Author: John Bass

Aleister Black Reportedly Dealing With Minor Injuries

Aleister Black has been absent from WWE television since his no DQ match against Kevin Owens on the October 12th episode of RAW. He was later drafted to SmackDown, but has not made an appearance for the blue brand.

On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Black is dealing with minor injuries right now. He also noted that Black is part of the crop of talent that benefitted from Paul Heyman’s reign as RAW Creative Director, and suffered when Heyman left the role.

Black’s wife, Zelina Vega, was released by the company this past November. However, Black’s current standing with the company reportedly is not due to her release. Black had also reportedly asked to return to NXT as well.

Black recently shared a Twitter exchange with Andrade, who received his WWE release earlier this week. Black pointed out how close Andrade has been to his WWE career and thanked him. Andrade replied back, hoping to wrestle him again down the road.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Charlotte Flair Tests Positive For COVID-19

Charlotte Flair has tested positive for COVID-19.

Flair took to Twitter last night after RAW went on the air and revealed that she has been off WWE TV recently because she tested positive for the coronavirus. Flair said she has been at home resting.

“I know everyone has been wondering where I have been. I tested positive for COVID and have been home resting [folded hands emoji] Thank you everyone for your love [red heart emoji] [princess/queen emoji],” she wrote.

There’s no word yet on when Flair will be back, but there has been talk of her possibly appearing on this Friday’s SmackDown on FOX episode.

Flair had been rumored for a WrestleMania 37 match with RAW Women’s Champion Asuka, but last night on RAW it was announced that Asuka will face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 37.

Andrade responded to Flair’s tweet and indicated that she will be medically cleared from the coronavirus in 4 days. Andrade also referenced recent reports on how WWE apparently removed Flair from the WrestleMania 37 ticket posters.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview 3/22/21

The Road to WrestleMania 37 will pick up tonight as WWE RAW on the USA Network will feature fallout from last night’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view.

WWE has announced that Rhea Ripley will make her official main roster debut on tonight’s show. There is no word on who she will be wrestling, but there are rumors on Ripley possibly getting involved with RAW Women’s Champion Asuka.

WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre are expected to appear tonight to build to their WrestleMania 37 match. McIntyre defeated Sheamus in a No Holds Barred match at Fastlane, but Lashley did not appear.

Tonight’s RAW should also feature the Monday night return of “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt. The Fiend returned with a new look at Fastlane to help Alexa Bliss defeat Randy Orton. It’s believed that The Fiend vs. Orton will now take place at WrestleMania 37.

WWE Reportedly Keeping Quiet On Situation With Charlotte Flair

While discussing Andrade’s WWE release on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Andrade’s fiancé, Charlotte Flair, is making seven figures. This is through not only her WWE deal but also from her other business ventures and deals. This includes her upcoming film project, Walking Tall

Regarding Charlotte’s WrestleMania plans, especially after she was removed from several WrestleMania graphics. Meltzer noted that while she is filming for the Walking Tall reboot, Charlotte’s WrestleMania plans are being kept quiet and that there is “definitely a story” there.

“As far as Charlotte and WrestleMania, I’ve been asking that all week and everyone’s avoiding me on that one,” Meltzer said. “There’s definitely a story that’s not the movie, because if it was the movie it wouldn’t be hidden.”

“It’s definitely something that’s behind hidden as far as whatever the deal is with Charlotte.”

There has been speculation that Charlotte will challenge Asuka for the RAW Women’s Championship. Charlotte’s WrestleMania opponent from last year, Rhea Ripley, is also set to make her debut on RAW tonight.

There has not been any confirmation that Charlotte is upset over the Andrade news as of late. Meltzer reported that she had been pitching plans for them to work together on-screen, which she has confirmed in the past.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

News On WWE Removing Batista From Hall Of Fame List

Batista is no longer set to be inducted at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

WWE.com removed him as part of the class, and his induction page currently reads “access denied.” Batista’s WWE.com profile also omits the “Hall of Fame” logo that other WWE Hall of Famers have present on their roster page.

Ringside News first reported that Batista would not be a part of this year’s ceremony. According to Fightful Select, the plan is for Batista to be inducted into the Hall of Fame “when a full crowd can enjoy it.”

The 2021 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony was confirmed to take place from the virtual WWE ThunderDome this year, despite WrestleMania airing in front of a live audience. WWE is reportedly set to tape the ceremony this year on March 30 and April 1, and air it on the WWE Network one week later on April 6.

The 2021 ceremony will include inductees from both the 2020 and 2021 class, including Eric Bischoff, Molly Holly, the Bella Twins, JBL, Jushin “Thunder” Liger, the British Bulldog, and the nWo.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Announces Andrade’s Release

WWE has released Andrade.

It was announced after WWE Fastlane pay-per-view that Andrade is no longer with the company. WWE noted that they have come to the terms on his released, and they wished him the best in his future endeavors, as seen below.

Earlier this month, Andrade requested his WWE release while backstage at the March 8 edition of RAW. It was later reported that he looked “absolutely miserable” while at the taping. This was revealed after Andrade dropped the “WWE” from his Twitter handle and removed WWE from his bio.

Andrade broke his silence on the reports earlier this week, confirming that the rumors were true. He also noted in that post that he didn’t know what the future holds, but he wanted his dreams to come true.

It had been reported that WWE was not planning on granting the release request, but it was made official after Fastlane last night. Andrade tweeted during the pay-per-view that he had “good news” to come, using the “#Happy” hashtag in the post.

Andrade, who is engaged to be married to Charlotte Flair, last appeared on RAW at WWE Draft time in October 2020. He was taken out by “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in his last appearance. He then took some time off to undergo a minor procedure after the Draft, and was never officially drafted to RAW or SmackDown. He was scheduled to be out of action for around a month, but never returned. There had been rumors of Andrade returning to WWE NXT or possibly being brought back to RAW with Charlotte, but nothing ever came of the chatter.

After successful runs in Mexico and New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE signed Andrade to work NXT in November 2015. He made his in-ring debut at a January 2016 live event, and had a strong run on the brand until being called up to SmackDown in April 2018 as a part of the Superstar Shake-Up. He leaves the company as a one-time NXT Champion and a one-time WWE United States Champion. He last wrestled on the October 12 RAW Draft show, a loss to Angel Garza.

You can see WWE’s release announcement below:

Andrade released

WWE has come to terms on the release of Andrade. We wish him all the best in all of his future endeavors.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Fastlane Results 3/21/2021

(KICKOFF) WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Riddle (c) def. Mustafa Ali w/Retribution

Post-match: Ali blamed Retribution for his loss. Retaliation and Slapjack walked out and Mace and T-Bar choked slammed Ali.

WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler (c) defeated Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair

– After the match, Jax and Baszler celebrate with the titles and head up the ramp with Reginald as the music hits. We go to replays. Banks and Belair continue arguing in the middle of the ring now. Banks pushes Belair with her finger to the forehead, then slaps her to the mat. Fans boo Banks as she exits the ring with the title in the air. Belair is shocked but now she’s beginning to seethe. Belair points up at the WrestleMania 37 sign and tells herself it’s going to be OK. Fans cheer her on as Banks’ music hits. Banks looks on from the stage as Belair keeps pointing up at the sign.

– Cole and Graves talk about how Shane McMahon suffered a leg injury during pre-show training for Braun Strowman. Shane comes limping out of the trainer’s room, using a crutch. Elias and Jaxson Ryker approach him with a big idea for WrestleMania, one that will make Bad Bunny give him his Grammy Award out of respect. Shane doesn’t want to listen to it now. Elias mentions performing or doing whatever is needed. Shane changes his mind and says he has an idea for them as the camera cuts back to the announcers.

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Big E (c) defeated Apollo Crews

– After the bell, Crews immediately attacks and unloads on Big E to keep him down as fans boo. Crews with an Angle Slam and more trash talking as the boos pick up. Crews smacks Big E around while he’s down. Crews with another big smack to the face and another Angle Slam. Crews stands tall over Big E as his music hits. He puts a boot on Big E and poses with his scarf before heading to the ramp.

Braun Strowman defeated Elias

Seth Rollins defeated Shinsuke Nakamura

NO HOLDS BARRED
Drew McIntyre defeated Sheamus

Alexa Bliss defeated Randy Orton

The Fiend made an appearance during the match wich lead to Bliss getting the win.

– After the bell, Bliss sits on top of Orton as her music starts. The Fiend stands behind her as their creepy music plays.

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Roman Reigns (c) defeated Daniel Bryan
Edge was the special enforcer.

Bryan tightens the Yes Lock as a wide-eyed Reigns yells out. Bryan yells at Reigns to tap out. Reigns is tapping out but Edge doesn’t see it as he comes and smacks Bryan with a chair to break the hold. Edge then delivers a chair shot to Reigns while he’s down.

Edge turns and hits Bryan with the chair one more time to keep him down. Edge yells out that this is his, his! Edge shows some frustration but also anger as he exits the ring, walking up the ramp to a mixed reaction. A referee returns to the ring as Reigns starts to move. Reigns drags himself over and lays on Bryan for the pin to retain.

