Samoa Joe Out Of Action With Injury

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Samoa Joe is currently out of action with another injury, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

There’s no word yet on details of the undisclosed injury but Joe has not been cleared to compete. Joe was set to challenge WWE Champion AJ Styles at the Supershow live events last weekend but he was not there.

Joe’s last match came on the October 9 SmackDown episode, a World Cup qualifier loss to Jeff Hardy. He lost to WWE Champion AJ Styles a few days before that at Super Show-Down in Australia but he spent most of September and now October out of the ring.

In the match with AJ at Super Show-Down Joe worked a injury angle – Joe went for a Muscle Buster but legs gave out and AJ won the match by Joe tapping out to the Calf Crusher. Joe lost his World Cup qualifier match to Jeff Hardy due to referee stoppage when Joe couldn’t stand on his feet.

For what it’s worth, Joe made the following cryptic tweet back on October 17:

Source: WrestlingINC

Backstage News On Roman Reigns Announcement, When Vince McMahon Found Out, What People Were Told

As noted, very few – if any – of the talent knew that Roman Reigns was battling leukemia again before he made his announcement on RAW this past Monday night. The leukemia had been in remission since late 2008. Dave Meltzer noted in the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter that few people in the company knew that he had ever battled the disease.

According to The Observer, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were not even told about Reigns’ diagnosis. An hour before the show a few people, including Rollins and Ambrose, were told that Reigns would vacate the WWE Universal Championship to open up the show, but weren’t told why and that it would be explained his his promo. Reigns reportedly told Rollins and Ambrose to be ready to meet him after his promo was done, but they weren’t told what the promo would be about. Michael Cole also knew that Reigns would be vacating the title to open the show, but it’s believed he didn’t know why. It’s not known if he told Corey Graves and Renee Young beforehand as well.

Meltzer reported that Reigns was in a bus all day before the show, which he had requested. Vince McMahon wasn’t at RAW, but was working throughout the day to prepare people who had to know about Reigns’ announcement without providing specifics. McMahon reportedly first found out about Reigns’ diagnosis before the weekend, on Thursday night, October 18th. Reigns missed last weekend’s live events, but there was never a reason given why.

Triple H ran Monday’s RAW and produced the announcers, although Vince was in constant contact with him. In addition to Triple H, it’s believed that Kevin Dunn, Mark Carrano in talent relations and writers Dave Kapoor and Ed Koskey knew what the promo would be about. Stephanie McMahon and Michael Hayes were not at the show either.

The creative team was told that Reigns was vacating the title and there would be changes to the show. As noted, Dean Ambrose turning heel was always the plan, however it was changed to happen on Monday’s show because they felt it would be more effective there instead of continuing with the originally planned storyline.

Source: WrestlingINC

Matt Hardy Teases Upcoming WWE Match With Jeff Hardy, Plans For Matt’s TV Return & Character Change

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Matt Hardy spoke with Cultura Colectiva while in Mexico for the recent WWE promotional tour he was on. Hardy was there to promote the December 1 WWE live event in Mexico City, which will feature Superstars from both brands after originally announced as a RAW event.

Hardy, who has been out of action for a few months while he deals with some health issues, revealed that he and brother Jeff Hardy will be teaming up again in Mexico.

Hardy said the following before Roman Reigns took time off to battle leukemia, “It’s going to be earth-shattering! It’s the only live event we’re doing all year and all the top stars of both brands will be there: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Ronda Rousey, AJ Styles, me, my brother—everybody! I’m in fact gonna petition to have a Hardy Boys tag-team match even though we’re on different brands. I’m excited for this, man.”

Hardy also gave a preview of the House Hardy Halloween special that airs after WWE Evolution on the WWE Network and revealed that his role will be difference once he does return to WWE TV.

“Yes, on the WWE Network there’s gonna be a regular series featuring Woken/Broken Matt Hardy and my family, which will be entitled House Hardy—the first episode is going to air right around Halloween,” Hardy said. “It’s going to be incredibly entertaining! I’m looking forward to that. On the other hand, when I come back to WWE TV, my role is going to be altered a little bit (it won’t be 100% Broken/Woken Hardy.) So, I get to have the best of both worlds.”

Hardy spoke more about his return to WWE TV and how his character will be a bit different. Hardy said “Woken Matt” will live on with the WWE Network.

“It’s not 100% decided what I’ll end up doing once I return to WWE TV, that hasn’t been finalized yet. But I’m pretty sure we’ll take a tangent from the Woken/Broken Matt Hardy persona,” Hardy said. “That persona will definitely live on at the Network, and it might come back out on TV. I feel like when I return to WWE TV it’s gonna be—have you ever seen The Incredible Hulk when Bruce Banner got angry and turned into this green monster?—well, I feel you’re gonna have Matt Hardy and then there’ll be something that causes Matt Hardy to transform into Woken or Broken Matt Hardy.”

Source: Cultura Colectiva via WrestlingINC

WWE Issues Statement On Daniel Bryan/John Cena Reportedly Refusing Crown Jewel Appearances

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But it seems like John Cena and Daniel Bryan’s status is an even bigger question mark. After all, there were reports that WWE Creative was told Cena wasn’t doing the show and we can only assume that Bryan — given his many moral convictions doesn’t want to go either.

John Cena and Daniel Bryan gave for refusing to work the Crown Jewel event —- Daniel Bryan has a huge moral conviction to the idea and also has a public profile, but nowhere near to Cena’s. Since John Cena is a huge movie star already and slated to possibly become one of the biggest box office draws next to The Rock, his association with the country might be ill-timed.

Now Pro Wrestling Sheet reports that their sources have confirmed that Daniel Bryan has refused to go to the event and WWE has issued a statement saying:

“As always, we maintain an open line of communication with our performers and will address each situation accordingly.”

Bryan Alvarez discussed this on Wrestling Observer Live where he discussed the idea of these two huge (and still advertised) Superstars saying that they’re not headed to Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

“Now, Monday and Tuesday the feeling was that the show was in great jeopardy of not taking place in Saudi Arabia. It’s possible that they said, “We’re not doing the show in Saudi Arabia” and the company said, ‘It’s probably not taking place in Saudi Arabia so let’s keep the matches’ and that’s what they did.”

“Now it seems they’re absolutely going to Saudi Arabia so on Monday and Tuesday we’ll find out if there’s anything from that story. It’s been days and WWE hasn’t said anything about that story. But on Monday and Tuesday if they shoot angles taking them off the show, then you’ll know why.”

Alvarez also said that if Cena and Bryan end up going to Saudi Arabia then there is nothing to the story. Then again, it could still be true but WWE was willing to pull a bigger money truck (that’s a truck full of money) up to their homes.

Only time will tell what happens next, but it seems like we’re in the middle of another wait and see kind of situation. But for sure — unless something else happens like Vince McMahon gets a call from President Trump telling him to cancel the Crown Jewel event or move it (which isn’t likely) we’ll still see Crown Jewel take place in Saudi Arabia.

Source: Ringside News

Impact Wrestling Preview 10/25/18

Tonight’s IMPACT on Pop TV is at it’s new time of 10pm ET/ 9pm CT

* Impact World Championship: (C) Johnny Impact vs. Fenix

* Gama Singh vs. Rahit Raju

* Moose & Killer Kross vs. KM & Fallah Bahh

* Tessa Blanchard’s rebuttal to Taya Valkyrie

* Su Yung vs. Kiera Hogan

Cody Rhodes Says He’s Not In Bullet Club, Transitioning To A New Role In Pro Wrestling?

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The much talked about free agency of about half the Bullet Club continues to gain stream through not only the ticking countdown and WWE related notes from “H” on Being the Elite, but through social media, as well.

Earlier this month, The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Marty Scurll, and Adam Page tweeted out somewhat similar words about selling their “final Bullet Club style shirt” while adding, “it also might be my favorite.” The group looks to be distancing themselves for either a move to WWE or staying put and simply working under their own group name, like “The Elite.”

Today, Cody wrote he’s “100% not in the Bullet Club” during a fan Q&A on Twitter. Also noting at this month’s NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling the “new” Bullet Club was featured with Jay White, Gedo, and Jado joining up with the Bullet Club “OGs” and he wasn’t involved at all in that segment.

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To add to Rhodes’ comments, Tama Tonga tweeted out the below photo yesterday, making it pretty clear who’s in the group.

Somewhat separate from this story is Rhodes losing the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship back to Nick Aldis in a two-out-of-three falls match over the weekend at NWA 70 in Nashville, Tennessee.

On Instagram, Rhodes commented on the success of the event and thanked the fans who tuned in. Rhodes also said he’s beginning to “transition to a new role in pro wrestling.” We most likely won’t know what that new role is until the new year.

“As I begin a transition to a new role in pro-wrestling, I hope all the fans who’ve discovered the NWA recently…stay on board and continue to watch the likes of Nick Aldis, Avalon, Willie Mack, Jazz and many more. As I continue my remaining dates with the good folks at ROH, I’d like to thank them and The NWA for allowing me to cross imaginary lines and give the fans something special!”

Source: WrestlingINC

Mickie James Gives Update On Alexa Bliss Following Recent Concussion

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Alexa Bliss suffered a concussion wrestling Ronda Rousey at a live event over the weekend, but Mickie James says she’s confident her tag partner will still be in attendance at Evolution.

Mickie gave an update on Alexa’s condition during Wednesday’s edition of Busted Open on Sirius XM and said, “She’ll definitely be there on Sunday,”

“I know she’s doing better,” James continued. “I try to talk to her everyday, I know she’s doing better every day. Obviously, we all know, this isn’t ballet and it comes with the territory. So, as long as it’s what’s best for business and what’s best for her long-term health. I have no doubts that, regardless, we’ll all be out there and it’s gonna be amazing.”

The moment the injury occurred can be seen below.

As you may have noticed, Alicia Fox was injected into the feud involving WWE Hall of Famers Lita and Trish Stratus during Raw this week … so it seems like she may be a backup plan if Alexa doesn’t get cleared.

Mickie’s comments on Busted Open can be heard below.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Hulk Hogan Says He’s “Looking Forward To Going To Saudi Arabia With The WWE”

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The date of Crown Jewel is rapidly approaching and Hulk Hogan dropped an interesting quote in a new interview that might fuel speculation over a surprise appearance.

Hogan was interviewed by the Orlando Sentinel and the topic of his recent return to WWE was touched upon. “There are a lot of plans in the works,” Hogan told them.

Adding, “I’m looking forward to going to Saudi Arabia with the WWE, looking forward to WrestleMania — but yeah, we’re moving forward at a rapid pace. It’s exciting to have this opportunity again after all these years where I was there and gone.”

WWE’s current contract with the Saudi Arabian government is a long-term deal, so Hulk could just be speaking generally. As of this writing, there’s been no announcement from WWE saying Hulk will be at Crown Jewel. However, they have been heavily promoting his upcoming nWo reunion event.

Hogan finished the interview saying he’d like to be WWE’s Babe Ruth and used as a “hood ornament” for the company going forward.

“I sure would love to be a part of the WrestleManias and the big events and the grand openings and the new conquests of the WWE,” he explained. “Saudi Arabia! Hong Kong! China! Antarctica! The North Pole! Whatever it is, I’d like to be part of the ongoing growth of the wrestling business, and be with WWE the whole time, that’s the only place to be.”

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

WWE Announces Crown Jewel Will Continue As Planned

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Despite growing concern regarding WWE‘s relationship with Saudi Arabia, the company just confirmed Crown Jewel will continue on as planned.

As WWE announced their Q3 earnings today, they also addressed the status of their November 2nd event. In their 2018 business outlook, WWE stated:

“WWE has operated in the Middle East for nearly 20 years and has developed a sizable and dedicated fan base. Considering the heinous crime committed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the Company faced a very difficult decision as it relates to its event scheduled for November 2 in Riyadh. Similar to other U.S.-based companies who plan to continue operations in Saudi Arabia, the Company has decided to uphold its contractual obligations to the General Sports Authority and stage the event. Full year 2018 guidance is predicated on the staging of the Riyadh event as scheduled.”

As we previously reported, four U.S. senators called for WWE to re-think their relationship with the Saudi government. Pre-show panelist Sam Roberts also spoke out, saying the event should be moved.

For those unaware, Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi was reportedly assassinated in the Saudi consulate in Turkey over two weeks ago. The team of people who allegedly murdered him reportedly dismembered his body with a bone saw at the order of the highest levels of the Royal Court.

This prompted WWE to release a statement saying they were monitoring the situation.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Samu Anoa’i Reveals Battle With Liver Cancer, Comments On Roman Reigns’ Leukemia Battle

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Former WWE, WCW and ECW star Samu Anoa’i announced on Facebook today that he is battling with stage four liver cancer. He is currently awaiting a liver transplant.

Samu’s announcement comes days after his cousin Roman Reigns announced his battle with leukemia on WWE RAW. Samu’s Facebook post, seen below, addressed complaints made by fans over “Anoa’i Strong” t-shirts he’s been selling, which some people criticized as being exploitative due to Reigns’ announcement. The shirts were first released long before Reigns’ made his announcement.

You can read the full post from the former WWE Tag Team Champion below:

I want to take a minute to address the situation with myself and that of my family.I recently have posted I am selling shirts “Anoa’i Strong”

These shirts have been for sale for many years and in light of the current situation that has struck myself and my family, I have decided to change the shirts to various colors for cancer.

My cousins news has struck the world and we are all devastated at this time. What many of you may or may not know is I am also dealing with stage 4 liver cancer and am currently waiting for God’s grace to help me get a transplant.

I am an elder member of my family and in no way am I or my family attempting to profit from any serious sickness. Instead, I want to use our name in order to help doctors and researchers find ways to cure this evil sickness.

I do not endorse or will I ever endorse profit on the misfortune of others or myself or that of my family.

I want all of my friends, family and fans to know we will always remain “Anoa’i Strong.” and these shirts will remain for sale and we will be speaking with various cancer organizations on how we can help.

Until you can stand in the shoes we stand in you will never know the pain and the struggle we endure daily.
Respectfully
Samu Anoa’i

Source: WrestlingINC