Category: WWE

WWE Draft Rules And Pools Announced

WWE has announced the official rules and Superstar pools for the 2020 Draft. The Draft kicks off this Friday during SmackDown on FOX, and then will wrap during Monday’s RAW on the USA Network.

There will be more than 60 Superstars and tag teams that are eligible in the Draft. More than 20 Superstars from both brands will be eligible to be drafted on Friday, and more than 30 will be eligible to be drafted on Monday.

Due to the length of each show, RAW will get 3 picks for every 2 picks that SmackDown selects. Tag teams will count as 1 pick unless FOX or USA, in conjunction with WWE officials, want to pick just one Superstar from the team. Any undrafted Superstars will be declared free agents, and will be able to sign the the brand of their choosing.

The biggest news on the pools is that RETRIBUTION, as a group, will be eligible to be drafted to the blue brand. All 6 members (Mustafa Ali, T-BAR, Slapjack, Mace, Retaliation, Reckoning) will be included in the pick, which kills any speculation on Retaliation (Mercedes Martinez) being nixed from the group.

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns are both eligible to be drafted on Friday night. Several RAW Underground regulars will also be eligible, including Dabba-Kato. Another interesting note from the pool is that Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio will be drafted as a team, while Erik of The Viking Raiders is going by himself due to Ivar being out of action. It was reported this week that Erik is also currently out of action after undergoing a minor operation to remove old surgery hardware from his arm. There are no WWE NXT Superstars listed in the pools.

The following Superstars are eligible to be drafted on Friday: RAW Women’s Champion Asuka, Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair, Dana Brooke, Humberto Carrillo, Elias, Angel Garza, Drew Gulak, Heavy Machinery (Otis & Tucker), The Hurt Business (WWE United States Champion Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander and MVP), Mickie James, Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado), WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, Murphy, Rey & Dominik Mysterio, Naomi, The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Ricochet, Seth Rollins, Mandy Rose, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax, Shorty G, AJ Styles, Jey Uso.

The following Superstars are eligible to be drafted on Monday: Andrade, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley, Aleister Black, Alexa Bliss, Daniel Bryan, Carmella, King Corbin, Apollo Crews, Nikki Cross, Dabba-Kato, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, Erik (of The Viking Raiders), Lacey Evans, Charlotte Flair, Jeff Hardy, Billie Kay, Lana, Keith Lee, The Miz & John Morrison, Riddick Moss, Natalya, Titus O’Neil, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, WWE 24/7 Champion R-Truth, RETRIBUTION (Mustafa Ali, T-BAR, MACE, SLAPJACK, RECKONING & RETALIATION), Matt Riddle, The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan), Peyton Royce, Arturo Ruas, Sheamus, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro, RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford), Braun Strowman, Tamina, Akira Tozawa, Zelina Vega, Bray Wyatt, WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn.

Stay tuned for updates on the WWE Draft. Below is WWE’s full announcement issued to us today:

WWE Draft rules and Superstar pools set for 2020 edition

The WWE Draft will get underway this Friday, Oct. 9 on SmackDown and conclude Monday, Oct. 12 on Raw. WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon will once again preside over both nights of selections.

As reported by FOX Sports, the rules and Superstar pools have now been finalized for the 2020 WWE Draft.

* Over 60 Male Superstars, Female Superstars and Tag Teams have been placed into the 2020 WWE Draft.
* More than 20 Superstars are eligible to be drafted on Friday night and more than 30 Superstars are eligible to be drafted on Monday night.
* Due to the length of each show, for every two picks that SmackDown selects, Raw will get three picks.
* Tag Teams will count as one pick unless FOX or USA Network, in conjunction with WWE Officials, wants to pick one Superstar from the team.
* Any undrafted Superstars will immediately be declared free agents and able to sign with the brand of their choosing.

WWE Superstars have been split into eligible pools for the Friday and Monday episodes of the WWE Draft. Here is the breakdown of who is available for selection each night:

FRIDAY
Asuka
Sasha Banks
Bianca Belair
Dana Brooke
Humberto Carrillo
Elias
Angel Garza
Drew Gulak
Heavy Machinery (Otis & Tucker)
The Hurt Business (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander and MVP)
Mickie James
Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado)
Drew McIntyre
Murphy
Rey & Dominik Mysterio
Naomi
The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Roman Reigns
Ricochet
Seth Rollins
Mandy Rose
Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax
Shorty G
AJ Styles
Jey Uso

MONDAY
Andrade
Bayley
Aleister Black
Alexa Bliss
Daniel Bryan
Carmella
King Corbin
Apollo Crews
Nikki Cross
Dabba-Kato
Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
Erik (of The Viking Raiders)
Lacey Evans
Charlotte Flair
Jeff Hardy
Billie Kay
Lana
Keith Lee
The Miz & John Morrison
Riddick Moss
Natalya
Titus O’Neil
Randy Orton
Kevin Owens
R-Truth
RETRIBUTION (Mustafa Ali, T-BAR, MACE, SLAPJACK, RECKONING & RETALIATION)
Matt Riddle
The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan)
Peyton Royce
Arturo Ruas
Sheamus
Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
Braun Strowman
Tamina
Akira Tozawa
Zelina Vega
Bray Wyatt
Sami Zayn

Don’t miss this WWE Draft on Friday, Oct. 9 at 8/7 C on FOX and Monday, Oct. 12 at 8/7 C on USA Network to see where your favorite Superstars are headed.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Alberto Del Rio Indicted For Aggravated Kidnapping By Grand Jury In Texas

Alberto Del Rio, the former WWE Champion, was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury in San Antonio, TX, on charges of aggravated kidnapping, according to a report on PWI Insider.

As reported back in May, Del Rio was arrested and subsequently charged with a second degree sexual assault felony and aggravated kidnapping. Although Thursday’s court order lists the primary charge as aggravated kidnapping, it is unclear if the sexual assault charge resulted in an indictment as well.

The report added that a trial date has yet to be set. Del Rio, who had been out on a $50,000 bond, is slated to be arraigned on Friday, as per court records.

Del Rio was arrested on May 5th, 2020, after the victim approached local authorities in San Antonio and stated that the professional wrestler allegedly grew enraged with her after accusing her of infidelity. She also alleged that Del Rio physically assaulted her.

The victim had also alleged that Del Rio “slapped her across the head” several times and “forced her to wear a dress and dance for him” after she would not admit to the infidelity. Furthermore, Del Rio allegedly threatened to take the victim’s son and “drop him in the middle of the road somewhere.”

The FOX affiliate in San Antonio also provided additional details which noted that Del Rio allegedly “tied the woman’s hands with boxing straps, put a sock in her mouth and sexually assaulted her for several hours, using various objects.”

In the state of Texas, a conviction for aggravated kidnapping, if punishable in the first degree, could lead to a jail sentence ranging from 5-99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000. However, if the accused is convicted of aggravated kidnapping in the second degree, they could face anywhere from 2-20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT Preview 10/7/20

Tonight’s WWE NXT episode will air live on the USA Network from the new Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, formerly known as the WWE Performance Center.

This will be the first episode to air from the renovated CWC. The show will feature fallout from last Sunday’s “Takeover: 31” event.

WWE Performance Center Is Now Known As The Capitol Wrestling Center

Triple H held a media call last week and teased a “game changing” look and feel for NXT TakeOver: 31.

“So this Sunday’s TakeOver will have a very unique look and feel, something totally different that hasn’t been done so far,” Triple H said. “You’ll find out more on Sunday, but it will be very unique, and I think hopefully, at least for us, game changing.”

It was later reported WWE was moving all NXT tapings — including tonight’s TakeOver — from the NXT Arena on the campus of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Since RAW and SmackDown headed to the Amway Center (WWE ThunderDome) that left the WWE PC available for NXT.

Sports Illustrated is reporting the Performance Center has a newly remodeled TV set, and will now be known as the Capitol Wrestling Center. This is a tribute the the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, founded by Jess McMahon in 1953 and run by Vincent J. McMahon.

“It’s a historic callback to where this all began,” Triple H said about the new name. “We gutted the Performance Center and it’s now rebuilt, so it feels like we’re going back to the beginning. To me, it feels like we’re going back to 1953. Just like then, we’re doing something different and new, taking the business to a whole new level.

“The Capitol Wrestling Center captures the feel and the vibe of NXT. We will have all the bells and whistles of the ThunderDome, but we’ll keep that NXT feel. It’s edgier, darker and raw — you’re walking into the ultimate heavy metal soundstage.”

Along with the virtual fans, there will be fans in attendance in a limited capacity of around 100 people at tonight’s show.

“There will be a contingent of fans in attendance, some of which will be talent, others will be friends and family and some will be fans,” Triple H stated. “We will take every safety precaution that there is. All of this was signed off by our medical staff. Everybody that walks in the building will be PCR tested, take a questionnaire and be medically screened. There will be plexiglass pods with fans that are in groups, and the groups will vary in size. Everyone will wear masks, and each group will never be near anyone else.”

Triple H also noted there was talk of running NXT at the ThunderDome, but he was resistant as he wanted NXT to keep its own unique feel. The move to the Capitol Wrestling Center does not mean WWE’s relationship with Full Sail has ended.

“We are not severing our relationship with Full Sail,” Triple H confirmed. “I’m very proud of all we’ve done there. This move is the right decision for us from a tech standpoint, but I look forward to returning there soon and the partnership remains strong.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former WWE, ECW And NWA Star Jazz Announces Retirement From Wrestling

There are very few women’s wrestlers still around who performed during the 1990s but former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz is still going strong. She’s spent over 20 years in the ring and has had stints in WWE, ECW and NWA where she was recently the Women’s Champion.

Jazz discussed still wrestling like she did 20 years ago while also revealing that she is now retired from in-ring competition when she joined The Chris Van Vliet Show.

“Maybe I was a few months ago, but honestly, I just had my last match this past Sunday,” revealed Jazz. “I’m done with in-ring; last match. Yeah, I’m going to say ever. I’m done. I’m limping right now, so I’m done yes. Yeah, but I’m not going to Terry Funk it. I’m done.

“I was going to do a whole tour in 2020, but with the pandemic happening, that kind of screwed everything up. But we’ll see for 2021. I may try to do a little tour around.”

Jazz’s retirement plans were previously unknown so she was asked to confirm that she is indeed retired.

“Well, I’m really done. But I go out there and do 45 seconds – 1 minute. That’s all I got,” stated Jazz.

Her first big break in the business came in 1999 when Jazz joined ECW under the name of Jazzmine. Paul Heyman played a big part in helping kickstart her career and Jazz talked about Heyman’s influence.

“I always give Paul E credit because the birth of Jazz happened in ECW. So, without Paul E, there would be no Jazz and he not only gave me an opportunity, he pushed me to just go out there and let it happen. But he would tell the guys, ‘Don’t go easy on her.’ It’s pretty scary before a pay-per-view match and he’s over there telling your opponent, ‘Beat the f–k out of her!’ and you’re already nervous and then, he comes over there to me, ‘I want you to put it on him. Beat him like he stole from your mama!’ That’s how Paul E is,” recalled Jazz.

“He likes to get in your mind and he’s good at it. But yeah, he’s the one who gave me my first opportunity and it was up to me. I was given the opportunity and it was either nut up or shut up.”

When ECW went bankrupt, lots of talent ended up joining WWE but if you ask those former ECW Originals, most would say that they would have stayed in ECW if the company stayed afloat. There was a special kinship amongst ECW wrestlers and Jazz was asked if WWE was on her radar at that time.

“No, because everyone in ECW… that was our home. We were such a family and I don’t know if you ever go to any signings – WrestleCons or whatever – but if you see any ECW people there, it’s nothing but love. There was no jealousy because everybody had the opportunity to shine. I mean, the ring crew, they even got a chance to wrestle every night,” stated Jazz.

“So, it was no fighting for a spot. You had your top guys and that was understandable, but every night, you’re going to get an opportunity to work and that’s what it’s about.”

It was her time in ECW that led to Jazz joining WWE and she recalled the whole process it took for her to come on WWE’s radar, get signed and then make her debut.

“Yes, again, Paul E was there in WWF at the time and I saw Dreamer in Tyler, Texas, I believe at an Indy Show, and he was like, ‘Jazz, I’m going to talk to Paul and see if we can get you a tryout.’ And I was like, ‘Hell yeah! That sounds great!’ So, that got everything set up,” stated Jazz. “I went over there and I worked Ivory in a dark match and when I approached her, she was like, ‘Oh my God! Nice to meet you! Molly Holly told me all about you! She loves you. She said you’re awesome!’ So, she made the match all about me. She really did and they said that was the biggest response they ever had from a ladies’ match was our dark match.

“Paul’s like, ‘You’re going to get a call on Monday! …Three months later, I did receive a phone call from Johnny Ace. ‘Don’t really know who you are kid, but everyone, they talk good about you. But yeah, we want you to be part of the company. Your contract’s on its way to you.’ And Jim Ross was telling me, ‘Just go to OVW to get the ring rust off’ because I hadn’t been in the ring for a little while – well wrestling – but I guess to just to get back to the TV style of performing. I was in OVW for 6-to-8 weeks and they called me up to debut for Survivor Series [2001].

“Yeah and low and behold, I was always a babyface in wrestling, and then, when I get to WWF, they tell me, ‘We want you to be a heel.’ And I was like, ‘Oh wow.’ S–t, it worked out right?!”

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to The Chris Van Vliet Show 

FOX To Air WWE Special This Sunday

FOX is scheduled to air a WWE special this Sunday along with their NFL coverage.

“WWE’s Best Moments of 2020” will air alongside FOX’s NFL games this Sunday. Fans should check their local listings for when it will air.

WWE issued the following announcement on Sunday’s special:

Don’t miss WWE’s Best Moments of 2020 this Sunday on FOX

WWE brings all the action of the squared circle to FOX this Sunday with a special presentation of “The Best Moments of 2020,” alongside the NFL’s hard-hitting lineup.

The FOX special will feature a collection of the past year’s best matches and moments from The Undertaker, Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, John Cena, Raw Woman’s Champion Asuka, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley, Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits, Sasha Banks, The Fiend, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Edge, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman and Matt Riddle.

Check your local listings and don’t miss a moment of the action when WWE looks back on the best moments of 2020 on FOX.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview

Tonight’s WWE RAW will air live from The ThunderDome at the Amway Center in Orlando with more build for the upcoming Hell In a Cell pay-per-view.

WWE has announced a six-man main event for tonight’s RAW with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits vs. Robert Roode, Dolph Ziggler and Randy Orton.

The Brand-To-Brand Invitational will also continue tonight as Bray Wyatt has been invited to appear on The KO Show with Kevin Owens. This comes after Owens appeared on last Friday’s SmackDown for The KO Show with Alexa Bliss, which ended with The Fiend attacking Owens.

It’s also possible that RAW Underground will return this week. The “worked shoot-style” fighting competition took a week off last Monday due to the COVID-19 situation.

Tracy Smothers Hospitalized

Tracy Smothers, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, has been hospitalized as he continues to battle with lymphoma and other health issues. Former ECW and WWE, Memphis Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling Superstar The Blue Meanie posted the following update on Smothers, saying,

“My mind and heart are with Tracy Smothers tonight as I’m hearing of his battle with cancer and other complications have him hospitalized. This hurts my heart. I am who I am in wrestling because he helped mold me and countless others. I love you man! Keep fighting!”

We send our best wishes to Smothers and his family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF3XDOTl3Rg/?utm_source=ig_embed

Source: ewrestlingnews

WWE NXT Bringing Back Halloween Havoc This Month

Halloween Havoc is returning later this month for the first time in 20 years.

It was announced last night that the Halloween Havoc edition of WWE NXT TV will air live on the USA Network on Wednesday, October 28.

Shotzi Blackheart will be hosting the special episode.

https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1312904728695767043
https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1312904535875018752

WWE NXT TakeOver: 31 Results 10/4/20 – (Mystery Person) Ember Moon

NXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Damian Priest (c) vs. Johnny Gargano

Winner: Damian Priest

KUSHIDA vs. The Velveteen Dream

Winner: Kushida

NXT CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Santos Escobar (c) vs. Isaiah “Swerve” Scott

Winner: Santos Escobar

NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Io Shirai (c) vs. Candice LaRae

Winner: Io Shirai

– After the match, the music hits as Shirai recovers. We go to replays. Shirai raises the title in the middle of the ring now. NXT UK Superstar Toni Storm suddenly appears on the big screen and congratulates Shirai. Storm also wants to make sure Shirai and everyone else has their head on a swivel because as of right now, Storm is back in NXT. She promises to turn NXT upside down and inside out, and reminds everyone that NXT has, and always will be, Toni Time. She will see us soon. Shirai nods her head and gives a thumbs up to end the segment.

We see the mystery figure arrive to the building on a motorcycle, with the same interface we’ve seen over the past few weeks in the teaser promos. Shirai is shown watching in the ring. The mystery person enters the arena and stands on the stage as the lights come up. They remove their helmet and it’s Ember Moon, making her return to TV. She stares back at the ring and acknowledges the crowd as Shirai looks on to end the segment.

NXT CHAMPIONSHIP
Finn Balor (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly

– After the match, the crowd gets louder as the music hits. Balor, with blood also coming from his mouth now, snatches the NXT Title belt from the referee and stands tall. Balor puts the belt around his waist as we go to replays with the referee raising his arm. We come back from replays and Balor is approaching O’Reilly, who is still down in the corner. Balor extends his arm to help O’Reilly up and O’Reilly lets him. They do a show of respect as the “NXT!” chant breaks out. O’Reilly raises Balor’s arm in victory as they stand together.

We suddenly see Ridge Holland standing on the other side of the barrier, staring at O’Reilly and Balor. He has a knocked out Adam Cole over his shoulder. Balor and O’Reilly turn and see Holland standing there with Cole. Holland drops Cole over the barrier, to the floor at ringside. A furious Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish run down to check on Cole but Holland has disappeared. The 31st Takeover event goes off the air with Balor and The Undisputed Era tending to Cole at ringside, furious at Holland getting away.