NWA Back For The Attack Results 3/21/2021

Slice Boogie def. Crimson, Jax Dane and Jordan Clearwater

Tyrus debuts def. NWA World Tag Team Champion JR Kratos

NWA World Television Title Match
Time Limit Draw: “The Pope” Elijah Burke (c) detains vs. Thom Latimer

 Former TNA Knockouts Champion Taryn Terrell joins Galli and Storm on commentary expressing her desire to be NWA World Women’s Champion

#1 Contender’s Match
Kamille def. Thunder Rosa
Kamille earns a future shot at NWA World Women’s Champion Serena Deeb.

NWA National Heavyweight Title Match
Trevor Murdoch (c) def. Chris Adonis

Post-match: Murdoch offers a handshake, and Adonis obliges, but he attacks Murdoch! The officials are trying to break it up as Adonis hits a full-nelson slam. The officials are scared off as Adonis locks in the Master Lock as Murdoch passes out. Adonis lays the National Championship over Murdoch as he leaves.

Austin Idol now joins Galli and Storm on commentary. He wants everyone to “recognize NWA is back!” He reminds Storm that he was there when Aldis won the title from Storm. “I’m not a free agent. Never use the word free in front of Austin Idol.” He says that as he talks about how Stevens invited him over to Back For The Attack. He says it’s good to be the underdog for Stevens as he reveals that Stevens asked him, “Can you help me?” He says Stevens has as good of a chance to beat Aldis tonight than anyone else. “Watch the outcome.”

– Davis calls for a ten-bell salute for the people that have passed in the NWA family including Joe Hudson and Jim Crockett Jr.

NWA World’s Heavyweight Title Match
Nick Aldis (c) def. NWA World Tag Team Champion Aron Stevens

 Stevens is emotional in the corner as he holds Jocephus’s mask. Aldis tells him to “stand up like a man” as the two shake hands. A “Thank you Joseph” chant breaks out as the roster and Joseph’s widow enter the ring as she holds a Question Mark flag. Stevens says “we love you” to Joseph Hudson as a “Question Mark” chant breaks out and closes out the show.

https://twitter.com/FiteTV/status/1373755880370540554

WWE Announces Special Programming For Fastlane Sunday

WWE has announced a loaded line-up of special programming for Fastlane Sunday on social media, Peacock and the WWE Network.

The day will begin with a “Best Of” Fastlane compilation at 11am ET, and then wrap with the Fastlane pay-per-view later that night. The full line-up looks like this:

* 11am ET – Best Of Fastlane Matches on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

* 2:30pm ET – La Previa Spanish WWE Fastlane Pre-show on Peacock and the WWE Network, YouTube, WWE Español Facebook, WWE Español Twitter, Instagram, and WWE Español Instagram

* 4pm ET – Special WWE Fastlane edition of WWE’s The Bump on Peacock and the WWE Network, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram Live, and Twitch. Sheamus, Apollo Crews and actor Skylar Astin will appear. There will also be a special message from Paul Heyman ahead of Daniel Bryan vs. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns

* 6pm ET – WWE Fastlane Kickoff pre-show on Peacock and the WWE Network, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Live, Twitch, and TikTok

* 7pm ET – WWE Fastlane pay-per-view on Peacock and the WWE Network. You can click here for the current, updated card

* 7pm ET – WWE Watch Along Viewing Party on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Guests announced include Paige, Wade Barrett, Chad Gable, Otis, Kaitlyn, WWE NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart, the cast of The Bump, Alyssa Marino, RJ City, Kaz, and Steve Buchanan of DraftKings, among others.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Announces Rhea Ripley’s RAW Debut

Rhea Ripley is scheduled to make her official WWE RAW debut on Monday’s post-Fastlane episode.

WWE announced tonight that Ripley will arrive on RAW during Monday’s show. There is no word yet on who she will wrestle.

Rhea Ripley to make Monday Night Raw debut

This is her brutality, and it has a new home on Monday Night Raw.

Over the last several weeks, the WWE Universe and the Raw Women’s Division have been warned, and this Monday, “The Nightmare” Rhea Ripley will finally arrive on Raw.

Will Ripley be looking to put the red brand on notice right off the bat?

Find out this Monday on Raw live at 8/7 C on USA Network!

Ripley has not wrestled since the 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match at the Rumble pay-per-view back in January. Ripley entered that match in the #14 spot and lasted 39:06 before being eliminated last by winner Bianca Belair. She picked up 7 eliminations in the match – Toni Storm, Santana Garrett, Charlotte Flair (with Belair), Dana Brooke, Mandy Rose, Dakota Kai, and Alexa Bliss. Ripley’s last WWE NXT match was the Last Woman Standing loss to Raquel Gonzalez during the New Year’s Evil episode on January 6.

Ripley is the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion and a one-time NXT Women’s Champion.

WWE has been airing “coming soon” vignettes on RAW since the February 22 show. You can see all 4 teaser promos below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.