Tag: sheamus

Daily Update: Sheamus, WWE tours, weekend schedule

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

October 31, 2022 Observer Newsletter: AEW completes All Out fight investigation, NXT Halloween Havoc

  • The new issue of the Observer is on the front page today. In hindsight, I think it’s kind of a sad issue filled with many what ifs, but highlights include:
  • The update on the situation after 9/4’s All Out PPV with the fight, suspensions, and investigation
  • The Wrestling Inc. story with new claims as to what happened, CM Punk’s thoughts from his side on things that had happened
  • More on why Punk did the interview he did on Adam Page
  • Reactions of others to that story
  • Why late 2023 and early 2024 are so key to AEW
  • How and why this was handled completely different from how UFC would handle a similar situation
  • The lessons of the entire situation
  • Full coverage of NXT Halloween Havoc
  • Comments from Shawn Michaels about the show
  • UFC 280 coverage and early business notes
  • Stardom PPV coverage and updates on the big decision regarding who is the first IWGP women’s champion
  • Ratings for all the major shows including how the main segments did
  • Major womens tournament news
  • Update on Laredo Kid injury situation
  • Next major AAA show
  • First pro wrestling show ever at Ariake Arena
  • Update on Karl Anderson in New Japan situation
  • New Japan TV title tournament thoughts and updates
  • New Japan joint tour next year
  • Former pro wrestling star inducted into sports Hall of Fame
  • Billy Corgan talks ideas for NWA to work with WWE or AEW
  • Legendary pro wrestling arena in danger of being torn down
  • New major project with Bret Hart coming involving Wrestling with Shadows being re-released
  • Tales from the Territory thoughts
  • Shocker gives his side of the story
  • Next few weeks of Impact TV
  • Update on AEW viewing and how many people have watched TV this year, plus actual numbers that watch the show weekly and other shows which is not the Nielsen number
  • New AEW signings
  • Upcoming ticket sales for AEW & WWE events
  • More notes on Chris Jericho’s first three AEW contracts
  • Thunder Rosa update
  • AEW overseas distribution update
  • Dana White talks Jon Jones return
  • Very interesting Conor McGregor note
  • Bellator part of Japan’s New Year’s Eve show
  • Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva notes
  • Lawsuit filed against Jake Paul
  • What types of angles can we expect more of in WWE
  • Early notes on “Black Adam”
  • WWE injury notes
  • How the World Series will effect pro wrestling shows this week
  • WWE talent up for a number of awards
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • New movies with WWE legend
  • Paul Heyman gets international mainstream exposure
  • First WWE talents to hit 100 matches this year

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

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Friday News Update

Garrett Gonzales and I will be doing out first show together in a few weeks tonight since he was on vacation and last week we were swamped with things going on in setting up the equipment for video here. Most of our shows going forward will be on video so it’ll be a more interactive experience including the ability for the show to be viewed live and answer questions and take comments. Bryan and I will be back on Sunday night.

Congratulations to Sheamus, who got married today in New York. Both he and Drew McIntyre are off Smackdown tonight and Sheamus will be missing the entire European tour., which is why they did the injury angle last week. McIntyre is Sheamus’ best man and he’ll be back wrestling on Sunday in Stuttgart. As the schedule has it, McIntyre is missing tomorrow’s show in Glasgow, Scotland.

Smackdown for tonight in St.Louis is on FS 1, not FOX, due to the World Series. They had moved more than 1,000 tickets since Tuesday and as of this morning had 7,500 tickets for the double taping tonight at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. They are taping two shows tonight because next week will be a taped show due to the crew being in Saudi Arabia. Mike Johnson reported that Tenille Dashwood, formerly Emma, is backstage, and that Hit Row’s mystery third man against Legado del Fantasma tonight would be Shinsuke Nakamura. Roman Reigns is on tonight’s show, but Logan Paul is not advertised. Ronda Rousey also defends the women’s title in an open challenge and Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa vs. Ridge Holland & Butch. Bray Wyatt will also be addressing his demons.

AEW Rampage at 10 p.m.on TNT is live from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Jon Moxley vs. Matt Menard in a non-title match plus Tay Melo vs. Madison Rayne and Wardlow vs. Matt Taven for the TNT title are scheduled. They had 3,800 tickets out as of this morning. 

New Japan iPPV tonight at the Palladium in New York:

      • Waka Tsukiyama & Mina Shirakawa vs Tiara James & Kylie Rae – dark match
      • Rocky Romero & Yoh vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Sho
      • Minoru Suzuki vs. Clark Connors
      • Mayu Iwatani vs. KiLynn King for the SWA title
      • Fred Rosser vs. Jonathan Gresham for the Strong title
      • Aussie Open vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. Kevin Knight & The DKC for he Strong tag titles
      • Shingo Takagi vs. El Phantasmo in a street fight for the KOPW title
      • Kazuchika Okada & Eddie Kingston vs. Jay White & Juice Robinson

We’re looking for reports on these shows this weekend:

      • AEW tonight in Uncasville, CT (Dark stuff, anything not on the live TV show)
      • WWE tonight in St. Louis (Dark stuff and second TV show taped, anything not on tonight’s live show)
      • NXT tonight in Melbourne, FL
      • WWE tomorrow night in Monterrey, Mexico
      • NXT tomorrow night in Winter Haven, FL
      • WWE Sunday in Glasgow, Scotland
      • WWE Sunday at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City
      • You can send reports to [email protected]

We are also doing polls on tonight’s New Japan show at the Palladium in New York and Sunday’s NOAH show at the Ariake Arena. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

For Monterrey they’ve announced Seth Rollins vs. Matt Riddle in a street fight, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley for the women’s title, Dana Brooke vs. Nikki Cross vs. Tamina for the 24/7 title, Rey Mysterio & A.J. Styles & Raquel Rodriguez vs Finn Balor & Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Kevin Owens & Johnny Gargano, Austin Theory vs. Dolph ziggler and Los Lotharios vs. Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde. Rodriguez could be a hint of who Styles had Mexico City is a similar show.

For Glasgow and the other European shows, it looks like the card will be new Day & Braun Strowman vs. Usos & Sami Zayn, Gunther vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the IC title, Ricochet vs. Karrion Kross, Hit Row vs. Maximum Male Models, Madcap Moss vs. Ridge holland and Liv Morgan & Shotzi vs.; Sonya Deville & Natalya. McIntyre is being billed for Stuttgart the next day against Zayn and the rest of the tour.. Also in Stuttgart Giovanni Vinci & Ludvig Kaiser & Gunther will face Usos & Solo Sikoa. and Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin. If Corbin is there it would mean he’s off Raw Monday. Shayna Baszler is also advertised on other European dates.

Jake Paul (186.5) and Anderson Silva (186.1) both made weight for their boxing match tomorrow night in Phoenix. Tyron Woodley said he’s going to Phoenix, teasing he’s a backup, but Silva was cleared yesterday by the Arizona commission. This is intriguing because Silva is one of the all-time greats in MMA and was a fantastic striker in his day, although more of a kickboxer striker than a boxer. He has been boxing of late but he’s 47 and Paul is 25, and that’ makes a world of difference. The PPV numbers are also intriguing because it’s the biggest name fighter Paul has faced to date. Paul is a -190 favorite and most people I know believe he is going to win, but most of the betting last I had heard was for Silva. Former UFC fighter Uriah Hall (1986) has his boxing debut against former NFL star Le’Veon Bell (197.6).

UFC runs in Las Vegas with a full ESPN+ show from 4-10 p.m. Eastern tomorrow:

      • Christian Rodriguez (136) vs. Joshua Weems (139.5) – Weems missed weight by 3.5 pounds and has to forfeit 30 percent of his purse
      • Cody Durden (126) vs. Carlos Mota (125.5)
      • Chase Hooper (145) vs. Steve Garcia (146)
      • Joseph Holmes (185.5) vs. Jun Yong Park(185)
      • Andrei Arlovski (241) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (261)
      • Phil Hawes (185.5) vs. Roman Dolidze (186)
      • Dustin Jacoby (204) vs. Khalil Rountree (205)
      • Josh Fremd (185) vs. Tresean Gore (185.5)
      • Waldo Cortes-Acosta (260.5) vs. Jared Vanderaa (259)
      • Tim Means (170.5) vs. Max Griffin (170.5)
      • Calvin Kattar (146) vs. Arnold Allen (145.5)

Bellator is running tomorrow at 4 p.m. Eastern from Milan, Italy on Showtime:

      • Justin Gonzales (145.2) vs. Andrew Fisher (146)
      • Saul Rogers (155.3) vs. Tim Wilde (155.8)
      • Charlie Ward (185.2) vs. Fabian Edwards (185.4)
      • Adam Piccolotti (155.2) vs. Mansour Barnaoui (154.6)
      • Prelims will air on Bellator’s YouTube channel at 12:30 p.m. Eastern

Matt Schiavone, Tony’s son, was hired by AEW as a producer. He started with the company this past Friday. Matt Schiavone had formerly worked as a producer for FOX News.

