Backstage Update on Bray Wyatt’s Return to WWE; Was Dealing With Life Threatening Illness

Bray Wyatt has been out of action for almost all of 2023 having not received clearance to return to in-ring activity by WWE medical personnel. Fightfulselect.com is reporting that Wyatt has been battling an undisclosed illness during that time, something that was termed both career and life threatening that caused him to be hospitalized at one point.

While rumors over the last couple of months leading into SummerSlam suggested that Wyatt was ready to return and simply waiting for proper “creative” to be drawn up for him, fightful reports that isn’t the case and that Wyatt was never ever considered for SummerSlam as no one was sure when or even if he would return. However, things have taken a positive turn lately and WWE sources now state that Wyatt is getting closer to a return and that internally, the company has discussed some creative plans for his return with September being tossed around as a target date.

Prior to his illness, Wyatt was set to be integrated with Alexa Bliss, Eric Young and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy) in a stable but Bliss is now on maternity leave, Young requested his release after Vince McMahon returned and was granted it, while Dallas is the only active member of the group who is truly waiting for creative. For what it’s worth, Bray Wyatt’s father Mike Rotunda recently seemed to confirm the above report stating that he is “sure” that Wyatt would be returning to WWE hopefully in short order.

Source: RAJAH.COM

WWE RAW Preview 8/14/2023

WWE Raw will air live tonight on the USA Network from the Canada Life Centre from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

  • Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus
  • Shinsuke Nakamura will explain his actions for attacking World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins last week

AEW’s Jeff Jarrett Discusses His Resurgence In Pro Wrestling

AEW star Jeff Jarrett has talked about his career revival and how he feels heading into AEW’s huge All In pay-per-view later this month.

The WWE Hall of Famer, during a recent interview with “Cultaholic Wrestling,” said that the last year for him in pro wrestling has been surreal.

“Absolutely,” said Jarrett when asked if he was surprised by his career resurgence. “At this stage of my career — and I’ve had some of the highest of highs and some of the lowest of lows — but you kind of look at the last year, and a little prior to that, from Game Changer Wrestling to the NWA, to WWE SummerSlam in my hometown at the stadium, and then you fast forward, here talking about Wembley 100, AEW All In, it is surreal. I do not … I am stopping and smelling the roses. I don’t take anything for granted.”

Jarrett admitted that he would’ve been grateful if AEW had sold 40,000 tickets for the All In show at Wembley Stadium, but is elated by the huge ticket sales, which has crossed 80,000. 

The veteran star has had an interesting last 12 months in the pro wrestling business. The 56-year-old, who continues to wrestle over 35 years after making his pro wrestling debut, was a special guest referee in The Usos’ match against the Street Profits at last year’s SummerSlam. The event was held at the Nissan Stadium in Jarrett’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Jarrett was released once again by WWE in August 2022, following which he wrestled in WrestleCade, GCW, and was also in Ric Flair’s final match, where he teamed up with Jay Lethal to face Flair and Andrade. 

The Hall of Famer then signed with AEW in November last year, forming a faction that included Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, and Satnam Singh. At the time of writing, he hasn’t been added to the All In card, but a wrestler with the star power of Jarrett could very well be on the card for such a historic show.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Arianna Grace Competing In Miss Universe Canada Pageant

Bianca Carelli (Arianna Grace) will be competing in the Miss Universe Canada pageant this week.

Grace, the daughter of Santino Marella, took to Threads to announce that she will be competing in the pageant this coming Saturday. The NXT star is one of 61 finalists. Grace wrote,

“Feeing so grateful for the life I live, I get to live two of my dreams at the same time this week. I am a WWE wrestler AND I’m competing for the title of Miss Universe Canada this week. It almost seems surreal, but I made it happen. Hard work always pays off.”

Grace is currently sidelined with an injury but disclosed at the start of the month that she is taking bumps again.

https://www.threads.net/@ariannagrace_wwe/post/Cv2ngycuUYj

Source: eWn

Brian Cage Misses AAA TripleMania XXXI Due To Emergency Room Visit

Brian Cage was originally scheduled to compete in a Latin American Championship Match against Penta, QT Marshall, and Dralistico at AAA TripleMania XXXI: Mexico City this weekend. However, he was forced to withdraw due to some kind of injury.

