Month: August 2021

WWE Possibly Returning To The ThunderDome Due To COVID-19, News On Contingency Plans

A new report indicates that WWE officials expect to return to the ThunderDome in the next few weeks as COVID-19 cases begin to rise in the United States.

It was noted by Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam that internally, WWE expects that they will have to return to the Performance Center, or another venue for the ThunderDome, within a few weeks. It was also noted that there’s an internal feeling that SummerSlam “can/will be cancelled” at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The feeling is said to be that WWE fully expects they will not be on the road in four weeks time, as there is concern about “how they will be able to proceed in a non-contained environment.”

WWE officials reportedly do not expect another round of lockdowns, but they are fully anticipating bans on mass gatherings to be announced in the coming weeks.

This new report comes after Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men podcast reported last week that WWE was working on contingency plans in case the pandemic forces more shutdowns. It was noted that WWE has been looking at 6 or 7 venues to potentially run shows out of if the pandemic worsens.

Furthermore, @Wrestlevotes issued an update today, in an apparent response to the Bodyslam report. It was noted that WWE sources say SummerSlam at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, August 22 is still the plan as we’re now less than three weeks away. It was also said that WWE has had conversations with Vegas officials and Allegiant Stadium reps, and as of this morning, everything remains on track.

We have reached out to WWE for comment on the SummerSlam situation and will update the story as more information becomes available.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT Preview 8/3/21

Tonight’s WWE NXT episode will air on Syfy due to coverage of The Olympics on the USA Network. The show will return to the normal timeslot next Wednesday night.

WWE taped this NXT episode the week before last from the Capitol Wrestling Center at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando.

Networks Aren’t Happy About WWE Releasing Bray Wyatt [Report]

According to a report, WWE’s television partners aren’t pleased with the company’s decision to release veteran superstar Bray Wyatt.

Bray Wyatt’s unexpected release from the WWE on Saturday has caused plenty of confusion across the wrestling world.

On Saturday, WWE announced that they had let go of the two-time Universal Champion. It has since been reported that several within WWE, including multiple superstars, were frustrated and surprised by Wyatt’s release. Apparently, WWE’s television partners aren’t pleased with the move either.

According to Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men Pro Wrestling Podcast, there’s plenty of frustration from WWE’s networks regarding the company’s decision to let him go.

“Bray’s released is really disappointing and a little scary that top stars are being let go,” a network source told Zarian.

Wyatt was among the company’s top merchandise sellers, as well as one one of the longest-tenured WWE superstars on the roster. He had been with the company since 2009. Wyatt was renowned for the ability to reinvent his character time and time again. On top of that, it appeared as though Wyatt was about to return, making his release all the more perplexing.

Wyatt’s final WWE appearance came on the Apr. 12 episode of Monday Night Raw. Following his loss to Randy Orton at WrestleMania 37, Wyatt announced that he was seeking a fresh start.

Source: The Sportster

WWE RAW Preview 8/2/21

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the Allstate Arena in Chicago with more build for the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view.

* RAW Tag Team Champion Omos vs. Riddle

* RAW Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. vs. Charlotte Flair in a non-title No Holds Barred match

* WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg will respond to WWE Champion Bobby Lashley dismissing his SummerSlam challenge

* Randy Orton is advertised to appear

* It’s also believed that the status of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles will be addressed tonight after Natalya underwent ankle surgery last week.

WWE’s Natalya Underwent Ankle Surgery

Following previous reports that Natalya had suffered an ankle injury on this past Monday’s Raw, the Queen of Harts seems to have already undergone surgery over the weekend for this issue.

https://twitter.com/NatbyNature/status/1421237492888506371
https://twitter.com/NatbyNature/status/1421488907103969282

While Natalya has not given a set timetable on her expected recovery time, the Wrestling Observer reports that the former SmackDown Women’s Champion is likely to be out of action for weeks rather than months.

Currently one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions with Tamina Snuka, Natalya suffered this ankle injury as she and Tamina took on Eva Marie and Doudrop last Monday night. The injury occurred midway through the match, with Natalya seemingly getting her ankle caught under Doudrop before quickly tagging out and having to be helped to the back.

https://twitter.com/NatbyNature/status/1420375605837766656

WWE has already announced that there will be an update on all of this on tonight’s Raw broadcast, although the belief is that Natalya and Tamina will not be being stripped of their titles.

All the best to Natalya for a swift and full recovery.

Source: WhatCulture

Ric Flair No Longer With WWE

Wrestling Inc. and Fightful have confirmed that Ric Flair is no longer with WWE.

According to sources close to the situation, Flair requested the release and it was granted, effective today.

Flair had re-signed with WWE last year. He was recently involved in a relationship angle with Lacey Evans that was ultimately nixed after Evans got legitimately pregnant.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Shane McMahon Announced As Executive Chairman Of Ideanomics

WWE’s Shane McMahon is the new Executive Chairman of Ideanomics.

Ideanomics announced today that McMahon has been appointed to the role of Executive Chairman. Shane has been involved with the company since 2010, and previously served as Vice Chairman.

Ideanomics is a global company that focuses on the convergence of financial services and industries experiencing technological disruption.

“We recently launched the transformation of Ideanomics as we vertically enter the exciting EV and hydrogen fuel cell space. We now have a powerful management team in place to ensure Ideanomics’ success,” McMahon said in a press release issued today. “I’m proud of what the new team has achieved in such a short amount of time and more importantly, I am thrilled for what’s yet to quickly come. I look forward to helping the company’s growth, vision, and momentum stay on track as we enter this new phase for Ideanomics.”

Shane, who is still listed as a member of the RAW roster as of this writing, has been away from the WWE storylines since his Steel Cage match loss to Braun Strowman at Night 1 of WrestleMania 37 in April.

Below is the full press release issued today on McMahon and Ideanomics:

Shane McMahon Appointed Executive Chairman of Ideanomics

– McMahon has been involved with the company since 2010, and previously served as Vice Chairman

– Jim Cassano, a 13-year Board member, will be elevated to Vice Chairman

– Move signals strong support from executive leadership team as Company continues build-out of highly synergistic brand portfolio in support of broader EV and hydrogen fuel cell industry

NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) (“Ideanomics” or the “Company”), today announced Shane McMahon has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Board. Jim Cassano will become the new Vice Chairman.

McMahon has been involved with the company since 2010, and previously served as Vice Chairman. Prior to Ideanomics, McMahon served as Executive Vice President of Global Media for World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., where he oversaw the company’s consumer products, digital media and publishing divisions worldwide as well as all international revenue streams for WWE.

“We recently launched the transformation of Ideanomics as we vertically enter the exciting EV and hydrogen fuel cell space. We now have a powerful management team in place to ensure Ideanomics’ success,” said McMahon. “I’m proud of what the new team has achieved in such a short amount of time and more importantly, I am thrilled for what’s yet to quickly come. I look forward to helping the company’s growth, vision, and momentum stay on track as we enter this new phase for Ideanomics.”

“Shane has been an inspirational and passionate leader for Ideanomics, and we are honored to have him as our Executive Chairman,” said Ideanomics CEO Alf Poor. “His entrepreneurial approach and marketing acumen have been vital to our recent and anticipated growth. We are excited to be able to leverage his broad business and organizational understanding as we scale the company in the US and globally.”

Jim Cassano, a current member of the Board, will bring his extensive leadership experience to the role of Vice Chairman. He has been a key player in helping shape Ideanomics’ long-term strategy and has been working hand-in-hand with the executive team to grow the ecosystem of EV and mobility businesses. Cassano is a three-time CEO and has served for more than a decade on the Board of Ideanomics. Additionally he has led a number of private entrepreneurial ventures. For the expanding Ideanomics organization, Cassano brings substantial private equity, venture capital, M&A experience in structuring joint ventures and profitable strategic alliances. Cassano has global experience across numerous financial and business services sectors, including internet software, data services, entertainment, publishing, pharmaceuticals, biotech services, and engineering.

McMahon and Cassano’s appointments signals Ideanomics’ strong commitment to scale existing synergistic businesses, and the build-out of its vision as a vertically integrated company in the EV and hydrogen fuel cell space.

For more information and news on other Ideanomics subsidiaries, please visit https://ideanomics.com.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Why Adam Cole Signed A One-Month Contract Extension In NXT [Report]

Adam Cole reportedly signed a one-month extension in NXT so that he can tie up one last loose end at TakeOver 36.

The only reason Adam Cole has reportedly stuck around a little longer in NXT is for the sake of Kyle O’Reilly.

Not for the first time, rumors are swirling that Adam Cole’s time in NXT might well be coming to an end. Apparently, the former leader of Undisputed Era’s contract expires after SummerSlam weekend. If true, at this moment in time it remains unclear whether Cole plans on signing a new deal or if he plans on trying his luck elsewhere.

The biggest indicator that Cole could well be done with the black and gold brand is the added detail that his contract actually expired in July. However, according to talkSPORT, the former NXT Champion wanted to sign a one-month extension for a very specific reason. So that he can wrestle a rubber match with Kyle O’Reilly at TakeOver 36.

O’Reilly and Cole have wrestled two singles matches in NXT since Undisputed Era broke up. O’Reilly won the first at TakeOver: Stand And Deliver. Cole then won the rematch three months later at Great American Bash. That leaves the series tied, something Cole is reportedly not okay with. It appears finishing that series and having a definitive winner is the one loose end Cole has to tie up.

Not only does the report claim Cole wants this match at TakeOver 36, but he wants to lose it. Further evidence that Cole might well be done with the company. That he wants to do the honors on the way out the door, and he wants to do them for someone who has likely become one of his closest friends during his time in NXT. It would possibly give O’Reilly the platform to become an NXT Champion for the first time sometime very soon.

If Cole is indeed nearing his contract’s end, it seems more likely that he would leave than stay. He has done everything there is to do in NXT, and then some, and probably doesn’t like what he sees when it comes to an NXT call-up of his size on Raw or SmackDown. He has friends in AEW, not to mention his girlfriend Britt Baker, and more potential dream matches than you can shake a stick at.

Source: The Sportster

Impact Wrestling Homecoming Results 7/31/2021

Former WWE star Aiden English made his Impact debut under the ring name, “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt. He was Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo’s mystery partner.

Below are the results:

First Round Mixed Tag Team Tournament: 

* Deonna Purrazzo & “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt defeated Hernandez & Alisha

* Chelsea Green & Matt Cardona defeated Jordynne Grace & Petey Williams

* Tommy Dreamer & Rachael Ellering defeated Brian Myers & Missy Hyatt (With Sam Beale)

* Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve) defeated Fallah ‘n Flava (Fallah Bahh & Tasha Steelz)

SemiFinals: 

* Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve) defeated Rachael Ellering & Tommy Dreamer

* Deonna Purrazzo & “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt defeated Chelsea Green & Matt Cardona

Finals: 

* Deonna Purrazzo & “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt defeated Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve)

Non-Tournament Matches: 

* Deaner (with Violent By Design) defeated Willie Mack (with Rich Swann)

* Josh Alexander (c) defeated Black Taurus (X Division Championship Match)

* Eddie Edwards defeated W. Morrissey (Hardcore Match)

Bray Wyatt Released By WWE

Former WWE and Universal Champion Bray Wyatt has been released by WWE following 12 years of service to the company.

Former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt has been released by WWE after 12 years with the company.

WWE confirmed Wyatt’s release on its website on Saturday, July 31.

“WWE has come to terms on the release of Bray Wyatt. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors,” the statement read.

According to Dave Meltzer, Wyatt was made aware of the situation by John Laurinaitis, who told him he was being released due to budget cuts. This has since been backed by Fightful Select.

The publication also states that the company had considered dropping Wyatt when they made their last round of cuts but ultimately decided to keep him. It’s also been reported that the performer had grown protective over his gimmick as he had issues with the poor ideas being pitched to him.

Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, is likely to have a 90-day non-compete clause in his deal that would keep him from appearing elsewhere until the end of October 2021.  Of course, he is expected to pick right back up and should have his pick of the bunch whenever the 90 days are over.

As the grandson of Blackjack Mulligan and the son of Mike Rotunda (better known in WWE as Irwin R. Schyster), Bray Wyatt is a third-generation wrestler who joined WWE’s developmental system in 2009. He reported for duty at WWE’s feeder promotion Florida Championship Wrestling, which would later be rebranded as NXT. Wyatt — real name Windham Rotunda — began performing under the name Duke Rotundo in a tag team with his real-life brother Bo Dallas. the two brothers eventually became FCW Tag Team Champions.

In 2010, Wyatt participated in the original gameshow-adjacent incarnation of NXT under then ring name Husky Harris with Cody Rhodes as his mentor. He then played a role in the memorable Nexus storyline but ultimately returned to FCW.

In 2012 Husky Harris was repackaged as Bray Wyatt and debuted on the July 11, 2012 episode of the rebranded NXT where he kicked off his tenure at Full Sail University with a win over Aiden English. Bray Wyatt soon formed a “family” with Luke Harper and Erik Rowan. The group was called up to the main roster in May of 2013 when vignettes hyping their arrival began to air on Raw.

For a time, the Wyatt family was one of the most popular acts in WWE, and the gimmick propelled Wyatt to the main event scene. A WWE Championship reign and a WrestleMania match with Undertaker followed, but ultimately Bray’s star power was squandered.

He was repackaged as The Fiend, a flamboyant horror-inspired character that seemed popular at first but quickly polarized fans.

Following his release, Wyatt’s former on-screen protégé Alexa Bliss took to Twitter to share a touching tribute to her friend.

“I really am at a loss for words… thank you so much Windham for everything you’ve done for this company. The most fun I’ve had is working with you. Such an amazing talent & the most kind person. I’m just in shock,” Alexa wrote.

Source: The Sportster