SEScoops

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Dominik Mysterio Turns on His Father at WWE Clash at the Castle

    Dominik Mysterio is now a heel following an attack on his father, Rey Mysterio. 

    Edge and Rey vs. Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Finn Balor) was booked in a tag team match at the Clash at the Castle event from the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

    The finish saw Dominik trip Balor, and Rey hit the 619, then Edge him with the spear for the win. Post-match, Dominik kicked Edge in the nuts and then clotheslined his father. Dominik took off his shirt and walked to the back with fans booing him. 

    The Heel Turn

    WWE has been building to his moment for several weeks at Rhea Ripley, Balor, and Priest have been trying to recruit Dominik to join them. Ripley even wore the famous I’m Your Papi t-shirt made famous by the late great Eddie Guerrero. WWE also teased tension between Edge and Dom.

    The father and son previously discussed in interviews how they didn\’t want to feud together. That has obviously changed. 

    Dominik has been paired with his father on WWE television since 2020, where they found success and were former Tag Team Champions. 

  • Liv Morgan Retains SmackDown Women’s Title at WWE Clash at the Castle

    WWE SmackDown Women\’s Champion Liv Morgan made her latest title defense against Shayna Baszler at the Clash at the Castle event.

    The match started off with a quick pace as Morgan landed a flurry of strikes and moves until things went outside of the ring and Shayna tossed her into the barricade. This led to Baszler slowing down the match\’s pace, which turned out to be the story. Morgan, the babyface, trying to be fast while Shayna plots her way through. It ended when Morgan hit her with the code breaker then her finisher for the win. 

    Morgan vs. Baszler

    In order to compete for the SmackDown Women\’s Championship at Clash at the Castle, Baszler had to win a gauntlet match on an episode of SmackDown last month. Shayna beat Raquel Rodriguez, Sonya Deville, Xia Li, Shotzi, and Natalya in the match. 

    Despite submitting to Ronda Rousey\’s armbar submission and tapping out, Morgan kept the title at SummerSlam as she pinned Rousey a second later after tapping out. Instead of counting Rousey\’s shoulders on the ground on that mat, the referee failed to notice Morgan\’s submission.

    Morgan won the championship after cashing in her Money in the Bank contract on Rousey at the themed event. 

    What are your thoughts on Liv Morgan retaining the SmackDown Women\’s Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

  • Austin Theory Officially Got His First Name Back at Clash at the Castle

    Austin Theory is the latest star to get his first name back as he was introduced as \”Austin Theory\” when he made his entrance for a six-man tag team match on WWE Clash at the Castle pre-show. 

    He teamed with Alpha Academy in a loss to Madcap Moss & The Street Profits where Montez Ford pinned Chad Gable to get the victory.

    Austin is Back

    Since April, he had been going by the name \”Theory\” after having his first name-dropped. It was reported earlier this week by Pwinsider.com that Theory, real name Austin White, would be returning to using the full name Austin Theory, which comes after Matt Riddle got his first name back on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw. 

    PWInsider noted in their report the \”shortened names were an edict under the Vince McMahon regime that has now been reversed.\” The change comes after Triple H took over as head of WWE creative following McMahon\’s resignation. 

    While speaking with SHAK Wrestling this week, Theory said he didn\’t think he needed his first name back because he loves the name Theory and felt Austin was always the throw-on for the name. 

    Theory is the current holder of the Money in the Bank briefcase after winning it in July and grants him the right to a shot at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship whenever he wants it.

  • WWE Faction Reunites at Clash at the Castle

    Imperium was back together as Giovanni Vinci was with Gunther and Ludwig as Gunther made his first defense as the WWE Intercontinental Champion against Sehamus at  Saturday’s WWE Clash at the Castle event from Cardiff, Wales.

    When WWE NXT was changed to the 2.0 brand, Fabian Aichner became Vinci and was given a different character. Gunther and Ludwig went to the main roster. However, Triple H has now put them back together. 

    https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1566119107933732864

    Gunther vs. Sheamus

    The match was hard-hitting, as expected, with both guys having bruises on their bodies. At one point, Gunther avoided the Brogue Kick and hit a drop kick. Gunther with a powerbomb for 2. Gunther went over with a lariat. 

    Sheamus won over Ricochet, Sami Zayn, Madcap Moss, and Happy Corbin on a recent edition of SmackDown to qualify for a crack at Gunther\’s Intercontinental championship. 

    Zayn, who was competing in his hometown, was injured after taking white noise from Sheamus off the top rope and was forced to leave the ring. He hit a kick, came back, and tried to pin Ricochet. By taking Zayn outside the ring, Corbin interrupted the count. Corbin attempted to pin Ricochet during the finish, but Sheamus stepped in and delivered the winning brogue kick on Corbin.

  • Chris Jericho: ‘WWE NXT Sucks and They Know it’

    The Wednesday Night Wars between WWE and AEW Dynamite started in October 2019 until NXT’s final Wednesday night broadcast in April 2021. AEW won the majority of the weeks in the TV tapings. 

    While speaking with Ariel Helwani of BT Sports today, Triple H knocked EW’s victory in the Wednesday Night Wars by saying AEW defeated WWE’s “developmental” system, despite previously referring to NXT as the third brand several times. 

    Chris Jericho Reacts to Triple H\’s Comments

    \"Chris
    (AEW)

    Chris Jericho gave his take on Triple H’s comments in a new interview with Inside The Ropes’ Alex McCarthy for talkWRESTLING.

    “Once again, it is just changing the narrative and changing the history, which makes me laugh. Because when it started, it was not developmental, it was a third brand, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and all the other bullsh*t that they said, so of course we [AEW] beat the developmental or whatever you want to call it, but who gives a sh*t?

    It’s such old news, and the show sucks. NXT sucks, it’s not a good show, and they know it. Whether they were punished or not, they probably were punished. That’s probably why Triple H said those things because he is angry that we beat them, and he is probably angry that we exist. But you know, we don’t care about WWE, we care about our show, we care about putting on the best stories that we can put on, we care about building our fanbase and building our ratings.”

    Jericho continued that WWE is upset about the continued growth of the rival promotion. 

    “We will continue to exist, and I will tell you this, my boss has a lot more money than his boss does. A lot more. So you want to go to that, and we are not going anywhere. We will continue to grow. That p*sses them off, and why wouldn’t it? They had a monopoly for so long and don’t like the fact that we exist, and that’s fine. We don’t care that they exist. God bless them. They are running a show in front of 50,000 people. Why would he care about us? But you know, he should, and he does, and that’s why he said those things.”

  • Tyson Fury Will Be Ringside at WWE Clash at the Castle

    Heavyweight boxing starTyson Fury will appear at Saturday\’s WWE Clash at the Castle event from Cardiff, Wales.

    Fury made his WWE in-ring debut in 2019 by wrestling Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. Fury ended up beating Strowman via count out.

    With Clash at the Castle taking place in just days, WWE will likely have him as a surprise rather than being announced ahead of time.

    Fury was in talks with WWE about a return this summer, but its unclear what happened for an in-ring return to not happen. 

    There had been speculation that WWE may book Fury vs. Drew McIntyre at Clash at the Castle, but with Fury not being available, WWE booked McIntyre in another big match as he will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

    5 Bold Predictions For Clash At The Castle & All Out Weekend

  • WWE NXT 2.0 Results (8/30/22): Worlds Collide Build, Main Roster Stars Appear

    The August 30, 2022, episode of WWE NXT 2.0 aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida, at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

    WWE NXT 2.0 Results 

    •  
    • Grayson Waller def. Apollo Crews 
    • Katana Chance and Kayden Carter def. Tatum Paxley and Ivy Nile v
    • Pretty Deadly and Lash Legend def. Briggs, Jensen, and Henley 
    • Andre Chase def. Charlie Dempsey 
    • Zoey Stark def. Kiana James 
    • Gallus def. Diamond Mine

    Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

    Ricochet Returns

    \"\"

    In the final segment of the show, North American Champion Carmelo Hayes did a promo in the ring about how he’s offended that he wasn’t given an opponent at Worlds Collide. He said he’s not a secondary champion. 

    Ricochet walked out and told them to shut up. He challenged Hayes to a title match at the show and it was made official. Ricochet laid him out. 

    Final Build 

    \"\"

    This was the go-home edition of NXT for Sunday’s Worlds Collide event where NXT Champion Bron Breakker will meet NXT UK Tyler Bate in a title unification bout. 

    There was a backstage segment with Breakker and Finn Balor. Finn said that he made the NXT Title the best title out there and gave him some advice. He said that he has beaten bigger guys than him and for Bron not to underestimate his opponent. Tommaso Ciampa also talked with Bron.

    NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose vs. NXT UK Champion Meiko Satomura vs. Blair Davenport in a triple threat unification title match will happen at Worlds Collide. 

