CONTENTS
All the News Items Of The Week / Custom Artwork of Samoa Joe / The weekly show results feat TNA IMPACT Wrestling, WWE RAW, WWE SmackDown Live, ROH TV and WWE NXT / Full PPV Results feat WWE SummerSlam, ROH Death Before Dishonor, NJPW Super-J Cup, NXT TakeOver Brooklyn 2 and Evolve 66 / And Interviews feat Aron Rex, Broken Matt Hardy, ROH owner Joe Koff and Becky Lynch!
NEWS ITEMS OF THE WEEK
REASON WHY SASHA BANKS DROPPED TITLE SO SOON
WWE has opted to give the WWE Women's championship title back to Charlotte at SummerSlam, And have removed Sasha Banks from all Live events for the next thirty days. However, this was a planned decision weeks in advance by both WWE and Sasha due to nagging injuries on Sasha's behalf that need tending to.
WWE SIGNS TWO NEW WRESTLERS, ONE POSSIBLE SUPER-SIGNING
WWE has signed two new wrestlers, and is rumoured to have signed one more star, who is a TNA Grandslam Champion. The first two stars are Crazy Mary Dobson and Tommy End. The third star is none other than "Showtime" Eric Young. Young has appeared in NXT before, And had a main event match against fellow Grandslam Champion Samoa Joe on the developmental brand. We do not confirm this nor deny it, This is merely here say until further notice from Young or WWE confirms the situation.
KUSHIDA WINS THE NJPW 2016 SUPER-J CUP TOURNEY
The huge New Japan Pro Wrestling tourney, That has been won by many greats such as Chris Benoit, Who won the first ever Super-J Cup, And Jushin Thunder Liger, The 2016 edition been won by Kushida.
DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE RETIRES THE DIAMOND CUTTER
Not long after the 'Spinaroonie' was retired by Booker T, Fellow WCW legend Diamond Dallas Page has officially retired the Diamond Cutter move after performing it one last time at the Pro Wrestling Blitz‘s WrestleFest 7 event on the 13th August.
ROH ANNOUNCES SUPERCARD OF HONOR 2017
Ring of Honor wrestling has announced their Supercard of Honor PPV event for next April on the 1st. ROH are hyping that this year’s show promises to be the best Supercard of Honor ever!
Here is the official statement from ROH regarding the big event;
'2017’s “Supercard of Honor” will take place on Saturday, April 1st at the Lakeland Center, a multi-purpose arena in Lakeland, Florida with a special 6:00pm bell time. There will also be a Festival of Honor at 2:00pm that will include autograph signings, unique photo opportunities, a Q+A session, and a special pre-event Women of Honor show. Furthermore, ROH officials are working to finalise round trip bus transportation as a convenient and safe option for fans to attend this incredible event. “Supercard of Honor XI” will present exclusive stars from ROH as well as many stars from around the globe. Fans will see wrestling’s best from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Mexico’s CMLL and the United Kingdom.Tickets go on sale for “Supercard of Honor XI” on Wednesday August 24th for Ringside Members at 10 am and Friday August 26th for the General Public at 10am. Ringside members will need a Pre Sale code, which they will be able to find by clicking here. Make sure to follow ROH on Twitter @RingofHonor and “like” ROH’s official Facebook page
SUPERCARD OF HONOR XI / SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST, 2016 / THE LAKELAND CENTER / 6:00PM BELL TIME.
HULK HOGAN DEFEATS GAWKER VIA KO, GAWKER FORCED TO SHUT DOWN
Due to losing the lawsuit filed by Hulk Hogan, Gawker has announced that it will be shutting down operations next week after nearly fourteen years of operation. Hogan took Gawker for $140 million during the lawsuit. Hulk Hogan has commented on Gawker on his Twitter page, here is one of the 'Hulkster's' tweets on the matter; "They messed with the wrong guy brother HH". In what has been a hard and gruelling time for the legend, With his privacy being invaded and his name being slandered, Its time for Hulk to continue on his life without Gawker taking up anymore of his time.
NEWS ON BROCK LESNAR's WWE RAW PROMO WITH HEATH SLATER
Once again, Brock Lesnar is doing things his way and are no consequences. Such as the SummerSlam match with The Undertaker, when Lesnar gave 'Taker the middle finger in an act of "defiance". This time, Lesnar, during a segment with Heath Slater, Said "I don't give a s**t about your kids", when Heath talked about having to provide for his family.Using such language for anyone else has had dire consequences, Such as Brad Maddox, who said "cocky p***ks during a promo, ended up getting fired from the company.The Wrestling Observer has reported that Lesnar did not get in any trouble for the promo, and that there has been nothing said about it from WWE officials, which signals that Lesnar has got away with it.
WWE RELEASES NXT TALENT
WWE has released King Konstantine, aka Radomir Petkovic this past week from his NXT contract. The 29 year old Serbian former amateur turned professional wrestler, was signed last year in April. However, he never received an opportunity to perform on NXT TV.
EVA MARIE SUSPENDED, PLANS TO APPEAL
Off the tails of Alberto Del Rio and Paige being suspended, comes the suspension of Eva Marie for the same reason, violating the WWE's wellness policy. Here is the official statement from the company on the matter;"STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE has suspended Natalie Coyle (Eva Marie) for 30 days effective immediately for her first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy."Due to this incident, The planned match that was to be Eva Marie teaming up with Natalya and Alexa Bliss to take on Becky Lynch, Carmella and Naomi, has obviously been changed. WWE have since updated the SummerSlam match with the following statement; "Will Alexa & Natalya power through without the "eternally beguiling" redhead and battle Becky, Carmella & Naomi in a 2-on-3 Handicap Match? Or will the fierce Bliss and the tactical Natalya recruit a partner in time for The Biggest Event of the Summer? See what ripple effect Eva's absence will have on the rest of the division when SummerSlam gets underway this Sunday night on the award-winning WWE Network at 7 ET/4 PT."
TMZ reported that Eva Marie tested positive for Adderall, which caused her to violate the WWE Wellness Policy and receive a 30-day suspension. Eva told TMZ that she has a prescription for the drug, the same which caused Roman Reigns to violate the Policy earlier this summer. Eva says she's appealing the suspension. TMZ says their WWE source claims the medication was not properly approved by the company but Eva insists she has a legit prescription from her doctor. She told TMZ: "I am disappointed that this suspension has occurred, yet understand and respect that WWE upholds their Wellness Policy to the letter and won't compromise on its integrity. I violated policy by not turning in portions of required paperwork in the time frame WWE Medical deemed timely. I look forward to my return!"
DEAN AMBROSE PICKS UP BACKSTAGE HEAT FROM STONE COLD PODCAST
The current reigning WWE Champion Dean Ambrose has once again picked up heat from WWE officials, and this time, Triple H and Vince McMahon could be two of them. Ambrose was very critical on WWE Creative during the podcast with Steve Austin, and because he was being negative on creative, It means he was being negative on Triple H and Vince McMahon. Aswell as this, WWE Officials are unhappy over Ambrose talking openly about Brock Lesnar being lazy during their match, aswell as not wanting to do anything special for their match at WrestleMania 32.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO BALLS MAHONEY
In what was automatically thought of as an overdose by Balls, The Asbury Park Press reports that the former ECW star Balls Mahoney, Real name Jonathan Rechner, Had passed away from natural causes back on 12th April. The ECW Original suffered a sudden death at home due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or a heart attack, according to the Monmouth County, NJ Prosecutor's Office. Rechner was 44 when he passed. He was survived by his mother Suzanne, devoted companion of 13 years Gayle and their son Christopher, who was Jonathan's "pride and joy," Which was featured in his obituary.
