Daily Update: Goldberg, WWE Backstage, 24/7 title changes

DAILY UPDATE

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F4W NEWSLETTER: Divisive main event headlines AEW Full Gear

Joseph Currier looks at the reactions to Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega’s unsanctioned match.

AEW’s first pay-per-view since debuting on weekly television was headlined by what will likely end up being the most divisive match of the year.

For some, Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega’s unsanctioned lights out match at Full Gear was a hardcore classic. To others, it was a gratuitously violent and long match that was a misstep for AEW. They wrestled for over 38 minutes and did everything they could to try and have the epic hardcore match that its biggest fans thought it was. A board covered in mouse traps, a chain, a screwdriver, glass, barbed wire, and a barbed wire spider web were just some of the weapons used. By the end of the match, part of the ring was deconstructed — and a Paradigm Shift DDT on the exposed wood finally put an end to things and gave Moxley the win.

Every move AEW has made in its brief history has been overanalyzed to the point of exhaustion. Each positive and negative moment has probably been assigned too much importance. But AEW is defining its identity over the course of the promotion’s first year. Moxley vs. Omega is now always going to be part of that. Full Gear was an opportunity for AEW to put their best foot forward to an audience that has sampled their first six weeks of TV. While it’s likely that some things were gimmicked and Moxley vs. Omega wasn’t quite as violent as it came off as, AEW not only didn’t shy away from the “blood and guts” criticism that Vince McMahon leveled at them — they leaned into it.

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WON NEWSLETTER: November 18, 2019 Observer Newsletter: CM Punk joins WWE Backstage, Full Gear review CM Punk joins WWE Backstage, Full Gear review, more.

The return of C.M. Punk to the pro wrestling scene and coverage of AEW’s Full Gear and the lessons after seven weeks of television of what we’ve learned from AEW and NXT are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We examine the timeline of C.M. Punk and his deal with WWE Backstage, including the original approach, how things were viewed along the way, the last AEW offer and how much AEW wanted him, what he said that led to AEW going cold, and his debut on Backstage on Tuesday night.

We cover what has and hasn’t happened for NXT and AEW since getting television. We look at things like maintaining audience, live sales, PPV, NWA Powerr and its reaction and numbers, key demo ratings, how NXT came close once, PPV numbers, how the date backfired on AEW, how PPV changed with television with organizations in the past, plus full coverage of Full Gear with business notes, match-by-match coverage, star ratings and poll results.

The new issue also covers: 

Survivor Series update with booking changes made, how that affects TLC and early plans for that show, plus a key title match not yet announced.

Steve Austin’s new WWE Network show, the value of WrestleMania, how ticket sales this year differed from shows in the past, Johnny Gargano injury and how that changed the Takeover card, ACH update, Sin Cara talks wanting out, new John Cena movie, Rusev talks his angle with Lashley, Starrcade card, Evolve notes, as well as WWE market value, most watched shows on WWE Network and a look at all the WWE and NXT live events over the past week with results, highlights and business news.

Notes on New Japan’s coming to San Jose with match-by-match coverage.

Full rundown on the UFC show in Moscow and the stories behind it.

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

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

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

Subscribers can access the new issue on the front page of the site here.

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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Bill Goldberg told Sports Illustrated that his match with Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam was not his last: “It’s by no means my farewell performance, nor was it my best performance, but you have to be realistic and take all things into consideration. It’s a very good possibility I’ll be back, but you don’t know it until it’s done.”
  • David Arquette will appear on the “Promo School” segment on tonight’s episode of Backstage. Ember Moon will also appear on the show, which airs on FS1 at 11 p.m. Eastern time and will feature CM Punk’s debut as an analyst.
  • A WWE 24 episode on Trish Stratus and her match against Charlotte Flair from SummerSlam will premiere on the WWE Network after Starrcade on December 1. 
  • A WWE corporate employee named Mike won the 24/7 championship earlier today at a Town Hall meeting at WWE headquarters. Hours later, R-Truth defeated him to regain the title. Mike was billed as the first WWE employee to hold the title.
  • The mid-season finale of Total Divas airs tonight on E!, which covers WrestleMania. The series will return on December 3.
  • WWE has uploaded the entire match between AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar from Survivor Series 2017.
  • They have also uploaded a preview for the first episode of WWE Network’s new series The Broken Skull Sessions featuring The Undertaker. That will air following Sunday’s Survivor Series event.
  • Congratulations to Shorty G and his wife Kristi on the arrival of their third child.
  • Titus O’Neil is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Millennium magazine.

