Former Tough Enough winner Matt Cappotelli recently underwent another brain surgery because his cancer came back and the results were worse than originally hoped for.
The 37-year-old, who won Tough Enough III along with Johnny Mundo, was diagnosed with a grade 2/3 astrocytoma in December 2005 and two months later announced that he had brain tumor. At the time, Cappotelli was the Ohio Valley Wrestling champion and on the verge of being brought up to the main WWE roster.
He underwent surgery in May 2007 but cancer came back this year. “I have a grade IV GlioBlastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is not the news I was looking forward to hearing or sharing, but it will in no way deter me from continuing my fight,” Cappotelli wrote on his Facebook page.
He will be undergoing spinal tap tomorrow to see if the cancer cells spread to his spinal fluid and then determine the next steps in his treatment. Patients who suffer from this type of cancer are usually estimated that they have a year to live after diagnosis.
Cappotelli left WWE in January 2008 after his contract expired and was not renewed.
Paige has once again gone full out defending her fiancee over the airport incident from last weekend in a long post on Twitter, explaining exactly what happened and saying that the eye witness is trying to create a story and get money for it.
The former WWE Divas champion explained how she got a phone call explaining that her uncle was in a bad shape in hospital and started crying. As El Patron was consoling her, the two started “bickering about something so small” and she threatens to leave, only for him to reply with a word that she did not want to write as “it wasn’t nice.” She then admitted throwing beer in his face as she was angry. “Shouldn’t have done it. It was in front of a lot of people,” Paige wrote.
She said that a “crazy lady” decided to leave whatever she was doing to follow them and invade their privacy in a way that “only low life people would do.”
Paige explained that it was her who was being held for battery charges for throwing a drink on him and he never touched her nor did she hit him. “Nothing more. Nothing less. No one got arrested. There’s no mug shots. There’s no charges. Nothing,” she wrote.
Paige then lashed out at the “horrible, disgusting human being” eye witness who decided to make money out of their misfortune. “I wish people would give us the privacy we deserve. I know we won’t get it. But I WISH that would happen.”
WWE United Kingdom champion Pete Dunne will be making his first title defense on July 29 during the ICW Snug’s Hoose Party 4 event in Glasgow, Scotland.
Dunne will be taking on Wolfgang, BT Gunn, and Trent Seven in a fatal 4-way match, marking the first time that the United Kingdom championship will be defended in a non-WWE event in the UK. Dunne won the title from Tyler Bate at NXT Takeover: Chicago in May. WWE is also sending cruiserweight Noam Dar to the event.
Last night’s Smackdown drew 2,465,000 viewers, up 136,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast which fell on Independence Day. Smackdown was #1 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
During a conference call with the media earlier today, GFW Chief Creative Officer Jeff Jarrett said that Alberto El Patron will not be cut out from the shows that were taped last week and for now he will remain the promotion’s champion.
GFW taped enough episodes of Impact that will take them through mid August and editing El Patron from all the broadcasts would have been a nightmare.
Global Force Wrestling suspended El Patron pending the outcome of the investigation that he’s currently under from the Orlando Police Department and said that Anthem is doing its own investigation and trying to figure out exactly what happened.
El Patron has been the “chosen one” so to speak by Jarrett and was brought in when Anthem took over the company.
Roy Bevis, the other brother of WWE Superstar Paige, wrote in a comment on Facebook that the family has pictures from the past six months of El Patron “beating” his sister.
Roy also confirmed what the eye witness said, that the fight at the airport started when El Patron wished that their uncle – who’s in hospital in a very bad state – would just die.
It was brother Zak who kicked things off on Facebook yesterday speaking out against El Patron and today he said he received over 500 messages from 65 different countries showing their support for his sister. Their father, Ricky, also said that this situation with Paige will be “dealt with.”
Paige, after telling fans to leave her and El Patron alone on Twitter, posted on Twitter asking fans to send “all the love and prayers” to her uncle Stanley, adding a picture of him in hospital.
Global Force Wrestling today announced that it has suspended their champion Alberto El Patron following the airport incident with his fiancee Paige.
“Global Force Wrestling has indefinitely suspended Alberto El Patron, effective immediately, until the investigation is resolved following a recent incident in Orlando, Florida,” a statement read on the website.
El Patron and Paige got into a big argument during the weekend at Orlando International Airport and police were called in. El Patron, who was drinking, was detained by police after a report of domestic violence battery. He was not arrested but the investigation is still open and charges could be filed.
The GFW champ, who just unified the Impact and GFW world titles at Slammiversary, plays a part in the tapings that were held after the pay-per-view and which will continue to air tomorrow on POP TV.
Tonight on Smackdown! Live, a new United States Champion graces us as A.J. Styles defeated Kevin Owens for the title at a non-televised event in New York, New York last weekend. How will the former champion react; what will the new champion have to say?
John Cena and Rusev both came back last week and are now in a flag match at Battleground; who starts the momentum for their side with the pay-per-view less than two weeks away?
Also at Battleground, the WWE Championship will be put on the line in a Punjabi prison match between champion Jinder Mahal and challenger Randy Orton. What will happen this evening with the two fierce rivals?