    There was a backstage segment where Shayna Baszler told Rose that she better unify the titles or nothing she has done will mean anything. 

    Gunther talked with Bate backstage. 

    Apollo Crews vs. Grayson Waller

    \"\"

    Apollo Crews vs. Grayson Waller in a singles match took place. 

    The match goes back to a segment on last week’s NXT where  Crews was a guest on the debut edition of \”The Grayson Waller Effect\” talk show. Crews referred to Waller as a \”low-budget Miz.”

    The match opened the show. It ended when Waller was sent out of the ring, but got back in right away and hit a jumping cutter for the win.

    Six-Person Tag Team Match

    \"\"

    Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Fallon Henley vs. Elton Prince, Kit Wilson & Lash Legend was booked. 

    The match was lengthy with the heels mostly in control. It ended when Joe Coffey delivered a boot to Jensen, which allowed Prince the opportunity to roll him up for the win.

    Six-Man Tag Team Bout

    \"\"

    Diamond Mine (Brutus Creed, Julius Creed & Damon Kemp) vs. Gallus (Mark Coffey, Joe Coffey & Wolfgang) was booked. 

    The match served as the main event. Strong argued with the Diamond Mine, and Gallus capitalized by pinning Kemp.

    Post-match, Pretty Deadly came out followed by Briggs and Jensen for a brawl. The locker room cleared out to brawl. 

    Non-Title Match

    \"\"

    NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Katana Chance and Kayden Carter vs. Ivy Nile and Tatum Paxley took place. The champs retained after Chance hit her finisher. 

    Paxley and Nile were two women that Chance and Carter beat in the Fatal 4-Way Women’s Tag Team Elimination Match to win the gold, on the August 30 episode of NXT 2.0.

    Post-match, they cut a promo about wanting to be fighting champions, but since no one from NXT UK will step up, they’re going to throw a party in the parking lot at Worlds Collide. Out walked Nikki A.S.H and Doudrop. Doudrp said that instead of dancing in the parking lot, they do a dance in the ring and challenge them to a title bout at Worlds Collide. 

  • Miro Has Advice for Wrestlers Disgruntled About Lack of TV Time

    Miro publicly gave some advice to wrestlers upset about the lack of television time they’ve been given in AEW. 

    The promotion has a large roster as AEW President Tony Khan has signed many talent to either per-appearance or full-time deals. He also has talent for the ROH brand that he will use on weekly TV, whether Dynamite or Rampage. 

    Some wrestlers will only work one match per month, while others will wrestle more often. There has been a lot of issues behind the scenes in AEW to the point that Khan had to hold a talent meeting last week. 

    Miro Shares His Advice

    \"Miro\"
    (Scott Lesh Photography)

    Miro took to Twitter to share what he thinks wrestlers should do instead of being negative about it: 

    “Being upset about not being on the show is a good thing. Now use that feeling and get better. Keep training, believing, and don’t be complacent.”

    After losing to Bryan Danielson in an AEW Title Eliminator tournament match at Full Gear in November, Miro was off AEW programming for several months and knows what these wrestlers are going through. 

    At first, Miro was sidelined with a hamstring injury but later medically cleared and just not used by Khan. Miro made his return to AEW television in June.

  • Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah Crowned New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions

    IYO SKY and Dakota Kai vs. Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah was booked in the finals of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals on Monday’s episode of Raw. 

    The match served as the main event of the show. The finish saw SKY hit a moonsault to Raquel for a near fall. Bayley argued with the referee until Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Bianca Belair ran her off. Aliyah rolled up Kai for the win. 

    In the first round, SKY and Kai beat Tamina and Dana Brooke to advance before beating Asuka and Alexa Bliss to make it to the finals. On the other side of the bracket, Rodriguez & Aliyah defeated Xia Li and Shotzi in the opening round then went over Natalya and Sonya Deville in the semi-finals. 

    Post-match, they celebrated with Bianca, Bliss, and Asuka in the ring. Fireworks were going off as the show went off the air. 

    Many fans expected to see the return of Sasha Banks and Naomi after this match after they reached an agreement to return to the company.  Banks and Naomi walked out of a WWE Raw event in May due to creative differences as WWE wanted Naomi to win a six-pack challenge on the show. WWE suspended them and stripped them of the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

    That didn’t happen, and fans will have to wait a little bit longer. 

  • Wardlow: “So Much Ruined” with MJF Match at AEW Double or Nothing

    Wardlow had his biggest match to date this past May at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event where he defeated MJF. This marked the last time that fans saw MJF wrestle before he did his infamous promo, where he begged Tony Khan to fire him on Dynamite days later. 

    The match was in jeopardy as MJF missed the Double or Nothing fan fest and booked a flight out of Las Vegas. This was a big night for Wardlow after the storyline had been building for two years. 

    Wardlow Wasn’t Sure MJF Match Would Happen

    \"MJF

    Wardlow reflected on what happened at the event while speaking to Stephanie Chase of Digital Spy:

    \”That should be considered one of the best nights of my life and it really wasn\’t,\” Wardlow said. \”Everything that was going on with Max at the time and then in my life personally. Just nothing was going right and it\’s kind of sad that everything built up to this big night and there was so much that ruined it.

    All the crap with Max and everything he was pulling. I mean, I showed up that day not knowing if I was wrestling. There\’s a lot more I could say about it but I don\’t want to get angry but yeah, that should have been one of the best nights of my life and obviously the outcome was amazing but I really didn\’t ever have the opportunity to enjoy it.

    I feel like ever since that night things have kind of been just off and I feel like I\’m still trying to get back on track ever since that night and we\’ll get there. But it is what it is, in this in life and in this business, not everything goes perfectly.” 

    Wardlow has since won the AEW TNT Championship last month. 

    MJF has not been seen on AEW television since his promo on the Dynamite, but it’s been reported that he’s expected back soon. 

    https://twitter.com/stephaniemchase/status/1564363594648674304

  • Velveteen Dream (Patrick Clark) Arrested

    Former WWE star The Velveteen Dream, real name Patrick Clark, was arrested on August 26th in Orange County, Florida.

    As of this writing, there are not many details available regarding the arrest, although county records state he was charged on an out-of-county warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. We hope to have more details shortly. 

    Downfall Of The Velveteen Dream

    \"Velveteen
    Velveteen Dream

    In 2020, Clark was accused of having inappropriate contact with a minor. He hasn’t worked a match since December 23, 2020. He was released from WWE NXT in May 2021. 

    There were several reports about the decision made by WWE to let him go ranging from allegations to behavioral issues to problems with fellow wrestlers. Clark previously stated in his statement that the accusations against him from April 2020 were the reason why he was fired.

    Last July, he did have his first post-WWE booking lined up until it got canceled. 

    Clark has been hinting on social media that he was going to make an effort to get back in WWE and added the #BringBackVelveteenDream hashtag to his Instagram account.

    Clark has yet to publicly commented on his arrest.

  • Nikki Bella Married in Paris, How You Can Watch the Wedding

    Nearly three years after getting engaged, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev got married in Paris, France. 

    The wedding took place on August 26 and is set to be chronicled in a four-part E! special. Bella confirmed the exciting news in a post on Instagram.

    \”We said I DO. Can’t wait to share the entire journey with you all when our four-part special event, \’Nikki Bella Says I Do,\’ premieres on E!\”

    – Nikki Bella
    \"Nikki
    (Photo: Instagram @thenikkibella)

    Total Bellas and Total Divas formerly aired on E! Chigvintsev was Bella\’s partner on Dancing with the Stars in 2017, and they started dating shortly after the show.

    Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev got engaged in France in November 2019, but Bella waited until January 2020 to announce the news. The couple has a two-year-old son together.

    Bella was previously engaged to fellow WWE star John Cena. The couple announced their separation in 2018 after dating since 2012 and being engaged for a year. Before their split, Cena and Nikki were scheduled to get married in May 2018.

    Nikki and Brie were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020.

  • Renee Paquette in Orlando for WWE Project (Video)

    Makeup artist Lina Zunigao noted on Instagram that she did makeup for Renee Paquette, formerly known as Renee Young, while in Orlando. 

    She noted that Paquette is there for WWE, indicating Paquette is filming something today at the WWE Performance Center. Zunigao posted the following on her Instagram account:

    \”Makeup for @reneepaquette this morning for WWE @wwe Hair by @lizsantanabeauty ??????????#miamimua #miamimakeupartist #orlandomua #orlandohairstylist #makeupmentor #makeupcoach #wwe.\”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Chujf8bDEuE/

    Renee later revealed she was brought in to film WWE Rivals:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ChvH-H9pSZD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Renee Paquette’s Time In WWE

    After working for Canada\’s Score Television Network, Paquette started working for WWE in 2012. Throughout her time with the company, she worked in various roles, including pre-show host, interviewer, and color commentator. 

    She hosted WWE Backstage on FS1, was a cast member for a season on Total Divas, and had her own WWE Network series, Unfiltered with Renee Young. 

    Young was the first woman to become a full-time announcer for Monday Night Raw in August 2018 before moving to SmackDown as a \”special contributor\” in October 2019.  

    While away from WWE, Paquette has stayed busy by being a mother to her first child with Jon Moxley and hosting her Sessions podcast. She also co-hosts a show on Sirius XM Fight Nation Channel 156 with UFC fighter Miesha Tate titled “Throwing Down with Renee & Miesha.\”

  • Several WWE NXT Stars Getting Called up to The Main Roster

    Santos Escobar lost to Tony D\’Angelo on the WWE Heatwave edition of NXT TV with the stipulation that if Escobar had won, then Legado Del Fantasma would be free of Tony, but if he lost, then he would leave NXT. 

    Once it was clear that Santos was done with NXT and going to the main roster, there were questions about the rest of the Legado Del Fantasma group (Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, and Elektra Lopez).

    In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the entire group will be debuting on Raw or SmackDown soon. Although it’s still unclear when they will make their main roster debut, it would make sense to hold off until the Clash at the Castle pay-per-view next Saturday.

    More NXT Names

    \"Indi

    Meltzer also confirmed two other names reported about getting called up – Solo Sikoa and Indi Hartwell. WWE has considered bringing up Solo for months. 

    Regarding Hartwell, she will likely be paired with Dexter Lumis once again after he returned to NXT to reunite with her before being arrested. 

    Based on Lumis kidnapping Miz, it looks like WWE is building towards a Lumis & Hartwell vs. Miz & Maryse feud. These are wrestlers that Triple H was pushing before he had to take a step back due to health issues.

  • WWE\’s Bianca Belair Signs With WME Agency

    Bianca Belair is looking to break out into the mainstream.

    The WWE Raw Women\’s Champion signed with talent agency WME for \”representation in all areas,” according to a report by Variety. 

    Variety wrote that WME will work to build Belair\’s business across podcasting, acting, marketing, and more. Belair later reacted to the news by writing the following on Twitter: 

    Bianca Belair’s WWE Success

    \"Bianca
    (Photo: WWE)

    Belair, who first signed with WWE in 2016, has found a lot of success under the WWE banner. She is a one-time Raw Women\’s Champion and a one-time SmackDown Women\’s Champion. 

    She headlined WrestleMania 37 with Sasha Banks to win the SmackDown title, marking the first time two black women headlined the company\’s biggest event of the year. Belair and Banks won the Best WWE Moment award at the ESPYS in 2021 for the moment. 

    This past April, she won the Raw Women\’s title from Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38. Belair retained the Raw Women\’s title against Lynch in a WrestleMania rematch at SummerSlam last month.

    Belair is slated to team with Asuka & Alexa Bliss in a six-woman tag match against Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY at Clash at the Castle on Saturday, September 3. 

  • Triple H Interested in Bringing Former WWE Star Back (Report)

    Triple H has made some notable moves since taking over as head of creative and head of talent relations in WWE following the resignation of Vince McMahon amid the hush money scandals. 

    He has brought back several former WWE stars, and another notable former \”Triple H guy\” may be set for a return.

    Jonah Returning to WWE?

    \"Bronson
    Bronson Reed (Jonah Rock)

    Andrew Zarian reported on the We\’re Live Pal podcast that Jonah, better known as Bronson Reed, is a name who has been talked about within the company over the last few weeks. It’s unclear whether Jonah is interested in returning to the company. 

    After Jonah first joined WWE in January 2019, he made his televised in-ring debut as a competitor in the NXT Breakout Tournament. In May 2021, he won the NXT North American Championship. 

    Jonah worked his last match on WWE television in July 2021 when he lost to Adam Cole on an episode of NXT. He was later released alongside several other stars. 

    Following his WWE departure, he has worked for promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Impact Wrestling. The former NXT North American Champion recently participated in NJPW\’s G1 Climax 32, which occurred between July 16 and August 18. He finished the tournament with 8 points in Block A and was unsuccessful in making it to the championship match. 

    He is booked to wrestle for NJPW once more during the promotion\’s Burning Spirit tour, which is scheduled to run until September 25.

  • Details On Who Pushed For Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk On AEW Dynamite, Talent Meeting Scheduled

    AEW surprised many fans when they announced that World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Interim World Champion Jon Moxley would collide in an undisputed title bout on tonight’s episode of Dynamite instead of saving it for the All Out pay-per-view event in Chicago next Sunday. 

    Moxley vs. Punk

    \"\"

    Fightful Select reports that sources indicated “Moxley was in favor of the move, and one source even indicated that it was his idea and pitch, and All Elite Wrestling went with it.”

    One source noted that Punk eventually agreed to it. It’s unclear if this was connected to any of the reported issues with Punk last week. 

    Grapsody\’s Will Washington noted that he\’d heard there was an idea in play a few days before to increase ticket sales and add buzz to the Cleveland show. The decision was not the original plan, and \”multiple plans\” for AEW All Out had changed.

    All Elite Wrestling has still yet to confirm what the main event will be for All Out. 

    Mandatory Talent Meeting 

    \"Tony

    Fightful also reported that AEW will be holding a mandatory talent meeting at Dynamite in Cleveland, OH with company president Tony Khan in attendance. 

    Talent does expect management to address “the rumors of unrest, contract inquiries, and personal issues, as well as those things being leaked.”

    As previously reported, Tony Schiavone dismissed that there is a lot of backstage tension in the promotion by calling the reports bulls**t.

  • WWE NXT Results (8/23): Lights Out Match, Dexter Lumis Appears

    The August 23, 2022 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

    WWE NXT Results 

    •  
    • Gallus defeated Briggs and Jensen via countout 
    • Cameron Grimes defeated Javier Bernal 
    • Blair Davenport defeated Indi Hartwell 
    • The Dyad defeated Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro
    • Tyler Bate defeated Von Wagner
    • Wendy Choo defeated Tiffany Stratton in the Lights Out match

    Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

    Opening Segment

    \"\"

    WWE NXT UK Champion Tyler Bate and NXT Champion Bron Breakker opened the show. 

    Heatwave\’s main event last week featured Breakker defending his NXT Championship against JD McDonagh. Following the contest, Bate entered the ring wearing the NXT United Kingdom Championship ring. Breakker and Bate held up their respective title belts as the night came to a close. Breakker and Bate\’s champion-versus-champion contest appears to be scheduled for WWE\’s Worlds Collide event on Sunday, September 4.

    Breakker opened the show by calling out Bate so they can talk. Bate cut a promo about how he has respect for Bron and he’s not here to collect air miles. He said he will be the first and last NXT UK Champion. He said with NXT Europe around the corner, he wants to unify the NXT UK and NXT Titles. 

    Bron said he knows how good Bate is and such a threat to his title. When he thinks of NXT UK, he thinks of Bate. Bron said this isn’t NXT UK, but rather NXT where the greatest superstars are at. Bron said there should be one NXT Champion and said let’s make some history by doing a unification title bout at Worlds Collide. 

    After Ilja Dragunov had to relinquish the championship due to injuries, Bate was named NXT United Kingdom Champion. At an NXT UK television taping in July, Bate won the championship, but the victory has yet to be broadcasted.

    WWE also booked a non-title bout between NXT UK Champion Tyler Bate and Von Wagner. This match between Bate and Wagner featured 

    Lights Out Match

    \"\"

    Wendy Choo and Tiffany Stratton met in the Lights Out match. 

    On last Tuesday\’s episode, Stratton and Choo discussed their ongoing feud, including Choo\’s attack on Stratton two weeks ago while the lights were off in her dressing room. In addition to the arena being darker during the bout, Choo said that everything she did to Stratton would be permissible in the Lights Out match.

    The match was saved for the main event. They darkened the arena and used various weapons. It was basically a hardcore match in the dark. Wendy hit a splash off the top rob for the win. 

    NXT UK Tag Team Title Bout

    \"\"

    Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen defended the NXT UK Tag Team Titles against Gallus.

    On last week\’s program, Gallus made their NXT debut by attacking Diamond Mine when they were talking in the ring. In a later backstage interview, they confronted Briggs and Jensen, claiming they had held the crowns for 497 days. 

    The match ended in a no contest after eight minutes. Diamond Mine ran out to brawl with Gallus. Security ran out to separate the two factions.

    Triple Threat Match

    \"\"

    NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura vs. NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose vs. Blair Davenport in a title unification bout at Worlds Collide in a promo segment following Davenport’s match against Indi Hartwell. 

    During the segment, Dexter Lumis showed up. Lumis and Hartwell hugged in the ring and kissed to pop the crowd. Lumis handed Hartwell a caricature painting before being arrested.

  • First Look at IWGP Women’s Championship Belt

    NJPW and Stardom will be introducing the IWGP Women’s Championship belt. The inaugural champion will be crowned via a tournament. 

    New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that the tournament will begin with the first quarterfinal matches at Royal Quest II night two in London, England on October 2. It will continue with the quarterfinals at Stardom’s October 22 event while the semifinals will take place on a Stardom card in Tachikawa on October 23. 

    The tournament will conclude with the finals at Stardom and New Japan\’s Historic X-over joint show on November 20 in Ariake. The first title defense will take place at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.

    First Look

    Courtesy of Tokyo Sports, you can see a photo of the championship belt below:

    \"\"/

    The two companies have confirmed that the title will be defended in Japan and also in the US on New Japan Pro Wrestling events. It’s slated to be the primary title for NJPW, with Stardom’s main titles remaining the World of Stardom Championship (red belt) and the Wonder of Stardom Championship (white belt).

    Stardom wrestlers will begin to be featured on NJPW shows in the United States.

  • Johnny Gargano Returns to WWE on Raw

    In the third hour of Monday’s WWE Raw, Johnny Gargano walked out to the ring to a big ovation. 

    Gargano cut a promo about his accomplishments in NXT before telling a story about how he wondered for a long time if he even wanted to do this still. Gargano recalled having big dreams as a kid and becoming the Intercontinental and WWE Champion. He said he can never fail if he bets on himself, and that’s what he is doing. He said that he’s back in WWE and just getting started. 

    The Way Reunion

    \"\"

    Theory walked out and said a lot has happened in the last nine months. Gargano said it’s great to see how much Theory has changed. Theory said he’s on his way to becoming the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and brought up everything he’s accomplished. Theory said everything he’s done is everything Gargano has dreamed of doing. Theory thanked him for what he did for him in NXT, but noted that he’s now the veteran, and Gargano is now the rookie. Theory said Gargano can get behind him or go away. Theory wanted a high five, and Gargano super kicked him to end the segment. 

    Following an assault by Grayson Waller intended to put Gargano out of commission on television, he ended his tenure in WWE NXT in December of last year as he decided to not re-sign with the company. 

    Ahead of the birth of his first child, Quill, Gargano took time off to be with his wife, Candice LeRae. He had previously teased that he \”caught the itch\” to pick up wrestling once more and has participated in meet-and-greet events.

    Gargano previously stated that he still had unfinished business with the WWE, but he also believed that all of his options are open to him. Therefore, he had not yet made up his mind about what to do next and had remained a free agent. 

    It was recently reported that following Triple H being put into charge of talent relations and creative, he wanted to bring Gargano back and put Shawn Michaels up to the task to get it done. 

  • Road Dogg Returns To WWE, Key NXT Figure May Be Back As Well

    Road Dogg is back in the saddle in WWE.Brian James is returning to an executive position, as first reported by PWinsider. The Attitude Era legend and DX alum is backstage at Monday\’s Raw from Toronto.

    Road Dogg will take over as Senior Vice President of Live Events, a position held by Jeff Jarrett until this week, per Wrestlevotes.

    There is said to be another key hire in the works.

    Triple H\’s Team Continues To Expand

    \"Triple

    According to Fightful, WWE has had an interest in bringing Katz back into the fold after he was let go this past January. While with the company, he was an integral figure creatively for the NXT brand for almost seven years. 

    The report noted they’ve “heard that Katz is expected back if he isn\’t already, and had remained close with several in NXT. There were some rumors last month that he could already have been back in the fold, but if not, the interest was already there on WWE\’s end.”

    Katz has been hosting a podcast with Road Dogg since being let go by WWE. He appeared in Wrestling Society X as Fabian Kaelin, and in TNA as Minion. He was also part of Kane and Daniel Bryan\’s anger management skits. 

    \"\"

    Road Dogg had been working as the head of creative for SmackDown until he resigned from that role because, in his words, Vince McMahon\’s work ethic \”tapped me out.\” Road Dogg then went to NXT, where he worked under Triple H before being let go this past January.

  • Spoiler on a Big Angle Planned for Tonight\’s WWE Raw

    Triple H has a notable angle planned for tonight’s episode of WWE Raw as Fightful Select has learned of some additional early plans for the event.

    It was said that WWE has brought in several extras for an angle that will feature riot police. This is believed to be something for Dexter Lumis as he continues to invade Raw. It was said the angle is for the police to keep him out. 

    Dexter Lumis\’ Push

    \"Dexter

    Since returning to WWE a few weeks ago, Lumis tried to jump the barricade and attack AJ Styles but was stopped by security. There was also a car wreck backstage at the arena. 

    Riddle, Lashley, Theory, Miz, Street Profits, MVP, Omos, and Alpha Academy are all set to at least be in town for the show but haven\’t been announced yet.

    WWE has previously announced Damian Priest vs. Edge, WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus appearing, and YO Sky & Dakota Kai vs. Alexa Bliss & Asuka in the semifinal match of the Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament.

    It should be noted Bryan Alvarez of F4Wonline.com reports WWE is making another change to the Women\’s Tag Team Title tournament.

    PWInsider reports that Beth Phoenix is in town for Raw so she could make an appearance to aid her husband, Edge, in his match if there is outside interference by Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley. 

  • Former WWE Star Debuts at AEW Dark Tapings

    Former WWE NXT star Westin Blake, formerly known as Wesley Blake, made his All Elite Wrestling debut at the newest set of AEW Dark tapings.

    On August 21, All Elite Wrestling taped two sessions of AEW Dark at Universal Studios in Florida, and during the second session, Blake worked a match. 

    Westin Blake Back in Action

    \"blake

    Blake originally signed with WWE in 2013 before being paired with  Buddy Murphy in the early portion of his time there where they found success with Alexa Bliss as their manager and were tag team champions. 

    He later teamed up with Steve Cutler (Steve Maclin) and Jaxson Ryker to form The Forgotten Sons faction that was featured on NXT TV until the trio was called up to WWE SmackDown in April 2020. 

    After Ryker posted some controversial tweets, they were pulled from TV, but later returned to television as The Knights of the Lone Wolf alongside King Corbin in December. However, Cutler was released in February 2021 before the company cut Blake two months later. 

    Following his WWE departure, Blake has been working on the independent scene for various promotions, including Control Your Narrative and The Wrestling Revolver.

    He did reunite with Maclin and won the tag titles in The Wrestling Revolver to later drop them to The OGK in July.

  • AEW Tag Team Gets a New Name & Manager

    AEW has repackaged the tag team known as Bear Country. 

    The team will now be known as The Iron Savages with JT Davidson as their manager. The change was made at the AEW Dark tapings in Orlando on Sunday. 

    https://twitter.com/wrestlingcovers/status/1561501146031824904

    Bear Country Background

    Bear Boulder and Bear Bronson have been teaming together since 2017 where they worked for Create A Pro Wrestling Academy and Chaotic Wrestling. They started working for AEW in 2020.

    Their first AEW match was on the December 3 episode of AEW Dark where they lost to The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson). The tag team made their AEW TV debut on the March 11, 2021 episode of Dyamite when  Matt Hardy, Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) & The Butcher And The Blade (The Blade & The Butcher) defeated Bear Country& Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus & Marko Stunt) 

    Their last televised match came on the July 6th episode of Dynamite where The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) & The Gunn Club (Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn) defeated Fuego Del Sol & Ruffin It (Boulder, Bronson & Leon Ruffin).

    All Elite Wrestling is taping two sets of tapings for the weekly YouTube show that will air in the coming weeks. 

  • Jeff Jarrett Departs From WWE (Report)

    Jeff Jarrett has finished up with WWE.

    PWInsider reports that the WWE Hall Of Famer departed from his position as Senior Vice President of Live Events. The belief is that he finished up this past Friday but that is not confirmed yet. 

    Jeff Jarrett\’s Latest Stint

    WWE brought him back to work in 2019 as a producer and he was later part of the creative team before moving up to an executive role. 

    \"Jeff

    Jarrett was one of many employees furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was brought back in May to run the live events department. Earlier this week WWE touted record ticket sales for WrestleMania 39 and live event attendance has also seen an uptick in recent months. 

    Jarrett hosts the \”My World\” podcast with Conrad Thompson on AdFreeShows.com. He will stay busy with that as well as being the part owner of The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Minor League Baseball team. 

    Jarrett worked Ric Flair\’s Last Match with tag team partner Jay Lethal against Flair and Andrade El Idolo in the main event. The night before this event, Jarrett was the special referee at SummerSlam for the Tag Team Title match between The Usos and The Street Profits.