THE NEWS
TNA RETIRES KOTM BELT, CORGAN BRINGS IN NEW TITLE WITH NEW RULES
TNA has officially retired the King of the Mountain championship title, and have debuted a new championship with a new lineage, and with its very own unique set of rules. This title change is a huge step in re-shuffling the deck of its mid card talents, And is one of many big changes that Billy Corgan teased during the announcement of him being the new President of TNA. This new championship will be known as the 'TNA Grand Championship', And will feature as mentioned its own set of unique rules. An 8-man single elimination tournament was announced featuring the new rules that will be used only for this championship. Each match will be three timed matches, with a panel of judges to award the win based on points should it go to the limit. Note: In regards to the KOTM title, Lashley unified the belt with his TNA World Heavyweight Championship, Which will mean the end of its 6 year long tenure, under numerous different names.
Image of the new 'Grand Championship' title being unveiled by New TNA President Billy Corgan at the latest set of TNA taping's.
KENNY OMEGA WINS THE NJPW G1 CLIMAX 26 TOURNEY
The big month long New Japan tournament has finally come to end, and it has been won by "The Cleaner" Kenny Omega of the Bullet Club Elite. after the huge win of Hirooki Goto in the finals, the Cleaner gave a hugely popular speech, And waved the Bullet Club flag as to the traditional G1 flag. Here is the speech; Omega stated that a lot of people said the Bullet Club was over and should disband. Omega says, The Bullet Club is never over, It's 4 life. Without the Elite, Wrestling is boring and sucks. Days like this, like today they happen once in a lifetime, Don't be afraid to dream, Don't be afraid to reach for the stars. But when you're about to reach for that and get it, someone like me is going to swoop in and take it away because I'm more talented, have more drive, more determination I'm not like any one of you but I wrestle for you. He then acknowledged all the wrestlers in Orlando, who are watching saying you can use his matches in G-1 as a study lesson. He then challenged Okada. Omega said "I've never beaten you because I've never wrestled you," and said facing Okada is the likely scenario.Kenny Omega started speaking Japanese to the crowd; "You don't understand! So I'll speak Japanese from now. You're surprised, right? Sorry, but I can speak Japanese. I'm a heel" "if you don't support me, I hate you! like me or not, Japan is my home, New Japan is home" So whatever happens, I won't go there"
MAJOR TNA MANAGEMENT CHANGES IN MOTION
TNA IMPACT Wrestling has not only been ushered into a new era by its on-screen talents, But it has also been re-modelled backstage too, With the longtime President of TNA, Dixie Carter moving into a different position with-in the company. She will now be the Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer for TNA IMPACT, And the Smashing Pumpkins frontman and long-time pro wrestling fan Billy Corgan will be taking over the role of President. TNA released the following statement on these dramatic changes of power;
'IMPACT VENTURES NAMES BILLY CORGAN AS ITS NEW PRESIDENT, CURRENT PRESIDENT DIXIE CARTER BECOMES CHAIRMAN - NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- IMPACT Ventures [IMPACT], the parent company of TNA Wrestling and IMPACT WRESTLING, today announced the appointment of Billy Corgan as its new President. Current President Dixie Carter becomes Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of IMPACT.
As President, Billy Corgan will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations for IMPACT and its affiliated brands. As Chairman, Carter will focus on long-term planning, strategic partnerships and global growth."Billy is a visionary, an iconic artist and savvy businessman with an incredibly gifted creative mind. He has built a decades-long successful global brand, and also has a deep passion and understanding for professional wrestling," said Carter. "In working with Billy over the last 16 months, he has impressed me to the point that I've been in discussions with him to take an elevated strategic leadership role within the company. The more we discussed our vision for the organisation, the clearer it became that position needed to match his commitment."
"We are entering an exciting new era for IMPACT and will be working to continue to define our brand, develop global strategies for success, and structure for future investment and growth," added Carter. "These moves, effective immediately, signify the team's determination to work together to effectively cover more ground and capitalise on TNA's current momentum that has seen ratings rise in recent months."Corgan, 49, is an American musician, songwriter, producer, TV writer and poet, best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and sole permanent member of The Smashing Pumpkins, who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and won multiple Grammy Awards. Corgan joined IMPACT in May 2015 as a senior producer."I believe in this company, its passionate fans, the talented roster and the dedicated staff and crew," said Corgan. "I am committed to this great opportunity and will use all of my resources and connections to drive the success of this company. This year we have made significant strides in establishing a strong foundation for our future and will be aggressive in continuing to evolve and grow the IMPACT brands."IMPACT's flagship broadcast IMPACT WRESTLING airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Pop, and in more than 120 countries around the world.'
DAMIEN SANDOW SIGNS WITH TNA IMPACT WRESTLING
TNA IMPACT Wrestling has made another big transaction of one of Pro Wrestling's hottest free agents on the market, And no, Its not Moose!, Its Aaron Stevens, FKA Damien Sandow. TNA has snapped up the recently released WWE superstar after a long poor booking spell in the company led to his departure, Now Sandow is looking to "make an Impact" in TNA wrestling where many have transformed their careers around for the better. Sandow has been negotiating with TNA for several weeks, And he has officially signed a contract, Which means he is now an official member of the active TNA IMPACT Wrestling roster.
Aaron Stevens, Who is now revealed to be known as Aron Rex in TNA, spoke to 'Rolling Stone' on why he signed the along the dotted line on a TNA contract: "TNA just seemed like the perfect spot for me, They are a growing company with a proven track record. I really believe that they have their finger on the pulse of what the audience wants, and they will gear their product towards that." Stevens, When departing WWE in back in May, Was going to take a hiatus from in-ring competition and spend some more time at home, And take on ventures outside of wrestling. However, Just months into his break from wrestling, he signed with TNA Wrestling.
On why he signed with TNA: "I really was not planning on signing with anybody this soon, I was serious about that. But the way the conversations went with several TNA officials, and the strong feeling of a family atmosphere, really made me want to explore the possibility of getting in the ring sooner than I expected."
"I am just looking forward to showcasing myself in a way that I have not been in the past. There is so much talent at TNA that I just can't name one person that I really want to face over another. It's just a pleasure for me to have creative freedom and continue to work with talented supportive people."
On challenges he will face in TNA: "The challenge is to have a television show that continually gets better with every single episode and that is not just on me. That is on every one of us as a team. And everyone, as a team, really seems to be motivated and headed in the right direction."
RING OF HONOR FORMS NEW ALLIANCE WITH CMML PROMOTION
Ring of Honor wrestling has now joined forces with the Mexican wrestling company CMLL, (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre). This new deal features a talent swap, Which has already been seen with Matt Taven, Being the first ROH wrestler to be sent to CMLL, And Stuka Jr, Was the first from CMLL to ROH. Also, Dragon Lee, Will be appearing for Ring of Honor later on this year in October.
TNA LOCKEROOM MORALE HIGH AFTER BIG POLITICAL CHANGES
TNA announced this week that Billy Corgan is now the President of Impact Ventures, while Dixie Carter is now the Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of IMPACT. This decision was given an official announcement at last Thursday's television taping's with Dixie welcoming Corgan to his new role. The new President, Billy Corgan talked about his hopes and vision for the company for around about 10 minutes. Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Who made this report, Noted a "huge uptick in morale backstage after the announcement" with people he spoke with.
PAUL HEYMAN NEWS AND UPDATES
WWE and Paul Heyman have come to terms on a new contract for the former ECW pundit, after his last contract expired just weeks before the SummerSlam event and just before the WWE Draft. His new deal includes Heyman working more dates and him being able to have more input when it comes to creative for what he is doing. Paul Heyman has pitched ideas to creative regarding the 'Paul Heyman Guys' story. He pitched to be the mouth piece of Shinsuke Nakamura or current NXT champion Samoa Joe on the main roster. Brock Lesnar would obviously not fill all of Heyman's appearances due to his limited at best schedule. Just to also note, Heyman tried to haggle his way towards a bigger pay, But he is 'willing' to put in the extra dates to get it.
BACKSTAGE MCMAHON FAMILY RIVALRY CONTINUES
It appears although Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are still rubbing the wrong way with Shane McMahon, As the friction between them continues. Vince on the other hand is painting the family rivalry on WWE TV with the two sides competing with rival brands [Alas RAW and SMACKDOWN LIVE]. While to know exactly what Vinnie is thinking, Its safe to say that a family feud blowoff at WrestleMania is a decent to a very good possibility of happening. With Stephanie still feeling betrayed by Shane’s return to the company after leaving all those years ago, Especially as he’s still prominently featured after originally only coming back for just the WrestleMania 32 season.There have been early talks for WrestleMania 33 matches, as always, But one idea that is certainly a suprise is one that was brought up by Vince, that has Triple H versus Shane McMahon in a “Loser Leaves WWE” singles match. Triple H is said to be against the idea of working a match with Shane in Orlando next year.
TNA ANNOUNCES 2016 ANNUAL BOUND FOR GLORY PPV EVENT
TNA Wrestling has announced its annual Bound for Glory Pay Per View, Will take place on the new date of 2nd October, A month later than originally planned mainly due to WWE announcing Backlash event on the 11th September, [BFG original date]. TNA released the following statement:
TNA WRESTLING PRESENTS 'BOUND FOR GLORY' PAY-PER-VIEW LIVE SUNDAY, OCT. 2 AT 8e/5p NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug 8, 2016) --- TNA Wrestling announced today its biggest event of the year, Bound For Glory, will take place LIVE Sunday, October 2, at 8e/5p exclusively on Pay-Per-View.This past week on IMPACT WRESTLING, Ethan Carter III cemented his quest to challenge for the TNA World Title at Bound For Glory as he won the BFG Playoffs. The current TNA World Champion and X Division Champion Lashley is on a path of destruction, collecting gold along the way – and this Thursday on IMPACT WRESTLING at 8/7c on Pop he will face current King Of The Mountain Champion James Storm in a Title vs Title match. Will Lashley go into Bound For Glory with three (or more) TNA Titles?
Also at Bound For Glory, Gail Kim will become the first female to be inducted into the prestigious TNA Hall of Fame. A five-time, and the first, Knockouts Champion, Kim, with her athleticism and leadership, has set the standard for modern women's professional wrestling.Other Stars and Knockouts of IMPACT WRESTLING scheduled to appear at Bound for Glory include, Broken Matt Hardy, "Brother Nero" Jeff Hardy, Drew Galloway, The Miracle Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis Bennett, Decay and more.
KENNY OMEGA BACK ON WWE'S RADAR
They had him once for an entire year in their developmental camp, and they let him slip through their grasp. Now in 2016, WWE is "very high" on New Japan superstar Kenny Omega, After seeing his development in the big Japan company. The plan is to hopefully have him under a WWE contract by the middle of next year, This is said to be another indie star who has Triple H's backing. However, Kenny is one of New Japan's top stars, And they are unlikely to not put up a fight to keep him. This is a top priority in NJPW, As they are well aware of the WWE's interest in "The Cleaner", And are said to be "concerned".
WWE SIGNS FORMER NFL FOOTBALL PLAYER
WWE has announced a new signing to their ever expanding and depleting roster, The former NFL giant, who stands in at 6ft 7in, and weighs in at over 300lbs, Brennan Williams. The former offensive tackle will join the performance centre where he will begin his training. The WWE made the following statement on the signing:
WWE signs former NFL player Brennan Williams
Six-foot-seven, 300-pound former NFL offensive tackle Brennan Williams is joining the ranks of the WWE Performance Center. He reports to Orlando today to begin his training.A third-round draft pick of the Houston Texans in 2013, Williams played college ball at the University of North Carolina prior to joining the NFL. He was also part of the practice squads for the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots during his NFL tenure.Williams, a lifelong fan of sports-entertainment, began training under WWE Hall of Famer Booker T in October 2015 after his NFL career ended. He made his in-ring debut for Booker’s Houston-based Reality of Wrestling earlier this year, competing under the alias Marcellus Black. In addition to his experience on the gridiron and in the ring, Williams holds a black belt in taekwondo.
WILL O'SPREAY TO MAKE RING OF HONOR DEBUT
Ring of Honor Wrestling has announced that Will O'Spreay will be joing the ROH Reach for the Sky tour across the UK in November, This is the statement from ROH: "[Will] Ospreay joins ROH World Champion Jay Lethal, the Briscoes, the Young Bucks and Dalton Castle as the first names announced for the tour. Ospreay will compete in Liverpool at the Olympia on Friday November 18th and then in London at the Seymour Leisure Centre on Sunday November 20th. Tickets are on sale for all three events for the "Reach For The Sky" Tour."
RYBACK'S NEW CAREER ON THE INDIES BEGINS
Now that Ryback is a free agent, He has already has plans in motion for a successful Indie career, He will from now on be known and referred to as "The Big Guy" Formerly known as Ryback. His first post WWE appearance will be for WrestlePro on 14th in New York, And the 15th in Brooklyn, he will also be at the WrestleCade event.
SHELTON BENJAMIN PLANS REVEALED
Had it gone the other way, Shelton Benjamin was in store for a big push had he not have been injured. Shelton was planned to have had a high mid-card push on the SmackDown Live brand. There was also speculation of the Worlds Greatest Tag Team being brought back to the WWE, Which would require Charlie Haas to agree to return. Note: WWE officials are interested in bringing back former tag teams to help fill out the very bare at best tag team roster on the SmackDown Live roster when they finally reveal the new Tag Team Titles for the brand.
WWE LEGEND RECIEVES BIG PUSH FROM MCMAHON
Chairman of WWE, Vince McMahon, is pushing WWE Hall of Famer and former Intercontinental Champion Pat Patterson to have more input in the WWE creative process. Patterson's previous contributions in the ways of Creative have been at the Royal Rumble time of the year, But Vince wants him to contribute more than just for the Rumble, And is expected to be in creative until at least until WrestleMania 33 next year.
