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AEW has revealed the locations for April’s first two episodes of Dynamite.
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On Wednesday, April 1, Dynamite will take place at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AEW will then come to the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri for the Wednesday, April 8 episode of Dynamite.
Tickets for both shows will go on sale to the general public next Friday (February 7) at 11 a.m. Central time.
This will be the first time AEW has held a show in either city.
Here’s the updated list of announced Dynamite locations:
February 5: Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama
February 12: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Cedar Park, Texas
February 19: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
February 26: Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, Independence, Missouri (go-home show for Revolution PPV)
March 4: 1STBANK Center, Broomfield, Colorado
March 11: Maverik Center, West Valley City, Utah
March 18: Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, New York
March 25: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
April 1: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 8: Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, Missouri
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
NXT TV TAPING REPORT
APRIL 10, 2019
WINTER PARK, FLA. AT FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
REPORT BY TOM STOUP, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
The new “Johnny Champion” shirts are not yet available at the merchandise truck.
Eric Bugenhagen, Shane Thorne and Brennan Williams could be spotted hanging out by the food trucks. Boa and Eddie Orengo could be spotted entering Full Sail.
Doors opened 12 minutes late, after a fire truck arrived. The fire department is always on hand for tapings, but usually in place long before doors.
Kayla Braxton introduced Alicia Taylor as her co-host during emergency exit announcements. Braxton’s tapings understudy since Sarah Schreiber went north, Taylor has been emceeing house shows since late 2018.
Typically music played in the venue prior to bell time fails to warrant mention, but when Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” came on a large portion of the crowd loudly sang along.
Fans passed out red Solo cups to represent Street Profits, in contrast to such items being prohibited at the time of the Profits’ debut. “Johnny Champion” signs were also distributed by fans, as opposed to by WWE staff as has been the case with many Johnny Gargano signs in the past. Enthusiastic “Johnny Champion” chants broke out as the stacks of signs made their rounds.
Taylor hyped Gargano’s presence, as well as Velveteen Dream defending his North American title against Buddy Murphy. She also announced women’s champion Shayna Baszler defending against Kairi Sane, with the stipulation that should Sane lose she will never receive another title match in NXT.
(A) Reina Gonzalez pinned Lacey Lane in a dark march.
This was very good, especially in the realm of NXT tapings dark matches. The Stan Hansen-inspired Gonzalez won with a lariat that absolutely flattened Lane.
Taylor tossed to a TakeOver: New York recap package.
(1) Velveteen Dream pinned Buddy Murphy to retain the NXT North American Championship. Velveteen Dream entered, blowing kisses and telling the fans he loves them. Dream was all tuned up and saucy, and motioning “205” to Murphy with his fingers. Dream and Murphy went move for move, posturing to one another between sequences before Murphy took over with near falls after with a swift kick, and then several aerial maneuvers. Dream scored a near fall on a Codebreaker. The wrestlers simultaneously broke a count out after toppling from the top turnbuckle. Murphy scored a near fall on a harsh DDT. Dream responded with two off a Dream Valley Driver. After his own two off a massive powerbomb, Buddy saved the match by breaking a count of ten then fell to the Purple Rainmaker. Dream thanked the crowd as he left.
Kayla Braxton tossed to a video captured after TakeOver that featured the Undisputed Era bickering before Adam Cole noticed the camera and insisted it be turned off.
(2) Raul Mendoza pinned Riddick Moss. Both wrestlers entered with new tron graphics, Moss’ reading “Riddick Regimen.” Moss sported a relatively shorter hairstyle, and took a moment to collect his spirit before entering the ring. He got in a few pumps with a resistance band before the bell. Moss told official Jessika Carr “I’m on my own count.” Mendoza began to school Moss, and Moss took a break to use a rehab device on his shoulder. He caught Mendoza’s springboard, and curled the cruiserweight before showing off with some push-ups. He offered Mendoza rehydration from a personalized water bottle, but Mendoza slapped the bottle away. Mendoza looked shocked after winning off a springboard corkscrew splash.
Johnny Gargano entered, soaked in “Johnny Champion” chants, and began reiterating his career journey to the championship. Adam Cole interrupted with Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly, and said he can’t listen to another love fest between Gargano and the fans. Cole said if their TakeOver match hadn’t been two-out-of-three falls, he would be champion because he scored the first fall. Gargano questioned if there’s trouble in Cole’s “boy band,” then said he tapped Cole out twice in a row and that is undisputed. He called Cole a “spoiled little bay bay” and offered Cole a rematch. Cole said, “Okay, Johnny. Be careful what you wish for.” He advanced on the ring, and Roderick Strong attacked Gargano from behind. Undisputed Era held Gargano back as Cole superkicked him. The stable posed over the fallen champ as referees ran in to put a stop to the fray.
(3) Dominik Dijakovic pinned Aaron Aguilera. Dijakovic won in mere seconds with a discus big boot.
Dijakovic said he is in NXT because his family took the opportunity to immigrate to America, and now he wants to be America’s champion by defeating Velveteen Dream. There was no mention of Keith Lee.
(4) Shayna Baszler (with Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir) defeated Kairi Sane via disqualification to retain the NXT Women’s Championship. Sane threw her shirt to the crowd, and took the fight to Baszler to start. She attempted a pin after the Kabuki Elbow but Baszler’s shoulders weren’t down. Baszler took over with strikes. Sane went for the Anchor but couldn’t get Baszler all the way back. Baszler started in with joint manipulation on Sane’s elbow, and wrenched Sane in to a slam. Baszler went for a rare pinning attempt for two. Official Drake Wuertz called for a doctor to check on Sane’s elbow. Io Shirai came down to check on her friend as well, but Baszler yanked Sane back in to the ring. Shirai shoved Baszler, much to the delight of the Horsewomen as the physical contact led to a disqualification in Baszler’s favor. Duke and Shafir attacked Shirai, and Baszler stomped on Sane’s elbow. The Horsewomen departed with their heads held high, and an emotional Kairi Sane took a bow to the crowd in the ring. Sane and Shirai bowed together at the top of the ramp as they were led away. Sane gave one final wave to the audience before disappearing backstage after what felt as though it could have been her final time at Full Sail Live as a NXT wrestler.
(5) Humberto Carillo defeated Jaxson Ryker (with Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler) via disqualification. Ryker could have squashed Carillo after a quick chokeslam powerbomb, but chose to hurl Carillo to the outside and beat him down further. The official had Alicia Taylor announce the DQ, and Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan ran in for the save. The tag teams threatened each other with chairs while Ryker glared from behind his fellow Forgotten Sons. Finally the teams backed down and Ryker antagonized the audience as he departed.
(6) Kacy Catanzaro & Candice LeRae defeated Aliyah & Vanessa Borne via pinfall. Aliyah started the match, and isolated Catanzaro after getting thrown by Kacy’s gymnastic head scissors takedown from the top rope. Catanzaro reversed a team suplex in to a double blockbuster for the hot tag. LeRae indeed came in hot, eventually pinning Borne off a Lionsault. The victors played to the crowd as they celebrated.
(7) War Raiders defeated Street Profits via pinfall. Montez Ford dove on Hanson & Rowe during their entrance, and quickly set up Rowe for a frog splash. Right away Ford scored a thrilling near fall, but the Raiders then took over as the match got under control. A member of the production crew noticeably carried the Raiders’ entrance get-ups away by crossing in front of the audience. Ford fired up and hit Hanson with a lengthy suspended backdrop. The Profits tried to isolate a single Raider again, but the vikings heated up and hit a series of team moves on both of their opponents, eventually pinning Ford.
