DIY, continuing his SmackDown storyline with Hayes.

Other NXT stars from the past including Damien Priest, Sami Zayn, Montez Ford, Bobby Roode, and Finn Balor all made appearances. Priest and Zayn gave pep talks to Tavion Heights and Je’Von Evans respectively, while Montez Ford met with Darkstate. Bobby Roode meanwhile had an encounter with Joe Hendry.

After Lexis King gave a speech running down the old era of NXT and Myles Borne, he was met by a returning Finn Balor, who came out to his old theme and entrance. Borne entered the ring and took out King while Balor delivered the coup de gras.

The Miz comments on Shane McMahon, Snoop Dogg segment at WWE WrestleMania 39

Posted on by Ian Carey

If there is a celebrity that Miz trusts, it’s Snoop Dogg.

Miz and Snoop hosted WWE WrestleMania 39 together and Snoop brought out surprise opponents for Miz on both nights. After Pat McAfee defeated The Miz on night one, Snoop brought out Shane McMahon to wrestle Miz on night two. However, shortly after getting in the ring, McMahon tore both his quads doing a leap frog, leading to Miz and Snoop Dogg having to improvise what to do next.

Snoop Dogg ended up sucker punching Miz, giving him his version of The People’s Elbow, and pinning him to end, and arguably save, the segment.

Miz was a guest on The Rich Eisen Show recently and addressed what happened, saying he was trying to tell the back to send someone else out before Snoop punched him.

“I know when he goes down, I’m like, ‘All right, he’s injured.’ The camera’s going to be on me because we don’t like showing real injuries on there. So, the red light is on me. Now, I have to basically relay to a referee kind of what to do to the truck.“

“I was telling the referee, I was like, “Hey, hey, play someone’s music. I don’t care whose music it is. Hit the finisher. Have Snoop Dogg hit me with a hit me with a Snoop Dogg elbow.’ And so all of a sudden I turn around and Snoop Dogg sucker punches me. And I’m like, ‘That’s even better.'”

“And by the way, Snoop Dogg isn’t a professional wrestler. He doesn’t do this for a living, but he’s the consummate pro. I mean, if there is a celebrity that I would trust to do something like that that has no prior training, it is Snoop Dogg.”

Evidently, Maryse thought the segment played out exactly as planned.

“I remember going back and talking to my wife and she was like, ‘Wow, I thought that was that all was supposed to happen,'” Miz added.

The Miz’s appearance on The Rich Eisen Show is available below:

The Miz wants to replace Drew McIntyre at WWE SummerSlam

Posted on by Joseph Currier

If there’s an opening on the WWE SummerSlam card, The Miz wants to be the person to take it.

The Miz cut an Instagram promo today saying that, with Drew McIntyre’s status for SummerSlam in question, he wants to team with Logan Paul at the PLE instead. McIntyre & Paul are currently scheduled to face Randy Orton & Jelly Roll at SummerSlam night one this Saturday, but McIntyre says he stuck in the United Kingdom due to passport issues and might not be able to make it.

“If Drew is out. I want in,” Miz wrote in the caption for his Instagram post.

Back at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, Miz teamed with Paul in what was Paul’s first-ever pro wrestling match. Jelly Roll — a country music star — is now making his debut on Saturday as he becomes the latest celebrity to crossover from being a fan to competing in a WWE ring.

Miz applauded Jelly Roll for how hard he’s worked preparing for his debut, but Miz said there’s a difference between dreaming of being a wrestler and living the reality of it every day.

“This isn’t a bucket list, this is my life,” Miz said. “And I’m sick of waiting for my moment.”

There has been no official announcement by WWE yet regarding McIntyre’s status for SummerSlam or if Miz will be replacing him. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is hosting the two-night event this Saturday and Sunday. Both nights have a start time of 6 p.m. Eastern airing live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix elsewhere.

Miz expected back in WWE soon as American Gladiators wraps filming

Posted on by Ian Carey

The Miz is expected back in WWE shortly.

The 44-year-old was cast as the host of the new American Gladiators reboot for Amazon Prime and has been gone from WWE programming since May. Our own Bryan Alvarez reports that they’ve wrapped filming on two seasons of the show and Miz’s WWE return should take place soon.

“Gladiators has finished up filming two seasons, it’ll debut later this year. Miz should be back soon,” Alvarez posted to his subscribers on X.

Prior to his WWE absence, Miz had been in a program with Aleister Black. His last match took place on the May 2 edition of WWE SmackDown, where he was defeated by Black in a match that went just under 10 minutes.

Last month, the Hollywood Reporter reported that several other names associated with the wrestling industry are attached to the new American Gladiators. According to the report, Wardlow, Kamille, Eric Bugenhagen (fka Rick Boogs), Jessica Roden, and Jessie Godderz comprise five of the 16 Gladiator roles for the reboot.

Daily Update: Roxanne Perez, The Miz, Dragon Bane

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest Headlines

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • Full coverage of Double or Nothing including length of the show and why, the main event finish and who knew, the long-term booking, how things can be adjusted time wise, PPV early estimates, going head-to-head with WWE and the current WWE strategy and is it working or will it backfire, and what was unique in business regarding interest levels for this show, and match by match coverage.
  • What did readers think of Double or Nothing and Battleground.
  • John Laurinaitis joins with Janel Grant in the lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE. We look at the strategy, why the timing doesn’t make sense on the surface and what it shows about the belief of where the case is going, as well as Laurinaitis credibility as a witness, his past, and an amazing timeline look where the dots have never been connected before.
  • Saturday Night’s Main Event, the long-term of John Cena as champion, Cena’s last match, what match did the highest number, injury notes, Jesse Ventura and more.
  • WWE spoils a world title change in Mexico, the WWE strategy in Mexico, Alberto shoots a major angle, Worlds Collide matches and how business looks and more.
  • Salman Hashimikov, the unlikely IWGP champion, and the story of one of the best heavyweight amateur wrestlers in the world who had a short pro wrestling career, but a lot of major main event matches with legends.
  • Full coverage of NXT Battleground
  • The sad plight of BJ Penn
  • Best of the Super Juniors
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the shows of the past week, with demos, segments, how the shows are holding up, Netflix numbers and more
  • More on AEW talent at Arena Mexico
  • The Copa Juniors Cibernetico in Arena Mexico
  • MLW title matches at Arena Mexico
  • Nanae Takahashi retires
  • Lawsuit against Billy Jack Haynes by family of his murdered wife
  • The sad story of Shannon Spruill/Daffney
  • Unique independent matches
  • A crazy angle gets two police officers legitimately suspended
  • The Jim Ross Award
  • Why things changed at AEW PPV as far as distribution
  • Why Josh Alexander signed with AEW
  • Keith Lee update
  • Ticket sales for upcoming AEW, WWE and TNA shows
  • Another lawsuit filed against TKO
  • Cain Velasquez talks Dana White’s help
  • More on future WrestleManias
  • Update on UFC & WWE rights negotiations that will happen later this year
  • WWE main roster call-ups expected and where
  • Comparing the Raw ratings from January to last week while taking sleight of hand manipulations out
  • WWE stars in TV shows

Thursday Update

WWE

  • After someone made an account on X/Twitter threatening Roxanne Perez, Adam Pearce thanked fans for alerting him to the situation and said it has been reported. The account – named “Isroxd3adyet” – no longer exists.
  • Pearce wrote: “It has been reported. If you know what I’m talking about, then you know what I’m talking about. Thank you to everyone that made me aware.”
  • Perez spoke to USA Today about gaining enough confidence to feel like she belongs on the same roster as wrestlers she grew up idolizing:
    • To have the name prodigy on my back, it was definitely kind of hard mentally because it was like, well, am I ‘The Prodigy’ when I’m surrounded by all of these people? I really had to kind of find that confidence in me and realize, no, yeah, I am. Just because I’m surrounded by these people that I’ve watched growing up doesn’t mean that I can’t be on the same level as them. 
    • I really had to start training myself to be like, ‘you belong here.’ And now I feel like everybody knows that I do belong here.
  • In an interview with Fox News Digital, The Miz reacted to R-Truth’s WWE departure: “Obviously, I was in a tag team with R-Truth, so it’s always sad to see something like that happen. But I think Truth will bounce on his feet. He’s a hell of a talented superstar.”
  • Brandi Rhodes told BET.com that, while she’d be open to her and Cody Rhodes’ daughter Liberty becoming a wrestler, there’s no pressure for her to do so: “Every time I post her, someone’s like, ‘Next generation!’ And I’m like—maybe not. If she wants to wrestle, sure. But just because her parents did it doesn’t mean she has to.”
  • Seth Rollins appeared on Up & Adams to promote Saturday’s Money in the Bank PLE. During the conversation, Rollins commented on how he’s feeling at this point in his career: “I feel great, but I certainly feel closer to the end than the beginning. Like, I’m not doing 25 more years of this. I don’t know what that looks like on the backend, but I feel good right now.”
  • Trick Williams was a guest on the Battleground Podcast.
  • Chelsea Green interviewed actress Ana de Armas about her new movie “Ballerina.”
  • For a WWE Playback video, Green and Tiffany Stratton rewatched the 2024 women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
  • Jey Uso took part in a “10 Essentials” video for GQ Sports.
  • Logan Paul uploaded a new episode of his vlog.
  • Magician Criss Angel was a guest on the What’s Your Story? podcast with Stephanie McMahon.

