Smackdown drew 2,590,000 viewers this week, down 102,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast which featured the return of John Cena for the first time on Smackdown since August 2017. The show was #2 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic and #5 in overall viewership. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Semi final matches set for the WWE Cruiserweight title tournament
Four WWE Superstars remain in the Cruiserweight title tournament following yesterday’s final two quarter final matches that took place on 205 Live.
Advancing to the semis are Mustafa Ali, Cedric Alexander, Drew Gulak, and NXT’s Roderick Strong. The matches will see Alexander taking on Strong and Ali versus Gulak.
The first semi final match between Alexander and Strong will take place next week on 205 Live and the second match will take place the following week. The final match to crown the new champion is set for WrestleMania 34.
The Cruiserweight title became vacant after Enzo Amore was stripped off the title and fired following a rape allegation.
UFC’s Fabrício Werdum wants WWE deal
You can add former UFC Heavyweight champion Fabrício Werdum to the list of MMA fighters who want to join WWE…and Werdum is pushing for it by having a meeting this week with WWE to discuss a possible deal.
Speaking to MMAFighting.com, Werdum said that he thinks doing both WWE and MMA at the same time is doable. “If I had the opportunity I’d fight there, no problem. It’s financially great. Fight at WWE, a spectacle that is fun to do. I’d definitely do it. I have a meeting Thursday about it, doing both. I want to fight, doesn’t matter where.”
Werdum revealed that he is meeting a WWE rep this Thursday in San Diego to discuss the opportunity. “It’s cool, a unique opportunity to do a few fights there as well. People think it’s easy, but it’s not. You have to be well trained to do those jumps, you have to be agile. It’s not easy as some people might think. It’s quite complicated. You have to be well trained and practice a lot to captivate the audience,” Werdum said.
The Brazilian fighter added that he’d be thrilled to wrestle there or even get a contract and repeated the fact that it should be doable for UFC “since it’s not a real fight, it’s more of a show.”
Werdum has a 23-7-1 MMA record.
The Bar issue open challenge for Raw Tag Team titles at WrestleMania
After going through all the Raw tag teams, Sheamus and Cesaro issued an open challenge for the Raw Tag Team titles at WrestleMania.
“Who will Step Up To #TheBar at #WrestleMania34? The Greatest Tag Team on Earth has NO worthy opponents on The Grandest Stage of Them All. This is an Open Invitation… #StepUpToTheBar,” Sheamus wrote on his Twitter.
After the tweet was sent, Bubba Ray Dudley replied saying just “Psssst…” and adding a photo of the Dudley Boyz wearing their WWE, WCW, and ECW Tag Team titles. Curt Hawkins asked Zack Ryder if he’s busy on that day, while Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks replied saying, “We happen to have that date open…” His brother Matt said that he thinks Ring of Honor – who they are under contract with – would let them do a one-time appearance.
Last year, the duo were booked in a three-way ladder match that turned into a fatal 4-way with the surprise addition of Matt and Jeff Hardy.
Jeff Hardy cleared to resume in-ring action by surgeon
Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting that former champion Jeff Hardy has been cleared to return by his surgeon and is now awaiting the WWE medical team to give him the okay to return to the ring.
Hardy tore his rotator cuff and underwent surgery on October 3 of last year to repair the damage. The injury occurred during the Raw six-pack challenge in September. Apart from suffering a full thickness tear of his supraspinatus tendon, Hardy also tore his labrum.
It’s not clear if Hardy will be brought back to action in time for WrestleMania considering we’re only a month away. But if he ends up skipping WrestleMania, the Raw after WrestleMania sounds like a good time to make a comeback!
Raw rating for 03/05/2018
Monday Night Raw this week drew a total of 3,120,000 viewers, down 60,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast.
Hour one started with 3,302,000 viewers, followed by 3,267,000 viewers in the second hour, and then down to 2,792,000 for the third and final hour. Raw lost 510,000 viewers from hour one to hour three.
The show was #1, #2, and #3 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Alberto El Patron meets Vince McMahon at WWE headquarters
PWInsider.com is reporting that Impact Wrestling’s Alberto El Patron was in Stamford last week to film some interviews for an upcoming WWE Network feature on Rey Mysterio.
El Patron, who is under a deal with Impact until the end of this month, also took a trip to the WWE headquarters where he had a meeting with Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. McMahon, according to sources for PWInsider.com, is keen to have El Patron back in the company.
The former champion left WWE in September of 2016 after he requested his release following a Wellness Program suspension. After he left WWE, El Patron bashed the company, especially Triple H, publicly on several occasions during drunk rants filmed on Periscope. El Patron was dating Paige at the time and the two are no longer together.
