Within a matter of days, C.M. Punk and Cody Rhodes, arguably the top babyfaces in AEW and WWE, went down with significant injuries.
Punk suffered an injury that neither he nor the company would detail as far as how and what it was on 6/1 in the show at the Kia Forum. In an interview two nights later on Dynamite, Punk mentioned the injury, saying it was a couple of broken bones and it would need surgery. The belief among talent was that it was a broken foot (Max Caster actually said it in his rap) and while neither the company nor Punk would say that, there have been very strong hints to me that this was the injury. It’s actually kind of strange that they don’t say the injury but as a company, the AEW policy is not to say injuries or illnesses unless it has to do with changing previously advertised matches (which is why injuries to Jeff Hardy and Adam Cole were acknowledged last week but not specified) although Cole was on TV this week and his being hurt was never brought up, while the company has never acknowledged an injury to Bryan Danielson. When they acknowledge injuries, they normally don’t say what the injuries or illnesses are unless the talent releases it themselves. WWE is hit and miss, usually only acknowledging them when it fits with the storyline while New Japan goes into detail as much as possible.
Cody Rhodes says that no one convinced him to wrestle with a torn pec at WWE Hell in a Cell.
After his victory over Seth Rollins in the main event, Rhodes cut a promo that wasn’t shown on the live broadcast. He said the decision to perform while injured was solely his call.
“I am sure that I’m going to explain things a little further tomorrow, I will be very brief. No one convinced me with a torn pec to come out here. It is solely my decision,” Rhodes said. “You would have had to literally kill me from staying away from this ring. Ten times out of ten, I would have made the same decision. Going on last, Allstate Arena in Chicago, you paid your money!”
“You guys have believed in me and you didn’t have to. Please know from the bottom of my heart, I believe in you, we are going to finish this thing. Thank you all very much, have a great night, and I love you, thank you.”
As of this writing, WWE has not announced if Rhodes will be on Raw Monday night. The show will take place from the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
WWE has confirmed that Cody Rhodes is injured heading into tonight’s Hell in a Cell event.
The company announced that Rhodes suffered a “partially torn right pectoral tendon” during a brawl with Seth Rollins that took place on Monday night. WWE further states that while weight training in preparation for tonight’s event, the tendon “tore completely off the bone”. Despite the injury, Rhodes will compete in tonight’s match.
BREAKING: @CodyRhodes suffered a partially torn right pectoral tendon during a brawl with @WWERollins this past Monday on #WWERaw.
While weight training in preparation, the tendon tore completely off the bone.
Dave Meltzer reported on this morning’s Wrestling Observer Radio that Rhodes suffered an injury while weight training this week.
“Cody hurt himself weight training this week,” Meltzer said. “The story going around backstage last night in Champaign, Illinois is that he tore his pec. I don’t know that 100 percent [if] that is the injury. That’s definitely the story going around. That’s what multiple wrestlers were saying last night, and Cody was there, so he probably told them.”
Rhodes was scheduled to face Rollins in a street fight last night at a house show in Champaign, Illinois. However, it was announced that Rhodes was injured. Rhodes appeared on the show anyway as part of an angle with Rollins.
Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins’ rivalry culminates tonight as the two face off inside of Hell in a Cell.
Rhodes and Rollins will meet in the headlining match of tonight’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Rhodes has defeated Rollins twice going into tonight, winning at both WrestleMania 38 and WrestleMania Backlash.
In tonight’s other top match, the Raw Women’s Championship will be on the line as Bianca Belair defends against Asuka and Becky Lynch in a triple threat match.
Plus, AJ Styles, Finn Balor & Liv Morgan take on The Judgment Day in a mixed six-person tag match, Bobby Lashley clashes with Omos & MVP in a handicap match, Mustafa Ali challenges Theory for the United States Championship, Kevin Owens faces Ezekiel, and Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin face off in a no holds barred match.
Tonight’s main card begins on Peacock/WWE Network at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern.
**********
Pre-show
The pre-show panel consisted of Kayla Braxton, Booker T, Jerry Lawler, Kevin Patrick, and Pete Rosenberg. Braxton discussed the Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins Hell in a Cell match. She mentioned Rhodes suffered a pec injury but would be competing tonight regardless. Braxton clarified that Rollins didn’t cause Rhodes’ injury and it happened during training.
