Tag: Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio opens up about the recent passing of his father

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Rey Mysterio paid tribute to his late father on social media.

The WWE Hall of Famer wrote on Instagram about his father, Roberto Gutierrez, who passed away on Sunday. Mysterio thanked his father for giving him the live he has.

“You did more than set the example of how to love & maintain a strong marriage and father 4 boys, you were the example and passed every single time until your death with flying colors,” he wrote. “Excellent husband, loving father, beautiful grandfather, incredible son & brother, and amazing father in law. You checked every list on the box and can honestly say my majority [traits] I picked up from you. You fought until the very last minute and know that you biggest fear was leaving Moms behind, but I can assure you that she will not be alone and we will always look out for her.”

“You are with God now and smiling from the heavens while we continue with the real struggle of life until we see again,” he wrote in closing. “You will never be forgotten and will always be loved, RIP Pops.”

After spending his first years in professional wrestling under the name Colibri, Mysterio was given the name Rey Mysterio Jr. by his uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr.. He currently wrestles on the Raw brand as a member of the LWO.

WWE’s Rey Mysterio ‘feels incredible’ after stem cell therapy

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Rey Mysterio “feels incredible” following his latest round of stem cell therapy.

In July, Mysterio traveled to Mexico to undergo stem cell treatment on his knees, wrists, and left shoulder. He made an Instagram post on Wednesday night promoting the RejuvStem Regenerative Medicine clinic and detailing all of the treatment he had done. Mysterio wrote that he’s feeling great and does not have any pain.

“For the past couple months prior to the treatment I had been waking up with constant pain around my knees, ankles, and shoulders. Very tight around the ankles and soreness all throughout my body & quite honestly was mentally preparing myself for another round of stem cell therapy,” Mysterio wrote.

“On Monday August 19th, 32 days exactly after the treatment was my first day waking up completely pain free. No soreness or tightness around the ankles and the pain on my shoulder vanished as well. My body feels incredible and this is only the beginning stage, I know my body well and understand that it is going through the healing process as we speak.”

The 49-year-old Mysterio added that infrared sauna treatment, red light therapy, cold plunges, stretching, and massage therapy are among the other things he’s doing to keep his body healthy.

When asked about his in-ring future earlier this summer, Mysterio told Insight with Chris Van Vliet that he doesn’t think about retirement much unless the subject is brought up. Mysterio said his body has been holding up great, but he wants to make sure he’s still able to move around well and walk when he’s 55 or 56.

Mysterio appeared on WWE Raw this Monday, competing in an eight-man tag match where The LWO lost to The Judgment Day. Dominik Mysterio pinned his father after interference by Liv Morgan.

Sami Zayn, Ivar, Big E, Shotzi, MVP, and Matt Cardona have also undergone stem cell therapy at RejuvStem Regenerative Medicine recently.

AAA Triplemania 32 notes: New champions, JBL, Rey Mysterio

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Notes from Triplemania XXXII in Mexico City.

The third night of Triplemania on Saturday saw Alberto El Patron defeat Nic Nemeth to become the new AAA Mega Heavyweight champion. Nemeth was accompanied to the ring by former WWE star JBL. The finish came after Patron threw water in Nemeth’s eyes and low blowed him for the win.

An angle took place after the match that saw Alberto turn on authority figure Latin Lover, revealing that he was “The Eye” that had been attacking AAA talent. He joined forces with Konnan and AAA president Dorian Roldan, leaving Latin Lover a bloody mess. JBL entered the ring, looked at Latin Lover, then shook hands with Alberto before leaving.

Other title changes saw Matt Riddle defeat Komander and Laredo Kid in a three-way match for the AAA Cruiserweight title. Raj Dhesi (Jinder Mahal) and Satnam Singh defeated Negro Casas & Psycho Clown and Dr. Wagner Jr. & Galeno del Mal in another three-way match for the AAA Tag Team titles.

The show also celebrated the career of the original Psicosis, Nicho El Millonario, as he was inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame. Rey Mysterio appeared via video and paid tribute to his longtime friend and rival.

In the main event, the second Psicosis ended up losing his mask in a mask vs. hair steel cage match, with Cibernetico being the last to leave the cage. Psicosis II revealed himself as Juan Gonzalez Cruz, who has been wrestling for 27 years.

WWE Raw live results: Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio team up

Posted on by Corey Michaels

WWE is in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada tonight for the Money in the Bank fallout episode of Raw.

For the first time ever, Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio will team up as they take on Rey Mysterio & Zelina Vega in a mixed tag team match. After accidentally costing him a win last week, Morgan will attempt to ramp up her seduction by helping Dominik defeat his father tonight.

Morgan retained her Women’s World Championship against Vega last Monday after botched interference by Dominik, who has supposedly been trying to make things right with Rhea Ripley by attempting to get Morgan to lose the title.

Judgment Day’s Finn Balor & JD McDonagh will team with Carlito tonight against Braun Strowman, The Miz & R-Truth. There’s also a six-woman tag match set with Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance taking on Damage CTRL’s IYO SKY, Kairi Sane & Dakota Kai.

Plus, Jey Uso vs. Chad Gable will take place tonight. Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

Pat McAfee returned to commentary as the show emanated from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

– CM Punk kicks off the show, addresses a suspended Drew McIntyre

Punk professed his well-wishes to the soon-to-retire John Cena before going on a tirade regarding McIntyre. While patting himself on the back, Punk pointed out McIntyre’s faults and why he had been getting in his way. Seth Rollins came out to confront Punk instead.

Rollins beckoned Punk back into the ring, accusing Punk of getting into his business when he cost Rollins the match at Money in the Bank. Punk apologized to Rollins, admitting his rage got in the way before saying he “isn’t that sorry.” Rollins poked at Punk, commenting that he gaslights everyone and thinks the world revolves around him. Rollins concluded by threatening to snap Punk’s arm once he is cleared.

– Dominik Mysterio pleaded with Adam Pearce to call him off of the Liv Morgan tag match, Morgan appealed to Mysterio

Jey Uso defeated Chad Gable

With his torso taped up, Gable immediately administered his skills to Uso with suplexes and holds. Throughout picture-in-picture, Gable remained largely in control, with spirited defenses from Uso sprinkled in between.

Uso briefly fought out of Gable’s fingers only for Gable to ensnare him via an Ankle Lock. The Wyatt Six sound effects sounded as the arena darkened. Uso speared Gable for the win and gave a goodbye Yeet to the crowd.

The match was fine. Gable showed his range and power, and looked strong in defeat as anyone traumatized by the Wyatt Six would be understandably distracted. Uso’s star power was on full display and had to take advantage of the situation.

– Post-Match

Chad Gable woke up in the mist when Sister Abigail (Nikki Cross) scared him away and delivered yet another VHS tape to Michael Cole and Pat McAfee at commentary. The segment ended with an Abigail jumpscare.

– Sheamus backstage interview

The Celtic Warrior discussed his aspirations and competition when Bronson Reed came into frame, telling Sheamus he’s waiting if he defeated Sheamus’s old friend Pete Dunne. Commentary would later state that Dunne’s tag team partner Tyler Bate was out of action due to injury.

Bronson Reed defeated Pete Dunne

Reed immediately flattened Dunne, but he rebounded quickly, capped off with a floating moonsault to the floor outside. After a commercial break, Dunne fought out of another control segment by Reed. After some finger joint manipulation, the large Reed powerbombed Dunne onto the mat, following a brief struggle on the top turnbuckle with Dunne targeting the fingers again. Reed won with a finished Tsunami Splash, and was ready to use another one before Sheamus came to Dunne’s aid.

Sheamus tried to embrace Dunne, but he refused, still bitter about the dissolution of The Brawling Brutes.

This was a fine outing by Reed, and Dunne’s finger snapping spots put him at an advantage. The match suffered from a commercial break that took up most of its time, but otherwise a decent TV match. I’m interested in the sewn seeds between Dunne and Sheamus.

– Seth Rollins and Damian Priest backstage segment

Rollins approached Judgement Day, seeking one-on-one counsel with Priest, and acknowledged that the World Heavyweight Champion stuck to his word. Priest retorted, stating that he’d be willing to throw out the gentlemen’s agreement from before Money in the Bank since Rollins was unfairly costed. He then answered the phone to an unknown caller.

– Sami Zayn in-ring promo

Proudly touting his successful title victory at Money in the Bank, Zayn professed that he was no longer an underdog and deserved respect. Bron Breakker, fresh off his loss to Zayn, admits his defeat and that he would accept not receiving a rematch. Then he speared Zayn until officials came out, and then he speared him again. Ilja Dragunov appeared, quickly rushing to Zayn’s side.

– Ilja Dragunov demanded Adam Pearce give him a match against Bron Breakker

Judgement Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, & Carlito) defeated Awesome Truth & Brawn Strowman

Former tag champs R-Truth and Miz were attacked during their prolonged entrance. JD McDonagh was promptly chased out by Braun Strowman, charging like a bull seeing red. During picture-in-picture, Carlito gloated as McDonagh and Balor assaulted the legal Miz. Strowman came in for the hot tag, dismantling McDonagh without mercy. Attempting a chokeslam on Balor, Strowman was interrupted by Carlito & McDonagh but he laid them flat. Strowman and R-Truth proceeded to run a train all across Judgement Day.

McDonagh evened the odds by enticing Strowman, who proceeded to chase him out of the ring. Balor took advantage of this with a Coup de Grâce for the win as Strowman was too late in returning to the ring.

Not that I was a big fan to begin with, but I hope the Awesome Truth push slows down if not outright stopped with all the tag teams Raw can feature.

– Adam Pearce asked CM Punk backstage to stay away from July 15’s episode of Monday Night Raw, Punk obliged in the hopes of resting and getting cleared

– Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio are caught in an awkward predicament by Judgement Day

Morgan sought to alleviate Mysterio’s tension and massage him into a position that bordered on non-PG territory. Judgement Day laughed and yelled at Mysterio, who repeated he’d take care of it. Damian Priest said he’d let Mysterio learn the consequences of his actions on his own.

– Bo Dallas VHS promo

This VHS recording detailed the motivations and pain of each member of The Wyatt Six (Erik Rowan, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacey, and Dexter Lumis). Uncle Howdy and Dallas agree that the team are “sick”.

– Adam Pearce backstage segment

Pearce was approached by an angry Chad Gable, pleading that as General Manager, Pearce needed to do something about The Wyatt Six. Pearce opened the door to his office to find Bo Dallas sitting in a chair. He then closed the door.

– Damage CTRL claimed the team needed to go through a change

Ilja Dragunov defeated Bron Breakker via DQ

Breakker began this match in control of a spiteful Dragunov who matched his intensity. After a commercial break, Dragunov was in dire straits. The pair traded blows, with Dragunov’s resilience and Breakker’s tenacity on full display. Powerbombing Breakker from the top rope and following it with a senton, Dragunov nearly had the match won. He got some nice air from that senton.

Breakker tried a Gorilla Press + Knees-to-midsection that didn’t pay off, but neither did Dragunov’s top-rope maneuvers. A sprinting Breakker sought to spear Dragunov but was met with a knee instead. The match ended after Breakker threw a chair at Dragunov, disqualifying him.

Sami Zayn entered the fray to prevent a post-match beatdown but Breakker decimated both men.

Each time I see Dragunov and Breakker go at it, they improve upon the match before. The intensity from both men is palpable each time they step into the ring. I see this post-match leading to a triple-threat match for the Intercontinental Championship down the line.

– Damian Priest vignette

A confident Priest celebrated his successes and challenged Gunther to show up and take advantage of his King of the Ring win opportunity for the World Heavyweight Championship.

– The Final Testament backstage vignette

Karrion Kross reiterates his intentions to draw Xavier Woods out of New Day, while addressing John Cena’s impending retirement.

Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, & Dakota Kai) defeated Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter, & Katana Chance

Frenzy ensued after the bell with each team picking a partner to lock up with. Sane kept Carter at pace, and tagged in Kai. Valkyria, Carter, & Chance solidified their offense with a synchronized kick through the ropes. Damage CTRL regained momentum as they delivered a united front onto Chance. After a Sliding Elbow, the legal Sane sought pinfall in repetition to no avail.

Sky served as the hot tag, striking with agility and precision to Chance until Valkyria leveled her with her dynamic powerhouse style. All six women engaged in a double suplex that flattened Damage CTRL with a resounding thud. Carter & Chance nearly ended the match with their Keg Stand finisher. Sky launched Sane through the air onto Valkyria and Chance while Kai and Sane dragged Carter to the middle of the ring. Punctuating the match with her moonsault, Sky ended the match.

Post-match, Zoey Stark, Shayna Baszler, & Sonya Deville laid out Damage CTRL, closing the scene and standing tall.

In a perfect world, Carter and Chance would be thriving in tag team action without being set pieces for someone else. They worked well in tandem with Valkyria. Sane in particular shone more than she has for a while since her WWE return.

– Rey Mysterio & Zelina Vega backstage interview, promised to stop Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan

– Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, & Sonya Deville explain why Deville joined them, Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre taunt them

– Gunther promo vignette

The Ring General walked down memory lane, detailing his past accomplishments and proclaiming the sport was too sacred for lesser wrestlers following their dream. Gunther acknowledged his upcoming match with Damian Priest at SummerSlam.

Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio defeated Rey Mysterio & Zelina Vega

It was on-sight for Vega onto Morgan, so much so that she quickly had to tag in Dominik, and Rey for Vega. Rey quickly outpaced Dominik, and it certainly didn’t help that Rey included Vega. Morgan was again no match for Vega, but Dominik stood in Vega’s way and Rey took advantage with no hesitation. Morgan sacrificed herself for Dominik, pushing him to absorb Vega’s flying knees herself.

Running circles around his son, Rey lined up his 619 finisher, but Morgan tripped him up, leading to Dominik to gain control for the first time in the match. The uneasy chemistry between Dominik and Morgan built throughout the match. Contrasted to the hard-hitting style of Vega and Rey, Dominik and Morgan were underhanded and rotten in their approach.

In a callback to Eddy Guerrero vs Rey Misterio at Halloween Havoc 1997, Dominik tore at Rey’s mask and spammed his elbows across his father’s face. Finally gaining a moment of respite, Rey tagged in Vega who again was too fiery for Morgan, leaving little opening for the Women’s World Champion. Now, it was Morgan’s turn to gain control for the first time as she used Eddie Guerrero’s Three Amigos finisher to no success. Tagging in Rey, the masked veteran kept Dominik in his paces. Vega and Rey teamed up with each employing a 619 on Dominik, but Morgan quelled this and slammed Vega into the ring post. Throwing a chair into the ring to distract the ref, she gave a cheap shot to Rey and Dominik followed up with a Frog Splash for the win.

Post-match, Dominik hugged Morgan in excitement but quickly realized his mistake. Morgan responded in kind by jumping into Dominik’s arms as she dropped them to the mat and held him there for an uncomfortable amount of time. She would leave in a hurry though, as Rhea Ripley made her surprise return and she did not look too happy to see Dominik. In fact, she chastised him and stormed off in fury.

This mixed-tag team match actually had a fun pace to it despite the comedic soap opera angle. Rey’s a legend and Zelina’s a very fine worker. Couple that with Dominik’s heat magnet status and Liv’s star power, and this was an energetic bout with big spots. It dragged her and there, but there were important wheels turning that brought it to its conclusion and the awkwardness of Rhea finally catching Dominik in the act.

Overall the show was good. It could have had more than five matches, however, and preferably without The Awesome Truth. The Wyatt Six angle seems to be heading somewhere but they could possibly come up with alternative means for VHS tapes to reach the production truck each week, and I’m glad to see there may be an actual follow-up with Sheamus and the rest of his Brawling Brutes. I’m looking forward to Ilja Dragunov, Bron Breakker, and Sami Zayn to inevitably clash. Rhea Ripley’s return solidified how sorely missed she was.

Rey Mysterio on WWE in-ring future: ‘My body’s been feeling great’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though he’s on the verge of turning 50, retirement isn’t currently on the top of Rey Mysterio’s mind.

Mysterio joined Chris Van Vliet on the latest episode of Insight. During the interview, Mysterio was asked if he thinks about how much longer he wants to wrestle.

“I don’t until it’s being brought up,” Mysterio responded. “And when my wife brings that up, that’s when I pause and I don’t know if I want to do it another two years, three years. I kind of listen to my body and my mindset, especially my mindset because my body’s been feeling great. And with all the benefits that I get from doing like the cold plunge and the sauna. Overall, my mind has to be in the right place, so that’s probably the hardest thing for me. Because sometimes the age factor comes into mind. And not in the moment, but thinking ahead like I want to be able to still move around and walk at 55 or 56. Is my body going to feel the same? I don’t know.”

Mysterio will celebrate his 50th birthday on December 11. He told Van Vliet that, while 50 is a big number, stem cell, cold plunge, sauna, and red light treatment have been important factors in making sure his body still feels good despite the surgeries he’s had throughout his career.

“To be able to still do what I’m doing after starting at the age of 14 and turning 50 this year,” Mysterio said. “It’s like, ‘Wow.’ Sometimes I’ll sit back and go, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’ve been doing it this long, but I feel good. How am I going to feel two or five years from now? Is it going to be the same when I’m no longer doing it?'”

On Raw next Monday, Mysterio will face off against his son Dominik. It’s their first televised singles match since Rey defeated Dominik at WrestleMania 39.

Mysterio was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2010 and WWE Hall of Fame in 2023.

Rey Mysterio: Dominik is ‘most definitely’ a future WWE World Champion

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Rey Mysterio has no doubt that his son Dominik will be a WWE World Champion one day.

While appearing on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Rey said he “most definitely” sees Dominik Mysterio being a World Champion in the future. Rey believes that — only four years since debuting — Dominik has already gotten really good at pro wrestling.

“Oh, definitely. Most definitely,” Rey said about Dominik becoming a World Champion. “Dom, he’s getting really good at what he’s doing, and he’s understanding the craft. The fact that he’s where he’s at with such little time. Like, I wish I could be there, or I could have been there, with four years of being in the business. I didn’t know sh*t at four years.”

Rey thinks being able to share the ring with wrestlers like Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and John Cena has helped Dominik learn so fast. Dominik made his in-ring debut by facing Rollins at SummerSlam 2020.

“Not only me, I mean that, yes, I am his father, but the fact that he’s been able to be in there with the best: Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, John Cena,” Rey said. “All these moments are moments that give you the ability to learn. So I think he’s taken very well advantage of those moments.”

On Raw next Monday, Rey and Dominik will face each other in a televised singles match for just the second time ever. Rey won their previous meeting at WrestleMania 39.

In storyline, Liv Morgan has recently been attempting to seduce Dominik away from Rhea Ripley. She helped Dominik get this match against Rey next week and also got Judgment Day’s Finn Balor & JD McDonagh a World Tag Team title shot on Raw last night. They defeated The Miz & R-Truth to win the belts.

Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches booked for WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Money in the Bank qualifying begins with two triple threat matches taking place on WWE Raw tonight.

This afternoon, WWE uploaded a video with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announcing a pair of Money in the Bank qualifying bouts for tonight. IYO SKY vs. Zelina Vega vs. Kiana James will determine the first women’s ladder match participant. The first men’s participant will be determined by Jey Uso vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor.

SKY was last year’s women’s Money in the Bank winner. She successfully cashed in her briefcase on Bianca Belair at SummerSlam last August and held the WWE Women’s Championship until losing it to Bayley at WrestleMania 40.

Damian Priest won the 2023 men’s Money in the Bank ladder match and held onto the briefcase until a successful WrestleMania cash-in on Drew McIntyre. At Clash at the Castle last weekend, Priest defeated McIntyre to retain the World Heavyweight Championship after CM Punk got involved in the match.

Scotiabank Arena in Toronto is hosting Money in the Bank on Saturday, July 6. Including tonight, there are only three episodes of Raw and three episodes of SmackDown left before the event.

The venue for tonight’s Raw is American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

WWE Raw (Monday, June 17) —

  • Money in the Bank qualifying match: IYO SKY vs. Zelina Vega vs. Kiana James
  • Money in the Bank qualifying match: Jey Uso vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor
  • Dragon Lee vs. Carlito
  • Reveal of Uncle Howdy’s QR code mystery teased

Xavier Woods vs. Karrion Kross was set for tonight, but WWE has deleted the tweet announcing the match. It isn’t clear whether the match will still be happening.

WWE Raw live results: Damian Priest vs. Rey Mysterio

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: June 3, 2024
Location: GIANT Center in Hershey, PA

********** 

Show Recap — 

The show opened with a camera shot following some fans to their seats. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, Bron Breakker, and Judgment Day were shown arriving at the arena. Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre could be seen watching Belair and Cargill in the background. Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh wore dark shades and McDonagh whispered something to Bálor. 

Michael Cole said he was joined by the “always controversial” Pat McAfee (which is one way to brush over what happened today). 

There was a recap of Liv Morgan beating Becky Lynch last week thanks to Dominik Mysterio. 

Liv Morgan/Dominik Mysterio segment 

Morgan entered to open the show. She welcomed us to the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour. She said she took out Rhea Ripley, something no one else could do, became Women’s World Champion, and put Becky Lynch into early retirement. 

The cherry on top was kissing Dominik. She boasted about how many social media views the video received. 

Dom entered and the crowd booed as he spoke. Dom didn’t know what game Morgan was playing and warned her that Ripley would kill her when she returned. Morgan said Ripley would kill Dom too. 

Morgan told Dom she could make it all worth it. Morgan stepped close to Dom as he backed into the corner. Morgan wanted to take everything from Ripley and that included Dom. 

Morgan put her hands on Dom as he resisted until Finn Bálor ran out to get between them. Bálor said Dom and the Judgment Day wanted nothing to do with her. Morgan wasn’t sure about that but she agreed to depart. She tousled Dom’s hair as she left.  

********

Sheamus told Jackie Redmond he was pumped to get into the ring with Ludwig Kaiser. He used to think Kaiser was simply Gunther’s announcer and coat rack but he realized that maybe he was holding Kaiser back. Maybe there was more to Kaiser’s bark. 

Sheamus was on the cusp of 15 years in WWE and has faced the best of the best. There was only one way to gain his respect: to put on banger after banger. 

Sheamus entered through Gorilla but he was chop-blocked from behind by Kaiser. Kaiser attacked Sheamus until officials broke it up. 

Ludwig Kaiser defeated Sheamus (13:44) 

Kaiser targeted Sheamus’ leg and spat on him while he was down. The crowd booed that but Sheamus actually smiled. Kaiser cut off Sheamus’ comeback attempt and drove him into the ring post. Sheamus wound up seated on the steel steps so Kaiser round around ringside and dropkicked his leg into the steps. 

After a break, Kaiser went for ten beats of the Bodhrán but Sheamus blocked it and came back with clotheslines and a powerslam. Sheamus missed a knee strike and Kaiser drove his injured knee into the mat. The referee checked on Sheamus and was about to call the match over but Sheamus stopped him. 

Sheamus screamed at Kaiser, “Is that all ya got?” Kaiser hammered away at him in the corner so Sheamus responded with chops. Sheamus hit a knee strike (his knee was exposed because Kaiser dropped his kneepad) and went for a Brogue Kick but his leg gave out and Kaiser tried a schoolboy for two. Sheamus responded with ten beats of the Bodhrán. 

Sheamus went for a White Noise off the middle rope but Kaiser slipped away and kicked his leg out of his leg. Kaiser rolled him up near the ropes for the somewhat abrupt pinfall win. 

This was a good, physical match. They put this over as a big win for Kaiser. 

— A QR code appeared post-match with the word “Prepare.”  

********

Damian Priest approached Dom and Judgment Day in the back. Bálor assured him the situation was already taken care of. Priest asked about Ripley and Dom said everything was fine. Priest suggested they settle some scores tonight and remind everyone that they run Raw. 