The man formerly known as Alberto Del Rio will be headlining the Impact Redemption pay-per-view against Austin Aries for the Impact title in April…assuming he signs an extension with the company.
Jonathan Coachman responds to sexual harassment allegations
Jonathan Coachman was not happy being mentioned in the ESPN sexual harassment lawsuit by Adrienne Lawrence and refuted all the allegations, labeling them as “vicious lies.”
“I will address this only once because I am seething today. In 21 years of being a PROFESSIONAL I have never been more offended in my life. In my 9 years I can count on one hand the amount of times I interacted with anyone other than a co-anchor,” Coachman tweeted.
“To allow someone to spread vicious lies and flat out fabrications is not ok and it’s time someone stood up for themselves. @JemeleHill addressed her lie last night. I am not a part of this lawsuit because I have never done anything wrong. My reputation speaks for itself and anyone that has ever worked with me will back that up. I am also offended that someone can dangerously throw peoples names into something for the clear attempt at getting headlines,” he added.
Coach made it clear that he is not part of the lawsuit but said that his heart goes out to anyone falsely accused of anything. “Trust me it doesn’t feel good,” he concluded.
Triple threat match for the Intercontinental title added to WrestleMania 34
A triple threat match for the Intercontinental title has been added to the WrestleMania card with The Miz defending the gold against Seth Rollins and Finn Balor.
The Miz made fun of the duo during his “third annual Mizzies” where he gives out awards for bad stuff that happened on WWE television. Kurt Angle got a few awards, one of which was for adding Rollins and Balor to the Elimination Chamber match and one for not giving The Miz a match at WrestleMania.
Both Rollins and Balor interrupted the segment, which led to a three-on-two handicap match between The Miz, Curtis Axel, and Bo Dallas taking on Balor and Rollins. The faces won the match, which led to Kurt Angle to come out and announce the triple threat match for Mania.
Raw’s Jonathan Coachman named in ESPN sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former employee
Adrienne Lawrence, the former anchor and analyst at ESPN, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit yesterday in the United States District Court of Connecticut against her former employer. The lawsuit also names Raw announcer Jonathan Coachman, although he is not getting sued personally.
In page 32 out of the 93-page lawsuit, Lawrence claims that on or around January 18, 2016, SportsCenter anchor Jonathan Coachman e-mailed her offering to provide her with mentorship and providing his cellphone number.
“When he contacted her via text, he quickly turned a professional conversation into a personal matter, asking her about her musical interests. He was employing the ESPN predators’ playbook,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit adds that her colleagues cautioned her that Coachman was “notorious for sexually harassing female employees” and after that, she told Coachman that she had a boyfriend. The Coach allegedly made no contact with her ever again and made no further offers of mentorship.
“Coachman’s reputation for making unwelcome sexual advances toward women and engaging in other sexually harassing behavior was not a secret. Cary Chow had warned Ms. Lawrence about him when he gave the short list of men at ESPN who were notorious for sexual harassment. Coachman had sent Walsh inappropriate photos of himself and text messages, falsely telling her colleagues that they were romantically involved and that she ‘wanted’ him – another common practice of men at ESPN,” the lawsuit continues.
One young production assistant also told Lawrence that Coach made her feel uncomfortable by complimenting her physical appearance and making passes at her.
Angle/Rousey vs HHH/Steph made official after crazy opening segment on Raw
The mixed tag team match between Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey versus Triple H and Stephanie McMahon for WrestleMania 34 was made official last night after things between all four reached new heights.
During the opening segment of Raw, Ronda Rousey chose to wrestle Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania. After Steph complained that she’s not an active wrestler, Kurt Angle told everyone that she had two contracts – one as an executive, and one as a wrestler. He then informed Triple H that he also has a similar contract, which led to Angle making the mixed tag team match for WrestleMania.
Stephanie tried to slap Angle but Rousey interjected, stopping her right in the nick of time. As Triple H calmed things down, he tried another sucker punch on Angle but this time, Angle was ready and decked Triple H instead. Angle then locked in the Angle Lock on HHH but eventually Triple H escaped. Rousey, who was looking on, got hit from behind by Stephanie McMahon and Rousey turned into Terminator mode but Stephanie bolted out of the ring.
Things escalated after that as Angle got back in the ring and once again placed Triple H in the Angle Lock before Stephanie returned and helped her husband out. But it was not over for Stephanie as Rousey grabbed her by the hair and hoisted her up from the outside to inside the ring and delivered a Samoan drop on her to end the segment.