Other Notes

Arena Mexico tonight has the Women’s Grand Prix with the big deal being Faby Apache debuting for CMLL. It’s Mexico against the World and the outsiders are Alex Gracia, Avispa Dorada, Hikari Shimizu, Ivelisse, Lady Frost, Mei Sururga, Stephanie Vaquer (who is a CMLL regular) and Tae Honma.

Sorry to the report the death of John Tighe, who wrestled out of Omaha as Damien Van Horn, who passed away at the age of 47 on Tuesday. (thanks to Jeremy Morong)

Hammerlock Wrestling in the U.K is being revived with its first show of a new ear tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at the Mot Park Leisure Centre in Maidstone, England, with Doug Williams vs. Sha Samuels as the main event, plus Xia Brookside vs Rhia O’Reilly and Majik vs. Callum Newman. Tickets are available at www.hammerlock.co.uk

Boca Raton Championship Wrestling will be using Mark Long from The Challenge and Challenge Al-Stars (who is friends with Miz and Grayson Waller). Brutus Beefcake is working as commissioner and and Matt Taven, Bull James, Ricky Morton, KiLynn King and others are on upcoming shows.

A horse called Run White Rabbit won the first race at Parx outside of Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Combate Global announced Horror is La Jaula on Paramount + on Sunday this week rather than the usual Friday night show. The show begins at 10 p.m.Eastern with Ismael Zamora (5-1) of Mexico facing French world kickboxing champion Anas Azizouin in the main event. He’s 19-1-1 in kickboxing and 1-0 in MMA. Melissa Amayua (4-0) of Spokane, WA faces Alitzel Mariscal (2-3) of Zapopan, Mexico in the No.2 bout.

MCW Higher Ground on 11/5 at the RJ Meyer Arena in Joppatowne, MD with Mike Bailey vs. Action Andretti, Moses vs. Sam Adonis, Lio Rush vs. Jordan Oliver and Mecca vs. Ace Austin.

Defy tomorrow night in Seattle, WA at Washington Hall has Minoru Suzuki vs. Tom Lawlor as the main event, Ultimo Dragon & Nick Wayne team up for the first time ever against Gringo Loco & Dragon Gate’s La Estrella, Vert Vixen vs. Liiza Hall for the inaugural women’s title plus Davey Richards appears.

ISPW tomorrow on Avenel, NJ will induct Danny Morrison (Danny Doring in ECW) as its first inductee to the IS PW Hall of Fame, being inducted by owner Tommy Firer. Champion Justin Corino faces Bull James in the main event.

FLA presents is 28th and final show of the year on 12/9 in Commerce, CA. The show will air live on UFC Fight Pass.

IWR from last night in Monroe, MI before a packed house: Rod Lee b Nikki Ratu, Deaner b Sam Beale, tommy Vendetta b Damian Chambers-DQ, Buckeye Sam b Kareen Wiggins, Death Threat Army b Monrow Dynasty, OG Game Changers and Benjamin Boone & N8 Mattson, Shogun Jackson Stone won over Madman Fulton and Bry Sullivan, Rhino & Shane Douglas b The Eh Team, Dread King Logan b Kenny Urban to keep the IWR title, Jason Hotch b Trey Miguel to win the U.S. title. They announced Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley challenging for the tag titles held by Death Threat Army on 11/30. (thanks to Paul Meade)

Sheamus vs. Solo Sikoa added to WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new match has been added to the card for tonight’s edition of SmackDown.

WWE announced this afternoon that Sheamus vs. Solo Sikoa will take place on SmackDown tonight. Both Sheamus and Sikoa were part of a fatal four-way match last Friday to determine the next challenger for Gunther’s Intercontinental title.

Rey Mysterio won last week’s number one contender’s bout. There was a moment during the match where Jey Uso and Sami Zayn interfered as Sheamus had Sikoa in a cloverleaf. When Uso and Zayn started beating down Sheamus on the outside, Ridge Holland and Butch ran down to make the save. The brawl left Mysterio and Ricochet alone in the ring, and Mysterio hit a 619 and frog splash to get the victory.

The Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio is hosting tonight’s SmackDown. The updated lineup for the episode is listed below:

  • Logan Paul appears
  • Liv Morgan vs. Sonya Deville
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) defend against Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi
  • Omos and MVP appear
  • Sheamus vs. Solo Sikoa

IC title number one contender’s match set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Sheamus is getting the chance to earn another shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental title.

WWE has announced that a fatal four-way match for a future shot at the Intercontinental title will take place on SmackDown tonight. Sheamus, Ricochet, Karrion Kross, and Solo Sikoa are the four participants who will be competing in the match.

On last week’s SmackDown season premiere, Gunther and Sheamus faced off in a rematch from their classic at Clash at the Castle. Gunther again retained the Intercontinental title, but he only got the win after hitting Sheamus with a Shillelagh while the referee’s attention was turned away. There was also a moment during the match where it appeared that Gunther had tapped out, but the referee waved it off and said Gunther didn’t give up.

Sheamus got some revenge when The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Butch) defeated Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) in a Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook at Extreme Rules last Saturday. Sheamus put Gunther through the announce table before pinning Vinci to get the victory.

Kross was also victorious at Extreme Rules, defeating Drew McIntyre in a strap match.

Gunther won the Intercontinental title by defeating Ricochet on SmackDown this June.

Tonight’s SmackDown is being held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Here’s what’s been announced for the episode:

  • Bray Wyatt returns to SmackDown
  • Fatal four-way Intercontinental title number one contender’s match: Sheamus vs. Ricochet vs. Karrion Kross vs. Solo Sikoa
  • LA Knight vs. Mansoor
  • Kofi Kingston vs. Sami Zayn

Three matches announced for next week’s WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three matches have been added to next week’s Raw in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Chad Gable will face Braun Strowman, while Johnny Gargano is set to take on Otis. Candace LeRae, who made her return to WWE TV on Raw Monday, will face Dakota Kai on next week’s program as well.

After Alpha Academy failed to defeat Kevin Owens and Johnny Gargano on Raw, they were confronted backstage by an upset Austin Theory. Gable said that if it wasn’t for Braun Strowman, they would have easily won, hurling insults at Strowman. Theory’s phone than rang. When Gable answered, it was Strowman, who said he would be coming to Raw next week in Gable’s hometown.

Following the phone call, Theory told Otis that he would face Gargano next week, and wanted to make sure that he would put an end to Gargano. Otis was excited about his match, while Gable was not.

LeRae made her return to WWE on Monday, defeating Nikki A.S.H in a match. Later, she met Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and Asuka backstage and wished Belair luck against Bayley at Extreme Rules. Bayley and Damage Control overheard and the groups exchanged words, with LeRae eventually challenging Kai.

Here is the lineup so far for next week’s Raw:

  • Chad Gable vs. Braun Strowman
  • Johnny Gargano vs. Otis
  • Candace LeRae vs. Dakota Kai

Gunther vs. Sheamus rematch set for WWE SmackDown season premiere

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Gunther and Sheamus are set to run back their classic from Clash at the Castle.

WWE announced today that Gunther will defend his Intercontinental title against Sheamus on the Friday, October 7 episode of SmackDown. The episode is SmackDown’s season premiere.

When they faced off at Clash at the Castle earlier this month, Gunther retained the Intercontinental title against Sheamus. The match was rated five stars by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Gunther pinned Sheamus in their first match after hitting a powerbomb and a lariat. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick near the finish, but his back gave out after all of the punishment he had taken in the hard-hitting match.

It was revealed at Clash at the Castle that Giovanni Vinci had been called up to the WWE main roster. Vinci reunited with his Imperium stablemates Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser.

Gunther has been Intercontinental Champion since defeating Shinsuke Nakamura for the title on SmackDown this June.

Sheamus’ Brawling Brutes stablemates Ridge Holland & Butch will challenge The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles on the SmackDown episode that’s taking place tonight.

Gunther vs. Sheamus IC title match added to WWE Clash at the Castle

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Sheamus is heading to Wales.

On Friday’s SmackDown, Sheamus defeated Ricochet, Sami Zayn, Madcap Moss, and Happy Corbin to earn a shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental title. He will now face Gunther at WWE Clash at the Castle, which takes place on September 3 in Cardiff, Wales.

The story of the match had Zayn, in his hometown, go to the back after injuring his shoulder taking white noise from Sheamus off the top rope. He eventually came back and attempted to pin Ricochet after hitting the helluva kick. Corbin broke up the count, dragging Zayn out of the ring and posting him. The finish had Corbin looking to pin Ricochet, but Sheamus instead came in and hit the brogue kick, pinning Corbin to win.

On last week’s SmackDown, Gunther pinned Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the Intercontinental title.

Here is the current lineup for Clash at the Castle:

  • Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
  • Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship
  • Gunther vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental Championship
  • Seth Rollins vs. Riddle
  • Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Old Fashion Donnybrook

Posted on by Joseph Currier

While last night’s SmackDown was the go-home show for SummerSlam, it also included a match with Clash at the Castle implications.

Drew McIntyre defeated Sheamus in an “Old Fashion Donnybrook” match to earn an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship shot at Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, Wales this September. McIntyre overcame interference by Ridge Holland and Butch to win the Irish-themed no disqualification match.

