WWE’s Stephanie McMahon has been named to the board of directors of a top esports organization.
McMahon was one of 10 members listed on FaZe Clan’s anticipated board of directors that was unveiled today. The move comes in advance of FaZe Clan merging with B.Riley Principal 150 Merger Corp. and becoming a publicly traded company.
FaZe Clan is a group of esports teams and a “lifestyle and media platform rooted in gaming and youth culture.”
The board of directors will take effect when FaZe Clan’s merger with B.Riley Principal 150 Merger Corp. is completed, which is expected to happen in the first half of this year.
McMahon is WWE’s chief brand officer.
WWE celebrity Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg is also part of FaZe Clan’s board of directors. The full list of members is:
Lee Trink, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, FaZe Clan and Chairman of the Board
Angela Dalton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Signum Growth Capital
Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Cordozar Broadus Jr., American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, DJ, media personality and business entrepreneur
Daniel Shribman, Chief Investment Officer of B. Riley Financial
Mickie Rosen, Director of several US and Australian companies and Principal of Mickie Rosen Consulting
Nick Lewin, General Partner of Crown Predator Holdings
Paul Hamilton, Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Esports Ventures, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Greenspun Corporation and Principal of Province Inc.
Ross Levinsohn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Arena Group (formerly theMaven,Inc.)
Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, World Wrestling Entertainment
Zach Katz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Carte Blanche
“We have assembled a best-in-class Board of Directors who bring a broad and deep understanding of Gen Z and the rapidly changing digital media and entertainment landscape,” said Lee Trink, CEO of FaZe Clan. “I am excited to work with this fantastic group and benefit from their insights and guidance as we enter the public market and execute our multi-platform monetization strategy to create long-term shareholder value.”
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
On Instagram, Elisah Spencer, who has been charged with attempted assault and attempted violation of arts and cultural affairs after he jumped the rail and attacked Seth Rollins last night on Raw at the Barclays Center, claimed he was “booked by Goldberg and Vince McMahon” to do what he did. He also posted a series of messages between himself and someone named “Seth Rollins” in what appears to be a catfish situation.
After Raw went off the air, Kevin Owens attacked Big E, with Austin Theory and Seth Rollins joining in. This eventually led to other heels joining in, which led to the rest of the roster coming out and doing a 7 on 7 tag team bout, with the rest of the roster being lumberjacks. The babyfaces won the match.
Matches for WWE Main Event this week include Mansoor vs. Drew Gulak and The Viking Raiders vs. Los Lotharios.
In an interview with talkSport, Stephanie McMahon said her daughter Aurora, 15, has already started training in the ring, while her younger daughter has also expressed interest in wrestling. “We have three daughters, Triple H and I do, they are 15, 13 and 11,” she said. “Our oldest said when she was eight years old ‘Momma, I don’t want your dad. Daddy, I don’t want your job. I want Pop’s [Vince McMahon] job. So, just like her grandfather, she wants to be the boss so we’ll see what happens with my oldest daughter who has already started training in the ring. My youngest daughter is also very interested but she is all about the personality [laughs]. Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to see what she is going to do.”
Both McMahon and Drew McIntyre spoke to Mirror Fighting, expressing interest in a future match between McIntyre and Tyson Fury.
When asked if she was still under contract during a Facebook chat, Ronda Rousey (h/t Post Wrestling) said “I technically — I don’t think I am. But who knows? That’s a question for the lawyers.”
PWInsider reported that the WWE documentaries on Vladimir the super fan and Icons: Lex Luger aren’t expected to see the light of day.
This week’s AEW Road to preview, focusing on Bryan Danielson vs. Colt Cabana, CM Punk vs. QT Marshall, and Thunder Rosa vs. Jamie Hayter.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Melissa Santos talked about her comments regarding her husband Brian Cage and his usage in AEW. “I got really spicy about it,” she said (h/t Post Wrestling). “Maybe I shouldn’t have. But then he got all the heat. He didn’t even say anything. I know, I know. He got all the heat. I do feel bad about that because he loves wrestling, he loves AEW, absolutely adores Tony [Khan], loves being there and I feel like all of it came from the love of wanting [Brian Cage] to be more involved and that’s really it. It was just from a passionate place and because I’m all loud, loud, loud, I got him in trouble and I do feel bad for that because that wasn’t my intention, even though when I look back at the videos I’m like, ‘Damn, I should have just not been as spicy,’ but damn, it’s hard. It’s hard man. I get myself in trouble. I gotta sugarcoat things a little bit.”
Samuray Del Sol has been added to the AAA Mega Championship match for Triplemania Regia. The match is now expected to be a multi-man bout for the vacant title.
Ring Of Honor has confirmed a Pure title match for Final Battle next month, with Josh Woods defending against Brian Johnson.
In an interview with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, Jonathan Gresham made it clear he was standing by ROH no matter what the future is. “Everyone who knows anything about me knows that I am on this boat until it sinks,” he said. “My contract will expire in December, but even with no contract, I am loyal to Ring of Honor until the end.”
After it was announced that Alex Zayne would be unable to appear at this past Sunday’s PWG event, Zayne wrote on Twitter: “Got a minor spinal issue, should only be out a couple weeks, gotta keep myself as healthy as possible, I hate to miss any show and hope everyone understands. I’m currently taking it week by week with the doc.”
NJPW has an interview with Chase Owens and Bad Luck Fale, who are teaming together in this year’s World Tag League.
Ross & Marshall Von Erich will challenge for the MLW World Tag Team titles on January 21 at MLW Blood and Thunder.
Date: November 15, 2021 Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
The Big Takeaway —
Raw was a very lacklustre show, especially the second half, and didn’t exactly make you excited to see Survivor Series (outside of maybe Big E vs. Roman Reigns).
Show Recap —
Big E entered to start the show. They announced that he would be facing Roman Reigns at Survivor Series.
Big E said it was only supposed to be brand vs. brand, champion vs. champion at Survivor Series. But Reigns and his cousins put their hands on his family and now he needed to beat his ass. He hoped there were empty hospital beds in Brooklyn.
As for tonight, he wanted to address the lying and treacherous Kevin Owens. Owens entered (remaining on the stage). Owens blamed Big E for costing him his third straight loss since returning to Raw and he was tired of Big E’s constant accusations.
Owens never lied, but because Big E was making judgments, everyone — the fans and the wrestlers in the back — believed him. Everyone thought Owens was the bad guy and he was happy to be even worse than that. He was ready to break bad on every wrestler in the back and on Big E especially. Every bad thing that happened from here on out would be Big E’s fault.
Big E demanded Owens come to the ring but he went to the back instead. Big E marched up the ramp but was attacked from behind by the Usos. They said that Reigns sends his regards and also issued a warning to RK-Bro.
Riddle ran out to make the save and cleared the ring with Big E.
Sonya Deville stormed out and made a tag match that would start right now. (She claimed this was an unorthodox move.) Seth Rollins immediately sauntered out to watch the match (because he somehow knew all of this was going to happen, I guess.)
This was a better-than-usual opening segment and the crowd was into it.
Non-title match: WWE Champion Big E & Raw Tag Team Champion Riddle defeated Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos via DQ (2:55)
Big E chucked one of the Usos into Rollins and decked him after Rollins got in his face. Rollins jumped in and attacked Big E for the disqualification.
As the heels attacked, Randy Orton ran out and laid out Jey Uso with an RKO.
Six-man tag match: Seth Rollins & Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated WWE Champion Big E & Raw Tag Team Champions Randy Orton & Riddle (approx. 13 min.)
Big E was in full control over the Usos but Rollins was in control of Orton following a break (with no explanation of how we got there). Orton gave Jey a back suplex before making the hot tag to Riddle who handed out strikes and suplexes and sentons to Rollins and Jey. Riddle tried to cover Rollins but Jey broke up the cover which led to everyone trading moves.
Rollins gave Riddle consecutive elbows to the back of the head and rolled him up for the somewhat abrupt win. (Riddle definitely got a chance to shine on offense but this felt like a weak finish after he also had a weak loss last week.)
After the match, Big E grabbed Jey by his beard and told him to give his daddy Roman a message. Big E gave him a Big Ending and said, “tell Roman I’m ready.”
********
McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Bianca Belair in the back. Basically, Belair told Doudrop to fight her if she had a problem. Tamina showed up and wanted Belair. Belair was happy to fight her instead.
********
Elsewhere, Sarah Schreiber caught up to Owens. She said he wasn’t a stand-up guy after he claimed he would meet Big E in the ring. Owens said he was lying and asked if she was paying attention.
Finn Bálor approached Owens. Bálor wished he was there last week to tell Owens to his face that he didn’t trust him. Bálor was scheduled to face Rollins tonight but “the authority” told him that he’s now facing Owens. Owens was fine with that.
********
Bianca Belair defeated Tamina (4:38)
Tamina controlled a lot of the match but Belair fought back and hit KOD for the pinfall win.
Doudrop entered to announce that she’d be looking for Belair after her match at Survivor Series.
[Second Hour]
Becky Lynch promo
The crowd cheered Lynch and chanted her name. She aired a replay of Charlotte Flair’s promo from Smackdown where she said didn’t even know who Lynch was anymore.
Lynch reminded Charlotte that she used to be her best friend, happy for her after every title that she won. She was also there with a shoulder to cry on when things didn’t go her way. She realized that a friendship with Charlotte meant being stuck in the background.
Lynch was tired of that, so she slapped Charlotte in the face and entered a new stratosphere. Charlotte was just a one-note rip-off of someone else and was so jealous of Lynch’s success that she hated herself. If Charlotte didn’t know who Lynch was, she would remind her after she beats the piss out of her.
Liv Morgan interrupted. Morgan didn’t appreciate Lynch walking away from her last week. She finally had an opportunity to take the title away from the person she used to admire the most. Lynch cut her off and said she only left because she wanted to give Morgan a chance to enjoy the moment considering she doesn’t get many.
Lynch figured she’d hear from Morgan tonight so she had a clip ready from Talking Smack from four months ago. In the promo, Morgan said she’d love to win the title from Lynch one day. Lynch said she had no idea that Morgan would underperform so badly. Morgan couldn’t blame Lynch for holding her down because she wasn’t even around. Some people have it, some don’t.
Morgan had a message on behalf of the entire WWE universe: Big-time Becks was just a big-time bitch. Lynch tried to attack but Morgan blocked it and Lynch bailed.
(The crowd did boo Lynch when she played heel on Morgan but it wasn’t that loud.)
********
In the back, Orton admonished Riddle for trying to play the hero. Riddle tried to explain himself but a pissed-off Orton said the only thing he cared about was this team and these titles. Riddle responded, “so you do care about me.” Orton stormed off.
The Street Profits approached Riddle. Riddle said their catchphrase and they were pumped to hear it.
Orton and Riddle were good here.
The Street Profits defeated Alpha Academy (11:08)
Chad Gable saved Otis from a splash so Montez Ford wiped him out with a dive. Otis ran over both Ford and Angelo Dawkins as they went to break. The Academy worked over Dawkins after the break until Gable missed a moonsault.
Ford tagged in and tried to clothesline Otis but Otis no-sold it. Ford kept trying and failing because Otis wouldn’t budge. He did wear down Otis a little but Otis slammed him before knocking down Dawkins. They managed to knock Otis out of the ring and Dawkins drove him into the barricade.
Gable tried a flying crossbody but Ford rolled through into a cover for the pinfall win. This was good but the crowd didn’t seem to care until the end.
********
Earlier tonight, Rey Mysterio confronted Adam Pearce. He said they had a verbal agreement that Dominik would be on the Raw team and asked if Pearce was a man of his word or not. Pearce told him to stay in his lane. He also put Rey in a match against Bobby Lashley.
********
Queen Zelina (w/Carmella) defeated Tag Team Champion Nikki ASH (w/Rhea Ripley) (2:45)
They tried to make it seem like Nikki was distracted by Carmella (who was doing nothing) and that allowed Zelina to pull her off the top rope and hit a Code Red for the pinfall win.
Tag Team Champion Rhea Ripley (w/Nikki ASH) defeated Carmella (w/Queen Zelina) (approx. 5 min.)
The match began during a break and Ripley was in control until Carmella kicked Ripley’s head into the ring post. Carmella smacked Ripley across the back but that just pissed off Ripley who returned the favour. Ripley followed with a low dropkick and Northern Lights suplex for two. Carmella came back with consecutive superkicks for two.
Ripley came right back with a headbutt and Rip-tide for the pinfall win.
After the match, Zelina and her fake accent said that she and Carmella would lead Raw to victory while Nikki watched at home.
********
In the back, Pearce told Big E to remain focused on Survivor Series. Big E said he was focused despite everything on his plate. Pearce told him to stay out of the Bálor and Owens match. Pearce warned Big E that if he didn’t listen to him, he had two words for him: Brock Lesnar.
[Third Hour]
Members of the Indianapolis Colts were shown at ringside.
Mitchell approached Rollins in the back. Rollins said he would lead Team Raw to victory just like he led the Usos to victory tonight. After Survivor Series, he planned on taking the WWE title away from Big E.
Kevin Owens defeated Finn Bálor (12:20)
They fought back-and-forth until Bálor hit a dive which led to break. Following the break, Owens hit a rolling senton off the middle rope for two. They traded moves until Bálor hit a slingblade but Owens followed with a superkick for two. Owens tried a powerbomb on the apron but Bálor gave him a back body drop on the apron before dropkicking him into the barricade.
Bálor missed a Coup de Grace and Owens hit a pop-up powerbomb for a nearfall. Owens tried a diving senton but Bálor got his knees up. Bálor went to the top but Owens knocked him off and hit a stunner for the pinfall win. Pretty good match and the crowd enjoyed it.
They cut away from this pretty quickly to show clips from a WrestleMania ticket on-sale event.
********
Schreiber interviewed AJ Styles and Omos. Styles ran down the other tag teams, including Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. Styles compared himself to both Loki and Iron Man and claimed he and Omos were two cool dudes who watch cool moves. Omos planned on crushing Ziggler and Roode.
They cut to Ziggler and Roode who made a reference to the 1988 movie Twins.
********
There was a Damian Priest video package and they plugged his match against Shinsuke Nakamura on Sunday.
AJ Styles & Omos defeated Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler (3:18)
Omos actually started the match and easily beat up both Roode and Ziggler. Styles asked for a tag and gave Ziggler a Phenomenal forearm for the pinfall win.
This was a decisive win, to say the least. You’d think Ziggler and Roode were the ones leaving after this.
********
Lashley told Schreiber that Dominik shouldn’t have even been on Team Raw in the first place. If anyone had a problem with him, he wasn’t hard to find.
Roman Reigns will be on Jimmy Fallon’s show on Wednesday.
********
10:30pm: Rey Mysterio enters for the main event. They go to commercial and follow with a video recap of Smackdown before running down the Survivor Series card. They also recap Lashley beating Dominik (again) last week.
10:40pm: Bobby Lashley enters for the main event. They go to commercial and return with an ad for NXT before also plugging Raw Talk.
10:47pm: The main event begins.
Bobby Lashley defeated Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) (11:10)
10:49pm: Commercial break.
They did not mesh well early on and Rey actually messed up a 619. Lashley completed dominated following the break and got a two count after a delayed vertical suplex. Rey finally dodged a charge and hit consecutive 619s before hitting a splash but Lashley caught him and applied the Hurt Lock for the submission win.
After the match, Pearce entered as officials and Dominik checked on Rey. Pearce announced that Rey was being replaced by someone to be named later.
Austin Theory showed up to give Dominik an ATL. Pearce reappeared to announce that Theory was Rey’s replacement.
Detailed look at the WWE draft, the rosters in different categories, strengths, weaknesses, depth and why so many picks were expected going in. Divisions strengthened, weakened, decimated, key personalities and more looking forward on the WWE roster
This past week in G1, who were the stars, standings, key matches and a rundown of every match, what to see, what to miss, storylines and what’s coming next
WWE Crown Jewel update
The death of Reggie Parks, the famous beltmaker who had a long career in the industry
WWE & AEW business in September, the numbers, what do they mean, comparisons, who watches what show and live attendance
Complete rundown of this past week’s UFC show and what’s coming this week
TV changes for the month of October
Detailed look at ratings, including what shows people watch together with the most frequency, how wrestling rates with sports and entertainment programming, men vs. women viewership
Promotion in serious talks about a new TV deal
The return of Women of Wrestling and distribution
How U.S. wrestlers fared in world championships
Behind the Alberto Rodriguez lawsuit over the Tito Ortiz fight
Lots of wrestlers getting TV media gigs
Promotion has new distribution method for next major PPV
Ticket sales for all the major shows between now and the end of the year
What regulatory incompetence led to the death of a fighter
International TV ratings
New WWE coaching staff members
Another top star contract expiring soon
Oldest skewing major wrestling show of the year and what’s being done to fix it
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Not much for Google searches this week. The UFC show last night didn’t crack the top 20 which isn’t a surprise as it was an ESPN+ show with Mackenzie Dern and no other star power. And Dern lost. Nothing with pro wrestling charted. The only combat sports stuff that charted was boxing, with the Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder fight getting 5 million, which is very high for a boxing match. Anthony Joshua got 50,000 yesterday and Fury got 50,000 Wednesday.
In the top media markets, Rampage was down 39 percent in homes and 30 percent in 18-49 from the prior Friday which was the Bryan Danielson vs. Nick Jackson show which was the prior low.
G1 returns on Tuesday and Wednesday in Sendai. It’s down to the wire now with less than two weeks left.
Stephanie McMahon was the first woman executive inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame which was in conjunction with the Mr. Olympia weekend. Among those inducted with her are former multi-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, Peter Westbrook, Billy Blanks, Marcus Allen and Ernie Reyes Sr.
John Cena was on Saturday Night Live last night doing a “Bachelorette” type skit which also included Kim Kardashian, Jesse Williams, Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Blake Griffin and others. (thanks to Grant Zwarych)
Big E introduced Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury last night before their fight. The fight was considered a classic.
I’ll be watching this later, but people were raving about the Pentagon & Fenix vs. Laredo Kid & El Hijo del Vikingo AAA tag title match at Heroes Inmortales last night in Orizaba. After the match, Dragon Lee & Dralistco (the former Mistico) issued a challenge for the belts.
Katsuhiko Nakajima beat Naomichi Marufuji to win the GHC title today in Osaka and Eita of Dragon Gate teamed with Nosawa to win the tag titles from Atsushi Kotoge & Hajime Ohara.
Betonline.ag has odds on who will face Gable Steveson in his debut which is very tentatively next spring.
Dolph Ziggler +500
Elias +500
Apollo Crews +600
Chad Gable +600
John Morrison +700
Cedric Alexander +800
Robert Roode +800
Damien Priest +900
AEW
The AEW show for 11/24 in Chicago at the Wintrust Arena as of yesterday was 111 tickets shy of a sellout at 6,921 tickets out (thanks to William Zdon)
World Class Pro from 10/3 in Wichita, KS before 500 fans: Curt Gannon b Double D, Rodney Mack b Flex Zebra, Outlaw b Dmitri Alexandrov, Devastation Reborn b Stepbrotha’s, Blood Hunter b The Sandman, Gino Medina b Gideon Vane, Jerry Bostic b Kyle Hawk, Moonshine Mantell b Jacob Fatu, Marti Belle b Erica Torres, Matt Hardy NC Fuego del Sol, Matt Hardy & Fuego del Sol b Gideon Vane & Thorne the Hunter. Next show is 12/11 in Irving, TX with Kevin Sullivan, Mick Foley, Carlito and The Von Erich Brothers. (thanks to Anthony Ambrose)
The movie 18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium story will be screening online from 10/20 to 10/24 at bushwickfilmfestival.com This will be the East Coast premiere of the movie that covers from famous arena In Los Angeles known worldwide for boxing, pro wrestling, Roller Games and punk rock.
Defy Wrestling on Thursday night at The Lodge Room in Highland Park, CA with Christopher Daniels vs. Daniel Garcia, Eddie Kingston vs. Calvin Tankman and Yuya Uemura vs. Kevin Blackwood.
Championship Wrestling Atlanta from Thursday night at Center Stage: Invictus Cash b JDX, Levi Shapiro b Jonah Turk, Baron Black b Manny Lemmons, Heather Monroe b Reka Tehaka, Brandon & Brent Tate b Infamy, Juicy Finau b Dean Alexander, Jon & Trey Williams b Hunter Knoxx & Rosario Grillo, Marina Shafir b Cassandra Golden, Alex Chamberlain b Scotty Beach, Carlie Bravo b Owen Knight, David Ali b Tony Nese, Lord Crewe b Baron Black, Dani Jordyn b Katalina Perez, Daria Bengston b Aleksandr Koloff, Logan Creed b Aaron Frye, Levi Shapiro b Suge D, Ashton Starr b Ryan Rembrandt, Jay Sky & Richard King b Richie Slade & Flex McAllin, Marina Shafir b Brooke Havoc, Zicky Dice b ?, Effy b Andy Brown, AC Mack b Ariya Daivari
Ben Saddick replaces the injured Alistair Overeem in challenging Rico Verhoeven for the Glory world heavyweight title on 10/23 from the GelreDome in Arnheim, the Netherlands. Gokhan Saki returns to kickboxing to face former UFC fighter James McSweeney.
Tommy Dreamer was added to the 11/7 Revolution Wrestling Federation show in Harrisburg, PA at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. Also scheduled are Lance Archer, Justin Credible, Mad Man Pondo and Colby Corino.
Pro Wrestling Revolver on 10/30 in Clive IA at the Horizon Event Center has Jon Moxley vs. Jimmy Jacobs on a street fight, Rich Swann vs. Trey Miguel vs Jake Manning vs. JT Dunn in a ladder match for the Revolver title, Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards vs. Tyler Matrix & Logan James for the Revolver tag titles, Jake Crist vs. Alex Colon in a death match, Ace Austin vs.; Alex Zayne, Matt Rehwoldt vs. Anthony Green, Jessicka Havok vs. Billie Starkz, Danhausen vs. Matthew Palmer and Mad Man Fulton vs. Warhorse vs. Ninja Mack vs. Everett Connors vs.Crash Jaxon vs. Sam Beale.
MCW on 10/16 in Millersville, MD has Chelsea Green vs Tenille Dashwood, Brian Johnson vs. Kekoa, Ray Ln vs.; Gia Scott with Mickie James as referee and more. There will also be a meet and greet from Noon to 4 p.m. with Kurt Angle, Brutus Beefcake, Rick & Scott Steiner, JBL, Al Snow, Doc Gallows, Mickie James, Charles Godfather Wright, Madusa, Kalisto, Carlito, Gangrel and Larry Zbyszko. They also run 10/29 in Baltimore at the FPX Theater Eastpoint-Flagship Cinemas with Penta, Sam Adonis, Tony Deppen and Moses. The Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup is 11/12 in Joppa, MD with Diamond Dallas Page as guest plus Jake Crist, Sam Adonis, Shannon Moore, PJ Hawks, Ruckus and more wrestling.
RevPro from today in Southampton, UK before 125-150 fans was headlined by Will Ospreay vs. Michael Oku with Ospreay winning in 28:00 after elbows. After the match, Ospreay beat down Oku but Shota Umino made the save. Umino was attacked by Aussie Open and Ospreay hit Umino in the leg with a metal hook. Young Guns and RKJ made the save. There will be a six-man tag with Ospreay & Aussie Open vs Young Guns & RKJ, and Umino is doing an injury angle. (thanks to Sam Acott)
ISPW on 11/19 in Totowa, NJ at the 150 Totowa PAL with Crowbar Devon Storm vs. Rich Swann, HC Loc vs. Danny Doring and more. WWE Danny Davis and Maven will be in a Rumble and Tito Santana will be there as commissioner.
Innovate Wrestling on 11/6 in Kingsport, TN with a no rope barbed wire death match with Toby Farley vs. Chris Richards.
We have an update with more info on a number of COVID cases involving pro wrestling including more on Chris Jericho, Nick Jackson, Drew McIntyre, Mick Foley, Les Thatcher and more. We look at what Paul Levesque said about the COVID issue, Jericho talking about getting it in September, Nick Jackson, and more on others in the industry.
Also in this issue:
We also have our 2020 Business Year in Review issue talking about the biggest crowds, the biggest PPVs, how the year was totally different from any other, UFC business history and more.
Every major promotion, why this year is so hard to evaluate, what you can’t learn from the past year and can, how things look going into the new year, and issues going forward for every company.
Raw, Smackdown AEW and NXT and compare how they are doing now with one year ago, and where things will be in one year if the current direction doesn’t change.
How much money Linda McMahon donated to Trump’s re-election and funding of the recent attempt to take over the capitol.
Royal Rumble update, how much money top stars can earn from doing social media advertising, Update on WWE’s new A&E documentaries for this year, biggest Wednesday drawing card, more on the next TV special for India, new stars from India debuting including two giants, Dusty Rhodes tag tourney news, the next Takeover show, Injury updates, Lita talks about when she was threatened with being fired, Ricochet contract notes, U.S. sports ratings, U.K. and Canadian TV ratings, New NXT stars, movie star teases working with WWE, Upcoming WWE television shows WWE market value and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Vince McMahon’s lawsuit against Oliver Luck and Luck’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon. We look at McMahon’s complaints as well as what others involved said including some day-by-day looks at aspects of the XFL and its death.
How COVID has changed Japanese wrestling along with new restrictions and what they mean and how they relate to wrestling and the New Japan big show lineup over the next several weeks.
List of the 20 biggest crowds for pro wrestling ever in the country of Canada and notes about business peaks.
Rundowns of the major television shows.
Television ratings of the past week, including segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown and more.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
Rey Mysterio, Booker T, Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode, and Chad Gable were guests on today’s episode of The Bump.
Gable on The Bump hinted that his former tag team partner, Jason Jordan, may be returning to the ring. “It is unfortunate what happened to him with his injury,” said Gable. “But you never say never. He’s working on it, he’s trying to get back and who knows. A reunion is always something that I would never be against.” Jordan has not wrestled since suffering a neck injury in 2018 and is currently working backstage as a producer.
The Undertaker was a guest on this week’s Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
A Fight Pit weigh-in was held prior to tonight’s match between Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher.
Stephanie McMahon spoke to The Wrap about WrestleMania 37 moving to Raymond James Stadium.
Stephanie also spoke to TMZ on WWE planning to have fans at WrestleMania.
Tegan Nox, Santino Marella, and Charlotte will be on next week’s episode of The Bump.
Fightful Select reports that James Storm, who returned and competed on Impact last night, is not under contract.
Lindsay Snow on Twitter: “Surgery set for a week from tomorrow, tore my acl and meniscus so I get to have a dead persons acl now. I’ll be part zombie upon my return… 9 months and one week. 2021 can still be my year Face with tears of joy. Wanna see what a $700 knee brace looks like ?”
AEW Heels will hold their first 2021 session on January 29 with special guest Kate Matsudaira and a Q&A with Tay Conti.
Tinieblas, Blue Demon Jr., and Caristico expressed interested in running for mayor of Mexico City.
A wide variety of stories are featured in this week’s double sized issue of the Observer.
Our lead story looks at how WWE and AEW have handled COVID-19, including notes on the WWE outbreak, how its TV shows changed, Jon Moxley & Renee Young, handling of masks by both companies, how WWE’s policy changed, what AEW did this past week, who missed this week’s WWE television and reasons why in many cases, WWE responds to questions about how they’ve handled things and more.
The new issue also covers:
WWE firings and suspensions based on Speaking Out, Sammy Guevara, responses by a number of people who claims against them and how different companies have reacted.
More on the suicide death of Hana Kimura, her mother speaks, what she said to a friend and what was and wasn’t staged about her role on Terrace House which led to her depression.
Motions filed by Jerry McDevitt on the Saudi Arabia situation, as well as a response by Hugo Savinovich, and what is and isn’t relevant to the lawsuit itself.
Wednesday night competition, with the ratings in all the key demos for both shows, the ratings pattern, how every quarter and match did, what lessons are learned, what’s up for next week, as well as match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
New Japan Cup with notes on local television, the storylines leading to the final four, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings of the last four shows.
The television industry and sports and how this affects WWE and AEW. We look at WWE buying Evolve, Kane’s political stance on masks,.Roman Reigns talks why he’s not appearing for WWE right now, Update on the Oliver Luck lawsuit against Vince McMahon, Extreme Rules update, Kairi Sane’s future, Edge talks injury, Canadian and U.K. TV ratings, how wrestling stands in sports ratings, Becky Lynch’s push for her booking that WWE didn’t do as far as losing the title, WWE star fears another surgery, Gail Kim talks traumatic WWE matches, Mike Chiods talks his departure, The Nexxus return, WWE stock value and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
A major piece on the life and career of Killer Tim Brooks. We go from the start of his career, how he got into wrestling through his family, his first match, how he got his first break and became a main eventer, his biggest runs, his early successes in Japan, the forerunner of one of WWE’s most famous angles, his career title history, his friendship with Bruiser Brody, and his running a promotion himself.
This past weekend’s UFC show with the Dustin Poirier vs. Dan Hooker fight of the year candidate, match-by-match coverage, plus business notes.
A feature on an all-time great pro wrestler who had a recent murder charge dropped due to dementia.
Titus O’Neil up for nomination this past year for the Muhammad Ali award.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Keith Lee, Jeff Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry, and Kacy Catanzaro were guests on today’s episode of The Bump.
2K announced that WWE 2K Battlegrounds will be released on Xbox One X, Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Google Stadia on September 18. Here is a new trailer.
Booker T will be the guest on this week’s After the Bell with Corey Graves.
Robert Stone teased yesterday that a “huge new signing” for the Robert Stone Brand will be revealed on night two of NXT’s Great American Bash tonight: “My secretary Harriet just sent the paperwork over for my HUGE new signing I’ll be revealing tomorrow on @WWENXT baby. Can ya feel it??? The #RobertStoneBrand is on the rise. I know it. @WWE_Aliyah knows it. The @USA_Network knows it.”
Nintendo announced that the SNES game Natsume Championship Wrestling will be released for their Nintendo Switch Online library on July 15. It was originally a game using the All Japan Pro Wrestling license, but that was removed prior to the North American release.
MMA
Michael Bisping revealed that commentator Paul Felder will likely be quarantined and not call this weekend’s show due to being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Robert Whittaker’s manager has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a client out of $1.15 million dollars.
An extensive story on the death of Hana Kimura is the focal point of this week’s double issue of the Wrestling Observer.
The story covers numerous aspects, from cyber bullying to the realities of reality shows, comments from those who knew her well, pro wrestling and much more. We look at everything from legislation being introduced, similar things with two reality stars in South Korea, and what happened on the show and after the show.
We look at why she was on Terrace House, her life as the daughter of a wrestler, her reality show story, what Terrace House is, what is and isn’t real, her death, the immediate reaction to her death in wrestling, cast members talk about the show, story of what happened the night of her death, reactions from wrestlers, reactions from politicians, as well as a look at her career in the ring.
The new issue also covers:
AEW Double or Nothing show, PPV numbers, poll results, what this says about PPV, wrestling in the previous depression, Stadium Stampede background, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and more.
More on WWE’s COVID-19 procedures at the last tapings, Matt Riddle to Smackdown, changes regarding usage of NXT talent on Raw or Smackdown, behind Drew Gulak signing new deal, what’s up with Nigel McGuinness, A.J. Styles to Smackdown, IC title tournament, Kairi Sane injury, Samoa Joe health update, Ric Flair talks new deal, highest sports ratings of the week, Canadian pro wrestling ratings, Ronda Rousey update, Drew McIntyre has words with Colby Covington, Next week’s TV, Seth Rollins talks Austin Theory, Becky Lynch update, value of WWE, and the most watched shows of the past week on the WWE network.
The ability of foreign wrestles and fighters to get into the U.S.
Safety precautions for the UFC shows in Las Vegas, what Nevada is mandating, as well as how the other major companies around the world are handling the situation.
AEW’s angle with Mike Tyson, the good and bad of it as well as notes on the coverage.
An update on the XFL bankruptcy and Vince McMahon.
Update the financial issues with DAZN.
WWE’s decision to follow AEW and use wrestlers as fans for the empty arena shows this pas week.
More on the death of Shad Gaspard and his memorial service.
Circumstances surrounding the death of Owen Hart including clearing up a lot of misconceptions that have been spread over the last 20 years.
WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Stephanie McMahon posted a tweet today vowing to use her voice for anyone who has ever felt the impact and fear of racial injustice: “‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends’ – MLK. I love and support my Black friends and colleagues. To everyone who has ever felt the impact and fear of racial injustice, I will use my voice for you.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that the state will be moving to phase two of their reopening on June 5. Part of phase two reads: “Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols.”
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Triple H spoke about the importance of the NXT Women’s Championship: “The NXT women’s title is one of the most meaningful ones in the business. That is a testament to all the women who played a role in that. The women in NXT, they’ve got something to prove. They’re really going out of their way to make a name for themselves.”
Ric Flair, JTG, Gallus, Drave Maverick, and Darren Young were guests on today’s episode of The Bump. The Street Profits have been announced for next week’s show.
A special edition of The Bump will air on Sunday featuring X-Pac, Mauro Ranallo, Keith Lee, and Mia Yim.
On The Bump it was revealed that, in storyline, Elias has been discharged from the hospital following the hit and run storyline on SmackDown last Friday.
Road Dogg will be this week’s guest on Corey Graves’ After the Bell podcast.
Edge will star with Kelsey Grammer and Denise Richards in “Money Plane,” an action movie that is due to be released on digital platforms on July 10.
Bushiroad said today in a statement that they are restarting live events in the wake of emergency orders being lifted across Japan. They also said that everyone in both New Japan Pro Wrestling and Stardom will undergo antibody tests.
After it was announced that she’s coming to the promotion, Deonna Purrazzo will make her first appearance on next Tuesday’s episode of Impact. Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace will also defend her title against Taya Valkyrie on the episode.
Cash Wheeler announced that FTR will be auctioning off ring-worn items to raise money for Black Lives Matter charities on Friday and auctioning ring-worn items in support of Pride Month on Tuesday, with there also being items donated and signed by Sonya Deville. FTR plan on matching and donating any amount they raise with the auctions.
ROH stars will play Dungeons & Dragons on their YouTube channel this Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Participants include Cheeseburger, Session Moth Martina, Beer City Bruiser, Joe Hendry, and Brawler Milonas.
Tim Sylvia wrote on Instagram that he is still having trouble from the broken arm he suffered when he fought Frank Mir back in 2004: :So my arm been giving me problems for over a year now. The screws are backing out from my arm break when i fought @thefrankmir my dr. Contacted the @ufc cause it was paid for by them the first time. Sort of under workman’s comp. The ufc says it’s not there problem and will not cover it. I don’t have insurance and it’s going to cost well over 10,000 dollars to get fixed. Any thoughts on what i should do?:
A&E and WWE Studios are partnering together for a new series focused on WWE memorabilia.
It was announced today that A&E Network has greenlit a series with the working title “The Quest for Lost WWE Treasures.” It will be hosted by Stephanie McMahon and Paul “Triple H” Levesque and will take viewers “on the ultimate hunt to find some of WWE’s most iconic, lost memorabilia.”
The series will feature 10 one-hour episodes.
Here’s A&E’s description for the series:
In each episode, WWE’s Stephanie McMahon and Paul “Triple H” Levesque, will lead a team of collectors, WWE Superstars and Legends as they investigate, negotiate, bid and travel across the country to hunt down and reclaim some of the most elusive WWE collectibles.
Throughout history, WWE’s action-packed storylines have spawned iconic, one-of-a-kind memorabilia, most of which is lost in attics, hidden in boxes or even claimed by competitors. Guided by McMahon and Levesque, the series will unearth these rare items in the hopes of preserving and sharing the legacy behind the memorable moments in WWE history. Episodes will feature exclusive WWE footage as well as unprecedented access to the WWE Archives, which holds more than 10,000 rarities including Andre the Giant’s custom boots, Vince McMahon’s cement-filled Corvette, The Undertaker’s caskets and more. Over the course of ten one-hour episodes, WWE Superstars and Legends will give viewers a unique look into WWE history as they seek out the missing treasures that have left a lasting mark on pop culture.
WWE Studios’ Susan Levison and Ben Zierten and A&Es Elaine Frontain Bryant, Dolores Gavin, and Jonathan Partridge are serving as executive producers for “The Quest for Lost WWE Treasures.”
It was noted that the new series joins the previously announced greenlight of five “Biography” documentaries that A&E and WWE are partnering together for. Those were announced last year and will be focused on Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, Booker T, Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels.
This year’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view offered WWE the chance to revitalize one of their best match types.
The Money in the Bank briefcases haven’t been all that much of a factor over the past couple of years. Both men’s winners (Braun Strowman and Baron Corbin) failed on their cash-ins. The women’s winners (Alexa Bliss and Carmella) were successful, but Bliss cashed in on the same night that she won the 2018 ladder match. WWE has missed out on being able to use Money in the Bank as a star-making tool or something to kick off notable angles.
A story on Ashley Massaro, the ramifications of her death, mental illness in pro wrestling and the legal fight she was in, the horrible story about Kuwait are all part of an extensive lead story in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Look at her career before wrestling, life after wrestling, rundown the physical toll of pro wrestling, winning Diva Search, comments from those who knew her, her thoughts on a comeback, the concussion lawsuit and all the different questions her career as a swimsuit contest winner being rushed into pro wrestling matches because she got so popular so quickly raise.
Also look at the one debut of a promotion show in history that can compare with AEW’s Double or Nothing, look at the difference between this show and All In, the different fights the promotion has to face, and a detailed rundown of why Pac isn’t on the show, his status with the company, what the company wants out of its PPV shows, where a number of suggested surprise wrestlers are booked on that night, and why putting on the best shows is not the complete or even close to the key factor in a wrestling war.
Also look at the changes in television wrestling in the U.K. in 2020, and what this may mean when it comes to WWE and AEW in that market as far as exposure, and whether that is or isn’t a big issue.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
Additional notes by Joseph Currier
WWE
In storyline, Stephanie McMahon condemned Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar for teasing and then not revealing which champion Lesnar would challenge this past Monday on Raw, saying that they disrespected the WWE and the WWE Universe. She said she will officially take this up with the McMahon family and the “Executive Team.”
WWE has put up the entire Target: NXT TakeOver episode that premiered on the WWE Network, which takes a look at Johnny Gargano, Adam Cole, Shayna Baszler and Io Shirai ahead of their matches at NXT TakeOver XXV.
Terri Runnels on social media called her arrest a mistake and said that she had the gun in her carry-on bag at the airport because she had spent several days at her mother’s house, which has “armadillos and other critters” that go after her mother’s chickens and garden. She said that she forgot the gun was in her bag that she had been using for carry-on luggage.
Samu took to Facebook to thank those who attended his charity event on 5/29. He is currently battling liver cancer.
Pro Wrestling Sheet talked to Sick Nick Mondo, aka Matt Burns, about directing the Jon Moxley vignettes
Jonathan Gresham and Eddie Kingston have been announced for PROGRESS Wrestling’s shows in Newcastle on July 6 and Manchester on July 7. This will be Kingston’s PROGRESS debut.
Former WWE announcer Todd Pettingill’s radio show, which had been running since the mid 1990s, is ending this Friday due to the radio station, WPLJ in New York City shutting down.
The former Damien Sandow, going under the name Aron Stevens, is being advertised for Battle Arts PRO on July 13 in Mississauga.
UFC/MMA
Marc Raimondi talked to Daniel Cormier about Brock Lesnar choosing WWE over UFC, saying as a businessman he made the right decision. “He’d have to work his ass off [to fight me] and it’s probably going to go the bad way,” Cormier said. “Whereas with the WWE, it’s usually determined in his favor. So, as a businessman, I think Brock made the right decision.”
Jessica Andrade was robbed at gunpoint in Niteroi, Brazil on Thursday. She was with her wife when criminals stopped and robber the car, taking their smartphones. Andrade’s coach said they are both fine despite the incident.
Ilir Latifi has pulled out of his Saturday fight against Volkan Oezdemir. The bout will not be replaced.
Stephanie McMahon will be appearing on tonight’s Raw and making a WrestleMania announcement.
WWE announced this morning that Stephanie will make “an announcement pertaining to WrestleMania’s first-ever women’s main event” on tonight’s Raw. The episode is the go-home show for WrestleMania 35.
The announcement will likely be about the role the SmackDown Women’s Championship will play in Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Charlotte defeated Asuka on last week’s SmackDown to win the title.
Rousey is the Raw Women’s Champion, and her title will be on the line at WrestleMania.
Tonight’s Raw is taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Here’s what’s been announced for the show:
Stephanie McMahon’s WrestleMania main event announcement
Rousey, Charlotte & Lynch vs. The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) (if Rousey, Charlotte, or Lynch betray their team, they lose their spot in the WrestleMania main event)
Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio
Brock Lesnar appears
Batista responds to Triple H
Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival defending against Ricochet & Aleister Black
Sasha Banks, Bayley, Beth Phoenix & Natalya vs. Nia Jax, Tamina, Peyton Royce & Billie Kay
Becky Lynch’s appearance on this week’s Raw led to an angle where she was indefinitely suspended and then attacked Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie told Lynch that she would be suspended if she didn’t get her (storyline) knee injury evaluated by medical personnel. Lynch called herself the glitch in WWE’s plan and said there was nothing Stephanie or any doctor could do to stop her from going to WrestleMania.
Stephanie said it wasn’t about tricks or games, it’s about Lynch’s health. Lynch said Stephanie isn’t taking her moment away from her. After Stephanie suspended her, Lynch punched Stephanie, tried to apply the Dis-Arm-Her, and fought off officials until Stephanie kicked her injured leg to get enough time to escape.
Lynch then had another confrontation with Ronda Rousey backstage as she was being taken out of the building. It was noted that Lynch will be suspended until she gets her knee evaluated.
Rousey defeated Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan in singles matches last night. Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre interrupted Kurt Angle as he was addressing his future, which resulted in Angle & Braun Strowman facing Corbin & McIntyre in the main event.
Plus, Jeff Jarrett wrestled on Raw for the first time in nearly 20 years, Sasha Banks & Bayley qualified for the Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match, and EC3 made his Raw in-ring debut against Dean Ambrose.
The latest development in the story for the Raw Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 35 took place on Monday night.
Becky Lynch and Stephanie McMahon opened this week’s Raw, with Stephanie suspending Lynch indefinitely in storyline. It was noted that Lynch will be suspended until her storyline knee injury is evaluated by medical personnel.
Lynch was “injured” when she was attacked by Nia Jax after eliminating Jax from the women’s Royal Rumble match. She brawled with Charlotte Flair on last week’s SmackDown and did an interview saying she wasn’t going to be evaluated because she doesn’t need to spend more time on the shelf.
On Raw, Lynch called herself the glitch in WWE’s plan and said there was nothing Stephanie or any doctor could do to stop her from going to WrestleMania. Stephanie said it wasn’t about tricks or games, it’s about Lynch’s health. Lynch replied by telling Stephanie that she isn’t taking her moment away from her.
The angle ended with Lynch punching Stephanie after Stephanie suspended her. As Lynch was being escorted out of the building by security backstage, Ronda Rousey called Lynch unprofessional and said Lynch needs to stay home and rest up until she receives a beating from Rousey at WrestleMania.
Date: February 4, 2019 Location: Moda Center in Portland, OR
The Big Takeaway —
Becky Lynch was suspended by Stephanie McMahon for refusing to see doctors about her knee injury. Stephanie will only allow her to compete if the doctors clear her. The story is that Lynch doesn’t trust Stephanie or the doctors and doesn’t want them to get in her way. Lynch attacked Stephanie but Stephanie managed to escape.
Before Lynch was escorted out of the arena, Ronda Rousey got in her face, cut a promo and called her a bitch. In response, Lynch did nothing.
Elsewhere on the show, Kurt Angle did not retire, but was instead in a tag main event which ended in a lame DQ. Dean Ambrose is back to being a babyface. He lost to EC3, who still has not spoken.
Show Recap —
Stephanie McMahon was in the ring to start the show. She welcomed the crowd to Raw and before she could say much more, Becky Lynch entered to a big reaction. Stephanie continued speaking and cut to a replay of Ronda Rousey’s promo from last week (they didn’t include the line where Rousey said she could kill Lynch). Rousey’s name was booed.
Stephanie was impressed that Lynch was still smiling at the end of that promo by Rousey. Lynch said she had every reason to be smiling and would slap the head off Rousey at WrestleMania. Stephanie was looking forward to it considering her history with Rousey.
Stephanie pointed out Lynch’s knee brace and limp and asked if she was okay. Lynch said she was fine. Stephanie then showed images from the Rumble where Lynch won despite being attacked by Nia Jax. She then noted that Lynch has been refusing medical attention. Lynch said she didn’t want any doctors coming near her.
Stephanie recalled being with Lynch after she got punched by Jax and saw that all Lynch wanted to do was fight, and has never seen that much fight out of anyone. However, Stephanie couldn’t allow Lynch to fight unless she was cleared by the medical staff. The crowd booed.
Lynch said she knew what was happening. Lynch was a glitch in their plan. She said she fought to get to where she is now and claimed Stephanie was trying to hold her back because she never had to struggle for anything. Lynch said she was going to Mania and there was nothing Stephanie or any stupid doctor could do about it.
Stephanie said it was easy–just see the doctors, they clear her, and she can compete. Unless, her knee is worse than she’s letting on. Lynch said Stephanie wasn’t going to take her moment away. Stephanie said she would have to suspend Lynch until she sees a doctor. Lynch warned her not to suggest it again, or else.
Lynch wouldn’t comply, so Stephanie suspended her. Stephanie turned around, then Lynch grabbed her and knocked her down with a punch. Lynch was about to put her in a Disarmer but her knee gave out. A bunch of officials ran out and Lynch fought off a couple, but Stephanie managed to kick her in the leg and escape. Lynch limped to the back surrounded by officials.
After a break, Lynch was being escorted away by officials when she was approached by Ronda Rousey. Rousey ranted at her for putting their Mania main event in jeopardy. Rousey said she keeps things professional because she knows they have a fight to promote, but what Lynch just did wasn’t professional and doesn’t promote their fight.
Rousey wondered why Lynch was even there and figured she just wanted the crowd to hear her weekly violin recital. She suggested Lynch rest up so she can receive a beating at Mania. Before leaving, Rousey told her, “ice and Advil, bitch.” Lynch just stood there and did nothing, then continued leaving with the officials.
I suppose we’re supposed to think Lynch didn’t attack her because officials were there, but this didn’t come across well for her.
Non-title match: Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defeated Liv Morgan (w/Ruby Riott & Sarah Logan) (1:25)
Rousey won quickly with the armbar. Despite coming out smiling and high-fiving the crowd, Rousey grabbed a mic after the match and yelled at the crowd for booing her from the comfort of their seats and called out the rest of the Riott Squad for glaring at her the wrong way. She was ready for another fight, so Sarah Logan obliged.
Non-title match: Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defeated Sarah Logan (w/Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan) (4:53)
Most of this happened during a break and Rousey won again with the armbar. As the Riott Squad backed away, Ruby jumped on the apron as if she would challenge Rousey. The crowd lightly chanted for Ruby until she backed down and left with her friends.
When they got to the back, Dasha Fuentes asked Ruby why she ran from Rousey. Ruby was offended and said she wasn’t running. She knew she could be Rousey and when she did, it would be for the title. But right now, her friends were hurt and they needed her.
I liked Rousey getting two quick wins here after having a lot of long back-and-forth matches.
Charly Caruso asked Sasha Banks and Bayley about their recent failures against Rousey and asked how it would affect their tag match. Banks was about to go off on her but Bayley calmed her down. Bayley said they both took Rousey to her limit and tonight was about tag wrestling.
Banks said they would make history. Alicia Fox and Nikki Cross interrupted to let them know they wouldn’t make it to the Chamber. Cross said nobody wanted to play with her, but the Fox did. She added, “chaos isn’t judgmental, chaos is fair.”
Four Corners tag match: The Revival defeated B-Team, Heavy Machinery and Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado (w/Kalisto) (11:17)
Heavy Machinery almost had it won but they were stopped by Curtis Axel, who saved Bo Dallas. They were sent from the ring and Revival won with a Shatter Machine on Dallas, earning them a “future tag team title opportunity.” Revival had “FTR” on their trunks.
Curt Hawkins was watching the match and Zack Ryder assured him they would get a shot soon. Hawkins called himself a loser. He’s been losing for 2 years straight and said this team wasn’t going to work out.
Ryder noted they spelt his name wrong on the graphics last week and called himself a loser, too. Ryder said they could get through this together and Hawkins streak would be broken by them as a team. Hawkins responded in the affirmative. Hawkins’ performance was good here. Ryder’s was not.
Angle was shown walking backstage and was greeted by Mickie James, Apollo Crews and No way Jose.
Kurt Angle promo
Angle said he’s been living by the three Is–intensity, integrity and intelligence, and it worked out for him through better and worse. He accomplished everything he could have, from the European championship all the way to the Hall of Fame.
He said he was able to be the GM and even found out he had a long lost son. He also said the crowd always reminded him “how much I really suck.” They chanted “you suck” and he responded, “thank you, I guess.”
He said the three Is have turned into the three Ds–doubt, defeat and depression. Angle said he beat everyone in his career and won a gold medal with a broken freakin’ neck. But the one opponent he cannot defeat was father time.
Baron Corbin interrupted and was roundly booed. Corbin said Angle should’ve retired two years ago and called him a shadow of a man. Angle dared him to get in the ring so he could break his ankle in two. Angle took off his jacket, then Drew McIntyre interrupted.
McIntyre said Angle couldn’t help himself. One minute he was ready to accept his fate, and the next, he wanted to break the ankle of the man who took his job and beat him. McIntyre said he saw fear in Angle’s eyes when he made him tap out to the ankle lock. McIntyre admitted Angle had no quit and knew he would never quit until someone put him down for good.
McIntyre told the Portland crowd to shut their mouths and get their cameras ready because they were going to put him down. They marched to the ring and surrounded him until Braun Strowman ran down. Strowman attacked McIntyre, then Angle attacked Corbin. Strowman threw a fancy leather chair at Corbin, who then ran away through the crowd with McIntyre.
Angle and Strowman stood tall with Angle’s music playing. After a break, they announced Angle and Strowman against McIntyre and Corbin for tonight’s main event. Michael Cole said we’ll “never know” if Angle came out here with the intention to retire. I mean, you could just ask him.
They aired a video package of Brock Lesnar beating down Seth Rollins last week.
Fox and Cross attacked Banks and Bayley during their entrance. The beating went on a while and they went to break with the announcers wondering if the match would even happen. After a break… it was already underway. Bayley was in the ring as Banks was struggling to climb onto the apron. Bayley was fighting off both women until she was cut off by a Fox scissors kick.
As they worked over Bayley, Cross used a flying crossbody off the apron to the floor, which looked cool. Cross tried a running charge, but Banks was hiding around the corner of the ring and yanked Bayley out of the way, causing Cross to run into the post.
Fox tagged herself in and stopped Bayley from tagging out, then Bayley caught her in a schoolgirl for the sudden win. Banks never got in the match, so she’s likely still nursing an injury.
Apollo Crews told Caruso that he didn’t think Angle was intending on competing, but is glad he is. Caruso asked why he’s glad. Crews said because he was Kurt Angle, and he was allowed to have a couple of bad matches.
Drake Maverick and Rezar confronted Crews. Maverick told him to admit that Angle can’t win. Crews asked Rezar how he got his puppet to talk like that. Rezar was about to attack him, but Maverick stopped him and said Crews was just upset his Olympic hero keeps letting him down.
Elias defeated Jeff Jarrett (w/Road Dogg) (7:51)
Road Dogg and Jarrett each cut promos before the match. Road Dogg did his DX shtick, then Jarrett did his old routine as well, calling himself the world’s greatest singer, entertainer, and wrestler.
They sang “With My Baby Tonight” until Elias interrupted. He said nobody wanted to hear them sing the song nobody knows the lyrics to and said their act hasn’t aged well. He wondered what Road Dogg was even doing there and said, “shouldn’t you be on Smackdown tanking their ratings?”
Elias said he mistakenly turned down a halftime performance at the Super Bowl to come to Portland, a town not even good enough to have a football team. Jarrett then quoted an old rival and told him, “don’t sing it, bring it.”
After a break, Elias was in control after a high knee. He mocked Jarrett’s strut and did the crotch chop at Road Dogg. Later, Elias kicked down Road Dogg when his back was turned. Jarrett mounted a comeback with fists and a clothesline. Jarrett did his strut, then hit an enziguri. Elias knocked Road Dogg off the apron, then gave Jarrett a Drift Away for the win.
Road Dogg attacked Elias from behind after the match and knocked him down with punches. Road Dogg did the crotch chop, then Jarrett clocked Elias from behind with the guitar. The guitar didn’t break, so the crowd chanted “one more time.” They didn’t get it. Jarrett’s music played and he posed.
Backstage, Dana Brooke apologized to Natalya for their loss last week. Natalya didn’t respond, so Brooke yelled at her and said she would find a McMahon to make a match between them next week. Brooke screamed this in her ear before leaving. Turns out, Natalya was wearing earbuds and couldn’t hear anything and had no idea Brooke was even there.
They promoted that Ric Flair would be on Raw in three weeks in Atlanta for a birthday celebration. That should be something.
The announcers ran down what happened with Lynch and Stephanie earlier. Cole speculated that Lynch didn’t trust Stephanie or the doctors, which is why she’s refusing to see them.
Finn Bálor told Caruso that the Irish were stubborn when wounded, and that seems to be going around tonight. Bálor admitted he was hurt after the beatings from Lesnar and Bobby Lashley. He was told he should stay home, but he wouldn’t be pushed around or held down. He said he would take the fight to Lashley and would take his IC championship the first opportunity he got.
After Bálor entered, Lio Rush said Bálor didn’t deserve a chance at Lashley, and that Lashley can curl dumbbells bigger than him. Lashley said Bálor had a title match against Lesnar and lost, and Lashley was better than Lesnar. Lashley said he could beat Lesnar in a wrestling match, in the ring, in an octagon, and in his sleep.
Lashley said Bálor would be facing Rush tonight, and if he was entertained enough, he would considering giving Bálor a title match. Lashley then attacked Bálor. The referee checked with Bálor, who agreed to start the match anyway.
Finn Bálor defeated Lio Rush (w/IC Champion Bobby Lashley) (8:54)
Bálor put the boots to Rush and was about to attack him on the outside, but Lashley yanked him down off the apron. This was not a disqualification, but instead, the referee tossed Lashley from ringside. Rush nailed Bálor with a suicide dive and they went to break.
Bálor went up for Coup de Grace but Rush crotched him and brought him down from the top with a hurricanrana. They went back and forth (Rush used a springboard stunner in here but the cameraperson missed it), Rush missed a frog splash, then Bálor killed him with a dropkick and hit Coup de Grace for the win. Lashley ran down afterwards but Bálor left the ring.
Paige came out to a big reaction. She plugged her movie and they aired a commercial for it. They went immediately to break after that, so her appearance lasted a few seconds. There was then another commercial for the movie (which may have just aired locally).
A Moment of Bliss with guest EC3
Bliss introduced EC3, who came out his in gear (no shirt). There were light “EC3” chants. Bliss said he had everything going for him. He’s young, he’s good looking, and has a large… bank account. She said he’s been playing hard-to-get, bouncing between Raw and Smackdown. She wanted to know which brand he would choose.
Before he could respond, Nia Jax and Tamina interrupted. Jax didn’t care about this and wanted to talk about the week she had, entering the men’s Rumble and qualifying for the Chamber with Tamina when they beat Bliss. Bliss noted that Mickie James took the loss. Jax wondered what was next for her and thought about filling in for Lynch at Mania.
Dean Ambrose interrupted. “I am sorry Alexa, I don’t want to be out here as much as you don’t want me out here.” Ambrose had words for Jax. He knew she had a crush on him. Ambrose said it’s best she stays away and told her never to come near him again.
Ambrose asked Bliss who the guy was. Bliss said it was EC3. EC3 was about to respond but Ambrose smacked the mic out of his hand. Ambrose asked him a series of questions including, why is your name EC3 and where are EC1 and EC2. The crowd laughed. He also wondered why EC3 hung around backstage like a mute Chippendale dancer instead of getting in the ring.
EC3 was about to respond, then decked Ambrose with a punch. EC3 went to the ring and they cut to a break. Ambrose was a total babyface here. I mean, he was kind of a dick, but he’s Dean Ambrose. The crowd responded positively toward Ambrose but there were a few people chanting for EC3.
EC3 defeated Dean Ambrose (2:36)
EC3 won suddenly with a jackknife cover. Ambrose acted shocked at the loss and Cole put over EC3 pinning a former WWE Champion.
Backstage, Angle was warming up when Caruso asked him what it would mean to beat two guys who embarrassed him the past few months. Angle just looked at her and didn’t respond. (The crowd could be heard chanting for Ambrose in the background.) Caruso asked for an answer. Angle said he almost didn’t bring his gear tonight but had a feeling he should.
Angle said he kissed his wife goodbye, grabbed his singlet and boots and came to the arena. He said he doesn’t have to fight alone tonight. Like this was a stage play, Strowman showed up at this exact moment and said it was an honour to tag with him tonight. They finished by saying “it’s true, it’s damn true.”
Mojo Rawley yelled at himself in front of a mirror again. He’s always been told to be part of the team, from college to the NFL to Wall Street to WWE. But that hasn’t worked out for him. Rawley laughed, said, “forget the team,” because now it was all about him.
Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin defeated Braun Strowman & Kurt Angle via DQ (12:15)
Angle gave Corbin a German suplex right away. McIntyre pulled Corbin out of the ring, then Strowman tackled McIntyre. Angle gave Corbin another suplex then went for the ankle lock, but Corbin kicked him into the ropes. McIntyre headbutted Angle and they went to break 45 seconds into the match.
The heels worked over Angle for a while. He went for an Angle Slam, but McIntyre slipped out and hit an Angle Slam of his own. McIntyre applied the ankle lock and the crowd cheered for him to escape. Angle did escape and made the hot tag to Strowman who ran over McIntyre and knocked Corbin off the apron.
Corbin assisted McIntyre in dumping Strowman from the ring, then Corbin twice slammed his face into the post and drove him into the barricade. McIntyre gave Strowman a neckbreaker, then McIntyre and Corbin gave him a double back suplex. They went for a double vertical suplex, but Strowman suplexed them both instead.
Angle made the tag and gave Germans to both men, then tossed McIntyre from the ring. Angle gave Corbin an Angle Slam but McIntyre broke up the cover. Strowman knocked him from the ring. Before Strowman could attack Corbin, Corbin said he can’t do it because he’d be disqualified (because he’s not the legal man, I guess).
Strowman didn’t care and attacked him anyway, so the referee called for the DQ. Awful finish. The crowd chanted “ref you suck.” Strowman continued the attack but McIntyre cut him off with a Claymore kick. They were about to slam Angle on the steel steps, but Strowman made the save and chokeslammed both guys on the steps instead.
Strowman and Angle stood tall with Strowman’s music playing as the show ended.
After advertising that things would be shaken up, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, and Shane McMahon appeared on Raw last night and promised that change is coming.
Stephanie admitted that they haven’t done a very good job for the fans lately. With Baron Corbin no longer general manager of Raw, the McMahons are “taking back” the show in storyline and will be in charge of SmackDown as well. They hyped that there would be new wrestlers and matchups in the coming weeks and months.
Significant changes weren’t apparent on last night’s episode. It was announced that — along with Lars Sullivan — EC3, Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic), and Nikki Cross will be coming up from NXT, and Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will be returning soon.
To close the episode, an eight-woman gauntlet match set up a Raw Women’s Championship match for next week.
After advertising that Vince McMahon would be shaking things up, a segment where the McMahon family addressed Raw’s real-life and storyline issues opened tonight’s episode.
Vince came out to start the show, then introduced Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, and Shane McMahon. While few specifics were offered during the segment, they vowed that Raw would be changing for the better.
Stephanie said they haven’t been doing a very good job for the fans lately and haven’t been listening to their audience. She mentioned that they’ve let middle managers air their petty grievances and have been suffocating their “superstars.” She said that’s all going to change starting tonight.
Triple H said the days of absentee management is over — as of now, Vince, Stephanie, Triple H, and Shane are “taking back Monday Night Raw.” Shane said that goes for SmackDown as well.
Stephanie noted that they’re going to empower their wrestlers and fans, and Triple H said they’re going to give the fans what they want. He said they’re going to give the audience something new and fresh, promising that the fans will see new wrestlers and matchups in the coming weeks and months. Triple H said the fans are now the authority.
Later in the show, it was announced that Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, EC3, Heavy Machinery (Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight), and Nikki Cross will be coming up to the main roster.
The opening segment led to the McMahon family stacking the deck against Baron Corbin in a match where he could have become the permanent on-screen general manager of Raw. Corbin vs. Kurt Angle became Angle, Apollo Crews, Bobby Roode & Chad Gable defeating Corbin in a no disqualification match with Heath Slater as the referee.
