Week in Wrestling - Sunday August 19, 2018
WWE Summerslam Preview
WWE's biggest show of the summer takes place tonight in Brooklyn New York, and it is shaping up to be a hell of night. It will be a tough act to follow last night's excellent NXT show. Check out our thoughts on all the matches.
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns
The build has actually gotten me anticipating this match, and somehow I think Heyman will still help Roman, and Reigns will turn heel. Probably won't turn, but he's surely winning the title.
|
AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe
I think this is the time for a new champion. I was one who thought Nakamura was winning at Mania, but wasn't mad at all that AJ got a nice long run. I think it's time for Joe to win the title and be featured on top.
|
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
Ronda should be winning the title here and moving on to a program with someone who can work. Which means, she's probably getting screwed and going to lose.
|
Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
Daniel Bryan needs to win this match and move on to chase Joe in a title program. This has been fun, but now it's time to move on to bigger things.
|
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Seth Rollins
The return of Ambrose was so well done on Monday, so I think you have to roll with that momentum, and have Rollins win back the title then do a tag team program. These two should have a great match.
|
Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
I believe this feud has done both of these guys a disservice with too much comedy and too many gimmicks. I want Stroman to get back to being a serious figure and get rid of that dumb Monster in the Bank name.
|
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy
I literally couldn't care less about this match and I have no clue why it's even on the show. Wasn't Randy Orton the main figure in all of this. This is a waste of time.
|
Carmella (c) vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair
Any match involving Carmella has a chance to be terrible. But I'm hoping that Charlotte and Becky can make up for how bad she sucks. Becky better win this shit.
|
The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The New Day
The New Day have been on fire lately and I really think it's time to end this streak of the Bludgeon Brothers. They just don't click for good matches. New Day gives more options.
|
Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Drew Gulak
I have not watched 205, probably ever, so I have no opinion on where this should go. But I hear both guys have been great, and Gulak is due a title run.
|
The B Team vs The Revival
I would absolutely love for the Revival to win the titles and renew some prestige to the belts, but clearly WWE wants to promote these two B team jokes as a champs. Smh.
|
Rusev & Lana vs Cien Almas & Zelina Vega
I like the story they have been telling with these two teams, and I think it's good that they are getting a spot on the show, even if it is the Pre show opener.
|
WWE NEWS
Rest in Peace Anvil
Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, one of pro wrestling’s classic and memorable figures from the 80s WWF, passed away on 8/13 at the age of 63. Neidhart was at his home in Wesley Chapel, FL, and it was believed he suffered a grand malseizure related to the Alzheimer’s Disease he had been suffering from, according to brother-in-law and Hart Family historian Ross Hart. The seizure led to a fall that proved to be fatal.
He was best known for his tag team with brother-in-law Bret Hart as The Hart Foundation from 1985 to 1991, being two-time WWF tag team champions. The team is remembered as one of the classic teams of the era, with Hart as the great technician and workhorse of the team, and Neidhart, especially at first, was the power man with the charisma. It was really during this period that Hart developed in ways outside bell-to-bell that allowed him to be the singles star and eventual champion and generational legend he turned out to be. While not as well remembered, Neidhart later formed a tag team with Owen Hart, as The New Foundation.
Neidhart never achieved that level of a push or stardom after the Hart Foundation broke up, although he was part of a key 1997 angle with the Hart family that was one of the best angles in company history.
He was best known for his tag team with brother-in-law Bret Hart as The Hart Foundation from 1985 to 1991, being two-time WWF tag team champions. The team is remembered as one of the classic teams of the era, with Hart as the great technician and workhorse of the team, and Neidhart, especially at first, was the power man with the charisma. It was really during this period that Hart developed in ways outside bell-to-bell that allowed him to be the singles star and eventual champion and generational legend he turned out to be. While not as well remembered, Neidhart later formed a tag team with Owen Hart, as The New Foundation.
Neidhart never achieved that level of a push or stardom after the Hart Foundation broke up, although he was part of a key 1997 angle with the Hart family that was one of the best angles in company history.
Ambrose Returns
Ambrose returned on Raw and will be in the corner of Seth Rollins for an IC title match with Dolph Ziggler, to counteract Drew McIntyre. Ambrose’s return can go in a lot of different ways, particularly because the heel side is weak, and if Reigns is champion, a heel Ambrose can be a big personal issue, although that’s also tricky because if done wrong, Ambrose could be a strong face for turning on him. But if there is a turn on Rollins, who of late has in many cities surpassed Strowman as the most popular guy on the brand, that would get Ambrose over as a heel. But there’s also mileage in The Shield as a unit on top, which, due to Ambrose’s injury, never played out when they were going to do it.
New matches for Women's PPV
A top match for the women’s Revolution PPV on 10/28 at the Nassau Coliseum, was announced before Saturday night's NXT Takeover show in Brooklyn. WWE showed a graphic that said Alexa Bliss will be facing Trish Stratus, they have since confirmed that match.
The first match for the women’s Revolution PPV that was finalized is Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm for the Mae Young Classic finals, which is the match that made the most sense. Another match has been discussed was reported as rumor by Dave Meltzer is Ronda Rousey taking on Nikki Bella, in would most likely be the main event. More on this as matches become official.
The first match for the women’s Revolution PPV that was finalized is Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm for the Mae Young Classic finals, which is the match that made the most sense. Another match has been discussed was reported as rumor by Dave Meltzer is Ronda Rousey taking on Nikki Bella, in would most likely be the main event. More on this as matches become official.
Daniel Bryan 90% Staying
In a new interview, Daniel Bryan noted that he was leaning towards staying with the WWE. Bryan said at this point it would be 90-plus percent very likely he’ll re-sign with WWE. Bryan mentioned AJ Styles, Goldberg, Johnny Gargano, Roderick Strong, Nakamura, and Andrade “Cien” Almas as people that he wants to face. Bryan also said that he realistically wants to wrestle until he’s 70 years old.
Four Horsewomen Showdown Coming
All the social media teases regarding The Four Horsewomen are that they are planning a Four Horsewomen vs. Four Horsewomen match at Survivor Series, which takes place 11/18 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This was also planned and angles were shot for that in 2017, but they didn’t do it then. But now there is definitely talk of it we’ve heard from several people and teases are being sent out. Whether they pull the trigger on it or not, who knows, since even though both are getting heavily praised, Marina Shafir has only had two matches so far and Jessamyn Duke hasn’t had anything but practice matches.
The feeling is Rousey is great on the big stage when the match is completely laid out, Shayna Baszler is clearly ready, Shafir had a successful debut built around using her judo which she does well, and Duke is getting real raves for her potential. A few different people told me that in the end, she’s going to end up as the best of the four. Having said that, since personality is so much a part of this, I don’t know how she’s going to be able to be her character like Baszler is, because Baszler does that better than almost anyone at the same stage, and Rousey is still learning but she’s got a superstar aura that nobody can teach and few can create.
Rousey is thinking about extending how long she wants her pro wrestling career to be. She told ESPN that she loves this way more than I ever thought I would. She said that's the best thing that could've happened, that she would love it so much it would be so hard to stop and it's such a joy to be a part of every day. ESPN noted that the "set timeline" was because Rousey, who is married to UFC fighter Travis Browne and has two stepsons with him, intends to start a family. During the interview, she joked about maybe having her baby be her manager in WWE when that happens.
The feeling is Rousey is great on the big stage when the match is completely laid out, Shayna Baszler is clearly ready, Shafir had a successful debut built around using her judo which she does well, and Duke is getting real raves for her potential. A few different people told me that in the end, she’s going to end up as the best of the four. Having said that, since personality is so much a part of this, I don’t know how she’s going to be able to be her character like Baszler is, because Baszler does that better than almost anyone at the same stage, and Rousey is still learning but she’s got a superstar aura that nobody can teach and few can create.
Rousey is thinking about extending how long she wants her pro wrestling career to be. She told ESPN that she loves this way more than I ever thought I would. She said that's the best thing that could've happened, that she would love it so much it would be so hard to stop and it's such a joy to be a part of every day. ESPN noted that the "set timeline" was because Rousey, who is married to UFC fighter Travis Browne and has two stepsons with him, intends to start a family. During the interview, she joked about maybe having her baby be her manager in WWE when that happens.
Matt Hardy Winding Down
The situation with Matt Hardy and his injuries has changed again in the past week. The Greensboro Raw match with The B Team vs. Hardy & Wyatt vs. The Revival was done as the blow-off of the Hardy & Wyatt tag team. Hardy is taking time off due to the injuries described last week. There is talk of him shadowing producers which is basically learning the ropes there with the possibility of that being his future. Hardy will be undergoing treatment for his different injuries and after he goes through that process, a decision will be made as far as whether he can return and in what type of a schedule or capacity.
Rey Mysterio Return is Set
It appears Rey Mysterio Jr. has either actually signed here or if not pen to paper, it’s now virtually a sure thing he’s coming. In actuality, WWE was wanting him to rest up and not risk a knee injury before he starts up and while we don’t know the start date, he is not doing any shows after 9/2. WWE wants to announce his signing on their own and throughout this I was told that if he signs, nobody can say anything until WWE makes the announcement. He has been very close to a deal for months and pretty much everyone considered it just working out final terms and that he’d be there very soon. He is still doing All In and the last date he has left on his schedule at this point is a 9/2 show in Chicago for Warrior Wrestling, so the teased New Japan stuff done over the past few months for matches with Marty Scurll, Kazuchika Okada, Jushin Liger and Will Ospreay isn’t happening unless something drastic changes.
Jericho's Strange Pitch
Chris Jericho recently revealed that he had pitched an idea that would have pitted him, the IWGP Intercontinental champion, against the WWE Intercontinental champion at the time, Seth Rollins. Jericho mentioned in the latest episode of Talk is Jericho that he recently pitched the idea to “a certain head of a certain wrestling company”.
Jericho continued, saying that the match would wind up ending in a disqualification, with Rollins’ next challenger coming in and attacking. He also would have had time to come in and set up the angle on the Raw go-home show. He later went on to say that while it got a decent response, he never heard back from the company. Rollins is also no longer the Intercontinental champion, as he lost the title to Dolph Ziggler back on June 18.
Jericho continued, saying that the match would wind up ending in a disqualification, with Rollins’ next challenger coming in and attacking. He also would have had time to come in and set up the angle on the Raw go-home show. He later went on to say that while it got a decent response, he never heard back from the company. Rollins is also no longer the Intercontinental champion, as he lost the title to Dolph Ziggler back on June 18.
NXT NEWS
NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV Review
NXT presented their quarterly Network special in Brooklyn last night and once again they have set the bar so high that I doubt Summerslam will be able to top it. 5 matches, all great.
NXT Title: Ciampa vs Gargano - Last Man Standing
|
Somehow, Ciampa survived again. I didn't think these two could do anymore to each other than they did in the two previous matches, but the last man standing stip added even more drama. I loved this cause it didn't rely on false finishes for pops. This was all action and an excellent match to close a hell of show.
|
Women's Title Shayna Baszler vs Kairi Sane
|
We have new champion as Sane was able to reverse Baszler's rear naked choke into a reverse cradle pin, and win the belt. It was a pretty damn good match, all things considering, and I thought it was time for Sane to win the title. Baszler should be moving up to the main roster and being backup for Ronda, before turning on her.
|
North American Title: Adam Cole vs Ricochet
|
The absolute hands down best match of the night, and most likely the entire weekend, was Ricochet winning the North American title. What an excellent fucking match, and these guys held no punches. The combinations and creativity were second to none and these two need to continue this program longer. Sensational.
|
Velveteen Dream vs. EC3
|
Dream pinned EC3 with a Dream Valley Driver and a flying elbow drop, and the crowd ate it up. No it wasn't a technical classic, but we knew this wouldn't be going in. But charisma wise, there is nobody on the entire NXT roster that come close to the charisma and star power of The Dream!!
|
Tag Team Titles: O'Reilly & Strong vs Bate & Seven
|
Undisputed Era defeated Moustache Mountain when O'Reilly pinned Seven after Total Elimination. This was another excellent edition of their fantastic series of matches. These two teams could wrestle once every few weeks and it would be just fine with me. They are just so great. All action and the crowd was red hot!!!
|
Matt Riddle at NXT TakeOver
Matt Riddle appeared at TakeOver in Brooklyn last night, officially confirming what had become apparent over the past month. An excited Riddle was shown sitting in the front row between Velveteen Dream vs. EC3 and Adam Cole vs. Ricochet on tonight's show. On commentary, Mauro Ranallo said that the rich get richer and called Riddle another blue-chip signing for NXT. He briefly mentioned Riddle's mixed martial arts past and said he's taken the pro wrestling world by storm. Riddle also got a "Bro" chant going.
HHH Talks UK
Paul Levesque held a conference call on 8/15 and when talking about the U.K. territory and NXT’s future, he likened it to eventually having a system like the old NWA territories of the 70s, with an NXT champion who travels to each place and rotating the talent to different places so they learn how to get over and what to do with different situations and fan bases. Instead of territories being parts of the U.S. or Canada, they’d be different parts of the world.
Regarding the U.K. television show, he said to expect the announcement of where and when it will air within the next few weeks.
Regarding the U.K. television show, he said to expect the announcement of where and when it will air within the next few weeks.
New Japan Pro Wrestling News
Tanahashi Wins G-1
Hiroshi Tanahashi captured his third G-1 Climax title and, while there are still several months and matches to complete, it looks like he will face Kenny Omega for the IWGP heavyweight title in the main event of the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show.
Tanahashi beat Kota Ibushi in the finals on 8/12 at Budokan Hall in Tokyo in a match that many regulars in Japan called one of the greatest matches in the history of the building–which covers an incredible amount of ground. It was a masterpiece of a match, probably Tanahashi’s best ever performance when it comes to fire and being a babyface. Ibushi on that night, and through the tournament, showed that he is one of the most physically talented and greatest in-ring performers of the incredible modern generation. The match completed a tournament that had incredible high points and a few low points. It’s open to interpretation whether this was the greatest tournament in wrestling history.
Tanahashi beat Kota Ibushi in the finals on 8/12 at Budokan Hall in Tokyo in a match that many regulars in Japan called one of the greatest matches in the history of the building–which covers an incredible amount of ground. It was a masterpiece of a match, probably Tanahashi’s best ever performance when it comes to fire and being a babyface. Ibushi on that night, and through the tournament, showed that he is one of the most physically talented and greatest in-ring performers of the incredible modern generation. The match completed a tournament that had incredible high points and a few low points. It’s open to interpretation whether this was the greatest tournament in wrestling history.
Omega's Next Opponent
Kenny Omega, as champion, lost three times during G-1, once to Tomohiro Ishii in what many felt was the best match of the tournament. Ishii will be getting the next title shot, and Ibushi may get one as well. I can’t see Ishii as champion in the main event at the Tokyo Dome, even coming off his tournament MVP performance for match quality and the storyline tournament of him beating all three singles champions that entered (Omega, U.S. champ Juice Robinson and Never champ Hirooki Goto).
NJPW Outlook
The underlying story of the past week revolves around changes with Harold Meij in control. Meij’s track records in other businesses is strong, running businesses far larger than New Japan successfully and leading them to sizable growth. There is also the feeling among some in the company that it has had such great annual growth, really the strongest it has been since the legendary 90s, and the thought is why make drastic changes. And he is going up against a shark, and he's in a fight, whether he likes it or not, with the biggest shark, Vince McMahon, who is both an unhappy shark but a shark with almost Thanos level powers in this industry.
But Meij was brought in for international expansion, and not to play a pat hand. G-1 was a huge success. The talent and momentum is strong. What happens to the talent in January when contracts expire is going to be huge.
But Meij was brought in for international expansion, and not to play a pat hand. G-1 was a huge success. The talent and momentum is strong. What happens to the talent in January when contracts expire is going to be huge.
Ring of Honor News
Sinclair Still Expanding
With the Sinclair/Tribune merger falling apart, a new move is that Sinclair is in the running to buy the old regional Fox Sports Networks, the sports channels all over the country that cover local market team major sports franchises. Fox was selling to Disney but Disney is unloading, looking at upwards of $20 billion. There are a ton of people looking to purchase those stations which are built around the local sports franchises. Endeavor, the parent company for UFC has interest, as does YouTube Inc., Amazon.com, Inc. and a number of equity firms. Chris Ripley, the CEO of Sinclair, said he felt the networks would be a good fit for their profile.
IMPACT News
Jeff Jarrett Sues Anthem
Jeff Jarrett and his Global Force Entertainment LLC has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Tennessee against Anthem Sports & Entertainment and Impact Wrestling claiming they violated Jarrett’s rights to the Global Force name as well as to the usage of his other intellectual property.
He is claiming that Anthem has used a reproduction, counterfeit, copy or imitation of the Global Force Wrestling name and trademarks, claiming violation of the Lanham Act with the attempt to deceive the public that goods and services sold by Anthem are affiliated with or sponsored or authorized by Global Force and its owner, Jarrett. Among the claims was that Anthem has used content from the GFW Amped television show and 18 copyrights in distribution of the shows, which were offered as One Night Only PPV shows.
Jarrett’s lawsuit stated that after he was let go shortly after incidents that took place at the 2017 TripleMania show in Mexico City, which led to Jarrett going into WWE-sponsored rehab, that the merger was never completed, but in doing so, Anthem continued to use the GFW library without any compensation to Jarrett, noting the library was used for various One Night Only shows from July through December of last year, as well as using the content as part of their Global Wrestling streaming service and DVDs that they have sold and as of this past week were still selling.
Jarrett is seeking an injunction from Anthem copying, distributing or selling any GFW content on its network. Jarrett is also claiming ownership of the name Global Wrestling Network, so if he were to get an injunction, they would have to shut the streaming service down and restart it with another name and without any of the Global Force content. Besides damages for the use of the content, Jarrett is asking that Anthem delete and destroy all copies of GFW content with the exception of the master tapes, which should be returned to him. He is seeking triple the amount of profits and damages, whichever is greater.
Immediately, Impact pulled all of the Global Force Wrestling DVD’s from their website.
He is claiming that Anthem has used a reproduction, counterfeit, copy or imitation of the Global Force Wrestling name and trademarks, claiming violation of the Lanham Act with the attempt to deceive the public that goods and services sold by Anthem are affiliated with or sponsored or authorized by Global Force and its owner, Jarrett. Among the claims was that Anthem has used content from the GFW Amped television show and 18 copyrights in distribution of the shows, which were offered as One Night Only PPV shows.
Jarrett’s lawsuit stated that after he was let go shortly after incidents that took place at the 2017 TripleMania show in Mexico City, which led to Jarrett going into WWE-sponsored rehab, that the merger was never completed, but in doing so, Anthem continued to use the GFW library without any compensation to Jarrett, noting the library was used for various One Night Only shows from July through December of last year, as well as using the content as part of their Global Wrestling streaming service and DVDs that they have sold and as of this past week were still selling.
Jarrett is seeking an injunction from Anthem copying, distributing or selling any GFW content on its network. Jarrett is also claiming ownership of the name Global Wrestling Network, so if he were to get an injunction, they would have to shut the streaming service down and restart it with another name and without any of the Global Force content. Besides damages for the use of the content, Jarrett is asking that Anthem delete and destroy all copies of GFW content with the exception of the master tapes, which should be returned to him. He is seeking triple the amount of profits and damages, whichever is greater.
Immediately, Impact pulled all of the Global Force Wrestling DVD’s from their website.
Bound for Glory Update
Austin Aries vs. Johnny Impact will be the main event for Bound for Glory on 10/14 at the Melrose Ballroom in New York. The No. 2 match is planned to be Pentagon & Fenix & Brian Cage vs. Sami Callihan & OVE. There were teases for another LAX vs. OGz (Homicide & Hernandez) for the tag title at the tapings, but that is not official.
INDEPENDENT NEWS
Penta and Rey Fenix are Hot
Penta and Rey Fenix, whom WWE has expressed interest in, have told promoters that their Lucha Underground deals would end with this season, as there was an opt-out. If that’s the case, they would be free agents roughly six months after the last episode of the current season ends. Obviously several companies, AAA and Impact (who work together) would like to sign them up and both are strongly in AAA’s plans going forward. So they are another set of wrestlers to watch. The thing is with Fenix is that we’ve already seen with Gran Metalik what can happen with a super high flyer, although Fenix speaks good English and Penta is learning, and Penta cuts an awesome Spanish promo.
By: Larry Causion Jr. CausionCreations.com
Posted: Sunday, August 19, 2018
Credit: Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Posted: Sunday, August 19, 2018
Credit: Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter