WWE Fans May Be Able To Watch RAW And SmackDown Live Online Soon

Source: WrestlingINC

It was revealed this week that Hulu will introduce a live TV service in 2017, which would allow users to watch live and on-demand programming. While no price has been revealed for the service, a Hulu executive told The Wall Street Journal that $40 / month is “in the ballpark.”

Variety revealed this week that NBCUniversal, which is owned by Comcast and has a silent ownership partner in Hulu, is in talks to join the service. NBCUniversal’s cable channels include the USA Network, the home of WWE RAW and SmackDown. Their other channels include Syfy, Bravo, E!, MSNBC, CNBC, and Oxygen in addition to the NBC broadcast network.

Variety noted that Hulu and NBCUniversal “are in the early stages of active negotiations,” and that Hulu had approached NBCU about possibly partnering on the service. Hulu is already in talks with Fox and Disney to join the service.

WWE Announced The Release Of 7 Other Stars

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

WWE has just announced the releases of Alex Riley, Damien Sandow, Santino Marella, Cameron, Zeb Colter, El Torito and Hornswoggle.

The company posted a statement Friday on WWE.com wishing them all the best in their future endeavors — with the list of names being updated throughout the morning, presumably once each had received word.

Wade Barrett also announced he was let out of his contract early.

Hornswoggle has been relatively unused on television since he was suspended back in September 2015 — but he’d been with the company since 2006.

Riley had recently been making a comeback on NXT television and most recently wrestled Shinsuke Nakamura at a taping. He famously accompanied Miz to the ring at WrestleMania.

Colter last appeared on TV when he was accompanying Alberto Del Rio to the ring after he first returned to the company, but he’s been unseen since they split.

The last time El Torito was on RAW he was beat up by Diego … and with the repackaging of Primo andEpico that’s underway, we’re guessing he saw the writing on the wall.

Ryback Possibly Leaving WWE This Summer

Source: WrestlingINC

Ryan “Ryback” Reeves left yesterday’s WWE RAW taping before the show started after a contract dispute with WWE.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio last night that he was told that Ryback met with Vince McMahon yesterday afternoon about renewing his contract, which expires this summer. Ryback apparently didn’t like the offer that was presented, with Meltzer noting that the two sides were very far apart on money.

 The discussion ended with McMahon suggesting to Ryback that he go home, and Ryback agreed.

Ryback, who wrestled Kalisto in the pre-show match at WrestleMania 32 and again at the pre-show at this past Sunday’s Payback pay-per-view, wore a weightlifting belt at Payback that read, “Pre-Show Stopper.” Ryback also mocked CM Punk during his entrance this past Sunday.

Ryback expressed his frustration with his position in the company last month during a radio interview in Dubai, as seen in the video below.

“I’ve heard in this business hard work doesn’t always pay off,” Ryback said. “So maybe The Big Guy has to go find another world where that does pay off. But you work really, really hard at something and you dedicate yourself, and you sometimes have to be told you’re somewhere else. That’s a tough pill to swallow time and time again but I’ve never stopped believing in myself and I never will. Next year should undoubtedly be a big year for The Big Guy.”

 

News About Enzo’s Condition After Suffering A Concussion At Payback

Source: WrestlingINC

While Enzo Amore appeared to be in good spirits following the concussion he suffered at WWE Payback last night, F4Wonline.com reports that people close to Enzo says it was a severe concussion.

It was also noted that Enzo was able to remember everything from before the match. He was able to communicate with paramedics and move his extremities before the ambulance left the arena. As noted, Enzo underwent other medical tests at a local hospital but they all came back negative and he was discharged before Payback went off the air.

No word yet on how long he will be out of action but he will have to pass the ImPACT concussion tests before he’s cleared.

2016 WWE Payback Results – Vince’s Decision, World Title Match Announced For Extreme Rules

(Pre-Show) – Dolph Ziggler VS Baron Corbin: Winner: Dolph Ziggler

(Pre-Show) – United States Championship: (C) Kalisto VS Ryback: Winner: Kalisto

WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender Tournament Finals: Enzo & Big Cass VS The Vaudevillains: Enzo got caught by the bottom rope when Gotch launched him under it. He went down at ringside. Gotch tried to attack but the referee backed him off. The referee called for a doctor. The referee quickly called for the bell as a stretcher was brought out. Enzo was put in a neck brace and loaded onto the stretcher. Fans chanted Enzo’s name. Enzo was taken away with no winner announced. Enzo suffered a Concussion.

 

Sami Zayn VS Kevin Owens: Winner: Kevin Owens – After the match, Owens attacked Sami before tossing him over the top rope. Fans boo Owens as he turned his attention to the announcers. Owens called Byron Saxton in the ring and ordered him to ask about beating Sami. Saxton asked if Owens thinks the rivalry is finally over. Owens bullied Saxton around and bragged about beating Sami. Owens said he finally put the question to rest that people have been asking for 14 years. Owens declared he is the better man. Owens said now he can focus on getting back his Intercontinental Title back. Saxton said that match is next and asks if The Miz will retain. Owens says he doesn’t care if Miz retains but he’s going to be doing commentary.

Intercontinental Championship: (C) The Miz w/Maryse VS Cesaro: Winner: The Miz – After the match, Miz went to ringside to celebrate but Cesaro nailed a big running uppercut against the barrier. Cesaro brought Miz back in the ring and nailed a Neutralizer. Owens immediately dropped him. Sami attacked Owens but got dropped with another powerbomb. Owens stood tall and whipped Miz into the ropes for a pop-up powerbomb but Maryse pulled him to safety. Miz retreated but forgot his title. Owens raiseed the title and yelled at Miz.