(8) Johnny Gargano pinned Roderick Strong. Gargano and Strong mat wrestled furiously until Strong took a powder. Strong slammed Gargano on the ring apron. Strong laid in hard chops until Gargano masochistically begged for more. Gargano eventually rammed Strong in to the steps to even the odds. Gargano chopped Strong so hard Strong sprayed the crowd with saliva, much to Gargano’s overt glee. Strong caught Gargano’s slingshot in to a double underhook backbreaker for two. The wrestlers traded hard strikes. The other three Undisputed Era members ran in, but Matt Riddle followed closely. In the ensuing confusion, Adam Cole aimed for Gargano but inadvertently kicked Roderick Strong when official Drake Wuertz’ attention was averted. Gargano hit a swinging DDT for the win. Gargano and Riddle left together, as Cole tried to explain himself to Strong while Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly played peacekeeper. Strong threw up his hands and left as the other three followed.
(9) Humberto Carillo defeated Jaxson Ryker (with Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler) via disqualification. This match was re-filmed more or less beat for beat as it went down the first time. This time the crowd chanted “Déjà vu,” and, sarcastically, “One more time!” When asked the reason for the reshoot, a production staffer revealed that the post-match showdown had been filmed in front of a section of bleachers with hardly any fans. The scene was completely restaged with the fans in that area asked to remain seated so the backdrop would better represent the NXT product.
(10) Dominik Dijakovic pinned Mansoor. Mansoor ducked the discus big boot and put up a bit of a fight before taking a series of power moves including being hurled to the outside. Mansoor kicked out of several believable pinfall attempts and even scored a nice near fall of his own before falling to Feast Your Eyes. Dijakovic dumped Mansoor to the floor like trash after the bell.
Velveteen Dream’s music hit, and an image of his entrance from TakeOver: New York graced the tron. Dream was wheeled out on his purple couch. A Dream-spun rewrite of the “Star-Spangled Banner” lyrics appeared on screen, seemingly by accident. The crowd began singing the lyrics, but Dream said “It is the Dream’s experience, and then yours.” The lyrics then began rolling out properly as the Dream sang to them. He was then wheeled back. As Dijakovic left he picked up a stray purple pillow and punted it.
Kayla Braxton prompted “NXT” chants.
(11) Forgotten Sons defeated Danny Burch, Oney Lorcan, & Humberto Carillo via pinfall. Some fans had been trying to get “Bugenhagen” to catch on as NXT’s “CM Punk” chant but the concept didn’t seem to have legs. Wesley Blake pinned Danny Burch after the Sons collectively ignored the official’s insistence they obey the tag rule.
(12) Kushida submitted Kassius Ohno. Kushida got a big star entrance with darkened lights and a countdown. Ohno appeared comically displeased. Kushida offered a handshake. Early in the match Ohno reciprocated, but first dropped to a knee to mock Kushida’s height. Ohno carried out an extended mopping of the floor with Kushida, shutting down comebacks and even drawing blood from Kushida’s nose with a nasty knee drop. Kushida hulked up after kicking out of a big boot but his momentum died quickly. At this point the crowd was split between very vocal Kushida fans and people unfamiliar with him failing to see the big deal in this first impression. Kushida finally found an opening and finished Ohno with a hoverboard lock.
Alicia Taylor encouraged the crowd to deliver their loudest “NXT” chants.
(13) Bianca Belair pinned Mia Yim. Belair and Yim mirrored one another to start, and gave each other the Wakanda salute. Belair suckered Yim in and said, “I’m un-de-fea-ted!” The wrestlers went back and forth for a decent amount of time until Belair attempted holding the ropes for a leverage pin and got caught by official Jessika Carr. Belair tried it again, but this time wrapped her braid around the rope and hung from it for leverage. She got away with it for the win.
(14) Matt Riddle submitted Adam Cole. Riddle appeared extremely pleased with himself for collecting fist bumps from every single fan in the front row, then gave the crowd a skeptical smile when they shouted along with “Adam Cole, Bay Bay.” Riddle wrenched Cole around the ring with the Three Bromigos after Cole took a powder to start things on his own terms. Cole achieved an upper hand but worked Riddle in to a tizzy by accusing the “Original Bro” of being a joke. Riddle got back in it with strikes and suplexes. Cole scored two on a crazy-looking backstabber. He stomped on Riddle’s bare foot but quickly got caught in an ankle lock. He beautifully reversed a roll-through fisherman suplex. A tense sequence of reversals led to Riddle kicking out of the Last Shot. Cole rolled down his kneepad for another but had to roll out of the ring to avoid Riddle’s onslaught. Roderick Strong ineffectively interfered, and Cole tapped to the Bromission.
Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly ran in, but Riddle ducked them and walked up the ramp celebrating. Strong tried to explain himself to Cole but Cole snapped at him. Riddle was still playing to the crowd on the stage at this point, and had to be shooed away by the official. Fish tried to calm Strong, and O’Reilly tried to calm Cole, and they left in those pairings.
Alicia Taylor bid goodnight to the crowd.
RELATED: 4/10 NXT TV REPORT: Recaps, Street Profits vs. Aichner & Barthel, Burch vs. Ryker, LaRae vs. Aliyah
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Update —
Xavier vs. Jay Lethal is now official for Past vs. Present. ROH uploaded a video today where Xavier accepted Lethal’s challenge.
Former ROH Pure Champion John Walters has also been announced for the show.
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A matchup of technicians has been added to Ring of Honor’s Past vs. Present event.
ROH announced today that Doug Williams vs. Jonathan Gresham will take place at Past vs. Present. The show is being held at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, March 14.
Williams was the second-ever Pure Champion in ROH history, holding the title for 42 days in 2004.
Williams tweeted about his in-ring status yesterday: “Thought I should put this out there since I’ve had a few enquiries. I intend to honour my retirement in the UK and so won’t be accepting wrestling bookings here. The only exception is if any foreign company I am contracted to or work run a tour here, then I might… if forced. I am still however open to making non-wrestling appearances, training seminars, backstage roles etc. and other foreign wrestling bookings.”
Gresham & Jay Lethal are the current ROH Tag Team Champions.
Generation Next (Alex Shelley & Matt Sydal) vs. Villain Enterprises (Marty Scurll & Flip Gordon) has also been confirmed for Past vs. Present, along with Homicide vs. Brody King. ROH posted a video last week where Lethal challenged former ROH World Champion Xavier to a match at the show.
Past vs. Present is part of ROH’s 18th Anniversary weekend. Their 18th Anniversary pay-per-view is taking place at Sam’s Town Live on Friday, March 13.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
The following is the latest in a new series of weekly in-depth articles exclusive to PWTorch which will help put in perspective major wrestling promotions with a weekly overview, looking at news and roster developments, results, future line-ups, social media activity, key interviews, plus a timely commentary at the end. We will be featuring similar features on other promotions each week and each will be updated weekly.
•Top Stories of the Week
More changes to the rosters this week. Samoa Joe (with the United States Championship) and Cesaro are now members of Raw. Aleister Black, Andrade, Zelina Vega, Jinder Mahal, and the Singh Brothers are all now members of Smackdown.
WWE had two name changes this week. First, The Viking Experience had their name changed again. They are now The Viking Raiders, but they are still individually known as Erik and Ivar. Bobby Roode is now going by the name Robert Roode.
Bray Wyatt appeared on Raw and Smackdown this week in a pre-taped segment. The segment seemed to play off the idea that he was the host of a children’s show, similar to that of Blues Clues or Pee Wee’s Playhouse, called “Firefly Fun House” and included the buzzard puppet and witch doll from the vignettes that have aired previously. Check out the Social Media Highlights section for the full clip of this segment posted on YouTube by WWE.
WWE announced that they will be having another international tryout, this time in China this July. The article posted on WWE.com says it will be a four day tryout for up to 50 men and women. The article also notes that the Performance Center website is now also available in Mandarin so interested people can apply. SOURCE
Alexander Wolfe appeared at the latest NXT UK tapings as the newest member of the roster. This comes after saying his “goodbye” to WWE last week. He posted a tweet after his appearance that that said “I never said I’ll leave this company. I said goodbye to the WWE (Raw/SD Live) because I am now a part of NXT UK…”
Dustin Rhodes AKA Goldust has announced he is leaving WWE. This week he was also announced as his brother Cody’s opponent at AEW’s upcoming Double or Nothing show next month.
•WWE Weekly Event Results
WWE Live Event – Raw Roster (St. Louis, Mo.) 4/19/19
(1) Finn Balor (c) beat Elias to retain the Intercontinental Championship
(2) Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) defeated The Revival to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
(3) Lucha House Party beat The Singh Brothers
(4) Aleister Black & Ricochet beat The Singh Brothers
(5) Becky Lynch defeated Alexa Bliss to retain the Raw & Smackdown Women’s Championships
(6) The Riott Squad & Lacey Evans beat Bayley, Ember Moon, Dana Brooke, & Nikki Cross
(7) Tony Nese (c) defeated Buddy Murphy to retain the Intercontinental Championship
(8) The Shield beat Jinder Mahal, Baron Corbin, & Bobby Lashley
SOURCE
WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster (Madison, Wis.) 4/20/19
(1) The Hardy Boyz beat The Usos
(2) Rowan defeated Ali
(3) R-Truth vs. Samoa Joe was scheduled, but Joe attacked Truth before the bell
(4) Kevin Owens beat Andrade (w/ Zelina Vega)
(5) Becky Lynch defeated Charlotte Flair
(6) The IIconics (c) beat Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville and Carmella & Naomi to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships
(7) Samoa Joe beat R-Truth
(8) Kofi Kingston defeated Randy Orton
SOURCE
WWE Live Event – Raw Roster (Springfield, Ill.) 4/20/19
(1) Aleister Black & Ricochet beat The Revival
(2) Tony Nese (c) defeated Buddy Murphy to retain the Cruiserweight Championship
(3) Lucha House Party beat Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers
(4) Finn Balor (c) beat Elias to retain the Intercontinental Championship
(5) Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) beat Aleister Black & Ricochet via Disqualification to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships. The Revival would interfere and attack Black & Ricochet for the DQ
(6) Lacey Evans & Alexa Bliss defeated Ember Moon & Dana Brooke
(7) The Shield beat Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, & Baron Corbin
SOURCE
WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster (Rochester, Minn.) 4/21/19
(1) Matt Hardy beat Jimmy Uso
(2) R-Truth vs. Samoa Joe was scheduled, but Joe attacked Truth before the bell
(3) Rowan defeated Ali
(4) Xavier Woods beat Andrade & Cesaro
(5) Becky Lynch (c) defeated Charlotte to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship
(6) IIconics (c) beat Carmella & Naomi and Mandy Rose & Sonya Devile to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championship
(7) Samoa Joe (c) defeated R-Truth to retain the United States Championship
(8) Kofi Kingston (c) beat Randy Orton to retain the WWE Championship
SOURCE
WWE Live Event – Raw Roster (Moline, Ill.) 4/21/19
(1) Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder (c) beat Aleister Black & Ricochet and The Revival to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
(2) Tony Nese (c) beat Buddy Murphy
(3) Lucha House Party defeated Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers
(4) Alexa Bliss & Lacey Evans beat Nikki Cross & Dana Brooke
The last three matches of this show aired on WWE Network as “The Sheild’s Final Chapter”
SOURCE
WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster (Sioux City, Iowa) 4/22/19
(1) Carmella beat Sonya Deville
(2) R-Truth & Matt Hardy defeated Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows
(3) Charlotte Flair beat Bayley
(4) Roman Reigns defeated Elias
(5) Ember Moon beat Mandy Rose
(6) Finn Balor beat Ali
(7) Kofi Kingston (w/ Xavier Woods) defeated Randy Orton
SOURCE
If you attend a live event, please send results to [email protected]. Thanks!
•WWE TV Match Results
The Shield’s Final Chapter (Aired on WWE Network) 4/21/19
(1) Finn Balor defeated Elias to retain the Intercontinental Championship
(2) Bayley & Ember Moon beat Ruby Riott & Sarah Logan (w/ Liv Morgan) when Ember pinned Ruby
(3) The Shield beat Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, & Drew McIntyre when Seth Rollins pinned Corbin
Monday Night Raw TV Results 4/22/19
(1) A.J. Styles beat Samoa Joe & Rey Mysterio to qualify for the main event match to determine the No. 1 Contender for the Universal Championship
(2) Naomi defeated Billie Kaye (w/ Peyton Royce)
(3) Baron Corbin beat Drew McIntyre & The Miz to qualify for the main event match to determine the No. 1 Contender for the Universal Championship
(4) Cesaro beat Cedric Alexander
(5) Becky Lynch defeated Alicia Fox
(6) Robert Roode beat Ricochet
(7) A.J. Styles beat Baron Corbin to become the No. 1 Contender for the Universal Championship
Smackdown Live TV Results 4/23/19
(1) Finn Balor beat Andrade (w/ Zelina Vega)
(2) Kairi Sane (w/ Asuka & Paige) defeated Peyton Royce (w/ Billie Kaye)
(3) Charlotte beat Bayley to become No. 1 Contender for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
(4) Kofi Kingston (w/ Kevin Owens & Xavier Woods) beat Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Rusev & Lana) via Disqualification
205 Live Results (Aired on WWE Network) 4/23/19
(1) Humberto Carillo beat Drew Gulak
(2) Ariya Daivari defeated Oney Lorcan
WWE Main Event (Aired on Hulu and WWE Network) 4/25/19
(1) Dana Brooke defeated Ruby Riott
(2) EC3 beat No Way Jose
Source: WKPWP Post-Raw On-Site Correspondent
•Upcoming Lineups for Stadium/PPV Events
WWE Money in the Bank on May 19 from Hartford, Conn.
Seth Rollins (c) vs. A.J. Styles for the Universal Championship
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lacey Evans for the Raw Women’s Championship
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Charlotte for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
Roman Reigns vs. Elias
Men’s Money in the Bank match
Women’s Money in the Bank match
•Upcoming Events
Mon. 4/29/19 WWE Raw, Rupp Arena, Lexington, Ky.
Mon. 3/29/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington, W.Va.
Tue. 4/30/19 WWE Smackdown, Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Sun. 5/5/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Ford Center Evansville, Evansville, Ind.