As McIntyre was being interviewed after the Donnybrook, he was ambushed by Money in the Bank briefcase holder Theory. But McIntyre returned the favor later in the night by laying out Theory with a Claymore. Theory attacked Brock Lesnar in the main event segment but fled the ring when Lesnar fought off the attack. McIntyre then blindsided Theory with the Claymore.

The show ended with McIntyre and Lesnar having a staredown. Lesnar is challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam tonight.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Old Fashion Donnybrook match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus

Theory ambushes Drew McIntyre

Happy Corbin antagonizes Pat McAfee

Aliyah vs. Shotzi

Ronda Rousey is ready for a fight

Liv Morgan & Ronda Rousey vs. Sonya Deville & Natalya

Jeff Jarrett accidentally gets superkicked amid Usos/Street Profits brawl

Max Dupri appears with Maximum Male Models

The New Day vs. The Viking Raiders

The Viking Raiders injure Xavier Woods’ leg

Brock Lesnar and Drew McIntyre lay waste to Theory

SmackDown fallout: Xavier Woods is helped to the back after Viking Raiders’ attack

Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus set for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook is scheduled for next Friday’s SmackDown.

In addition to Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre, Aliyah will face Lacey Evans, The New Day will face The Viking Raiders, and the Maximum Male Models will show their 2022 beachwear collection.

McIntyre and Sheamus will meet following a meeting between the two on Friday’s SmackDown. McIntyre wanted a match right then and there, with Sheamus eventually agreeing. However, he said it would be for next week’s show, and showcased a collection of shillelaghs. The winner of next week’s match will face Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle in Wales on September 3.

For the second week in a row, Lacey Evans came to the ring on SmackDown and hurled insults to the crowd instead of facing off against Aliyah. Also like last week, Evans laid out Aliyah with the woman’s right while Aliyah was distracted.

The Viking Raiders on SmackDown defeated Jinder Mahal and Shanky by countout after Ivar tossed Mahal into The New Day, who were on commentary, setting up the match between their two teams for next week.

The Maximum Male Models will showcase their beachwear collection after Maxxine Dupri, the former Sofia Cromwell of NXT, was introduced on Friday’s show.

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Sheamus backs out of main event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Last night’s SmackDown was supposed to feature a match with Undisputed WWE Universal Championship implications, but the originally advertised main event didn’t end up happening.

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus were set to face off on SmackDown last night, with the winner going on to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal title at Clash at the Castle this September. Instead, Sheamus claimed to be sick and backed out of the match.

Sheamus started coughing during a promo before the match. He said he hopes he doesn’t have “a dose of the ol’ COVID” and claimed that he couldn’t compete until he got tested. Sheamus said he had a backup plan, which was McIntyre facing Butch.

McIntyre defeated Butch and then laid out Ridge Holland when Holland tried to attack him after the match. Sheamus got on the apron and went face-to-face with an enraged McIntyre, who then cut the top ring rope with his sword.

Michael Cole said on commentary that the Undisputed WWE Universal title challenger for Clash at the Castle still hasn’t been determined.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Video package recaps Theory’s night at Money in the Bank

Theory toys with Roman Reigns

Jinder Mahal & Shanky vs. The Viking Raiders

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ludwig Kaiser

Video package recaps Liv Morgan’s Money in the Bank cash-in

Natalya interrupts Liv Morgan

Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya

Maximum Male Models unveil their 2022 Tennis Collection

Madcap Moss makes a joke out of Theory

Lacey Evans turns heel, refuses to team with Aliyah

The Usos vs. Los Lotharios

Drew McIntyre vs. Butch

SmackDown fallout: The Viking Raiders haven’t gotten the best of The New Day

WWE SmackDown live results: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus contender’s match

Posted on by Parker Klyn

The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship challenger for Clash at the Castle will be determined on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.

Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus will take place on SmackDown tonight, with the winner advancing to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal title at Clash at the Castle this September. The event is WWE’s first major United Kingdom pay-per-view in more than 30 years.

Roman Reigns is the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. He’ll return to SmackDown tonight ahead of his Last Man Standing match against Brock Lesnar for the title at SummerSlam later this month.

Liv Morgan is the new SmackDown Women’s Champion after winning the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match last Saturday and then cashing in on Ronda Rousey later in the night. Morgan is set to appear on tonight’s show.

Plus, Maximum Male Models will unveil their 2022 Tennis Collection.

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

**********

Show Report —

They recapped Money in the Bank, specifically Theory’s late entrance and subsequent briefcase victory, before running down the show.

Roman Reigns promo

He came out flanked by Paul Heyman and the Usos for a five-minute entrance. Before saying a word, Theory showed up on the stage with his briefcase and they immediately cut to commercial.

Finally, fourteen minutes into the show, Reigns told the crowd to “acknowledge him.” He talked about his athlete lifestyle and how he’s happy to be here on Smackdown — but Heyman looks worried. Reigns tried to reassure him before telling Heyman to put his hand out.

Heyman, with a shaky hand, took the mic. He said “I love you, my tribal chief.” Unfortunately, there’s a problem: Brock Lesnar. Reigns is the most dominant champion of the past 35 years, but Brock doesn’t respect that. This will be one last match against Reigns, and when Brock is cornered, he’s dangerous. He took out Goldberg and the Undertaker. Heyman is scared because now, we’re going to have to see a violent Roman Reigns. Putting Brock down for a ten count is a whole different story, so Reigns will have to put up the greatest performance of his career. 

The segment was about to end, but Theory’s music played and he emerged once again. All he did was run around the ring once before posing with the Money in the Bank briefcase.

**********

They recapped the New Day & Viking Raiders feud.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar & Erik) defeated Jinder Mahal & Shanky

Shanky wanted to have fun, but Jinder tagged himself in and tried to get the big man to take things seriously. He was immediately double-teamed by the Viking Raiders. Jinder broke free with a thrust kick, but Shanky was dancing at ringside, preventing him from getting a tag. The Viking Raiders hit a double powerbomb for the squash win.

– After the match, the Viking Raiders continued to beat down Jinder. The New Day interrupted them and admitted that they kicked their butts last week. However, their butts are still here. “Thick AF.” They produced “officially sanctioned ‘ass beating’ tickets.” So right here, it’s time to give them a beating.

The New Day rushed the Viking Raiders but were immediately crushed without effort. They hit their finish on Kofi.

**********

After Money in the Bank last week, Happy Corbin attacked Pat McAfee at the announcer’s desk and hit the End of Days on the floor. They will face off at SummerSlam.

Corbin joined commentary, saying he’d outshine McAfee on commentary — Pat’s not here.

**********

After commercial, Gunther and Ludwig were in the ring. Ludwig talked about how nobody in attendance is worthy of watching Gunther compete. However, he’s has to defend in an open challenge tonight. Gunther spoke and was met with horrible “What!” chants about how not being prepared is stupid.

Shinsuke Nakamura was the surprise challenger. Corbin acted like a complete fool on commentary, trying to outshine McAfee’s usual shenanigans.

Nakamura said it was fine that Gunther needs his challenger to earn the opportunity, so he challenged Ludwig to a match.

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Ludwig Kaiser (w/ Gunther)

Nakamura ran wild right away, but a quick distraction from Gunther allowed Ludwig to take control before the break. Upon return, Nakamura started a comeback with kicks. Ludwig cut him off and hit a butterfly suplex, but Nakamura avoided a soccer kick and hit an enziguiri. The Kinshasa followed for the win.

– After the match, Gunther was frustrated with Ludwig, berating him. He gave him a couple brutal chops as the fans chanted “U-S-A!.” 

**********

A video package recapped Ronda Rousey retaining the Smackdown Women’s Championship and Liv Morgan’s subsequent Money in the Bank cash-in.

Liv Morgan promo

After commercial, Michael Cole and Liv were in the ring. He congratulated her, but then pointed out that Ronda had suffered a knee injury in the prior match, and she wants a rematch at SummerSlam. Liv said “Bring it!” She said this was a culmination of a lifetime of hard work, and she’s willing to work even harder to stay. 

Cole said that Liv wears her heart on her sleeve and has suffered setbacks, but now that she’s here, he wants to know how it feels to be Smackdown Women’s Champion. Liv said it meant everything to her. At points, she wasn’t sure she’d make it, but “here I am!” As John Cena would say, “never give up.”

Natalya’s music played and she walked out. She said there was no way Liv could’ve beaten Ronda if she were fresh; she only won because Natalya injured her. 

Ronda’s music played and she walked out. She said challenging for the title is a lot easier than defending it. (How?) She asked the crowd if they wanted to see her beat up Natalya, but Natalya beat her to the punch, then Liv sent Natalya out of the ring. 

Ronda Rousey defeated Natalya

After a break, Ronda immediately sent Natalya out of the ring. She pursued Natalya and dismantled her left knee. Back in the ring, Ronda slammed Natalya and applied an ankle lock for the submission.

**********

Drew McIntyre was backstage. The interviewer asked about his chances to beat Sheamus tonight. McIntyre said Clash at the Castle would be a huge match, and whoever wins at SummerSlam, whether it’s Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, or Theory, he’s coming for them. For now, his attention is on Sheamus. The last thing Sheamus will hear before he kicks his head off is “3, 2, 1.”

**********

Maximum Male Models unveil their 2022 tennis collection

I don’t know what this was.

Max Dupri was in the ring, and he presented his “2022 tennis collection.” The first model was ma.çé (pronounced “mah-say”), dressed in full tennis wear. Dupri talked him up. Next was mån.sôör (pronounced “mahn-swah”), and he did the same. Dupri then asked people to submit their photos for a chance to join the team. His slogan is “Titillate the juices of your guilty pleasures.”

**********

Theory was backstage, asked about what message he was trying to send to Roman Reigns earlier tonight. He said it didn’t matter who the champion was, but everyone’s looking for someone to knock Reigns off his pedestal. He’ll beat Bobby Lashley at SummerSlam, and Reigns and Lesnar better be ready after their match. 

He walked off, but then Madcap showed up, saying he’d love to try to shove that briefcase in Theory’s mouth.

**********

Aliyah and Lacey Evans came out for a match teaming with each other. During the entrances, Lacey was dissatisfied with her initial response, so she went back and tried it again. The second try was better, but still not good enough. Same with the third try.

Lacey got a microphone and said she was disgusted with the response she received. She poured her heart and soul out for nothing. (She also got “What!” chants.) Lacey said she thought the fans saw her in the ring and resented her. She was drowned out by “You suck!” chants. Until she gets the respect she deserves, every one of the fans can go to hell.

Aliyah tried to stop Lacey from walking out, but Lacey leveled her with a Woman’s Right. 

There was no match.

**********

Smackdown Tag Team Championships Contender’s Match: The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) defeated Los Lotharios (Angel & Humberto)

We joined the match in progress, with Los Lotharios in control. They sent the Usos to the floor but feinted on dives. The Usos regained control and hit superkicks alongside a pop-up Samoan Drop for two, then more superkicks and the 1D gave them the win.

– After the match, Kayla entered the ring and suggested that the Usos “got away with” the victory at Money in the Bank. A replay showed that Montez Ford’s shoulder was up.

Kayla said they looked like they were cheating. (I don’t know how that was cheating.) Jimmy said that’s not their fault, it’s the official’s fault. Kayla said there would be a rematch at SummerSlam, potentially with a special guest referee, but the Usos said it didn’t matter.

**********

WWE Smackdown (7/15) lineup:

  • Liv Morgan vs. Natalya
  • Theory vs. Madcap

**********

Before the match, Sheamus started to cut a promo, but he was interrupted by a coughing fit. He said that he can’t compete until he gets tested, but don’t worry, because Butch is ready to wrestle. Blatant false advertising!

Drew McIntyre defeated Butch (w/ Sheamus & Ridge Holland)

This was originally supposed to be McIntyre vs. Sheamus for a chance to challenge for the Undisputed World Championship at Clash at the Castle.

McIntyre immediately leveled Butch and hit the Glasgow Kiss. A distraction from Ridge allowed Butch to hit a gamenguiri, but McIntyre quickly hit a neckbreaker and kipped up to hit the Claymore Kick for the win.

– Immediately after the match, Ridge attacked, but McIntyre dispatched him with a Future Shock DDT. Sheamus hopped on the apron, and McIntyre confronted him with his sword. McIntyre swung the sword, Sheamus avoided it, and the top rope broke and flames shot out of the turnbuckle posts for some reason, like it was demon Kane.

Undisputed title contender’s match set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A match with Undisputed WWE Universal Championship implications is set for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.

WWE has announced that Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus will take place on SmackDown tonight. The winner will challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WWE’s Clash at the Castle pay-per-view on Saturday, September 3.

Roman Reigns is the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. He’s defending the title against Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam later this month.

Clash at the Castle will be WWE’s first major PPV to take place in the United Kingdom in more than 30 years. The PPV is being held at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

On SmackDown last month, McIntyre challenged Reigns to face him at Clash at the Castle.

Reigns is also set to appear on SmackDown tonight. Here’s the updated lineup for the episode:

  • Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus (winner challenges for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle)
  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns appears
  • New SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan appears
  • Maximum Male Models unveil their 2022 Tennis Collection

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus vs. The Usos

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On SmackDown last night, rivals Drew McIntyre and Sheamus had to work together to regain their spots in Money in the Bank.

Paul Heyman pulled some strings with WWE management to get Adam Pearce to reverse his decision from last week where he added McIntyre and Sheamus to the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Pearce had announced both for the match despite them going to a no contest in their qualifier.

Pearce did reveal that McIntyre and Sheamus would get their spots back if they were able to defeat The Usos in last night’s main event.

McIntyre & Sheamus got the win after The Usos were distracted by their Money in the Bank challengers The Street Profits. Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford stopped “Honorary Uce” Sami Zayn from interfering in last night’s main event.

McIntyre hit a dive to the outside while The Usos argued with The Street Profits. Sheamus then took out Jey Uso with a Brogue Kick and McIntyre hit a Claymore on Jimmy Uso to win the match.

Zayn also qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match last night, while Shotzi earned a spot in the women’s ladder match.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Video package recaps Brock Lesnar’s return

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus lose their MITB spots, will have to face The Usos

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn

The Viking Raiders attack The New Day and Shanky

Raquel Rodriguez & Lacey Evans vs. Sonya Deville

The Street Profits get reacquainted with SmackDown

Natalya mocks Ronda Rousey

Intercontinental title rematch: Gunther vs. Ricochet

Honorary Uce Sami Zayn catches the ire of Paul Heyman

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Shotzi vs. Tamina

Max Dupri again refuses to reveal his first clients

Pat McAfee challenges Happy Corbin to a match at SummerSlam

Drew McIntyre & Sheamus vs. The Usos

SmackDown fallout: Raquel Rodriguez is fully committed to winning MITB

SmackDown fallout: Lacey Evans likes having a target on her back

Three wrestlers qualify for WWE Money in the Bank ladder match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three more wrestlers have qualified for the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match next month.

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus were added to the match by WWE official Adam Pearce in a segment on tonight’s SmackDown. Immediately after, Raquel Rodriguez defeated Shayna Baszler to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

On last week’s SmackDown, Sheamus and McIntyre wrestled in a qualifying match that ended in a double count out as both men fought outside of the ring. Later, both went to Pearce and insisted they be put into the match. After Pearce announced tonight that Sheamus was added to the match, Sheamus mocked McIntyre. This led to a brawl, which was stopped when Pearce told McIntyre he was in the match as well. The segment ended with Sheamus laying out McIntyre with a claymore kick.

Lacey Evans, who has also qualified for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, was at ringside when Gonzalez defeated Baszler. The two had a staredown after the match.

Here’s the updated card for Money in the Bank, which takes place on July 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada:

  • Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women’s Championship
  • Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and Sheamus have qualified thus far)
  • Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Raquel Rodriguez, and Liv Morgan have qualified thus far)
  • The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
  • Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya for the SmackDown Women’s Championship

Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The field for this year’s Money in the Bank ladder matches will begin to take shape on SmackDown this Friday night.

WWE has announced that two Money in the Bank qualifying matches will take place on this week’s episode of SmackDown. Drew McIntyre will face Sheamus in a men’s qualifying match, and Lacey Evans will take on Xia Li in a women’s qualifying match.

McIntyre and Sheamus have been on opposite sides of six-man tag team matches on SmackDown the past two weeks. McIntyre, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods won the first meeting before The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Butch) defeated them the next week.

This will be Evans’ first match in more than a year. After going on maternity leave, Evans gave birth last October.

WWE has flipped back and forth on which roster Evans is going to be part of in her return. Promos leading to her comeback began airing on SmackDown this April. Evans was then moved to the Raw roster before being moved back to SmackDown.

Money in the Bank is taking place in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 2.

Here’s the updated lineup for this Friday’s SmackDown:

  • Intercontinental Champion Ricochet defends against Gunther
  • Money in the Bank qualifying match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
  • Money in the Bank qualifying match: Lacey Evans vs. Xia Li
  • Max Dupri reveals the first client of his Maximum Male Models agency

‘Brawling Brutes’ name revealed for Sheamus stable on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new name has been given to the Sheamus, Butch, and Ridge Holland group.

On tonight’s SmackDown, a backstage segment between Sheamus, Holland, and Butch revealed the new name for the group, Brawling Brutes. The name was also seen during Butch’s entrance for his match against Xavier Woods, and was also mentioned on commentary.

It was reported earlier this week that WWE had trademarked the term ‘Bloody Brutes’ on May 12.

Woods defeated Butch tonight on SmackDown in a singles match. After the match, Holland and Sheamus taunted Woods from the entranceway. However, it was a distraction, as Butch jumped Woods from behind. In a interview backstage, Woods promised he, Kofi Kingston, and a third partner would take on the Brawling Brutes in a six-man tag match next week.

Holland was drafted to SmackDown last fall and was immediately paired up with Sheamus. In March, Pete Dunne was called up to the main roster under the name Butch and was introduced as a childhood friend of Sheamus and Holland. Since then, the team has been feuding with The New Day, leading to a win at WrestleMania 38 when Holland & Sheamus defeated Kingston and Woods. The feud has continued in the weeks since.