Tonight on WWE NXT 2.0 at 8 pm ET on USA Network:
Author: John Bass
KUSHIDA Returns To NJPW
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s New Japan Road show in Korakuen Hall, a familiar face graced the cerulean blue canvas. Former-IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion KUSHIDA made a shocking return to the company after three years away. KUSHIDA challenged current IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori, after Ishimori’s successful defense against Hiromu Takahashi.
Backstage at Korakuen Hall, KUSHIDA announced that he’d not only signed with NJPW but that he plans “to spend the rest of [his] wrestling life” in the promotion, according to NJPW’s English broadcaster and translator Chris Charlton.
KUSHIDA went on to praise the work of Hiromu Takahashi, El Desperado and Taiji Ishimori, saying they carried the standard well, but that he plans on taking the IWGP Jr. Title, saying that if he doesn’t win the belt “I have no place here.”
KUSHIDA left New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2019, later signing with WWE. KUSHIDA went on to compete on WWE’s developmental brand NXT, where he held the WWE NXT Cruiserweight Championship. WWE even reunited KUSHIDA and Alex Shelley’s Timesplitters tag team in the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, but much to the chagrin of fans the reunion was short lived. A move away from the in-ring focus of NXT frustrated KUSHIDA, with the wrestler reportedly voicing numerous frustrations with the direction of the promotion’s developmental brand. KUSHIDA was last seen on WWE TV being attacked by Von Wagner. The six-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion’s parted way with WWE in April of this year. The return and promise of spending the rest of his career in NJPW is reminiscent of the way Kota Ibushi signed with the company in 2019, after years of being a freelancer.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
Bruce Prichard Assumes WWE Talent Relations Role, John Laurinaitis Placed On Leave [Report]
![Bruce Prichard Assumes WWE Talent Relations Role, John Laurinaitis Placed On Leave [Report]](https://wrestlingnewsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bruce-prichard-and-john-laurinaitis-in-wwe.webp?w=750&h=1&crop=1){kind=small}
Bruce Prichard is reportedly filling in for John Laurinaitis, who has been placed on leave while the WWE board conducts its investigation.
As its board conducts an internal investigation into alleged hush payments, WWE has implemented a few personnel changes. As reported, Vince McMahon recently stepped aside as CEO and was replaced by his daughter Stephanie, now the company’s interim CEO and chairwoman. Another boardroom move was reportedly initiated on the evening of Monday, June 20, when Bruce Prichard was announced as WWE’s Interim Head of Talent Relations.
Per PW Insider, a Prichard will assume the role previously occupied by John Laurinaitis, who has been placed on “administrative leave”. The move was reportedly announced via an email to WWE personnel, which stated that Laurinaitis would not be on the road with WWE “pending the conclusion of our Board of Directors’ internal investigation.”
Prichard is also a Senior Vice President of WWE and serves as the Executive Director of both Raw and SmackDown.
On Wednesday, June 15 the Wall Street Journal dropped a bombshell story that claims WWE’s board received an email containing details of a workplace affair McMahon conducted with a now-former WWE paralegal and the subsequent payments made in exchange for the unknown person’s silence.
The email alleges that the female paralegal was initially hired on a salary of $100,000 per year, but her salary was doubled after she began a sexual relationship with McMahon. Allegedly, when McMahon ended the relationship with the former WWE employee, he “gave her like a toy” to the company’s general manager of talent relations John Laurinaitis.
WWE Raw Superstars Reportedly Annoyed At Long Wait Time Before Matches
Not many fans watching at home realize that WWE Superstars, especially on the “Raw” brand, are routinely made to hang around in the ring for long periods prior to matches.
While wrestlers camping out in the ring is customary, the new format of “Raw” has reportedly prolonged the wait time. Between the advertisements, video packages, interviews and recap segments, the downtime between the start of an entrance to the beginning of a match regularly exceeds 15 minutes these days – especially for the “Raw” main events. However, the near 20-minute gap for the 5/30 “Raw” main event between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan seemed particularly egregious.
According to Fightful Select, a lot of the WWE Superstars dislike the new norm of hanging around for long periods and have conveyed their complaints to WWE higher-ups. Fightful reached out to several Superstars who had been subjected to the waits over the last year. The wrestlers were reportedly told that the TV show’s format “was what it was” and it was intended to “improve the show flow.” When one talent was asked what they did during the wait time, they said “talk to the crowd, dance, get annoyed that I’m waiting that long.”
During the aforementioned 5/30 “Raw” main event, Morgan stood in the ring for 19 minutes prior to her match against Ripley, according to fans at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. During that break, WWE on USA Network cut to a commercial break, played a memorial day package, and also showed a promo to build up to the Hell in a Cell premium live event.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
The fans are also complaining about the long wait time between matches, I have talked with someone who attended the RAW show in Evansville, In on 5/23/2022, he was annoyed with the long wait between the matches.
WWE Raw Preview 6/20/22
A Money in the Bank qualifying match is on the card and an intriguing comeback performance is being promoted for tonight’s episode of WWE “Raw”.
Ric Flair’s Last Match Moving To Significantly Larger Venue
Ric Flair’s Last Match will now have a bigger live audience.
A press release was sent out by Starrcast V this morning announcing that Flair’s in-ring finale will no longer take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Instead, the match will now take place at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The venue is no stranger to hosting some memorable Flair fights as “Nature Boy’s” 1989 NWA WrestleWar match against Ricky Steamboat occurred at the arena, which also plays host to the Musicians’ Hall Of Fame.
The full press release is below.
“After selling out The Nashville Fairgrounds in less than 24 hours, Jim Crockett Promotions’ “Ric Flair’s Last Match” will be moving to the over-7,000 seat Nashville Municipal Auditorium. “Ric Flair’s Last Match,” produced by Thuzio, a Triller Company, and streaming worldwide, exclusively on FITE, will be held at 5:05 p.m. CDT (6:05 p.m. EST) on Sunday, July 31.
“The additional tickets, starting at $39* for “Ric Flair’s Last Match,” go on sale at noon EDT on Friday, June 24 at RicFlairsLastMatch.com.
“‘On July 31, I’m still going to walk that aisle and style and profile as only I can. But now, a bigger crowd, brighter lights! “The Nature Boy” can’t wait to do what I do best. WOOOO!’ said 16-time professional wrestling champion and cultural icon Ric Flair.
“‘Like so many times before, having Ric Flair’s name on the marquee has the wrestling world buzzing,’ said Jim Crockett Promotions President, David Crockett. ‘On Sunday, July 31, we look forward to bringing the fans at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, and our worldwide audience, a night of professional wrestling that they will never forget.’
“‘When we announced that STARRCAST was coming back, with our partner Thuzio, we knew the last weekend in July was going to be a celebration for wrestling fans. The party’s main event has now moved to a bigger room,’ said STARRCAST and AdFreeShows.com founder Conrad Thompson. ‘There will still be numerous events and experiences happening throughout the weekend at The Nashville Fairgrounds, who have been wonderful to work with. However, the demand for Ric’s last match to move to a bigger venue was one we couldn’t ignore.’
“‘Due to the overwhelming demand by fans to be in the building for ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match,’ we have made the decision to move this once-in-a-lifetime show to the Nashville Municipal Auditorium,’ said Jared Augustine, CEO of Thuzio. ‘Once the initial batch of tickets at the Nashville Fairgrounds went so quickly, our team immediately started to look for a larger venue, and the Nashville Municipal Auditorium is an ideal solution.’
“Current ticket holder’s seats will be honored, and communication on the changes will be emailed to them this week.”
Flair’s Last Match will be in conjunction with Starrcast V which has several other Flair-themed moments set for that weekend. Including a reunion of the Four Horsemen and the “Roast of Ric Flair.” Flair has released footage of himself working in the ring and stated the following when it came to getting medical approval:
“I don’t have any aches or pains. I know I’ve had the health issues, but I asked 40 different doctors and I decided I’m only gonna listen to one. Not necessarily the one that was gonna give me the right answer, but that I felt the most comfortable with.”
Impact Wrestling Slammiversary Results 6/19/2022
Countdown to Slammiversary
DIGITAL MEDIA CHAMPIONSHIP
Rich Swann (c) defeated Brian Myers
REVERSE BATTLE ROYAL
Johnny Swinger vs Zicky Dice vs Chris Bey vs David Young vs Shera vs Raj Singh vs Bhupinder Gujjar vs Shark Boy vs Crazzy Steve vs Shogun vs Aiden Prince vs Nate Webb vs Mike Jackson vs Steve Maclin vs Chase Stevens vs Slash
Competitors surround the ring as they try to fight their way inside. Chris Bey, Bhupinder Gujjar, Shera, Chase Stevens, Steve Maclin, Johnny Swinger, David Young and Shark Boy are the first eight to do so and will now compete in a traditional battle royal. Bey hits Maclin with the Art of Finesse, eliminating them both from the match. The final two competitors are Shark Boy and Johnny Swinger with the winner now being determined by pinfall or submission. Shark Boy hits the Chummer to win the the match and declare himself the victory of the Reverse Battle Royal!
Slammiversary
IMPACT X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP ULTIMATE X MATCH
Mike Bailey defeated Ace Austin (c) and Alex Zayne and Andrew Everett and Kenny King and Trey Miguel (**TITLE CHANGE**)
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Rosemary & Taya Valkyrie defeated The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood) (c) (**TITLE CHANGE**)
MONSTER’S BALL MATCH
Sami Callihan defeated Moose
IMPACT WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) defeated The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) (c) (**TITLE CHANGE**)
Impact Originals (Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Frankie Kazarian, Nick Aldis & Davey Richards) defeated Honor No More (Eddie Edwards, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, PCO & Vincent)
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN MATCH
Jordynne Grace defeated Tasha Steelz (c) and Chelsea Green and Deonna Purrazzo and Mia Yim (**TITLE CHANGE**)
IMPACT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Josh Alexander (c) defeated Eric Young
AAA Triplemania XXX: Tijuana Results 6/18/2022
La Hiedra, Lady Shani, Maravilla, Reina Dorada, and Sexy Star defeated Chik Tormenta and Flammer in a steel cage match after they all escaped the cage. As Tormenta and Flammer were the last two left in the cage, they were forced to face each other in a mask vs. mask match later in the show.
Nino Hamberguesa defeated Abismo Negro Jr., Bestia 666, Charly Manson, Cibernetico, Dulce Kanela, Heavy Metal, Mamba, Mecha Wolf, Mr. Iguana, Pagano, Rey Xolo and Vamprio after eliminating Mamba to win Copa TripleMania Tijuana.
Fenix defeated Taurus, Laredo Kid, Hijo del Vikingo, and Bandido after pinning Taurus with a Double Foot Stomp to unify the for the AAA Latin American and AAA World Cruiserweight Championships.
AAA Reina de Reinas Champion Taya Valkyrie came out to challenge AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa to a match at a future AAA show.
An in-ring ceremony honoring Konnan aired.
Blue Demon Jr. defeated Pentagon Jr. after pinning Pentagon with an Avalanche Canadian Destroyer through a table. With the loss, Pentagon Jr. moves on to the finals of the Ruleta de la Muerte tournament at TripleMania XXX: Mexico City this October.
Matt Hardy announced that Johnny Caballero, aka Johnny Elite, aka John Morrison, would be Jeff Hardy’s replacement against Dragon Lee and Dralistico in the main event, under the name Johnny Hardy.
Flammer defeated Chik Tormenta in a mask vs. mask match after pinning Tormenta with a Rolling Fireman’s Carry through a table. As a result, Chik Tormenta was forced to unmask.
Psycho Clown defeated Villano IV after pinning Villano with an Air Raid Crash onto thumbtacks. With the loss, Villano IV Psycho Clown moves onto the finals of the Ruleta de la Muerte tournament at TripleMania XXX: Mexico City this October to take on Pentagon Jr. in a mask vs. mask match.
Dragon Lee & Dralistico (Los Faccion Ingobernables) defeated Johnny Hardy (aka Johnny Caballero) & Matt Hardy after Dralistico pinned Hardy following a moonsault. Johnny betrayed Hardy earlier in the match after the two accidentally collided. After the match, Johnny attacked Lee and Dralistico till Hardy made the save; Hardy then shook hands with Lee and Dralistico to end the show.
Impact Wrestling Slammiversary: 20th Anniversary 6/19/2022
DATE: June 19, 2022 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Nashville Fairgrounds, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
AVAILABLE ON: FITE & Pay-Per-View
IMPACT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Eric Young vs. Josh Alexander (c)
IMPACT WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) (c)
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN MATCH ( Mickie James will be the Special Guest Enforcer)
Chelsea Green vs. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Mia Yim vs. Tasha Steelz (c)
IMPACT X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP ULTIMATE X MATCH
Kenny King vs. Mike Bailey vs. Trey Miguel vs. Jack Evans vs. Alex Zayne vs. Ace Austin (c)
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Rosemary & Taya Valkyrie vs. The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood) (c)
MONSTER’S BALL MATCH
Moose vs. Sami Callihan
Honor No More (Eddie Edwards, Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, PCO & Vincent) vs. Impact Originals (Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Frankie Kazarian, Nick Aldis & TBA)
Countdown to Slammiversary
DIGITAL MEDIA CHAMPIONSHIP
Brian Myers vs. Rich Swann (c)
REVERSE BATTLE ROYAL
AAA Triplemania XXX: Tijuana 6/18/2022
Following the arrest, Jeff, and his brother Matt, were pulled from “AEW: Dynamite” this past week. On The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt gave an update on his and his brother’s status for TripleMania XXX: Tijuana this weekend.
“I’ll be going to TripleMania in Tijuana for Triple-A, pretty excited about that,” Hardy said. “We’re going to have a mystery partner. We’ll probably announce the mystery partner in all reality but I’ll be teaming with someone else … Jeff, right now, is focused on life which is much bigger than pro wrestling.”
DATE: June 18, 2022 10:00 pm
LOCATION: Estadio Caliente Xoloitzcuintles, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
CARD
Matt Hardy & TBA vs. Dragon Lee & Dralistico
RULETA DE LA MUERTE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL
Psycho Clown vs. Villano IV
MARK VS. MASK MATCH
*Final two competitors from the steel cage match
RULETA DE LA MUERTE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL
Blue Demon Jr. vs. Pentagon Jr.
AAA LATIN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH/AAA WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Bandido vs. Fenix vs. AAA Mega Champion Hijo Del Vikingo vs. AAA World Cruiserweight Champion Laredo Kid (c) vs. AAA Latin American Champion Taurus (c)
13-PERSON COPA TRIPLEMANIA MATCH
*Participants to be announced
ESCAPE THE CAGE MATCH
Chik Tormenta vs. Flammer vs. La Hiedra vs. Lady Shani vs. Maravilla vs. Reina Dorada, vs. Sexy Star
Wrestling News Blog 