Tag: WWE

WWE Announces First-Ever All-Women’s PPV Event “Evolution”, Women Superstars React To Announcement

wwe evolution ppv pay per view women's event raw smackdown nxt mae young classic

RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, Triple H and Vince McMahon returned to WWE TV on last night’s show to make the big “historic announcement” that the company has been teasing for the past week.

Stephanie announced that WWE will have it’s first-ever all-women’s pay-per-view event and it will be called Evolution, scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 28th from the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, New York.

Evolution is set to feature the finals of the 2018 Mae Young Classic plus three title matches with the WWE NXT Women’s Title, the RAW Women’s Title and the SmackDown Women’s Title on the line. Stephanie noted that there will be more than 50 women involved with the show, indicating that there will be Superstars from the past and the present.

Below is WWE’s official announcement on Evolution, which confirms the following names – WWE Hall of Famer Lita, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, Asuka, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, Ronda Rousey, RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella. It was also announced that tickets will go on sale Friday, August 24th at 10am EST via Ticketmaster. Triple H and Stephanie also provided comments, as seen below:

FIRST-EVER ALL-WOMEN’S PAY-PER-VIEW SET FOR OCTOBER 28STAMFORD, Conn., July 23, 2018 – For the first time in WWE history, an all-women’s exclusive pay-per-view event, Evolution®, will take place on Sunday, October 28 at 7 pm ET from NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York. The event will stream live on WWE Network and be available on pay-per-view around the world, featuring Women’s Championship matches from Monday Night Raw®, SmackDown® Live, NXT® and NXT UK, as well as the finals of the all-women’s tournament, Mae Young Classic 2018.

“Three years ago, our fans demanded a change with the hashtag, #GiveDivasAChance, and an evolution started,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “Since that time, our female Superstars have overdelivered in every opportunity presented to them, and I expect nothing different during our first-ever all-women’s pay-per-view event.”

The entire women’s roster will be on hand including Ronda Rousey™, Charlotte Flair®, Alexa Bliss® Sasha Banks®, Carmella®, Nia Jax® and Asuka®, as well as Hall of Famers and Legends Trish Stratus®, Lita® and many more.

“This historic event marks another milestone in WWE’s women’s evolution,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “The spotlight just got brighter for these athletic, talented women, who will once again showcase to the world that they can break down barriers and blaze their own trails.”

Tickets for Evolution will be available Friday, August 24 at 10 am ET via http://www.ticketmaster.com, NYCBLIVE.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Below are reactions of the announcement by some of the Women Superstars:

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1021567662210646017

 

RAW Preview 7/23/18

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio as the road to WWE SummerSlam continues.

* Stephanie McMahon to make historic announcement on Monday Night Raw

* Reigns-Lashley II

* B-lete:  Will The Deleters of World hit reset and send The B Team back to square one?

* All you need is love: Bayley and Sasha Banks

* Suspended hostilities: Will Ronda Rousey violate her suspension again?

Speculation On Stephanie McMahon’s Historic Announcement

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As noted, WWE announced that RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon will be on RAW this Monday night “to deliver a historic announcement!”

While it’s not known what the announcement is, Sasha Banks might have dropped a hint on Instagram. On her Instagram story, Sasha shared a photo of Velvet McIntyre & Princess Victoria, who are recognized as the first ever WWF Women’s Tag Team Champions. The title was introduced in the WWF in 1983.

The WWF Women’s Tag Team Championship was quietly dropped in 1988. The last title holders were The Glamour Girls (Leilani Kai and Judy Martin).

In an interview on the Sam Roberts podcast last September, Sasha said that WWE introducing Women’s tag team titles was inevitable.

“There’ll definitely be tag team champions,” Banks said, “I feel like that’s the next big thing. We need it! We need something else to fight for than just the women’s championship.”

Below is the photo from Sasha’s Instagram:

There is also speculation that Stephanie’s announcement could be about a an all-women’s event for main roster Superstars.

WWE officials are seriously discussing an all-women’s event for main roster Superstars, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet. Word is that the event would take place in late September or October.

These talks have been going on for a few weeks now, according to PWInsider. Early word is that the show might take place at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island in September. It was speculated that the date could be September 30th as WWE currently has no events listed for that Sunday. WWE has a RAW episode booked for Seattle the next day, which create some logistical issues with running the Sunday show on Long Island.

Source: WrestlingINC

Stephanie McMahon To Make A Historic Announcement Monday On RAW

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WWE has announced that RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon will be on Monday’s RAW to make a historic announcement.

No word yet on what the announcement may be.

WWE tweeted the following on Stephanie’s announcement:

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1020345933211500544

Kelly Kelly Reportedly Interested In WWE Return

Image result for Kelly Kelly at WWE RAW 25 Anniversary

Barbie Blank’s run in WWE as Kelly Kelly ended in September 2012 after a six-years with the company. Kelly Kelly said the time off was needed in order to heal from a neck injury.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that she is open to a WWE return. The 30-year-old is currently enjoying a modeling career.

She was also a cast member of the reality television show WAGS. She married professional hockey player Sheldon Souray. The couple broke up in October 2017 and her run on WAGS ended as well. The former Divas Champion is currently a shooting film and working on a clothing line as well.

Kelly Kelly appeared on Raw 25 and competed in the 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble match, where she was eliminated by Nia Jax.

Source: WrestlingINC

Jerry Lawler Says WWE Hall Of Famer Howard Finkel ‘Is In Really, Really Bad Health’

Image result for Howard Finkel at RAW 25

The last time we saw legendary WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel on WWE TV he was introducing The Undertaker during Raw 25. Jerry Lawler recently noted on his Dinner With The King podcast that Finkel isn’t doing well health-wise. Lawler doesn’t know exactly what the problem is, but it’s not a good situation.

“I just heard not long ago that Howard [Finkel] is in really, really bad health,” Lawler said. “Not good at all. He may have had a stroke. I’m not sure but I just know that he’s not doing well.”

Finkel started working for Vince McMahon Sr. in 1975. He began performing ring announcer duties at Madison Square Garden shows in 1976 and he was soon the company’s lead ring announcer. Finkel was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2009 by “Mean” Gene Okerlund. The Fink has a daughter named Anastasia with his long-time partner Megan McCarthy.

We wish Finkel and his family the best with whatever issues he is dealing with.

Source: WrestlingINC

Titus O’Neil Says Hulk Hogan’s WWE Apology Lacked “Remorse” And “Desire To Change”

titus o'neil hulk hogan statement apology handshake rumor

Titus O’Neil has followed The New Day‘s lead by sharing his thoughts on Hulk Hogan‘s reinstatement to the WWE Hall of Fame and apology to the locker room before Extreme Rules.

O’Neil tweeted support for the statement released last night by New Day and echoed their sentiment, saying Hogan’s address showed a “lack of true contrition, remorse and a desire to change.”

In saying that, he noted Hogan’s apology seemed to focus on the fact that he was recorded without his knowledge while using multiple racial slurs … instead of what Titus called “remorse for the hateful and violent utterances he made which reprise language that has caused violence against blacks and minorities for centuries.”

It’s worth noting, however, O’Neil says Hulkster is entitled to the Hall of Fame reinstatement and he’s supportive of people receiving second/third chances.

The leader of Titus Worldwide also squashed rumors about him which began to circulate following Hogan’s locker room talk — the biggest being that O’Neil refused to shake Hulk’s hand and ultimately walked out on the meeting.

Read the full statement below.

“To my gracious fans and the WWE Universe.

The reports and rumors concerning my concerning my boycotting Extreme Rules in Pittsburgh is false and inaccurate. I was not scheduled to attend or participate in the Extreme Rules match/production and otherwise was not booked for the show.

The talent present in Pittsburgh, which I was a part of, was asked to attend a mandatory meeting in which Mr. Terry Bollea addressed everyone and informed the same that he would be reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. At no point during, after or otherwise did I make any scene concerning Mr. Bollea’s communication to the talent. In addition, let it be known that I did not refuse to shake Mr. Bollea’s hand; we did not have any type of one-on-one interaction whatsoever that would or did necessitate any exchange between us individually.

As to the reinstatement of Mr. Bollea, I can only communicate that I am a proponent of second and even third chances for individuals that show true remorse, acknowledgement of wrongdoing, fulfill their punishment, if applicable, and otherwise put forth sincere efforts to correct the issues.

Unfortunately, I must echo the sentiment and dissatisfaction expressed by many of my fellow contemporaries concerning Mr. Bollea’s apology and its lack of true contrition, remorse and a desire to change. Mr. Bollea’s apology “that he didn’t know he was being recorded” is not remorse for the hateful and violent utterances he made which reprise language that has caused violence against blacks and minorities for centuries.

I stand firm in my position that Mr. Bollea is entitled to reinstatement; he was and is a role model, hero and icon to countless people. I hope that Mr. Bollea’s missteps in communicating to the WWE talent in Pittsburgh are not repeated to his fans and I expect that he shall pursue an agenda that clearly communicates to all third parties that his language was inappropriate, wrong and should not be tolerated in a civilized and inclusive society.

As the father of two young black men, I have spent their entire life and the majority of my adult life with a singular focus; being a role model for my children and young black boys and girls. I take tremendous pride in my charity work and the community outreach that I have fostered via the platform I have been given. I teach my sons love and tolerance for everybody, but I also teach them to operate in truth and respect.

I hope this clears up any confusion. I, like New Day, will continue to use my platform to positively affect, entertain, embrace, celebrate and love people from all backgrounds both inside and outside of the WWE Universe.

Sincerely,

Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar ‘Titus O’Neil’”

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Backstage News On When Kane Suffered His Foot Injury, Update On His WWE TV Status

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As noted, WWE did the injury angle with Team Hell No at Extreme Rules because Kane had been suffering from a legitimate injury to his left foot. WWE later announced that Kane suffered a broken ankle in the attack from SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers.

In an update on Kane’s status, PWInsider reports that he suffered an injury to his Achille’s tendon on the Extreme Rules go-home edition of SmackDown this past Tuesday. This is why Kane was wearing the walking boot earlier in the day before Extreme Rules.

No word on exactly when Kane suffered the injury during the show but the go-home SmackDown show featured he and Daniel Bryan brawling with Rowan, Harper and SAnitY, which set up a 10-man main event – Team Hell No teaming with The New Day to defeat SAnitY and The Bludgeon Brothers.

Kane is not expected to be back on WWE TV anytime soon as he’s preparing for the final push of his campaign to become the Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee this fall.

Source: WrestlingINC

Ronda Rousey’s Husband (Travis Browne) Interested In A WWE In-Ring Career?

Image result for Ronda Rousey sitting with Travis Browne

Ronda Rousey’s husband, Travis Browne, was recently at Extreme Rules with Rousey, and was shown on television when Rousey was walking to her seat and when she jumped over the barrier to attack Mickie James. The 6’7″, 243-pound UFC fighter was recently interviewed by TMZ, and showed interest of teaming up with his wife. Although he is still under contract with UFC at the moment, a WWE career could be on the horizon.

“I’ll never say no, but we’ll have to see, really,” Browne said. “This is Ronda’s time in the WWE. She’s killing it, she’s taking over the world. She took over the UFC, she’s taking over the WWE, she’s gonna continue to do whatever she wants to do.

“I’ll never say no to the possibility of going out there and wrestling. I’d love to go out there and work with my wife. That’d be so much fun. A mixed match? Oh yeah. That was her at the WrestleMania. It’d be fun. I wouldn’t say no.”

Regarding whether Browne would like to see his wife return to the Octagon, he responded, “I love seeing her happy, and I’ve never seen her more happy than right now. So, she’s really enjoying what she does, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.”

Based on the events that occurred on Raw, Rousey will be competing for the Raw Women’s Championship once again, against Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam. This will be Rousey’s second singles match and third match overall. Both of her singles matches have been for the Raw Women’s Championship, with her first one being against Nia Jax at Money in the Bank.

Source: TMZ via WrestlingINC

The New Day Say They Won’t Associate With Hulk Hogan Until “Genuine Effort To Change” Is Made

new day hulk hogan statement apology locker room roster indifferent associate genuine effort to change

Kofi Kingston released a lengthy statement on behalf of The New Day in regards to how they feel about Hulk Hogan‘s apology to the WWE locker room — stating they won’t associate with the wrestling legend until “genuine effort to change” is made.

As we previously reported, Hogan met with the wrestlers backstage at Extreme Rules. According to James Ellsworth, Hogan apologized for the racial slurs he was caught saying. Hulk also reminded those in attendance that he didn’t know he was being recorded at the time.

Mark Henry has said there’s currently a divide amongst black wrestlers over the backstage apology … describing it as a 50-50 split.

Now, the most prominent black tag team in wrestling have responded by writing a statement in which they admit to being indifferent towards Hogan’s apology.

Their statement can be read in full below:

To the WWE Universe and whoever else it may concern:

This will be the only statement we will make regarding Hogan’s reinstatement into WWE’s Hall of Fame. We do not wish to spend the energy debating the point, because between our kids, our external ventures, and this job, our energy is spread thin enough already, lol.

We are only writing this simply to provide an answer to the many who have bombarded us with questions on where we stand on the issue.

We preface this statement by emphasizing that this is our own opinion and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of anyone else affected.

How do we feel? Indifferent. We are not happy, or sad, angry or resentful. Who WWE puts into the HOF is totally and completely up to the company and from a career standpoint, there is no argument on whether or not Hogan should have his place. We have no problem with his re-induction in the slightest degree. It is impossible to even begin to mention the history and evolution of the business without mentioning his name and accolades.

On a personal level, when someone makes racist and hateful comments about any race or group of people, especially to the degree that Hogan made about our people, we find it difficult to simply forget, regardless of how long ago it was, or the situation in which those comments were made. But we also do not respond with more feelings of hate. Instead, we just do not associate with the people who convey or have conveyed this negative and hurtful mindset. This instance will be no different. Perhaps if we see him make a genuine effort to change, then maybe our opinion will change with him. Time will tell.

Through the course of our lives, people have used racist comments towards us and it doesn’t feel good. But if we stopped moving forward every time we were met with prejudicial hatred, then we would have never achieved our current accomplishments.

We know we are worth it, we know our kids are worth it, and most importantly, we know that
people that look like us are worth it and always have been. There isn’t a person on this planet who will be ever be able to say anything to make us think otherwise because we believe in ourselves as a people and don’t need anyones approval on that, regardless of who they are.

Having said that, his reinstatement won’t change anything for us. It will have zero effect on our ability to perform or the level of effort we will put into doing what we love to do, and that is: To deliver an entertaining product each week for our fan base.

Sincerely,

– The New Day

“Never trade your authenticity for approval.”

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet