Tag: wwe survivor series

WWE Survivor Series live results: Two WarGames matches

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: November 25, 2023
Location: Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL

The Big Takeaway —

CM Punk is back. 

Show recap — 

KICK-OFF SHOW —

The preshow panel was hosted by Kayla Braxton, Jackie Redmond, Booker T, Wade Barrett and Peter Rosenberg. Braxton noted how chilly it was because, in fact, they were hosting outside the arena. Redmond wasn’t bothered by the cold because she’s Canadian. (I’m guessing they were placed outdoors in part to free up as many seats in the arena as possible.)

They ran down the card including the return of Randy Orton. 

There were some CM Punk chants but it didn’t last long as fans are filing into the arena. 

Among the things Booker has said so far: You can always trust a snake and Bayley is like Tom Brady. 

********

Byron Saxton interviewed Santos Escobar and asked about his attacks on Rey Mysterio and Carlito. Escobar said “attack” was too small a word. He delivered justice. Justice for all the time he spent in Mysterio’s shadow. They called themselves mentors but they were really gatekeepers and he showed the world that their time was up.

Dragon Lee was the next chapter in the same old story. Dragon Lee had spirit but spirit didn’t win fights. Escobar could do whatever it took and Dragon Lee made the biggest mistake of his career by challenging him. Dragon Lee would be an example of what happens when you turn your back on Santos Escobar.

******** 

Thanks to a fan vote, the team of Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair and Shotzi will have the advantage in their WarGames match. 

There was a video package for Roman Reigns, who is not on tonight’s show.  

********

SURVIVOR SERIES: WARGAMES 2023 MAIN SHOW —

As you may have seen on Smackdown, the lack of a big stage makes it look like there are a ton of people in the building. It appears most people are in as the show kicks off.

They lowered the cage as fire pyro went off. Michael Cole and Corey Graves are on commentary. 

If you didn’t see it on the preshow, the babyfaces will have the advantage in the Women’s WarGames match. 

WarGames Match: Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair & Shotzi defeated Bayley, Asuka, Kairi Sane & WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky (33:37)

Team Damage CTRL all entered wearing masks. Becky Lynch and Bayley started for their teams. (Graves made a reference to the Four Horsewomen as Bayley entered.)

Bayley suplexed Lynch onto the metal plate between the two rings but Lynch suplexed Bayley into the cage and and applied a Disarmer. Dakota Kai showed up at ringside and hit Lynch with a kendo stick to break it up. She handed the kendo stick to Bayley who used it on Lynch. The crowd chanted for tables less than five minutes into the match.

Shotzi entered next and the crowd cheered as she looked under the ring but they booed because she didn’t grab a table but instead shoved chairs and a trash can into the ring. Bayley tried to escape the cage (which the announcers noted would be a forfeit) but Shotzi and Lynch brought her down.

Iyo Sky entered next. Cole noted this was her fifth WarGames match which was the most in history. The crowd cheered for a moment as she also looked under the ring but she brought out a steel chain, not a table. Sky wiped out her opponents with a springboard double dropkick before Sky and Bayley hit Lynch with a double superplex.

Bianca Belair entered next. She had her hair in two braids instead of one. She didn’t bring a weapon into the ring and used her braids instead. Bayley and Sky tried to yank Belair off the top by her braids but she did a backflip and hit them with a double superplex. That was a cool spot.

Kairi Sane entered next. The crowd chanted for tables. Sane grabbed a trash can lid instead and nodded at the crowd. Even though the babyfaces were in control and had the numbers advantage, Sane was able to take them down one at a time. Damage CTRL buried Shotzi under some chairs. Sky launched Sane into the air and she hit an elbow drop on Shotzi. Belair press slammed Sane into her partners. Damage CTRL regained the advantage by using the chairs.

Charlotte Flair entered next and she handed out chops. She didn’t even look under the ring. Charlotte slammed Sky into the cage and Sky slid down and landed awkwardly on her tailbone. Charlotte also hit Sane and Bayley with a double Natural Selection/blockbuster off the top. Lynch and Charlotte faced off and Damage CTRL used the distraction to attack them.

Sky went to the top of the cage and dropped one end of the chain down to Kai who tied it to a trash can. Sky pulled the trash can up and placed it on top of the cage. Sky stood up on top of the cage as my hands began sweating. Sky placed the trash can over her body and did a flying crossbody onto everyone while in the lid. The crowd chanted “Holy shit.” Indeed.

Asuka entered last with everyone down. The crowd cheered as she went under the ring but she pulled out two kendo sticks. The crowd booed. Asuka did pull out a table next and the crowd cheered. She also grabbed a fire extinguisher.

Damage CTRL chained Lynch and Belair together and all four team members dropkicked them simultaneously. Asuka blew mist in Shotzi’s face and hit a missile dropkick on Lynch, who was inside the trash can, for two. Lynch and Belair powerbombed two opponents out of the corner.

Charlotte went to the top of the cage and hit a moonsault on all four members of Damage CTRL. Iyo Sky caught the worst of this as Charlotte, predictably, didn’t exactly land gracefully. Charlotte covered Bayley for two.

Charlotte and Lynch did a double-team move and they did a big hug. Lynch really played it up as a big moment. They got attacked from behind again but each managed to apply their submissions. Sane tried an elbow drop but Lynch countered into a Disarmer. Bayley broke that up with a knee strike. Belair put Asuka on her shoulders and Shotzi hit a nice missile dropkick but Bayley broke up the cover.

They traded some moves before Belair sprayed the fire extinguisher in Asuka’s face. Sane killed Shotzi with a trash can lid. Charlotte went to spear Sane but Bayley took the bullet and ate the spear. Shotzi hit Bayley with a senton and Bayley hit her with KOD.

Belair handed Bayley to Lynch who put her through a table with a Man-handle Slam off the ropes for the pinfall win.

Lynch, Belair, Charlotte and Shotzi celebrated together. Cole put over Lynch and Charlotte finally being back on the same page together.

(This was a perfectly fine/good WarGames match but the highlight by far was Iyo’s blind dive off the cage. The crowd enjoyed it.)

******** 

Jey Uso met with Sami Zayn in the back. Zayn warned Jey that Randy Orton wasn’t there yet. Jey wasn’t surprised. He wondered why Orton would show up after what they did to him. (This led to CM Punk chants.) Zayn said they would take care of this together no matter what happens.

********

Cole said that if Miz won, he would tie Chris Jericho for most Intercontinental title reigns ever. He also said that Gunther has been champion for 533 days and if you add up all of Miz’s eight title reigns, it amounts to 592 days. (Cole also mentioned Edge later on the list of great former IC champions.)

Gunther defeated The Miz to retain the Intercontinental Championship (12:21)

They gave Miz a lot but Gunther won by submission.

Miz chopped Gunther which just irritated him. Gunther dropped Miz with a chop. Miz fought back but his strikes didn’t have much of an effect. However, Miz tripped Gunther while outside the ring and drove his leg onto the edge of the ring. Miz also applied the Bret Hart figure four around the ring post. Miz tried a springboard move but Gunther booted him out of the air.

Gunther took over from there and kept cutting off Miz’s offence. Gunther gloated to the crowd who booed. Miz managed to fight back, again targeting the leg with unconvincing strikes. Gunther sold big for him anyway. Miz continued to use kicks, this time to Gunther’s chest to bring him down. Miz followed with a tilt-a-whirl DDT for two.

Gunther countered a Skull Crushing Finale and hit a dropkick and powerbomb for two. Gunther applied a sleeper as Miz accidentally-on-purpose yanked the turnbuckle cover off.

Miz kicked Gunther in the nuts as the referee fixed the turnbuckle cover and followed with Skull Crushing Finale for a nearfall. I guess the ref didn’t fix the turnbuckle because Miz drove Gunther into it and applied a cradle for another nearfall. (The crowd bought a potential title change.)

Gunther clotheslined Miz, splashed his back, and applied a Boston Crab. Gunther transitioned the crab into a Liontamer and Miz tapped out.

(Cole mentioned Jericho earlier, and they compared a few of Miz’s spots to Bret Hart, but they did not mention Jericho when Gunther used the Liontamer.)

********

There was a credit card ad with Jey Uso and Liv Morgan.

The male members of Judgment Day met in the back. Dominik Mysterio heard that Orton wouldn’t be there. Finn Bálor said they were good either way. Either Orotn wouldn’t be there, or he would show up and poison his team from the inside. Damian Priest left to let Drew McIntyre know what was going on.

********

Cole mentioned some notable wrestlers who made their WWE debut at Survivor Series including Kurt Angle, The Rock, Undertaker, The Shield, and Sting. 

Santos Escobar defeated Dragon Lee (8:19)

Escobar was in control from the get-go but Dragon Lee leaped over the top and brought Escobar down with a hurricanrana to the outside. Dragon Lee followed with a flip dive and the crowd chanted for him. Lee went to the top but Escobar met him and brought him down with a hurricanrana for two.

A frustrated Escobar aggressively ripped at the mask of Dragon Lee and the crowd chanted “assh*le.” (Denise Salcedo on Twitter said they were chanting “culero” and I will take her word for it.)

Dragon Lee came back later with a double foot stomp off the top for two. Escobar dropped him with a superkick. They traded knee strikes before Dragon Lee showed off his strength and hit a sit-out powerbomb for two.

Dragon Lee went for something but Escobar countered into a Canadian Destroyer and Phantom Driver for the abrupt pinfall win.

This was good for the time they had but this and the Gunther matches felt like TV matches.

*******

LA Knight was in a Slim Jim commercial.

Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston arrived at the arena in a Slim Jim car. They honked their horn to the New Day chant and the crowd sang along. Woods and Kingston were happy to have Slim Jims.

********

Rhea Ripley defeated Zoey Stark to retain the Women’s World Championship (9:15)

By the end of the match, Cole made it seem like Stark put up a hell of a fight but that’s not how it came across at all. Ripley dominated and Stark got some offence but everybody liked Ripley and Stark didn’t get even as much as Miz got against Gunther.

There was an odd spot where it looked like maybe Ripley was going to chokeslam Stark off the top and Stark tried to land on her feet but she didn’t. WWE crowds are patient these days so they let this go.

While Ripley was on offence, Stark dared Ripley to hit her because she’s tough. Ripley did, but Stark countered the Rip-tide into a German suplex. Ripley countered a Z360 and hit a headbutt. She followed with Rip-tide for the pinfall win. Another TV match. 

(The crowd really likes Ripley but her matches lately have no heat at all.)

********

Cody Rhodes approached Seth Rollins, Jey Uso and Sami Zayn in the back. They were annoyed that Orton wasn’t there. Rhodes assured them that he’d be there. Rollins and Jey weren’t so sure. Zayn seemed to trust Rhodes. 

WarGames Match: Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defeated Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh & Drew McIntyre (34:07)

Priest and McIntyre stared each other down for a long time before the match as Bálor entered to start for his team. Rollins started for his team. Orton wasn’t there so they started without him. Some fans chanted for CM Punk and some other fans booed.

The crowd sang Rollins’ song as he entered. He played it up like usual but then suddenly attacked Bálor to start the match because Bálor wasn’t expecting it.

Rollins had the advantage over Bálor until the “tenacious Irish ace” JD McDonagh entered next to team up with Bálor. They attacked Rollins with kendo sticks. The chants for tables have been replaced with chants for CM Punk. (Admittedly, not as loud.)

Jey Uso entered next and the crowd woke up because they got to say “Yeet” as he hit strikes. Jey was doing well until McDonagh hit him with a standing Spanish Fly. Rollins and Jey worked together to regain the advantage.

The next member of team Judgment Day was up next. It seemed like it would be McIntyre but Priest, the leader for tonight, said it would be him instead. Rollins and Jey fought off the numbers advantage momentarily but Priest used a metal baton to get the advantage for his team.

A relatively small group of fans keep trying to get CM Punk chants going but it isn’t carrying. (It seems like the crowd is just waiting for Orton, or whoever, to enter.)

Sami Zayn entered next. McDonagh tried to attack with a kendo stick but Zayn grabbed it and used it on him instead. Zayn slammed the door on Bálor’s face too. Zayn woke up the crowd for a second time by grabbing a table. The crowd chanted “Thank you, Sami.” Zayn grabbed a conveniently placed pipe from the cage and used it as a weapon on Judgment Day.

McIntyre entered next. He suplexed Zayn and Rollins before turning his attention to Jey. Jey fought him off for a moment before McIntyre hit a neckbreaker. Jey and Zayn teamed up to give McIntyre a 1D.

Cody Rhodes entered next. Cole talked about Dusty Rhodes inventing WarGames. Rhodes hit a few moves before grabbing a bull rope. Rollins grabbed the other end and they used it as a weapon together. (Dominik was alone in a cage so the crowd chanted “Dom, you suck.”)

Dom entered to a chorus of boos. Dom used some Miz-level strikes before suplexing Rhodes. He tried three amigos but was surrounded by the babyfaces. They put the boots to him and set up a table. They were going to put him through a table but the rest of Judgment Day saved him.

There were chants for “Randy” followed by chants for “CM Punk” Judgment Day and McIntyre each took turns hitting big moves on the good guys.

Time counted down to the final member of team Rhodes. Nobody entered.

However, Rhea Ripley entered with the briefcase. They planned to cash in but… Randy Orton entered. Orton was in terrific shape.

Orton clotheslined Dom and hit a powerslam. He also powerslammed McDonagh. The crowd chanted for Orton as he gave Bálor a draping DDT. Orton and McIntyre faced off but their encounter was quickly cut off when Priest attacked Orton from behind.

The babyfaces jumped in to save Orton which led to a spot where all the good guys hit draping DDTs to members of Judgment Day. Orton set up for an RKO but seemed to draw his attention to Jey Uso. Orton was letting Jey know he didn’t forget what happened.

Priest was about to attack Orton but Jey saved him with a superkick. This led to the babyfaces each hitting their finishers. McDonagh was the last man up and tried to escape the cage but was stopped by Zayn and Rollins.

Zayn and Rollins chucked McDonagh off the cage and Orton planted him with an RKO. Orton shoved Priest into Rhodes who hit Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win.

— The good guys posed together as the show ended.

Nope, the show didn’t end. CM Punk entered. He’s back. Crowd went nuts. 

Fight Game: WWE Survivor Series preview

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and I are back with a brand new Fight Game Podcast.

We cheated a little bit on our Top 5 as talking about our Thanksgiving celebrations spread as our first topic.

We then got to the rest of the Top 5 which included:

  • Thoughts on the main matches at AEW Full Gear
  • The beginning of AEW’s Continental Classic and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for the tournament
  • The matches for Saturday’s WWE Survivor Series
  • The origin story of the original Survivor Series

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

WWE Survivor Series preview: Shaky alliances & pending double crosses

Posted on by Ian Carey

WarGames returns to the main roster for tonight’s WWE Survivor Series from Chicago (8 PM EST on Peacock/WWE Network).

The WarGames match itself has gone through many different eras with some being far better-reviewed than others. Only time will tell how this stage in WarGames history will compare with others, but last year felt like a good start.

You can break up the match’s history into the following five periods:

  • Crockett era
  • Early-90s WCW
  • Late-90s WCW
  • NXT
  • WWE main roster

Crockett-era WarGames matches are typically the best-reviewed with the first two on the 1987 Great American Bash tour both receiving five stars from Dave Meltzer. It continued to be hugely popular for JCP and then WCW in the early 90s, but things took a considerable dip in the Attitude Era.

By the time the Ultimate Warrior ran in during the 1998 edition, it was safe to say the event’s aura was not what it once was. I once heard reports another WarGames match was held in Vince Russo-era WCW, but I am either unable or unwilling to confirm.

The NXT era of WarGames that followed is tough to beat in terms of match quality. Meltzer never did give five stars for any of them, but several came close and very few were rated under four with the 2021 women’s edition arguably being the only one to disappoint.

The new era of WarGames on the WWE main roster started strong last year. That Survivor Series currently holds a 7.51 rating on Cagematch, making it the fourth highest-rated show (out of 37) in the event’s history.

The WarGames matches provide a new way for WWE to shape storylines heading into the Royal Rumble and ultimately WrestleMania season. It’s already going way better than the “brand supremacy” format we had for years, although that is not a high bar.

This year’s WarGames matches are all about shaky alliances and pending double crosses. Someone is turning on someone — it’s just not clear who those people are just yet.

Betting odds were obtained from Betonline on the week of the show.

Men’s WarGames match: Drew McIntyre and Judgment Day (JD McDonagh, Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & Damian Priest) vs. Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso & Randy Orton (-450 favorites)

One thing to keep an eye on here is Priest and the Money in the Bank briefcase. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Priest leave Saturday with the WWE World Heavyweight title belt. Rollins could be in a particularly vulnerable spot after the match, although Priest could be too badly beat up himself to cash in as well.

The drama in this year’s men’s WarGames match is kind of interesting. It all comes down to who is willing to forgive Uso for the Bloodline costing them matches against Roman Reigns with McIntyre being the only holdout.

In McIntyre’s mind, he’s right and the babyfaces are wrong. He thus feels justified joining up with a gang of similarly disenfranchised rapscallions in Judgment Day. It creates an interesting dynamic, but I’m not expecting him to remain with Judgment Day after Saturday. He could do something during the WarGames match to show he has no alliances with anyone which could factor into the finish, too. 

In terms of match quality, this should be very good. It will be a special match for Rhodes, so expect him to try and make it memorable.

The babyfaces will likely win with McDonagh taking the fall for Judgment Day. What comes after that could be very interesting, however.

Prediction: Rhodes, Uso, Zayn, Rollins & Orton (with Priest possibly cashing in his MITB and defeating Rollins afterward)

Women’s WarGames match: Damage CTRL (Bayley, IYO Sky, Asuka & Kairi Sane) (-180 favorites) vs. Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Shotzi & Charlotte Flair

This match has the closest odds of any on the card. It’s basically a pick ’em and there are several different ways it could end.

They have teased that the other members of Damage CTRL are gearing up to kick Bayley out of the group, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen. That feels like it could be a red herring or possibly even a red rooster.

One of the first things Paul “Triple H” Levesque did when he got the creative reins after Vince McMahon’s “retirement” last summer was to have Bayley form this group. She has talked openly about wanting to create the first real big female faction in WWE. I don’t know why either of them would decide to abandon the plan now. It seems more likely to me that the big turn in the match could come from the babyface side.

The alliances on the babyface team are possibly even shakier than with Damage CTRL. Flair strikes me as someone who could turn back heel at any time and it wouldn’t surprise me if she does it in WarGames, maybe setting up another feud with she and Lynch.

If I had to make a prediction, and for this article I do, I think the finish of this match involves Flair and Lynch not being on the same page somehow and it costing the babyfaces. Damage CTRL then leaves Chicago a more unified group moving forward. 

Prediction: Damage CTRL

WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther (-5000 favorite) defends against The Miz

Miz is not going to dethrone Gunther, but WWE has crafted an interesting little angle for the two.

The story that was set up in Gunther and Miz’s promo battle on Raw is that Gunther does not respect Miz as a wrestler. This lined up with his recent comments about Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, and other “showmen.”

The segment brought back memories of the Miz and Daniel Bryan having a similar debate on Talking Smack with Gunther taking Bryan’s role criticizing Miz for his soft style while Miz defends the WWE approach.

In a sense, it is Miz is representing WWE and “sports entertainment” against Gunther who is representing professional wrestling. Since the match is taking place in WWE, Miz is the babyface. To further the babyface/heel divide here, Gunther also commented on Miz being bullied in school for having WWE Superstars as his heroes. I suppose this would be in contrast to the professional wrestling fans at Miz’s school who must have been considered the cool kids.

WWE has attempted to turn Miz babyface only a small amount of times in his very lengthy career. Up until last Monday, none of them had gone very well at all. However, he did manage to get some sympathy from the crowd on Raw — something I don’t believe he’s ever received before in his 17-year WWE run.

Prediction: Gunther retains

WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley (-3000 favorite) defends against Zoey Stark

The betting world is not giving the challenger much of a chance in this one. She is listed as the second-largest underdog on the card after Miz and I can’t say I disagree.

Ripley is basically the most valuable player on Raw right now. She’s all over the show, taking part in Judgement Day’s business in addition to fending off challengers to her title. I don’t see her championship reign ending anytime soon.

Prediction: Ripley retains

Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar

This was made on Friday’s SmackDown when Carlito was “seriously injured” during a brawl on the show where Escobar jumped Carlito from behind. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis later pulled Carlito from the match and inserted Lee instead.

Whether it’s against Carlito or Lee, the purpose of this match is to establish Escobar as a top star and rival for Rey Mysterio. I’m expecting their feud to run through to WrestleMania, so it would be quite the choice to have Escobar lose here. 

It’s now or never for Escobar. The 39-year-old has been with the company since 2019, having spent most of it in NXT. However, Levesque has confidence in the guy and is putting him in the most important, and likely lucrative, angle of his career. He seemingly checks all the boxes and this is his chance to get to the next level.

Prediction: Escobar

Dragon Lee to replace Carlito at WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Dragon Lee is replacing Carlito at Saturday’s Survivor Series.

An angle took place on Friday’s SmackDown that took Carlito out of his match against Santos Escobar. After Carlito called out Escobar, the two ended up brawling outside of the ring. As they were being separated, Escobar ran into the crowd and jumped Carlito from behind. As Carlito stumbled his way backstage, Carlito was again attacked by Escobar when Lee made the save.

Later, Nick Aldis was interviewed and said that Carlito was seriously hurt and out of his match at Survivor Series, and would have to postpone the match as a result. Lee entered and asked Aldis not to postpone the match, saying he wanted to face Escobar. Aldis agreed to the match.

Escobar turned on the LWO after he attacked Rey Mysterio following the events of Crown Jewel. In the weeks since, Escobar has made it clear he no longer wanted any part of the LWO, telling the rest of the group that he no longer needed them and hoped that Mysterio’s leg injury was serious enough that doctors would have to amputate the leg.

Here is the updated lineup for Saturday’s Survivor Series:

WWE Survivor Series, Saturday, November 25, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Men’s WarGames match: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) & Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton
  • Women’s WarGames match: Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair & Shotzi vs. Damage CTRL (Asuka, Bayley, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane)
  • WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Zoey Stark
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against The Miz
  • Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar

Gunther: It will be a ‘clash of styles’ against The Miz at WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Joseph Currier

At WWE Survivor Series this weekend, Gunther and The Miz will face off for the first time ever.

Gunther is defending his Intercontinental title against Miz at Saturday’s premium live event in Rosemont, Illinois. In advance of the match, Gunther was interviewed by Sports Illustrated. Gunther said he’s looking forward to sharing the ring with Miz.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to being in the ring with one of the top stars of the past 10 years,” Gunther said. “I’m looking forward to proving myself against him.”

Gunther admitted that it will be a clash of styles when they face off, with Miz representing the more traditional WWE sports entertainment style.

“I’m not a typical WWE guy,” Gunther said. “I established and developed myself far away from WWE. Miz is different. He went through the WWE system, and he’s living proof of how effective the system is. He’s one of the most decorated wrestlers they’ve ever had. So it will be a clash of styles.”

While the matchup will be a styles clash, Gunther added that Miz will also need to bring out a different side of himself at Survivor Series.

“It’s great when I hear, ’Here’s your match, make it exciting.’ I do a lot of my storytelling in the ring. That’s what makes it stand out, and that’s what you’ll see at Survivor Series,” Gunther said. “Miz’s rah-rah stuff that he usually does, that won’t work against me. He’s going [to] need to bring out a different side to wrestle me.”

Miz became the number one contender to the Intercontinental title by defeating Bronson Reed, Ivar, and Ricochet in a fatal four-way match on Raw two weeks ago. Last Monday, Miz defeated Ivar in a singles match.

Gunther has now been Intercontinental Champion for more than 500 days. His reign began when he defeated Ricochet on SmackDown in June 2022.

Though Gunther currently isn’t able to wrestle outside of the United States, Gunther told Sports Illustrated that he should be in action at WWE’s Bash in Berlin premium live event in Germany in August 2024.

“I’m applying for my green card,” Gunther said. “During that process, you can’t leave the process for a little bit. But the PLE is in August. It should be over by then.”

Carlito vs. Santos Escobar set for WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Former allies will square off at WWE Survivor Series. 

After turning on Rey Mysterio and the LWO on last week’s SmackDown, Santos Escobar will take on the LWO’s Carlito at Survivor Series on Saturday, November 25. 

The match was made official during this week’s SmackDown following a promo segment where Escobar explained his reasoning for attacking Mysterio, then laid out Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro of the LWO. Carlito attempted to make the save, but Escobar escaped through the audience. 

Five matches are now set for Survivor Series, including a pair of WarGames bouts, an Intercontinental title match, plus a Women’s World title defense. 

The Survivor Series lineup: 

WWE Survivor Series, Saturday, November 25, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Men’s WarGames match: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) vs. Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & Cody Rhodes
  • Women’s WarGames match: Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair & Shotzi vs. Damage CTRL (Asuka, Bayley, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane)
  • WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Zoey Stark
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against The Miz
  • Carlito vs. Santos Escobar

Women’s WarGames match official for WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The women’s WarGames match is official for WWE Survivor Series and the teams are set. 

A week after Asuka turned on Bianca Belair, Shotzi, & Charlotte Flair on SmackDown, Asuka officially joined Damage CTRL on this week’s SmackDown and the gauntlet was thrown down for a WarGames match at Survivor Series with Asuka, IYO SKY, Bayley, & Kairi Sane on one team. Belair, Flair, & Shotzi would make up the other team, and a show-long storyline commenced on SmackDown with Damage CTRL attacking potential partners backstage. 

In the show-closing angle, Becky Lynch made a surprise appearance to join the Belair, Flair, & Shotzi team, and the match was officially announced for next Saturday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. 

WWE later announced that a fan vote will determine which team in the women’s WarGames bout will have the order of entry advantage as part of a sponsorship deal with Ruffles:

The current Survivor Series lineup is as follows: 

WWE Survivor Series, Saturday, November 25, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Men’s WarGames match: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) vs. Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & Cody Rhodes
  • Women’s WarGames match: Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair & Shotzi vs. Damage CTRL (Asuka, Bayley, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane)
  • WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Zoey Stark
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against The Miz
  • Carlito vs. Santos Escobar

Drew McIntyre under consideration for WWE Survivor Series WarGames match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Drew McIntyre is under consideration to be added to the men’s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series.

The WarGames match is currently scheduled to pit Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso against The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio) & JD McDonagh. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed that WWE is considering adding McIntyre to Judgment Day’s team:

The men’s War Games match right now is listed as having Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn & Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio & Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. There were reports that this will change and McIntyre will be part of the Judgment Day team. I was just told that this is under consideration and could happen. That would lead to someone having to be added to the other side. While there’s a roster full of people who would fit that bill, there is nobody obvious. Kevin Owens makes the most sense on a storyline basis. Ricochet would fit from a spectacular basis but he’s questionable for that date due to the possibility of a concussion. Bronson Reed would be an unpredictable pick who would benefit from a main event.

McIntyre has been playing a tweener character in recent weeks. At Crown Jewel last Saturday, he unsuccessfully challenged Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. McIntyre had declined Judgment Day’s help leading into the match. When he was shown sulking backstage after his loss to Rollins, Rhea Ripley walked by and shrugged.

McIntyre refused to speak about his Crown Jewel loss on Raw this week.

WWE’s video package announcing that WarGames would be the theme of this year’s Survivor Series indicated that there would be 10 participants in each WarGames match.

It’s expected that there will also be a women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series. The event is being held at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois on Saturday, November 25.

Intercontinental title match official for WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The Intercontinental Championship will be defended at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames. 

The Miz won a four-way number one contender’s match on Monday’s Raw to earn a shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental title at Survivor Series: WarGames set for Saturday, November 25. 

Miz pinned “Big” Bronson Reed after Reed missed a Tsunami in a four-way also involving Ivar & Ricochet to earn the title shot at Survivor Series. Ivar had Ricochet pinned simultaneously, but Ricochet kicked out at two while Miz held on to his cover on Reed to cement the win. 

Ivar attacked Miz after the match and a bout between the two is set for next Monday’s Raw. 

Zoey Stark won a number one contender’s battle royal on Raw to earn a shot at Rhea Ripley’s Women’s World Championship at Survivor Series and the first two bouts are now official for the event. 

The current lineup: 

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, Saturday, November 25, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against The Miz
  • Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Zoey Stark

WWE announces return of Survivor Series: WarGames

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WarGames is officially returning for this year’s Survivor Series.

During Crown Jewel on Saturday, WWE announced that WarGames will be taking place at Survivor Series later this month. WWE has yet to reveal any of the participants who will be taking part in the men’s and women’s WarGames matches.

Survivor Series is just three weeks away. The event is taking place from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois on Saturday, November 25. It will stream live on Peacock/WWE Network. 

In 2022, WarGames made its WWE main roster debut at Survivor Series. The decision to use WarGames on the main roster was made by Paul “Triple H” Levesque after he took control of WWE creative.

Originally created by Dusty Rhodes in Jim Crockett Promotions, WarGames was a signature match of the NWA/WCW. It was revived by Levesque in 2017 for NXT. WarGames matches took place in NXT every year from 2017 through 2021.

The men’s WarGames match at last year’s Survivor Series saw Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa & Sami Zayn defeat Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch, Drew McIntyre & Kevin Owens. In the women’s WarGames match, Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Asuka, Alexa Bliss & Mia Yim defeated Rhea Ripley, Bayley, IYO SKY, Dakota Kai & Nikki Cross.

Roman Reigns not scheduled for WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It appears that Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns won’t be in action at Survivor Series next month.

In the new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Reigns isn’t scheduled for Survivor Series. The event is taking place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois on Saturday, November 25.

“Reigns is not scheduled for Survivor Series, which is notable because it’s considered a big four event,” Meltzer wrote. “He defends at Crown Jewel and his next scheduled PPV match won’t be until Royal Rumble.”

Reigns currently isn’t advertised for Survivor Series. Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, Asuka, Rhea Ripley, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Bobby Lashley, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, and Finn Balor are featured on WWE.com’s banner advertising the show.

Reigns is defending his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against LA Knight at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 4. It will be Reigns’ first televised match since defeating Jey Uso at SummerSlam.

A contract signing for Reigns vs. Knight at Crown Jewel is part of the lineup for tonight’s SmackDown on FS1.

CM Punk on if he’ll be at WWE Survivor Series: ‘I think it’s sold out’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On Thursday, CM Punk appeared as a guest on the Bernstein & Holmes sports radio show in Chicago.

During the appearance, the hosts brought up that listeners are asking if Punk will be at WWE Survivor Series, which is taking place in the Chicago area on November 25.

“They’re asking if I’m going to be there? I think it’s sold out,” Punk responded. “I think tickets are hard to get.”

Punk was then asked if it’s possible that he’ll perform at Survivor Series.

“I don’t want to burst anybody’s bubble. I’m kind of just sitting at home right now enjoying this beautiful Chicago weather,” Punk said. “I have an injury in the family, my dog blew his little dog ACL. So I’m literally just spending my time with him. And I know that sounds a little crazy, but he is my son and I take care of him and treat him as such. So everything has kind of stopped. I’m fortunate to be able to just take time off from everything. I’ve canceled a couple of things I have coming up. Traveling is just, it’s hard trying to leave him here with my wife April. So if there’s two of us here taking care of him, it seems to be easier.”

The topic of Punk’s AEW departure was not brought up during the interview. Punk’s AEW contract was terminated with cause on September 2 following a backstage incident with Jack Perry that took place at All In.

Dave Meltzer reported earlier this month that WWE has decided against hiring Punk.

Also during the Bernstein & Holmes Show appearance, Punk explained why he believes wrestlers will never unionize.

“For professional wrestling? Yeah, wrestlers should 100 percent have a union. And I’ll always say this, and I mean it in the most loving way, wrestlers will never unionize because wrestlers are stupid and selfish,” Punk said, “That’s just the way it is. There’s always gonna be somebody else around the corner that wants what you have, or possibly just doesn’t want you to have what you have. And they will do whatever a promoter wants you to do for less money. And that’s unfortunate. But the boys never stick together.”

Over the weekend, Punk attended the home opener of the Chicago Blackhawks’ NHL season. Punk voiced the team’s introduction video for the game.

Punk was backstage at Impact Wrestling’s television tapings in Cicero, Illinois on Sunday.

Thursday’s radio show appearance took place on the same day as Punk’s birthday. He turns 45 years old today.

Daily Update: UFC 294 fallout, Dana White, WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up:

  • Match and performer of the week for both of the past two weeks
  • The changes in WWE, Vince out of creative, how UFC and WWE are being treated differently
  • Showtime drops all sports programming and their entire sports department, both how in and of itself its a major story in boxing, MMA and could be in pro wrestling, but even more the trend that it shows
  • Stations still in the market for sports today
  • The ominous aspects of NBA current TV negotiations
  • Why boxing was dropped after such a great PPV year
  • A look back at the career of Sting after his retirement announcement
  • A look at his AEW run
  • His rise to the top in WCW
  • How his career got started
  • What person saw the potential in Sting the earliest
  • The famous 1988 Sting vs. Ric Flair match and how it changed his career trajectory
  • The multiple times Sting stepped away from wrestling
  • The TNA run
  • The WWE run
  • Power Team USA and Flash Borden
  • NWA on WB, the keys to this deal
  • Update on Crown Jewel and who isn’t scheduled right now on the show
  • The classic matches of 2023 Will Ospreay
  • New Japan Royal Quest and Power Struggle
  • Notes on last week’s UFC show
  • A look back at one of the most traveled enhancement star of the late 60s into the early 80s, Bill Howard
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling shows this past week, including segment-by-segment, competition and comparisons with a year ago
  • CMLL wrestlers traveling around the world
  • Two spectacular matches at Friday’s Arena Mexico show
  • Stardom opens tag tournament
  • One of AAA’s biggest stars likely not returning
  • Biggest woman promotion in the world at one time has a nostalgia reunion show coming in January
  • Chris Hero returns
  • What pro wrestling star of the 70s never lost a singles match in his entire career
  • AEW and CMLL relationship notes
  • Tony Khan’s tweets
  • Updates on ticket sales to WWE & AEW shows
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • UFC signs huge money international deal
  • UFC top star taking time off
  • Main event result in UFC overturned
  • Pat Miletich returns to fight at 55
  • Ari Emanuel criticized for working with Dana White, Vince McMahon and Conor McGregor
  • More on the Vince McMahon documentary
  • Completely exaggerated PPV claims
  • What percentage of Logan Paul buyers also buy AEW or WWE shows
  • WWE sells network rights internationally
  • Dynamite TV streak ends after two weeks
  • Notes on all the WWE & NXT arena events this past week

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

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Sunday Update

Bryan and I did our weekend show last night covering UFC, the three-hours of AEW, Bound for Glory, TNA Hall of Fame and Smackdown. Garrett Gonzales and I did our week news in review show also on the site. My next show with Bryan will be Monday night after Raw.

Regarding last night’s UFC show, the main card was all first round finishes except the Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight which Chimaev won on scores of 29-27, 29-27 and 28-28. All three scores were viable. All three judges gave Chimaev a 10-8 first round. Most reporters did as well. I’ve seen far more dominant rounds scored 10-9 but Chimaev controlled the round on top and did damage. Cleary and David Lethaby gave Usman round two while Vito Paolillo gave that round to Chimaed. In round three, Lethaby and Paolillo gave that round to Usman while Cleary gave it to Chimaev. Among media scores, 75 percent went to Chimaev, most 29-27 and some 29-28. 12.5 percent had it 28-28 as a draw and 12.5 percent had 29-28 for Usman. Chimaev won round one big and rounds two and three were both close enough that you could go either way. Usman had an 11-9 edge in significant strikes and in the third round his edge was 22-13. Chimaev took him down in both rounds. Chimaev scored four takedowns on Usman, which is significant since in eight plus years in UFC and 18 fights, Usman was only taken down once. Usman said after that he wished the fight had gone five rounds.

 Chimaev talked like he may have broken his hand.

Dana White disagreed with the stoppage of the Johnny Walker-Magomed Ankalaev fight, blaming it on an inexperienced doctor. It came across like the doctor asked Walker where they were and what round it was and he couldn’t answer either question. If that’s the case, you have to presume concussion and stop it. When it was stopped, Walker didn’t register it was over either. White claimed that when Walker was asked where he was, he said “in the desert.” He also thought that even though Walker does speak English, it’s not his first language and something may have been lost in translation.

Victoria Dudakova, who fought in the prelims of the UFC show, said that she had a staph infection on her butt but since it was covered up nobody saw it.

On last night’s show based on an angle, we talked about the possibility of a Raw vs. Smackdown War Games match at Survivor Series. We are told that right now the War Games match is not planned as a Raw vs. Smackdown match.

WWE from last night in Edinburg, TX:

  • Santos Escobar b Bobby Lashley via DQ when the Street Profits interfered. Carlito and Joaquin Wilde made the save. You know the drill. 
  • Escobar & Carlito & Wilde b Lashley & Street Profits when Calirto pinned Ford after a backstabber.
  • Shotzi b Isla Dawn. Alba Fyre was in the corner and interfered freely.
  • Karrion Kross b Butch clean. Scarlett interfered a lot.
  • Iyo Sky retained the WWE title in a three-way over Charlotte Flair and Asuka when Sky reversed an Asuka lock into a pin on Asuka. This, and the six-man tag were the only matches without a lot of outside interference, and the six-man was set up by a lot of interference 
  • Austin Theory b Cameron Grimes when Grayson Waller interfered 
  • Raquel Rodriguez b Bayley with the Tejana bomb. Rodriguez, who is from that part of Texas, got a giant reaction coming out. Sky interfered and was booted out. Rodriguez cut a hometown babyface promo after the match. 
  • LA Knight b Solo Sikoa in a street fight with the BFT. Jimmy Uso interfered many times in this match.

For Google searches this week, UFC 294 was No. 2 yesterday behind Penn State with 1 million, which these days usually means a good PPV number. Nothing in pro wrestling or boxing made the top 20 on any day this past week. The death of futbol/soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton of the U.K. was No. 11. Charlton, who was 86, was one of Britain’s all-time greats in the sport and has a statue at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Dana White also said they are in talks regarding signing Michael Venom Page, who is 21-2 and has been one of Bellator’s main pushed stars for a decade.

We’re looking for your thoughts on Impact Bound for Glory, thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst matches to [email protected]

We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s WWE house show in Laredo, TX and today’s Impact tapings in Chicago, results, finishes, angles and other highlights to [email protected]

The two weekend matches I’ve heard are the best are the Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey match from Bound for Glory yesterday, and the Yuma Aoyagi vs. Kento Miyahara match from All Japan for the Triple Crown.

With the highest ticket prices in history for a show, the 11/11 UFC 30th anniversary card at Madison Square Garden, headlined by Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, still has 3,700 tickets left. Very few tickets have moved in recent weeks due to the high prices.

This is what is announced for Dynamite on Wednesday after last night’s show in Memphis: MJF vs Juice Robinson for the diamond ring, Hikaru Shida vs. Ruby Soho for the AEW womens’ title, Young Bucks & Adam Page defend the ROH trios titles against The Hardys & Brother Zay, RVD & Hook as a tag team plus Kazuchika Okada & Orange Cassidy vs. Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli. In addition, Renee Paquette interviews Chris Jericho and Tony Khan will present Sting with a special gift.

C.M. Punk introduced the Chicago Black Hawks at their home opener last night at the United Center. He also narrated the video that opened the game.

Will Ospreay wrestles Josh Alexander at today’s Impact tapings in Chicago along with Alex Shelley vs. Jonathan Greasham, Tommy Dreamer vs. Crazzy Steve for the Digital Media title, Trey Miguel & Myron Reed & Zacharty Wentz vs. Juventud Guerrera & Black Taurus & Laredo Kid and Samuray del Sol vs. Alan Angels.

Trinity Fatu vs. Deonna Purrazzo for the Knockouts title has been announced for the 10/27 show in Newcastle, England, which is the Turning Point show. If Purrazzo doesn’t win, she can not challenge again for the title as long as Trinity is champion

Dillon Danis, who was under contract to Bellator, has been released.

RevPro British J Cup results from yesterday: Leon Slater b Will Kaven, Wild Boar b Alex Zayne, Harrison Bennett b Senza Volto, Mascara Dorada b Robbie X, Alex Windsor b Kanji to retain the British women’s title, Luke Jacobs b Ricky Knight Jr., Michael Oku b Gabe Kidd to keep the British title, Slater won the British J Cup in a four-way over Bennett, Boar and Dorada. (thanks to Shannon Walsh)

Zak Zodiac (Zak Knight, the brother of Saraya who was a character in the “Fighting with my Family” movie announced yesterday that his did his farewell match for the WAW (Knight family) promotion and that he was headed to the U.S. His parents congratulated him. Ricky talked about how hard it is when the kids move noting they’ve only seen Saraya ten times in the last decade. I know Zak was hoping to work for AEW but don’t know that is for sure where he’s going.

Sami Callihan, who is a free agent, was backstage at the AEW tapings last night.

Mike Tenay, during his Hall of Fame speech (we covered this on last night’s show) mentioned that Konnan was backstage. Tenay gave a great speech, talking heavily about Don West, Bobby Heenan and Dick Beyer. Scott D’Amore gave a speech introducing Tenay and talking heavily about West. Gail Kim also did the introduction for Traci Brooks. Frankie Kazarian in taped footage heavily put over what a nice person and great wife she was.

Jim Ross, in Memphis for Collision, visited yesterday morning with Jerry Lawler.

KENTA vs. Joey Janela for the Defy title was announced for 11/18 at Washington Hall in Seattle.

Mission Pro Wrestling from last night in San Antonio: Shay Kaarmichael DCOR Queen Uju, Gypsy Mac b Morgan Mercy, Mia Friday b Angel Blue, Lady Bird Monroe b Amira (not the Amira from the U.K., but the one from the Northwest), Jazmin Allure b Britnie Brooks, Zoe DuBois b JP Harlow in a casket match, Maya World b Izzy Moreno, MPW campion Tiffany Nieves b Christina Marie in a no DQ match. In the casket match, Harlow came out dressed like Vince McMahon while Joey Hyder came out of the casket dressed like Shane McMahon (thanks to Shannon Walsh)

At the show, Walker Stewart, who starts soon with New Japan, was announcing with Veda Scott and called her “The lovely Miss Veda Scott” and she came back and said, “Veda Scott will do just fine thank you!”

WWE reveals date and location for Survivor Series 2023

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is bringing Survivor Series to the Chicago area this November.

It was announced today that Survivor Series 2023 will be held at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois on Saturday, November 25. It’s the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. The event will stream live on Peacock/WWE Network.

SmackDown will also be held at the Allstate Arena on Friday, November 24.

A pre-sale for combo tickets to both events begins at 10 a.m. Central time on Wednesday, July 19. Combo tickets will then go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 21 at 10 a.m. Central. WWE notes that details on individual tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.

This will be the third time that Survivor Series has ever taken place in Rosemont. The pay-per-view was previously held there in 1989 and 2019.

Survivor Series 2022 was the WWE main roster debut of WarGames. In the main event, The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa & Sami Zayn) defeated Kevin Owens, Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch & Drew McIntyre.

WWE’s press release announcing Survivor Series 2023 doesn’t note if WarGames will be returning as the theme of this year’s event.

Here’s a look at WWE’s PPV calendar for the next few months:

  • Saturday, August 5: SummerSlam at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
  • Saturday, September 2: Payback at PPG Paints Arena In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Saturday, October 7: Fastlane at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Saturday, November 25: Survivor Series at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois

Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre both suffered ruptured eardrums at WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Ian Carey

Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre suffered the same injury in the men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series. 

Our own Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that both Reigns and McIntyre are out of action with ruptured eardrums. Neither is expected to miss much time, however. 

“Both Reigns and McIntyre are out of action for right now due to suffering ruptured eardrums at Survivor Series,” Meltzer wrote. “It’s a short-term thing and both should be back soon.”

“McIntyre was hurt at Survivor Series but kept working on it through the 12/4 house show in Portland, ME, but didn’t realize he was hurt that bad until he was examined after that show,” he continued. 

McIntyre is expected to be back in time for the post-Christmas shows. Reigns is not on the schedule for those events, however. 

Reigns suffered his broken eardrum after taking a slap from Kevin Owens near the end of the match. He was said to be briefly upset backstage after. 

“Reigns was upset, but 20 minutes later it had all blown over so there is no lingering issue regarding it,” Meltzer wrote in the Daily Update on November 28. 

McIntyre announced on Monday that he was medically disqualified from performing on Friday’s edition of SmackDown. He had been scheduled to team with Sheamus to challenge the Usos for the tag titles but has since been replaced by Butch of the Brawling Brutes.