Pro Wrestling

  • The NWA announced a new series called The Circle Squared, where talent will be given the opportunity to showcase their skills with the possibility of earning an NWA contract. The first episodes of the series will be recorded at the next NWA tapings, which take place December 14 -16 at the GPB Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Here is the latest episode of Sammy Guevara’s vlog.
  • AEW announced that going forward, KultureCity will provide sensory bags for every taping of AEW Dynamite.
  • Josef Samael of the CONTRA unit in MLW has re-signed with the promotion under a multi-year deal.
  • Joey Ryan appears in the second season of the Netflix series Magic for Humans.

MMA

  • Rudson Caliocane, a former Titan FC bantamweight champion, suffered a brain stem ischemic stroke after his fight against Matheus Mendonca on October 19. He has been paralyzed across the left side of the body since then and has vacated the bantanweight title as a result. Doctors noted it may have been due to the dehydration that comes with weight cutting, as Caliocante had lost 13.4 pounds prior to the fight.
  • In an interview with MMA Fighting, Israel Adesanya expressed interest in a fight against Jared Cannonier following Paulo Costa’s bicep injury.
  • UFC 244 is now free on demand on ESPN+.
  • Anthony Johnson is now teasing a summer return to the UFC after originally targeting a spring return.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Bret Hart wins WWF title at Survivor Series 1995

CONTACT INFORMATION

VIDEO: NBA player Enes Kanter wins and loses WWE 24/7 title

NBA player and professional wrestling fan Enes Kanter both won and lost the 24/7 Championship prior to tonight’s episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden.

Before Raw went on the air, WWE filmed an angle where Kanter was going to be interviewed in the ring by Charly Caruso. He was interrupted by R-Truth as the interview started. Kanter ended up knocking down R-Truth and pinning him to win the title.

Kanter then revealed that he was wearing his Boston Celtics jersey. R-Truth rolled up Kanter to win the title back.

Kanter signed with the Celtics this offseason. In 2017, he was traded to the New York Knicks and played for the team until being waived this February.

Kanter is the second non-wrestler to hold the 24/7 title. FOX Sports host Rob Stone also briefly had a 24/7 title reign, winning it from R-Truth and immediately dropping it to Elias last month.

Video of Kanter winning and losing the title is available to watch below:

WWE also posted video of Kanter talking about the segment and being told to stay away from the 24/7 title by Drake Maverick:

VIDEO: R-Truth, FOX Sports host, Elias win WWE 24/7 title

Three 24/7 Championship changes have taken place since the end of this week’s WWE television episodes.

WWE uploaded a video where Drake Maverick interrupted a performance by Elias at FOX Sports’ Founders Day event. While Elias was focused on Maverick, R-Truth rolled up Elias to win the 24/7 title. Maverick then unsuccessfully chased after R-Truth and got thrown in a dunk tank.

In a video filmed on the set of FOX Sports’ college football studio show, host Rob Stone pinned R-Truth to win the title after Truth fell. Elias came up from behind and rolled up Stone to regain the championship.

In storyline, the 24/7 title rules were suspended for the night on this past Tuesday’s SmackDown so that Elias could focus on his King of the Ring first-round match against Kevin Owens. Elias defeated Owens with the help of Shane McMahon.