They showed a Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch. vs. Asuka video package and discussed the feud. They aired a Miz & Mrs. commercial and a Judgement Day video package. The panel talked about Judgement Day vs. AJ Styles, Finn Balor & Liv Morgan.
They showed exclusive footage of Cody Rhodes training at the Nightmare Factory. This was a good video package. They then showed a Drew McIntyre video package. Next came a Bobby Lashley vs. Omos & MVP music video starring MVP. MVP ran down Lashley’s career and claimed he made him a star. This was awesome and well done. Booker called it a diss track.
They recapped the Austin Theory vs. Mustafa Ali feud. Next came a Madcap Moss vs. Happy Corbin video package. Earlier today, Byron Saxton interviewed Elias’ younger brother Ezekiel. He talked about Kevin Owens and noted tonight’s his first premium live event. Ezekiel wants to be tag team champions with his brother someday. He told a story about Ezekiel and Elias going to King of the Ring in 1998.
They showed a commercial for Broken Skulls Sessions with Jeff Jarrett and a Roman Reigns video package. Braxton discussed Rhodes’ injury again and aired a Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins video package.
***********
Main Show
Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton opened up the show. Graves mentioned Cody Rhodes’s pec injury and promised updates throughout the night.
They aired a Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Asuka video package.
Triple Threat Match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Asuka and Becky Lynch to retain (18:55)
This was an awesome match. The fans loved it and reacted huge to everything. Lynch, Belair, and Asuka worked hard and told a good story.
During the ring introductions, all three got cheers with Lynch getting a mixed response. The fans broke into a loud “EST” chant before the bell. Belair and Asuka worked together and got rid of Lynch. Belair and Asuka went back and forth. The fans broke into dueling “Let’s go Asuka” and “EST” chants.
Lynch pulled Asuka out of the ring and climbed to the top rope. Belair cut her off and slammed her down. Asuka jumped off of Belair’s back and caught Lynch with a dropkick. Belair went for the KOD but Asuka broke free. Asuka locked on an arm bar on Belair
Belair broke free with a powerbomb into the turnbuckle. Lynch jumped back in and slammed Asuka off the top onto Belair. Asuka ended up on the apron and grabbed Lynch. Lynch moved, and Belair collided with Asuka. Belair was hanging on the middle rope, and Lynch hit a second rope leg drop for a near fall.
Lynch was firmly in control and hit a top rope leg drop on Belair, but Asuka broke up the pin attempt. Asuka ran wild with a backslide, two spinning back fists, a series of kicks, and a release German suplex. She hit a hip attack for a close near fall. The fans broke into a brief “This is awesome” chant. Belair recovered and went for the KOD, but Lynch escaped. Belair caught Lynch with a vertical suplex.
Belair then hit a headspring moonsault onto Lynch and Asuka for a close near fall. Belair avoided Asuka with a back flip off the middle turnbuckle. Asuka fought back and hit the recoil on Belair and Lynch. The fans broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant.
Asuka then got the ankle lock on both Lynch and Belair. They broke free and sent Asuka to the floor. Belair went for the KOD, but Lynch escaped and hit a crossbody.
Belair caught Lynch with a small package for a near fall. Lynch recovered and hit the manhandle slam for a close two-count. The fans broke into several “This is awesome” chants.
Asuka missed a hip attack and got caught in the ropes. Lynch locked on the Disarm her, but Belair broke it up. Asuka and Lynch traded pin attempts until Asuka got the Asuka lock. Belair jumped off the top to break up the submission but missed.
The finish came when Lynch hit the manhandle slam on Asuka and had the match won. Belair jumped in, threw Lynch out, and stole the pin to retain her title. Lynch was furious after the match.
***********
They showed a Roman Reigns video package.
In the back, Cedric Alexander approached MVP and Omos. Alexander tried coming up with a strategy. MVP told him the Hurt Business isn’t getting back together because he disappointed him too many times. Omos told Alexander to leave.
They showed the MVP and Omos rap video again.
2 on 1 Handicap Match: Bobby Lashley defeated Omos & MVP (8:22)
The fans helped make this a good match. They loved Lashley and reacted big for the finish. After the match, Lashley grabbed a replica WWE title from one of the fans and held him up to a huge pop.
Lashley got a huge reaction from the fans. They broke into a loud “Lashley” chant. MVP teased starting the match but tagged in Omos instead. Lashley had the early advantage, but MVP grabbed his leg. Omos rocked Lashley with a forearm, and the heels took over.
MVP finally got in when Lashley was down. Lashley fought back and knocked down Omos. He attempted a suplex, but Omos reversed and slammed him face-first. Omos hit the snake’s eyes and a splash in the corner. MVP tagged back in and rocked Lashley with a running kick in the corner.
Omos ran around ringside and drove Lashley through the barricade. The fans popped for the spot and broke into a “Lashley” chant. Lashley beat the ten count and got back in the ring. MVP was firmly in control until Lashley knocked Omos off the apron. He then speared MVP, but Omos broke up the pin attempt.
Omos went for a chokeslam, but Cedric Alexander jumped in the ring. Omos caught him and threw him out. Lashley speared Omos and caught MVP with the Hurt Lock for the win. The fans popped big for the finish.
**********
They aired a Money in the Bank commercial.
Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves, and Bryon Saxton discussed Cody Rhodes’s pec injury again. They stressed that Seth Rollins didn’t cause the injury.
Kevin Owens defeated Ezekiel (9:20)
This was fine but didn’t have the crowd atmosphere of the first two matches. The fans were quiet at times but popped for the finish. Owens was good in the match.
They recapped the lie detector segment from two months ago.
Ezekiel surprised Owens with a jumping knee at the bell. He followed up with a flying elbow for a near fall. The fans broke into a faint “Zeke” chant. They brawled around ringside. Owens took over after throwing Ezekiel into the ring post.
Owens hit a senton and a moonsault off the second turnbuckle for a near fall. Owens went for a swanton, but Ezekiel got his knees up. Ezekiel fired up and backed Owens into the corner. He missed a splash but hit a spine buster for a two-count
Ezekiel avoided the stunner, but Owens scored a near fall with a pop-up powerbomb. Owens taunted Ezekiel. He went for the stunner again, but Ezekiel rolled him up for a two-count
Ezekiel climbed to the top rope, but Owens cut him. He hit two superkicks and a cannonball in the corner. Owens then hit the stunner for the win. The fans popped for the finish and cheered Owens.
*********
They showed a Seth Rollins video package.
Judgment Day (Edge, Damien Priest & Rhea Ripley) defeated AJ Styles, Finn Balor & Liv Morgan (16:01)
This was a good match. The fans were into it and popped for the finish.
The fans cheered for everyone during the entrances, including The Judgement Day.
All six faced off in the middle of the ring and started brawling. The faces sent Priest and Edge to the floor. Styles and Balor launched Morgan in the air, and she caught Ripley with a hurricanrana in a great spot. Ripley took over with a vicious head butt. She followed with a delayed vertical suplex.
Morgan fired back with a missile drop kick. Ripley rolled to her corner and tagged in Edge. Styles came in and Edge quickly tagged out. The Judgement Day took over, so Edge finally got in the ring. He beat Balor around ringside and slammed him on the announce table.
The heels isolated Balor in their corner. Balor fought back, but Edge prevented the tag. Priest hit a series of kicks. Balor responded with a hard chop and a Pele kick.
Styles and Edge got the tag at the same time. Styles ran wild and scored a near fall on Edge. Edge sent Styles onto the apron. He caught Priest with a running knee and hit the Phenomenal Forearm on Edge. Priest broke up the pin attempt.
Morgan and Ripley traded pin attempts and got a good reaction from the fans. Ripley hit a suplex for another near fall. Ripley went for the Rip Tide, but Morgan escaped and tagged Balor. Morgan caught Ripley with a DDT. All six started brawling in the ring again.
Styles and Balor hit planchas onto Edge and Priest at ringside. Morgan followed up with a suicide dive on Ripley. Balor went for the coup de grace, but Ripley knocked him off the top.
Styles hit the Phoenmal forearm on Priest to take him out. In a brutal-looking spot, Edge tossed Styles out of the ring through the turnbuckles. The doctor appeared to check on Styles.
The finish came when Balor went for the coup de grace, but Ripley stood in the way. Morgan took out Ripley. Edge avoided the coup de grace and hit the spear for the win.
********
They recapped Bobby Lashley defeating Omos and MVP earlier tonight. In the back, Lashley approached Cedric Alexander. Alexander noted he interfered in Lashley’s match for himself, not for Lashley. He was just standing up for himself. Lashley appreciated that but told him not to get involved in his matches again. They were friendly with each other.
*********
They recapped the Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin feud.