********

A trainer checked on Ricochet and Ilja Dragunov approached him. Dragunov could tell Ricochet was not 100% but Ricochet didn’t care. Dragunov wasn’t there to stop him because he knew guys like them needed to live unhealthily close to the limit. 

Ricochet told him that if he could walk, he could fight. Dragunov warned him to be cautious because Bron Breakker was wired differently. Ricochet told him that he was wired differently, as was Ilja. That’s why they were there. Ricochet said he would smack the fake tan off of Bron. (Cole dismissively wished him luck.) 

******** 

There was a quick Dragon Lee video promo. 

Finn Bálor (w/JD McDonagh) defeated Dragon Lee (8:34) 

The opening match started after a break and they gave it time before going to commercial. This match started with the usual pattern. Dragon Lee hit a suicide dive and they went to break two minutes in. Bálor was in control after a break and Cole said it was due to a McDonagh distraction. 

Dragon Lee fought back and chased McDonagh off the apron (1). Bálor went for a slingblade but Lee used a great reversal into a sit-out powerbomb. Lee once again chased McDonagh off the apron (2). If that wasn’t enough, McDonagh went back on the apron (3) and instead of tossing him from ringside, the referee just yelled at him while Carlito crotched Lee. 

Lee fought off Bálor anyway before wiping out Carlito with a dive. Lee hammered away on Carlito and McDonagh tried to blindside him but Lee superkicked him. The stupid referee just stood by and watched. 

Lee re-entered the ring but Bálor dropkicked him into the corner and hit a Coup de Grace for the pinfall win. 

— Bálor and Carlito attacked Lee after the match until Braun Strowman and Rey Mysterio entered (to Strowman’s music). Strowman knocked the heels out of the ring but they escaped through the crowd before he could run them over. 

********

Sami Zayn walked through the back. (Sonya Deville spoke to Natalya in the background.) 

******** 

Priest had an idea for Carlito if he wanted to run with Judgment Day. He told Carlito to ask Adam Pearce for a match against Strowman — tonight. Bálor and McDonagh were amused with this idea. Carlito didn’t think this was cool. 

R-Truth appeared and told Carlito that being part of Judgment Day was tough. When you were down, they kicked you, and when you were up, they still kicked you. Truth said those were the best days of his life. 

The camera panned out to reveal Miz who was baffled. He reminded Truth that they were currently the tag champs and that Judgment Day stole his TV. Truth told Miz he was obsessed with Judgment Day and to move on. 

******** 

[SECOND HOUR]

Sami Zayn/Alpha Academy segment 

Zayn entered to a strong reaction. He was happy to be back in Pennsylvania where he won the Intercontinental title. He hasn’t really been able to enjoy it because he’s had a thorn in his side in Chad Gable. It’s gone on for too long and he invited Gable to the ring alone so they could end it right now. 

The Alpha Academy music hit but it was Maxxine Dupri, Otis and Akira Tozawa. Dupri apologized to Zayn because Gable wanted him to know he didn’t deserve his time tonight. Dupri had a message from Gable. Zayn told her that she didn’t have to do this. 

Dupri read the prepared statement from Gable. The statement referred to Tozawa as a failure who pretended to be a ninja, Otis as a child who lost his MITB briefcase, and Dupri as a knockoff Barbie nobody wanted. The only way this ended was for Gable to get an IC title shot. The crowd chanted for Otis. 

Zayn agreed to defend his title against Gable at Clash at the Castle if that meant ending this. 

Zayn dropped his belt because he wanted to speak to them directly. He told Dupri, Otis and Tozawa that they didn’t have to take Gable’s crap and they were better than that. Zayn had been in their shoes before and knew they needed to separate themselves from Gable. 

Gable attacked Zayn from behind. Gable hammered away at Zayn as the crowd chanted for Otis, who paced around. Gable held up Zayn and told Otis to hit him. Otis didn’t budge so Gable smacked him in the face. 

Tozawa got between them so Gable shoved him. Dupri pulled Gable away and Gable mocked her. He demanded she get on her knees and beg him to stop, so she did. Gable told them to get out of the ring. Tozawa and Dupri got on the apron and Gable loudly admonished them. 

Otis stepped up to Gable and got in his face. The crowd popped big for Otis. Zayn attacked Gable and inadvertently tossed him into Otis — knocking Dupri and Gable off the apron. 

Otis was unsure what to do but he dropped Zayn with a World Strongest Slam. Otis left the ring and Gable posed with the IC title belt. 

Otis hoisted Tozawa onto his shoulders and placed Dupri in his arms and easily carried them both to the back. The crowd told Gable that he sucked. 

(I still think this is being stretched out too long but this was a strong segment and the crowd ate it up.) 

********

Bron Breakker approached Pearce as he watched the previous segment on his TV. Bron laughed at Zayn and said he would break him in half. Pearce wanted to know what he wanted. 

Bron congratulated Pearce on finally putting him in a match with real competition. Pearce said he didn’t deserve it and the only reason he got it was because Ricochet asked for it. Ricochet, unlike Bron, knew about respect. Bron planned on teaching Pearce about “respect.” Pearce didn’t put him in the King of the Ring tournament and nobody was holding him back now. 

********

Gable approached Alpha Academy in the back. Gable was thrilled over Dupri’s performance and gave her credit for faking an injury. Dupri said she was really hurt. Gable loved that she stayed in character and didn’t care that Tozawa might be hurt too. Gable was proud of Otis and looked forward to them winning the IC title as a team. 

********

Bron Breakker defeated Ricochet (8:00) 

Ricochet initially caught Bron off guard until Bron ran him over with a clothesline. (Cole said Bron ran the ropes at 23 mph.) Bron dropped Ricochet over the barricade ahead of a break. 

Bron whipped Ricochet into the corner and looked over at Samantha Irvin, who was unamused. Ricochet came back with a springboard clothesline and Lionsault for two. Ricochet avoided Bron’s running attack and hit a superkick and Recoil. 

Ricochet went to the top but Bron easily scaled the ropes and brought him down with a Frankensteiner. Bron followed with a spear for the pinfall win. (The crowd was into Bron’s offence.)

— Bron was going to kill Ricochet with the steel steps but officials ran down to stop him. Bron was going to smash him anyway but Dragunov ran down and knocked him into the crowd. Dragunov checked on Ricochet and Bron said he wasn’t done with them. 

********

Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega approached Dragon Lee. Rey said Lee would have won if not for Carlito. Lee would get his payback soon but they needed to take out his protection first, that’s why Rey was going straight for the head in Damian Priest. Judgment Day might think they ran Raw but that didn’t include LWO. Rey would personally deliver that message to Priest tonight. 

********

Redmond interviewed Kiana James who was making her Raw debut against Natalya. James called Natalya one of the most accomplished stars in WWE history. James took some time to get acclimated under Pearce but she was ready to compete and specifically asked for a match against Natalya. She called tonight step one on her way to the top. 

Kiana James defeated Natalya (2:56) 

Natalya hit a German suplex and went for the Sharpshooter but James blocked it and hit her finisher the 401k (some sort of reverse STO or flatliner variation) for the pinfall win. Not only is her move named the 401k but Cole said she represents the 1%. 

This wasn’t good and they quickly moved on. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed New Day about AOP and Karrion Kross. Xavier Woods said Kross’ plan wasn’t going to work. Kofi Kingston said they were the best to ever do it. A lot of teams have tried to get between them but they all failed and AOP would be next. 

They were about to yell “New Day rocks” but Kross cut them off. Kross said the power of positivity was dead. Kingston warned Kross they still hit hard and AOP would find that out tonight. As they left, Kross told Woods he wouldn’t have to follow Kingston around anymore. Woods did listen to him before leaving. 

********

Deville approached a disappointed Natalya, who was open to speaking with her. Natalya used the Owen Hart line, “Enough is enough, it’s time for a change.” Deville was happy to hear it but went to speak with Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler who she saw nearby. 

Stark didn’t want to hear from her. They planned on showing Belair and Cargill why they were the best team in WWE. Baszler told Deville to leave them alone. 

********

Braun Strowman defeated Carlito (1:25) 

This was another nothing match. Bálor and McDonagh tried to get involved but it didn’t work. Carlito tried to use the distraction to hit a backstabber but Strowman brushed him off and slammed him face-first for the pinfall win. 

— The heels attacked Strowman after the match. Strowman fought them off until he was chop-blocked by Dom. Dom grabbed a chair but Strowman punched it out of his hand. 

Strowman lurched after Dom as he crawled away backward up the aisle but Liv Morgan entered to act as Dom’s shield. 

Strowman turned his attention back to the other heels but they overwhelmed him and attacked him repeatedly with chairs. 

Morgan tried to get close to Dom again but Bálor again got between them. 

********

Belair and Cargill walked through the back (in their gear). 

(Gable spoke with the Creed Brothers in the background.) 

[THIRD HOUR]

Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill entered to a good reaction. Stark acted surprised they accepted their invitation and suggested the champs were avoiding them. Belair and Cargill mocked this so Baszler said they would prove they were the top team in WWE. Cargill invited them to do it right now. 

Pearce entered. He asked everyone if they wanted the tag title match now. The teams agreed and the fans cheered so he made the match. 

Tag Team Championship match: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defeated Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark via disqualification (9:10) 

Two nothing matches followed by a title match ending in a DQ. 

Belair and Cargill each hit delayed vertical suplexes ahead of a break. Baszler and Stark gained control during the break (there was no explanation or replay) but Cargill gave Baszler a fallaway slam and made the hot tag to Belair. 

Belair gave Stark a spinebuster and standing moonsault but Baszler broke up the cover. They tried to double-team Belair but Cargill yanked Baszler out of the ring. Baszler avoided a charge and Cargill crashed into the steel steps. 

Belair hit Stark with a KOD but Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn attacked Belair for the DQ. 

Cargill tried to make the save but she was overwhelmed. Baszler, Stark, Fyre and Dawn teamed up and laid out the champs. Baszler and Stark stared down Fyre and Dawn for a moment before leaving the ring. 

********

Kelley interviewed Priest. He said Judgment Day has had success tonight and it felt good. He said Rey has been a thorn in their side for a long time and while he respected his fight, Priest would close the door on Dom’s father. 

Drew McIntyre approached Priest. (The crowd chanted for CM Punk.) McIntyre said Priest looked happy. Priest was happy because he was the champion. McIntyre told him to enjoy it. This was as high as he would be in his career. McIntyre always believed in Priest but he made things personal. McIntyre would be seeing him soon. 

********

Jey Uso promo 

After a decent stretch of not much happening, Jey Uso’s music hit and the crowd exploded. Jey entered through the crowd and cut his promo while in the stands. 

Jey had big plans this year. Last year’s Money in the Bank had the Bloodline Civil War. That was tough on him. He lost his brothers and his cousins. He stayed in the fight, though, because he knew one day he would fight on his own. He wasn’t a right-hand man. He knew he could be Main Event Jey Uso. Jey thanked the fans for Yeeting with him on his journey. 

The crowd yelled “Yeet” as Jey announced his intention to win MITB. 

********

Kelley interviewed Lyra Valkyria. Kelley asked how Becky Lynch was coping with last week’s loss. Lyra said Lynch was disappointed but knew she would come back around and make herself better. That’s how real winning was done. That was something Morgan knew nothing about. Lyra said we wouldn’t have to watch Morgan as champion very long. 

Kelley asked how she would do without Lynch by her side. Lyra said she has shown she can stand on her two feet. She heard what Jey Uso said and spoke about MITB when she was suddenly attacked by Iyo Sky. 

Sky shoved Lyra into some equipment boxes and stormed off. 

(I didn’t expect them to ignore Lynch’s existence at all but it’s notable they openly spoke about her and acknowledged that she was away.) 

********

Authors of Pain (w/Karrion Kross, Scarlett & Paul Ellering) defeated The New Day (2:28) 

AOP worked over Woods. Scarlett distracted the ref and it seemed like Kross would go after Kingston but Kingston left the apron to get in his face. Woods tried to make a tag but Kingston wasn’t there. Kingston did try to get back on the apron but Akam knocked him off. AOP hit Woods with “What a Rush” (combo neckbreaker/sit-out powerbomb) for the pinfall win. 

********

Long-time wrestling fan Jackie Redmond asked Fyre and Dawn why they would attack the tag team champions. Fyre said they haven’t gotten the same opportunities as everyone else. Dawn didn’t like the sound of Clash at the Castle in Scotland without them. Dawn said Belair and Cargill looked pretty with their title belts but those good looks were about to fade. 

******** 

Next week on Raw in Toledo, OH:  

  • Lyra Valkyria vs. Iyo Sky 
  • Sami Zayn vs. Otis – non-title 
  • Ilja Dragunov vs. Bron Breakker (the crowd cheered this announcement)

******** 

World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest defeated Rey Mysterio in a non-title match (13:25) 

Rey hit an Asai moonsault and tried a springboard move in the ring but Priest caught him and hit a big flatliner. Priest remained in control through a break. Priest knocked Rey out of the ring and implored him to stay there but he crawled back in. Rey hit a spinning heel kick and enziguri. Priest tried a Stinger splash but Rey ducked and Priest’s face hit the post. 

Rey tried going up but Priest kicked him off the ropes. Rey hit a seated senton and springboard crossbody for two. Priest tossed Rey into the corner (and he landed awkwardly) but Rey fought back with a tornado DDT for two. Priest caught Rey off the ropes and hit snake eyes and a clothesline for two. 

Priest set up for a Razor’s Edge off the middle rope but Rey blocked it and brought Priest down with a hurricanrana. Rey followed with 619 and a springboard splash for a nearfall. 

Carlito entered and got on the apron but Dragon Lee fought him off until he was attacked from behind by McDonagh and Bálor. 

Rey wiped out Judgment Day with a corkscrew dive. He went to the top but Priest hit a South of Heaven chokeslam for the pinfall win. 

— McIntyre attacked Priest from behind as soon as he got to his feet. The crowd chanted for Punk as McIntyre hit a Future Shock DDT. McIntyre set up for Claymore but Bálor hit the ring. McIntyre chucked aside Bálor, Carlito and McDonagh. 

McIntyre cleared the announce table before getting in Cole’s face for calling him a hypocrite. Priest got up and chokeslammed McIntyre through the table. 

Priest stood tall with Bálor, McDonagh and Carlito as the show ended. (No Dom.)

Rey Mysterio hoping Mexico hosts WWE PLE within next three years

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The legendary Rey Mysterio is hoping that he’ll get to wrestle at a WWE premium live event in Mexico one day.

As part of a new strategy for the company, WWE is holding an increasing amount of PLEs in international markets. Australia and France have already had events this year, and WWE has upcoming stops in Scotland, Canada, and Germany. That’s in addition to the two WWE PLEs that take place from Saudi Arabia every year.

In an interview with Bleacher Report, Mysterio was asked about the possibility of Mexico hosting its first-ever PLE. Mysterio said he’s hoping that it happens within the next three years.

“I’m hoping that it happens within the next three years. I think my people deserve something as good as a PLE,” Mysterio said. “I’m truly hoping. We have a huge stadium over there, Estadio Azteca, which I believe is being remodeled and should be done sometime next year. I think the fans would go crazy. Crazy. Mexico has always been an incredible crowd for wrestling, and what better than to pay it off with WWE coming over there and giving them something as special as a PLE?”

WWE has a pair of house shows taking place in Mexico this July. Mysterio is advertised for the events.

The 49-year-old Mysterio and his LWO faction are members of the Raw roster in WWE. After defeating Carlito earlier this week, Mysterio was beaten down by Damian Priest, setting up a Mysterio vs. Priest match for Raw this Monday (June 3).

Rey Mysterio: Separating our WWE team is best thing that’s happened to Dominik

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Rey Mysterio thinks separating their tag team is the best thing that’s ever happened to Dominik’s WWE career.

While appearing on Rampage Jackson’s Jaxxon Podcast, Rey discussed the success that his son has found in WWE. Rey said Dominik has shown incredible growth over the past three years. At first, Dominik struggled to live up to the comparisons that were made between him and his father. But Rey believes turning heel and no longer having his dad by his side has helped Dominik thrive.

“For my son to come in out of nowhere and not have my style, have a different build. He’s 6’1. He’s about 190 [lbs]. So it was very hard for him at the beginning to try to adapt and find his role as a wrestler,” Rey said. “The comparisons — they were made. And of course, he couldn’t live up to them. Not until we separated and he continued on his own path without having his dad by his side. And that was the best thing that could have ever happened to him.”

Rey and Dominik were paired together when Dominik debuted for WWE in 2020. They became the first father-son tag team champions in WWE history, but Dominik later turned against Rey and joined The Judgment Day. Dominik is a member of the group with Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, Finn Balor, and JD McDonagh.

On the Jaxxon Podcast, Rey expressed how proud he is of his son’s success.

“In the past three years, he’s had the success that I never had in three years breaking in the business,” Mysterio said. “I mean, times are different. But as a father you could only imagine how proud I am. Incredible.”

Rey and Dominik faced each other in a singles match at WrestleMania 39 and were also opponents in a tag team match at WrestleMania 40.

Dominik is out of action right now due to an elbow injury. It was originally thought that he would need to undergo Tommy John surgery, but Dominik is opting to rehab the injury through physical therapy instead of having surgery. Dave Meltzer reported on May 3 that Dominik expects to return to the ring in 6-8 weeks.

Two matches with title implications announced for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has revealed how Cody Rhodes’ first title challenger will be decided.

On SmackDown tonight, two triple threat matches will take place. The winners advance to face each other on SmackDown next Friday (April 19). The winner of that match becomes the number one contender to Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Santos Escobar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight and Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens are tonight’s triple threat bouts.

WWE didn’t state when the winner will be getting their title shot, but the company’s next premium live event is Backlash in Lyon, France on Saturday, May 4. Rhodes is featured on the poster for that show.

Tonight’s SmackDown will include an appearance by Rhodes. At WrestleMania 40, he dethroned Roman Reigns to become the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Reigns had been a champion for 1,316 days before being defeated by Rhodes.

Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is hosting SmackDown tonight. Here’s what’s been announced for the episode:

  • New Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes appears
  • New WWE Women’s Champion Bayley appears
  • Triple threat match: Santos Escobar vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight
  • Triple threat match: Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens

Andrade replacing Dragon Lee in WWE WrestleMania 40 match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A change has been made to the card for WWE WrestleMania 40.

Dragon Lee was supposed to team with Rey Mysterio against Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 40 night one this Saturday. But there was an angle on Friday’s SmackDown where Lee was taken out in a backstage attack. The tag match will now be Rey & Andrade vs. Escobar & Dominik.

Andrade aligned with the LWO on SmackDown, saving Rey from an attack by Escobar and Dominik. The heels thought they had Andrade on their side until he put a stop to their beatdown of Rey.

WWE did not reveal the identity of Lee’s attacker. Though it was presumed that Legado del Fantasma were behind the attack, Carlito is another possible culprit. Carlito is a member of the LWO but has looked unhappy about not being Rey’s WrestleMania partner.

The updated lineups for WrestleMania 40 are listed below. Each night has a start time of 7 p.m. Eastern. There will also be pre-shows airing from 5-7 p.m. both nights.

WWE WrestleMania 40 —

Night one (Saturday, April 6):

  • Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Becky Lynch
  • Six-pack ladder match: Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest & Finn Balor defend against Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, The Miz & R-Truth, Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate, and Grayson Waller & Austin Theory
  • Rey Mysterio & Andrade vs. Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio
  • Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
  • Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Asuka, Kairi Sane & Dakota Kai
  • Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against Sami Zayn
  • The Rock & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins

Night two (Sunday, April 7):

  • World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Drew McIntyre
  • Philadelphia street fight: Bobby Lashley, Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford vs. Karrion Kross, Akam & Rezar
  • LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
  • Triple threat match: United States Champion Logan Paul defends against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens
  • WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY defends against Bayley
  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes

LWO vs. Santos Escobar & Dominik official for WWE WrestleMania 40

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A tag team match has been added to WrestleMania 40.

WWE made official on SmackDown Lowdown that Rey Mysterio will team with the newest member of the LWO Dragon Lee against Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio. The match comes after the events of Friday’s SmackDown which saw Mysterio challenge Dominik & Escobar after a confrontation between members of LWO and Legado del Fantasma turned into a brawl.

Mysterio recently made his return to WWE after Escobar put Mysterio out of action by attacking his knee. The two faced off on SmackDown last week which ended when Dominik interfered on behalf of Escobar, allowing him to score the victory.

Here is the updated card for WWE WrestleMania 40:

WWE WrestleMania 40 —

Night one:

  • The Rock & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins

Night two:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
  • World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Drew McIntyre

Night to be announced:

  • WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY defends against Bayley
  • Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Becky Lynch
  • Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against Sami Zayn
  • Triple threat match: United States Champion Logan Paul defends against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens
  • Six-pack ladder match: Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor) defend against DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa), The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods), The Miz & R-Truth, Grayson Waller & Austin Theory, and Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate
  • Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
  • LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
  • Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Damage CTRL (Asuka, Kairi Sane & Dakota Kai)
  • Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio

Rey Mysterio issues WWE WrestleMania 40 challenge

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Rey Mysterio has issued a challenge to Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio for a tag team bout at WWE WrestleMania 40. 

In a segment on Friday’s SmackDown, Mysterio appeared alongside the LWO and declared his intention to face Escobar & his son Dominik in a tag team match at WrestleMania with a mystery partner. 

Rey then revealed Dragon Lee as the newest member of the LWO, and as his planned partner for the WrestleMania contest, and the LWO brawled with Escobar’s Legado Del Fantasma. 

WWE has yet to officially announce that tag bout for WrestleMania. 

A faction warfare storyline between the LWO (Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Carlito, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, Zelina Vega) and Escobar’s Legado Del Fantasma (Escobar, Angel Garza, Humberto Carrillo, Elektra Lopez) got an added twist on last week’s SmackDown as Dominik seemingly temporarily aligned with Escobar’s group. Dominik is part of The Judgment Day faction on Raw, but was without a clear WrestleMania direction prior to his inclusion. 

Following up on Friday’s segment, Vega vs. Lopez is set for next Friday’s SmackDown, the go-home show for WrestleMania 40. 

Stipulation set for Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar WWE SmackDown match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Neither Rey Mysterio nor Santos Escobar will have their stablemates by their side for Friday’s grudge match.

Mysterio and Escobar are set to face off on SmackDown this Friday night. Ahead of the match, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis announced that the LWO and Legado del Fantasma will both be barred from ringside. Aldis said he wants Mysterio and Escobar to settle things one-on-one.

“The situation between the LWO and Legado del Fantasma, it’s reached a boiling point. Now, some people have accused me of being old school at times. And I guess this is one of those times where you’ll be right,” Aldis said. “Because I believe in settling things one-on-one, mano a mano. So with that in mind, I’m declaring that the LWO and Legado del Fantasma are barred from ringside.”

This is Mysterio’s first time wrestling since undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus last November. In storyline, Mysterio’s knee injury was blamed on an attack by Escobar. Escobar betrayed Mysterio and split off from the LWO.

The LWO consists of Mysterio, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, and Carlito. Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Angel, and Humberto are in Legado del Fantasma.

SmackDown is taking place from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee this Friday. Aldis underwent surgery for a ruptured biceps this week but is continuing to fulfill all of his obligations as SmackDown GM.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, March 22) —

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes go face-to-face
  • WrestleMania qualifying tournament match: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Grayson Waller & Austin Theory
  • WrestleMania qualifying tournament match: The Street Profits vs. Authors of Pain
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar (the LWO and Legado del Fantasma are barred from ringside)
  • IYO SKY vs. Naomi