Ali vs. Buddy Murphy is set for the first round of King of the Ring, with the winner advancing to face Elias in the quarterfinals.

Both 24/7 title change videos are available to watch below:

VIDEO: R-Truth wins 24/7 title at Drake Maverick’s wedding

After a title change that was filmed on his wedding day, Drake Maverick is no longer WWE 24/7 Champion.

WWE uploaded a video this morning where R-Truth pinned Maverick to regain the 24/7 title. In the video, Maverick (who was wearing the 24/7 title belt) and Renee Michelle were walking back down the aisle after their wedding. A referee appeared in front of Maverick, with Truth rolling Maverick up from behind to win the title. Maverick then chased after Truth.

Maverick had won the title from R-Truth on this week’s episode of SmackDown. He disguised himself as Carmella and pinned Truth outside of the building to win the title.

This is R-Truth’s sixth reign with the 24/7 Championship.

Maverick and Michelle were married on Thursday. Michelle took part in the 2017 Mae Young Classic, losing to Candice LeRae in the first round.

Video of the title change is available to watch below:

VIDEO: R-Truth wins WWE 24/7 title back from Jinder Mahal

UPDATE: Following up on Jinder Mahal’s title win, WWE uploaded a video where R-Truth pinned Mahal to win the title back while he was sleeping on the plane. Truth then hid in the bathroom to avoid people trying to take the title from him.

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In another title change that was done outside of Raw or SmackDown, Jinder Mahal has won the WWE 24/7 Championship.

WWE posted a video today where Mahal snuck up on R-Truth and pinned him. R-Truth was talking on the phone while on an airport tarmac when Mahal rolled him up to win the title.

WWE also did a title change last weekend where Mahal ambushed R-Truth on a golf course to win the title, but R-Truth then immediately defeated Mahal to regain the championship.

R-Truth lost to 24/7 title to Elias in a lumberjack match on SmackDown this week, then pinned Elias while under the ring to win the title back.

The 24/7 Championship was introduced by Mick Foley on the May 20 episode of Raw. Titus O’Neil, Robert Roode, Truth (four times), Elias (two times), and Mahal (two times) have held the title since then.

Video of Mahal’s latest title win is available to watch below:

VIDEO: Jinder Mahal wins WWE 24/7 title, loses it back to R-Truth

WWE has done their first two 24/7 title changes outside of Raw or SmackDown since introducing the championship.

In a video that WWE posted today, Jinder Mahal ambushed R-Truth while Truth and Carmella were at a golf course. Mahal rolled up Truth to win the 24/7 title. As Carmella was yelling at Mahal, R-Truth then rolled him up to win the title back. The video ended with Truth and Carmella taking off on a golf cart.

The 24/7 Championship was announced on the May 20 episode of Raw. Playing off the old Hardcore title’s 24/7 rule, Mick Foley made an appearance to introduce the championship. Titus O’Neil won a scramble that night to become the first 24/7 Champion. He then lost it to Robert Roode, who lost it to R-Truth.

R-Truth briefly dropped the 24/7 title to Elias on last week’s SmackDown but regained it at the end of the episode.

The video of today’s title changes is available to watch below:

R-Truth loses, wins back WWE 24/7 title on SmackDown

R-Truth lost the WWE 24/7 title tonight on SmackDown, but regained it during the closing moments of the show.

As usual, R-Truth was being chased around by many of the WWE undercard stars. He and Drake Maverick ended up being in the ring, with Truth pinning Maverick to retain the title. But he did this while Shane McMahon, Elias and Drew McIntyre were in the ring, celebrating Shane McMahon Appreciation Night. All three men attacked Truth, with Elias pinning him to win the title.

Shane McMahon then bended the rules by suspending the 24/7 stipulation so that Elias could fully prepare for the main event, where R-Truth joined forces with Roman Reigns to take on Elias and Drew McIntyre. Reigns won the match by pinning Elias.

Reigns speared Elias after the match, then motioned a recovering R-Truth to cover him. He then did just that, pinning him to win back the championship. This would make Truth the first ever two-time WWE 24/7 champion.

WWE introduces 24/7 title, crowns first three champions

A number of new champions were crowned after WWE introduced the 24/7 title tonight on Raw.

Mick Foley came out at the top of the third hour and introduced the title. It’s a championship that will be defended 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be defended across all brands, including SmackDown, 205 Live, NXT and NXT UK.

A scramble match followed where the rule was whoever grabbed the title in the ring first would win. A number of Raw stars came down to the ring to try and grab the championship. It eventually boiled down to Titus O’Neil and Drake Maverick. O’Neil threw Maverick over the top rope to the floor, wiping out the others to become the first champion.

As he was celebrating on the ramp, Robert Roode snuck up from behind and rolled him up to become the second champion. He managed to avoid the other Raw superstars until he ran across R-Truth, who appeared to help him escape for good by letting him use his rental car, hiding in the trunk while Truth got rid of the rest of the roster. When Roode got out and discovered a referee in the passenger’s seat, Truth attacked him and pinned him to win the championship.

The third hour for tonight’s show had noticeable changes. The red lights were gone, giving the arena a darker look. The graphics were also in black and white.

WWE announces two matches, segments for SmackDown

The lineup for tomorrow’s episode of SmackDown has started to come into focus.

WWE has announced two matches and a couple segments for the show. Samoa Joe will defend his United States Championship against R-Truth, and Ricochet, Aleister Black & The Hardys will team against Cesaro, Sheamus, Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev in an eight-man tag match.

Joe won the US title from R-Truth in a fatal four-way match on last week’s SmackDown. The match also included Rey Mysterio and Andrade, with Joe pinning Andrade to win the title.

A rematch of the fatal four-way took place at Fastlane. Joe retained his title, and the finish of the match was Mysterio passing out in the Coquina Clutch.

Ricochet & Black defeated Cesaro & Sheamus on last week’s SmackDown. The Hardys then saved Ricochet & Black from Cesaro, Sheamus, Nakamura & Rusev.

WWE is teasing that Kofi Kingston has something to say to Vince McMahon on SmackDown, with Kingston tweeting today: “I’m not sure what Vince was trying to accomplish last night, but one thing became very clear: He does not want to see me as WWE Champion. After 11 years, I finally have your attention…and I’m not going away. See you Tuesday @VinceMcMahon”

There was a storyline at Fastlane where Vince told Kingston he was making the WWE Championship match a triple threat and said Kingston’s match was next. Kingston then lost to Cesaro & Sheamus in a handicap match. Mustafa Ali was added to the WWE title match, where Daniel Bryan retained against Ali and Kevin Owens.

A segment where Shane McMahon will address his actions from Fastlane has also been announced for tomorrow’s SmackDown. After The Usos retained their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Shane & The Miz, there was an angle where Shane turned against Miz and attacked him. Shane also grabbed Miz’s father by the face and pushed him back.

WWE changes up two matches at Fastlane

WWE changed up a couple of matches at tonight’s Fastlane pay-per-view.

Daniel Bryan defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens was advertised going into the show, but the title match was changed to Bryan vs. Owens vs. Mustafa Ali. Bryan retained by hitting a running knee as Ali was in mid-air.

Rowan took out Owens before the finish and then laid out Ali after the match.

There was a storyline on the pre-show where, as The New Day were entering for Big E & Xavier Woods vs. Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura, Kofi Kingston was told that the McMahon family requested to speak to him about the WWE Championship match.

That was followed up on later in the show. Kingston finally got to meet with Vince McMahon, and Vince said he was making the WWE title match a triple threat. Vince said Big E and Woods were barred from ringside and told Kingston that his match was starting now.

But instead of challenging for the WWE title, Kingston faced Cesaro & Sheamus in a handicap match. They defeated Kingston, with Rusev and Nakamura attacking Big E and Woods when they tried to come out.

The crowd chanted for Kingston at points during Bryan vs. Owens vs. Ali. Kingston had originally been announced as Bryan’s challenger for the PPV, but Owens replaced him as part of a storyline where Vince said Kingston wasn’t as deserving of getting a title shot.

Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade was announced for the Fastlane pre-show, but that was also changed. They were instead involved in a fatal four-way United States Championship match on the main card, with Samoa Joe defeating Mysterio, Andrade, and R-Truth to retain his title.

The finish of the match was Mysterio passing out while Joe had him in the Coquina Clutch.

In an angle on the pre-show, Carmella was going around with a petition to get R-Truth a US title rematch. Zelina Vega said R-Truth should just give up — because Andrade will be next in line for a shot at the US title after he’s done with Mysterio. Joe walked up and said he’s the champion and R-Truth, Andrade, and Mysterio should come see him if they have a problem with that.

WWE SmackDown live results: Final build to Fastlane

SmackDown’s go-home show for Fastlane takes place tonight from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan is set to defend his title against Kevin Owens this Sunday. Originally, Kofi Kingston was going to challenge Bryan at the PPV. But right before he signed the contract, there was an angle where Vince McMahon took the title shot away from Kingston.

Vince then gave the shot to the returning Owens. Later, Owens teamed up with Kingston and pinned Bryan in a tag match. Both Owens and Bryan are scheduled to appear tonight.

United States Champion R-Truth brought the US title open challenge back last week. He defeated Rey Mysterio and Andrade to retain. Tonight, Truth will issue another open challenge.

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Shane McMahon & The Miz at Fastlane. Tonight, The Miz goes one-on-one with Jey Uso.

The Raw Tag Team title match at Fastlane will be The Revival vs. Ricochet & Aleister Black vs. Bobby Roode & Chad Gable. Ricochet & Black will be in action against Cesaro & Sheamus on SmackDown tonight.

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

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A memorial graphic aired for King Kong Bundy (1957-2019)

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and Rowan made their way down to the ring. Before they spoke a video package recapping the Kofi Kingston angle aired. Bryan and Rowan watched the video from the ring.

Bryan noted that he remained silent last week as Kingston lost his title shot. He said it’s his turn to speak and for the fans to remain silent. Rowan took the mic and told the fans to shut up because Bryan’s about to enlighten them.

Bryan decided not to talk about Kingston because he’s not a leader. He pointed out that Kingston and The New Day are in India. Bryan noted Vince McMahon replaced a guy that throws out copious amounts of pancakes with a guy that eats copious amounts of pancakes. He said the fans like Kevin Owens because he’s like them. Bryan is the planet’s champion and all the pressure is on him.

Kevin Owens interrupted and came out on the stage. He noted that while he was away he became a fan again. He watched Raw with his family. He didn’t like it when Bryan threw the WWE title in the trash. He knew then he wanted to return to SmackDown.

Owens regrets taking Kingston’s title shot but promised to defeat Bryan for the title at Fastlane. Owens ended up brawling with Rowan. He sent Rowan to the floor. Bryan and Owens went back and forth until Rowan ran back in and slammed Owens.

The SmackDown tag team champions The Usos made their way to the ring. The Usos discussed winning the titles at Elimination Chamber and the upcoming match at Fastlane.

Jimmy imitated The Miz and mocked him for trying to make his father proud. He also made fun of Shane McMahon for jumping off of everything. The Usos said he’d even try to jump off the WrestleMania sign. They promised to defeat Miz and McMahon at Fastlane. The Usos were awesome here. They had some really funny lines.

The Miz and Shane McMahon came out and entered the ring. The Miz noted they have a second chance Sunday. Miz promised to make McMahon and his father proud. The Usos went after Miz and McMahon but they ducked and sent them to the floor.