No Holds Barred: Madcap Moss defeated Happy Corbin (12:04)
This was a fine no holds barred match that dragged at times. The fans broke into several loud “We want tables” chants. They were starving for tables and would die out when they didn’t get them. There was no table spot in this match.
Moss got a good reaction during his entrance. He sent Corbin to the floor with a clothesline. They brawled up the ramp. They then fought back to the announce desk. Moss tried to use a chair, but Corbin threw it away. Corbin tossed Moss over the announce table. Moss recovered and threw Graves’ chair at Corbin.
The fans broke into a loud “We want tables” chant. Corbin took over and teased pulling out a table. The fans started to pop, but Corbin put it back to a chorus of boos.
Corbin hit a choke slam and grabbed a chair from under the ring. The fans booed that he grabbed a chair and not a table. Corbin beat Moss down with the chair and hit him in the neck. The fans broke into a loud “We want tables” chant.
Corbin hit Deep six for a close two-count. He went under the ring again and got another chair. The fans erupted in boos. These fans are dying for tables.
Moss sent Corbin into the chair to take over. He beat Corbin down with the chair and hit a DDT for a two-count. Corbin regained control with a chop block at ringside. He beat Moss around ringside as the fans continued to chant for tables. Corbin wrapped the chair around Moss’s neck and drove him into the announce table.
Corbin set up the stairs in the corner, but Moss reversed. He gave Corbin a fall-away slam into the stairs. He followed up with the Punchline and wrapped the chair around Corbin’s neck. Moss then gave Corbin the Pillmanizer with the chair and stairs for the win.
After the match, the medical team checked on Corbin.
**********
They aired a Money in the Bank commercial. They showed a Bianca Belair video package.
United States Champion Austin Theory defeated Mustafa Ali to retain (10:23)
Ali and Theory had a really good match. The fans were dying to see hometown hero Ali win. Obviously, Ali lost since it’s his hometown. The fans were disappointed.
They introduced Ali as “Chicago’s own.” He got a huge reaction with thunderous “Ali” chants. They noted his wife, kids, and friends were in attendance.
Theory had the early advantage with a side headlock. Ali hit a sliding dropkick and flying crossbody to the floor. The fans broke into a loud “Ali” chant. Theory tossed Ali into the ring steps to take over. The fans broke into a loud “Theory sucks” chant.
Ali climbed to the top rope, but Theory shoved him to ringside. The fans broke into a “Let’s go Ali” chant. Theory slowed the pace down with a chin lock. The fans broke into another “Ali” chant.
Ali fought back and caught Theory with a spinning heel kick. He took over with a rolling neck breaker to loud cheers. Theory pushed him off the top, but Ali landed on his feet. He grabbed his knee and tried to hit a superkick on Theory.
Theory recovered and hit a version of the Spanish fly. Ali fought back and climbed to the top, but Theory cut him off. Theory went for A-Town down, but Ali reversed into the STF to a huge pop. Theory fought back and made it to the ropes.
Ali hit the tilt-a-whirl DDT in the ropes and climbed to the top again. The fans were buzzing as Ali climbed up. He jumped off but missed, and Theory hit a chop block. He followed up with A-town down for the win. The fans erupted in boos.
************
They showed the Money in the Bank commercial again.
They recapped the Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins feud.
Hell in a Cell: Cody Rhodes defeated Seth Rollins (24:29)
Rhodes and Rollins had an awesome match. They worked hard and told a good story revolving around Rhodes’s injury. The fans seemed quiet at certain points, but they came alive at the end. They went crazy for the last few minutes and popped for the finish.
Rollins wore black tights with yellow polka dots ala Dusty Rhodes. The fans sang Rollins’ theme music during his entrance. The second the music ended, the fans booed Rollins and broke into a loud “Cody” chant. Rhodes got a big ovation during his entrance. Rhodes took off his jacket and had a giant purple bruise on his chest and arm.
Rollins went after the injury, but Rhodes broke free. He hit the Cody cutter, but it hurt himself. Rhodes locked on the figure four leg lock. Rollins pulled himself to the apron and pulled out a kendo stick from under the ring. He then attacked Rhodes’s injury with the kendo stick to break free.
Rollins sent Rhodes into the side of the cage. He rubbed Rhodes’s face in the cell. Rhodes fought back, and the fans broke into a brief “Cody” chant. Rollins regained control after hitting Rhodes with the steps. Rollins pulled out a belt with yellow polka dots.