Cage posted a video earlier today, revealing that he was hospitalized which prevented him from appearing at TripleMania XXXI. He wrote,

“For those who have asked or hoped to see me at #TriplemaniaXXXI last night, here’s why I wasn’t there. I’m gonna be just fine. Only sidelined very briefly, I’ll be gtg next week!”

Source: eWn

AEW Collision Preview 8/12/2023

AEW Collision tonight on TNT from Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, North Carolina.

  • AEW Trios Championship: House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews) (c) vs. CMFTR (CM Punk, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
  • TBS Champion Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale vs. Diamante & Mercedes Martinez
  • The Acclaimed in action
  • Ricky Starks speaks
  • Powerhouse Hobbs speaks

The Bloodline Saga Continues, Jey Uso Says His Out Of The WWE

On the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown, the ongoing family drama within The Bloodline continued to unfold. Jey Uso, still reeling from his twin brother Jimmy Uso’s betrayal at WWE SummerSlam 2023, confronted Jimmy face-to-face.

Roman Reigns, flanked by Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman, first addressed the crowd in the ring. Roman called for Heyman to get Jimmy, who was unaware of Jimmy’s whereabouts. Jimmy appeared at ringside shortly thereafter, before getting into the ring. Roman proceeded to extend various offers to Jimmy, who declined, asserting that his actions at SummerSlam 2023 were not connected to Roman.

Jey Uso then made his entrance, seeking answers from his brother. Jimmy opened up, revealing that his betrayal was rooted in his love for Jey and not jealousy, and that he feared that if Jey would have become the ‘Tribal Chief,’ he would have been corrupted, much like Roman Reigns.

Following an emotionally charged exchange, Jimmy left the ring after asking his twin brother to take him out if that’s what he felt was needed. Jey, however, administered a superkick to Roman Reigns, leading to a skirmish involving Solo Sikoa. Jey fought back against Solo and Roman, eventually executing a Spear on Roman.

Meanwhile, Jimmy, seemingly conflicted, was making his way up the entrance ramp during this time and did not come to aid of his twin brother. Jey, who overcame the odds himself anyway, asked Jimmy to hold on. As both twins made their way toward each other, Jimmy extended his arms for an embrace, only to be taken out by a superkick.

Jey ended the episode by announcing his departure from both The Bloodline and WWE, leaving through the stands at the Saddledome.

Source: eWn

AEW Rampage Preview 8/11/2023

Lineup for tonight’s AEW Rampage on TNT.

  • AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Johnny TV
  • Darby Allin vs. Brian Cage
  • Winner added to Women’s Championship match at All In: Saraya vs. Skye Blue

WWE SmackDown Preview 8/11/2023

WWE SmackDown will air live tonight on FOX from the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

  • Fallout from SummerSlam
  • New commentary team of Michael Cole, Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves
  • Hail to the Chief segment featuring Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso
  • WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. Santos Escobar
  • AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross

Brock Lesnar Reportedly Injured At WWE SummerSlam 2023

Brock Lesnar showed his respect to Cody Rhodes after losing to the “American Nightmare” at WWE SummerSlam, but the “Beast Incarnate” likely earned respect in his own right due to the fact he worked the bulk of the match injured. 

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Lesnar was injured early on in the encounter, much like Roman Reigns was during the main event later that night. It is unclear the exact spot where Lesnar got hurt or how serious the injury was, but he managed to get through the entire match and there didn’t appear to be any visual issues that impacted the quality of the encounter between the Superstars.

It is expected that Lesnar is now going to be taking time away from WWE, even though he was advertised for some events later this year at one point. Lesnar turned himself back to being babyface with his post-match handshake, which was not a planned spot according to Paul Levesque. However, the “Beast” isn’t expected to be back in WWE until the build toward the WWE Royal Rumble begins in January. 

Lesnar is then expected to be involved in WWE television between the Rumble and WWE WrestleMania 40, working the part-time schedule that fans have become accustomed to with him. The former WWE Champion was spotted enjoying his time away from the ring on stage with country music artist Zach Bryan at a concert earlier this week, singing along with him as they entertained the fans, showcasing a different side of his personality.

Source: Wrestling Inc.