BIG REPACKAGE ON THE CARDS FOR MID-CARD ACT
Before the Draft, WWE officials had talks of repackaging Tyler Breeze and maybe even pushing him out of the mid-card to a higher ranking, This could still be an active objective they will move in on now the draft have finished. This could mean either a possibility of the Breezango tag team receiving a push, Which would see the tandem adopt a new look and have a new feel, or it could just be an individual repackage for Breeze.
NOTES FROM THE WWE DRAFT REGARDING UNDERTAKER AND TRIPLE Hw
Before the WWE's draft, that determined which Brand will feature which wrestlers, WWE officials apparently wanted The Undertaker involved in the WWE Draft because despite Undertaker himself stating that he is done from wrestling, he is still under contract with WWE, Which meant that the WWE would have been able to use the name and draft Undertaker to a selected brand, But it seems because of his unknown status, The risk wasn't worth it.
In Regards to Triple H, There was also talk of him being drafted to a brand, But like Undertaker, His future in-ring career status is unknown. Triple H himself has confirmed that he will be competing in the WWE ring again, But he hasn't made up his mind on who just yet.
BACKSTAGE HEAT ON NEW NXT MARKETING MANAGER
WWE NXT's Marketing Manager Meghan Bertovich, who was hired back in February has already gotten herself in the bad books for her attitude and her self praise for her own work. She reportedly knows very little about Pro Wrestling, Yet still believes she is doing everything better than the others. She previously worked for a company that handled sports media for almost four years.
LUCHA UNDERGROUND RETURNS FOR THIRD SEASON
The El Rey Network has released the official preview for the third season of the wacky Lucha Underground program. The trailer that was released shows regulars of the show, that include Prince Puma, Johnny Mundo and Taya, and many new debuting talents into the temple, Such as Tag Team superstar Paul London, Sami Callihan and AR Fox. The new season of Lucha Underground will begin on Wednesday, 7th September, at its regular time of 8PM EST.
CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNING
After nearly a decade on the shelf, the WWE Cruiserweight championship is making its return to company, and will be an exclusive title to the RAW brand. This long awaited re-boot for the cruiserweight stars has called for the return of a title of merit for the smaller statured competitors. While the title has great liniage, its way out on the last tenure it served was embarrassing to say the least, With the cruiserweights being insulted by the poor booking of its line-up, Such as Hornswoggle defeated Jamie Noble to win the title.
JOEY STYLES RELEASED FROM WWE
The infamous commentator for Extreme Championship Wrestling [ECW] whose "Oh my God" quote still to this day sends the delivery of the most simple move into ecstasy, Has been released from the WWE on 29th July. for the last part of his WWE tenure, Was a featured blogger on the WWE's official website. It is current belief that a shoot Facebook Q&A session that he took part in days prior to his release was the reason for his departure.
[In the interviews section in this issue, We have the uncut Styles Q&A session]
Tommy Dreamer, Fellow ECW icon and friend of Styles, Said the following on Styles' release: "So Joey Styles is now trending #2 gonna be hard to beat #InternationalCatDay but it's ok, he is used to dealing with a bunch of p*****s. If a tree falls in the forest and we don't hear it WWE releases Joey Styles how will it get reported on wwe.com #mindblown".
CUSTOM ARTWORK OF THE WEEK
"THE DESTROYER" LASHLEY
Created by Jack Williams, Liked by Lashley
WEEKLY SHOW RESULTS
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING 11/08/2016
James Storm promo on Winning the world title, and the title versus titles match in the main event against "The Destroyer" Lashley. / The Bound For Glory Playoffs winner Ethan Carter III cuts a promo outside on the steps about his history in TNA, and his journey back to the World Championship. He is interrupted firstly by Lashley who mocks Carter and brags about stockpiling all the TNA titles, then they are both interrupted by James Storm, Which leads to Storm and Lashley brawling, Meanwhile Mike Bennett and Moose attack EC3 in the ring, but Eddie Edwards makes the save and requests that the tag match between the four begins now, Then they all start fighting as the match begins. / THE "MIRACLE" MIKE BENNETT (W/MARIA) AND MOOSE DEFEATED ETHAN CARTER III AND EDDIE EDWARDS / (Match notes: Mike Bennett tagged himself in to win the match, Moose isn't happy with Bennett). / A video package of James Storm winning the world title five years ago, and a sit down interview with Storm himself getting emotional over his history making opportunity tonight against Lashley for all the Gold. / Back in the Impact Zone, The Hallelujah music begins playing, Leading to the former Damien Sandow making his TNA Wrestling debut. He cuts a promo on TNA giving wrestlers opportunities, And TNA being a even playing field, and that TNA is the place where you can succeed based on talent alone. He then lists proof of all the top stars in TNA stars that have been given a fair chance in TNA like Drake, EC3 and even Broken Matt Hardy. To close the segment, He reveals his new name, Aron Rex, and says his new home is Impact Wrestling. / Maria and Gail Kim backstage segment, Maria tells Gail who she will face next in her quest to regain the KO's title, Marti Bell attacks Gail from behind with a baton, And Maria tells Gail that she will face Marti in an no DQ match tonight. / Eddie Edwards confronts Moose and Mike Bennett backstage, He blames Mike Bennett for ruining his matches. Edwards challenges Bennett to a match next week but Bennett chooses Moose as Edwards opponent instead. / NO DQ MATCH - GAIL KIM DEFEATED MARTI BELL / (Match notes: Allie tried to attack Kim but failed to do so.) / After the match, Marti attacks Gail again, but Jade makes the save. Maria who is livid, Books Jade versus Gail next week. / "Broken" Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy segment at Jeff's home, Matt has fears that Decay will harm his wife and son, So he instructs vanguard one to go and protect them. Then Matt instructs Jeff to come with him to the Zone of Impact. / Broken Matt in-ring promo before the match, Matt talks about a Decay premonition, So he says Vanguard one will protect his family and senor Benjamin. He then brings out Brother Nero for the tag team match. A promo between Matt and Jeff followed by The Tribunal and Al Snow coming to the ring to cut promos before the match begins. / THE HARDY'S DEFEATED THE TRIBUNAL (W/AL SNOW) / After the match, Jeff snaps and starts attacking all members of the Tribunal and starts yelling at Matt while he is doing it. Jeff hits two swanton bombs through two tables, one with Al Snow on, and the other with nobody on it. Matt laughs then tells Brother Nero that he's Broken. / Lashley, Dixie and Corgan backstage segment / The Decay all talk about Bram's destruction and the joy they got from it. / Drew Galloway in-ring segment, He cuts a promo on EC3 ruining his chances at the world title, and challenges Carter to put his #1 contendership spot on the line against him. / TITLE VERSUS TITLES MATCH - TNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, TNA X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP, AND KING OF THE MOUNTAIN CHAMPIONSHIP - LASHLEY (c) DEFEATED JAMES STORM (c) (STILL X-DIVISION AND WORLD CHAMPION, NEW KOTM CHAMPION) / (Match notes: James Storm and the fans believed he got the three count but referee Brian Hebner counted 2.) / The show ends with Aron Rex appearing and staring down Lashley as he celebrates with all 3 titles.
WWE RAW 08/08/2016
Enzo Amore, Big Cass, Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens in-ring segment, Very intense promo's from the four, which leads to Chris Jericho being booked to compete against Enzo Amore up next. / CHRIS JERICHO (W/KEVIN OWENS) DEFEATED ENZO AMORE (W/BIG CASS) VIA DQ. / (Match notes: Big Cass and Kevin Owens both got involved, the match ended when the referee saw Cass hit Jericho with the Big Boot.) / After the match, A challenge is issued by Cass to Jeri-KO for SummerSlam, Challenge is accepted. / Mick Foley backstage segment, Talking to Steph on the phone. / Mick Foley lays out a gauntlet for Sasha Banks by her request, If she wins, Dana Brooke will be banned from ringside at SummerSlam, If she loses, It will be a handicap match. / BRAUN STROWMAN DEFEATED JOREL NELSON / Foley is backstage on the tablet when Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, and The New Day come in for a big segment, And to announce Combs is in charge of 2K17 soundtracks. / DARREN YOUNG (W/MR BOB BACKLUND) DEFEATED TITUS O'NEAL / Promo from Seth Rollins on WWE Universal championship, SummerSlam and Finn Balor. / CESARO DEFEATED SHEAMUS / NEVILLE AND SIN CARA DEFEATED THE DUDLEY BOYZ / Rusev and Lana WWE style wedding, Roman Reigns interupts and destroys the ceremony, Lana ends up face first into the wedding cake and has a tantrum. / Mick Foley makes Reigns vs. Rusev for the US title official for SummerSlam. / SASHA BANKS DEFEATED DANA BROOKE (Dana is now banned from ringside at SummerSlam. / Finn Balor explains the origins of his name and warns Rollins about The Demon. / Dr Anderson and Dr Gallows segment in the lab, Mocking Big E, and hype the match against Kofi Kingston tonight. / LUKE GALLOWS (W/KARL ANDERSON) DEFEATED KOFI KINGSTON (W/XAVIER WOODS) / After the match, Anderson and Gallows attempt to send Kofi into the ring post, but Woods makes the save with a chair. / More antics from Goldust and R-Truth, Who thinks that Scooby Doo has replaced him as Goldust's partner. / GM Segment in the ring between Mick Foley of RAW, and Daniel Bryan of SmackDown, it starts off friendly with pleasant exchanges, But then gets nasty with shots taken at one another. Rusev interrupts and defends Mick Foley, And calls him the best RAW GM. Cesaro then interrupts and requests that he recieves a title shot against Rusev tonight, Foley accepts and makes it happen right now. / WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP - RUSEV (W/LANA) DEFEATED CESARO (STILL CHAMPION) (Match notes: Sheamus gets involved and costs Cesaro the title by distracting him). / After the match, Roman Reigns appears from behind, Then Spears Rusev and lays him out, This ends the show.
WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE 09/08/2016
Randy Orton backstage segment, He is asked by Charly Caruso about facing Alberto Del Rio in the main event, and asks how he's staying focused on Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. He says Lesnar may be big and bad but it only takes one RKO to get to Viperville. Del Rio interrupts and runs down Orton, and says he will break Orton's arm in the main event. / Bray Wyatt in-ring segment, Accompanied by Rowan, Wyatt talks about Ziggler, Then Dean Ambrose interrupts and runs down both Wyatt and Rowan, Which then leads to Dolph Ziggler interupting and trying to attack Wyatt and Rowan, But fails and gets beaten down. Ambrose makes the save but he gets knockout out, Segment ends with Wyatt and Rowan leaving the two layed out. / Ambrose is backstage with Ziggler. Ambrose doubts the superkick was an accident. They come face to face when Bryan and Shane break it up, And announce a tag team match for later tonight. / AMERICAN ALPHA DEFEATED MIKE VEGA AND MIKEY O'SHEA / (Match notes: The Ascension, The Vaudevillains and The Hype Bros watch the match from ringside, Then after the match they all brawl, But American Alpha hold them all off. / BECKY LYNCH VERSUS EVA MARIE / Match is called off due to a "wardrobe malfunction", It was clearly staged and yet another delay for Marie's debut. Becky then issues an open challenge to anyone, And Alexa Bliss accepts and the match is on. / ALEXA BLISS DEFEATED BECKY LYNCH / (Match Notes: Eva Marie cost Becky the Win when she re-amerged to distract her.) / After the match, Eva says she will make her debut next week. / RANDY ORTON DEFEATED ALBERTO DEL RIO VIA DQ / (Match Notes: Del Rio attacked Orton with a weapon to get disqualified) After the match Orton hits Del Rio with the RKO just as Del Rio was about to hit him with the chair. / Backstage segment with Rhyno and Heath Slater, Rhyno says he can't help Slater. / WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz rolled up by Scooby-Doo in his Audi. Then Scooby locked Miz in the Mystery Machine and drove off in Miz's car. / RHYNO DEFEATED HEATH SLATER / Rowan and Bray Wyatt backstage segment. Wyatt asks Rowan to do what he does best tonight - destroy. / Shane and Bryan watch Heath Slater have a backstage tantrum after losing to Rhyno, And run down both Shane, Bryan and the SmackDown Live brand, and then they offer him a contract. / CARMELLA DEFEATED NATALYA / Baron Corbin attacks Kalisto backstage and lays him out for costing him the IC title match. / DEAN AMBROSE AND DOLPH ZIGGLER DEFEATED BRAY WYATT AND ROWAN / After the match, Ambrose sneak attacks Ziggler and lays him out to end the show.
WWE NXT 10/08/2016
William Regal hosts the contract signing with Bayley and NXT Women's Champion Asuka. Bayley says she's ready to beat Asuka. Asuka says she doesn't have what it takes, but she respects Bayley and offers a handshake. Bayley refuses and says if Asuka doesn't want to end up laid out like her last contract signing, she'll put her hand down and sign the contract. Asuka signs and tries a handshake again, Bayley slaps her hand out of the way and bumps past her on the way out of the ring. Bayley runs back in for a stare down with Asuka. / THE AUTHORS OF PAIN DEFEATED ADRIAN NAILS AND ROB RYZIN / After the match, TM-61 made the save for the two local wrestlers, but they were also flattened, then American Alpha return and clear the ring of the Authors. / Backstage with Shinsuke Nakamura and he is asked whether he's worried about Samoa Joe vowing to find him and take him out before Takeover. Nakamura says he's not a hard guy to find and that he will find Joe when he wants. / ANDRADE ALMAS DEFEATED ANGELO DAWKINS / After the match, Bobby Roode cuts a promo on their match at Takeover, Saying it will be Glorious. / BILLIE KAY DEFEATED LIV MORGAN / GARGANO AND CIAMPA DEFEATED TUCKER KNIGHT AND PATRICK CLARK. / SAMOA JOE DEFEATED MOJO RAWLEY / After the match, Joe locks in the clutch again but Nakamura makes the save, but security keeps them apart. Although Nakamura pinched Joe's nose and laughed, That was the only contact made!
RING OF HONOR 10/08/2016
JAY WHITE DEFEATED WILL FERRARA / Hype for ROH Death before Dishonor PPV feat New Japan Pro Wrestling. / THE FISH TANK/CHICKEN SHACK SEGMENT - Bobby Fish and Mark Briscoe trade promo's about their upcoming match at the DBD PPV, The segment ends with a brawl between the two. / The Addiction hype the match at the Death Before Dishonor PPV for the Tag Team Championships between The Motor City Machine Guns and War Machine. / ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - JAY LETHAL (c) DEFEATED COLT CABANA (STILL CHAMPION) / After the match, Jay Lethal and Colt Cabana shake hands, And then Lethal calls ROH matchmaker Nigel McGuinness into the ring. Lethal demands that he competes against Adam Cole at Death Before Dishonor. Adam Cole comes to the ring and runs down Lethal, But after alot of begging, McGuinness finally makes the match official. This segment ends the show.
PPV RESULTS AND OTHER SHOWS RESULTS
NJPW G1 CLIMAX 26 FINAL NIGHT MATCHES
TIGER MASK AND JUSHIN THUNDER LIGER DEFEATED DAVID FINLAY AND RYUSUKE TAGUCHI / GEDO AND JADO DEFEATED CAPTAIN NEW JAPAN AND YOSHITATSU / YOSHI-HASHI AND TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED TOMOAKI HONMA AND TOGI MAKABE / MASA KITAMIYA, MAYBACH TANIGUCHI, GO SHIOZAKI AND KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA DEFEATED MANABU NAKANISHI, YUJI NAGATA, HIROYOSHI TENZAN AND KATSUYORI SHIBATA / IWGP TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS - MARK AND JAY BRISCOE (c) DEFEATED HANGMAN PAGE AND YUJIRO TAKAHASHI (STILL CHAMPIONS) / ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - JAY LETHAL (c) DEFEATED SATOSHI KOJIMA (STILL CHAMPION) / LOS INGOBERNABLES DE JAPON (NAITO, EVIL, BUSHI AND SANADA) DEFEATED HIROSHI TANAHASHI, MICHAEL ELGIN, JUICE ROBINSON AND KUSHIDA / CHAOS (KAZUCHIKA OKADA, TORU YANO & NAOMICHI MARUFUJI) DEFEATED BULLET CLUB (TAMA TONGA, TANGA ROA & BAD LUCK FALE) / The most winning star in G1 history, Masahiro Chono, was introduced to do commentary for the main event. / KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED HIROOKI GOTO TO WIN THE G1 CLIMAX 26 TOURNEY
NJPW G1 CLIMAX 26 FULL TOURNAMENT - 2016
NIGHT ONE / BLOCK A MATCHES / 18/07/16
HIROYOSHI TENZAN DEFEATED TOMOHIRO ISHII / TOGI MAKABE DEFEATED TAMA TONGA / HIROOKI GOTO DEFEATED BAD LUCK FALE / SANADA DEFEATED HIROSHI TANAHASHI / NAOMICHI MARUFUJI DEFEATED KAZUCHIKA OKADA
NIGHT TWO / BLOCK B MATCHES / 22/07/16
KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA DEFEATED TORU YANO / YOSHI-HASHI DEFEATED KENNY OMEGA / EVIL DEFEATED MICHAEL ELGIN / YUJI NAGATA DEFEATED TETSUYA NAITO / TOMOAKI HONMA DEFEATED KATSUYORI SHIBATA
NIGHT THREE / BLOCK A MATCHES / 23/07/16
HIROYOSHI TENZAN DEFEATED TAMA TONGA / HIROOKI GOTO DEFEATED TOMOHIRO ISHII / BAD LUCK FALE DEFEATED NAOMICHI MARUFUJI / KAZUCHIKA OKADA DEFEATED SANADA / TOGI MAKABE DEFEATED HIROSHI TANAHASHI
NIGHT FOUR / BLOCK B MATCHES / 24/07/16
TOMOAKI HONMA DEFEATED YOSHI-HASHI / YUJI NAGATA DEFEATED EVIL / KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED TORU YANO / KATSUYORI SHIBATA DEFEATED KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA / TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED MICHAEL ELGIN
NIGHT FIVE / BLOCK A MATCHES / 25/07/16
TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED BAD LUCK FALE / TOGI MAKABE DEFEATED SANADA / NAOMICHI MARUFUJI DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN / TAMA TONGA DEFEATED HIROSHI TANAHASHI / KAZUCHIKA OKADA DEFEATED HIROOKI GOTO
NIGHT SIX / BLOCK B MATCHES / 27/07/16
YUJI NAGATA DEFEATED YOSHI-HASHI / KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA DEFEATED EVIL / TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED TORU YANO / KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED TOMOAKI HONMA / MICHAEL ELGIN DEFEATED KATSUYORI SHIBATA
NIGHT SEVEN / BLOCK A MATCHES / 28/07/16
TOGI MAKABE DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN / SANADA DEFEATED HIROOKI GOTO / TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED NAOMUCHI MARUFUJI / KAZUCHIKA OKADA DEFEATED TAMA TONGA / HIROSHI TANAHASHI DEFEATED BAD LUCK FALE
NIGHT EIGHT / BLOCK B MATCHES / 30/07/16
TORU YANO DEFEATED TOMOAKI HONMA / YOSHI-HASHI DEFEATED EVIL / KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA DEFEATED YUJI NAGATA / MICHAEL ELGIN DEFEATED KENNY OMEGA / KATSUYORI SHIBATA DEFEATED TETSUYA NAITO
NIGHT NINE / BLOCK A MATCHES / 31/07/16
TOGI MAKABE DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN / SANADA DEFEATED HIROOKI GOTO / TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED NAOMUCHI MARUFUJI / KAZUCHIKA OKADA DEFEATED TAMA TONGA / HIROSHI TANAHASHI DEFEATED BAD LUCK FALE
NIGHT TEN / BLOCK B MATCHES / 01/08/16
YOSHI-HASHI DEFEATED KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA / MICHAEL ELGIN DEFEATED YUJI NAGATA / TORU YANO DEFEATED KATSUYORI SHIBATA / KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED EVIL / TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED TOMOAKI HONMA
NIGHT ELEVEN / BLOCK A MATCHES / 03/08/16
BAD LUCK FALE DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN / HIROOKI GOTO DEFEATED TAMA TONGA / NAOMUCHI MARUFUJI DEFEATED SANADA / HIROSHI TANAHASHI DEFEATED TOMOHIRO ISHII / KAZUCHIKA OKADA DEFEATED TOGI MAKABE
NIGHT TWELVE / BLOCK B MATCHES / 04/07/16
TORU YANO DEFEATED YUJI NAGATA / MICHAEL ELGIN DEFEATED YOSHI-HASHI / EVIL DEFEATED TOMOAKI HONMA / KATSUYORI SHIBATA DEFEATED KENNY OMEGA / TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA
NIGHT THIRTEEN / BLOCK A MATCHES / 06/08/16
TAMA TONGA DEFEATED SANADA / BAD LUCK FALE DEFEATED TOGI MAKABE / HIROOKI GOTO DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN / TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED KAZUCHIKA OKADA / HIROSHI TANAHASHI DEFEATED NAOMUCHI MARUFUJI
NIGHT FOURTEEN / BLOCK B MATCHES / 07/08/16
TORU YANO DEFEATED MICHAEL ELGIN / KATSUYORI SHIBATA DEFEATED YOSHI-HASHI / KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA DEFEATED TOMOAKI HONMA / KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED YUJI NAGATA / TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED EVIL
NIGHT FIFTEEN / BLOCK A MATCHES / 08/08/16
NAOMUCHI MARUFUJI DEFEATED TAMA TONGA / SANADA DEFEATED TOMOHIRO ISHII / HIROSHI TANAHASHI DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN / BAD LUCK FALE DEFEATED KAZUCHIKA OKADA / HIROOKI GOTO DEFEATED TOGI MAKABE
NIGHT SIXTEEN / BLOCK B MATCHES / 10/08/16
KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA / EVIL DEFEATED TORU YANO / TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED YOSHI-HASHI / KATSUYORI SHIBATA DEFEATED YUJI NAGATA / MICHAEL ELGIN DEFEATED TOMOAKI HONMA
NIGHT SEVENTEEN / BLOCK A FINALE MATCHES / 12/08/16
SANADA DEFEATED HIROYOSHI TENZAN / TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED TOGI MAKABE / TAMA TONGA DEFEATED BAD LUCK FALE / HIROOKI GOTO DEFEATED NAOMICHI MARUFUJI / HIROSHI TANAHASHI VS KAZUCHIKA OKADA BATTLE TO A TIME LIMIT DRAW
WINNER OF BLOCK A: HIROOKI GOTO
NIGHT EIGHTEEN / BLOCK B FINALE MATCHES / 13/08/16
TOMOAKI HONMA DEFEATED YUJI NAGATA / TORU YANO DEFEATED YOSHI HASHI / EVIL DEFEATED KATSUYORI SHIBATA / KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA DEFEATED MICHAEL ELGIN / KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED TETSUYA NAITO
WINNER OF BLOCK B: KENNY OMEGA
NIGHT NINETEEN / G1 CLIMAX 2016 FINAL / 14/08/16
KENNY OMEGA DEFEATED HIROOKI GOTO TO WIN THE G1 CLIMAX 26 TOURNEY
THE STANDINGS
BLOCK A (COMPLETE)
HIROOKI GOTO (12 Pts) / HIROSHI TANAHASHI (11 Pts) / KAZUCHIKA OKADA (11 Pts) / TOGI MAKABE (10 Pts) / NAOMICHI MARUFUJI (10 Pts) / BAD LUCK FALE (10 Pts) / TOMOHIRO ISHII (8 Pts) / TAMA TONGA (8 Pts) / SEIYA SANADA (8 Pts) / HIROYOSHI TENZAN (4 Pts)
BLOCK B (COMPLETE)
KENNY OMEGA (12 Pts) - TOURNEY WINNER / TETUSUYA NAITO (12 Pts) MICHAEL ELGIN (10 Pts) / TORU YANO (10 Pts) / KATSUYORI SHIBATA (10 Pts) / KATSUHIKO NAKAJIMA (10 Pts) / EVIL (8 Pts) / YUJI NAGATA (6 Pts) / TOMOAKI HONMA (6 Pts) / YOSHI-HASHI (6 Pts)
REVOLUTION PRO UK - UPRISING - 12/08/16
JAY WHITE DEFEATED JOSH BODOM / SHA SAMUELS DEFEATED BIG DAMO / BRUCE AND JAKE MCCLUSKEY DEFEATED RYAN SMILE AND PJ BLACK / CHRIS HERO DEFEATED MARTY SCURLL / RICOCHET DEFEATED PETE DUNNE / ZACK SABRE JR DEFEATED JEFF COBB / BIG VAN VADER DEFEATED WILL O'SPREAY
WRESTLER INTERVIEWS
JOEY STYLES SHOOT INTERVIEW
Here are the quotes and content from Joey Styles' Facebook Q&A session:
- Styles said that he had to beg for controversial questions, and he said to consider it a "shoot interview" on a WWE medium. He noted that any heat that's generated from the Q&A should be directed at him directly.
- Styles said the WWE edited many of his live promos, and that the stuff he said that got cut out has been phenomenal.
- Styles was asked was asked how far ahead of time WWE.com got information. Styles said that things for web branding, like logos, etc. are gotten as soon as they are approved because so many pages have to be changed. As for what's going to happen on RAW or SmackDown, Styles said that one member of the WWE writing team conveys that information to one member of WWE.com, and it doesn't go to him so he finds out about storyline surprises at the same time the fans do.
- Styles pointed out that he has nothing against the term "belt" and joked that it would get him in trouble. He said he understands using the term title, but when it's used in a match, belt is appropriate since a title is not a physical object. "So that's strike one against me already on this Facebook live,"
- Styles when asked if the New Era stars are as hungry as stars in the old ECW to which he replied "absolutely." he said that there were wrestlers in ECW that liked to party after the matches, while stars of the New Era don't. He said the stars of the New Era are the hungriest he's seen.
- Styles was asked which former ECW stars he'd like to see back. Styles said that Tommy Dreamer was approached for the draft, but he's too busy with his House of Hardcore promotion.
- Styles said that he thinks Finn Balor is the next big thing in WWE. Styles said that "luckily the announcers didn't beat us over the head with it over how much he weighs but he's not a monster," and that he always thought Gorilla Monsoon's old quote about a good big man beating a good little man was nonsense. He said that he thinks Finn is a future world champion.
- Styles asked wrestlers to stop doing suicide dives. He said that in the past it was special, but now even big people do it and it's not worth the risk. "If it's not special, don't do it anymore. That move frightens me."
- Styles said that if he could come back to call a match, he'd like to call a women's match on WrestleMania because when he was commentating, they weren't really competitive like they are today. He said he thought the women's match at WrestleMania 32 was the best match on the show, and said "thank heavens" for WWE dropping the term Divas because he hated that term.
- Styles was asked about the WWE Universal title not being named the WWE Universe title. He joked that his response might get him fired. He said that fans aren't crazy about either name. He would have rather had Ambrose's title be called the "WWE SmackDown Championship" and the new one the "WWE RAW Championship. Ultimately he said that people will get used to the name.
- He thinks both brands should have their own set of titles, and brand them like NXT, so you'd have the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, the RAW Women's Championship, etc.
- Styles said that the three man announcing team is terrible. He noted that it works in some sports, but since wrestling moves so fast that makes three announcers too much.
- He prefers the product being PG as opposed to PG-13. He said that you have to work harder when you don't have blood and profanity, and it's smarter business to be PG. It forces people to be more creative.
- He talked about loving the New Day and talked about how much merchandise they moved, calling them an ATM machine for WWE.
- Styles was asked about WWE "shoving Roman Reigns down [fans'] throats," He said that it's because Vince thinks it can work, and he's been right much more than he's been wrong. Styles said a part of the problem is mothers love Reigns, noting that moms bring kids to shows and moms love Reigns.