Other Wrestling

  • Dragon Bane, who is one-half of Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, thanked fans for their concern after he was injured at a show for Dragon Gate in Tokyo today. The six-man tag match he was taking part in ended by referee stoppage following the injury.
  • Dragon Bane tweeted: “Thanks to everyone who asked how I am, thank God I’m fine, I had a severe concussion, we’ll be back in a few weeks”
  • QT Marshall was the guest on this week’s episode of AEW Unrestricted.
  • Chris Jericho interviewed Marc Copani (the former Muhammad Hassan) on a new edition of Talk is Jericho.
  • Brock Anderson will face Anthony Greene at MLW Summer of the Beasts in Queens, New York on Thursday, June 26.

The Miz to host ‘American Gladiators’ reboot on Amazon

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The Miz is hosting American Gladiators.

It was announced during Amazon’s upfronts that Mike Mizanin will be the new host of the latest reboot of the popular 90s television series.

“We’re excited to officially welcome WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin to the American Gladiators Family. He’s the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise,” said Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment. “The U.S. reboot, combined with our epic success in the U.K., our Live Nation Tour and the launch of our 24/7 Gladiators FAST channel — this isn’t just a comeback, it’s a cultural revival. Fans, old and new, are going to love this evolution in sports entertainment.”

The new cast will comprise of bodybuilders, division one athletes, crossfit champions and fitness trainers. It will also feature new and returning challenges including “Gauntlet”, “Hang Tough”, and “The Eliminator.”

The original version of American Gladiators aired in syndication from 1989 through 1996. A reboot on NBC aired for two seasons starting in 2008 with Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali as co-hosts.

WWE SmackDown live results: Aleister Black’s in-ring return

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Just over a week away from his Undisputed WWE Championship match against John Cena at Backlash, Randy Orton is set to appear on tonight’s SmackDown at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Orton and Cena went face-to-face last week. During that segment, Orton hit the champion with an RKO to lay him out. Their match at Backlash could be the last time the two familiar rivals ever face each other with Cena set to retire in December.

Also tonight, Aleister Black will have his first match back in WWE after not being in the company for five years. He’s facing off against The Miz, which was set up last week when Miz offered up an impromptu promo inside the ring and the lights went out, setting the scene for Black’s return. Black then hit The Miz with a Black Mass.

LA Knight vs. Damian Priest has also been confirmed for tonight. Plus, Nia Jax will make an appearance.

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

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show. Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Damian Priest, The Miz and Carmelo Hayes were shown walking backstage. Priest ran into Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu and confronted them. A yelling match ensued as LA Knight walked past them all and made his way to the ring.

The LA Knight/Damian Priest segment

Knight cut a promo in the ring and noted how he said last week that he wanted a rematch for his U.S. title. Knight voiced his displeasure for having to have a No. 1 contender’s match. Knight said the match didn’t go his way because Solo Sikoa interfered and Jacob Fatu jumped around everywhere. Knight then moved his attention to Damian Priest. On cue, Priest’s music hit and Priest made his entrance with a certain level of purpose.

Priest told Knight they didn’t have a problem and last week, everything he did was about Drew McIntyre. Priest noted how McIntyre mentioned Priest’s family and he couldn’t let McIntyre get away with that. Knight said Priest picked the wrong time to get back at McIntyre because the only reason the bell rang on his match was Priest. Priest said he saved Knight from taking a pin. Knight told Priest to not put Priest’s loss at WreslteMania on Knight. Priest responded by saying the only reason things happened the way they did is because Knight lost his title at Mania.

Knight admitted to losing and said he wants to fight his way back into the title picture and the reason he’s not champion this week is because of Priest. Priest said all of Knight’s frustrations are because of Knight. Knight reminded Priest that they don’t have a problem and if that’s the case, Priest needed to stop talking. Priest said even though their match is set for later tonight, they should just fight right now and asked Knight if that’s what he wanted. Knight, of course, said, “Yeah!” A referee ran to the ring and before the match began, the show went to a commercial break.

This was fine, if not a little rushed. Knight usually takes more time milking his catchphrases and Priest usually takes more time milking the spaces in between. On top of that, the promo ended before it was 10 minutes past the hour and I can’t recall a SmackDown going to commercial this early in the show in recent memory. Anyway, it was everything one would expect from both guys. God bless Knight. These crowds are still into him, even if the booking minds behind the scenes aren’t.

