Tag: WWE

SmackDown Live Preview 3/20/18

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown Live will take place from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texasas the road to WrestleMania continues.

* Will Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn face any repercussions from Daniel Bryan for their attack on Shane McMahon?

* Is Jinder Mahal winning the United States Title a foregone conclusion?

* How will the SmackDown Women’s Division change after the arrival of Asuka?

* Will The Bludgeon Brothers’ punishment continue?

* Will AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura have to watch each other’s back ahead of WrestleMania?

WWE Mixed Match Challenge & 205 Live Preview 3/20/18

Tonight’s WWE Mixed Match Challenge and WWE 205 Live will take place from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

WWE Mixed Match Challenge:

* The Miz & Asuka vs. Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss

 

WWE 205 Live:

* Who will face Cedric Alexander at WrestleMania?

* Drew Gulak vs. Mustafa Ali

Daniel Bryan Getting Closer To A WWE Ring Return?

It will be interesting to see if WrestleMania 34 plans for SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan are announced on tonight’s show.

The blue brand currently has Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn announced for WrestleMania but there’s speculation on Shane McMahon being added to the match to make it a Handicap Match or a Triple Threat. There’s also speculation on Bryan being added to the match as a special referee, but there’s also speculation that Bryan will be able to finally make his return to the ring in New Orleans.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that there has been movement in the last month or so as Bryan has worked very hard to get cleared. Bryan has seen more doctors and even though it’s hard to get cleared, more doctors have cleared him to return.

Bryan has been undergoing hyperbaric treatments for just under a year now and he was told when he began the treatment that he would start feeling a lot better after 50 treatments. These treatments are still experimental but other athletes have done them. There appears to be something to the treatments as Bryan is said to be doing a lot better in his tests. Meltzer noted that if Bryan’s condition was really bad then doctors wouldn’t be clearing him, but getting cleared for a WWE ring return comes down to WWE doctors clearing him and they are also out to protect the company.

Bryan suggested over the weekend that competing at WrestleMania 34 was a possibility. He spoke with The National while in the Middle East this past week and commented on possibly teaming with Shane at WrestleMania to face Sami and Owens.

“I don’t know and I don’t think they know. I think it all depends on whether or not I get cleared. As of this moment, as of today, I am not cleared by WWE. I have done everything in my power. Everything they have asked me to and I have gone above and beyond as far as ‘Okay, what doctors do you need me to see. Send me to any doctor you want, any doctor that you want and lets get their feedback on what is going on with me.’ So far every doctor has cleared me that they have sent me too and so there is a chance. I used to think that the percentage of the WWE ever clearing me was low. I think with the stuff that I have done it has gone a little higher but I don’t know how much higher. With how everything is there is one day to go if I don’t get cleared [storyline wise] and then there is another way to go if I am cleared. I am hoping to be cleared but I don’t know which way it goes.”

Bryan has stated in the past that he would wrestle elsewhere when his contract expires in September if he were healthy and WWE would not clear him.

Source: WrestlingINC

Matt Hardy Deletes Bray Wyatt

Image result for the ultimate deletion

Last night on WWE RAW we saw the much hyped match at the Hardy Compound, ‘The Ultimate Deletion’ – “Woken” Matt Hardy vs. Bray Wyatt.

This bizarre match ended with Matt Hardy shoving Bray Wyatt into the Lake of Reincarnation after Hardy defeated Wyatt. Matt told Senor Benjamin to retrieve Wyatt’s carcass from the lake, but Wyatt is not there. Matt declares that The Great War is over and that Bray Wyatt has been deleted. Matt chants “delete!”

Jeff Hardy made an appearance for a few seconds, singing He’s got the whole wide world in His hands.

Mark Henry To Be Inducted Into The WWE Hall Of Fame Class Of 2018

Image result for mark henry wwe hall of fame

WWE announced that Mark Henry will inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Henry joins Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz, Ivory, Jeff Jarrett, Hillbilly Jim, Kid Rock and Warrior Award recipient Jarrius “JJ” Robertson as those being honored during the 2018 Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 6, during WrestleMania 34 Week in New Orleans.

WWE issued the following:

Mark Henry took pride in giving countless Superstars a vicious induction into his Hall of Pain. During WrestleMania 34 Week, The World’s Strongest Man will enter a completely different hall.

As first reported by USA Today, Henry will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2018. He joins Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz, Ivory, Jeff Jarrett, Hillbilly Jim, Kid Rock and Warrior Award recipient Jarrius “JJ” Robertson as those being honored during the 2018 Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 6, during WrestleMania 34 Week in New Orleans.

Henry’s journey in professional sports began in the world of powerlifting. After becoming a prodigy in the weight room as a high-schooler, Henry broke out at the 1992 Summer Olympics. One year later, he won gold, silver and bronze medals at the 1993 Pan-American Games. His unbelievable power caught the eye of WWE officials, who signed him to become a Superstar in 1996. Shortly after competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics, Henry made his in-ring debut at In Your House: Mind Games, defeating fellow WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler.