- Styles was asked if WWE tries too hard to cater to the IWC. Styles said no, because they don't want Reigns and yet WWE pushes him.
- When asked what indy wrestler WWE should hire, Styles said Joey Ryan and noted that he would have to tweak his gimmick in WWE. He feels that Ryan can do his character in a PG way. He said he doesn't know Joey Ryan, but appreciates his work. He thinks Joey Ryan done PG would be very entertaining.
- At the end of the Q&A, Styles joked that people will remember the Q&A because it was what finally got him fired. He said that to all the sports sites that cover WWE, like ESPN who have people covering WWE that don't know the business, they can reach out to him on Twitter if he gets fired.
BRET HART - CONTINUED
- Bret puts Cody Rhodes in the "excellence of execution" category, stating "every move he does is safe and perfectly executed." Bret said that a lot of wrestlers today are unsafe, including Seth Rollins. Which carries on to Bret talking about safe talented wrestlers being passed on by WWE: "I don't know what was wrong with any of those guys. To me those were wrestlers I tuned in to watch."
- Bret talked about the speedy pace meaning that the match psychology and selling are being lost in the mix. He used Kevin Owens as an example. "You see Kevin Owens, some of these guys, doing breathtaking moves on each other and they just get back up and do another move."
- Bret fears for the worst in terms of injuries occurring more often than not because of this new wrestling style: "It's like someone's going to get killed or hurt for real some day with that kind of mentality and philosophy that no one's selling anything all the time. You're starting to see things in wrestling, where it's spinal injuries, it's neck injuries, it's concussion injuries, and that's wrong."
LILLIAN GARCIA
- On leaving WWE: "Being at WWE is no longer an option. Being on road, skipping work, that's never been me... you just can't call in sick or take a leave of absence there, it just doesn't happen. So it's the right time for me to be gone from WWE for sure. I can spend way more time with him which is priceless"
- On how her dad reacted to her WWE departure: "My dad feels really super guilty about this. He feels like everything that's done, he feels like, I mean I've been at WWE for 15. So he's feeling so bad and so responsible for this because I missed work for so many days and because I'm not there and I just keep telling him, I want to be here, I want to be here for you. And I can't even imagine being on the road right now. If I was still there, my heart. I would literally take off and be on a plane and be like "what the hell I shouldn't be on a plane right now." I want to enjoy every second I can with him. So I'm glad I'm not there for that reason. I miss the fans tremendously, I miss the show, I miss everybody I work with. I wish I would've even gotten to say goodbye, I didn't even get to say goodbye. It was just these decisions that were happening so quick and everything. But I do have to say one thing. WWE fans are incredible."
- On if she will ever return to the WWE: "I have a love and a passion for WWE. And I received such beautiful e-mails from Vince, from Stephanie, from Triple H and just saying the door's always open... we've all had such a great relationship over the years. If they were to call me to do something special...totally. I'd be all over it. It's just a place that has really been good to me, and has been a wild ride."
- On Owen Hart's tragic accident: "He passed away from an accident from what I understand he was going from his cape... But when he went for his cape the release button right here (point to shoulder) is right here too, from what I understand, so he hit the release on it and that's why he went down...he was trying to adjust his cape, and the release latch was right there and so that's why it released... So that was a total freak accident that happened.
- On Chyna's backstage beef with her: "All of a sudden I hear 'excuse me you're in my way, you're right in my way, like you've stood right in my way,' and I look back and it's Chyna. She was looking at herself from afar and I just kinda swooped right in and started doing this, not noticing that she was back there trying to get the, you know, the perspective. So I was just like oh my gosh I'm so sorry...that was 17 years ago."
- On Chyna apologising to her: "One day after a few weeks I don't remember exactly when, she looked at me she goes 'I want to apologise to you, I want to apologise for the way that I have treated you, that I was kind of cold, I thought you were just like every other girl that just wants to be famous and just comes here and doesn't really respect the business and I know you weren't from, you know, didn't grow up in the business and so I didn't really give you a shot and I just am really sorry.' And that was so big and so awesome and ever since that day we just had a great relationship."
- On Chyna's struggle with addiction: "I knew that she was in trouble when she left WWE but I didn't feel like I could reach out to her because I didn't feel like I was close enough and had been involved in her life to reach out in that way, and when you are dealing with an addiction, that's something way over my head."
- On Chris Benoit tragedy: "I remember that that day we were told that they were going to do a tribute show, and they said just go back to your hotel rooms and we'll regroup tomorrow to do 'SmackDown'. So, I'll never forget that the four people -- the three other people I was with that night were Victoria, Ric Flair and Rowdy Roddy Piper...we found a way to come together and really we really figured it out that WWE is a family...I knew Chris for seven years. Never expected that from him at all--ever."
- On the day she found out she couldn't get pregnant, Candice Michelle called to tell her that she was pregnant: "The day that I found out that I couldn't have a child was the day that Candice Michelle called me to tell me she was pregnant… She's like 'I got some great news!' and she tells me she's pregnant. I literally hold the phone like this and just tears streaming down my face. I couldn't tell her that I couldn't have a child. No way would I ruin her moment...I don't think I've ever even told her. So she might hear about this. And we've stayed close since but I never wanted to ruin that moment for her."
- On why Eddie Guerrero's premature death is why she celebrates her birthday: "I remember Eddie Guerrero, he passed away at 39, and he didn't make it to forty. So all of a sudden, I was just like 'wait a minute, here's someone who didn't make it to their next birthday.' So when I did, I was celebrating to no end. I was like this is crazy not to celebrate."
- On if WWE should offer therapy: "It wouldn't have been a bad idea to have some kind of therapist to go "ok, so this has been your lifestyle and now here's how I can help you transition into that." So I think it's a great idea and I'm all about therapy."
- On if she was approached by another company during her two year hiatus from the WWE: "I was approached to join another company and I was like, 'Well, I appreciate it, so much, but I didn't leave to go jump and do another wrestling company because WWE for me has just been great.'"
- On her eating disorder: "I struggled with eating disorder for many many years, I was bulimic. And I finally was like 'okay.' 15 times in one day I threw up. That's when the frickin' light went off on me and I went 'okay I need help.'"
- On her botch during an Undertaker match: "The Undertaker is having a match, oh my gosh, and I remember Edge was involved in the match and I believe it was a tag team, and I think Umaga was a part of that as well... the referee, I thought, counted to three so I rang the bell. All four of them turned and looked at me like 'WHAT!?'"
STEVE AUSTIN SHOW FEAT DEAN AMBROSE
- Austin asks about Ambrose growing up in Cincinnati. Ambrose talks about how his dad lived out of state, he lived with his sister and mom in an apartment and their mom worked all night. Ambrose says he and sister kind of figured out how to do things on their own, like make macaroni and cheese. He says they kind of wandered the streets, met people and did their own thing, they became really independent. Ambrose enjoyed that part of his upbringing and who it made him into. His dad lived out of state for a job and mentions that his mother somewhat recently quit her factory job and that's the greatest accomplishment of his career. Austin asks if Ambrose had a happy childhood and he says he did. Austin asks about growing up in public housing and Ambrose says that's true but he was happy. Ambrose talks about how he was good in school and how it came easy to him.
- Ambrose mentions dropping out of school at an early age. He says he doesn't remember a time when wrestling wasn't his favourite thing. To him, it was this perfect, cool world where big guys fought bad guys, a world you wanted to be in when you sat in front of the TV. Ambrose missed the Hulkamania era and Bret Hart would've been on top when he started watching. Ambrose always loved Bret when he was a kid, because he was a cagey son of a b***h. His endurance and technical prowess was always impressive to him. Ambrose says he always had a feeling in the back of his mind that he could do this and be a pretty good pro wrestler if he ever had the opportunity. He became more obsessed with wrestling as he got older, not with just watching what was on TV but scouring stores for tapes. He admitted to shoplifting a bunch of tapes when he was younger. He would apologise to Blockbuster but but they're no longer around and can't come after him. He talks about getting Japanese tapes, learning about NWA and WCW, reading the magazines and everything else. He says he loved ECW and that hit him at the perfect time, around age 12 or 13. Austin sees Terry Funk in Ambrose at times. Ambrose says he loved the ECW version of Funk.
- Austin asks who mentored Ambrose and he names Les Thatcher's school in Ohio, and Cody Hawk of their HWA promotion. He talks about sweeping floors and selling popcorn for two years until he was 18, old enough to train. Austin asks about Ambrose getting away from the business at one point and Ambrose asks if he's getting his information from the internet. There were rough times on the indies and he did question a future in the business. He ended up in Puerto Rico and that's where he learned to be vicious. He knew he might not become famous or rich but he decided he would put together a great body of work because he knew was a good wrestler and when he went with that attitude, that's when things took off. He says that was around 2008 and WWE was his ultimate goal from the start. He recalls watching RAW at times and thinking he was good enough to be right there wrestling John Cena. Ambrose told himself he would just go and be as good as the WWE guys, but over there, and he believes that's the attitude that brought him to WWE. He talks about Joey Mercury getting someone in WWE to take a look at something, presumably a tape. He was living on a friend's floor in Philadelphia, wrestling in the Northeast, when he got a phone call from a 203 area code. It was Ty Bailey, who is no longer with WWE. He thought it was a friend ribbing him at first and says he probably came off like an asshole. An hour later, Mercury called him and he realised that the earlier WWE call was legitimate. Austin brings up how Ambrose's response was so calm and asks what excites him. Ambrose jokes about this being an intense interview and Austin jokes about them putting butts in seats. Ambrose said he would go to Florida and be himself, and it worked out. Ambrose says he enjoyed his time in developmental. He says back then, it wasn't like WWE NXT is now as they felt like they were on an island somewhere, like the bastard children of WWE. He admits to becoming frustrated and having a chip on his shoulder. He enjoyed working on a wrestling program that was written by Dusty Rhodes. He had two programs in Florida with William Regal and Seth Rollins that he's very proud of and will put up against anything else.
- Ambrose talks about promo classes in developmental and says it was very weird. Regarding scripted promos on the main roster, he always thought they were a myth because they did what they wanted in FCW. He didn't think they used actual scripts on the main roster and was surprised when he was first handed a script. They talk more about promos and Ambrose cuts a promo on Austin for an imaginary match between the two at the fairgrounds. Austin asks if Ambrose has a chip on his shoulder. He felt like he had one at times when The Shield first came up and when he first started in wrestling because he wanted to prove people wrong but nowadays, yes and no. Ambrose says he gets chips and knocks them off but right now he doesn't feel like he has one. Ambrose says he has a confidence. Austin asks if the business is real to Ambrose. Ambrose says there's nothing fake about what he did to get where he's at right now. Austin asks about The Shield and whose idea it was. Ambrose says it was all organic, never something they came up with in a meeting or whatever. That's what made it special. They talk more about The Shield and how they really had a "screw everybody" attitude when they came up. They had a super work ethic and wanted to just out-work everyone each night.
- Austin asks if WWE broke The Shield up too fast and he says no, it was perfect. He feels they got as high as they could. They were crushing everyone and there wasn't really anyone else for them to go after. They dominated WWE and they were so hot that nobody expected it. He calls the Seth Rollins heel turn one of the greatest ever. Austin asks if Ambrose felt like he was designed to not get over, if it was him against the world and he says yes. Ambrose says he can't tell you what his character is, he just goes out and is himself. Ambrose talks about how you get to a role in WWE where you can help people or inspire people to get through tough times. You get a chance to be an inspiration to people and to meet them across the world, to do things like Make-A-Wish. He says it's an honor to be in that position. Ambrose says it's all about putting smiles on people's faces.
- Austin asks about WrestleMania 32 and the match against Brock Lesnar, and what he was thinking. Ambrose says he went to the ring pissed off that night. As he walked to the ring, he had no idea what was going to happen and walked out with not much of a plan. He was p**sed off because he felt like he was pulling teeth to turn the match into something epic. Ambrose says to be perfectly honest, Lesnar didn't want to do anything for the match. He had a crazy idea for the match to make it huge but he was met with laziness. Ambrose says they went out, whacked each other with weapons and he got suplexed a few times. He calls it a helluva day.
- Austin asks what the WWE Title means to him on a personal level. Ambrose says it symbolises that if you believe in yourself, nobody can screw with you. Don't take s**t and don't take no, or people's negative vibes. Don't take any of that. It symbolises a chance to help and inspire other people. He's been put into a position that he takes very seriously. Ambrose says he's a role model to children and that's weird but he takes it very seriously. Austin asks about his relationship with Vince McMahon and Ambrose says it's great, they're boys. He says a lot of people are intimidated by Vince or get the wrong idea of him but Ambrose finds him to be very easy to talk to. Ambrose recalls a conversation in the lobby of a hotel at 2am with Vince as Vince was headed to a workout. He says Vince is a trailer park street fighter at heart, he's one of the boys. Ambrose thinks Vince does understand who he is. Ambrose says he's Vince's favourite wrestler, he won't admit it but he knows.
- Austin asks about the brand extension and Ambrose says he loves it. He talks about less overexposure and about how everyone gets an extra day at home, which is good for their health. He also enjoys being in the leadership role of SmackDown. He's not the leader like a John Cena would be, calling meetings and things like that, he prefers to be a leader by example. Austin asks if Ambrose is comfortable. He's comfortable in that he feels good where he's at but now it's really time to get to work. He says it took a lot of work to get to this point but now he can really start to build a legacy or a real championship run, building a body of work and stuff he's always wanted to do. Austin challenges Ambrose to raise the bar, push the envelope, go out on a limb, be edgier, take more chances and be more Dean Ambrose. Austin challenges Ambrose to amp up and amplify what he's got because the WWE Universe deserves it. Austin feels Ambrose is a bit comfortable and needs to find his edge again.
Through The Ropes Grand Slam Newsletter / Issue #3 Monday 15th August 2016
Written By the Through The Ropes Team / This Issue is dedicated to Linda Williams
Next Issue: Monday 22nd August 2016
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