Category: WWE

IWC Radio’s Exclusive Interview With WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne

IWC Radio’s Martyn Nolan was scheduled to attend the NXT live show in Manchester on the 6th June. Due to the recent tragic events which have unfolded in Manchester and London in the past few weeks, this event was understandably cancelled.
 
However, WWE were kind enough to offer all those who had purchased tickets for the Manchester show a complimentary ticket for the following night in Leeds. It’s there that IWC radio were fortunate enough to be invited to catch up with the newly crowned WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne for a few quick questions before the show later that evening.
 
Full Interview (YouTube): https://youtu.be/D8fdwluZCv0
 
TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW
 
Martyn Nolan: Where did the term Bruiserweight originate?
 
Pete Dunne: I was in China for 3 months, doing a tour and I was teaming with CJ Banks. We needed a name and it was around the time of the Cruiserweight Classic. We thought Bruiserweight’s was a pretty funny name. We put it on social media and never thought anymore of it. Then, Andy Quildan from Revolution Pro Wrestling contacted me and said that he wanted to bring me in and use this Bruiserweight stuff. Whilst there, I just added pieces to the puzzle and it’s become what it is today. That year, I was trying to stand out as much as possible and the term Bruiserweight really fit my character and people seem to like it.
 
Martyn Nolan: Obviously, everything has happened so fast for you with WWE. Is there a particular moment where you feel that you need someone to pinch you to make sure this is actually happening?
 
Pete Dunne: It’s always afterwards. This all moves so fast and it’s one thing to the next and they keep you working really hard. Ultimately, you’re focused on doing the best job that you can. It’s when you go back to independent shows and get the chance to speak to fans and even notice queues at your merchandise stands. It’s a massive difference and it makes you realise how much exposure the WWE Network can give you. Myself and Trent Seven are always talking to each other saying “How did this happen!?”. Again, I think it’s the speed of it all. Most people come in, they go to NXT, they build up, their stock rises, and by the time they get to the roster it’s a natural progression. Whereas with us, it feels like it’s all happened at once and I can’t thank WWE enough for that.
 
Martyn Nolan: This is the first time WWE have performed to a UK audience since the tragedies in Manchester and London, how does it feel for you and the other talent to be involved in NXT Leeds tonight?
 
Pete Dunne: I think it’ll be really special tonight. Obviously it was unfortunate that they had to cancel the Manchester show but I think it was the right thing to do in my opinion. They’ll be a lot of people from Manchester here tonight so hopefully it’ll be pretty special. I didn’t personally get to meet any of those affected in Manchester but I know a lot of the guys who did and they was telling me how special it was. That’s the power of WWE, getting the chance to experience something like that is really special.
 
Martyn Nolan: It’s common that British wrestling fans keep asking if there is the chance that WWE will hold a WrestleMania in the UK. Is this something that’s ever spoken about between the talent in the back?
 
Pete Dunne: It’s not something I’ve heard but it’s always something I try to talk about. Considering my  responsibility of being the UK Champion, if I can help that happen, then I will do my best. Whether it’s that, a different PPV or another WWE Network special, the more of that stuff then the better. The more British wrestling we can get then that’s got to be better. I hope that one day we can do that and that I can be a part of it.
 
Martyn Nolan: Obviously, here in the UK you’re part of the ‘British Strong Style’ faction with Tyler Bate and Trent Seven. If you could feud with any other faction, who would it be?
 
Pete Dunne: I would have to think about that one. In the UK brand, I would personally like to have a continued rivalry with Mark Andrews, he’s always my favourite opponent and if I could do that in different stages with WWE then I would be really happy. I’d also like to have a rematch with Tyler Bate.
Source: Martyn Nolan/IWC Radio

WWE Reveals First Four Competitors For Mae Young Classic

WWE has officially released the first four names to be included in this year’s 32-women Mae Young Classic.

International standout Toni Storm, NXT Superstars Lacey Evans and Sarah Logan, and lucha libre champion Princesa Sugehit are the first four competitors officially confirmed for WWE’s inaugural Mae Young Classic.

The announcement brings into focus the global scale of the 32-woman tournament, coming this summer to the award-winning WWE Network.

The tournament will be taped on July 13 and 14 at Full Sail University with a live finals on September 12.

Click in this link for more info on these four competitors.

WWE Clears Up “Free Agent” Confusion Regarding John Cena Return

WWE.com is featuring an article regarding John Cena returning to Smackdown Live in a few weeks on July 4 and the confusion regarding his “free agent” status.

If you recall, WWE released a video promo earlier this week promoting Cena’s return on July 4 and listed him as a “free agent” at the end of the clip.

According to the WWE article, Cena became a free agent following the Superstar Shake Up that took place after WrestleMania 33. Cena has been off television since proposing to Nikki Bella t at WrestleMania this past April in Orlando.

The article does tease the possibility of Cena either staying with Smackdown Live or possibly making the jump to RAW going forward. Either way, it would be appear to clear up a lot of confusion regarding the promotion by WWE in the last week.

Source: WrestleView.com

More On Braun Strowman’s WWE Return

After having minor elbow surgery, reports have gone back and forth on if Braun Strowman is cleared for action by the WWE.

No matter the case, it looks like he will be scheduled to work the Great Balls of Fire PPV on July 9. It’s expected to be against Roman Reigns, since that was the original plan before Strowman would go on to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

Strowman and Lesnar’s SummerSlam match was – as of last week – planned to be the show’s main event.

Source: WrestlingINC

Several Names Revealed For WWE’s Mae Young Classic

As noted, WWE will tape The Mae Young Classic on July 13th and July 14th at Full Sail University. The following names have been confirmed for the 32-competitor tournament:

* Bianca Blair – standout at the WWE Performance Center and signed in April 2016

* Danielle Kamela – WWE developmental talent, trained at WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi’s school

* Julia Ho – WWE developmental talent with MMA background, trained with Brian Kendrick

* Kimberly Frankele – WWE NXT talent, formerly known as Kimber Lee on the indies

* Lacey Evans – NXT talent and a Marine, formerly known as Macey Estrella

* Mary Kate – NXT talent and formerly known as Rosie Lottalove in TNA

* Sarah Logan – NXT talent, formerly known as Sarah Bridges in NXT and Crazy Mary Dobson on the indies

* Taynara Melo – WWE developmental talent signed last year, black belt from Brazil

* Victoria Gonzales – WWE developmental talent signed in 2016, college athlete and daughter of Rudy Boy Gonzales

* Zhao Xia – WWE’s first female Chinese talent

The tournament will tape on July 13th and July 14th but there are plans to hold live finals on Tuesday, September 12th, possibly at the WWE SmackDown Live tapings in Las Vegas that night. The plan is to release the first round of the tournament in late August with the second round being released in early September via the on-demand section of the WWE Network.

Source: WrestlingINC

WWE Planning a Kurt Angle vs. Triple H Match?

Image result for Kurt Angle vs. Triple H

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio (via wrestlinginc.com), WWE officials are planning a Kurt Angle vs. Triple H match. There is no timeline on when it will happen, but the feeling is that it will be linked with the storyline WWE has been doing with Angle and Corey Graves. Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon is expected back soon, which could also be part of the build to the match.

Source: 411Mania

Lucha Underground Preview 6/14/17

Here is the preview for tonight’s episode of Lucha Underground…

In this week’s all new episode of “Lucha Underground” Johnny Mundo and Rey Mysterio begin their training to take on the Cueto Cup. Who will make it through and take the championship? Plus, Cage pays a visit to City Councilman Lawrence Delgado. The first round of the Cueto Cup begins this Wednesday, June 14th at 8:00PM ET.

Mauro Ranallo Signs With Bellator MMA

Former WWE SmackDown Live announcer/commentator Mauro Ranallo, who remains under contract with the company until August 12th, has signed with Bellator MMA. They issued the following announcement today:

Bellator Signs Veteran Commentators Mike Goldberg and Mauro RanalloJune 13, 2017

LOS ANGELES — Bellator has signed longstanding MMA commentators Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo to multi-event broadcast agreements beginning with Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva and Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader on Saturday, June 24. The move sees Goldberg return to SPIKE for the first time since 2011, while Ranallo reunites with Bellator President Scott Coker, having worked together through 2013. The pair will join a broadcast team that currently includes Jimmy Smith, Jenn Brown and Chael Sonnen.

“Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo are two of the best in our business and I couldn’t be happier about them joining the Bellator family,” said Scott Coker. “In addition to June 24, we look forward to working together to make future Spike broadcasts even more exciting for our fans as we add further depth to an already-exceptional broadcast team.”

“The addition of highly-regarded announcers Mauro and Mike to our fantastic lineup of broadcasters, and our first-rate production led by Scott Fishman, further demonstrates our commitment MMA fans and expanding the global Bellator brand,” added Spike SVP, Sports and Specials Jon Slusser.

Mike Goldberg is best known for his 20 plus years of play-by-play work in professional MMA and trademark calls that made him popular with fans around the globe. In addition to his two decades in mixed martial arts, he has broadcast every major sport at the network level, most notably his 900 games in the NHL, both nationally and with the Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. He has also hosted entertainment shows, including Shaq Vs. A graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Goldberg now resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Mauro Ranallo gained notoriety with MMA fans during his tenure with PRIDE, and later STRIKEFORCE, where his voice became synonymous with the now-legendary events. Throughout his career, Ranallo has spent time working with various sports outside of MMA, including boxing, professional wrestling, kickboxing and ice hockey, and will continue his work with Showtime Boxing. Ranallo, a native of British Columbia, Canada, now resides in Los Angeles, Calif.

Please visit Bellator.com and BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

About Bellator:
Bellator is a leading mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on SPIKE, the combat sports television leader. Bellator is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

Source: WrestlingINC

Lucha Underground Stars Johnny Mundo And Taya Valkyrie Got Engaged!

taya valkyrie johnny mundo morrison engaged lucha underground

Lucha Underground stars Johnny Mundo (Morrison) and Taya Valkyrie announced that they’re engaged.

The couple took to social media late last night to drop the news with dual photos of the ring … Mundo saying “She said yes” and Valkyrie saying “I said yes!”