The Milwaukee crowd welcomed Ronda Rousey with open arms and was hot for the whole segment. You can watch it below.
Chloe x Halle to perform America The Beautiful at WrestleMania 34
The sister duo Chloe x Halle will be singing America The Beautiful to kick off WrestleMania 34 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
“It is an honor for us to perform ‘America the Beautiful’ in New Orleans at WrestleMania,” said Chloe x Halle. “We feel privileged to participate in such a meaningful way at one of the biggest sports and entertainment events in the world.”
“Chloe x Halle are a dynamic sister duo, known for their angelic voices and soulful performances,” said Neil Lawi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, WWE Music Group. “WWE is thrilled to have them open WrestleMania with their rendition of ‘America the Beautiful,’ a role that has been filled with renowned artists in the past, including Ray Charles, John Legend, Aretha Franklin, Nicole Scherzinger, Fifth Harmony and Tinashe. This will mark the first time WWE has had a duet performance of this song.”
Ronda Rousey booked on every Raw leading up to WrestleMania 34
Ronda Rousey is taking her new WWE job seriously and today the company announced that the former UFC Bantamweight champion will be appearing on every Monday Night Raw leading up to WrestleMania 34.
Rousey’s appearance on these shows will help build the storyline the company is building between her and Kurt Angle versus Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, an angle that will lead to a mixed tag team match in New Orleans on April 8.
Her schedule following WrestleMania remains unknown but Rousey will continue training at the WWE Performance Center as she keeps learning the art of professional wrestling.
Rousey’s road to WrestleMania will take her through the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee tonight, the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit next week, the American Airlines Center in Dallas on March 19, the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on March 26, and the Philips Arena in Atlanta on April 2.
Survivor Series 2018 travel packages available now
Travel packages for the Survivor Series went on sale today on WWE.COM. There will be three packages which you can choose from: Hollywood, VIP, and Gold.
All packages include 3 or 4 night hotel accommodation, NXT Takeover: Los Angeles, Survivor Series, Raw, and Smackdown tickets (depending if you stay for Smackdown), and a Sunday breakfast and autograph session with WWE Superstars.
The VIP package has floor seats with the commemorative chair while the Hollywood package will also include a reception at the Staples Center prior to the Survivor Series with WWE Superstars and a behind-the-scenes experience at the Staples Center prior to Monday Night Raw.
A package for a single traveler for Gold costs $1,885, for VIP costs $2,450, and for the Hollywood one it will set you back $3,965. Prices decrease if you add more individuals to your room. There’s a maximum of four persons in one room.
For more information go to SurvivorSeriesTravel.com.
Hillbilly Jim joins the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2018
Hillbilly Jim is the latest inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2018.
The 65-year-old made his professional wrestling debut in 1975 and wrestled for the Continental Wrestling Association before joining the WWE in 1984. While in WWE, he was aligned with Hulk Hogan however his career never took off as a singles wrestler and was mostly used as a feel-good character. Perhaps his biggest moment came at WrestleMania III where he teamed up with midget wrestlers to take on King Kong Bundy.
Hillbilly Jim then transitioned to a television host and presented Prime Time Wrestling until the show was canceled in favor of Monday Night Raw in early 1993.
He returned to WWE in 1995 managing Henry and Phineas Godwinn but that only lasted a couple of years until the duo turned heel. While his on-screen career came to an end, Hillbilly Jim worked for WWE and did a lot of the promotion tours, especially WrestleManias and home video events.
Hillbilly Jim was one of those chosen to appear in WWE Legends House which was shopped for network television but ultimately ended up on the WWE Network.
Snickers to sponsor WrestleMania for the third year in a row
Mars Inc, through their Snickers brand, will be the exclusive presenting partner of WrestleMania 34, marking the third year in a row that Snickers appears as a sponsor for WWE’s biggest event of the year.
The partnership will be highlighted by custom content produced by WWE for Snickers, which will feature WWE Superstars and the brand’s popular ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’ campaign. The creative will appear across WWE’s global digital and social platforms, the WWE Network, Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live on USA Network.
As part of the agreement, Snickers will have promotional activity at WrestleMania Axxess, presence at WWE live events leading up to WrestleMania, retail promotions, as well as custom digital and social content, including a branded WWE.com and YouTube series hosted by WWE digital correspondent Cathy Kelley. Snickers will also leverage WWE’s Instagram page, which has more than 14 million followers – the most of any major sport – with a sponsored Instagram story on the day of WrestleMania.