The Miz (w/Shane McMahon) defeated Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso)

The match started during the commercial break. Miz hit a DDT for a near fall. He attempted the skull crushing finale but Uso countered with a Samoan drop. Uso went for the splash but Miz got his feet up. Uso was able to stop himself and catch Miz’s feet.

Uso rolled up Miz for a two count. Jimmy tried to help by holding his brother down for the count. McMahon nailed Jimmy with a clothesline. Uso was distracted and Miz hit the skull crushing finale for the win.

Kevin Owens vs. Rowan was announced for later tonight.

In the back, Charlotte Flair noted that SmackDown is missing Becky Lynch. She challenged Lynch to show up later tonight. 

United States Champion R-Truth and Carmella came down to the ring. He said he wants to be just like his childhood hero John Cena. However, he didn’t know that Cena did the open challenge every week. He’s exhausted after the first week.

Carmella reminded him that Cena always said never give up. Truth noted Cena also said, “You Can’t See Me”. But Truth can see Cena. He sees him on his poster, bed sheets and in the movie Bumblebee. They broke into a dance break. Truth then agreed to defend the title.

Lacey Evans came out instead. She walked to the ring and back. Samoa Joe then accepted the challenge. Rey Mysterio then came down to the ring as well. Andrade ran out seconds later. The ring announcer then announced Truth defends against all three in a fatal four-way.

Samoa Joe defeated R-Truth (w/Carmella), Rey Mysterio and Andrade (w/Zelina Vega) to win the United States Championship

The match started during the commercial break. Joe was firmly in control. Mysterio went for a cross body but Joe just walked out of the way. He threw Andrade and Truth to the floor. He nailed an elbow on Mysterio for a near fall. He tossed Truth into the barricade and rocked Mysterio with a chop. He rocked Andrade with a vicious chop as well.

Andrade nailed Joe with a back elbow. He missed a charge in the corner and fell to the floor. Joe then hit Andrade with a suicide dive. On the floor, Joe lifted up Mysterio but Truth dropkicked Joe from behind and Mysterio went flying into the crowd.

Back from commercial, Andrade was firmly in control and hit the Three Amigos on Mysterio. Truth lifted up Andrade on his shoulders and Mysterio teased doing the hurricanrana, which was a call back to a spot last week. Instead, Andrade rolled up Truth for a near fall and Mysterio hit Joe with a cross body.

Andrade attempted a moonsault on Truth but he moved. Andrade landed on his feet and hit a standing moonsault on Mysterio for a near fall. Truth fired up and ran wild. He hit a Five Knuckle Shuffle on Joe for a near fall.

Joe locked on the coquina clutch on Truth but he was too close to the ropes. Mysterio hit the 619 but only hit Joe. Truth rolled up Mysterio for a two count. Andrade sent Truth the floor and Mysterio hit the sliding splash to the floor.

Andrade hit a somersault powerbomb from the apron to the floor on Mysterio through the ropes. Mysterio was able to slow it down but it still looked like it hurt. Zelina Vega interfered and hit a hurricanrana on Truth off the apron. Mysterio hit the Canadian Destroyer and 619 on Andrade. He hit the splash but Joe broke up the pin with the senton. Joe then pinned Andrade to win the U.S. Championship. This was a good match with a ton of fast-paced action. 

The New Day sent a message from Mumbai, India. Kingston said they’re not at SmackDown but will be at Fastlane.

Becky Lynch was shown backstage walking around with her crutch. 

Kayla Braxton interviewed new U.S. Champion Samoa Joe. She noted that the roster had talked about Joe never winning a title. Joe cut her off and promised to defeat anyone that wants a shot at the title.

Aleister Black & Ricochet defeated The Bar

Before the match, The Bar wished the faces luck with their Raw tag title match on Sunday. They noted the entire Raw tag team roster doesn’t compare to The Bar.

