Week in Wrestling - Sunday July 8, 2018
Extreme Rules PPV Update
The 7/15 WWE Extreme Rules show from Pittsburgh is has nine matches announced and three others looking like good possibilities.
There are two other programs being pushed with top names, both on the Raw side. Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens in a cage match was sent to the PPG Arena as a bout on this show, and from all the build-up, it looks to be building in that direction. The other being built is a match between Bayley and Sasha Banks, but it could be held for Summerslam.
- A.J. Styles vs. Rusev is the WWE title match
- Roman Reigns vs. Bobby Lashley
- Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins in a 30:00 Iron Man IC title match
- Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax in an Extreme rules match for the Raw title
- Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the U.S. title
- Bludgeon Brothers vs. Daniel Bryan & Kane Smackdown Tag titles
- Carmella vs. Asuka for the Smackdown title
- Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs. Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel RAW Tag titles
- Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
There are two other programs being pushed with top names, both on the Raw side. Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens in a cage match was sent to the PPG Arena as a bout on this show, and from all the build-up, it looks to be building in that direction. The other being built is a match between Bayley and Sasha Banks, but it could be held for Summerslam.
WWE NEWS
Brock Shows Up at UFC
After winning the heavyweight title on Saturday night, Daniel Cormier challenged former heavyweight champion and current WWE Universal champion Brock Lesnar to face him and come into the Octagon. Lesnar had walked out to cageside before the main event, fueling speculation that he is indeed returning to the UFC.
Lesnar walked in and shoved Cormier, eventually getting the microphone. He cut an expletive-ridden promo calling Miocic and Francis Ngannou "pieces of sh*t" and said that he would beat Cormier before throwing the mic in the camera and shoving it. Cormier got the microphone again and said that Lesnar was from "the stone age" and that 2010 is a long time ago. He told Lesnar to get out of the cage as he had pictures to take. Dana White eventually escorted a heated Lesnar out of the cage.
The fight was immediately rumored to be taking place at Madison Square Garden in November in what will serve as the unofficial UFC 25th anniversary show and celebration. But Dave Meltzer reported again today that Lesnar was not in the UFC's drug testing pool as of this past week. He is in the process of doing so, which means the earliest he would be able to fight would be the late January PPV show. WWE was certainly aware of what happened. This has been known for awhile that UFC wanted Lesnar to come to the show and do an in person challenge of the winner, but nobody knew for sure until yesterday afternoon that Lesnar was coming. We will have much more on this as the story unfolds.
Lesnar walked in and shoved Cormier, eventually getting the microphone. He cut an expletive-ridden promo calling Miocic and Francis Ngannou "pieces of sh*t" and said that he would beat Cormier before throwing the mic in the camera and shoving it. Cormier got the microphone again and said that Lesnar was from "the stone age" and that 2010 is a long time ago. He told Lesnar to get out of the cage as he had pictures to take. Dana White eventually escorted a heated Lesnar out of the cage.
The fight was immediately rumored to be taking place at Madison Square Garden in November in what will serve as the unofficial UFC 25th anniversary show and celebration. But Dave Meltzer reported again today that Lesnar was not in the UFC's drug testing pool as of this past week. He is in the process of doing so, which means the earliest he would be able to fight would be the late January PPV show. WWE was certainly aware of what happened. This has been known for awhile that UFC wanted Lesnar to come to the show and do an in person challenge of the winner, but nobody knew for sure until yesterday afternoon that Lesnar was coming. We will have much more on this as the story unfolds.
Rousey News
Ronda
Rousey was announced as being at ringside during the Bliss vs. Jax match, with the buying a ticket gimmick in the front row. Rousey was being pushed hard in the Boston market for Raw this week. She worked singles matches with Jax, with Bliss as referee, on house shows in Philadelphia, Madison Square Garden and Bridgeport, CT, this weekend. With the extreme rules stipulation, that seems to allow for Rousey to get involved and lead to a finish. The logic is that Rousey screws things up for Jax, since Rousey vs. Jax is still unsettled, but given the angle, and timing, one would think Rousey vs. Bliss would be at SummerSlam.
Rousey was announced as being at ringside during the Bliss vs. Jax match, with the buying a ticket gimmick in the front row. Rousey was being pushed hard in the Boston market for Raw this week. She worked singles matches with Jax, with Bliss as referee, on house shows in Philadelphia, Madison Square Garden and Bridgeport, CT, this weekend. With the extreme rules stipulation, that seems to allow for Rousey to get involved and lead to a finish. The logic is that Rousey screws things up for Jax, since Rousey vs. Jax is still unsettled, but given the angle, and timing, one would think Rousey vs. Bliss would be at SummerSlam.
