Category: WWE

Finn Balor Addresses Future Of His ‘Demon King’ Alter-Ego

WWE Superstar Finn Balor has hinted that his ‘Demon King’ alter-ego could potentially return at some point in the future.

WWE SmackDown Superstar Finn Balor has commented on the future of his mythical alter-ego The Demon.

In a recent interview with WWE Deutschland, Balor was asked whether or not the WWE Universe could potentially see The Demon return anytime soon.

“You’re hitting me with the hard questions,” Balor replied. “Yeah, obviously yeah. I feel like ‘The Demon’ definitely has a future. But right now I’m very focused on ‘The Prince’ and this current invention of the character and the direction that we’re going in. But I’m sure we’ll get back to ‘The Demon’ at some stage.”

The last time Balor wore his Demon King body paint was for a match with Andrade at Super ShowDown back in July of 2019. Since then, the Irishman has admitted that he believed the character had been overexposed and that he wanted to retire it for a while.

“The ‘Demon’ was designed as something special,” Balor said in a 2020 interview with ViBe & Wrestling. “It was one of those things that should have been saved for breathtaking occasions, but it ended up being advertised in the media and that was one of the main reasons why it didn’t work. The surprise factor was completely gone and the ‘Demon’ became Finn Balor’s savior, which was also to my detriment because I could not develop my own character separate from the ‘Demon’. I think it hurt both of us – Finn Balor and the ‘Demon’.”

Despite his belief that The Demon schtick is played out, Balor did admit that he’d be willing to revive the persona for a match with The Undertaker.

As you might recall, Balor recently returned to WWE’s main roster when he appeared on SmackDown a few weeks ago following a two-year stint on the brand where his WWE began: NXT. During his second sting on WWE’s black and gold brand, Finn became NXT Champion for the second time but lost the title to a Karrion Kross 212 days later. His attempts to regain the championship a few weeks later were futile, as the dominant Kross proved to be too formidable a foe for Balor to overcome … Perhaps it might be time to bring back The Demon.

Source: TheSportster

Former WWE Superstar Ruby Riott (Ruby Soho) Is Expected To Sign With AEW

Former WWE Superstar Ruby Riott, who now goes by Ruby Soho, is expected to sign with AEW once her non-compete runs out.

Ruby Riott is expected to sign with AEW once her 90-day non-compete clause with WWE comes to an end.

WWE has released a lot of people so far in 2021. More than 40 of them so far with Bray Wyatt and Ric Flair being shown the door over the course of the last few days. Some of those released have already found landing spots elsewhere, such as Andrade and Chelsea Green. A number of others are still waiting for their non-compete clauses to come to an end, or may just be weighing up their options.

One of those waiting for their non-compete to come to an end is Ruby Riott. Well, the Superstar formerly known as Ruby Riott. She will now be called Ruby Soho going forward, reportedly with the blessing of  Rancid, the band who sings the song of the same name. She might even be able to use the track as her entrance whenever she wrestles next.

As for where that might be, according to Fightful Select (via WrestleTalk) Soho’s most likely landing spot is AEW. While the two parties can’t strike a deal until Soho’s time with WWE is officially over, which will be after the non-compete expires, apparently, once that time has passed fans can expect to see her become All Elite.

While AEW has been criticized for picking up a lot of the wrestlers WWE has released over the course of the past 18 months, Soho might be one of the wisest pick-ups so far. No element of AEW has been criticized more during its first two years than its women’s division. It is well on its way to improving that part of its promotion via the likes of Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa, adding Soho to the mix will further it even more.

Source: The Sportster

Bobby Eaton Has Passed Away At The Age Of 62

Bobby Eaton, one half of the iconic tag team The Midnight Express, has sadly passed away at the age of just 62.

Bobby Eaton, famed for his time as one half of The Midnight Express, has passed away at the age of 62.

The wrestling world is waking up to the loss of another legend this morning. Bobby Eaton, one half of the iconic tag team The Midnight Express, has passed away at the age of just 62. Eaton’s sister confirmed the news on Facebook in the early hours of Thursday morning. What caused Eaton’s death is currently unknown.

“My Little Brother Beautiful Bobby Eaton passed away last night,” Eaton’s sister Debbie revealed on Facebook. Debbie posted a tribute to her late brother, also revealing Eaton’s daughter Taryn was the one who found him. A particularly tough time for the family as Taryn’s mom, Eaton’s wife Donna, only passed away a month ago, also aged 62.

While Eaton was also an incredibly talented singles wrestler, his most famous run in the business was as one half of The Midnight Express. Commonly referred to as one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history, Eaton was the tandem’s mainstay throughout the team’s run. First alongside Dennis Condrey, and then partnered with Stan Lane after Eaton’s first partner departed JCP.

While Eaton’s stellar tag team work will always overshadow what he did as a part of The Midnight Express, it cannot be ignored. He may have never been a World Champion, but he did defeat Arn Anderson for the WCW TV Title in the early ’90s. Eaton even had the chance to be the one to break Goldberg’s legendary undefeated streak in WCW. Goldberg revealed that he pitched the idea to higher-ups, suggesting it happen off TV in Eaton’s hometown. They didn’t like the idea so it never happened.

While it is unclear what caused Eaton to pass away at this time, the former Tag Team Champion has reportedly been in poor health as of late. The wrestler suffered a bad fall last month which resulted in him being hospitalized. He was also hospitalized with heart issues back in 2019. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.

WWE issued a statement on Eaton’s passing:

WWE is saddened to learn that Bobby Eaton passed away at the age of 62.

A Huntsville, Alabama native, Eaton built a reputation as one of the greatest tag team wrestlers of all time during his nearly 40-year career. Eaton broke in at the age of 17 with NWA Mid-America and in just two years captured his first championship by teaming with Leapin’ Lanny Poffo to claim the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Titles.

After a stint with the Continental Wrestling Association, Eaton joined forces with Dennis Condrey to carry the torch for the memorable Midnight Express. “Beautiful” Bobby & “Lover Boy” Dennis quickly rose to prominence in Jim Crockett Promotions and won the NWA World Tag Team Titles from The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. Following Condrey’s departure, Midnight Express carried on with “Sweet” Stan Lane teaming with Eaton for memorable rivalries against The Samoan S.W.A.T. Team, The Fabulous Freebirds, The Steiner Brothers and more on their way to a United States Tag Team Title reign.

Eaton would make a strong singles run following the departure of Lane and defeated Arn Anderson to win the World Television Championship at SuperBrawl I. An ensuing run with Rick Rude, Larry Zbyszko, Steve Austin and Anderson of The Dangerous Alliance culminated with a legendary double-ring War Games Match at WrestleWar 1992 against Sting’s Squadron. After stops with Smoky Mountain Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Eaton would return to WCW before competing on the independent circuit up until 2015.

Eaton amassed countless accolades during his career but perhaps none more meaningful than the impact he left on his peers with Mick Foley, Steve Austin and others having praised Eaton as one of the most underrated and nicest Superstars in the business.

WWE extends its condolences to Eaton’s family, friends and fans.

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.

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