Henry excelled inside the squared circle as a member of The Nation of Domination alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and also became the notorious ladies’ man known as “Sexual Chocolate” during WWE’s over-the-top Attitude Era. While with WWE, Henry would foray into strongman competition and find great success, winning the 2002 Arnold Strongman Classic. Back in WWE, The World’s Strongest Man would use the power that won him that contest, pulling off incredible feats of strength for his fellow Superstars and the WWE Universe.

Soon, though, Henry would discover a mean streak like no other and unleash his rage on the WWE roster. Henry carved a path of destruction through Superstars like The Undertaker, Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio before making his way to ECW and capturing the brand’s top championship in his first match, defeating Kane and Big Show in the process. After returning to SmackDown, Henry’s penchant for punishment was given a name – his opponents weren’t just being beaten down; they were being inducted into The Hall of Pain.

Henry’s appetite for destruction brought him one of sports-entertainment’s top prizes – the World Heavyweight Championship, which he won by defeating Randy Orton at Night of Champions 2011. As The World’s Strongest Man’s career approached the two-decade mark, rumors of Henry’s retirement began to travel through the WWE Universe. Henry even played into the rumors, appearing on Monday Night Raw in June 2013 for what appeared to be a tearful retirement speech as John Cena watched on, though he shocked everyone by nearly driving Cena through the mat with his World’s Strongest Slam, boldly declaring “I’ve got a lot left in the tank!”

Henry continued competing with WWE through WrestleMania 33, while also taking on a new role as a talent scout and mentor, helping to prepare competitors like Braun Strowman, Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews and Bianca Belair for the rigors of the squared circle.

For the devastation he caused inside the ring, as well as the work he does to help the next generation of Superstars, there is no bigger honor for Mark Henry than to become The World’s Strongest Hall of Famer.

The 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place on Friday, April 6, in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center during WrestleMania 34 Week. Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster.

RAW Preview 3/19/18 – The Ultimate Deletion

Tonight’s WWE RAW will take place from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas as the Road to WrestleMania 34 continues.

* Who will claim victory in The Ultimate Deletion?

* Brock Lesnar finally emerges

* Asuka puts her streak on the line against Alexa Bliss

* Will Braun Strowman take on The Bar at WrestleMania?

Hillbilly Jim Wants Hulk Hogan To Induct Him Into The WWE Hall Of Fame

Image result for hillbilly jim wwe hall of fame

After being announced as one of the inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018, Hillbilly Jim said he wants Hulk Hogan to do the honor of inducting him.

 Jim said Saturday in an interview with TMZ Sports that it would be “as great as it could be” if Hogan inducted him.

Jim described the impact Hogan had on his wrestling career, saying, “When I first came into the business, to get brushed up against the guy that was the most popular wrestler on Earth … it was wonderful what he did for me.”

He added that being inducted by “The Hulkster” would be “cream on top of this thing.”

When Jim first appeared in the World Wrestling Federation in late 1984, he was portrayed as a fan known as Big Jim who routinely sat in the front row of live events who decided to try his hand at wrestling himself. After appearing as a guest on Piper’s Pit, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper offered his services to train him. Jim, however, chose to be trained by WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan instead of the villainous Piper. A series of vignettes then aired on WWF programming in the early weeks of 1985, showing Hogan training Jim and providing him with his first set of wrestling boots for his in-ring debut.

WWE’s video package on Jim going in the Hall of Fame highlights their storyline connection, saying that Hogan took Jim under his guidance and turned him from a fan into a WWE Superstar.

Hogan honoring Jim may not be possible since WWE terminated the wrestling legend’s contract in July 2015 and he has not appeared for the company since. The termination coincided with the publication of a racially insensitive video in which Hogan is heard expressing disgust with the notion of his daughter dating any black man. Hogan also admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”

In a statement to The Associated Press in January, WWE reiterated its stance on Hogan, saying, “At this time, WWE remains committed to its decision.”

Source: WrestlingINC

Triple H Announces That Ronda Rousey Will Compete At WrestleMania 35

Image result for ronda rousey wwe

During the Wrestlemania press conference, Triple H announced that Ronda Rousey will compete at Wrestlemania from the MetLife Stadium in New York and New Jersey. He didn’t reveal an opponent. He named her various accomplishments before introducing her. Rousey showed up and had a stare down before Triple H left. He said at the time that he hopes that Rousey “doesn’t hurt myself and my wife too badly.” Rousey will team with Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at Wrestlemania 34.

Source: 411Mania

The entire exchange begins at the 24-minute mark. Triple H’s portion starts before that at the 17-minute mark.

WWE Announces Location Of WrestleMania 35

Image result for WWE announced WrestleMania 35 will return to the New York-New Jersey area at MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2019

WWE announced WrestleMania 35 will return to the New York-New Jersey area at MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2019.

WWE issued the following:

A high-profile press conference was held to make the official announcement that MetLife Stadium will play host to WrestleMania 35 on Sunday, April 7, 2019, with additional events held throughout the New York-New Jersey region during WrestleMania Week.

“On behalf of everyone at WWE, we thank Governor Murphy and all of our partners for bringing WrestleMania back home,” WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon said of the incredible partnership. “It is the one place that matches the energy, excitement and spectacle of WrestleMania.”

“What does WrestleMania mean to me?” said an emotion-filled John Cena, as he asked his fiancé Nikki Bella to join him at the podium.  “Everything.” The 16-time World Champion beautifully expressed the many ways The Showcase of the Immortals has been his life throughout the years and how he would be a part of the event in 2019 in some capacity.

“It was destiny that brought me here [to WWE],” said The Baddest Women on the Planet Ronda Rousey, who exchanged an intense stare with  one-half of her WrestleMania 34 tag team opposition Triple H as she made her way to the podium. Rousey expressed her desire to use WrestleMania 35 as her way to honor the late WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and the great female Superstars of the Women’s Evolution.

Some of the other distinguished speakers in attendance included WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, who described the rich past of the Showcase of the Immortals, WWE EVP, Talent, Live Events, Creative  Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who talked about WWE today including the Women’s Evolution and the rise of Ronda Rousey, The New Day as well as dignataries like New Jersey Lt Governor of New Jersey Shelia Oliver, WWE EVP Special Events and the host for the event John Saboor and the CEO of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment Brett Yormark.

Other Superstars in attendance included Braun Strowman, Titus O’Neil, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax and Apollo.

Other dignitaries included Vincent Prieto, President and CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Rob VanDeVeen, President/CEO of MetLife Stadium, John Mara, Giants owner and PresidentNeil Glat, New York Jets President, Kirkos, President and CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber and Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC and Company.

In the end, The New Day would return to the stage to close the amazing event out right, serving pankcakes to the crowd. A fitting way to ring in the return of The Greatest Stage of Them All to the New York-New Jersey Area.

WrestleMania 35 is more than just a one-day event; it’s a week-long celebration that will stretch throughout the New York-New Jersey region. In addition to WrestleMania, other activities will include WrestleMania Axxess — WWE’s four-day interactive fan festival — as well as four nights of events at Barclays Center: The 2019 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, NXT TakeOver, Monday Night Raw and SmackDown LIVE. WWE will also host more than a dozen community outreach events, including hospital visits and Be a STAR bullying prevention rallies, designed to give back to the local region.

The last time The Show of Shows came to MetLife was WrestleMania 29, an event held in April 2013 that grossed an excess of $72 million and attracted a sold-out crowd of 80,676 fans from all 50 states and 34 countries. The incredible event featured WWE Champion The Rock going head-to-head against John Cena, Triple H battling Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred Match, The Undertaker taking on CM Punk, and WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No clashing with Dolph Ziggler & Big E.

Over the past 11 years, WrestleMania has generated more than $1 billion in cumulative economic impact for the cities that have hosted the event. This year, WrestleMania 34 takes place Sunday, April 8, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and will be streamed live around the world on WWE Network.

As first reported on nypost.com, the New York-New Jersey area will once again play host to The Showcase of the Immortals when WrestleMania 35 descends on MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2019.

The last time The Show of Shows came to MetLife was WrestleMania 29, an event held in April 2013 that grossed an excess of $72 million and attracted a sold-out crowd of 80,676 fans from all 50 states and 34 countries. The incredible event featured WWE Champion The Rock going head-to-head against John Cena, Triple H battling Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred Match, The Undertaker taking on CM Punk, and WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No clashing with Dolph Ziggler & Big E.

Another big part of WrestleMania Week will be the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, NXT TakeOver, Monday Night Raw and SmackDown LIVE, all of which will take place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

WrestleMania 35 has strong potential to be bigger than ever, with ticket and special Travel Packages becoming available later this year. Prepare yourself as The Grandest Stage of Them All returns to New York-New Jersey on April 2019.

WWE Announces Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal Name Change After Major Backlash

Image result for WWE Announces Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal Name Change

WWE says “after further consideration” they will be changing the name of the upcoming Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34.

A rep for WWE says, “After further consideration, we believe it’s best to proceed with the name ‘WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.’  What remains most important is that this historic match is part of WWE’s unwavering commitment to the Women’s Division.”

There was major backlash following the announcement this week due to former Moolah trainees accusing her of things such as taking money from women and pimping them out for sex work … which was echoed by former trainee Mad Maxine.

In addition, Deadspin reached out to the parent company of Snickers — who are sponsoring WrestleMania 34 — and they released the following statement:

We were recently made aware of the World Wrestling Entertainment Inc’s (WWE) decision to honor a former wrestler during the upcoming WrestleMania 34 event. As a principle-based business that has long championed creating inclusive environments that encourage and empower everyone to reach their full potential, this is unacceptable. We are engaging with the WWE to express our disappointment.

The video of the original announcement from Raw this week disabled comments this morning as well, which was a clear sign WWE had seen the negative reactions.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Stephanie McMahon issued the following statement on the name change, thanking the WWE Universe for using their voice: