Tag: Greatest Royal Rumble

WWE Hall Of Famer Lita Calls Greatest Royal Rumble A ‘Direct Conflict Of Interest’ (Audio)

lita wwe greatest royal rumble conflict of interest

Lita is the first female WWE Hall of Famer to criticize the company for putting on a show in Saudi Arabia where women weren’t allowed to wrestle … calling it a “direct conflict of interest.”

WrestleZone‘s Nick Hausman interviewed Lita, aka Amy Dumas, ahead of her upcoming UFO show debuting online tonight and when asked for her opinion on Greatest Royal Rumble said:

“I understand that they are a business, a global business, and always looking to expand their global presence. However, I do feel it’s a direct conflict of interest with them maintaining any integrity or truth to the fact that they say they would like to push forward women and their roles and their representation in the industry as anything remotely resembling an equal to a male.”

Lita added:

“Make the money, that’s fine, but don’t try to cover it up and be like, “No, we are doing this because we would like to in the future be able to help progress their culture forward!” No, you wanted the money and that’s fine. You’re a business and businesses make money. That’s okay. From your perspective over there, I don’t own your business, so that’s ok. But, from a PR perspective, don’t try to be like “We’re doing it because we want to help progress that culture forward.” No, it’s a direct conflict of interest, in my opinion.”

Listen to the interview below (GRR talk begins at 21:00).

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Backstage News On Sami Zayn Missing WWE Greatest Royal Rumble

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Sami Zayn likely was not included in last Friday’s Greatest Royal Rumble main event from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia because he is of Syrian descent. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Syria cut relations in 2012. WWE filmed a segment at the GRR go-home RAW that saw Sami mention the 50-man match to Kevin Owens but another segment was later filmed that had Sami say he wasn’t feeling well, hinting that he wouldn’t be able to make the trip to Saudi Arabia for the event.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports this week that the Sami situation was kept secret before and during the GRR event. Sami had known he wouldn’t be appearing for about a week as he was told that he would be doing an injury angle on the April 23rd RAW to explain why he would not be appearing, despite being advertised for the 50-man match. Sami was not told why he was off the show and it looks like he still has not been told, based on what he’s said to people privately since then. The Observer adds that Sami is claiming he has no explanation on why he was pulled from the show.

There was also a directive handed down, that no one could speak on the Sami issue until after the show, to avoid any potential controversy over WWE being told that one of their talents could not work a show because of his ethnicity, according to The Observer. We noted before how the whole WWE crew was given a list of cultural miscues to avoid while in the Kingdom, such as to never blow off a handshake to anyone because it would be taken as an insult and you don’t want to insult the wrong person. One of the items on this list was to never mention anything about Sami.

WWE issued this statement on Sami missing the big event in Saudi Arabia last week:

“WWE is committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds while respecting local customs and cultural differences around the world.”

Source: WrestlingINC

WWE Capitalizing On Titus O’Neil Greatest Royal Rumble Ring Slide With New Shirt

titus o'neil slide fall shirt wwe.com shop

WWE is capitalizing on Titus O’Neil’s hilarious epic faceplant slide under the ring during his Greatest Royal Rumble Match entrance with a t-shirt that is now on sale.

The t-shirt says “Rumble, Stumble or Slide” on the front and Titus’ feet are sticking out from underneath the Greatest Royal Rumble-looking logo. “Do It Worldwide” is written on the back.

In case you somehow missed it (which seems impossible at this point), O’Neil was the number 39 entrant in the Rumble and tripped while running to the ring … causing him to slide under the ring.

Watch the video below and get the shirt by CLICKING HERE.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Ariya Daivari Releases Statement On Greatest Royal Rumble Character Portrayal Due To Death Threats

ariya daivari wwe greatest royal rumble death threats statement

205 Live star Ariya Daivari says he received death threats due to the way his character was portrayed at Greatest Royal Rumble, so he’s released a statement to clarify that the show is fiction.

Daivari tweeted Monday night saying “some people” took offense to the segment involving his brother Shawn Daivari and four Saudi Arabian WWE prospects, which lead to threats on his life.

Therefore, he put out a statement stating:

During an appearance this past Friday, | portrayed a fictional character and played the role of the antagonist, no different than what other actors would do in a movie or TV show.

That character does not reflect my personal views and I apologize to anyone that may have been offended by the skit. l have an incredible amount of respect for the great people of Iran and I am very proud of my Iranian heritage.

Thank you.

Watch the segment below:

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Titus O’Neil’s Hilarious Entrance In WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Match

titus oneil entrance greatest royal rumble

Titus O’Neil entered the WWE Greatest Royal Match as number 39 and made probably the most hilarious entrance ever.

While running down the ramp he faceplanted so hard that he slid under the ring, causing the announcers to die of laughter.

In case you missed it, check it out below:

Daniel Bryan Sets WWE Royal Rumble Record

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Daniel Bryan set a new WWE Royal Rumble record in the Greatest Royal rumble match in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Bryan entered the match at number 1 and was in the final three with Big Cass and the winner Brain Strowman. Bryan lasted 1 hour, 16 minutes and 5 seconds before being eliminated by Big Cass.

WWE issued the following statement on Bryan’s record setting performance:

Daniel Bryan sets Royal Rumble Match record

Daniel Bryan may not have won the first-ever 50-man Greatest Royal Rumble Match, but he did make history.

Mere weeks after returning to the ring following a three-year hiatus, the former WWE Champion set a record for the longest time spent in a Royal Rumble Match. Entering in the No. 1 spot, Bryan fought his way through all 50 entrants, making it to the final three.

All told, Bryan was in the match for a staggering one hour and 16 minutes. This shatters the record previously held by Rey Mysterio, who lasted for one hour, two minutes and 12 seconds in the 2006 Royal Rumble Match, which Mysterio won.

Bryan was eliminated by Big Cass, who was tossed by winner Braun Strowman. The “Yes!” Man will have an opportunity to get some retribution against the big man, though, when the two Superstars collide at WWE Backlash on Sunday, May 6 on WWE Network.

WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Results 4/27/18

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John Cena vs. Triple H – Winner: John Cena

WWE Cruiserweight Championship: (C) Cedric Alexander vs. Kalisto – Winner: Cedric Alexander

RAW Tag Team Championship: “Woken” Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) – Winners and new RAW Tag Team Champions: “Woken” Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt

United States Championship: (C) Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal – Winner: Jeff Hardy

SmackDown Tag Team Championship: (C) The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The Usos – Winners: The Bludgeon Brothers

Intercontinental Championship – Ladder Match: (C) Seth Rollins vs. The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe – Winner: Seth Rollins

We get a video package on the WWE tryouts held in Jeddah this past week Mike Rome is in the ring now with 4 standout prospects from the tryouts – Nassar, Hussein, Monsoour and Fisal. They get pops from the crowd and two of them cut brief promos, which are pretty good. The music interrupts and out comes former WWE Superstar Shawn Daivari making his return. His brother is with him, WWE 205 Live Superstar Ariya Daivari. They’re carrying the Iranian flag and most fans boo them. Ariya takes the mic first and runs down each prospect, saying they’re not real athletes. Real athletes, like The Daivari Brothers, come from the strongest nation in the world – Iran. More boos. Shawn talks trash on the mic now. Ariya gets in the face of Monsoour and shoves him. Monsoour drops him. Fizal drops Shawn with a kick. Hussein with a big slam to Shawn next. Nassar grabs Shawn next and tosses him out of the ring in front of his brother. The prospects stand tall and get pops from the crowd before standing tall together. (Transcript from WrestlingINC)

WWE Championship: (C) AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – Double Count Out

Casket Match: The Undertaker vs. Rusev – Winner: The Undertaker – Taker put Rusev and Aiden English in the casket

Universal Championship -Steel Cage Match: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns – Winner: Brock Lesnar – Reigns speared Lesnar through the cage. Refs ruled Brock hit the ground first.

50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match:

1.) Daniel Bryan

2.) Dolph Ziggler

3.) Sin Cara

4.) Curtis Axel

5.) Mark Henry

6.) Mike Kanellis

7.) Hiroki Sumi

8.) Viktor

9.) Kofi Kingston

10.) Tony Nese

11.) Dash Wilder

12.) Hornswoggle

13.) Primo Colon

14.) Xavier Woods

15.) Bo Dallas

16.) Kurt Angle

17.) Scott Dawson

18.) Goldust

19.) Konnor

20.) Elias

21.) Luke Gallows

22.) Rhyno

23.) Drew Gulak

24.) Tucker Night

25.) Bobby Roode

26.) Fandago

27.) Chad Gable

28.) Rey Mysterio

29.) Mojo Rawley

30.) Tyler Breeze

31.) Big E

32.) Karl Anderson

33.) Apollo Crews

34.) Roderick Strong

35.) Randy Orton

36.) Heath Slater

37.) Babatunde

38.) Baron Corbin

39.) Titus O’Neil

40.) Dan Martha

41.) Braun Strowman

42.) Tye Dillinger

43.) Curt Hawkins

44.) Bobby Lashley

45.) The Great Khali

46.) Kevin Owens

47.) Shane McMahon

48.) Shelton Benjamin

49.) Big Cass

50.) Chris Jericho

Winner: Braun Strowman

Daniel Bryan set a new Royal Rumble record, lasting 1 hour 16 minutes and 5 seconds. Bryan entered #1 and was in the final 3 with Strowman and Big Cass.

WWE Greatest Royal Rumble 4/27/18

Image result for WWE 'Greatest Royal Rumble' Ticket Sales And Seating Upsets Many Fans

50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match: Shane McMahon, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman, Big Show, Kurt Angle, Elias, Baron Corbin, Rey Mysterio, Mark Henry, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Apollo Crews, Titus O’Neil, Shelton Benjamin, Chad Gable, Sin Cara, Goldust, Mojo Rawley, Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, The Great Khali, TBA

Universal Championship -Steel Cage Match: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns

WWE Championship: (C) AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Casket Match: The Undertaker vs. Rusev

John Cena vs. Triple H

United States Championship: (C) Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal

RAW Tag Team Championship: “Woken” Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)

Intercontinental Championship – Ladder Match: (C) Seth Rollins vs. The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe

SmackDown Tag Team Championship: (C) The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The Usos

WWE Cruiserweight Championship: (C) Cedric Alexander vs. Kalisto

Triple H Talks Women Not Competing At Friday’s ‘Greatest Royal Rumble’ Event

Image result for Triple H Talks Women Not Competing At Friday's 'Greatest Royal Rumble' Event

Triple H spoke with The Independent about this Friday’s Greatest Royal Rumble event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Game addressed criticism regarding women not wrestling at the event, and said that he believes that they will be in a few years. Below are a couple of highlights:

Women not wrestling at the event this Friday:

“I understand that people are questioning it, but you have to understand that every culture is different and just because you don’t agree with a certain aspect of it, it doesn’t mean it’s not a relevant culture. You can’t dictate to a country or a religion about how they handle things but, having said that, WWE is at the forefront of a women’s evolution in the world and what you can’t do is affect change anywhere by staying away from it.”

Women eventually wrestling in Saudi Arabia:

“While, right now, women are not competing in the event, we have had discussions about that and we believe and hope that, in the next few years they will be. That is a significant cultural shift in Saudi Arabia.

“The country is in the middle of a shift in how it is dealing with that – the position is changing, and rights are changing, as are the way women are handled and treated in society. We think that’s a great thing and we’re excited to be at the forefront of that change.”

Triple H also discussed the worldwide cultural shift regarding women, WWE stars being recognized worldwide and more. You can read the full interview here. Also, new subscribers can sign up for the WWE Network today by clicking here and get their first month for free, which includes The Greatest Royal Rumble this Friday and Backlash on May 6th.

Source: WrestlingINC

How Long Is The WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Scheduled To Run?

Image result for WWE 'Greatest Royal Rumble' Ticket Sales And Seating Upsets Many Fans

The WWE Greatest Royal Rumble will take place on Friday, April 27 in Saudi Arabia and will air on the WWE Network beginning at 11am ET with a one-hour Kickoff. The Greatest Royal Rumble main card will begin at 12pm ET and is scheduled to run for five hours. In total, this is one hour shorter than WrestleMania 34’s main card and Kickoff.

 It will feature a 50-Man Royal Rumble and WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar facing Roman Reigns in a steel cage.

Below is the current card for the show:

Steel Cage Match for the WWE Universal Title
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns

Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Title
Seth Rollins (c) vs. Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz

Match for the Vacant RAW Tag Team Titles
Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy vs. The Bar

SmackDown Tag Team Title Match
The Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs. The Usos

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match
Cedric Alexander (c) vs. TBA

WWE Title Match
AJ Styles (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

WWE United States Title Match
Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Jinder Mahal

50-Man Royal Rumble Match
Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman, Big Show, Kurt Angle, Elias, Baron Corbin, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Bray Wyatt, Kane, Apollo, Titus O’Neil, Shelton Benjamin, Chad Gable, Sin Cara, Goldust, Mojo Rawley, Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, TBA

Casket Match
The Undertaker vs. Rusev

John Cena vs. Triple H

Source: WrestlingINC