Cesaro worked over Ricochet’s arm. Ricochet fought back and hit a rolling DDT on Cesaro. Black and Sheamus both got the tag. Black hit a moonsault and knee for a two count. Black gave Cesaro a backdrop but he landed on his feet. Black then hit Black Mass on Cesaro and tagged Ricochet. Black hit a dive on Sheamus to the floor. Ricochet then hit the 630 splash for the win.

After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev jumped Black and Ricochet from behind. Both teams beat down the faces. The Hardy Boys ran out for the save. Jeff hit a dive but the heels caught him. Ricochet then hit a dive wiping everyone out. 

Mandy Rose (w/Sonya Deville) defeated Naomi

This was a short match. Naomi had a brief advantage before Deville distracted her. Rose then rocked Naomi with a knee and hit the Angel Wings for the win. Rose and Deville walked up the stage backward. Asuka appeared from behind. She attacked both and beat them down. She left Rose and Deville laying on the stage. 

Kayla Braxton interviewed AJ Styles in the back. She asked his thoughts on Kofi Kingston losing his title shot and Kevin Owens taking his place. Styles wondered why the McMahons weren’t listening to the fans since they’re screaming for Kingston. He believes Kingston was screwed and deserves a title shot.

Randy Orton interrupted. He couldn’t believe that Styles thinks Kingston should get a title shot. Orton noted he understands now why it took Styles 15 years to make it to the WWE.

Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade was announced for the Fastlane pre-show.

Kevin Owens defeated Rowan (w/Daniel Bryan) by disqualification

Bryan joined the commentary team briefly. Rowan sent Owens to the floor with a dropkick. Bryan trashed talked Owens and Owens attacked him. Bryan and Rowan beat down Owens until Mustafa Ali returned and made the save.

Ali nailed Rowan with a hurricanrana off the announce table. Bryan jumped Ali from behind but Owens caught Bryan with the stunner.

Charlotte Flair made her way down to the ring. The fans chanted for “Becky”. A video package aired recapping Ronda Rousey’s vicious attack on Lynch from last night. Lynch came down to the ring limping but only had a crutch. Despite the several armbar submissions from last night, her arm appeared to be fine.

Lynch noted her body’s hurting a bit but that’s okay. She pointed out that she’s in Flair and Rousey’s head. Lynch said Rousey hit her with her absolute best but she’s still standing. She’s ready to fight again. The fans broke into another “Becky” chant.

Lynch said her ribs are bruised, her arm was almost broken and her knee is damaged. She said she has nothing to lose. Flair then attacked Lynch and went after the knee.

Flair went for the Figure Eight but Lynch hit her with the crutch. Lynch then locked on the Dis-arm-her on Flair. The fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant again. Flair rolled out of the ring and left as Lynch stood tall in the ring.

US title open challenge, Miz vs. Jey Uso set for WWE SmackDown

A United States Championship open challenge will be taking place on SmackDown for the second straight week.

WWE announced tonight that United States Champion R-Truth will again issue an open challenge for his title on Tuesday’s SmackDown. The Miz vs. Jey Uso has also been made official for the episode, which is the go-home show for Fastlane.

Andrade and Rey Mysterio both answered R-Truth’s open challenge on this week’s SmackDown, with R-Truth pinning Mysterio with a roll-up after Mysterio hit the 619 on Andrade. There was then a post-match angle where Andrade tried to attack Mysterio, but Mysterio countered and went for the 619. Andrade bailed before Mysterio could hit it.

R-Truth defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the U.S. title on the January 29 edition of SmackDown.

Miz vs. Jey Uso will be part of the final build to Miz & Shane McMahon’s rematch against The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles at Fastlane. The Miz’s father will be at ringside for their match at the pay-per-view.

R-Truth wins United States title on WWE SmackDown

This week’s SmackDown saw the United States Championship change hands for the second time in three days.

R-Truth defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown to win the United States title. The finish of the match was R-Truth reversing the landslide into a small package, with the referee counting to three as Nakamura was kicking out.

Nakamura had won the US title from Rusev on the Royal Rumble pre-show. Rusev came out after R-Truth won the title. He challenged R-Truth to a match, and R-Truth accepted and retained the championship.

Rusev and Nakamura both attacked R-Truth and laid him out after Rusev lost the match. A backstage segment later in the show set up a match where Rusev & Nakamura will face Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson. Rusev said he’d team with Nakamura one time and told Nakamura not to screw him over.

R-Truth had been announced as the 30th entrant in Sunday’s men’s Royal Rumble match as a stipulation of winning Mixed Match Challenge with Carmella, but there was an angle where Nia Jax attacked him as he was making his entrance and took his spot.

Carmella & R-Truth win WWE Mixed Match Challenge season two

Season two of Mixed Match Challenge came to an end at TLC tonight.

Carmella & R-Truth vs. Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal in the Mixed Match Challenge finals opened the TLC main card and also streamed live on Facebook Watch. Carmella submitted Fox to win the tournament.

By winning Mixed Match Challenge, Carmella and R-Truth will enter their respective Royal Rumble matches at number 30 next month. WWE had also been hyping that the winning team would receive “an all-expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world,” and that storyline culminated after tonight’s finals. It was revealed that R-Truth had selected WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut for their vacation.

While this season of Mixed Match Challenge was plagued by injuries and replacement partners, Carmella & R-Truth and Mahal & Fox stayed intact throughout. They were winless during the round-robin portion of the tournament before each team won a match to make the playoffs.

Mixed Match Challenge finals official for WWE TLC

Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal vs. Carmella & R-Truth will be the finals of Mixed Match Challenge season two.

Fox & Mahal and Carmella & R-Truth both won semifinal matches on tonight’s Mixed Match Challenge episode to advance to the finals, which are being held at TLC in San Jose, California this Sunday. Both of their wins were pushed as being major upsets.

Fox & Mahal defeated Bayley & Apollo Crews in Raw’s semifinal match, with Fox pinning Bayley after hitting a big boot. The Singh Brothers had broken up a pin after Bayley hit a Bayley-to-Belly on Fox, but it didn’t cause a disqualification.

Crews was replacing Finn Balor as Bayley’s partner.

Carmella & R-Truth defeated Asuka & The Miz in SmackDown’s semifinal. There has been a storyline of dissension between Asuka and Miz since they lost to Charlotte Flair & Jeff Hardy in the round-robin portion of the tournament. After Miz pulled Asuka in his way so that she would take a superkick from Carmella instead of him, Asuka turned against Miz, hit him with strikes, and walked out on him. R-Truth then hit an Unprettier on Miz for the win.

The team that wins Mixed Match Challenge season two will receive the number 30 spots in their respective Royal Rumble matches and “an all-expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world.”

Here’s the updated card for TLC

  • WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against AJ Styles
  • Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins defending against Dean Ambrose
  • If Braun Strowman is able to wrestle at the PPV: Strowman vs. Baron Corbin in a tables, ladders, and chairs match (Strowman will challenge for Brock Lesnar’s Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble if he defeats Corbin. If Corbin wins, he’ll become the permanent general manager of Raw. Corbin will lose all of his GM power if Strowman wins)
  • Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Nia Jax
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Charlotte Flair and Asuka in a triple threat tables, ladders, and chairs match
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against The Usos and The New Day in a triple threat match
  • Natalya vs. Ruby Riott in a tables match
  • Finn Balor vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Elias vs. Bobby Lashley in a ladder match (the first person to reach the guitar suspended above the ring will be able to use it during the match)
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton in a chairs match
  • WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Cedric Alexander
  • Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal vs. Carmella & R-Truth in the finals of Mixed Match Challenge season two