Lastly, will Carmella cash in her Money In The Bank briefcase on Women’s champion Naomi; will she tease it; or will she announce when she wants to wrestle for the Championship? Will Baron Corbin to the same for his Money In The Bank briefcase contract for the WWE Championship?
All this and more, so read on!
Tuesday Night Smackdown! Live Television Report for July 11, 2017 – “‘The Enemy Of My Enemy’…”
Introduction Segment: Video Promo and Welcoming
A recap of last week’s Independence Day battle royal for the #1 contenders spot to the United States Championship is shown, as well as footage from A.J. Styles’ U.S. Championship win at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York during last Friday’s non-televised event.
The regular Smackdown! Live opener plays and we go live to Tom Phillips greeting us from San Antonio, Texas!
Arena Promo
The NEW United States Champion – A.J. Styles – is presented by the host. A.J. declares that he will follow in former U.S. Champion John Cena’s footsteps and returns the U.S. Open Challenge; he is ready to go, so the person to answer is …
John Cena!
He goes to the ring and scans A.J. and the title. He confirms with Styles that “The Phenomenal One” is serious about challenging anyone – including him – and A.J. reassures that is true. Cena takes him up on it and demands a referee; senior official Charles “Little Naitch” (thanks, Dad!) Robinson runs down!
The bell rings, formal introductions happen, but before the Championship Bout actually can start, former Champion Kevin Owens interrupts. He is not pleased with this contest, and says that Cena is not called for on Smackdown! John retorts, telling Owens to physically do something, not just talk, but if he tries, Cena will “run right through you,” and then turns to A.J. “and I will run right through you!” Rusev slides in the ring and tackles Cena! Styles pulls Rusev away, but Kevin plants Styles to the canvas and Rusev kicks John. “The Bulgarian Brute” locks Cena in The Accolade (Camel Clutch) submission as Kevin looks on.
Later tonight, Shinsuke Nakamura will wrestle Baron Corbin, and up next, Tye Dillinger wrestles WWE Champion Jinder Mahal!
Commercials.
We learn that Commissioner Shane McMahon has booked tonight’s main event, which is a tag team match between Kevin Owens and Rusev meeting John Cena and United States Champion A.J. Styles!
Match #1: Single – WWE Champion Jinder Mahal (with The Singh Brothers VS. Tye Dillinger (Non-Title)
They lockup and Jinder pushes Tye into the corner and then tosses him across the ring. He picks up Dillinger but “The Perfect 10” hops out of it and dives off of the second turnbuckle with a crossbody for a near-fall! Mahal hits back with a clothesline and then knees him a couple of times. Jinder clamps on a grounding chinlock and tears at his nose! The WWE Champion takes over for a bit.
Commercials.
“The Modern-Day Maharaja” is still in control until Tye counters a whip with a running-flying-forearm! He punches in the corner a couple of times, but gets put to the mat with a running knee! Jinder picks up Dillinger and slams him down with The Collase – Cobra Clutch Slam – and covers for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: WWE Champion Jinder Mahal (with The Singh Brothers)
Post-match Mahal has a microphone, proclaiming that the fans “still disrespect” him despite him verbalizing facts about how Americans treat foreigners. He calls out his challenger at Battleground – Randy Orton – for “threatening” his family’ he warns Randy that he will display the Punjabi Prison on next week’s Smackdown! Live!
After the break, Xavier Woods of The New Day takes on Tag-Team Champion Jey Uso.
Commercials.
Match #2: Single – Xavier Woods (with New Day partners Kofi Kingston and Big E.) VS. Tag-Team Champion Jey Uso (with Tag Team champion brother/partner Jimmy Uso)
Xavier hits Jey with a kick immediately and punches him around the ring. He slugs him hard with an uppercut and then pounds away against the middle rope. Woods runs, but Jimmy trips up Xavier. Referee Charles “Little ‘Naitch” (thanks, Dad!) Robinson then orders Jimmy, Big. E, and Kofi Kingston to the back after they both started to get in each other’s faces!
Jey hits a superkick but only gets two, and goes for an Uso Splash, but Xavier raises his knees! Jey hits Woods with a punch, but Xavier hits back with a kick, and then soars off top turnbuckle with an elbow while Jey was caught in between the middle and top rope! 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Xavier Woods
Commercials.
Office Promo
Commissioner Shane McMahon is on the phone with General Manager Daniel Bryan, saying that “no one’s asked about James Ellsworth.” Women’s champion Naomi walks in and asks him who she’s going to wrestle for the Women’s championship. Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Natalya, Lana, and Tamina also join and vie for a chance. McMahon says there will be a five-way elimination Match at Battleground between all the contenders, and the winner will wrestle Naomi at SummerSlam. He also makes a tag team match with four of the women for tonight.
Ms. Money In The Bank Carmella appears and gives Shane a paper from her attorney to change the decision on James Ellsworth’s 30-day suspension; The Commissioner tears it up and Carmella stomps away.
Backstage Promo
Renee Young interviews Baron Corbin about his match with Shinsuke Nakamura. They watch a clip from last week’s Smackdown! Live when Baron attacked Shinsuke in the backstage area. Back live, Corbin tells Rene and us that he’s “afraid.” “I’m afraid of what I’m going to do to him.” He reminds Shinsuke that he is “Mr. Money In The Bank.”