RIP JON RECHNER
1972 - 2016
JOEY STYLES POST WWE COMMENTS, REVEALING HIS PLANS
The now former WWE talent, Joey Styles, took to Twitter to make his first comments after being released by WWE.
"OH MY GOD! I'm back! Sorry that I was away for a couple of weeks. @THETOMMYDREAMER told me I was trending. I wonder why. Was I in the news? / I'm now available to appear at indie events. / I am NOT available for announcing, podcasts or interviews. / #ThingsIEnjoyIn4Words Meeting Indie Wrestling Fans."
TNA CREATES MORE CONTROVERSY WITH NEW JAMES STORM STORYLINE
With the new leadership, comes new surprises, And Billy Corgan has created just that with the wrestling world reeling at the presumption that "The Cowboy" James Storm was leaving TNA again for the second time in the space of a year. However, This is just a storyline that is getting the people talking. Much like the Aron Rex debut, James Storm has grabbed the attention of many with his comments on Twitter, here is what he said; "Due to some things that happened this Thursday on @IMPACTWRESTLING . It seems I can't talk about things yet due to some legal BS." This was jumped on before things had a chance to develop, It turns out that this is a new storyline that is on the borderline of Kayfabe and reality.
(Note: In the spoilers for the upcoming episodes of IMPACT Wrestling, James Storm is back and is featured, Putting a possible end to the rumours)
CHELSEA GREEN MAKES OFFICIAL TNA DEBUT
The 25 year old Canadian wrestler, Chelsea Green has finally found a permanent home for the foreseeable future with TNA wrestling, With her making her official debut with the company at the last set of TNA taping's last Sunday. Green has competed in TNA before, and had a brief spell in WWE NXT, but Green is now an official on-screen resident of the IMPACT Zone. Chelsea will be known in TNA as Laurel Van ness.
WWE SIGNS GRAN METALIK, KOTA IBUSHI DECLINES
WWE has once again snapped up another one of its participants in the WWE Cruiser Weight Classic tourney, With the signing of Gran Metalik. His signing has been confirmed by the company registering for the trademark of the name Gran Metalik.
With this big signing, comes a blow with fellow CWC competitor Kota Ibushi turning down a full time offer from the company. Kota confirmed that he received an offer from WWE to Japanese Media. Ibushi also made it clear that he may continue wrestling in WWE, and that his dream is to become the most famous wrestler in the world. Ibushi also confirmed that he will continue wrestling in Japan.
BRIAN MYERS RETURNING TO WWE AS CURT HAWKINS
After making a new name for himself as the "Prince of Queens" Brian Myers, on the independent scene, The former Curt Hawkins, is now to return as the latter to the WWE SmackDown Live brand. WWE has already launched a vignette hyping the former Edgeheads return to the company. WWE also posted the following tweet on Twitter along with the vignette they made for Hawkins; "Get ready for @TheCurtHawkins, COMING SOON to #SDLive!".
JOHN CENA READY TO BE REPLACED AS THE BACK BONE OF WWE
The day that WWE and many millions of fans were dreading may have finally come, John Cena is ready to step aside from the headline role of carrying the WWE, and let the next pair of shoulders to take the strain of the WWE's weight take over. Daniel Bryan asked John what it would take for someone to do that, Cena said "absolute consistency. Everybody asks me, 'hey, when are you moving over?' It just fuels me to get stronger, faster and hone my craft more," Cena stated. "People have moments, moments that last in the annals of WWE history. But if you look at what I've done, I just show up all the time and deliver. I am waiting for someone after 14 years to show up all the time and deliver. You can ask many other WWE Superstars who know exactly how hard that is. I am just waiting for someone not to do it once, just to do it consistently better." Cena was also asked whether AJ Styles could be the one to do that, and he replied with the following; "I'm openly waiting for someone to step up and do that." John Cena also considers himself a part timer in WWE now.
VINCE MCMAHON SELLS OVER 1 MILLION OF WWE SHARES
WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon on the 17th of this month has sold 1.547 million shares of WWE stock for purposes of estate planning. While the sale price was not revealed. McMahon would have received around over $32.44 million.
Below is the filing with the SEC detailing the transaction:
On August 17, 2016, the Vincent K. McMahon 2013 Irrev. Trust U/A dtd. December 5, 2013 (the "GRAT") sold 1,547,372 shares of Class A common stock of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (the "Company") in a block trade made in accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The GRAT was established by Vincent K. McMahon ("Mr. McMahon"), the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for estate planning purposes for the benefit of Mr. McMahon and certain members of Mr. McMahon's family. The GRAT sale was executed for liquidity and asset diversification. After the sale, the GRAT owns no Company common stock. Mr. McMahon has informed the Company that he has no further plans to sell shares of the Company's stock and that he intends to continue in his capacity as the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the foreseeable future.The 1,547,372 shares sold by the GRAT represent approximately 2% of the Company's total outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock. After the sale, Mr. McMahon beneficially owns 35,533,375 shares of the Company's Class B common stock, which represents approximately 85% of the Company's total voting power and approximately 46.5% of the Company's total outstanding shares of common stock.
SHANE O'MAC ON WHETHER KURT ANGLE COULD RETURN TO WWE
The "Boy Wonder", Shane McMahon, Has put out his feelings on whether Kurt Angle is fit enough to possibly return to WWE and whether or not he'd like to compete with him again.
"I don't know enough about Kurt over the last several years. I don't know where his health is or any of those issues. But again, if you rewind the clock and go back to the time we had with Kurt Angle and I at The King Of The Ring. Personally, I'd love to do that again. I'd give that a shot. But again, sometimes the business, as we get older, unfortunately, in the business, the brain will say 'go' and the body will say 'no'. And at some point, there's a time you just have to pick a different path."
THE GRASS REALLY CAN BE GREENER OUTSIDE OF WWE
Over the past months, The WWE have reached far and wide in attempts at filling the heavily impacted rosters of RAW and SmackDown Live due to the Draft. MVP was reportedly one of the many that the company has reached out to, But things with MVP were far from close to a signed deal, with the talks between WWE and MVP "dead". It appears as if the WWE were really hoping for the star to return quite badly. Of all the lines that WWE casted out, Only Jinder Mahal, Rhyno, Curt Hawkins and Shelton Benjamin ended up re-signing, Despite Benjamin's injury that halted his return.
Many of the talents that WWE reached out to refused to return due to them making much more money either in different promotions or by working on the Indie circuits. More interesting news is that a "pretty significantly pushed person" in the WWE wasn't making nearly as much as several TNA wrestlers are getting payed, even with lighter work schedule that the company has. This is truly proof that the WWE is no longer the only place in pro wrestling to make a decent to a good living.
The Wrestling Observer has commented on Tommy Dreamer, and whether he would be financially better off on the Indies or back in the WWE. Dave Meltzer has revealed that not only would Tommy have been making less per date, but he would have also been spending more time and money on the road had he taken the WWE's offer.
WWE LOCKEROOM UNHAPPY OVER LESNAR ESCAPING PUNISHMENT
WWE will apparently not be taking any further action on the violation of the UFC 200 drug tests by Brock Lesnar. However, this has rubbed alot of people the wrong way, and the reactions backstage are very mixed. The problem is that Lesnar was given a pass while someone like Roman Reigns was suspended and punished. This isn't sitting well with many talents. This has led to talents talking about unfair treatment and inconsistencies with enforcement of the WWE Wellness Policy.
WWE SUSPENDS ALBERTO DEL RIO AND PAIGE
As if things between the WWE and the former WWE World heavyweight champion couldn't any worse, Alberto Del Rio has now been suspended for 30 days for violating the wellness policy of the company. Del Rio has already got major problems with Triple H, and this may just be the tipping point for both sides to begin a mutual separation. Aswell as Del Rio getting suspended, WWE superstar Paige, and Del Rio's girlfriend has also violated the companies wellness policy. These are both Del Rio and Paige's first violations of the policy. WWE released the two following statements on the two cases.
"STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE has suspended Saraya-Jade Bevis (Paige) for 30 days effective tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 18, for her first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy."
"STAMFORD, Conn. — WWE has suspended Jose Rodriguez (Alberto Del Rio) for 30 days effective tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 18, for his first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy."
CUSTOM ARTWORK OF THE WEEK
"THE SAMOAN SUBMISSION MACHINE" SAMOA JOE
Created by Jack Williams
WEEKLY SHOW RESULTS
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING 18/08/2016
The show opens with a video package of Lashley winning all three titles, from Drew Galloway, Eddie Edwards and James Storm. / Lashley is backstage when he bumps into Aron Rex and they stare down while new TNA president Billy Corgan looks on. / James Storm in the ring calls out Brian Hebner to the ring and confronts him about not counting the pin at the start of last week's match. Hebner defends himself but Storm isn't pleased and asks for a rematch. Billy Corgan comes out and tells James that the referee's decision is final. Corgan cuts a promo on Storm, and questions whether he can actually win the big one. Storm exits the ring and brings a tool box into the ring, Storm grabs a hammer and says he built TNA, and that he can destroy the entire ring. Storm then runs down Corgan and threatens him, Which leads to security coming in. An annoyed James Storm shouts at Corgan and tells him that while others like AJ Styles left TNA, He stayed. Storm then attacks one of the security team. Storm then threatens to beat up Billy Corgan again. He says going to "smash a pumpkin". Billy Corgan announces that he has suspended James Storm indefinitely as Storm is escorted out. / Josh Matthews and The Pope are at ringside and recap what just took place. / Moose is backstage having a conversation with The Miracle, he tells him that he's looking forward to beating up Edwards. Bennett says that he has bigger and better things in mind for his own future. / James Storm is being forced out of the arena in the parking lot and drives away. / MOOSE (W/THE MIRACLE) DEFEATED EDDIE EDWARDS / Maria is backstage with Jade. She tells Jade that if she doesn't defeat Gail Kim tonight. She will never get another shot at The TNA Knockouts Title. / LOSER NEVER COMPETES FOR KO TITLE AGAIN - GAIL KIM DEFEATED JADE VIA DQ / (Match Notes: Sienna came in to attack Gail as she went to pin Jade, Referee Earl Hebner calls for the bell to end the match.) / After the match, Sienna hits both Gail and Jade with the silencer. / Maria comes out on to the stage and announces that Gail Kim will never challenge for the TNA Knockouts title again. / Lashley and X-Division stars Braxton Sutter, Mandrews and DJ Z backstage segment. Lashley tells them to watch later as he makes an announcement regarding the X division title. / X-DIVISION 4 WAY MATCH - DJ Z DEFEATED MANDREWS, BRAXTON SUTTER AND ROCKSTAR SPUD / Dixie Carter tells Corgan that Lashley's recent victories for the TNA titles has everyone on edge. Carter tells Corgan that he needs to address the issue tonight. / EC3 - Drew Galloway segment. EC3 calls out Drew which leads to cross fire promos fron the two, Then Aron Rex interrupts and tells them both a secret, that is TNA are changing the game and that's why he is here. He announces that he will be the special guest referee for their match, which see's the winner get the world title shot at Bound For Glory. This match will take place next week. / Eli Drake - Lashley segment backstage. They taunt one another, Then as Lashley walks away, He walks past Knockouts champion Sienna and eyes her title. She tells Bobby to not get cute as Lashley laughs. / Broken Hardy's empty arena segment, Matt advises Nero for the ladder match tonight. / ELI DRAKE DEFEATED MAHABALI SHERA / World, X and King of the Mountain champion Lashley inring promo about being the best. He then calls out Dixie and Corgan. After a show of respect for Lashley's accomplishments, They ask Lashley what his plan is, And he reveals that he wants to unify all the title into one undisputed championship. Dixie says that he has no right to do that. Corgan says he can defend the titles separately but he can't unify them. Corgan states that he calls the shots now. Lashley then calls the KOTM title garbage and flings it to the ground vacating it. He says it only means something when he has it. Now that he threw it away. It means nothing. He then grabs the X division title. He calls it the title that built TNA. Lashley says he ripped the heart of that division and that there is no sense in him defending that title against all the X division competitors who can't beat him. So he throws the title on the ground and says the X division title now means nothing. Dixie is outraged at Lashley disrespecting these titles. Lashley walks off with the world title and says, I will see you both at Bound For Glory. As he walks away, Corgan says that what he just did is a turning point with this company. Dixie Carter tells Lashley that he will defend the world title before Bound for Glory against the winner of an open invitation battle royal that will take place next week on Impact. / Billy Corgan is backstage holding both vacated titles. He says the X division title is important to TNA and they will crown a new champion soon. / ASCENSION TO HELL #1 CONTENDERS 4 WAY TAG TEAM LADDER MATCH - THE BROKEN HARDYS DEFEATED THE BROMANS, THE HELMS DYNASTY AND THE TRIBUNAL (NEW CONTENDERS) / After the match, Both brothers celebrate separately to end the show..
WWE RAW - 15/08/2016
Seth Rollins is outside saying he will defeat "The Demon King" Finn Balor at WWE SummerSlam to become the inaugural Universal Champion. / Rusev and Lana in-ring promo, Rusev says Roman Reigns ruined a special moment last week and because of that, he will cancel RAW. Rusev wants Reigns to come out but RAW General Manager Mick Foley appears instead. Rusev continues ranting until Stephanie McMahon comes out and runs him down for not showing Foley respect. Rusev threatens to call Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan to see if they want him on SmackDown. Roman Reigns is next to appear, Then he insults Rusev and Lana. This leads to Foley making Rusev versus Reigns for tonight, so Rusev can defend Lana's honour. / SAMI ZAYN DEFEATED SHEAMUS / (Match Notes: Cesaro came down and distracted Sheamus, allowing Zayn to take the victory.) / Backstage, Jericho and Owens are cutting promos and talking about Enzo and Cass. / Dr Anderson and Dr Gallows continue to mock the injury suffered by Big E of the New Day. / THE NEW DAY (WOODS AND KINGSTON) DEFEATED THE DUDLEY BOYZ / After the match, Kofi and Xavier taunt Gallows and Anderson after another vignette. / Seth Rollins is searching backstage for Finn Balor. He walks up to Neville, who says Rollins isn't ready for The Demon. / NIA JAX DEFEATED RACHEL LEVY / Paul Heyman walks into Brock Lesnar's lockeroom. / Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar are poised in the ring for a promo, however the hottest free agent Heath Slater interrupts and says he gets a RAW contract opportunity at SummerSlam, if he beats Lesnar tonight. Lesnar takes the mic from Heyman and teases to understand Heath's troubles with having to look after a family, But then says he doesent give a damn about Heath's kids, He warns Slater to leave the ring unharmed or stay in the ring and continue to annoy Lesnar. Slater turns around then tries to hit Lesnar but misses and gets floored. Lesnar then takes him to Suplex city and then the F-5, Then a promo by Heyman, Who says a massacre awaits Orton this Sunday. Heyman says Lesnar is the entire box office for SummerSlam because no one in the back can stand up to him, including Orton. / BIG CASS DEFEATED KEVIN OWENS VIA DQ / (Match notes: Jericho attacked Cass from behind to get the DQ) / After the match, Owens and Jericho beat down and lay out Cass the centre of the ring. / Backstage interview with Roman Reigns, hyping his match with Rusev tonght, Rusev then blindsides Reigns, And they brawl all over the backstage area. / THE SHINING STARS DEFEATED THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS (W/MR BACKLUND) / (Match notes: Titus and Young put their issues aside for this match, and they look close to taking the victory, but Titus turns on Young and lays him out and abandons his "partner", Leaving the stars to take the win instead.) / NEVILLE DEFEATED JINDER MAHAL / Foley and Steph segment backstage, Foley announces Jon Stewart will be their guest at SummerSlam, Rollins walks in and wants the night off, Foley suggests calling out in the ring. / Seth Rollins segment in the ring on Finn Balor, Which eventually leads to the lights flickering and a voice over playing, Then Balor appears as "The Demon King" and confronts Rollins in the ring. They start fighting straight away, Rollins avoided the Coup de Grace but gets hit by a Balor outside dive. Balor stands tall in the ring. / THE CLUB (GALLOWS AND ANDERSON DEFEATED THE GOLDEN TRUTH. / After the match, Gallows and Anderson carry on mocking Big E, then the Woods and Kingston attack them from behind. / Charlotte and Dana Brooke backstage segment. Dana tries to apologise, but Charlotte stops her and calls her an epic failure and belittles her. She says she will win the title back at SummerSlam and also she might ask Stephanie McMahon to replace Dana next week on RAW. / CHARLOTTE DEFEATED ALICIA FOX / After the match, Sasha Banks makes her way to the ring but is blindsided by Dana Brooke, Charlotte then applies the Figure Four leg lock, Referee finally breaks the hold and Charlotte and Dana leave pleased. / ROMAN REIGNS DEFEATED RUSEV (W/LANA) / This match ends the show.
WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE - 16/08/2016
Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan are backstage talking about SummerSlam. Randy Orton walks up to them and Shane has a contract for him to sign to make Sunday's match against Brock Lesnar official. Heath Slater enters with a fruit basket for the Shane and Bryan. He throws an apple to Orton. The basket is addressed to Bob but Slater says it was supposed to say boss. Slater brags about standing face to face with Lesnar on RAW last night. Shane says that was impressive but he insulted them last week. Orton says he has an idea. / Maryse joins Miz for Miz TV. Just as Miz welcomes all to the show, Dean Ambrose interrupts him. Dean runs down Miz but then is interrupted by Dolph Ziggler. They trade promos, which leads to Ziggler laying out Ambrose with a superkick. / TWELVE MAN TAG MATCH - USO'S, AMERICAN ALPHA AND HYPE BROS DEFEATED VAUDEVILLAINS, ASCENSION AND BREEZANGO / Backstage, Dean Ambrose is upset about what happened with Ziggler. / EVA MARIE VS NAOMI IS CANCELLED. (Notes: Eva is "Stuck in traffic, So her debut is once again called off.) / AJ Styles backstage segment with Alberto Del Rio. AJ talks about Del Rio's past of beating up John Cena, But Del Rio doesn't want to listen. AJ then says he is in the main event of SummerSlam and Del Rio isn't even on the card, then walks off. / IF SLATER WINS HE GETS SMACKDOWN CONTRACT - HEATH SLATER DEFEATED RANDY ORTON VIA DQ (Match notes: Randy attacked Slater before the bell and ignored the referee, Which lead to Orton getting the DQ.) / After the match, Orton mocks Lesnar and continues to assault Slater. / Slater is receiving medical attention in the back. Shane and Bryan walk in with a contract. Slater is thankful and mentions showing no mercy. Bryan says No Mercy is a good name for their upcoming pay-per-view and thanks Slater. Slater is dazed and starts talking about Holy Foley, thinking Bryan is Mick Foley. He then thinks Shane is Stephanie McMahon, calling him beautiful. Shane takes the contract and they leave. / DEAN AMBROSE DEFEATED ERICK ROWAN (W/BRAY WYATT) / After the match, Bray Wyatt seems displeased with Rowan, As he drops his Sheep Mask to the floor as he rocks in his rocking chair. He doesn't look at Rowan. / BECKY LYNCH AND CARMELLA DEFEATED ALEXA BLISS AND NATALYA / (Match notes: Eva Marie came into distract Becky and Carmella, But Naomi chases Eva off) After the match, Naomi joined Becky and Carmella to celebrate. / Baron Corbin bullies Kalisto backstage again, And threatens to keep attacking him, He says he does what he wants, to who he wants. / AJ Styles comes out to watch the main event. / JOHN CENA DEFEATED ALBERTO DEL RIO / After the match, Styles flies in to floor Cena. He stands over Cena and cuts a promo/ He says he's tired of hearing about how the future goes through John Cena. He says he will be the new face that runs this place when he beats Cena at SummerSlam on Sunday. He says Cena's love for WWE is great because he's going to make his passion his prison. AJ says Cena's time is up and his time is now. AJ goes to leave but comes back and sets up for The Clash, But Cena counters and hits the AA. Cena then rips apart the commentary table and slams AJ's head on the table, Then hits an AA on Styles through the table from atop of the steel stairs. / The show ends with Cena heading to the back.
WWE NXT - 17/08/2016
HIDEO ITAMI DEFEATED MUSTAFA ALI / Video packages for NXT Takeover Brooklyn 2, Includes: No Way Jose says Austin Aries crossed the line. Aries says he has been beating people better than Jose for years. Takeover Brooklyn will be no different. Bobby Roode says he has been waiting for this opportunity for years. There is no better place to debut than Brooklyn. Andrade Almas says Roode has no idea what is waiting for him at Takeover. The Revival says they are the reason the NXT tag division is what it is today. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa say they earn their shot and they will be the next tag champions. / NXT General Manager William Regal names Billie Kay as the debut opponent for Ember Moon at Takeover. / LIV MORGAN, CARMELLA AND NIKKI GLENCROSS DFEATED ALEXA BLISS, MANDY ROSE AND DARIA BERENATO / William Regal brings security to the interview with NXT Champion Samoa Joe and Shinsuke Nakamura. Joe gets a warning before Byron Saxton begins the interview on their TakeOver match for the NXT Championship. Saxton asks Joe how excited he is for NXT Takeover. Joe says he is very excited. This time last year he had just made his debut with the company and this year he is in the main event, as he should be. Nakamura says he is very excited as well. This is his first main event and his first time challenging to the title. Saxton notes that Joe wasn’t pleased with the way Regal made this match. Joe says he had to jump through hoops to get his shots at the title. Nakamura was handed a shot out of the gate. Saxton asks if Joe thinks Regal doesn’t want him to be NXT Champion. Joe responds that he is starting to wonder if that is the case. Saxton turns to Nakamura and notes that some think he isn’t taking this shot seriously; he has been too laid back. Nakamura responds that he is taking it seriously, but his style is to be calm. Saxton adds that both have had storied careers. Joe says he knows Nakamura very well. When Nakamura started out Nakamura trained at Joe’s Dojo. Nakamura says he doesn’t remember that. Joe laughs and says ok. Saxton asks Joe if he respects Nakamura. Joe says he respects what he has done, but that’s all. Saxton asks Nakamura the same, He leans in and says he does. Joe says Nakamura is gonna respect him. Joe gets up and asks if he thinks this is a game. Nakamura gets up and security separates them. Joe says Nakamura is going to respect him come Saturday. This ends the show.
RING OF HONOR TV - 17/08/2016
Kevin Kelly reveals that The Addiction were scheduled to face The Motor City Machine Guns and War Machine but the Guns are injured and The War Machine were injured in a backstage attack earlier today. Kelly promises to show what happened to War Machine later on in the show. / LIO RUSH DEFEATED DONOVAN DIJAK / After the match, Dijalk takes out his frustrations on Rush and attacks him, Jay White then makes the save for Rush, But Kamaitachi makes the save for Dijak and the four end up brawling until security breaks them up. Kevin Kelly says that these four men will meet in a four way match at the PPV on Friday. / Dalton Castle is backstage with the boys, he talks about miniature horses until the Cabinet interrupt him, They try to get Castle's boys for training but Castle refuses. / Footage is shown of an attack earlier in the day by Keith Lee and Shane Taylor on The War Machine in the backstage area. Lee and Taylor lay out War Machine with chairs. / Kevin Kelly interviews Hangman Page at ringside, Page talks about every move he makes being a benefit to the Bullet Club. He says their mission is to win all the gold in both ROH and NJPW. He then talks about his hatred of Jay Briscoe. He insults Jay and calls him out. Jay quickly heads to ringside and a fight breaks out between them. Security tries to break them up. / The Addiction segment, Talking about the tag team scene after the attacks on the Guns and War Machine. They Say to the crowd that they are going to have to disappoint them for the first time ever, As they are taking the night off. Roppongi Vice followed by the Young Bucks interrupt one another and each throw their hats into the mix for titles shots at Addictions titles. Bucks mention a triple threat tag team match for the titles. ROH matchmaker, Nigel McGuinness gets on the mic and books a #1 contenders tag team match between The Bucks and Roppongi Vice as this week's tv main event. The winner gets a world title shot against the tag team champs in two weeks time on ROH TV. / ROH TV MAIN EVENT - ROH TAG TEAM TITLES #1 CONTENDERS MATCH - THE YOUNG BUCKS DEFEATED ROPPONGI VICE (NEW #1 CONTENDERS) / After the match, The Addiction attack the Bucks and knock them out. / ROH WORLD TITLE CONTRACT SIGNING - Nigel McGuinness is in the ring with Adam Cole and ROH World Champ Jay Lethal. Nigel asks both men for last words for one another. Cole says that he shaved Lethal's head to prove that he can take anything he wants away from him, and that he is better than one of the best in the world, (Referring to Lethal) . Lethal tells Cole that he has proven he is the best by defeating Roderick Strong, Alberto El Patron, and Jay Briscoe. He says that it was always about the ROH world title, And he calls it the most prestigious title in the entire wrestling business. But he says this time, its not about the title or defending it, its personal this time against Cole. Lethal then signs. Cole says he has just signed away the title to him. Cole then signs. Lethal throws a pair of scissors on the table which starts off a brawl between the two. Adam Cole grabs the world title and taunts Lethal with it, Then Jay hits a low blow on Cole, then grabs the scissors and attempts to cut Cole's hair. But The Bucks arrive and pull Adam Cole from the ring as the show goes off the air.
PPV RESULTS AND OTHER SHOWS RESULTS
NJPW - SUPER J CUP 2016 TOURNEY - 21/08/16
PRIOR TO THE FINAL SHOW
ROUND ONE
JUSHIN THUNDER LIGER DEFEATED EITA / YUMA AOYAGI DEFEATED TAICHI / KUSHIDA DEFEATED TAIJI ISHIMORI / KENOH DEFEATED GURUKUN MASK / RYUSUKE TAGUCHI DEFEATED DAISUKE HARADA / YOSHINOBU KANEMARU DEFEATED BUSHI / WILL O'SPREAY DEFEATED TITAN / MATT SYDAL DEFEATED KAJI TOMATO
ROUND TWO
JUSHIN THUNDER LIGER VERSUS YUMA AOYAGI / KUSIDA VERSUS KENOH / RYSUKE TAGUCHI VERSUS YOSHINOBU KANEMARU / WILL O'SPREAY VERSUS MATT SYDAL
THE FINAL SHOW
GURUKUN MASK, BUSHI & KAIJI TOMATO DEFEATED DAVID FINLAY, EITA & YUMA AOYAGI
QUARTER-FINALS OF THE SUPER-J TOURNAMENT
TAICHI DEFEATED JUSHIN THUNDER LIGER / KUSHIDA DEFEATED KENOH / YOSHINOBU KANEMARU DEFEATED RYUSUKE TAGUCHI / MATT SYDAL DEFEATED WILL O'SPREAY
TITAN, MISTICO & VOLADOR JR. DEFEATED GRAN GUERRERO, ULTIMO GUERRERO & EUFORIA
SEMI--FINALS OF THE SUPER-J TOURNAMENT
KUSHIDA DEFEATED TAICHI / YOSHINOBU KANEMARU DEFEATED MATT SYDAL
GHC Jr. TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
ATSUSHI KOTOGE & DAISUKE HARADA (c) DEFEATED ACH & TAIJI ISHIMORI (STILL CHAMPIONS)
IWGP Jr. TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE YOUNG BUCKS (c) DEFEATED THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (STILL CHAMPIONS)
(After the match, The Young Bucks cut a promo, They want the IWGP heavyweight Tag Team titles. They call out the Briscoe's, anytime, anyplace.)
FINALS OF THE SUPER-J TOURNAMENT
KUSHIDA DEFEATED YOSHINOBU KANEMARU
(After the match, Alex Shelley comes out and puts the Super J-Cup jacket on his friend Kushida and awards him the trophy personally. Kushida thanks the fans for coming, and every competitor from the tournament. The show ends with a group pose for the camera with Mistico, Kushida and Alex Shelley.)
WWE SUMMERSLAM 2016 - 21/08/16
INAUGURAL WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP "THE DEMON KING" FINN BALOR DEFEATED SETH ROLLINS (NEW CHAMPION)
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP DEAN AMBROSE (c) DEFEATED DOLPH ZIGGLER (STILL CHAMPION)
WWE WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP CHARLOTTE DEFEATED SASHA BANKS (c) (NEW CHAMPION) (DANA BROOKE IS BANNED FROM RINGSIDE)
WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP RUSEV (c) (W/LANA) VERSUS ROMAN REIGNS
(Notes: Rusev and Reigns started brawling before the bell, It got physical with the use of weapons. The match was waved off due to doctors saying that Rusev is unable to compete)
BROCK LESNAR (W/PAUL HEYMAN) DEFEATED RANDY ORTON VIA TKO
(Match Notes: Randy Orton was cut open on the top of his forehead, Referee's tried to tend to Orton but Lesnar prevented them and carried on to beat-down Orton. The referee waved the match off in Lesnar's favour due to Orton being unfit to continue.) After the match, Shane McMahon came into the ring to get Lesnar to leave, but Lesnar then nails Shane with an F-5)
WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP THE MIZ (c) (W/MARYSE) DEFEATED APOLLO CREWS (STILL CHAMPION)
AJ STYLES DEFEATED JOHN CENA
(After the match, John Cena leaves one of his arm bands in the ring.)
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS GALLOWS AND ANDERSON DEFEATED THE NEW DAY VIA DQ
(Match notes: Jon Stewart gets involved to assist New Day, But ends up nearly getting dragged groin first into the ringpost until Big E makes his return for the save. This save from Big E causes the DQ and the win for Gallows and Anderson, But The New Day team up to attack Gallows and Anderson, then they along with Jon Stewart celebrate as if they had won.)
CHRIS JERICHO AND KEVIN OWENS DEFEATED ENZO AMORE AND BIG CASS
NATALYA, ALEXA BLISS AND NIKKI BELLA DEFEATED BECKY LYNCH, CARMELLA AND NAOMI
KICK-OFF SHOW
BEST OF SEVEN SERIES
SHEAMUS DEFEATED CESARO
NEVILLE AND SAMI ZAYN DEFEATED THE DUDLEY BOYZ
AMERICAN ALPHA, THE USO'S AND THE HYPE BRO'S DEFEATED THE ASCENSION, THE VAUDEVILLIANS AND BREEZANGO
ROH DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR - FEAT NJPW - 19/08/16
ROH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ADAM COLE DEFEATED JAY LETHAL (c) (NEW CHAMPION)
ROH WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
BOBBY FISH (c) DEFEATED MARK BRISCOE (STILL CHAMPION)
ROH WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
TRIPLE THREAT TAG TEAM MATCH
THE ADDICTION (c) DEFEATED NAITO & EVIL AND ELGIN & TANAHASHI (STILL CHAMPIONS)
NON TITLE MATCH
KAZUCHIKA OKADA DEFEATED DALTON CASTLE (W/THE BOYS)
KAYSUYORI SHIBATA DEFEATED SILAS YOUNG
CHAOS (ROMERO, BERETTA AND YANO) DEFEATED THE BULLET CLUB (YUJIRO, TONGA AND LOA)
GRUDGE MATCH - ANYTHING GOES RULES
HANGMAN PAGE DEFEATED JAY BRISCOE
ROH WORLD TV TITLE #1 CONTENDERSHIP
4 CORNER SURVIVAL MATCH
DONOVAN DIJAK DEFEATED LIO RUSH, JAY WHITE AND KAMAITACHI (NEW #1 CONTENDER)
NXT BACK TO BROOKYLN 2 - 20/08/16
NXT CHAMPIONSHIP
SHINSUKE NAKAMURA DEFEATED SAMOA JOE (c) (NEW CHAMPION)
NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE REVIVAL (c) DEFEATED TOMMASO CIAMPA AND JOHNNY GARGANO (STILL CHAMPIONS)
NXT WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP
ASUKA (c) DEFEATED BAYLEY (STILL CHAMPION)
"GLORIOUS" BOBBY ROODE DEFEATED ANDRADE ALMAS
AUSTIN ARIES DEFEATED NO WAY JOSE
(After the match, Aries continued to attack Jose, until Hideo Itami returned and made the save. Itami hit Aries with the GTS)
EMBER MOON DEFEATED BILLIE KAY
EVOLVE 66 - 19/08/16
EVOLVE CHAMPIONSHIP NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH TIMOTHY THATCHER (c) DEFEATED MATT RIDDLE (STILL CHAMPION)
CODY RHODES DEFEATED ZACK SABRE JR
(After the match: After the match, Rhodes helped Sabre to his feet and they hugged. Both men then shook hands. Rhodes then cut a promo on his career and puts over the crowd. Rhodes said Drew Galloway had implicated that he was interested in his crusade. He then got down and kissed the EVOLVE logo.)
CRUISERWEIGHT CLASSIC SPOTLIGHT DREW GULAK DEFEATED TONY NESE
CRUISERWEIGHT CLASSIC SPOTLIGHT TJ PERKINS (W/STOKELY HATHAWAY) DEFEATED CEDRIC ALEXANDER
ETHAN PAGE DEFEATED CHUCK TAYLOR
JIGSAW AND PETER KAASA DEFEATED TRACY WILLIAMS AND FRED YEHI
WRESTLER INTERVIEWS
ARON REX
- On his debut in TNA: "Ok, so this is funny, as a performer I would never get nervous. When I first started, I was a teenager and of course you are nervous when you hit the ring and trying to get the timing and to get all the moves right. As I got more and more seasoned, I would never get butterflies. This was true even up to WrestleMania. I never truly got nervous because I would always go out, know who I am and do my thing. I said this to Dixie right before I went through the curtain, I had not had butterflies in 10 years, but today I do. I think the reason for that was because to me, it was a new version of me. It was a far more real version of me. I wasn't playing a character on that episode. That was probably the most heartfelt promo I have ever done. I really didn't know what I was going to say when I went out there. Knowing how great Impact Wrestling is, I kind of had an idea of what to say. I just wanted to go out there and talk to the fans and number one thank them for supporting me.
I wanted to also thank Impact Wrestling for bringing me in because I had no plans on ever wrestling again. I did some autograph signings here and there and called it the "Thank You Tour." It essentially was me going around, taking some shots, doing some autographs and personally thanking fans since I was moving into other projects. When I got the call from Impact and started talking to some of my friends that were there and some of the officials there, my philosophy changed, and I decided I wasn't going to rule it out. The atmosphere at Impact Wrestling is one that I have never been around, and I have been doing this since I was 16 years old. The locker room is great; the management is wonderful. They allow the talent freedom to use the platform of the television show and the ring to paint their own picture. When I was given no direction outside of "Go out there and let the fans know you are here," that meant the world to me. I am a loyal member of Impact Wrestling now. People can say what they want about my promo whether it was groundbreaking or buzz worthy, but it was just a guy talking to the people, the viewers at home and the fans at the arena. I know that can be lost in our business sometimes, but at Impact Wrestling the talent is given that chance for genuine interactions with fans."
- On being free in TNA compared to WWE: "To me, my former employer, I really have nothing bad to say about them. They gave me a platform, and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the street cred, so to speak. With that being said, my role in that company was very specific. I was labelled as entertainment and that's fine. Here, I can work throughout the whole spectrum. It wasn't a shoot, it wasn't a negative, it was expressing how Impact Wrestling has taken some chances and is changing the game. I am proof of that."
- On scripted vs non-scripted promos, and creative freedom and input in TNA he'll have moving forward: "This is on pretty much a night-to-night thing, let's see what it works, go do it, and in my opinion, that's how the wrestling business should be. That's how the form of entertainment we do should be done. You have a live audience and a TV audience, there is also that Shakespearean element to it and there is also the element of improv. The coolest stuff sometimes will catch on and I think you need that. I was never a guy that you hand me a piece of paper and tell me to go out there and recite it. If I'm not feeling it, it's going to come across as scripted. You have to feel it. You have to believe everything you are saying. If someone writes something and I believe it, I'll go out there and recite it verbatim. If I'm not, then we will see if we can make some changes and that's on a case-by-case basis."
- On what he is looking to prove outside of WWE, and chips on former WWE talents shoulders: "As far as I am concerned, anyone that doubts me, that is their opinion. I have to live with myself, and in terms of a performer in the WWE, my fans reactions spoke for themselves. Regardless of what I was doing, if you aren't in the world title picture, but you're getting a world title response as a performer, that's on me and that's OK with me. I was completely at peace with it and that's why I didn't know if I would still wrestle since other opportunities have come up. As far as guys having a chip on their shoulder, I can't think of anyone like that, and I know the guys like EC3, Lashley and Galloway. There is no chip on their shoulders and they are going out there and doing their job and making waves. Impact Wrestling in the last few months, you can't tell me they haven't changed the ways the industry has presented itself. They are exploring new venues and operating off a new template. They are taking risks, and it's not just from a production standpoint, it's from a TV standpoint. It's working. It's absolutely working. I would put Impact Wrestling against any other wrestling show on TV today."
