Smackdown did 2,323,000 viewers this week, down 219,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast. It was the least-viewed Smackdown since June 13. The show was #3 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
WarGames gimmick match returns for NXT Takeover
The WarGames gimmick match is coming back to WWE television, this time as part of the NXT Takeover event on the eve of the Survivor Series. The show has been officially renamed to NXT Takeover: WarGames.
There have been 30 War Games matches and the last one took place in 1998 at the WCW Fall Brawl pay-per-view with Team WCW defeating nWo Hollywood. The War Games is part of a wave of events or gimmick matches being brought back by WWE from the WCW era. The company already announced the Starrcade show for November 25.
Triple H sent a tweet announcing the NXT Takeover event name change, writing, “For the first time in nearly 20 years… #NXTTakeOver: WarGames Nov. 18 ONLY on the @WWENetwork Tickets on sale 10/13 at 10am CT.”
The NXT WarGames match will feature The Undisputed Era vs SAnitY vs Authors of Pain and Roderick Strong. It’s not yet clear if this will be a two ring setup or just one ring. All WarGames matches in NWA/WCW took place inside two rings covered by one big cage. A two ring configuration will mess up the floor seating plan and less floor seats will be available.
Total Bellas episode preview for tonight: Wine About It
Episode five of season two of Total Bellas airs tonight on E! The episode is titled Wine About It.
The synopsis for tonight’s show reads, “The family travels to wine country to support the launch of the new Bella wine and Bryan disapproves of Brie tasting the wine while pregnant. Meanwhile, JJ’s silly pranks wind up severely injuring Nikki, and Kathy is led to a major meltdown in front of the family after being pushed too far.”
This is the penultimate episode of season two.
WWE and Susan G. Komen unveil the Unleash Your Warrior campaign
WWE and Susan G. Komen unveiled this year’s campaign in the fight against breast cancer titled Unleash Your Warrior.
WWE will utilize its global platforms including WWE Network, TV broadcasts, live events, PSAs, and digital and social media to generate awareness and encourage action. Throughout the month of October, the WWE announcer table, entrance ramp, ring skirts and digital signage will be co-branded, and the middle ring rope turned pink to promote the fight against breast cancer. WWE Superstars will wear co-branded “Unleash Your Warrior” apparel, and breast cancer survivors along with those still battling the disease, will be honored on Raw and Smackdown.
A commemorative, limited edition “Unleash Your Warrior” t-shirt that is also available for purchase at WWEShop.com and at WWE live events, with 100 percent of net proceeds benefiting Komen research grants focused on metastatic breast cancer. Fans also have the option of donating $1, $5, or $10 upon checkout, with all proceeds benefiting Komen.
“We’re so grateful to be enhancing our partnership with WWE this fall in support of those 154,000 women and men currently living with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S.,” said Christina Alford, SVP of Development at Susan G. Komen. “We are encouraging WWE’s countless dedicated fans and supporters to unleash their warrior within and join us in the fight against breast cancer.”
The partnership between WWE and Susan G. Komen launched in 2012 with the successful Rise Above Cancer campaign, and to-date, has raised $2 million for breast cancer research, education and screening.
“WWE is proud to expand our partnership with Susan G. Komen to raise funds and awareness in support of the courageous individuals battling metastatic breast cancer,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “This support is essential to improve the treatment and quality of life for the true warriors with this devastating disease, and we remain committed to standing side by side with Komen in the fight to end breast cancer.”
Jeff Hardy undergoes successful shoulder surgery
Jeff Hardy underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. The surgery was performed by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Jeff is also suffering from a torn labrum however WWE.COM did not make any mention of it being fixed in this surgery.
Hardy, who returned with his brother Matt at WrestleMania earlier this year, is looking at a long stay on the sidelines, with the expected rehab taking up to 9 months, missing next year’s WrestleMania in New Orleans.
Meanwhile, Matt Hardy tweeted, “change is almost upon me AGEEN,” once again suggesting getting back into his broken gimmick as he is set for a singles run.
Nikki Bella DWTS week 3 performance video
Nikki Bella and her dance partner Artem Chigvintsev made it through week three of Dancing With The Stars, dancing the Viennese Waltz to “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna.
The duo got 21 points for the dance, seven from each judge, and tied to sixth place with five other teams. Nikki and Artem are currently seventh in the overall chart with 80 total points and an average of 20.0.
You can see their week three performance below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_W7X8Jrw-E
Ric Flair’s first public appearance since hospitalization coming on November 18
Ric Flair’s first public appearance ever since being hospitalized on August 12 will come on November 18 at the Heroes & Villains Fan Fest in Atlanta.
His involvement was announced by the Heroes & Villains official Twitter account yesterday. The event will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center. The price to go in is $55 plus an additional fee to meet the two-time WWE Hall of Famer. The prices for photo ops or signatures for Flair, or anyone else, have not been announced yet.
For more information go to http://www.heroesfanfest.com/atlanta.
Raw rating for 10/02/2017
Monday Night Raw this week drew 2,773,000 viewers, down 150,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast. It was the least-viewed Raw since June 12.
Hour one started with 2,945,000 viewers, then went down to 2,756,000 in the second hour, before dropping to 2,619,000 for the third and final hour.
Raw was #4, #5, and #6 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Smackdown! Live TV report for 10/03/2017
Introduction Segment: In Memoriam
The fans are asked to stand for a moment in silence to commemorate the tragedy in Las Vegas this past Sunday; the Smackdown! roster is on the stage as well.
Video Promo
A montage of Shinsuke Nakamura and WWE champion Jinder Mahal’s feud plays.
Arena Promo
Rene Young greets us and brings out Shinsuke Nakamura, who will be wrestling Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship this Sunday at Hell In A Cell. “The Artist” says that he has “no fear at all,” which Mahal should fear.
The Singh Brothers interrupt and bring out their leader – WWE champion Jinder Mahal; he attacks Nakamura in the ring! Shinsuke fights back, but the three of them are to strong, and Jinder plants Nakamura to the canvas with The Kolas.
Commercials.
WWE’s affiliation with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help fight breast cancer is promoted by the commentators.
Match #1: Tag Team – Carmella (with James Ellsworth) and Women’s champion Natalya VS. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch
Charlotte and Becky get quick control after a double baseball-slide that sends Carmella and Natalya to the floor!
Commercials.
Nattie and Carmella are governing Lynch until Flair gets the hot-tag! Charlotte is all over Natalya, soon attempting a Figure-8, but Nattie kicks her away. On the outside, Carmella slams the briefcase onto Becky, which allows Natalya to catch Charlotte and trap her in The Sharpshooter to force her to give in!
Winners via Submission: Carmella (with James Ellsworth) and Women’s champion Natalya
Commercials.
Video Promo
A recall of Commissioner Shane McMahon’s and Kevin Owens’ complete rivalry airs.
Up next, Bobby Roode is in action!
Commercials.
Match #2: Single – Mike Kannelis VS. Bobby Roode
“Glorious” Bobby Roode quickly finishes this with his Glorious DDT and cover!
Winner via Pinfall: Bobby Roode
Post-match, Dolph Ziggler walks out and wonders what kind of entrance it will take. He tries a couple of sophomore-league ones, and then berates Roode for being all “flash” with his entrance. They don’t fight, but Bobby gets the momentum on his side by showing Ziggler his entrance.
Commercials.
Arena Promo
The Usos – Jimmy and Jey – threaten Tag-Team Champions The New Day what will happen to them in their Hell In The Cell Match. Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, and Big E. son dance out and retort right back at The Twins, who leave after and no physical contact is made between the two teams.
Commercials.
Match #3: Single – Tye Dillinger VS. Baron Corbin
This starts out even and then Tye begins to get some control, particularly after superkicking Baron.
Commercials.
They are battling on the apron and Baron shoves Dillinger off into the steps! “The Lone Wolf” dominates for a while until Tye reverses a suplex into an inside cradle for the sudden 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Tye Dillinger
Post-match, United States champion A.J. Styles calls out Corbin on the Titantron. He reminds Baron of the chances he’s had to be victorious but failed.
Commercials.
Arena Promo
Dana Warrior gives a couple of Women’s championships to members of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, honoring them for their battle with breast cancer.
Commercials.
Match #4: Single – Aiden English (with Rusev) VS. Randy Orton
Prior to the bout, Rusev promises to “break” Orton this Sunday at Hell In A Cell. English tries, but soon eats an R.K.O. to give Randy the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Randy Orton
Post-match, Rusev and Randy look to go at it, but “The Bulgarian Brute” slides out of the ring and the two just have a stare-down.
Backstage Promo
Commissioner Shane McMahon walks into Sami Zayn and is warned by Zayn about what Kevin Owens can do. Shane does not heed Sami’s advice though and walks away.
Commercials.
Arena Promo
Commissioner Shane McMahon walks out first and invites his opponent – Kevin Owens – to join him. He does not respond, which is what McMahon speculated. Shane calls Kevin “a coward” for this, and especially for attacking his family. McMahon threatens “when that cell door closes, I’m going to change your life.” Shane then switches a rule – it will be a Falls Count Anywhere Hell In A Cell match!
Kevin Owens’ voice sounds out and he is in the crowd! He strolls down the stairs, but backs away shortly after. The Commissioner reiterates that Kevin is a “coward,” and then starts to chase! Shane runs through the fans and goes to the concourse, where Owens was waiting! Kevin attacks Shane around the area, and then powerbomobs him through the merchandise table!