Commercials.
Match #3: Single- Shinsuke Nakamura VS. Baron Corbin
During Corbin’s entrances, Shinsuke rushes him and they brawl into the crowd! Referees and other officials eventually break them apart. Nakamura rolls back into the ring and taunts Baron. “The Lone Wolf” does the same with his Money In The Bank briefcase.
Winner: Neither due to no official start
Locker Room Promo
Cena and Styles converse about the United States Championship Open Challenge. A.J. wanted to make the U.S. Open Challenge again and says he figured John would be the one to take him up. They revisit their history, and “The Phenomenal One” still remembers that Cena defeated him at the Royal Rumble this past January for the WWE Championship. A.J. vows to keep the U.S. title while John says he will challenge him one time; both promise to be there for the other though for tonight’s match.
Commercials.
Match #4: Tag-Team – Becky Lynch and Charlotte VS. Natalya and Tamina
Tamina and Becky begin with an elbow-collar tie-up, and then Tamina hammers away. Tamina runs at Becky in the corner, but Lynch boots back and dropkicks and kicks Tamina down. She hits a leg and elbow drop, and then switches with Charlotte.
“The Queen” front-facelocks Tamina and attempts a German Suplex, but Tamina elbows out. She headbutts Charlotte and then tags in Natalya. She taunts Becky but turns around into a chop and then a diving axe-handle from “Straight-Fire!” Becky clasps Nattie into a Bex-ploder suplex, but is soon shoved into the steps and ring post area by Natalya.
Commercials.
Natalya now has Lynch locked in a headlock, and Tamina and her work over Becky for a bit. Lana suddenly walks to the ring and watches from the aisle. Natalya tries a Sharpshooter but Lynch kicks her away and tags in Charlotte, who cleans house on Tamina and Natalya!
Lana now hops the apron, and Charlotte tries to hit her but Lana jumps to the floor. Tamina switches with Natalya while Charlotte focuses on Lana, and she superkicks Charlotte to get this!
Winners via Pinfall: Natalya and Tamina
Locker Room Promo
Maria Kannelis approaches the men’s locker room and wants to see Sami Zayn; Chad Gable answers and tells her Sami’s not there, but she orders him to tell Zayn “The First Lady of Smackdown! Live is looking for him.”
Commercials.
Backstage Promo
Maria and Mike Kannelis are smooching when Sami interrupts. They want an apology but he doesn’t give one because he already had, and says they should be saying sorry to him because they’ve been a barrier before his matches. He implies who the “real man and woman” are in their relationship, which Maria responds with a slap. Mike hits him with a vase and flowers, and Maria kneels over, telling him this was “brought to you by the ‘Power of Love’; Love Hurts.”
The announcers tells us that Shinsuke Nakamura will wrestle Baron Corbin at Battleground!
Video Promo
“The Fashion Files” are “The Runway Walker Texas Rangers Files” this week, as Tyler Breeze and Fandango parody the 1990s’ modern-Western Walker, Texas Ranger. The opening montage even shows star Chuck Norris from his appearances in the then-WWF from 1994, but does say “(not really) featuring Chuck Norris.”
In the backstage area, Fandango and Breeze are dressed up as cowboys, complete with lasso and stuffed-animal pony-on-a-stick. Zack Ryder walks up; Fandango talks to him, but Tyler fumbles the lasso attempt. Mojo Rawley joins and wonders what’s going on; he and Ryder bicker about Mojo tossing Zack from the Independence Day Battle Royal last week. Fandango and Breeze then notices someone has taken their horse right from in front of them! They both decide on “ghost-aliens!” Next week, we will have “The Fashion X-Files – The Truth Is Not H!”
Kevin Owens makes his entrance for the Tag-Team Main Event, next!
Commercials.
Match #5: Tag Team – Kevin Owens and Rusev VS. John Cena and United States Champion A.J. Styles
Cena and Rusev start, with Rusev clutching a side headlock. He gives him a shoulder block and then teases the fans by waiving the Bulgarian Flag. Rusev goes back into the ring, where John takes over with a whip and bulldog! Rusev manages to switch with Kevin, who slowly eyes Cena. They circle and Owens kicks away on John. Rusev is back in and kicks in the corner, and both bad guy dominate.
Commercials.
Rusev is still governing after a spin-kick. He goes to the second turnbuckle and rockets off with a headbutt, but Cena moves! He leaps for the hot-tag, and A.J. hits multiple strikes and a forearm! He runs into an elbow, but Styles rolls Rusev into the Calf-Crusher; Kevin stops it. A.J. tries a Fireman’s-Carry move, but Rusev shoves him away; Styles hits Owens off of the apron but turns into a big kick from Rusev!
Kevin mount-punches and then wears him down with a grounding chinlock. A.J. manages a roll-up but then receives a hard-clothesline! “The Bulgarian Brute” is tagged in and kicks Styles hard again. 1 – 2 – A..J. gets his shoulder up! Rusev locks on a bearhug and shakes him up-and-down! Styles drops out of a backdrop attempt and then enziguris Rusev!