Mon. 5/6/19 WWE Raw, U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio
Mon. 5/6/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, The Corbin Arena, Corbin, Ky.
Tue. 5/7/19 WWE Smackdown – KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Ky.
Wed. 5/8/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Thur. 5/9/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland
Thur. 5/9/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Forest National, Brussels, Belgium
Fri. 5/10/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Helsinki Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland
Fri. 5/10/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Arena Du Pays D’Aix, Aix-en-Province, France
Sat. 5/11/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Hovet, Stockholm, Sweden
Sat. 5/11/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Sun. 5/12/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Oslo Spektrum, Oslo, Norway
Sun. 5/12/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, England
Mon. 5/13/19 WWE Raw, The O2, London, England
Mon. 5/13/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, England
Tue. 5/14/19 WWE Smackdown, The O2, London, England
Tue. 5/14/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Accorhotels Arena, Paris, France
Wed. 5/15/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, England
Wed. 5/15/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Getec Arena, Magdeburg, Germany
Thur. 5/16/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Flydsa Arena, Sheffield, England
Thur. 5/16/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Barclaycard Arena, Hamburg, Germany
Fri. 5/17/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales
Fri. 5/17/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin, Germany
Sun. 5/19/19 WWE Money in the Bank, XL Center, Hartford, Conn.
Mon. 5/20/19 WWE Raw, Times Union Center, Albany, N.Y.
Mon. 5/20/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Tsongas Center, Lowell, Mass.
Tue. 5/21/19 WWE Smackdown, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, R.I.
Mon. 5/27/19 WWE Raw, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.
Mon. 5/27/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Salina, Kan.
Tue. 5/28/19 WWE Smackdown, Bok Center, Tulsa, Okla.
Fri. 5/31/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho N.M.
Sat. 6/1/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Extraco Events Center, Waco, Texas
Sat. 6/1/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, Texas
Sun. 6/2/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Reed Arena, College Station, Texas
Sun. 6/2/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Foster Communications Coliseum, San Angelo, Texas
Mon. 6/3/19 WWE Raw, Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Texas
Mon. 6/3/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Tue. 6/4/19 WWE Smackdown, Sames Auto Arena, Laredo, Texas
Sun. 6/9/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Save Mart Center, Fresno, Calif.
Sun. 6/9/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Stockton Arena, Stockton, Calif.
Mon. 6/10/19 WWE Raw, SAP Center, San Jose, Calif.
Mon. 6/10/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nev.
Tue. 6/11/19 WWE Smackdown, Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, Calif.
•Latest TV Highlights
Monday Night Raw
Raw featured two triple threat matches, with the winners to face off in the main event and the winner of the main event would become the No. 1 Contender for the Universal Championship. AJ Styles would beat Samoa Joe & Rey Mysterio in the first triple threat match after he hit Rey Mysterio with the Styles Clash onto Joe, then pinned Mysterio for the win. Baron Corbin would then beat Drew McIntyre & The Miz when McIntyre hit The Miz with a Claymore Kick only to have Corbin throw him out of the ring and steal the pinfall. AJ Styles would then beat Corbin in the Main Event with a Phenomenal Forearm. After the match, Seth Rollins came out to face off with his new challenger. Rollins and Styles would shake hands and Seth would pull AJ in close and the two were jawing back and forth as Raw went off the air.
The debut of Bray Wyatt’s new gimmick happened on Raw in a segment called the “Firefly Fun House.” I can’t possibly do this segment justice, check out the Social Media Highlights section to watch the video of the segment that WWE posted on YouTube. The segment also aired on Smackdown, so it’s unclear which show Bray will be a part of at this time.
Smackdown Live
Kevin Owens showed his true colors this week when he turned on Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Kofi was taking on Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event. Rusev would interfere to cause a disqualification which prompted Xavier Woods and Kevin Owens to come to the aid of Kofi. At one point, Kofi pushed Owens out of the way of a charging Nakamura and Kofi gave him a Trouble in Paradise. Suddenly, Owens hit Kofi with a superkick. Owens grabbed the WWE Championship and yelled at Kofi saying “I hope you and your kids had a good time because I’m coming for this.” Kofi would attempt a comeback, but Owens thwarted the attempt. As Owens went to hit Kofi with a powerbomb to the ring apron, Xavier Woods would stop Owens, but Woods would end up being powerbombed on the apron himself for his trouble.
Charlotte was named No. 1 Contender for the Smackdown Women’s Championship. Charlotte came out to the ring for a promo where she pointed out that she was not pinned at WrestleMania, Ronda Rousey was. Charlotte then called for Becky Lynch to come out and explain why she thinks she’s the rightful Smackdown Women’s Champion. Becky came out and asked Charlotte if she knew what “Winner take all” meant since the WrestleMania match was just that. She said she was too busy beating the baddest woman on the planet, who Charlotte couldn’t beat. Becky also said she beat Ronda because she already knows she can beat Flair. Eventually Bayley would come out and said that the shakeup is about fresh starts, but all she sees in Becky/Charlotte is another rerun. She challenged Charlotte to a match and after Charlotte began to talk down to Bayley, Bayley would smack the mic out of Charlotte’s hand and the match was on. Eventually Charlotte would beat Bayley after a spear to earn a championship match at Money in the Bank.
•Listen to the latest Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-Show – Smackdown Post-Show
PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch columnist Rich Fann, who also hosts “The Deep Dive with Rich Fann” podcast in the PWTorch Dailycast line-up and joins Travis Bryant on the PWTorch East Coast Cast VIP show. They discuss Kevin Owens’ turn on New Day, the Roman Reigns-Shane McMahon/Elias angle, Bray’s Playhouse vignette, Becky Two Belts defending both at Money in the Bank, more Superstar Shake-up fallout and aftershocks, and more.
-On Tune In Radio HERE
-On Apple Podcasts HERE
-Or search “Wade Keller” on your podcast app of choice
•WWE Social Media Highlights
Here is the video of Bray Wyatt’s “Firefly Fun House” segment that aired on Raw.
Big E may not be on Smackdown right now, but he’s still watching. He tweeted after the Owens attack on Tuesday and suddenly Big E vs. Kevin Owens is the big man feud I didn’t know I wanted this badly.
KO is the parasite in the system that desperately clings on to its host for life. Once its sucked all of the nutrients it can out of its host, it seeks another. I only take pleasure in knowing the virus has been detected & @TrueKofi & @XavierWoodsPhD will stomp out the organism.
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) April 24, 2019
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My greatest joy will be returning in time to stomp the life out of the already lifeless roach myself.
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) April 24, 2019
.@FightOwensFight is a trash human. Absolute and complete garbage human.
— Austin Creed @ awesomecon (@XavierWoodsPhD) April 24, 2019
Sometimes you feel compelled believe in someone and give them a chance, even when no one else will. As unpopular a decision as it may seem at the time, you give them the benefit of the doubt…And Then that person proves everyone right. Mark my words, there will be Hell to pay.
— KOFI (@TrueKofi) April 24, 2019
Owens tweeted out a very simple message after Smackdown in response.
Hello.
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) April 24, 2019
Lana continues to be outspoken on Twitter.
He is the baddest. He marches to the beat of his own drum, he isn’t defined by one billionaires opinion, or by the universe’s thoughts. America has taught him it’s not about loses!It’s what you do with loses that will define your future! Rugged @RusevBUL is the AMERICAN DREAM pic.twitter.com/QSgeALBnTs
— Lana Day (@LanaWWE) April 23, 2019
Dustin Rhodes AKA Goldust posted a goodbye to WWE this week on Twitter.
Official Statement: Done on my own terms. Thank you to the @WWEUniverse @wwe and the world of entertainment. #wrestling #DustinRhodes pic.twitter.com/dEwtjTm3Zg
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) April 21, 2019
It wasn’t so much the paint, but the man beneath the paint. Goldust was an Amazing character. So entertaining. BUT…. Dustin was one of the best and most polished in ring performers that I’ve ever seen. Farewell my friend. #ThankYouGoldust https://t.co/imiHdQrDCi
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 21, 2019
•Closing Commentary
– The Bray Wyatt segment from Monday may be one of the weirdest, creepiest, and greatest segments I’ve seen on Raw in quite some time. The fun-loving children’s television show host Bray Wyatt along with the bright and uplifting nature of the segment was weird in and of itself. This is such a departure from his previous character that it’s a little off-putting, but I think that’s intentional. His puppets of “Mercy the Buzzard” and “Abby the Witch” are other connection points to the old gimmick as well. His signature catch phrase of “follow the buzzards” as well as his constant talking about “sister Abigail” are unavoidable and very in your face coincidences, for lack of a better term. The puppets are not adorable or child-friendly at all; they’re a little creepy, which makes the added sound effects of kids awing at their reveal just that much more unsettling.
There are some dark and creepy moments in this segment too including one point where Bray bends over out of view of the camera only to have the music dramatically change, the camera start shaking, and him to stand back up wearing two gloves with HURT on one glove and HEAL on the other. Later in the segment when he holds up one hand to his ear (the HURT glove), he suddenly has an electric chainsaw and chops off the head of a cardboard cutout of his old character. That’s not exactly kid-friendly either, yet the sound effects added are of children cheering for him doing this and clapping.
I know some people hated this segment, but for some reason I absolutely loved it. I remember a few months ago where Bray was tweeting out things that appeared to be fragments of doctor’s notes regarding a patient and daily updates. One read “Day 23, Subject is showing signs of progress, at times. Violent outbursts are commonplace, spewing threats at our staff in multiple languages, and reciting passages from Bible and” and immediately after he tweeted “Day 3, Subject believes God as well as several other entities speak to him directly. They give him a scapegoat for 7.” Remembering these cryptic tweets from late last year combined with this new debut of a character has lead me (and many others) to think that this may indicate Bray has undergone some type of therapy to change his mental state. Given the gloves – and the segment in general – it seems like he’s still fighting his old urges, but trying to be over the top different from who he used to be to help him avoid going back to that person.
I’m beyond excited to see the next installment of this. I’d love to know who’s behind this idea and who is helping execute it because one week in and I’m hooked to see where this goes. I’m hoping and praying that Vince just leaves Bray and whoever else is involved here alone and just lets them run with this – because if Vince gets involved, I’m terrified we’re going to end up with Bray Wyatt playing some horribly cheesy wrestling version of Jeff Dunham with way uglier puppets.
NOW CHECK OUT OTHER WEEKLY OVERVIEWS HERE.
OR JUMP TO LAST WEEK’S WWE OVERVIEW: WEEKLY OVERVIEW – WWE (thru 4/17): Top stories of week, major show lineups, live event results, schedule of live events, noteworthy social media posts, more
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
WWE SMACKDOWN PRIMER
WILD CARD WEEK III
MAY 28, 2019
TULSA, OK. AT THE BOK CENTER
AIRS ON USA NETWORK, 8:00 p.m. EDT
BY FRANK PETEANI (@FrankPeteani), PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Announcers: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton
Smackdown Viewership Last Week: Average 1.983 million, up .056 million from previous week.
Arena, Items Advertised by WWE, and Show Start Time
WWE Smackdown returns to the BOK Center in Tulsa, OK. The arena last hosted the show in September of last year in the days following Hell in a Cell. The BOK Center first opened in 2008 and has hosted events for WWE since 2009 including the early version on NXT.
The arena’s website shows a start time of 6:45 p.m. local time for the house with doors opening at 5:15 p.m. 205Live will follow Smackdown proper.
As of 12:00 p.m. EDT today, WWE.com does not have a preview of tonight’s Smackdown up. By the time this report drops it may or may not be available. Only one match is known, and that was announced on Raw last night. I will work with what I have, as I do every week for the great website that is PWTorch.com. We continue to get ready for Super Showdown, which takes place on June 7 in JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA.
Matches & Segments:
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston to take on Kevin Owens in a non-title match.
Storyline Follow-Up
Nothing advertised
Non-Title Match: WWE Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens and WWE Champion Kofi Kingston have been on the dance floor since Owens’ return from injury at Fastlane earlier this year. Owens was Vince McMahon’s replacement for Kofi in a WWE Championship match that ended up being a triple threat which also involved Ali against then-champion Daniel Bryan. Bryan now holds the Smackdown Tag Team Championship with Rowan.
Following Kofi winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, Owens became an honorary member of New Day only to turn on Kofi & Xavier Woods just one week later. That led to a match between Kofi and Owens at Money in the Bank, in which Kofi retained the title.
Multiple reports have come out that Kevin Owens does not wish to travel to Saudi Arabia. It isn’t known if he was to get another championship match. A returning Dolph Ziggler is set to challenge Kofi for the title at the “international event.” Ziggler attacked Kofi following his non-title match with Sami Zayn last week and did the same last night on Raw to Kofi and Xavier Woods. Ziggler’s claim is that the success Kofi is having should have been his. He said so last week and last night in his promos. Kofi had quite a simple response to Ziggler’s challenge last week:
That’s the business between Kofi and Ziggler. As far as Owens and Kofi, they continue their story tonight in a non-title match.
Frank’s Analysis: You wonder if Owens will be punished for not wanting to go to Saudi Arabia, and you wonder how long it’s been known. I thought it was odd he jobbed clean to Kofi at Money in the Bank. It’s hard to say overall. Daniel Bryan felt the same way in advance of Crown Jewel last November and he ended up being WWE Champion shortly after that event until WrestleMania. He now co-holds the Smackdown tag titles with Rowan. It really depends on how important Owens is to Vince McMahon as far as how he’s treated going forward. If Owens jobs clean again tonight, it could indicate he’s being punished.
Not Advertised for Follow-Up:
As I said earlier, nothing is advertised except for the Kofi vs. Owens match. Here’s the other happenings from last week’s show:
Big E celebrated his return with his New Day brethren Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. He was shown clutching his knee later in the back. He said it was Owens and was taken to a local medical facility.
Ali defeated Andrade in a very good 12-minute match.
Mandy Rose fought Carmella to a no-contest when pretty much the entire WWE undercard chased 24/7 Champion R-Truth through the crowd. Truth was in Carmella’s corner, like a moron.
Throughout the show Jinder Mahal, Bo Dallas, and Curtis Axel all attempted to pin Truth. He also wore a wig at one point.
In a previously unadvertised match, Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch & Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley defeated Charlotte Flair & Lacey Evans. Before the match Becky told Bayley after the tag match, she’s coming for her title. Why isn’t Seth Rollins pursuing Kofi Kingston then? Hawkins & Ryder pursuing Bryan & Rowan?
Roman Reigns defeated Elias, with Shane McMahon in his corner. Following the match “Best in the World” Shane went after Roman. When that failed, Drew McIntyre showed up and hit Roman with a Claymore Kick. I don’t even know at this point if WWE exceeded their Wild Card rule. I should know typing this report, but I sadly don’t care.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor was not on the show last week following taking a brutal bump in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Here’s a WWE.com exclusive with Balor:
I’m not sure what Balor was going to say at the end of the interview, but it certainly felt like he was going to say enough was enough. We’ll see if he’s on the show tonight.
Follow Frank on Twitter @FrankPeteani. Questions and discussion are welcome. Thank you for reading!
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WWE is introducing a new trophy for this month’s Super ShowDown event in Saudi Arabia.
During tonight’s Raw, it was announced that a six-person gauntlet match will take place at Super ShowDown. The gauntlet match will feature AJ Styles, Andrade, Bobby Lashley, Rusev, R-Truth, and Erick Rowan.
The winner of the gauntlet match will receive the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy.
Styles has been out of action since the Royal Rumble due to a shoulder injury. In an update that WWE issued earlier this month, it was said that Styles is “recovering way ahead of doctor’s projections.”
Andrade is currently serving a 30-day suspension for a wellness policy violation. His suspension was announced on January 28 and will expire just in time for Super ShowDown.
Super ShowDown is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, February 27 and will air live on the WWE Network. Here’s the updated card for the show:
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Ricochet
Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defending against Goldberg
Roman Reigns vs. Baron Corbin in a steel cage match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) defending against The Miz & John Morrison)
Tuwaiq Trophy gauntlet match
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
NXT TV TAPING REPORT
JUNE 12, 2019
WINTER PARK, FLA. AT FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
REPORT BY TOM STOUP, PWTORCH CORRESPONDENT
This is the second of a two-night taping. See the first part from last night (June 12) in the archives.
Alicia Taylor hyped “international superstar” Kushida, new NXT Champion Adam Cole, and the NXT Breakout Tournament semis, in that order. She introduced the commentators with Beth Phoenix coming out last, then tossed to a recap of the finish and aftermath of the Shayna Baszler/Io Shirai Women’s Championship cage match that was taped last night.
Io Shirai entered in all black to new music and strobe lighting. She received a raucous reaction but glared at the crowd. She took her sweet time before speaking, once briefly cracking a smile as a young fan heckled her. The combatting positive and negative reactions heightened as she stalled further and further to draw heat. “Io” and “Io sucks” chants broke out. Whenever Shirai brought the mic to her lips, fans erupted in boos. Shirai finally said, “I don’t want any friends. I don’t need any of you.” She dropped the mic and sauntered out.
(1) Matt Riddle defeated Arturo Ruas (f/k/a Adrian Jaoude) via TKO. Official: Jessika Carr. Riddle entered to a deafening pop. As expected for these two talents, the mat wrestling began straight away and went hold for hold through the early phases. The men tested their respective kicking expertise against one another, then Riddle kneed Ruas to the ground and began pounding away at him until Carr called the match in Riddle’s favor. Ruas looked like he didn’t know what had happened when he stood back up after the decision.
As Riddle celebrated, a masked man in a Tool shirt ran in and attacked him. The man revealed himself to be Killian Dain. Dain appeared to have cut some weight, and he destroyed Riddle with clotheslines and sentons on the outside. Dain booted Riddle up the ramp, then slammed him through the stage floor. The crowd chanted “Yowie Wowie,” then applauded as officials extracted Riddle from beneath the stage.
Break. An extended reel of memorable NXT moments was shown.
(2) Kushida submitted Apollo Crews. Official: Eddie Orengo. Crews received an enthusiastic welcome back from the crowd. He used his strong aerials to keep Kushida on his heels. Kushida enjoyed a sequence of offense after a period of evenly matched action, and found two on a tornado DDT. Crews hit three German suplexes and a standing moonsault for two. A “both these guys” chant broke out. Crews rolled through a springboard Frankensteiner into a leverage pin for two. The wrestlers leapt from the top turnbuckle and Kushida caught Crews in an armbar, which he transitioned into the Hoverboard Lock for the win. The wrestlers shook hands after the bell out of what appeared to be genuine respect for one another.
Adam Cole came out by himself, and said he’s shown “all you morons” what a real NXT Champion looks like. He said he’s ready to take on all comers and put his title on the line, and that he’s going to do so “tonight” against “this man.” He tossed to a “Target: TakeOver” clip of Johnny Gargano showing his title to Toine Tucker in Cleveland. Cole introduced Tucker, who came out with a mic. Cole said this is Tucker’s opportunity, and Tucker said he didn’t come alone. Gargano came out to a good reaction and immediately began punching and superkicking Cole as Tucker left. The men fought into the crowd, Gargano in charge the whole way. Officials swarmed out to pull them apart. Gargano ran back in and leapt from the stage onto Cole. Cole scooted away as Gargano was again restrained by officials.
(3) Street Profits defeated Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch via pinfall to retain the NXT Tag Team Championships. Official: D.A. Brewer. Montez Ford entered with a smaller cup than usual that had something written on it, and the sash of his outfit had a Bianca Belair kiss logo pinned to the back. Burch and Lorcan offered a handshake at the bell, which the Profits accepted. Ford and Lorcan tied up to start. After a tag the Profits hoisted Lorcan to splash him onto Burch, then stacked the brawlers in the ropes for their leapfrog team attack. As order was restored, Angelo Dawkins offered another handshake but Burch did not accept, instead taking fists and headbutts to the tag champ. Lorcan came in and assisted with a dual Russian leg sweep on Dawkins. Burch and Lorcan team suplexed Dawkins for two and took control of the match. Burch locked a crossface on Dawkins that Ford broke up with a swift kick to his back. The furious Burch pounded away on Dawkins, then whiffed on a second rope missile dropkick. Off the hot tag Ford clotheslined his opponents to the mat, backdropped Lorcan and hit a standing moonsault on him for two. The Profits corkscrew splashed Lorcan in the corner. Ford said “It’s time!” but Lorcan wriggled out of a Doomsday Device attempt. Burch tagged in and got a near fall on Ford. Dawkins tagged in and tackled Burch after surviving an uppercut from Lorcan. Ford flipped over Lorcan and the top rope to attack Burch on the outside, but splatted on the ramp as Burch appeared to be just a bit too far to the side to “get all of it.” Lorcan was thrown into the ring steps, and Ford recovered to hit his impressive frog splash on Burch for the victory. As the Profits celebrated, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly emerged on the stage. O’Reilly mocked Dawkins’ stirring gesture and made the “I’m watching you” motion.
Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano brawled back into the studio, chased by officials. Gargano kicked Cole, then locked him in the Gargano Escape. Cole tapped as officials pulled Gargano away, and Gargano held up three fingers and said, “That’s three.”
Break. A commercial featuring old Hulk Hogan footage drew some boos. Alicia Taylor hyped the NXT Breakout Tournament semis, and announced Keith Lee vs. Damian Priest to take place later in the taping.
(4) Jordan Myles (f/k/a ACH) pinned Angel Garza (f/k/a Garza, Jr.) to advance to the NXT Breakout Tournament finals. Official: Drake Wuertz. The semifinals brackets as shown last night had been altered, as Myles had been scheduled to face Cameron Grimes. Myles’ right thigh was taped. As Myles worked a hold on Garza, he cheesed for the cameras. Myles backflipped and dropkicked Garza, then mimed dribbling a basketball between his legs and shooting a free throw (a gesture he’s now displayed several times in NXT, possibly revealing a reasoning behind his new name). Garza pulled Myles from the ring and hurled him into the steps and the barricade. Myles broke Wuertz’ count at seven. Garza found two off a backbreaker. Garza kicked the spit from Myles’ mouth for another near fall. Myles kicked at Garza’s chest in the corner until Wuertz instructed him to quit. He hit a discus clothesline in the corner, but Garza rolled out of the way of any follow-up top rope offensive. Myles flew at Garza but was dropkicked out of the air. Myles hit another discus clothesline in the corner. He was elated to win on a German suplex pin, and shouted, “I’m going to TakeOver!”
Break.
(5) Bianca Belair pinned Xia Li. Official: D.A. Brewer. Li entered to her familiar music as opposed to the new theme that was introduced last night. Belair was aggressive out of the gate and needed to be pulled away after stomping Li in the corner. From commentary Mauro Ranallo could be heard shouting – presumably to Beth Phoenix – as Belair hit a Glam Slam. Belair then hit a fallaway slam without falling away. She squatted three times during a suspended suplex, but Li reversed the cocky attempt and began kicking at Belair. Belair quit messing around and hit the KOD, looking unimpressed as her theme played. She shook her head and motioned for Li to kiss her ass as she left.
Dream came out in a Hollywood Hogan tribute outfit, but his mic didn’t work. When he got a new mic, he said the day he “steps down” as NXT North American Champion will be the day he goes to hell because it will be the day Roderick Strong beats him. He said he can “go all night” just like Strong, and got upset. He said if anyone thinks they can experience Velveteen Dream, he wants to experience them. Strong came out alone and said, “Cool story.” He accused Dream of being scared, and said he can see it in Dream’s eyes even behind Dream’s sunglasses. Dream threw his sunglasses away and glared at Strong. Strong said, “Give me what I want! You and me, TakeOver: Toronto! You and me, the ‘experience’ dies!” Pete Dunne interrupted to an excellent pop, and snapped Strong’s fingers. Strong backed off, and Dunne admired Dream’s title and shrugged.
(6) Io Shirai defeated Kacy Catanzaro via disqualification. Official: Eddie Orengo. Shirai jawed at audience members on her way to the ring. She wore the same black outfit she wore for her promo segment earlier as opposed to even a color-swapped rendition of her usual wrestling gear. Catanzaro frowned and gave a thumbs down. Shirai flew in at the bell with a missile dropkick, double knees in the corner, and a backbreaker. Candice LeRae ran in and attacked Shirai from behind. She dove on Shirai and grabbed a chair, but Shirai escaped.
Alicia Taylor announced that William Regal had booked Pete Dunne vs. Roderick Strong for later, and she said Keith Lee vs. Damian Priest would be up next.
(7) Damian Priest pinned Keith Lee. Official: D.A. Brewer. Priest grinned as Lee was unable to bounce him across the ring with a shoulder block the way he does with smaller opponents. Lee wagged his finger at Priest, who casually leaned against the ropes. Lee then succeeded in shoulder blocking Priest to the mat, and Brewer instructed him to back off. Priest struggled to suplex Lee, so he sufficed for a clothesline for two. Lee failed to get Priest off his feet, then Priest walked the top rope a la Undertaker and hit a cross body for another near fall. Priest motioned as though firing an arrow point blank at Lee’s head, but Lee grabbed Priest’s extended hand and began striking for an eventual near fall of his own. Priest rallied and hit Lee with a Falcon’s Arrow for two. Lee double-chopped Priest, then shoulder blocked him across the ring using Priest’s own momentum. Priest rolled out, but Lee followed and brought him back. Priest flipped over the top rope and was caught upside-down in midair by Lee for a big crowd reaction. He escaped what was looking like an apron powerbomb predicament and sent Lee into the steps. Manipulating Brewer into a position that shielded him from Lee’s retaliation, Priest manufactured an opening to pull off his finishing spinning roundhouse kick and spinning neckbreaker sequence for the win. As he celebrated for the hard cam, he aimed his bow and arrow gesture at the departing Lee, and gave the disappointed Lee a smarmy grin.
(8) Tyler Breeze pinned Jaxson Ryker (with Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler). Official: Eddie Orengo. The giant Breeze head that adorned the tron during Breeze’s appearances last night has been replaced with a stream from Breeze’s selfie cam (read: a different form of giant Breeze head). Breeze was outmuscled from the start as a frothing Ryker tore him apart. Breeze surprised Ryker with a roll-up for the win.
The Forgotten Sons beat Breeze down after the bell. Fandango made his long-awaited WWE return to save his partner, wearing jeans and a white a-shirt. He looked lean and in great shape, especially upon ripping off the a-shirt. The Sons fled as Breezango relished their reunion. The crowd was Fandangoing as the Breezango theme played, and Fandango gyrated for each section of the crowd.
(9) Cameron Grimes (f/k/a Trevor Lee) pinned Bronson Reed (f/k/a Jonah Rock) to advance to the NXT Breakout Tournament finals. Official: Jessika Carr. The wrestlers locked up, and the larger Reed overpowered Grimes through the early phase. The wily Grimes tricked Reed into giving chase around the ring, and took control when Reed made himself vulnerable when sliding back in beneath the ropes. Reed rallied with a smooth powerslam and a Bionic Elbow. He dropped a massive senton on Grimes which was good for two as Grimes got his foot to the rope. The wrestlers traded various strikes, then Reed lowered his straps. Grimes then caught Reed in a midair powerslam for the victory.
Shayna Baszler entered to her music and demanded a mic to call out Mia Yim. She referenced Yim’s promo at the commentary desk that was taped last night but not heard by most of the audience as it had only been for the TV camera. She accused Yim of attacking Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir from behind, and said NXT “isn’t the street.” She called Yim a “street rat” and said Yim isn’t ready for TakeOver: Toronto. Yim interrupted and said, “Game recognizes game, and you looking real familiar right now.” She said Baszler can’t train for her. Baszler retorted, saying that when Yim is under the lights of TakeOver everyone will see she’s nothing but street trash.
Break.
Matt Riddle entered for a match, with official Drake Wuertz ready to officiate, but Killian Dain attacked him with a cross body out of nowhere. Dain hit a cannonball on Riddle against the steps and strut away as officials helped Riddle.
Break. Event crew set up for Kushida’s entrance. The WrestleMania 36 commercial was met with cheers by fans who won’t have far to travel to see it live at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.
(10) Kushida submitted Jeff Parker. Official: D.A. Brewer. Jeff Parker of NXT’s Team 3.0 was not announced. The match went almost exactly as it did last night, except Parker only got in one cheap shot as opposed to a full sequence of offense complete with taunting as he had in that version of the match. Apparently the NXT brass changed their mind regarding how much defense they wanted to see Kushida play against Parker.