Owens makes his way back to the arena and down the steps toward the ring. Following replays, Kevin has a microphone and gets into the ring. “You think Shane McMahon is having a rough night right now? You have no idea what’s coming this Sunday at Hell In A Cell. Don’t worry about jumping off the cell this Sunday; I am throwing you off the cell, and there is no getting back up this time!”
Shane is suddenly limping down the crowd stairs and to the ring; Owens meets him in the crowd and the two brawl in the crowd and at ringside. Owens chucks McMahon over the announce table, and Shane struggles back up and into the ring. Kevin stomps on him, but McMahon punches back until he receives a superkick. Owens has a look in his eyes and starts to walk away, but re-enters and headbutts Shane. Numerous referees are in the ring to try and help, and order Kevin away. He suddenly grabs McMahon and slams him with his Pop-Up Powerbomb to close the show.
End of Smackdown! Live.
The Undertaker to appear at Wizard World Comic Con Oklahoma City
The Undertaker will be making a rare Comic Con appearance later this month as he will be representing WWE at the Wizard World Comic Con Oklahoma City.
The appearance will be on October 28 at the Cox Convention Center between 10:30AM and 2:30PM. A photo op with Taker will cost $90 while an autograph will cost $80. A VIP package selling for $375 is also available which consists of a 3-day pass to Wizard World Oklahoma City, an exclusive WWE VIP Gift Bag worth $150, and a bunch of other perks.
This will be The Undertaker’s first official public appearance ever since he lost the main event of WrestleMania 33 against Roman Reigns.
For more information and to purchase tickets go to http://wizd.me/OklahomaCityPR.
Shayna Baszler starts training at the WWE Performance Center
She might not have won the Mae Young Classic, but Shayna Baszler still came out with something…a WWE contract.
The former UFC fighter has started training full-time at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida and can now call WWE her home.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there and twisting limbs off and breaking bodies,” she told WWE.com. “I can’t wait.”
Baszler said that she wanted to start from the bottom and work her way up and that’s why today she finds herself with the other athletes at the state-of-the-art facility.
“I wanted to start at the beginning and show that I’m willing to start at the bottom and prove myself and work my way up, so there’s no excuse when I get here and I’m breaking these girls in half. I didn’t get any ‘gimmes,’” Baszler added.
Stephanie McMahon attends the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year ceremony
WWE Chief Brand Office Stephanie McMahon attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year ceremony last week held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
McMahon introduced Sharnae, one of the six YOY finalists, and discussed her close family connection and passion for supporting the Club as both her husband and father were Club kids and are now both in the Alumni Hall of Fame.
In 2016, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and WWE announced a multi-year, national partnership to support bullying prevention efforts and help create a safe environment for today’s youth. To support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission, WWE utilizes its global platforms including WWE Network and TV broadcasts, live events, digital, social media and TV production, to generate awareness and raise funds for the organization. Additionally, WWE makes a financial contribution to support BGCA and the 4,500 Clubs across the U.S.
You can see some photos of McMahon at the ceremony below.
Legendary Memphis Wrestling commentator Lance Russell passes away
Lance Russell, the legendary commentator of Memphis Wrestling, passed away this morning at the age of 91.
Considered to be one of the best commentators in the history of professional wrestling, Russell provided play-by-play for Memphis Wrestling between 1959 and 1997. He also had a small stint in WCW, starting in 1989 along with Jim Ross. His time in WCW was short though and left the company in 1992 to return to Memphis Wrestling.
“My dear friend and greatest wrestling commentator ever, Lance Russell passed away this morning. I would have never been without him. R.I.P,” wrote Jerry “The King” Lawler. Just last month, Russell posted a photo eating with Lawler at his new restaurant.
WWE to hold two events in India in December
WWE will be touring India in December and has announced two dates – December 8 and 9 – for the shows.
Both shows will take place at the Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. It is a 14,000-seater arena and was also the place where WWE held their first show in the country in 13 years back in January 2016.
Triple H traveled to India this week to promote the events. This will be a Raw brand tour however the current WWE champion Jinder Mahal will be tagging along.
NWA’s Billy Corgan still willing to work with Anthem and Impact
Speaking exclusively to Sports Illustrated, Billy Corgan revealed that he is now officially the man running the NWA and is ready to get back in the wrestling business after a year out since being kicked out of TNA Wrestling.
In a very surprising note, Corgan noted that he talks to Anthem’s Ed Nordholm every week and the two have been floating the idea of working together, again, but so far, nothing has been agreed.
“We’ve made various overtures to Anthem along the way and they’ve made various overtures to me,” said Corgan. “We haven’t found anything that is ideal, and I’m a firm believer that if a deal doesn’t go both ways, then it’s not a good deal to make. If the NWA was going to be involved in some level with Anthem, we’d want it to be a good way all the way around.”