WWE Buying Evolve
Regarding rumors of WWE buying Evolve and putting it on the network, there have been talks of that from the start of the relationship between the two brands. It could happen soon or it could never happen. WWE allowing them usage of Adam Cole, but not on the WWN streaming service, isn’t a signal of anything because they’ve done that before. Whether it’s ICW, Progress or Evolve, WWE will put some or all on the network as soon as Vince McMahon makes that call. He’s gone back-and-forth on it for close to two years, including many times where he said yes and then changed his mind.
Ross Out for Women's Tourney
Jim Ross said on this week’s episode of his podcast that he hasn’t been contacted to do commentary for this year’s Mae Young Classic yet and assumes that means he won’t be doing it. He said he doesn’t feel he did his best work on last year’s tournament, that there were a lot of things that made it challenging, and that WWE has young commentators who need more reps. The 2018 MYC will be taped at Full Sail University next month.
Enzo Vindicated?
After announcing in May that they found insufficient evidence to press charges, Phoenix Police have released their report on the rape allegation that was made against Enzo Amore. It noted that Amore wasn’t contacted prior to his accuser making the claim public, which is what Amore had said himself and through his attorney. During an appearance on the Steve Austin Show last month, Amore noted that a friend’s girlfriend was emailed by someone who said they were an investigator and said someone had made a claim against a wrestler. He said his lawyer looked into that in December and couldn’t find anything that was going on. Amore was released from WWE on January 23, the day after the allegation was made public.
UK Update
The new wrestlers who signed WWE U.K. deals for the new series that starts filming at the end of the month on 7/28 and 7/29 in Cambridge signed for one-year deals. Wrestle Talk magazine reported that the majority of the deals are for 24,000 pounds ($31,600 U.S), which would be up from the $20,000 deals the U.K. performers that originally signed were getting in their first year. The money may have been increased because they were trying to get talent that had been with ITV, notably El Ligero, Zack Gibson, Ashton Smith, Dave Mastiff, Joe Coffey and Kenny Williams. Others, notably many of the women signed were given extended tryout deals which basically kept them from going to ITV and are also used for the Mae Young Classic.
While the deals are one-year, WWE has the option of canceling at both the four month and eight month mark. Some who are skeptical feel the ability to cancel has to do with whether ITV renews after ten weeks, as if they do, they don’t want the talent free, but if they don’t, stockpiling talent isn’t as important. The contracts ban talent from working for companies with television deals or major on-line followings on their off days, and in specific Revolution Pro and Defiant in the U.K. and companies like Impact, ROH and New Japan outside. The New Japan aspect likely precluded any shot at people like Will Ospreay or Davey Boy Smith Jr., who are expected to be among the most-pushed acts with ITV.
While the deals are one-year, WWE has the option of canceling at both the four month and eight month mark. Some who are skeptical feel the ability to cancel has to do with whether ITV renews after ten weeks, as if they do, they don’t want the talent free, but if they don’t, stockpiling talent isn’t as important. The contracts ban talent from working for companies with television deals or major on-line followings on their off days, and in specific Revolution Pro and Defiant in the U.K. and companies like Impact, ROH and New Japan outside. The New Japan aspect likely precluded any shot at people like Will Ospreay or Davey Boy Smith Jr., who are expected to be among the most-pushed acts with ITV.
Ruby Riot Injury
Riott suffered a sprained left MCL on the 6/29 show in Rapid City, ND against Dana Brooke in something of an impromptu match since so many people had travel issues getting to the show. She got an MRI this past week to check on the severity of it. No word at this point how long she’ll be out of action but she will be evaluated on 7/30, so it doesn’t appear she’ll be out of action for any lengthy period of time.
Daniel Bryan Interview
Bryan had a lot of interesting comments on the Gorilla Position podcast. He said that others have urged him to stand up more for himself regarding creative and to push harder for being booked as a top guy should. He was asked about a long build to a WrestleMania match with Miz and putting up his beard. He basically laughed at the assertion that WWE could be trusted to book a long term storyline from now until Mania between the two. He also talked about wanting a lighter road schedule that is more family friendly, with the idea of wrestling 50 to 100 dates per year. I think he will sign a deal to stay with WWE.
New Japan Pro Wrestling News
Takahashi Breaks his Neck
Hiromu Takahashi, who is still in the hospital as I am writing this, appears to have suffered a broken neck during a botched Phoenix plex spot that went awry. He did finish the match after the injury, but you could tell right away that something was completely wrong. Hiromu is known for doing crazy spots, and unfortunately it looks like one finally got the best of him.
NJPW Cow Palace Show Review
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Kenny Omega vs. Cody
IWGP heavyweight title Omega defeated Cody in a good main event, which was a far drop from the Okada matches to be honest. There were alot of smoke and mirrors, with ladders, and table spots. Some of the bumps were just insane. The postmatch angle which included Haku & Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa destroying everybody was pretty weird to be honest. I just don't see them at that level.
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Jay White vs. Juice Robinson
U.S. title They tried their best and some people really liked this. I just don't see anything great about either one of these guys and to me the best part was the spot where JR got knocked out of his chair and Josh Barnette snapped. That was great, because JR's commentary was pissing me off and I actually wanted to knock him out myself.
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Hiromu Takahashi vs. Dragon Lee
IWGP jr. title As good as the match was and as exciting as some of the moves were, the only real story was Hiromu breaking his damn neck being a damn idiot. I really like these guys, and they are highly talented, but some of the risk they take come far too close too disaster, and now that it finally has happened, you feel bad, but that's the risk you take when you flirt with fire to often.
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Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay
vs. Tetsuya Naito & Bushi This was a good tag match with some fun interactions between Okada and Naito, highlighting signature spots you expect to see from these guys. Ospreay is just one of those guys who has everything you want to see, and I think these cards don't highlight him enough with so many tag team matches. All three of these top guys should have gotten featured singles matches.
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Young Bucks vs. Evil & Sanada
IWGP tag titles The Bucks are a great tag team, that's not news to anybody, and these four work well together. I just think they could have been paired with a faster paced team that could have highlighted what the Bucks do great a lot better, especially on a show with this U.S TV platform. We just saw these two teams at Dominion, and this wasn't as good.
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Hirooki Goto vs. Jeff Cobb
Never Open weight title I'm not a fan of Goto and this was another example of just why. He just isn't as good as he is pushed in my opinion. Cobb deserved a lot better, as he does alot of big power spots that were not featured here and honestly, he should be a featured guy.
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Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kushida
vs. Hangman Page & Marty Scurll This was the best tag team match of the night to me because Marty Scurll is just one of the best workers in the business and he made Tanahashi, who has been a bit slow to me lately, look great. Kushida is simply always great, and Hangman is developing into a true superstar. I really liked this.
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Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano
vs. Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr. What the hell is going on. Let me be clear, I hate Yano. He is not good for the business in anyway, and he sucks any realism there should be out of a match, especially on a NJPW card. And with Ishi, Saber, and Suzuki in the match, you let Yano get the pin on the up and coming Saber whom should be being built into a star? Stupid.
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Yoshi-Hashi & Gedo & Rocky Romero & Sho & Yoh vs. Haku & Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa & Takahashi & Chase Owens
Too many guys, too many spots, and it was just clunky and not very good. The piledriver by Haku was vicious, but other than that, I can't tell you anything of importance from this match. Clearly they were highlighting the Tongans for the run in they would do later. It just seems too far in left field.
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More U.S NJPW shows Coming
New Japan will be back in the Los Angeles area this fall with a number of events. NJPW President Harold Meij announced today at a press conference in San Francisco that the promotion will be returning to Long Beach this fall with Fighting Spirit Unleashed. It will be held on September 30 and will once again be at the Walter Pyramid.
In addition, two shows featuring only Young Lion talent will take place in Anaheim on November 10 and November 11. These shows will be called The Lion’s Break, possibly similar to smaller scale young lion events held in Japan called Lion’s Gate Project. This would be the third time New Japan has ran a big show in California this year.
In addition, two shows featuring only Young Lion talent will take place in Anaheim on November 10 and November 11. These shows will be called The Lion’s Break, possibly similar to smaller scale young lion events held in Japan called Lion’s Gate Project. This would be the third time New Japan has ran a big show in California this year.
Ring of Honor News
Hendrix makes claims against Lethal
On Wednesday, former Ring of Honor wrestler Taeler Hendrix said on Twitter that she was taken off TV in 2017 due to her refusing to have sex with current ROH champion Jay Lethal. Hendrix claimed that Lethal "told me because I didn't sleep with him they sabotaged me and took me off TV". Hendrix later released a statement via Twitter:
"I know this is going to be on wrestling sites. My name is Taeler & this is my statement: attorneys on my behalf have an ongoing investigation. I know I'm not the only one & ppl that have known of this investigation have been supportive. I'll continue to fight for what's right."
Hendrix was part of The House of Truth stable with Lethal and Truth Martini during her time with ROH. She joined the company in 2015 and departed it in April 2017. She has been active on Twitter in the days since the allegation, retweeting fan support.
On Friday, ROH COO Joe Koff released a statement to F4WOnline.com via their PR company:
"We were troubled to hear the allegations that surfaced last night on Twitter. We take these matters very seriously and will be investigating this situation thoroughly, reviewing all evidence related to the matter. Ring of Honor strives to provide an environment and workplace where male and female wrestlers are free from any misconduct or abuse. We will take appropriate action upon the conclusion of our findings."
In his first statement on the matter, Jay Lethal has denied the allegations on Sunday. Lethal prefaced his comments by writing that he doesn't want them to fuel attacks against himself or his accuser:
"Let me be clear, there is absolutely no validity to these baseless allegations. Throughout my career I have sought to conduct myself with honor and integrity. I would never engage in any conduct that disrespects this business or the men and women in this industry. Every individual has a right to be heard and must be given every opportunity to speak truth to power. Anyone engaging in misconduct or abuse of any kind simply has no place in our business or our society. I am confident that these unfortunate allegations will be proven to be completely unfounded at the conclusion of Ring of Honor's investigation."
Hendrix responded by tweeting out what she claimed was a screenshot of an old text message from Lethal where he wrote that he needed to talk to her. She wrote on Sunday, "deny all you want. you sent me this before you pulled me aside at a live event, told me what you told me. just because the business has been a certain way for so long. I'm tired of it and I'm fighting for what's right."
Hendrix also tweeted that "the people that typically are the most politically correct are also typically the ones full of the most bullsh*t."
Fans were heckling Hendrix on her Friday night booking in San Antonio chanting "Jay Lethal," "ROH" and things a lot worse at her. She lashed back at them. Hendrix departed the company in April 2017, with her writing on Sunday that she left "once the office did nothing" about the situation.
"I know this is going to be on wrestling sites. My name is Taeler & this is my statement: attorneys on my behalf have an ongoing investigation. I know I'm not the only one & ppl that have known of this investigation have been supportive. I'll continue to fight for what's right."
Hendrix was part of The House of Truth stable with Lethal and Truth Martini during her time with ROH. She joined the company in 2015 and departed it in April 2017. She has been active on Twitter in the days since the allegation, retweeting fan support.
On Friday, ROH COO Joe Koff released a statement to F4WOnline.com via their PR company:
"We were troubled to hear the allegations that surfaced last night on Twitter. We take these matters very seriously and will be investigating this situation thoroughly, reviewing all evidence related to the matter. Ring of Honor strives to provide an environment and workplace where male and female wrestlers are free from any misconduct or abuse. We will take appropriate action upon the conclusion of our findings."
In his first statement on the matter, Jay Lethal has denied the allegations on Sunday. Lethal prefaced his comments by writing that he doesn't want them to fuel attacks against himself or his accuser:
"Let me be clear, there is absolutely no validity to these baseless allegations. Throughout my career I have sought to conduct myself with honor and integrity. I would never engage in any conduct that disrespects this business or the men and women in this industry. Every individual has a right to be heard and must be given every opportunity to speak truth to power. Anyone engaging in misconduct or abuse of any kind simply has no place in our business or our society. I am confident that these unfortunate allegations will be proven to be completely unfounded at the conclusion of Ring of Honor's investigation."
Hendrix responded by tweeting out what she claimed was a screenshot of an old text message from Lethal where he wrote that he needed to talk to her. She wrote on Sunday, "deny all you want. you sent me this before you pulled me aside at a live event, told me what you told me. just because the business has been a certain way for so long. I'm tired of it and I'm fighting for what's right."
Hendrix also tweeted that "the people that typically are the most politically correct are also typically the ones full of the most bullsh*t."
Fans were heckling Hendrix on her Friday night booking in San Antonio chanting "Jay Lethal," "ROH" and things a lot worse at her. She lashed back at them. Hendrix departed the company in April 2017, with her writing on Sunday that she left "once the office did nothing" about the situation.
INDEPENDENT NEWS
Jericho Cruise Update
Chris Jericho said that he wants to make his cruise an annual event. One of the underlying things on the cruise is talent from ROH, New Japan and Impact together and I could see from the Impact standpoint, with them already working with smaller promotions, with ideas on shooting angles on the cruise, because it’s a natural environment for telling stories, with talent from one of the other companies. Along with the heavy tease of a Jericho & Young Bucks team for a six-man tag, he officially announced ROH vs. Impact match, Marty Scurll vs. Sami Callihan, Adam Page vs. Frankie Kazarian as part of the Sea of Honor tournament they are doing on the cruise.
Okada vs Scurll
Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks have started to reveal the card for All In. Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada will be face Marty Scurll at the September 1 show at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. This will be the first time they've ever wrestled each other in a singles match. The only other match that's been confirmed for All In as of now is Cody challenging for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, which is currently held by Nick Aldis.
By: Larry Causion Jr. CausionCreations.com
Posted: Sunday, July 8, 2018
Credit: Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Posted: Sunday, July 8, 2018
Credit: Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter