WWE SmackDown Preview 8/21/20

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown on FOX episode will feature the final build for Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view, plus the debut of the new WWE ThunderDome state-of-the-art viewing experience.

Mr. McMahon to kick off SmackDown from WWE ThunderDome

 

Are you ready for some thunder?

WWE Chairman and CEO Mr. McMahon will open tonight’s episode of SmackDown to give the WWE Universe its very first look at WWE ThunderDome, WWE’s new state-of-the-art set complete with video boards, pyrotechnics, lasers, cutting-edge graphics and drone cameras.

Don’t miss Mr. McMahon kick off this groundbreaking new era of WWE programming tonight on Friday Night SmackDown at 8/7 C on FOX!

Triple H Confirms Upcoming WWE Draft, Teases That Stars May Be Drafted From The Main Roster To NXT

As seen in the video below, Triple H confirmed in his NXT TakeOver: XXX Media Call on Wednesday that a WWE Draft will be held later this year. Triple H also teased a major change in the draft format, hinting at the possibility of RAW and SmackDown stars moving to NXT in the annual shake-up of the rosters.

During the call, which was joined by Wrestling Inc.’s Nick Hausman and Justin LaBar, Triple H was asked about his shift in mindset with regard to NXT stars moving up to the main roster, especially after the Black & Gold brand moved to USA Network on Wednesday nights.

“That mindset has definitely changed. There are different protocols and procedures now around moving an NXT wrestler to the main roster, and you’ll see that in the upcoming draft later this year. You definitely have to think about the changes a lot more now.

“Now, wrestlers have the opportunity to wrap up their runs on RAW or SmackDown and move to a completely different brand with a different style in NXT. Maybe refresh, get a fresh coat of paint, or try something different. You can start over with a different character, and [moving to NXT] definitely gives them the ability to do that,” Triple H said.

Furthermore, Triple H said that with all three shows, RAW, SmackDown, and NXT having their own prime time TV slots, it is more critical to balance all three rosters rather than just taking talent away from NXT.

“With all three shows having their own prime time TV slots, all three brands are very important and you can’t just take away from one to support the other,” Triple H said. “You have to support all of them.”

The likes of Finn Balor, Charlotte Flair, Tyler Breeze, and Fandango have previously moved back to NXT after runs on the main roster. Earlier this year, there were rumors of Randy Orton possibly moving to NXT to start a feud with Tommaso Ciampa. Triple H addressed the possibility of Orton joining NXT.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW To Host Live Ticketed Events With Limited Capacity Starting This Month

AEW has announced they’ll be hosting live, ticketed events at Daily’s Place with 10-15 percent capacity starting on August 27th.

The announcement from AEW with all the details states:

AEW TO HOST LIVE, TICKETED EVENTS AT 10-15 PERCENT CAPACITY AT DAILY’S PLACE OPEN-AIR VENUE

— Starting Thursday, Aug. 27, Live Open-Air Shows in Jacksonville, Fla., Open to Limited, Physically Distanced Spectatorsin Compliance with State and Local Regulations and CDC Guidelines —

August 20, 2020 – All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced it will host limited, ticketed crowds of 10-15 percent capacity for its live shows at the open-air Daily’s Place amphitheater in Jacksonville, Fla., starting on Thursday, Aug. 27.

To safely bring back the energy of a live audience to AEW’s shows — in compliance with state and local regulations and CDC guidelines — a select number of physically distanced seating pods will be available for sale in groups of two, three, four and six around the outdoor venue. For the first ticketed show on Aug. 27, a maximum crowd of 10 percent capacity will be permitted. Going forward, as long as safety protocols are followed meticulously, a maximum crowd of 15 percent capacity will be permitted for all live events at Daily’s Place.

Limited tickets to attend the Aug. 27 DYNAMITE show, airing on TNT, will go on sale tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. ET via AEWTIX.com and Ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at $30 (not including service charges or fees).

Guests will be required to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth, and to physically distance from any person who is not a member of their pod. Guests will also be asked not to attend the day of the show if they have COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact exposure to someone who they know has COVID-19 or symptoms. In addition, all guests will have their temperature scanned prior to entry. An increased number of hand sanitizing stations will be available, and floor markings will also be used to assist with physical distancing. Industrial fans were also added this past year to further improve air circulation at the open-air venue.

As a further safeguard, all tickets will be mobile and may only be purchased online at AEWTIX.com and Ticketmaster.com (no box office sales). Daily’s Place will also transition to cashless payment and mobile ordering for most transactions, including food and merchandise purchases.

“We’ve missed the incredible energy of our fans at shows, and from what we’ve heard from them, they’ve missed being with us. With our enhanced safety measures and outdoor venue, we look forward to welcoming our fans back to become part of the action in-person,” said Tony Khan, AEW President and CEO.

“Please be assured, we are mindful and respectful of the situation,“ Khan added. “The health and safety of our AEW family and our fans remains our highest priority. Our leadership team and medical staff have adjusted our operations for limited, physically distanced fans in an outdoor, open-air setting in compliance with the most current state and local regulations and CDC guidelines. We can’t wait for the August 27 DYNAMITE, as the road to ALL OUT will represent the beginning of a new chapter in AEW history.“

ROH Announces Return Of TV Tapings, Big Spoiler For This Week’s TV Tapings

Ring of Honor announced it will be returning to TV production later this month in Maryland.

Starting back in March, ROH had cancelled all its upcoming events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fans will not be allowed at the tapings later this month. ROH also noted the Pure Title Tournament (originally scheduled for April) is set to be a focus for the shows.

“Taking care of our people during this difficult time has been and still is our No. 1 priority,” ROH Chief Operating Officer Joe Koff said. “That’s why we have spent many weeks working alongside the Maryland State commission in gearing towards our return to producing wrestling action. The strictest of protocols, testing and measures will be in place to assure us of this directive.”

Below is the full announcement:

 

RING OF HONOR TO RETURN TO TELEVISION PRODUCTION THIS MONTH IN MARYLAND

With the safety and health of talents, staff and production crew at the forefront, Ring of Honor Wrestling will return to producing new episodes of the “Ring of Honor Wrestling” television program this August 2020 in the home state of Maryland.

ROH will adhere to a very stringent protocol as well as the regulations set in place by the Maryland State Athletic Commission. ROH will be instituting the necessary testing and safety measures in a continued effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There will be no fans or staff who are not essential to the production present during these events.

“Taking care of our people during this difficult time has been and still is our No. 1 priority,” ROH Chief Operating Officer Joe Koff said. “That’s why we have spent many weeks working alongside the Maryland State commission in gearing towards our return to producing wrestling action. The strictest of protocols, testing and measures will be in place to assure us of this directive.”

Ring of Honor’s last events were the cancelled 18th Anniversary and Past vs Present shows in Las Vegas last March 13th and 14th. Since then, the company has opted to cease taping operations until there was a safe way to resume. These new tapings will pick up right where ROH left off with a focus on the ROH Pure Title Tournament, which had been originally scheduled for April.

 

 

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER 

EC3 is reportedly scheduled to make his Ring of Honor debut at this week’s TV tapings.

The Impact Wrestling star is currently in Baltimore, Maryland and will be working the ROH TV tapings, according to PWInsider.

EC3 returned to Impact in July after being released by WWE in mid-April due to the company-wide cuts brought on by COVID-19. He is currently feuding with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Moose for the title.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT Preview 8/19/20

Tonight’s WWE NXT episode on the USA Network will feature the final build for Saturday’s “Takeover: XXX” event.

WWE ThunderDome For SmackDown Quickly Reaches Capacity, Rules For Fans Revealed

WWE ThunderDome registration went live last night and capacity was quickly reached for the debut that will come with Friday’s SmackDown on FOX episode from the Amway Center in Orlando, which will be the SummerSlam go-home show.

WWE announced on Twitter shortly after registration for SmackDown opened, “#WWEThunderDome has reached maximum capacity for #SmackDown this Friday. Stay tuned for your chance to register for virtual seats in the WWE ThunderDome at #SummerSlam!”

WWE will have rows of fans shown on almost 1,000 LED boards for the new state-of-the-art viewing experience. ThunderDome will be used for all upcoming RAW, SmackDown and pay-per-view events for the foreseeable future.

The rules for ThunderDome registration notes that seats are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. WWE reminded fans that they will be on a live TV show, asking them to be camera-ready.

WWE also noted in the rules that they reserve the right to remove any fan from the live stream for inappropriate conduct or technical issues.

“We reserve the right to terminate your participation at our sole discretion if your attire contains any immoral graphics, images or text, any political statements, slogans, logos, graphics or other commercial identification of third-parties other than the WWE, its athletes and sponsors,” the rules note.

Below are part of the registration rules issued to fans:

All registered fans are further selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make sure you are camera ready. Remember, you will be appearing on a live show.We reserve the right to remove you from the live stream at any time, for any reason. The audience will be refreshed throughout the night and you may not be included in the entire broadcast. In addition, we may remove you from the live stream for any inappropriate conduct or technical issues. Watch the show through the stream on your device.

Position yourself in front of your camera from your midsection up, leaving a little room above your head. Make sure you have good lighting.

Only one fan permitted per seat.

Your attire must be appropriate and must remain on at all times.

Officially licensed WWE clothing is preferred, if available.

We reserve the right to terminate your participation at our sole discretion if your attire contains any immoral graphics, images or text, any political statements, slogans, logos, graphics or other commercial identification of third-parties other than the WWE, its athletes and sponsors.

 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Renee Young Reportedly Leaving WWE

Renee Young is reportedly leaving WWE.

Young reportedly gave her notice to the company one week ago, according to PWInsider. The news was first reported by OutKick.

There is no word yet on when Young’s final date with the company will be.

Young took some time off earlier this summer after testing positive for COVID-19. She has appeared via video for some WWE programming since then, and recently revealed plans for her first cookbook.

WWE first hired Young in 2012. She has worked on several shows since then, including as the host of Talking Smack and a cast member of Total Divas. She also hosted FS1’s WWE Backstage show earlier this year until it was nixed by the network. Young became the first full-time female member of the WWE RAW announce team in August 2018, before she was moved to SmackDown as a special contributor in October 2019.

Young is married to AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. There is no word yet on what her next move is, but it’s likely that she will continue to have interest from other wrestling and media organizations.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling “Emergence” Night One Preview 8/18/20

Tonight on a all-new IMPACT! 9/8c on AXS TV and Twitch. Impact Wrestling Presents Night One of Emergence

* Impact World Tag Team Championship: Motor City Machine Guns (c) vs. The North

* Wrestle House – Taya Valkyrie vs. Kylie Rae

* TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Moose (c) vs. Trey Miguel

* X-Division Championship: Chris Bey (c) vs. TJP vs. Rohit Raju

* Good Brothers vs. Ace Austin and Madman Fulton

 

WWE RAW Preview 8/17/20

Tonight’s WWE RAW episode will feature the go-home build for Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view.

* Shawn Michaels appears to address Randy Orton

* Will Rey Mysterio return?

* Natalya returns to the ring

* The final red brand build for SummerSlam

Former ROH Star Xavier Passes Away At 42

Former ROH star Xavier (John Bedoya) has passed at age 42, according to PWInsider. There is no word yet on the circumstances of his passing.

Xavier was the second ROH World Champion. He would hold the title for six months. He last wrestled in ROH in 2007.

He was slated to wrestle Jay Lethal at ROH Presents: Past Vs. Present in March, but the event was canceled due to COVID-19.

Xavier wrestled a few matches on WWE Velocity and made several appearances in WWE as an extra.

He also wrestled in Defiant Championship Wrestling, East Coast Wrestling Association, Ultimate Championship Wrestling, and USA Xtreme Wrestling.

Xavier had a career in MMA too. He made his debut in 2009.

Source: Wrestling Inc.