**********

LA Knight vs. Damian Priest

The match was joined in progress with Knight on top, working Priest with a series of strikes, before Priest fought back and slammed Knight. Priest then kicked Knight in the chin and got a two-count out of it. Priest set up for Old School, but Knight pulled Priest off the top and landed a back suplex. Knight followed up with a bunch of punches and a flying clothesline. Knight added a jumping neck-breaker and a Russian Leg Sweep to all of that for a two-count.

Priest punched Knight, but Knight then slammed Priest. Knight went for an elbow drop, but Priest caught him and tried to set up a South Of Heaven. Knight worked out of it and Priest clotheslined the hell out of Knight for a near fall. Priest lifted Knight for a Razor’s Edge, but Knight got out of it and DDT’d Priest. Knight went to the second rope and hit his jump-up elbow from the top for a two-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and “This is awesome!” chants rang through the arena. Knight set up Priest for a super-plex, but Knight stopped him and the two battled on the second rope. Eventually, Priest stepped off the rope and onto the apron and kicked Knight. Priest then lifted Knight for a Razor’s Edge inside the ring, executed it, and Knight barely kicked out before three. “LA Knight!” chants began in the crowd. Priest went for South Of Heaven, but Knight countered … only for Priest to hit a Broken Arrow.

Priest went to the top rope, but Knight leapt up and hit a mega-plex for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants kicked up again. Knight clotheslined Priest over the top and to the outside. Knight went for his dropkick through the ropes, but Priest caught Knight and hit a Flatliner off the apron. Solo Sikoa then showed up and attacked Priest and the referee called for the bell.

Match result: LA Knight fought Damian Priest to a no contest (11:03 of TV time)

Sikoa turned his attention to Knight and set up for a Samoan Spike on Knight, but Priest punched Sikoa and Knight BFT’d Sikoa. Priest and Knight stared at each other and Priest cleared off the announce desk. Knight rolled Sikoa to the outside and Priest was going to hit South Of Heaven on Sikoa, but Fatu showed up and landed a Samoan Drop on Knight onto the announce desk after taking our Priest with a dive through the ropes. Fatu then hit a hip attack on Priest into the crowd barrier. Fatu posed on the ring steps with his U.S. title and the crowd cheered.

Priest and Knight felt like they had something to prove here. It was a welcome surprise. Both guys have settled into matches that have little more than them playing their biggest hits – a Razor’s Edge here, a step-up flying elbow there – and while this match featured all those things, there was a weird sense of urgency to all of it. So much so, that you have to wonder if they were determined to prove their in-ring worth here. It was dynamic. They completely had the live crowd. And they brought a dose of intensity that we don’t often see on SmackDown anymore. A tip of the cap goes to both guys for that. The finish felt predictable – let me guess … this leads to a tag match for later in the show – but as for this, it was one of the better TV matches from both guys in a long time. Good for them.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Fraxiom backstage. Frazer said they were excited and they plan on flipping the SmackDown tag division upside down. Pretty Deadly walked into the scene and Saxton left. Wilson told them the SmackDown tag division is the hungriest tag division. Prince said he enjoyed having new European blood on SmackDown and followed that up by saying opportunities on SmackDown are earned and not given. The duo said they wanted to see how good Faxiom actually was and talked to Nick Aldis as a means to book a match. Pretty Deadly’s music hit back in the arena and they made their entrance.

– Michael Bisping was shown in the crowd and he stood up to throw some punches in the air.

Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)

Wilson and Axiom began the match, but it wasn’t long before Frazer tagged in and ran the ropes awfully quickly and kicked Wilson. Frazer worked Wilson’s arm briefly and threw him into a corner, but Wilson walked out and kicked Frazer in the head. Prince tagged in and beat Frazer down. Frazer came back with an enziguri. Axiom tagged in and things broke down, complete with a repeated pair of dives onto the heels between the ropes.

Back inside the ring, Axiom went to work on Prince’s back. Axiom went to the top, but Prince caught Axiom during a cross-body attempt. Prince threw Axiom down into Wilson’s legs and Pretty Deadly posed as the show went to a commercial break about three-and-a-half minutes into the match.

The show returned and Axiom was chopping Wilson. Ultimately, Frazer received the hot tag and hit a dropkick on both Wilson and Prince. Frazer landed a springboard until a DDT and a running Shooting Star Press. The referee essentially counted to three but Prince didn’t kick out and it was an awkward moment. Prince’s mouth was quite bloody after all of this. Pretty Deadly took control back and Wilson tagged in. As such, Wilson powerbombed Frazer for a two-count. Wilson and Frazer traded elbows until Frazer placed Wilson on the top rope. Axiom hit a Spanish Fly and Frazer followed up with a Phoenix Splash for the win.