William Regal entered to a respectful standing ovation, and announced that he was going to officiate a contract signing for the TakeOver: Toronto Tag Team Championship match. He first brought out the champions, Street Profits. As the Profits had at a recent taping after cameras had cut, they tried to get Regal to dance with them but Regal went on with the proceedings. Regal was about to bring out Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly, but the Profits insisted on doing their own introduction. Ford called their opponents “O’Reilly Auto Parts” and “Laurence Fishbourne” and said they are “the next team to receive an ass-whooping from the Street Profits.” Fish apologized for forgetting to laugh at the Profits’ jokes. In a twerpy tone O’Reilly clarified that he had remembered to laugh, but chose not to because the jokes weren’t funny. Fish told the crowd to shut up and said the Undisputed Era is both better and funnier than the Profits. O’Reilly demonstrated his comedic chops by clearing his throat and saying, “Here’s the joke: the Street Profits are the NXT Tag Team Champions.” Ford leveled, acknowledging the Era’s accomplishments including having been featured on every TakeOver since their arrival to NXT. Dawkins said Fish and O’Reilly are probably the best tag team in NXT history. Ford got amped and said the reason the Profits will win is because winning is their only option. Dawkins said “At NXT TakeOver: Toronto, the Street Profits are going to beat that ass. And that is undisputed.” The crowd chanted “beat that ass.” The wrestlers signed the contract, and Regal announced the match as official. O’Reilly shouted something at Regal before he and Fish left.
(11) Shane Thorne pinned Joaquin Wilde (f/k/a DJZ) Official: Jessika Carr. Thorne entered with a new theme and a new tron. He said “show me what you got, kid” to Wilde, who went after him and said, “I got more where that came from.” Wilde mimicked the sound of an airhorn at Thorne and worked a wristlock. He put on a show with his agile tactics, but Thorne flattened him with a tilt-a-whirl slam and took control. Wilde’s comeback culminated in a powerbomb for two. He leapt from the apron and through the turnbuckle ropes onto Thorne on the outside, and then flipped over the top rope onto Thorne. Thorne beat Carr’s ten count at nine, then rolled back out. Thorne threw Wilde into the steps, then onto the ramp. Back in the ring he nailed a nice-looking running and jumping punt to Wilde’s head for three.
(12) Pete Dunne submitted Roderick Strong. Official: Drake Wuertz. The wrestlers grappled for leverage and kept reaching stalemates. Strong said, “You made a mistake,” then began kicking and pounding on Dunne. Dunne rose but was chopped back to the corner. Dunne clotheslined Strong and stomped on his left arm. He wrenched Strong’s fingers back to the mat and then kicked his left arm. Strong managed a signature backbreaker but nurses his arm instead of attempting a cover. Fans chanted “bruiserweight” as Dunne withstood further kicks while he was down. Dunne stopped a superplex attempt and nailed Strong with a missile dropkick. He kicked and chopped at Strong and folded him to the canvas for two. Dunne backflipped out of a German to his feet and drilled Strong with a sit-out powerbomb for another near fall. Strong dropped Dunne on his back on the apron and rolled him between the ropes for a near fall of his own. Mauro Ranallo’s signature excitement could be heard throughout the studio. Strong ran the ropes, elbowing Dunne each time he passed. Dunne countered a maneuver into a DDT and both men sold the effects of the match to that point. Strong dragged Dunne to his feet and alternated chops and elbows. Dunne countered a top turnbuckle maneuver into a powerbomb, but then suffered a high knee from Strong. Dunne trapped Strong’s head between his thighs and snapped Strong’s fingers. Strong tapped out.
As Dunne celebrated for the hard cam, Velveteen Dream slinked in and looked to take Dunne out with the NXT North American Championship belt. Dunne turned and caught Dream in the act. Strong hopped on the apron and said to Dream, “Tonight doesn’t matter. At TakeOver that title is mine!” He left, and Dunne took the opportunity to deliver a Bitter End to Dream as the fans chanted “Triple threat.” Dunne soaked in the crowd’s adulation and took selfies with fans in the front row. When Dream recovered, he shushed the crowd and insisted everyone stay and get out their phones. It sounded as though he was about to deliver an important speech. Instead, he flaunted his title as his music played, then he gave his glasses to a young girl in the front row and put her on his shoulders.
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Flamita has been pulled from two upcoming Ring of Honor shows due to injury.
In this week’s edition of his Eck’s Files column for ROH’s website, Kevin Eck wrote that Flamita suffered a torn meniscus while teaming with Bandido against The Briscoes at Free Enterprise. Flamita won’t be able to wrestle at Bound By Honor in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday, February 28 or Gateway to Honor in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, February 29.
Flamita, Bandido & Rey Horus are the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions. They were scheduled to defend their titles against Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham & Jeff Cobb at Gateway to Honor, but it will now be Bandido & Horus vs. Lethal & Gresham in a Proving Ground match.
Bandido & Horus will get a future shot at Lethal & Gresham’s ROH Tag Team titles if they defeat Lethal & Gresham or if the match ends in a time-limit draw.
Flamita & Bandido vs. Dalton Castle & Joe Hendry vs. Mark Haskins & Tracy Williams vs. Vincent & Bateman had been set for Bound By Honor. PJ Black & Brian Johnson will replace Flamita & Bandido in that match, while Bandido has been added to Marty Scurll vs. Slex to make it a triple threat.
Flamita is one of ROH’s recent signees. Flamita, Bandido & Horus won the Six-Man titles from Villain Enterprises (Scurll, Brody King & Flip Gordon) last month.
ROH didn’t announce a timetable for when Flamita will be returning from his injury.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
The July 16 episode of WWE Smackdown on USA Network drew a 1.55 rating and 2.122 million viewers among live and same-night-DVR viewers, up from the prior week’s 1.41 and well above the rolling ten week average heading into this week of 1.42.It’s the highest rating for Smackdown since the Superstar Shake-up week after WrestleMania on Apr. 16 when ratings were at or above 1.60 for seven straight weeks before the post-WrestleMania drop. It was the first viewership number above two million since June 4.
One year ago Smackdown drew a 1.56, so this week’s rating almost topped the year-ago rating, which would have been the first instance of that this year.
The current yearly average is 1.51, below the year-ago average through this week of 1.73. The rating two years ago this week was 1.70.
Smackdown finished on top of the Tuesday cable rankings among the 18-49 demographic with a 0.7 rating, reclaiming the top rope above Bravo’s “Housewives of Beverly Bills” which drew a 0.6. “Chrisly Knows Best” on USA following Smackdown drew a 0.4 rating in that demo and finished third for the night with total viewership fo 1.212.
Three cable news shows topped Smackdown in total viewers on Tuesday night – “Hannity” and “Tucker Carlson Tonight” on Fox News and “The Rachel Maddow Show” on MSNBC.
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WWE has already made a few announcements for next week’s episode of Raw.
AJ Styles vs. Aleister Black will take place on Raw next Monday, along with Rey Mysterio & Humberto Carrillo vs. Andrade & Angel Garza. This will be Andrade’s return to Raw after the conclusion of his 30-day suspension for a wellness policy violation. With the suspension up, he’ll be returning to the ring as part of the Tuwaiq Trophy gauntlet match at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia this Thursday.
Beth Phoenix is also set to appear on Raw next week. Her appearance will further the build to Randy Orton vs. Edge at WrestleMania 36, with Phoenix providing an update on Edge’s condition following the angle where he was attacked by Orton last month.
Black was attacked by The O.C. on Raw tonight and then challenged Styles for next week after defeating Erick Rowan.
After trading pinning attempts near the finish, Garza defeated Carrillo in their match on tonight’s Raw.
Next week’s Raw is taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It will be the first episode of the show after Super ShowDown.