The fans sang Rollins theme music. Rollins whipped Rhodes with the belt for a near fall. He pulled out a table to a massive pop. The fans broke into a loud “Thank you, Rollins” chant. Rollins set up the table and went for a superplex. Rhodes slipped out and attempted a powerbomb, but his injury prevented it.
Rollins took over and placed Rhodes on the table. He went for a frog splash, but Rhodes moved. Rollins crashed through the table to a huge pop. Rhodes then pulled out a bull rope from under the ring. He demanded that Rollins put on the bull rope. It suddenly became a bull rope match.
Rhodes rocked Rollins with a superkick and cracked him with the cowbell for a two-count. Rollins used the rope to pull Rhodes into the ring post. He finally took off the rope and pulled out a second table. Rollins set up the table in the corner, but Rhodes fought back.
Rhodes attempted a powerbomb on the table, but Rollins broke free. Rollins then hit the running powerbomb on the table instead. The fans broke into a brief “This is awesome” chant. Rollins pulled out a sledgehammer, but Rhodes kicked it out of his hands. Rhodes hit the pedigree to a massive pop for a close near fall.
The fans were buzzing as Rhodes picked up the sledgehammer. Rollins ran away but Rhodes chased him. As they got back in the ring, Rollins hit the stomp for a very close two-count. The fans broke into another “This is awesome” chant. Rhodes avoided the stomp, but Rollins hit the crossroads. Rhodes held on and hit the crossroads for a near fall.
Rhodes and Rollins ran for the sledgehammer. Rhodes got to it first, but he couldn’t use it because of his injury. Rhodes recovered and hit two crossroads. He picked up the sledgehammer and hit Rollins in the face for the win to a massive pop.
Rhodes celebrated in the ring to end Hell in a Cell.
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Sunday News Update
Bryan and I did a show this morning talking CM Punk & Cody Rhodes injuries, Melanie Pillman death, Smackdown, Rampage and NXT In Your House as well as Vince McMahon’s recent deposition in the Oliver Luck case. We will talk Hell in a Cell later tonight. We also did a show on all the news from the past week with Garrett Gonzales including the Punk situation as it broke.
Regarding Cody Rhodes, as noted on the front page, he suffered an injury that those at last night’s show in Champaign, IL, said was a torn pec. John Pollock first had the information early on Saturday of the torn pec. Rhodes was at the show but was taken out in an injury angle by Seth Rollins earlier in the show and did come back for a run-in on Rollins. The Rhodes vs. Rollins street fight main event became Drew McIntyre vs. Rollins vs. Sami Zayn and Rhodes chased Rollins. I’m pretty sure Rhodes will wrestle tonight at Hell in a Cell in the match with Rollins and we’ll probably have more after the show. The injury took place lifting weights.
Bryan Danielson and Scorpio Sky of AEW are both hurt. Sky confirmed it on Twitter but hoped it wasn’t serious. Bryan Alvarez noted on today’s show that Sky is expected to be getting an MRI. We don’t know about Danielson past that he didn’t appear at a signing today and it was said he was injured. No idea how that affects Wednesday but Danielson was not on either television show this past week and the belief was he was hurt in the insane match on Sunday.
Hell in a Cell is sold out tonight at the Allstate Arena in Chicago (Rosemont). That is many wrestlers’ favorite city or arena to perform in because of the crowds. Even though the lineup is not deep at all with most of the big stars like Ronda Rousey (who was advertised locally and originally planned), Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, Usos, Randy Orton and Riddle not on the show, the demand locally was huge. The gate is seven figures. The secondary market was on fire the last week and was the hottest secondary market ticket for any show so far this year. it was not an instant sellout so it was the lineup and that really bodes well for Rollins and Rhodes.
Madcap Moss vs. Happy Corbin. This is the only Smackdown match on the show and was set up Friday. They should have a good match because it’s important for Moss to go over strong as this is the time to build him. Oddsmakers feel the same as he’s a -500 favorite to win.
Ezekiel vs. Kevin Owens. Ezekiel is a -170 favorite. The angle has been fun due to Owens’ talking but on television it’s like people seem into the Ezekiel comedy but not so much once he starts wrestling. But that may be where Chicago comes in. Plus, Owens is one of the better guys in the company.
Theory vs. Mustafa Ali for the U.S. title. This has had the bad buildup. The whole build is that Ali loses every confrontation. Often that leads to a slip on a banana peel babyface win, but oddsmakers don’t see it with Theory a whopping -500 favorite. Ali is very good in the ring but they’ve been in the ring and it’s come across as just a decent match so far.
A.J. Styles & Finn Balor & Liv Morgan vs. Damian Priest & Edge & Rhea Ripley. On paper this should be a very good match. The Judgment Day are heavy favorites at -400. I mean, they probably should win and Edge has been teasing the idea of a new member.
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos & MVP in a handicap match. I doesn’t look good on paper. But really, it’s probably Lashley selling and Omos is better on the attack than selling. Lashley is a -160 favorite to win.
Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw women’s title. Even though most would figure Belair wins the oddsmakers are super strong on it with Belair at -550, Asuka at +500 and Becky Lynch at +550. The odds indicate people see this as just a way to prolong the feud since Belair vs. Asuka is the big show direction at some point. Plus everyone knows Belair was not originally to lose here and to beat Naomi. They will almost surely have a good match.
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match. Rhodes is a -550 favorite but those odds came from before word got out on his injury. I would have expected one of the WWE’s best bouts of the year so far originally. With Rhodes being hurt, I believe they’ll still pull something big off, but everything is determined by the limitations Rhodes has with his injury.
On paper, with no major titles expected to change, I guess they could have a surprise but the matches themselves really look like a Raw television show with a nice women’s title match and the one Hell in a Cell. At least for Chicago this year, the Cell, which at one point was a huge draw as a gimmick, still moves tickets.
Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt has got people talking because he had said he was going to be known as Windham going forward, but has changed his Twitter to Wyatt 6 and teased being back soon. People have told me that they believe that has led to some of the secondary market demand.
Chris Ridgeway won the Progress Strong Style 16 tournament and with it the Progress world title earlier today in London.
The only stuff from boxing, wrestling and MMA that trended this past week was yesterday. The George Kambosos vs, Devin Haney fight did 200,000 searches for No. 4. C.M. Punk was No 10 with 50,000 and yesterday’s UFC show was No. 13 with 50,000. Keep in mind nothing regarding MJF made the Google search list last week. One would expect Hell in a Cell at around 200,000 today since that’s what almost all the B shows do.
We’re looking for your thoughts on Hell in a Cell, last night’s NXT In Your House and New Japan’s Budokan Hall Best of the Super Juniors finals. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
AEW
These were the odds this morning on who ends up as U.S. AEW interim champion participant after the end of the Forbidden Door show in Chicago:
Jon Moxley -150 (favorite)
Adam Page +300
Bryan Danielson +300
MJF +300
Hiroshi Tanahashi +500
Adam Cole +1200
Eddie Kingston +2200
Chris Jericho +2500
Miro +4000
Wardlow +4000
Hirooki Goto +5000
A clarification from Friday. At the Gutter Candy concert (Frankie Kazarian’s band) Thursday night at Whiskey A Go go in Los Angeles, we noted Chris Jericho performed at the show. He popped up on stage for a minute to sing a song with them but that was the extent of it.
Other Notes
CWE from last night in Lorette, Manitoba: Mentallo b Dragneel, Bobby Schink b Kevin Cannon-DQ, Sammy Peppers b Danny Duggan, Rob Stardom & James Roth b Mike Mission & Tyler James, Will Damon b Kevin O’Doyle.
XICW from last night in Detroit: Solo b Kyler Coleman, TJ Meyer b Billy Ray Daniels, Soultaker b 3 Faces of Sheepy, Adam Wick b Zach Gowen, Mongo & Brutus Atwell b KJ Reynolds & Ryan Matthias, Jack Price b LJ Lawrence, DBA won the Malcolm Monroe Sr Memorial Cup over Charlie Haas, Tommy Vendetta, Malcolm Monroe III, Adam Wick ,Solo and Kyler Coleman (thanks to Leonard Brand)
The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Riddle is currently not planned for WWE Hell in a Cell.
Riddle and Nakamura earned a title shot for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships by defeating the Usos via disqualification in a non-title match on Raw. Our own Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the match will not take place on Sunday’s pay-per-view, however.
“The Usos match with Nakamura and Riddle was not scheduled for Sunday’s pay-per-view. Now, it could be on Sunday’s pay-per-view,” Meltzer said. “They are doing the match, the plan was to do it in Vegas (Money in the Bank), which of course if you recall, the plan for Vegas was Roman Reigns against Riddle. Now, Roman Reigns is not necessarily off that show but Roman Reigns and Riddle is probably off the show but they can always change their mind, they can change everything tomorrow.”
WWE Hell in a Cell takes place Sunday, June 5 from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The lineup for the card is as follows:
Hell in a Cell match: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Asuka and Becky Lynch in a triple threat match
Handicap match: Bobby Lashley vs. Omos & MVP
Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel
United States Champion Theory defends against Mustafa Ali
Six-person mixed tag team match: The Judgment Day (Edge, Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley) vs. AJ Styles, Finn Balor & Liv Morgan
The first match has been announced for WWE Hell in a Cell.
Cody Rhodes will face Seth “Freakin” Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match at the June 5 event. Rhodes issued the challenge to Rollins on this week’s WWE Raw in response to Rollins attacking Rhodes during his United States title match with Theory on last week’s episode.
Rhodes challenged Rollins, then Rollins was shown laughing on the video wall. Rollins accepted the challenge, then the match was announced following a commercial break.
Rhodes defeated Rollins in his return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 on April 2, then won the rematch at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8.
Rhodes rejoined WWE on a multi-year contract earlier this year after announcing that he was leaving AEW in joint statements released by Rhodes and the company on February 15. Rhodes had served as an executive vice president since AEW launched in 2019.
In the closing segment of Raw, a second match was announced for Hell in a Cell, with Bianca Belair set to defend the Raw Women’s title against Asuka. Here is the lineup to this point:
WWE Hell in a Cell, Sunday, June 5, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Hell in a Cell match: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka
Kevin Owens is taking a break following WWE Hell in a Cell.
Owens wrote on Twitter that he would be taking a break following his loss at the pay-per-view, where he lost to Sami Zayn.
“I fought like hell,” he wrote. “Now, I need a little break. I’ll be back soon. Thank you, guys.”
The story of the match had Owens suffering from a storyline throat injury that took place on SmackDown, when he was in a tag match with Big E against Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez. Owens was pinned in that match when Azeez struck him with the Nigerian nail. Owens spent much of the Hell in a Cell match selling the Nigerian nail attack, which ultimately led to a Zayn win after Zayn dropped Owens throat first on the bottom rope, then connected with the helluva kick.
After ultimately losing to Roman Reigns in a feud over the Universal title, Owens once again found himself feuding with Zayn at the start of this year. The two had a match at WrestleMania 37 that also involved Logan Paul. Owens won that match and gave a stunner to Paul afterwards.
Sasha Banks defeated Bayley to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship tonight at WWE Hell in a Cell.
Banks, competing in her third Cell match, submitted Bayley with a Bank Statement as Bayley’s head and neck were trapped in a steel chair, a callback to earlier in their feud where Bayley turned on Banks and caused a storyline neck injury in a similar manner.
The bout also featured an homage to the pair’s NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn match from August 2015. Just as she did in Brooklyn, Banks stomped on Bayley’s hand to keep her from grabbing the bottom rope in an effort to escape the Bank Statement.
With the win, Banks joins Asuka and Bayley as women’s division Grand Slam Champions, having held the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles as well as the NXT, Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships.
Banks, 28, also joins Charlotte Flair, Asuka and Bayley as the only women to hold the Raw, SmackDown and NXT Women’s titles.
This reign also marks the seventh singles title reign in WWE for Banks, tying her with Trish Stratus for second most in company history, trailing only Flair.
With the defeat, Bayley’s second reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion came to an end at 380 days, a record for the championship.
A match between Jeff Hardy and Elias will take place at Hell in a Cell this Sunday.
During tonight’s episode of Raw Talk, Jeff Hardy accepted a challenge from Elias following a segment that took place earlier tonight on Raw.
Elias held a concert, playing a medley of songs that will be on his upcoming album due out on October 26. He left after finishing his set, but then came back for an encore.
It was at this point that a mystery guitar player began playing on his own. Elias demanded that the musician stop playing. The guitar player revealed himself to be Hardy, and attempted to attack Elias with the guitar. Elias ducked the attack and fled.
Later, in a backstage interview, Elias challenged Hardy to a match.
Matches already announced for Hell in a Cell include Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso in a Falls Count Anywhere match inside Hell in a Cell for the WWE Universal title, Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Championship, and Bayley vs. Sasha Banks in another Hell in a Cell match for the SmackDown Women’s title.
Just when you thought he was gone, Brock Lesnar returned to WWE television tonight during the Hell in a Cell main event.
Lesnar’s music hit right after a big spot where Reigns and Strowman’s seconds, Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler, fell off the cage through the announce tables on the ground. Lesnar, accompanied by Paul Heyman, kicked through the Hell in a Cell door and destroyed both Strowman and Lesnar, laying them out with F5’s. The referee waved off the match soon after, determining that both men were unable to continue. It is clear at this point Lesnar is still in WWE plans, though it is currently unknown what his contract situation is.
Lesnar was last seen at last month’s SummerSlam, where he lost the Universal title to Roman Reigns. His short term contract with WWE expired soon after. He’s currently undergoing USADA drug testing ahead of a possible UFC heavyweight title match against Daniel Cormier, but the date for that bout has not been set.
The SmackDown tag team title match for Hell in a Cell has been set.
On tonight’s episode of SmackDown, Rusev Day (Rusev & Aiden English) defeated The Bar (Cesaro & Sheamus) to earn the right to compete against The New Day this Sunday. The finish had Sheamus setting up for the Brogue kick. Aiden English, sensing what was about to happen, pushed Rusev out of the way and took the kick. In the confusion, Rusev used the opportunity to strike Sheamus with the machka kick and pinned him to score the win for his team.
There had been a mini-tournament over the last few weeks to determine a number one contender for the titles. Rusev Day defeated SAnitY and The Usos in a triple threat tag team match, while The Bar defeated The Colons and Anderson & Gallows ahead of tonight’s match.
Hell in a Cell will take place this Sunday at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Jeff Hardy will battle Randy Orton next month within the confines of the Hell in a Cell structure.
Hardy came to the ring tonight during SmackDown and called out Orton, claiming that the got into his head last week. Orton arrived, saying that Hardy only needed to remember about the RKO. Hardy cut him off before he could finish and challenged him to a Hell in a Cell match. WWE later made the match official on their Twitter account.
Orton and Hardy have been feuding for the last couple of months, with Orton attacking Hardy at Extreme Rules back in July. He has continuned his assaults on Hardy over the last several weeks, though held himself back when Hardy unsuccessfully challenged for the United States title at SummerSlam. Things kicked off again last week when the two brawled throughout the arena, culminating with Hardy delivering a swanton bomb through a table near the entryway.
Hell in a Cell will take place on September 16 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Alexa Bliss will have another crack at the Raw Women’s title at next month’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.
Bliss came out tonight during Raw and addressed Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, who had accompanied Natalya to the ring. Trish Stratus was there by their side as well, as she earlier exchanged words with Elias. Bliss officially invoked her rematch clause for Hell in a Cell, taunting fans who had wanted it tonight in Toronto.
A match followed, with Alicia Fox taking on Natalya. Mickie James, who had been absent for the last few weeks, made her return, cornering Fox at ringside with Bliss. Natalya submitted Fox with the Sharpshooter.
This all stems from their match at SummerSlam, where Rousey submitted Bliss once she was able to get her hands on her to win the championship. Bliss wore a cast the next night on Raw in order to sell the injury, but didn’t wear one this week.
Hell in a Cell will take place on September 16 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Charlotte Flair is back on television and is next in line for a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Charlotte pinned Tamina in a fatal four-way main event tonight to earn a shot at Natalya’s title at Hell in a Cell. The match also included Becky Lynch and Naomi.
Earlier in the night, Charlotte made her first appearance on SmackDown since her father’s health issues (though she’s been backstage at the show the last few weeks). She thanked everyone for their support, said that Ric Flair was making a comeback from his health problems, and that she’s learned that you have to make the moments count in life.
She was then interrupted by Natalya, who said that everyone is happy that Ric is doing better, but she wanted to focus on her “Celebration of Women.” That ended up being more of a celebration of Natalya until Charlotte challenged her to a title match, but Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Tamina all wanted a shot as well and Daniel Bryan made the main event official.
Another title match was also added to the Hell in a Cell lineup before SmackDown, with The New Day and Usos again set to face off with the tag titles on the line.
The recently opened Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan will host Hell in a Cell on October 8th. Here’s what the card looks like so far:
WWE Champion Jinder Mahal defending against Shinsuke Nakamura
Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens in a Hell in a Cell match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya defending against Charlotte Flair
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against The Usos
