Author: John Bass

The Dudley Boyz Announced For The WWE Hall Of Fame

Dudley Boyz WWE Hall of fame

WWE has announced that The Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley, will be going into the WWE Hall of Fame.

The Dudleyz join Bill Goldberg as confirmed names for the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, April 6th from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 weekend.

Below is WWE’s full announcement on the induction:

The Dudley Boyz to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018The WWE Hall of Fame will need to stock up on tables because The Dudley Boyz are moving in.

As first reported by CBS Sports, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley are the latest inductees in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018. They will be inducted, alongside Goldberg, during the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 6, in New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 Week.

The Dudley Boyz’ journey to the WWE Hall of Fame began in Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1996, when Bubba Ray and D-Von, the sons of the unseen Big Daddy Dudley, were on opposite sides of a family feud among brothers clad in tie-dye and thick-rimmed glasses. Eventually, Bubba Ray and D-Von joined forces and kicked off two decades of tag team dominance.

In ECW, The Dudley Boyz were, perhaps, the promotion’s most reviled villains. Bubba Ray & D-Von could grab the microphone and antagonize audiences to the brink of full-scale riots. Once the bell rang, they were just as dangerous. With a predilection for punishing opponents by slamming them through tables and a devastating double-team maneuver known as the 3D in their arsenal, The Dudleys captured the ECW Tag Team Championship eight times before they left the land of extreme in 1999.

Bubba Ray & D-Von soon arrived in WWE, ditching the tie-dye for camouflage, but keeping the same nasty attitude that brought them success – not to mention a healthy stock of tables to drive their foes through. In WWE rings, The Dudley Boyz found a pair of teams just as willing to push competition to its extreme ends in The Hardy Boyz and Edge & Christian. The trio of tag teams turned the squared circle into their own demolition derby, using tables, ladders and chairs to punish one another. Their hardcore tendencies converged in the first-ever TLC Match at SummerSlam 2000 and led to a classic sequel on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania X-Seven.

By the time they left WWE in 2005, The Dudley Boyz had racked up eight reigns as World Tag Team Champions, one as WWE Tag Team Champions and one as WCW Tag Team Champions.

Ten years later, the 17-time tag team champions returned to WWE to compete with a new generation of Superstars, introducing teams like The New Day and The Usos to their brand of hardcore wrestling … and a few tables. Though they left WWE again in 2016, the WWE Universe never forgot them, as evidenced by the raucous reception they received at Raw 25 when Bubba Ray & D-Von arrived to put Heath Slater through a table with a thunderous 3D.

And now, The Dudley Boyz will take their rightful place in sports-entertainment history on what is sure to be an incredible night.

Tickets for the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, taking place Friday, April 6, during WrestleMania 34 Week in New Orleans, are available now on Ticketmaster.

NJPW New Beginning In Sapporo 2018 Results Nights 1 & 2, Kenny Omega Kicked Out Of Bullet Club??

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NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo Night’s 1 & 2 took place over the weekend. The Results from both night’s are below:

NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo (Night One) took place with Hiroshi Tanahashi defending his IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Minoru Suzuki in the main event. Suzuki was able to capture the title (via ref stoppage) after going just over 32 minutes with Tanahashi. Also, the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa) retained their titles against Togi Makabe, Henare, and Ryusuke Taguchi.

Below are the full results:

* Michael Elgin defeated Katsuya Kitamura (Kitamura Challenge Series, 0-2)

* Jushin Liger, KUSHIDA, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, and Tiger Mask IV defeated El Desperado, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru

* Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano defeated Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi

* Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Roa (c) defeated Henare, Ryusuke Taguchi, and Togi Makabe (NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship)

* Cody Rhodes, Hangman Page, and Marty Scurll defeated David Finlay, Juice Robinson, and Kota Ibushi

* Hiromu Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito defeated Will Ospreay and YOSHI-HASHI

* Gedo, Hirooki Goto, and Kazuchika Okada defeated BUSHI, EVIL, and SANADA

* Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson defeated Jay White, SHO, and YOH

* Minoru Suzuki defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) (IWGP Intercontinental Championship)

 

Night two of NJPW New Beginning took place and in shocking fashion Jay White defeated Kenny Omega to win the IWGP United States Championship via pinfall. Omega had been the inaugural champion, winning it last July at the G1 Special in Long Beach, California. After the match, Adam Page already looked to challenge Jay White, but Omega asked him to back off. Cody came down, they argued, Cody said Omega wasn’t being a leader, and ended up putting Omega down with a cross rhodes. Cody grabbed a chair, but Koto Ibushi ran out to make the save for Omega.

Also, Roppongi 3K defeated the Young Bucks to capture the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship for a second time. Below are the full results:

* Juice Robinson defeated Katsuya Kitamura (Kitmaura Challenge Series, 0-3)

* El Desperado, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Jushin Liger, Ryusuke Taguchi, Shota Umino, and Tiger Mask IV

* Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano defeated Leo Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi

* Bad Luck Fale, Chase Owens, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Roa defeated Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Manabu Nakanishi, and Tomoyuki Oka

* Minoru Suzuki and Takashi Iizuka defeated Henare and Michael Elgin

* Cody Rhodes, Hangman Page, and Marty Scurll defeated David Finlay, Kota Ibushi, and KUSHIDA

* BUSHI, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi, SANADA, and Tetsuya Naito defeated Gedo, Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and YOSHI-HASHI

* Roppongi 3K (SHO and YOH) defeated Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) (c) (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship)

* “Switchblade” Jay White defeated Kenny Omega (c) (IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship)

Source: WrestlingINC

 

Rousey Rousey Surprises Family (Video)

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Ronda Rousey posted a photo of her husband Travis Browne and their two sons from Browne’s previous marriage, Kaleo and Keawe, popping when she made her surprise appearance at last night’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view:

Jonathan Coachman Signs New WWE Deal, Big Change To The RAW Announce Team Revealed

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WWE has announced that Jonathan Coachman signed a new deal to return to the company. He will join Michael Cole and Corey Graves as the new RAW announce team beginning tonight in Philadelphia. WWE Hall of Famer Booker T will resume his duties as a panelist on WWE’s pay-per-view Kickoff broadcasts and will continue to make appearances on Raw and beyond as a WWE ambassador.

WWE issued the following on Coach’s return:

Jonathan Coachman signs with WWE, joins Raw announce team tonightLadies and gentlemen, “The Coach” has returned.

Jonathan Coachman, a longtime WWE interviewer and broadcaster and former ESPN personality, has signed with WWE to once again be part of the Raw announce team, WWE.com can confirm.

Coachman’s TV announcing duties will officially begin tonight, when he joins Michael Cole and Corey Graves at the Team Red announce desk.

Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T will resume his duties as a panelist on WWE’s pay-per-view Kickoff broadcasts and will continue to make appearances on Raw and beyond as a WWE ambassador.

The Coach began appearing on WWE television as an interviewer in 1999 during The Attitude Era as a frequent foil of The Rock, later expanding his role to include tenures as Raw commentator, Interim Raw General Manager and even as an in-ring competitor on multiple occasions.

Following nearly a decade as an on-air personality at ESPN — which included coverage of WWE with his “Off the Top Rope” segment — Coachman is back to call the action on Monday Night Raw.

Don’t miss The Coach’s return to Raw commentary tonight, beginning live at 8/7 C on USA Network.

Update On Alicia Fox’s Injury

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Alicia Fox was unable to wrestle in the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match last night due to a broken tailbone. She has also been taken out of the Mixed Match Challenge and Goldust will find a new partner. Her injury took place during the rehearsals for the match over the weekend.

Source: WrestlingINC

Ronda Rousey signs full-time deal with WWE, debuts on Sunday night at Royal Rumble

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Former UFC champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey made her official debut as part of WWE on Sunday night at the close of the Royal Rumble PPV in Philadelphia.

According to ESPN.com, the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion has agreed to terms on a full-time contract with the WWE going forward.

Rousey provided a quote to ESPN about her WWE debut tonight.

“This is my life now. First priority on my timeline for the next several years. This is not a smash-and-grab; this is not a publicity stunt. When I first met with Triple H, I told him, ‘There are other things I can do with my time that’ll make way more money, but I won’t enjoy nearly as much.’”

WWE had Rousey shake hands with Stephanie McMahon to close the PPV following an in-ring confrontation with Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and Asuka (the winner of the first ever women’s Royal Rumble).

ESPN is already featuring an interview with Rousey about her WWE signing.

Source: WrestleView.com

Update:

The Jacket Ronda was wearing belonged to Rowdy Roddy Piper, given to her by his son.

2018 WWE Royal Rumble Results

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(Kickoff) Six Man Tag Team Match: Kalisto, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik vs. TJP, Jack Gallagher & Drew Gulak – Winners: Kalisto, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik

(Kickoff) Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. The Revival – Winners: Winners: The Revival

(Kickoff) Bobby Roode’s United States Championship Open Challenge: (C) Bobby Roode vs. Mojo Rawley –

WWE Championship – 2-on 1 Handicap Match: (C) AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn – Winner: AJ Styles

SmackDown Tag Team Championship- 2 out of 3 falls: (C) The Usos vs. Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable – Winners: The Usos – 2 falls to 0

30-Man Royal Rumble Match:

1.) Rusev eliminated by Hardy & Wyatt

2.) Finn Balor eliminated by Cena

3.) Rhyno eliminated by Corbin

4.) Baron Corbin eliminated by Balor

5.) Heath Slater eliminated by Wyatt

6.) Elias by Cena

7.) Andrade “Cien” Almas eliminated by Orton

8.) Bray Wyatt eliminated by Hardy

9.) Big E eliminated Mahal

10.) Tye Dillinger -attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn – Zayn took his spot – eliminated by Nakamura

11.) Sheamus eliminated by Slater

12.) Xavier Wood eliminated by Mahal

13.) Apollo Crews eliminated by Cesaro

14.) Shinsuke Nakamura

15.) Cesaro eliminated by Rollins

16.) Kofi Kingston eliminated Almas

17.) Jinder Mahal eliminated by Kofi

18.) Seth Rollins eliminated by Reigns

19.) Matt Hardy eliminated by Wyatt

20.) John Cena eliminated by Nakamura

21.) The Hurricane Gregory Helms eliminated by Cena

22.) Aiden English eliminated by Balor

23.) Adam Cole eliminated by Mysterio

24.) Randy Orton eliminated by Reigns

25.) Titus O’Neil eliminated by Reigns

26.) The Miz eliminated by Reigns & Rollins

27.) Rey Mysterio eliminated by Balor

28.) Roman Reigns eliminated by Nakamura

29.) Goldust eliminated by Ziggler

30.) Dolph Ziggler eliminated by Balor

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura – Chosed to face WWE Champion AJ Styles at WrestleMania

RAW Tag Team Championship: (C) Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan vs. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) – Winners and new RAW Tag Team Champions: The Bar

Universal Championship: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Kane – Winner: Brock Lesnar

30-Woman Royal Rumble Match: 

1.) Sasha Banks eliminated by Bella Twins

2.) Becky Lynch eliminated by Riott

3.) Sarah Logan eliminated by Holly

4.) Mandy Rose eliminated by Lita

5.) Lia eliminated by Lynch

6.) Kairi Sane eliminated by Brooke

7.) Tamina eliminated by Lita

8.) Dana Brooke eliminated by Wilson

9.) Torrie Wilson eliminated Deville

10.) Sonya Deville eliminated by McCool

11.) Liv Morgan eliminated by McCool

12.) Molly Holly eliminated by McCool

13.) Lana eliminated by McCool

14.) Michelle McCool eliminated by Natalya

15.) Ruby Riott eliminated by Jax

16.) Vickie Guerrero eliminated by Banks, Lynch, McCool and Riott

17.) Carmella eliminated by Nikki Bella

18.) Natalya eliminated by Stratus

19.) Kelly Kelly eliminated by Jax

20.) Naomi eliminated by Jax

21.) Jacqueline eliminated by Jax

22.) Nia Jax eliminated by Stratus, Asuka, Bella Twins, Bayley and Natalya

23.) Ember Moon eliminated by Asuka

24.) Beth Phoenix eliminated by Natalya

25.) Asuka

26.) Mickie James eliminated by Stratus

27.) Nikki Bella eliminated by Asuka

28.) Brie Bella eliminated by Nikki

29.) Bayley eliminated Banks

30.) Trish Stratus eliminated by Banks

Winner: Asuka

After the match, Asuka hits the corner to pose and point at the WrestleMania sign as her music hits. We go to replays. Flair and Bliss join Asuka in the ring. Asuka walks in between them and takes a look at each champion, smiling and going back & forth. Flair raises her title, Bliss raises hers. The music hits and out comes Ronda Rousey making her WWE debut in a t-shirt inspired by WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper. Menounos introduces Rousey as she hits the ring. Rousey stares down each Superstar in the ring. Rousey points up at the WrestleMania 34 banner as a “holy s–t” chant starts up. Rousey extends her hand to Asuka but Asuka slaps it after teasing a shake. Rousey smiles at her. Rousey points back at the WrestleMania sign as her music starts back up. Bliss, Asuka and Flair look at the sign, then at Rousey. Rousey leaves the ring and slaps hands with some fans at ringside. Rousey stops at the announce table and shakes hands with Stephanie. Rousey leaves the arena wit all smiles. She stops on the stage and waves at everyone, pointing to the WrestleMania sign one more time before leaving.

 

Alicia Fox Pulled From Women’s Royal Rumble Match Due To Injury

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Raw General Manager Kurt Angle has announced that Alicia Fox has been pulled from tonight’s 30-Woman Over-The-Top Royal Rumble Match due to injury.

Former TNA Star At The Royal Rumble

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Rockstar Spud is at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Spud has been expecting to be starting with the company since the fall. He tweeted the photo below at the arena:

Backstage News On Bobby Lashley Possibly Signing With WWE And Feuding With Brock Lesnar

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Bobby Lashley is reportedly expected to sign with WWE imminently, according to Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer noted that Lashley was negotiating with both NJPW and WWE, and is no longer negotiating with NJPW. He added that Lashley is going to WWE “almost for sure.” Although he doesn’t know if Lashley will appear in the Royal Rumble match tonight or answer Bobby Roode’s open challenge, Lashley is contractually clear to start with WWE immediately. People in NJPW and Impact Wrestling believe that Lashley will start with WWE at any moment.

Meltzer also noted that Lashley may start a program with Brock Lesnar after WrestleMania or later this year. While Meltzer didn’t mention it, Lesnar’s WWE contract is expected to expire shortly after WrestleMania. He added that Lesnar is supposedly not aware of a possible program with Lashley, even though he’s supposed to be told of his programs ahead of time.

Lashley worked for WWE from 2005-2008. He left the company due to reported issues with Michael Hayes. When WrestlingINC‘s Raj Giri  spoke to Lashley in late 2015, I asked him if there was still heat with the company.

“I don’t think there is,” Lashley said. “I’m still good friends with some people there. I’ve talked with Vince [McMahon] a couple times. Shane [McMahon] and I are pretty good friends, I talk with him from time to time. Dolph Ziggler, I talk to him from time to time. We just haven’t really went that route.”

Source: WrestlingINC