Dean Ambrose VS Chris Jericho: Winner: Dean Ambrose

WWE Women’s Championship: (C) Charlotte w/Ric Flair VS Natalya w/Bret Hart: Charlotte applied a Sharpshooter and referee Charles Robinson immediately called for the bell. Natalya never tapped out. Winner: Charlotte – After the bell, the referee immediately went to the floor and brought the belt in to Charlotte. We saw the Chicago Screwjob. Flair came in the ring to celebrate with Charlotte as Little Naitch left. Bret came in and argued with Flair. Bret dropped Flair with a punch. Natalya took care of Charlotte and they both locked in Sharpshooters at the same time. Charlotte leaves with the title in the air as Natalya’s music played. Bret and Natalya look on as Flair hobbled to the back with Charlotte.

Vince McMahon’s decision:  Vince said he wants to see Shane & Stephanie slit each others throats, disembowel each other. Vince said this could be good for RAW and the family. He announceed that they both have equal say and tells them to go figure it out. The music hit and Vince left smiling. Shane and Stephanie shake hands before the RAW theme hit and they left, both looking somewhat skeptical.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: (C) Roman Reigns VS AJ Styles: Winner by Count Out: AJ Styles 

After the bell, AJ didn’t look happy as he was announced the winner. Eden announced Reigns is still the champion. Shane McMahon’s music hit and he came out. Shane said that’s not how a title match is going to end in the new era. Shane called for the bell and said the match now has no count outs.

No Count Outs for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: (C) Roman Reigns VS AJ Styles: Winner by DQ: AJ Styles

After the bell, AJ was announced the winner. Reigns was announced the champion still. Stephanie McMahon’s music hit and she came out. She said as usual, Shane missed something. She announced the match to be restarted until there’s a clear winner, now it will be No DQ and No Count Out.

No DQ, No Count Outs for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: (C) Roman Reigns VS AJ Styles: Gallows & Anderson appeared & beat Reigns down. The Usos ran down and brawled with Gallows and Anderson at ringside. Winner: Roman Reigns

After the bell, Reigns has the WWE World Heavyweight Title. AJ limped towards the back and looked on as Reigns raised the title to boos. Cut to Vince, Shane and Stephanie watching backstage. Vince said that was a really great match. He applauded Shane for restarting the match but said Stephanie one-upped him a little bit. He congratulated them both. Vince wondered if AJ should have a rematch and they agree. It will take place at Extreme Rules and will be an Extreme Rules match.

 

 

WWE Payback Card 5/1/16

DATE: May 1, 2016
LOCATION: Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: (C) Roman Reigns VS AJ Styles

WWE Women’s Championship: (C) Charlotte w/Ric Flair VS Natalya w/Bret Hart

WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon will decide who controls Raw going forward: His son, Shane, or his daughter, Stephanie.

Intercontinental Championship: (C) The Miz w/Maryse VS Cesaro

WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender Tournament Finals: Enzo & Big Cass VS The Vaudevillains

Dean Ambrose VS Chris Jericho

Sami Zayn VS Kevin Owens

Dolph Ziggler VS Baron Corbin

United States Championship: (C) Kalisto VS Ryback

WWE Releases Announcer Rich Brennan

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

WWE announcer Rich Brennan has been released … this according to sources with direct knowledge.

Sources say the company informed Brennan of their decision Wednesday afternoon, but at this point it’s unclear what caused WWE to sour on the announcer.

Brennan made his debut in 2014 working for NXT as the play-by-play man alongside Corey Graves and was eventually promoted to lead announcer on SmackDown. Things changed though, and it wasn’t long before he was shuffled to backstage interviewer.

Rich announced for numerous hockey and arena football teams before landing his dream gig with WWE, according to their website — but it’s unclear what he plans to do next.

Linda McMahon — Donald Trump Would Make A ‘Very Good President’ (VIDEO)

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Linda McMahon says she believes WWE Hall of Famer Donald Trump would make a “very good president” … and this morning on CNN, she listed off all the reasons.

McMahon appeared on the news network Wednesday to talk about the Presidential hopeful/reality star and said he’s not only capable of running the country, but she thinks he’d be great for the job.

Linda explains, “I’ve known Donald for over 20 years and when I’ve been asked before I’ve said, ‘look, let me tell you what I know about him personally.’ He’s loyal. I said he absolutely is a good business man, he hires smart people around him, he is very patriotic, he’s a good man and very accomplished. And I think he would make a very good president.”

YouTube Gives Shout Out To Shinsuke Nakamura & WWE

The official YouTube account gave a shou out to WWE and Shinsuke Nakamura for WWE’s acclaimed theme song for the Japanese superstar. The video has already reached over one million views on YouTube since releasing earlier this month.

Linda McMahon Talks Chyna’s Passing On FOX Business

Source: WrestlingINC

Linda McMahon appeared on FOX Business this morning.

During the interview, Linda discussed helping women in the workplace, issues affecting voters in Connecticut and the 2016 Presidential race, calling Ted Cruz and John Kasich coordinating their efforts to deny Donald Trump the Republican nomination a “collusion.” Linda also talked about WWE dropping the terms Divas, saying that by dropping the term, it shows that women wrestlers are equal to their male counterparts and thatStephanie McMahon was behind that effort. She also discussed Chyna’s passing, calling it a “loss” and saying that she’ll be missed.

“It’s always a loss when you’ve had someone that’s come up in the ranks like Joanie [Laurer],” Linda said. “She was kind of in the forefront of the women’s power position in WWE, so she’ll be missed.”