Match result: Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) defeated Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) (9:29)

My heart goes out to Elton Prince’s teeth. That fella’s face came up awfully bloody after he missed the kickout spot. Jacob Fatu talks about all gas, no breaks, but damn if Nathan Frazer doesn’t live that lifestyle in the ring, too. Stuff like that is going to happen every now and then when the guy only knows one speed and it’s 150 MPH. The match itself was the standard Fraxiom fare. Lots of speed. Lots of flash. A lot of fun. I’m not complaining. And Pretty Deadly had a good outing, too, proving they can work with any style of team WWE might throw at them. Prince’s face might not approve, but this turned out well.

**********

– B-Fab and Michin were shown talking to Nick Aldis in Aldis’s office, but Chelsea Green showed up with Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. The trio was dressed in black and Green said last week’s loss was because of collusion. Niven called Green an American hero, which was funny. Aldis tried to walk away, but Green bargained with Aldis for a rematch. Instead, Aldis said Zelina Vega will face Piper Niven tonight. Aldis said if Niven wins, she’ll be the No. 1 contender for Vega’s U.S. title. Green almost fainted.

– A video package chronicling the history between John Cena and Randy Orton aired.

The Nia Jax/Tiffany Stratton/Naomi/Jade Cargill segment

Jax stood in the middle of the ring and soaked in boos. She said it sounded like everyone missed her and the crowd booed louder. Jax said she was happy she was back, but while she was gone, she was at home getting refocused and she regrouped so she could come back and take what’s her’s – the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffany Stratton’s music hit and Stratton walked out with a microphone in hand. Stratton said she wasn’t the same Stratton that Jax used to bully around. Stratton said went toe to toe with one of the greatest of all time, Charlotte Flair. Stratton said if her and Jax ever locked up again, Stratton would be Jax, too.

Jax asked if Stratton was offering a rematch. Stratton said she wouldn’t ever shy away from a fight and she would defend her title against Jax anytime, anywhere. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi walked out with a microphone. Naomi spoke in the entranceway and said it was funny to see Stratton and Jaxx fighting because she remembered when she tried to take the title from Jax, Stratton always found a way to help out Jax. Naomi questioned whether Stratton actually changed and said she didn’t; in fact, Naomi said Naomi was the only one to really change. Naomi said Jade Cargill ruined everything she has worked for, but even so, she’s not done going after gold.

Jade Cargill’s music hit and Cargill walked with purpose towards Naomi, who rolled into the ring. All four women brawled in the ring. Cargill clotheslined Naomi over the top and to the outside and Stratton disposed of Jax to the outside as well. Cargill and Stratton circled each other and Aldis walked out to make a tag team match, which, it appears, will happen later in the show.

Man, Naomi is so great in this role. That needs to be said. Now, with that said, I can’t say I’m particularly excited for another Jax/Stratton program, but it kind of/sort of feels like WWE is going with this to reset Stratton back on a reliable path after the chaotic business with Charlotte. I’m still a little baffled that Naomi and Cargill is still a thing, but perhaps it will one day lead to a hell of a blow-off match. Wade Barrett mentioned how the tag match might be the main event now, and I hope it is. Give them 20 minutes and let’s see what happens. It could be very good.

**********

– Tessitore set up highlights of last week’s Miz/Black situation. Melo was hyping up Miz backstage and told Miz he’d show everyone tonight. Miz rambled about how he deserves more respect than he receives. Miz said Black didn’t knock him out last week; he woke Miz up. Miz said Black might want to make a statement, but instead, Black will be part of Miz’s statement. At one point, it looked like Miz forgot his line, but he recovered nicely.

Aleister Black vs. The Miz

Miz ran at Black to start the match and nearly ran into a Black Mass, but Miz retreated. The two went back and forth until Black caught Miz as Miz went for a kick. Black placed Miz’s foot back on the canvas and Miz hit Black. Before long, Black did the springboard moonsault into his sitting position spot. Miz was on the outside and Black reached for Miz, but was distracted by Melo. Miz capitalized and slammed Black’s head into the bottom-ring LED board. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and The Miz was posing as people booed. Miz went for a springboard move, but Black moved. Eventually, Miz pushed Black to the outside. Miz leapt at Black from the ring steps and landed on a knee from Black. Back in the ring, Black went to work on Miz, complete with body strikes and a springboard moonsault for a very close near-fall. Miz came back and kicked Black’s knee before hitting a DDT for a two-count.

Miz hit some Miz Kicks and Black laughed. Black followed up with a spinning elbow and a knee to the jaw of Miz. Miz came right back and went for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Black cartwheeled out of it, much to the delight of the live crowd. Black followed up with a tough knee to Miz’s face. Melo threatened to get involved and Miz rolled up Black to no avail. From there, it was Black Mass and the end.

Match result: Aleister Black defeated The Miz (9:28)

After the match, Melo and Black went face to face in the middle of the ring. Melo slowly exited the ring and walked away as Black sat in the center of the ring.

This was probably more competitive than it should have been, even if about three minutes were lost to commercials. Still, Black got in a lot of really good-looking offense while … weirdly … Miz didn’t concern himself with selling for all that long each time he took some of it. It’s almost as if Black brought some of AEW back to WWE with him. I kid. This was obviously always more about setting Black up with Melo, and that should be a very good match. In the meantime, Miz did his best to hang and he didn’t fail. Don’t get me wrong. This is a no-hate-Miz zone, but his best days are behind him. As such, kudos to him for helping reintroduce Black to the WWE fan base.

**********

– Santos Escobar was talking with Rey Fenix in the locker room. Escobar said Fenix disappointed him at WrestleMania because he lost to a clown. Escobar said Fenix blew his chance and now that Rey Mysterio is out with an injury, Escobar wants to take his place. Fenix cut Escobar off and told him to stay out of his business. Fenix said there is only one lunchador that he trusts and it’s not Escobar. Fenix said if Escobar had a problem, he’d see him in the ring later tonight.

– Dion Dawkins from the Buffalo Bills was shown in the crowd. He appeared to be very happy.

Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven

Vega had control early and stretched Niven, who eventually went for a splash and missed. From there, Vega repeatedly kicked Niven. Vega hit a knee on Niven and got a one-count out of it. Vega ran at Niven, but Niven shoulder-blocked Vega to the canvas. Vegan rolled to the outside and then rolled back inside, where Niven lifted Vega to no avail. The two struggled before Niven planted Vega face-first. Niven rammed Vega’s head into the bottom turnbuckle. With Niven in control, the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Niven still had control, spinning Vega around in circles. Niven lifted Vegan, but Vega countered with somewhat of a Codebreaker. Niven came right back with a slam and a running Senton for a two-count. Niven ran at Vega, but Vega moved and went to the top, where Niven slapped Vega. Niven went for a super-plex, but Vega worked out of it and hit a Meteora on Niven for a two-count. Vega tried a Code Red, but Niven stopped it and landed a side-slam.

Niven ran at Vega and Vega moved. Niven lifted Vega, but it all resulted on a DDT from Vega. From there, Vega went to the top and hit a moonsault from the top rope for a nice near-fall. Vega went for a Code Red again, but Niven wouldn’t allow it. Niven tried a powerbomb, but that turned into Vega setting up a 618 situation. Chelsea Green hopped on the apron to stop Vega and Niven ran at Vega, but Vega moved and Niven ran into Green. From there, Vega rolled up Niven for the pin.

Match result: Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven (11:07)

This was a better match than any of Vega’s outings with Green in previous weeks. Niven worked her powerhouse offense style and Vega broke out some things we haven’t seen from her recently. This exceeded expectations and both wrestlers came out of this looking better than they did going in. Good for Vega, too, because the live crowd seemed to be behind her for the first time in a while. Here’s hoping that momentum continues because it doesn’t look like she’s going to stop working with Green and her crew any time soon.

**********

– Aldis was speaking to Sikoa and Fatu in Aldis’s office. Sikoa said that Fatu was telling everyone they better stay out of his way. Aldis said at Backlash, Fatu will defend his U.S. title against Priest and Knight. Sikoa said McIntyre is technically the No. 1 contender after last week. Aldis said Sikoa was right and because of as much, McIntyre will be added to the match and it will be a fatal four-way. Fatu said he’s all gas and no breaks and he was fine with it (in so many words). Sikoa said Aldis was trying to screw Fatu over, but Aldis told Sikoa it was actually Sikoa who was screwing over Fatu.

The Randy Orton segment

Orton said he knew they were already two hours into the show (by God), but “Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The crowd cheered. Orton simply said “John Cena” and the crowd booed. Orton said while the world couldn’t see Cena, Orton could. Orton said it took about 20 years for everyone to realize what kind of man Cena is, but Orton knew from day one. “Cena sucks!” chants began. Orton called Cena entitled and said Cena he is the ultimate shiny new toy to be played with by the ultimate puppet master. Orton said Cena took advantage of the PG Era. Orton said Cena was willing to be a real life, walking, talking cartoon character. Meanwhile, Orton said, Orton was true to who he was.

Orton said Cena didn’t care about the boys in the back or the fans; all Cena cared about is his bottom line. Orton said Cena only cares about the new merch Cena puts out all the time because all the kids always go and grab it up. The crowd booed in response to this. Orton brought up the kids thing again and said the only thing Cena has raised is the price of his merchandise, which parents have had to work “a double to afford.” Orton said Cena has been selling his soul for 20 years.

Orton asked what happened to loyalty and respect when it comes to Cena. Orton recalled how Cena said he’d erase the Orton name from the pro wrestling business. Orton fired up and said Cena will not do that, over his “dead freakin’ body.” Orton said Cena is the latest legend that he will have to put down and he will do so at Backlash in his hometown in front of his wife, friends and family. Orton said he will punt Cena so hard in “that lego-shaped head,” that it will fly through the Gateway Arch. Orton said he will also drop Cena with an RKO and dropped the microphone and Orton’s music hit to end the segment.

The crowd couldn’t seem to figure out what it wanted to do here. So much so that it almost made me wonder if Cena was actually there, perhaps they would have landed more on Cena’s side than they would have Orton’s. Either way, this was the best it could be, considering how they only had one side of the PLE main event in the live house. Orton’s comments on Cena’s merch sparked a few thoughts in me, though. He wasn’t wrong, really, per se. But if those writers and all those executives know that they have overpriced merchandise that really does require some parents to work overtime to afford for their kids … I’m not so sure that’s a great look. Maybe it caught me at a sensitive time and I’m overreacting, but there were a lot of things off of which Orton could have played. Reminding everyone that WWE preys off its fanbase by raising merchandise prices (and, not to mention, those insane PLE ticket prices) probably wasn’t the most tactful way to go. So it goes. We march on to next Saturday.

**********

– Naomi was in her locker room and Nia Jax walked in. Jax said they need to be on the same page, so as long as whatever Naomi stays out of Jax’s way, they’ll be good. Naomi simply said, “Sure,” and walked away.

– Orton was shown walking backstage and ran into R-Truth. Truth said Orton has no chance at Backlash. Jimmy Uso stepped in and told Orton not to be too mad about Truth’s prediction. Jimmy told Truth if he keeps talking like this, Orton will kick Truth’s head off. Jimmy told Truth he needed to stop believing in Cena as Truth walked away.

Santos Escobar vs. Rey Fenix

Fenix got the crowd behind him before the two began the match in earnest by locking up. Escobar took Fenix down briefly, but Fenix worked his way back. The two reset the match and Fenix chopped Escobar. Escobar returned the favor and they traded chest chops back and forth until Fenix went to the ground. Escobar yelled at Fenix that they could rule the place together and Fenix responded with a tough chop to Escobar’s chest. Fenix pushed Escobar to the canvas.

Fenix set up for his double springboard arm-drag, but Escobar cut him off. Escobar ran at Fenix, but Fenix moved and Escobar spilled to the outside. Fenix followed Escobar and Escobar eventually ran Fenix into the side of the ring. Escobar returned to the ring and hit a dive through the top two ropes onto Fenix on the outside. Escobar celebrated a bit and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Escobar had the upper hand, complete with a splash onto Fenix from the apron into the ring. Escobar stretched Fenix. Escobar leapt at Fenix in a corner and Fenix moved. From there, Fenix hit a wild springboard top-rope moonsault for a two-count. Fenix followed up with a spinning kick for another two-count. Fenix took a knee from Escobar, but popped right back up and kicked Escobar. Both guys were down to reset the match at about the 10-and-a-half minute mark.

Fenix jumped at Escobar, but Escobar caught Fenix and the two fought in a corner until Fenix came off the top and landed on Escobar’s knee. Escobar followed up with a double-knees in the corner. Escobar lifted Fenix, but Fenix worked his way out it and ran the top rope to kick Escobar’s head. From there, Fenix hit the top rope Meteora on Escobar and got the pinfall victory.

Match result: Rey Fenix defeated Santos Escobar (12:25)

This was pretty good. WWE has done a good job introducing Rey Fenix and Penta into the fold and Penta and Fenix have done a good job melding themselves into the WWE landscape/style. Considering how I can’t even remember the last time we saw a Santos Escobar singles match on WWE TV, it seems like others are benefiting from the Lucha Bros’ arrival as well. It’d be nice to see Fenix elevated into some type of title picture, rather than feud with a faction leader who doesn’t even really seem to have a faction these days, but patience is key. Also of note: I’m kind of finding myself falling in love with these tiny stylistic touches Fenix’s matches continue to display, a la the no-sell quick pop-up super-kick here. You see it 5,000 times on any given AEW television show; when it happens on WWE TV, you almost want to smile because it comes across as a delightful surprise.

**********

– Stratton and Cargill were talking backstage and Saxton walked in. Stratton said Jax will have to learn that Jax will have to learn that her title belongs around Stratton. Cargill said she is focusing on Naomi, but next week on SmackDown, Cargill will take on Jax in a No. 1 Contender’s match for Tiffy’s title.

– A video package recapping last week’s fantastic TLC match aired.

– Escobar was shown backstage yelling at Berto and Angel. Andrade walked into the picture and said he knows Escobar doesn’t care about Los Garza. Andrade said he doesn’t like Escobar and siad Escobar doesn’t have respect from Los Garza. Angel was taken away via Escobar, but Berto stayed behind and shared a moment with Andrade before he was whisked away by Escobar.

– Next week, John Cena will be on the show. Knight and Priest will team up to face Fatu and Sikoa. Plus, don’t forget, Cargill and Jax will wrestle to determine the No. 1 Contender for Tiffy’s title.

Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill vs. Naomi & Nia Jax

The heels jumpstarted the match and all four women brawled, Tiffy splitting off with Jax and Cargill splitting off with Naomi. Tiffy ran Jax into the ring steps. Jax ran Tiffy into the crowd barrier. Inside the ring, Cargill threw Naomi to the outside. Cargill ran Naomi into a ring post and rolled Naomi back into the ring. Naomi kicked Cargill in the midsection. Naomi worked Cargill’s arm and used the vaunted back-rake. Naomi kicked Cargill in the back and jawed at Cargill. Jax tagged herself in and bulldozed Cargill before knocking Tiffy off the apron. Jax mocked Cargill’s pose in the middle of the ring and the show went to its final commercial break of the night.

The show returned and Jax knocked Stratton off the apron again. Cargill lifted Jax for a bodyslam, but collapsed. Jax got up and tagged in Naomi, who beat Cargill down. Naomi tried to tag in Jax, but Cargill stopped her and planted her. Jax eventually tagged in, but Cargill kicked Jax away and tagged Tiffy into the match. Tiffy put a knee to Jax’s forehead and landed her gymnastics corner spot. Stratton countered a Samoan Drop into a pin attempt for a two-count.

Stratton went to the top, but Jax cut her off and hit a Samoan Drop. Naomi tagged herself in after Jax hit a leg drop on Stratton. Naomi and Jax argued and Naomi set up for the split-legged moonsault, but Tiffy got her knees up. Tiffy tagged in Cargill, who worked over Naomi. Cargill grabbed Naomi by the throat and chokeslammed her, but Jax broke up the pin attempt. Jax dragged Naomi to the corner and tagged in. Jax worked over Cargill, but Tiffy broke things up with a Swanton on Jax.

Naomi reinserted herself and Tiffy and Naomi brawled in a corner. Jax squashed Tiffy and Naomi and pushed them both out of the ring. Jax then hit a splash on Cargill in a corner. Jax set up for her finisher, but Cargill hopped up and hit a powerbomb on Jax, ultimately getting the pinfall victory for her team.

Match result: Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill defeated Nia Jax & Naomi (11:30)

After the match, the ref tried to give Tiffy her title, but Cargill intercepted it and held it for a quick second. The two then pulled at the title and Naomi attacked Cargill from behind. Naomi then held up Tiffy’s title as the babyfaces sold pain. Naomi posing ended the show.

This was a fun tag that had a lot of fire and chaos in a good way. While I could use a freshening up of programs for all four women involved, they did a good job here of making me interested in what they had going on, which can only lead to good things going forward for this viewer, at least. Cargill getting the win off a powerbomb that now seems to be a pretty routine spot for most Jax matches was mildly surprising, but then again, it is Jade Cargill, so perhaps that powerbomb is supposed to pack more punch. It also has me thinking Jax wins the No. 1 Contender’s match next week, which is a little disappointing, but we’ll see. At the end of the day, this was good work from everyone involved and a solid way to end a show that was probably a lot better than anyone thought it might be. The bar might be low these days, but the bar, don’t forget, is the bar.


Damian Priest, The Miz, A-Town Down Under swap brands on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The WWE transfer portal strikes again.

Damian Priest, The Miz, and A-Town Down Under’s Grayson Waller and Austin Theory have swapped brands by way of WWE’s storyline transfer portal as announced during Friday’s SmackDown episode.

Priest and The Miz have moved to SmackDown, while Waller and Theory will now be part of the Raw brand.

WWE invented the transfer portal last month, announcing its inception on the December 6, 2024 Raw. Wrestlers and storyline general managers are allowed to negotiate talent moves between brands in an effort to freshen up the rosters without doing a full-scale draft. The last time WWE held their draft was in April 2024.

On his first night on the SmackDown brand, Priest defeated Carmelo Hayes in singles competition, plus had a backstage interaction with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes that was more of an indicator that Priest will be in the top mix on the brand, though clearly not next in line to challenge Rhodes.

Our full report from Friday’s WWE SmackDown from Austin, Texas is here.