“We’re thrilled to partner with WWE for a third consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans,” said Michael Italia, Senior Brand Manager, Snickers Brand. “The animated personalities of WWE cannot afford to be hungry in the ring, which makes our partnership that much more of an authentic extension of our ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’ campaign. We’re eager to connect with WWE’s passionate fan base in person and across social media this year, as this event continues to grow in attendance and engagement.”
“As one of the biggest sports and entertainment events in the world, WrestleMania will again provide Snickers a global platform to deliver their award-winning ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’ campaign,” said John Brody, WWE Executive Vice President, Global Sales & Head of International. “Our continued WrestleMania partnership with Snickers is a result of innovative and entertaining collaborations that engaged our passionate fans worldwide.”
Additionally, Snickers will be the presenting sponsor of the WrestleMania block party at Champions Square outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, which is free and open to the public, and will include fun-filled entertainment areas with music, games and food. Snickers is also currently conducting a retail sweepstakes on U.S. military bases that will give 25 winners free access to stream WrestleMania on WWE Network.
WWE to present The Greatest Royal Rumble with 50 WWE Superstars in Saudi Arabia
WWE and The Saudi General Sports Authority today announced the Greatest Royal Rumble event, set for Friday, April 27 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
For the first time ever, this over-the-top rope battle royal match will feature 50 WWE Superstars and will have John Cena, Triple H, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, Braun Strowman, The New Day, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Shinsuke Nakamura, and many other top WWE Superstars.
“The Greatest Royal Rumble will be a spectacle of historic proportions,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & CEO. “Our partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority reflects a long-term commitment to present WWE’s world-class entertainment to a global audience on a grander scale than ever before.”
Ticket and broadcast information will be available in the coming weeks. This event is part of a 10-year strategic multiplatform partnership in support of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s social and economic reform program.
The deal was made in the last week when Triple H flew to the country to hash out the details on behalf of WWE.
Rey Mysterio suffers bicep injury at indie show that might put the brakes on his WWE return
With heavy rumors surrounding Rey Mysterio’s eventual return to the WWE, things took a turn to the worse yesterday when Mysterio suffered a bicep injury at a Northeast Wrestling independent show in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Mysterio teamed up with Flip Gordon to take on Joey Mercury and Caleb Konley. The injury seemed to have happened towards the end of the match when Mysterio was hoisted up for a power slam but he then turned it into a spinning DDT. He went for the cover but Joey Mercury broke the pin to keep the match alive. At that point, Mysterio started holding his left arm and moved away from the action. He finished the match with a double 619 and a splash from the top rope.
The belief is that he tore a muscle in his left bicep and if that is the case, it will be months before we see the former World Heavyweight champion back in a WWE ring.
Mysterio and WWE have been having frequent talks about a potential return following a successful surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble.
You can see a video of the spot that caused the injury below.
Here's some footage of @TheFlipGordon and @reymysterio vs @calebkonley and @WWEMercury last night at @newwrestling1 #WrestlefestXXII! pic.twitter.com/tWdxKFzXI2
— Nico Giano (@giano_nico) March 3, 2018
Brock Lesnar beats Kane in 35 seconds at the United Center in Chicago
WWE returned to the United Center in Chicago, Illinois yesterday and along came Brock Lesnar, who made a very quick appearance.
Kane was his unfortunate sacrificial lamb last night and from bell to bell, Lesnar lasted 35 seconds. He delivered two suplexes, escaped a chokeslam attempt, hit the F5, and pinned Kane. As soon as the bell rang, Lesnar quickly rolled out of the ring, received the Universal title from Paul Heyman, and walked to the back.
The crowd obviously was not happy about it but it seems that WWE is continuing the angle where Lesnar does not care about the fans.
You can see the video of the match below.
https://twitter.com/briantheguppie/status/970156369746776064
Ronda Rousey inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame
WWE’s newest recruit, Ronda Rousey, was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame during the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival.
Rousey was inducted alongside MMA legend Bas Rutten, host of The Amazing Race Phil Keoghan and world powerlifting champions Dr. Terry Todd and Dr. Jan Todd.
WWE Hall of Famers Bruno Sammartino and Kurt Angle, along with Triple H, are also part of the International Sports Hall of Fame. Sammartino was inducted in 2013, Triple H in 2015, and Kurt Angle in 2016.
Angle was also in attendance for the induction of Ronda Rousey. The two are working together in a program that will lead to a mixed tag team match at WrestleMania against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
@RondaRousey was just inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/bcRa6a2HLX
— JLawAKAfatwhite (@JLawAKAfatwhite) March 3, 2018