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman said that a plan was presented as recently as last month to help with the Impact reboot. “We’d have helped Impact stay more in the lane of the traditional Impact brand, and then set up the NWA as a natural rival, a la Raw versus SmackDown. Unfortunately, we didn’t get where we wanted with that offer.”
Corgan said that they have a 20-year plan for the NWA and he learned from his mistakes in TNA, meaning that he won’t just splash money around for two years. “We want to be part of a new revolution of how wrestling can be consumed by fans and matches can be presented,” said Corgan. “This NWA brand dates back to 1948. The past few years have not been as kind as we would have liked, but we plan on building this into a powerhouse over time.”
Apart from buying the name and title, Corgan also retained the licensing agreement on the Boesch Family Houston Wrestling video library, which is still owned by the family, featuring nearly every major star from the ‘70s and ‘80s. He has so far deactivated the NWA On-Demand library until they can reboot it.
But Corgan’s plan is to start working with those who he can really trust. “You have to build your own infrastructure from the bottom up and work with people you really trust. The traditional ‘carny’ aspect of the wrestling business that plagues a lot of companies, and has plagued a company like TNA, are problems that hold the business back. You can’t run an effective business if it’s like Game of Thrones every week.”
Shane McMahon’s files lawsuit over $500K investment in marijuana company
The New York Daily News is reporting that two years ago, Shane McMahon invested $500,000 in a Connecticut-based firm EnviroGrow, which sells pre-fabricated modules for growing marijuana where the drug is legal for medical or recreational use.
“He thought it was going to be a big boom and make a lot of money,” said a source with knowledge of the company.
The news of Shane’s involvement came about after he filed a lawsuit against the company’s owner, accusing him of duping him about the state of the company. Shane demanded his investment back after he traveled to the company headquarters to see the progress but found pretty much nothing going on anymore.
McMahon said that he demanded the return of his investment, but the owner refused. The lawsuit is ongoing.
When the NY Daily News contacted the Small Business Administration – which is headed up by his mother Linda – for comments about her view of her son’s investment or the legalization of marijuana in general, there was no response. The SBA does not give money to companies who invest in growing weed.
Two Atlanta Falcons NFL players pay tribute to Ric Flair
Atlanta Falcons receivers Mohamed Sanu and Julio Jones paid tribute to Ric Flair yesterday in the NFL game against the Buffalo Bills by wearing custom made cleats featuring the two-time WWE Hall of Famer.
Sanu’s cleats had Ric Flair written on it in gold on the side, a big Wooooo! on the front and Jet Flying with a jet on the other side. He also had another one which had Flair’s face on the side. Meanwhile, Jones’ cleats had a photo of Flair in one of his robes doing his traditional pose.
“One time for the Nature boy.. #Wooooooooo!!!! #KissStealing #JetFlying #RolexWearing #BeanTalking,” wrote Sanu on Twitter, showing off his cleats. Flair seemed to have appreciated the thought. “Looking as only as you can look… Love it brother. WOOOOO,” he replied.
Flair lives in Atlanta, hence the connection. You can check out the awesome-looking cleats below.
One time for the Nature boy.. #Wooooooooo!!!! #KissStealing #JetFlying #RolexWearing #BeanTalking pic.twitter.com/IzlpTNh3pK
— Mohamed Sanu Sr. (@Mo_12_Sanu) October 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/SBNation/status/914531607763136514
Two matches announced for Raw tonight in Denver
Two matches have been announced for Raw tonight as Raw rolls into Denver, Colorado at the Pepsi Center.
Dean Ambrose was very unsuccessful in defeating Braun Strowman last week, and now, the other half of the Raw Tag Team champions – Seth Rollins – will be trying his luck against the monster.
The second match announced will see The Miz defending the Intercontinental title against Roman Reigns. Reigns was attacked by The Miz, Curtis Axel, and Bo Dallas last week so it will be revenge time for Reigns, who has never won the Intercontinental title himself.
WWE.COM is also pushing the next phase in the Cruiserweight division with heel Enzo as the champ and the continuation of the Alexa Bliss and Mickie James storyline.
Michael Cole not doing commentary for Raw tonight
There will be something missing tonight on Monday Night Raw: Michael Cole’s voice. No, he didn’t lose his voice, but WWE’s main color commentator will be taking the night off due to his son’s wedding.
This is only the second time in 20 long years that Cole has missed a week of WWE television. Now considered the voice of WWE, Cole has been doing commentary for some of the biggest moments in professional wrestling history for the past two decades.
Taking Michael Cole’s place will be Tom Phillips, the lead commentator for Smackdown Live.
You must be logged in to post a comment.