Both get the needed-tags, but Cena is the one who has the momentum! He slams Kevin with the spin-out backdrop and drops a Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop! He goes for his Attitude Adjustment (Fireman’s-Carry Slam) but Rusev breaks it and kicks him! A.J. hits his Phenomenal Forearm on Rusev and then the Pele Kick on Owens, and then Cena drives Kevin to the canvas with the A.A; he covers for the victory!
Winners via Pinfall: United States Champion A.J. Styles and John Cena
Post-match, A.J. and John glare at each other, and then John holds up A.J.’s hand to close the show!
The website Heavy.com tracked down one of the witnesses who saw the whole Paige and El Patron incident and who can be heard in the audio recording telling Alberto not to follow Paige and that she’s a big fan.
The woman, who asked not to be named, told Heavy.com in an exclusive interview that El Patron smelled pretty bad of alcohol as he argued with Paige on the airport’s tram system. She called him “abusive” and that he had been “doing coke for two-days straight.”
The witness also shot down Paige’s statement from yesterday where she said that it was Paige and El Patron who called the police on the woman for taking photos.
“None of that happened,” the witness said.
Paige was on the phone pacing back and forth while crying outside a restaurant close to the terminal entrance and then went back in “crying and yelling” at her boyfriend who was “soaked in liquid” due to Paige throwing a bottle of water at him earlier. The two, along with others in their party, then moved to another tram and the witness followed.
“You’re such an abusive husband, I hate you. You’ve ruined my life, you’ve ruined my career,” the witness said recounting what Paige told him. El Patron then invited someone to check Paige’s bag as she was the one who had all the coke in it.
At this point, the witness started recording the whole incident on her cellphone. Earlier, she admitted to try and take photos of Paige but stopped when she was noticed. You can read the full story at Heavy.com.
Monday Night Raw drew 3,009,000 viewers for the post-Great Balls of Fire episode, up 170,000 from last week’s episode.
Hour one started with 3,049,000 viewers, then went up slightly to 3,074,000 viewers before going down to 2,905,000 viewers. The show went head-to-head with the Home Run Derby which did 8.1 million viewers.
Raw was #6, #7, and #8 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic as the baseball on ESPN dominated the top part of the chart. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
It might not be the most popular comeback of all time, but the resurrection of ECW under the WWE umbrella is now part of the WWE Network.
Over 140 episodes of WWE’s ECW brand from 2006 to 2009 have all been uploaded on the WWE Network and you can find them under the Vault section under the WWE ECW name.
The show started on June 13, 2006 on the SciFi network – later renamed to SyFy – and had its last episode on February 16, 2010. Throughout the years, it had three General Managers – Armando Estrada, Teddy Long, and Tiffany – while many combinations of announcers – including Joey Styles, Tazz, Jim Ross, Mike Adamle, Matt Striker and others – called the action from ringside.
Rob Van Dam was the first WWE ECW champion with Ezekiel Jackson being the last champion until the final show held in Kansas City.
Paige’s brother Zak posted a message on Facebook calling for help to save his sister from being the next Whitney Houston or Amy Winehouse. He wrote that he is posting on behalf of the whole family.
“I’ve got too say I’m very worried about my sister. Please keep a eye on her, she had one prick known as Brad Maddox who took advantage of an 18 year old girl. Physically and mentally abused her. And now she’s with a control freak who think he’s a tough guy cause he’s beats my sister and has money too cover his tracks,” Zak wrote.
Maddox was involved in many of the leaked photos and videos of Paige and is also seen filming Paige and Xavier Woods having sex.
“I love my sister. She will end up like Whitney Houston or Amy Winehouse. Please share this, I want the world to know that I care about my lil sister…..everyone keep an eye on her.”
Paige’s father Ricky “will have his say later,” Zak wrote and the dad, who was swamped with links from fans posting the incident on his Facebook and Messenger wrote, “Yes, I have seen the reports reference my daughter. I am not Stevie f**king Wonder so please stop sending links.”
While Roman Reigns announced a few weeks ago that he will take on whoever is the champion at SummerSlam, there is one bump in the road for Reigns as before he gets to main event SummerSlam, he has to go through Samoa Joe.
Joe, who lost to Lesnar on Sunday night at Great Balls of Fire, will get another chance to go for the title. Originally, Joe was not in the picture at all for SummerSlam but his feud with Lesnar was very well received and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this is turned into a three-way match.
Both Reigns and Joe interrupted the Universal champion on Raw and General Manager Kurt Angle then made the match for next week. SummerSlam takes place on August 20 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The statement that Paige gave out yesterday saying her boyfriend had an altercation with a woman at the airport after she tried to snap photos of them is not entirely true as TMZ obtained the audio of the fight the two had at the airport and the issue is without any doubt between Paige and El Patron.
“Let’s do it, get the cops,” Alberto is heard saying. “Just stay out of my life. Leave me the f*ck alone, I’m trying to get away from you,” Paige replies.
“I’m pressing charges against you,” El Patron continues as Paige tells him that he deserves it all the time. “Press charges press charges it gets me the f*ck away from you,” Paige says.
After that, El Patron tells her that he’s going to follow her before a witness steps in and tells him not do it, adding that he’s a fan. “You’re not gonna let her go. Call the police,” responds El Patron.
El Patron was then detained by Orlando Police at the airport. You can hear the whole incident below.
Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Raw Report! I’m @TheMagnumDA. Please forgive me for missing last week’s Raw. I was visiting my family for the Independence Day weekend. I’ve got some thoughts about Great Balls of Fire…I thought that the Ambulance match was well done, but you NEED to commit to the double turn between Braun and Roman. As for Joe vs. Lesnar? I want to see Chapter II. Maybe we will at SummerSlam? I thought the rest of the show felt like a commercial-free episode of Raw.
As for tonight, we are LIVE from Houston, TEY-HASS (that’s Texas). Love this city. I was there for the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania…can’t beat it. Special hello to my friends Jesse and Erica down there in Katy, TX! The Ambulance Match between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman is recapped in the show opener before the credits. It was quite the performance from both men. However, as previously mentioned…logic tells you that both men should turn.
We start with Big Cass, who comes out for the opening promo. A small “CASS-HOLE” chant breaks out as he asks, “HOW YOU DOIN’?” He says he’s feeling spectacular today, especially after his win over Enzo last night at the PPV. Cass says, “It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it or not…” Way to sell your company’s PPV, Colin. Cass recaps the match using still photos, and then shows footage from WWE.com where Enzo gets helped to the back. The CASS-HOLE chants are getting louder. Cass says that one day, he will become Universal Champion. This draws laughs from the crowd. Ouch. Cass goes on to say that he will be headlining WrestleMania, and he will be on the Tonight Show.
Cass finally says nobody can touch him, and that nobody is seven-feet-tall. Of course, this brings out the Big Show. Cass gets in close and then tells Show to headbutt him. Well, that was convenient! Show obliges, and then they “shoot” to the ground. Sloppy. Show gets the upper hand, and Cass runs off like a chicken. This was ugly. Way to debut that new #1 heel. Personally? I see this guy as nothing more than another Test. He needs to gain some traction, and he needs to cut that stringy hair and that scraggly beard. Dude looks like one of my old buddies at the “Wild Turkey” house back in college.
The announcers recap last night’s Ambulance match (this is the second time, for those keeping score), and then they inform us that Kurt Angle will provide an update on Braun Strowman later tonight. Up next, Finn Balor takes on The Drifter!
Match #1 – Elias Samson vs. Finn Balor
The Drifter warbles about Houston having a problem, and Balor interrupts. I bet people in Houston get sick of that Apollo 13 quote. They lock up and Samson slams Balor to the ground. Elias tries another slam, but Balor reverses into a headlock. Balor is tossed into the ropes, and Samson elbows Balor right in the face. Cole goes into a story about Samson attending an Eric Clapton concert. After the concert, The Drifter got into a bar fight with some local rowdies. This explains why Samson has a scar on his elbow. WHAT?! Meanwhile, in the ring, Balor tries to hit the Coup de Grace, but The Drifter rolls out of harm’s way as we go to break.
After the break, Samson chops Balor in the corner and follows it up with a snap suplex for two. Samson catches a rare seated Full Nelson, but Balor turns it into a Victory Roll for two. Balor elbows Samson, but Samson returns with knees to the guts. Samson misses a charge and Balor starts hitting his forearms. Balor attempts a running kick from the apron, but Samson throws his foot inward, propelling Balor to the ground. He lands NASTY on his shoulder, and Samson starts to work on it. Balor fights up and hits Samson with a standing Coup de Grace! Corey and Booker fight over the existence of the word “Contentionship” as Samson rolls Balor up for two. Balor hits a gnarly Overhead Kick and the Sling Blade! Dropkick to the corner by Finn! COUP DE GRACE from the top! One, two, three!
Winner: Finn Balor (**)
I wonder if Balor’s shoulder is legit hurt. Looked really bad when it happened. As Balor exits the ring area, the Hardyz make their entrance. They shake hands with Finn and then make their way down to the ring. Cole says the Hardy Boyz are in action after the break. When they return, the Hardyz are cutting a promo. So are they going to fight, or did Cole jump the gun with his incidental foreshadowing? Both Matt and Jeff channel their “Broken” personalities, but they’re interrupted by Anderson & Gallows. They cut the most vanilla ice cream promo I’ve ever heard. Calling people “Nerds” in 2017 doesn’t get you heat ANYWHERE, Gallows. Not even on the playground. Matt namedrops that he is battered and “Broken” and the crowd pops! Matt challenges the Gaijin Good Brothers, and it’s on!
Match #2 – The Hardy Boyz vs. Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows
Matt and Karl start off, and Matt fights out of the corner with right hands. Matt hits a running shoulder tackle, and Jeff tags in. Double back suplex by the Hardy Boyz to Anderson! Poetry in Motion to Gallows! The Gaijin retreat as we go to break. When we return, Jeff fights out of a headlock, but Gallows is waiting for him with a lariat. Anderson is tagged in as they hit the BOOT OF DOOM! Matt breaks up the three-count, as Anderson gets snippy. Jeff hits a jawbreaker and tags in Matt! HOUSE OF FIYAH! Turnbuckle marathon! DELETE! Anderson pushes Matt out of the corner, but walks into a Side Effect! Gallows breaks it up. Matt hits an elbow from the second rope, but misses the Twist of Fate! Gallows tags in and the Gaijin hit the MAGIC KILLER! One, two, three!!
Winners: Anderson & Gallows (*1/2)
After the match, THE REVIVAL are back! They destroy the Hardy Boyz, culminating in a HUGE knee by Dash! SHATTER MACHINE on Jeff! The TOP GUYS have arrived! Up Next: The Mizzies! Wait, the what?! Before MizTV, we get ANOTHER recap of the Ambulance Match.
The Intercontinental Champion The Miz is here for MizTV! He’s joined by his entourage (Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, and Maryse) for The Mizzies! Well, if you can’t win an award, you might as well create it. Miz awards his entire group, and it seems like Maryse is really getting emotional over this! They kiss and make up. Miz then trolls the audience by recreating the ending of this year’s Academy Awards, teasing that Dean Ambrose won the “Best Man Ever” award. What an award! Eventually, Miz gives it to himself. Miz says that people like Tozawa, Seth Rollins, and the Hardyz talk tough, but they don’t back it up. Miz does.
Ambrose comes out for revenge, but he gets overwhelmed by a 3-on-1 attack. Seth Rollins comes out to make the save, attacking everyone and throwing a table on Bo Dallas! Whoa! Both men send the Miztourage all the way to the back! Seth and Dean stand tall as this episode of MizTV abruptly ends. Maybe a Shield reunion down the road? After the break, Dean finds Seth backstage and tells him that there’s not going to be any “Shield reunion” because he doesn’t want help. Well, there goes that idea. It’s almost as if Dean was listening to my thoughts. Spooky.
Match #3 – Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax & WWE Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss
Sasha and Alexa start. Banks chases after Bliss and Alexa stays away from her until she makes a tag to Nia Jax. Bayley tags in, but walks right into a headbutt. Sasha finally catches Bliss and attacks her. Jax breaks it up, but this allows Bayley to catch an elbow on the back of Nia’s head, sending her down. The heels retreat as we go to break. After the break, Sasha drives her foot into Alexa’s throat in the corner. Sasha hits a running charge, but she only gets two. Bayley tags in and drills Alexa with a bulldog. Nia gets the tag and catches Bayley in a slam. Bayley counters out and dropkicks Nia’s leg. Bayley hits some running elbows in the corner.
Jax finally comes to and throws Bayley HARD into the corner. Jax ragdolls Bayley to the ground. Then she ragdolls her again, picking her up right into a Cobra Clutch. Bliss tags in, and she hits a running charge in the corner to Bayley. She chokes Bayley on the ropes and gets a two-count. Jax tags back in and drills Bayley with some more headbutts and ANOTHER attempt at the Clutch. Bayley fights out, but misses the tag. Bliss tags in and they coordinate some old southern heel teamwork. Alexa steps on Bayley’s guts, and then hits the Twisted Bliss from the top rope! One, two, no! Outside the ring, Jax misses a charge on Banks as Alexa looks on. This allows Bayley to catch Alexa for the one, two, three!
Winners: Bayley and Sasha Banks (**1/4)
Goldust, with a SWEET new key displaying his name, tells us to get ready for a sequel to The Shattered Truth. The Golden Age…is back! (Snaps teeth)
We get the FOURTH recap of the Ambulance Match in 90 minutes. Vince must’ve loved this bout or something…NOTHING gets four replays in the first 90 minutes of Raw. Unless it’s a Triple H promo. Hiyooo! Afterwards, Booker says that “Roman is a man of his word. He did what he said he was going to do.” Why are they making Roman look like the good guy here? Remember, fellow readers: Reigns commandeered an emergency vehicle (felony), attempted vehicular manslaughter (major felony!), and then ran from the scene of the crime (HOLY SHIT!).
R-Truth comes out and actually does some freestyling! Hey, he has some good lyrics! He mentions sparking up…I guess he never quit smoking that K-2. Better him than me, that’s all I can say.
Match #4 – R-Truth vs. Goldust
After weeks of video packages, this is the Blockbuster Blowoff! They trade shots, and R-Truth hits the Stinger Splash and a powerslam. Goldust tries to come back, but R-Truth gets him in the corner for a 10-punch. Truth gets his legs locked up in the corner, and Goldust slowly pounds on him. He throws Truth into the corner and chops him. Truth starts to fight out, but Goldust catches him in the gut. After an elbow drop, Goldust catches the chinlock as the crowd FINALLY cheers Truth on. Truth gets a running charge, but runs right into a Spinebuster for two. Goldust tries a 10-punch of his own, and Truth turns it into a Power Bomb. No heel should ever try a 10-punch. Fans rally Truth, as he catches Goldust with a series of lariats, followed by the Spinning Elbow. Goldust chop blocks Truth, and then he works on the leg. Truth kicks Goldust off, and then catches him with a scissors kick for two. Goldust comes to, and throws Truth shoulder-first into the corner, and from there he hits a variation of The Final Cut on Truth for the one, two, three!
Winner: Goldust (*)
Kurt Angle, the Raw General Manager, makes his way to the ring! Kurt gives us an update on Braun Strowman: The update is that Kurt doesn’t know when Strowman will be coming back. Some update, Kurt. Thanks for that. Angle then introduces us to the WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, who has Happy Heyman by his side! Paul looks *especially* happy this evening. Angle asks Heyman if he’s interested in discussing the SummerSlam main event, and Heyman declares, “We don’t brainstorm here.”
Roman Reigns interrupts their exit from the ring, and asks why people have a problem with what he did. Roman foolishly says that the destruction he created was reminiscent of a bygone era…the Attitude Era. Angle correctly says, “That was then, and this is now.” SOMEHOW, Reigns rationalizes this as if Angle owes him something (for being able to control Braun…something Kurt couldn’t do). Brock interrupts and ALSO correctly tells Roman (on live TV), “You don’t deserve shit.” That was awesome.
Joe interrupts and the trash talk continues. Joe insults Brock, so Lesnar goes nose-to-nose with him. Brock warns Joe that “this is real” as Reigns eggs them on. Meanwhile, Joe starts insulting Roman for losing to Braun Strowman last night. Everyone starts trading off-the-script barbs at each other, and the crowd LOVES IT. Angle cannot keep order, so he books Joe vs. Reigns for the #1 Contender’s Spot at SummerSlam. Kurt tells both men that if anyone starts fighting…the match is off! They have a standoff as the announcers talk about the match next week.
Corey gets pulled off the announcer’s set for ANOTHER phone ordeal. DUDE, PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY. Backstage, Angle flubs up his lines. Eventually, he tells Corey that he’s going to have to do a tell-all next week to clear the air. It could cost him his career, as well as his family. Jesus, what could be so serious?
My first thought was an affair with Stephanie McMahon, and my second thought was someone taking a picture of Kurt with a beer. That seems low, but I could see them running that kind of story. Something where a dastardly heel tries to trash Kurt’s attempt to be a recovering addict, which would “ruin his career and his family” like Kurt continually mentioned.
Match #5 – Akira Tozawa & Cedric Alexander vs. Noam Dar & Neville
Before this starts, how about that Austin Aries? Couldn’t stand the thought of being second fiddle to Neville, so he bailed on the company after they stopped putting him on TV. Can’t blame him, especially if he was going to be stuck on 205 Live. Anyways, onto the match.
Dar hesitates at first, so Cedric smacks him in the nose with an elbow. Alexander continues with forearms, sending Dar to the outside where Alicia’s arms are waiting. Shortly after the consolation, she is heard loudly screaming again. I swear, Alicia causes more commotion than Alberto Del Rio at an airport. Zing! Back inside, Alexander hits another forearm and tags in Tozawa, who hits the running dropkick for two. Dar’s nose looks broken, but Tozawa continues to stomp him in the corner. This is followed by clubs to the back of the neck. Dar tags in Neville, but he’s sent flying by Tozawa. Akira kicks him in the chest, but his taunting allows Neville to throw him in the corner. The heels stomp down Tozawa in the corner as we go to break.
After the break, Neville has Tozawa in an armbar. Akira fights out, and tries to make a tag. When he gets pulled back into the heel corner, he hits a Mafia Kick on Dar. This opens him up for a kick by Neville. Eventually, Tozawa makes the tag and Cedric is a HOUSE OF FIYAH! Great offense! Cedric heads up top, but a slight distraction allows Neville to drop Cedric on the ropes, crotching him. Neville goes up for the Windham Superplex, but Cedric ends up repaying the favor, crotching Neville! Okay, this really is turning into Great Balls of Fire. Tozawa gets tagged in, and he kicks the top rope where Neville is draped! FLOATING SENTON BOMB by Tozawa onto the champ! One, two, three!
Winners: Akira Tozawa & Cedric Alexander (*3/4)
Charly is backstage with Seth Rollins, when Bray Wyatt interrupts. Bray warns Seth that he will not be denied by anyone, including Seth Rollins. This leads to our Main Event. Cole reminds us that this is a rematch from the “First Ever Great Balls of Fire”. Oh great. So this means we’re going to get “GREAT BALLS OF FIRE 2020”, right? Come on. As a one-time theme, the American Graffiti/Drive-In Theatre idea was good. It’s not good enough to warrant an annual show.
Main Event: Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt
Wyatt does a CRAZY SPINNING move that does nothing. What’s with him? They stumble through a lock-up as Wyatt shoves Rollins to the corner. They lock up again and this lasts 24 minutes. Finally, the ref separates them and Wyatt tries a cheap shot. Seth responds, laying into Wyatt with right hands. Wyatt returns serve with some fists of his own. Rollins hits a huge superkick on Wyatt, knocking him down but getting only two. Wyatt hits the RUNNING SLOPPY ELBOW, and follows this up with a Sister Abigail attempt. Rollins powers Wyatt to the outside, and then tries a suicide dive. Wyatt runs him into the corner post, but he misses a punch that lands right into the post. Ouch. Seth starts working on the hand, stomping on it. Rollins starts trying to break Wyatt’s fingers! Harsh. Rollins sticks his boot in Bray’s face, and then drives Bray’s hand into the corner steps. If Seth REALLY wanted to hurt him, he’d stick his hand between the steps and drop the top step right onto the bottom step. Just an idea. Wyatt catches Seth and hits a Uranage Slam as we go to break!
After the break, we see the crowd doing THE WAVE! I’ve not seen that since WrestleMania VI. God Bless Texas. Wyatt has held Rollins in this chinlock for about 2 decades now. Seriously, there’s some kids in the audience getting their diploma while this chinlock is happening. Rollins fights out and clips Wyatt with a dropkick. Wyatt gets up and throws Rollins to the opposite corner, catching him with a Vader Splash in the process. This only gets two. Wyatt continues to hammer Seth in the corner as the crowd cheers Seth on. Huge Spike DDT by Wyatt gets two…and then we go back into the chinlock. Rollins fights up, but Wyatt runs him into the corner. Rollins is propped on the top rope, but Seth is able to roll out of the situation. Wyatt is waiting for him with a kick to the face. Rollins returns with some kicks of his own, sending Wyatt to the mat. Both men are down, but they get up for one last exchange. Wyatt’s hand gets stomped on, and Rollins hits the Sling Blade! Wyatt retreats, so Rollins sets up another suicide dive! Back inside, springboard clothesline by Rollins gets one, two, no! Rollins runs to the corner and starts nailing Wyatt with forearms. Wyatt counters the whip, but Seth catches him with a boot, as well as a Blockbuster. One, two, no! Suplex by Bray is countered into a Falcon Arrow by Rollins for the one, two, no! During a roll-up exchange, Bray SMASHES Seth right in the eye (a tip to last night’s finish). Rollins is disoriented, leading to a Sister Abigail by Wyatt! One, two, three!
Winner: Bray Wyatt (***1/2)
After the match, the Miztourage surrounds the ring, as Rollins lays in a heap. This turns into another 3-on-1 attack, but this time it’s on Seth! Dean Ambrose makes the save! Ambrose gets a few chair shots on Miz’s spine as Miz is pulled out of the ring. Dean stands tall as Rollins comes to his senses. Backstage, we get our last segment of the night. It’s Kurt Angle on the phone. He tells the person on the other line that they both need to come clean next week. So…they’ll do it together. Kurt ends the convo with, “I love you.” Ooh…if that’s not his wife, then Houston…we’ve got a problem. Zing!
Closing Thoughts: Pretty good show. Lots of talking, though. I really dug the build for next week, though. I’m looking forward to writing it! I’ll see you next week RIGHT HERE on the Raw Report.
WWE Superstar Paige publicly commented about the incident that led to Alberto El Patron being detained at Orlando International Airport yesterday.
“We got the cops involved. I’m crying cuz I found out bad fam news & a lady tries take a pic. She gets angry throws a drink on @PrideOfMexico,” she tweeted. “Please leave us alone. That’s it.”
The feedback to her comment on Twitter where not very pretty and even her fans are concerned about her relationship with the current GFW champion.
El Patron was not arrested by the Orlando police despite the incident being domestic violence battery but they said that the investigation is still open so things could change.
WWE programming on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland will be moving to a new channel as Sky is rebranding their several sports channels starting July 18.
Currently, WWE’s flagship shows Raw and Smackdown air live on Sky Sports 5 but starting from next week, WWE shows will be moving to Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Arena.
WWE programming will be bundled with international and European Rugby Union, Rugby League, tennis, boxing, NFL, GAA, and darts on the new channels. No changes are required from current Sky customers.
The newest WWE video game WWE 2K18 is coming to Nintendo Switch apart from Xbox One and PlayStation 4. WWE 2K18’s Switch debut marks the first time in five years that a new WWE video game will be available on a Nintendo platform.
WWE 2K18 Switch players will be able to compete with or against Superstars that will make up this year’s ever-growing roster of playable characters. Players will also get the chance to capitalize on accessing the WWE 2K18 Pre-Order Bonus of Kurt Angle, who is available to anyone who pre-orders 2K’s popular WWE video game for the Switch or other gaming consoles.
WWE 2K18 is scheduled for worldwide release in Fall 2017 on Nintendo Switch as well as on October 17, 2017, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
PWInsider.com is reporting that GFW champion Alberto El Patron was detained by Orlando airport police yesterday around 3PM following an incident of domestic violence battery.
The Orlando Police Department then issued a statement regarding the incident, saying, “There was an incident at Orlando International Airport at about 3 p.m. Sunday involving Jose Rodriguez (DOB 5/25/1977). The reported incident was a domestic violence battery, and it is still under investigation. No arrests have been made as of this time, but the case remains open. That is all the information we have for release at this time.”
Florida law defines battery as an intentional touching against the will of another person. Battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the level of alleged injury. It remains unclear who was the other person involved in this incident.
WWE and Groupe AB in France announced today a new, multi-year agreement that will take its partnership into its 18th year. Groupe AB broadcasts WWE shows including Raw and Smackdown in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco and Andorra.
Richard Maroko, Deputy Director General, Groupe AB, said, “Each week, WWE programs are major events and great successes for audience reach on our channels. We are proud to be a privileged partner of one of the biggest brands in entertainment.”
Groupe AB channels AB1, RTL9, AB3 and AB4 will televise Raw on Thursdays and SmackDown on Fridays and will air all WWE specials live, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series and Royal Rumble. All programs will be available with French commentary and on demand.
“Groupe AB shares our vision and passion for engaging and entertaining our fans,” said Ed Wells, Executive Vice President, WWE International. “Groupe AB has been a long-time, valued partner that enables us to showcase our unique blend of action-packed, family friendly entertainment across key markets.”