- On his long term goals in TNA and if he can be a cornerstone for the TNA brand: "I never really thought about it like that. You are talking to the most left brained professional wrestler you will ever speak to with goals and everything. Short term goals, every time I am out there, I am out there to make the audience feel like they got their money's worth, to make the viewer feel the time they invested to tune into and watch Pop TV, that their time is well spent. There are a lot of guys with that philosophy in Impact Wrestling. When you have a team atmosphere back there, and this isn't just talent, this is management, talent and everyone working together, and giving everyone freedom and collaborating together it is such an awesome process. It is such a process and it is really starting to translate on TV. It has been a long time since I have been excited for professional wrestling and about the future. I honestly thought months ago my best days in the wrestling business were behind me, but after last night I can guarantee you they are ahead of me. There are a lot of guys I can say that for. This TV show, this company, is growing, it's changing and it's awesome."
- On the reaction to him signing with TNA, and who he is looking forward to facing in TNA: "From an executive standpoint, John Gaburick I have known him for a long time. That was just kind of like, "Oh hey great to see you again." Dixie couldn't have been nicer. I met her and her family for the first time yesterday. This is coming from a guy who spent his whole career in the WWE. It's just an instant sense of family. I felt so welcomed by everyone there. Even guys I have never met before would come up and just tell me they were so glad to have me there. I cannot say enough good things about how I was received on every level of the company. The agents and producers are so great and they are so passionate about it."You look at our talent roster for example and see a guy like Moose.
"He is a former NFL star and competed at the highest level of football that there is in the world, and now he is here with us and doing great. He is so passionate about this. He stepped away from a NFL career to do this because he loves it. The list goes on and on. There are guys that can go out there and entertain and put on great matches and a great TV show. Who would have thought the Hardy's could spend the rest of their career as the Hardy's in terms of what you get from them? They are doing stuff that is absolutely crazy and is changing the way the business is operating. I think this is some of the best stuff Matt Hardy has ever done. With me one thing that never went away was this: Whenever I stepped through that curtain, whether it was with the WWE at WrestleMania, a live event, an independent show or Impact, whenever I am performing in front of people, I had no choice but to love it. It is just the way I am wired. I put everything I have into it. That's what I said last night and it might have been a little off the cuff, but I can't remember verbatim. What hit me was how positive and upbeat everyone is about creating the product. How everyone's input is taken into consideration."I left a lot of friends in the WWE locker room, but I have a lot of good friends here too so everything is a tradeoff. For me, and I actually said this to Dixie today, as far as timing goes, I couldn't have picked a better time to come into Impact Wrestling. We really are on the cusp of some awesome stuff happening and everyone is on the same page. I really feel blessed to be here at this time."
- On the TNA World Champion Lashley and a potential TNA World title match: "You don't step into the ring unless you are trying to be the best. Bobby Lashley is as good of an athlete that is out there. He is an extremely high level amateur wrestler, MMA fighter and pro wrestler. You look at him and watch him compete and that says it all. I have known Bobby for a long time and I look forward to getting in the ring with him."
- On the future of TNA: "Everyone in the TNA locker room right now, everyone on the TNA management team, from what I have seen, is only looking to compete with what they did on the last show. TNA gets better with every single show. Our competition is to make sure that it snowballs. Our competition is to create a unique product that has never been seen before using the platform of professional wrestling while showcasing the athletes to put on the best show on earth."
BECKY LYNCH
- On the journey of Womens Wrestling in WWE: “I’m really excited to see how it turned out, For me, it was such a journey. Around WrestleMania, and speaking from my own personal experience, this is exactly how it should be. We should be headlining WrestleMania. We should be advertised on the side of AT&T Stadium. This was exactly what it was meant to be. This is what I have been working toward my whole life. I think I remember saying we were going to steal the show, and I think we did.”On the change not happening suddenly: “When we started it was kind of like, ‘Hey, look. These women were really good. Appreciate them.’ I don’t think that worked, I think everyone had great intentions, and we got extra time. But I don’t think that is what was necessarily needed. What was needed is what is happening now, which is storylines. This is what is getting people interested. It was about just letting us go and do our thing.“We now have multiple women storylines going on at one time. It’s not just, ‘Here is all the women. They all hate each other. They are all fighting and that is it. Now we have separate storylines going on. If you look at SmackDown, we’ve got Carmella and Natalya. We have me and Eva Marie. You have Alex Bliss on that end of things. On Raw, you have Charlotte and Sasha Banks going for the title. You see Lana involved in her storyline. Maryse is there. There is a lot of focus on the women, which is what we wanted. It was not just necessarily, ‘There are lots of women, and now let’s have them have matches.’”
- On women being portrayed like the men: “It’s about letting us go out there then and wrestle and tell stories and do things like that, That is what is happening. That is what is so exciting to me is I felt we had a big turnaround, especially after Royal Rumble when myself and Charlotte had that feud. It was something people could get behind because they saw mine and her journey. We were really friends, in real life the best of friends. So they could feel the betrayal and all of it. I think you started to see a big shift, and it’s just getting stronger and stronger. It’s just getting better and better.”
- On Charlotte and Sasha Banks match at SummerSlam: “It’s an inspiration and really shows where we want to really go, Everyone wants that top spot and they are getting it. They are making the most out of it and are just not in that spot because they are just women. They are just good in general. They are getting the rewards they deserve.”
- On working with Natalya: “Nattie and I have known each other for 11 years, We have been together in Japan. We worked on the independents together. However, I’ve never really gotten the chance to work with her. So that was all new to me. It was amazing, and it was so easy. Putting everything together was just a dream. I’m looking forward to many more matches with her in the future. She was a great babyface, but now is doing it as a heel.
- On Eva Marie: “Eva Marie is so hard-working, Yes, she is new. She gets so much flack from fans for being this gorgeous woman who, apparently, they say can’t wrestle, but she puts in the hard work. I love working with talent like that. It’s a challenge for me, but I feel it’s a great spot for me to be in because I can be a leader. I really enjoy that. I remember when I was coming in and having someone to keep you calm and help you through helps. Then you build this confidence. It does help because maybe they don’t have that confidence at first, and you are able to bring them through to a good match. Then they come back, and they are so excited. I absolutely love that.”
- On being separated from friend Charlotte due to brand split: “Charlotte and I ate together. We traveled together. We stayed together. We trained together and did everything together, We were both in tears when we found out we would be apart. But it’s also been great because we are now all getting more opportunity. The locker room we have on SmackDown is just the most amazing girls. Everybody is sweet and gets along together, and we all want to work to make the show good. It’s sad we are not seeing everyone all the time, but we get together at SummerSlam and WrestleMania and other times. Then those times it will mean more.”
- On SummerSlam in Brooklyn: ”I’m excited for SummerSlam in Brooklyn, They are always a raucous bunch, but they always give a lot of energy. I’m really looking for that. I’m looking forward to seeing the NXT TakeOver as well. We have two women’s matches on there. So we will all be at that. It’s going to be a great weekend.”
"BROKEN" MATT HARDY
While Matt Hardy would like to make more masterpieces similar to his recent 'Final Deletion' match against Jeff, the former TNA World Heavyweight Champion acknowledged that such matches must be used only sparingly. "I am going to take my broken universe in that direction more for sure. You cannot have every match, obviously, in that setting, in that circumstance. That is not wise. It is just time to change wrestling from, especially when I talk about the Impact Wrestling, the TNA universe, when I address it, it has to change. It has been stale. It has not had an identity. It has been directionless. But I have given it an identity. And this Dixie Carter and this John Gaburick, these people who are supposedly creative behind it, if they don't watch their step very wisely, I will delete their asses next."
- On what TNA must do to succeed: "They have to find some sort of identity. They have had an identity issue, I think, for a long, long time because now professional wrestling has been engulfed under [Vince] McMahon's show and McMahon is above and beyond everything else and anything else that seems so similar to McMahon's show is going to end up coming off like a second rate copy. And I think it's very important and very vital for Impact Wrestling to find their way, find their own identity. And my broken universe is something different that has never been seen anywhere else before. I can tell you this: my broken universe, Mr. McMahon, would be terrified of it. He would be afraid to let me go there. He wouldn't let me shoot the fireworks on his show or he wouldn't let me burn up my brother, Nero. But it is time to go to a different place, a different time, and that is what Impact Wrestling must do to succeed. That is the only way TNA can truly grow, is to find it's own identity."
ROH OWNER - JOE KOFF
- On what area's ROH could improve: "Well that’s a very good question. I would tell you that from a talent perspective, from an excitement perspective, the pure product, the craft, the art of our wrestlers, the sensibility of our fans and our relationship to the fans overall, I think we can always improve. I would never want to be at a day of work where we think we can’t get better. I think a couple of areas that I’d like to see us do better is that I would like to toy around with the idea of a two-hour program. We are a very sleek one-hour program on a weekly basis. We have fairly good distribution and I’m very pleased with that. I would like to see us get to a broader national place like we had with Destination America. Since we are not in a set place and we don’t travel with 10 semi-trailers, production will always be something we look at to improve, but a lot of that is building based. I think it’s important that we go where the fans are and that’s why we took our show on the road. I think that’s a couple of things I would like to see us do a better job with."
- Long term and Short term goals for ROH: "That’s a great question as well. First of all, there is no short-term. Sinclair Broadcasting is a broadcaster and we own 172 television stations in 81 markets. We control programming and content on over 400 channels. This is a part of Sinclair Broadcasting. The short-term is exactly as you see it. The long-term is even better even for the fan. I’m really excited about it because of the company we represent. There are a lot of companies that wait for technology to happen and we’ve always been a company that’s been very innovative. I always liken ourselves as almost a tech incubator. A lot of the things we have done with Ring of Honor have come from inside the company. One of the things technically, and I don’t want to spend a lot of time on this because I’m not that well-informed enough to talk about it, but there’s going to be a new standard of broadcasting that’s being developed and accepted right now called ATSC 3.0. It’s going to be television transmission on an IP level. It’s going to allow us as a company and anyone else adapting to it to really bring free television platforms anywhere and on any device people are viewing them on. That’s another key to Sinclair is that we are a free television platform company. So Ring of Honor is always available for free. If you can get our signal no matter where you live or get one of these signals from a station that carries us across the country, you can get Ring of Honor for free without paying anything extra for it. That is something we believe dearly in and that says a lot about us."
- On why Destination America relationship ended and how he regards that venture: "Well I think it was very successful in retrospect. It expanded my brand even for that short period of time that we were on and it allowed more people to see us and more people to experience us. As far as why it didn’t go longer, I think it had to do with the management shift at Destination America which is not uncommon in the programming business. We are all fighting for audience and we are all fighting to do the best thing for our station. Destination America is a programming channel and I think they wanted to go more into the, I don’t want to call it the occult, but shows like Ghost Whisperer and stuff like that. Wrestling as a product has a tendency to be an isolationist product unless you are on a full wrestling channel, which doesn’t exist except in over-the-top with the WWE or on my website or ROH wrestling on demand where you can get tons of videos on demand. It doesn’t lend itself around other products unless you’re a male oriented station or a combat oriented station. I think Destination America just made a programming choice. I was thrilled to have that exposure. With Comet TV, which is a science fiction genre channel, we are in more homes than we were with Destination America so we didn’t lose out on that part."
- On what he would like to see ROH to grow a bigger fanbase: "I would like to go international and take us to more countries. We’re embarking on our first international tour that we are promoting in the UK in November. I would like to be able to get to the point where we can get into some bigger buildings and we are getting there. This has been an amazing journey, and it started in 2010 when I met with Cary Silkin, the owner of Ring of Honor at the time. I talked to him about expanding his brand and taking it to places that he was unable to do. He agreed finally and after back and forth we were able to debut a product on September 24, 2011, which is when Ring of Honor television began. We are in the 250’s of episodes and that is a lot of content we have created. That includes the videos on demand and every house show we do is recorded and is available to the fans. I think we’ve done a really good job in creating a brand, and a brand that like you said the fans love. Quite frankly that is the reason why I was so passionate about getting involved with Ring of Honor. The relationship we have with the brand and the fans. I’ve been into wrestling my entire life, I am one of those fans that never really grew out of it, and I was able to find a way to stay in it. There are moments when you go to a Ring of Honor event, and I’m sure you guys have been and if not you need to come, when the arena and the fans and the guys all become one. It’s almost like you’re an athlete getting into the zone, it just happens and then you realise you are in the zone. Those moments are magical for my wrestlers and the fans and everyone involved. That’s the magic of Ring of Honor and I want to keep sustaining that and to keep it going. I think we’ve done a very good job in doing that."
- On when ROH stars leave for WWE or TNA, and what ROH has done to keep its stars under contract: "I love people that want to work for Ring of Honor and we are trying very hard to become the promotion of choice. A promotion of choice for fans, a promotion of choice for advertisers and a promotion of choice for talent. I don’t blame guys if they want to seize better opportunities elsewhere, and I think we would all do the same thing. I think we have done a very good job in creating a culture and I think our culture is definitely different than other wrestling companies and promotions. We provide steady work, we tour, we do TV, we don’t wrestle 200 days a year and because of that economically there’s going to be a difference. I certainly don’t begrudge anybody that thinks they can do better for themselves. They’re in charge of their lives and taking care of themselves and their families or whatever the decision trigger is to move to those organisations. I’m happy they were part of Ring of Honor and I hope they feel the same way."
- On if WWE pushing former ROH stars helps ROH or hurts them: "You can’t worry about what you’re going to lose, you can only focus on what you can build. I think it’s a great draw for us. When you look at the wrestling landscape, and I just want to draw attention to even this conversation, four years ago I don’t think I would be this powerful in this narrative and I think we are there. When you talk about the names that you mentioned, I don’t think they would’ve gotten there without Ring of Honor. Ring of Honor is special and is special to the fans and special to the guys. Because of that I think we have an aspirational promotion to keep bringing in talent that may make it to WWE while some guys, and I say this with a lot of confidence, are very happy to just be in Ring of Honor. That level of talent is still going to be coveted, but may not be obtained. I have no issue with that and I’m proud of that. The guys that have worked for me and are now in WWE, I’d like to think that we played a little part in their success. I can take a lot of solace in that."
Through The Ropes Grand Slam Newsletter / Issue #4 Monday 22nd August 2016
Written By the Through The Ropes Team / This Issue is dedicated to Ruby Williams
Next Issue: Monday 29th August 2016
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