More than $300,000 were announced in the WWE auction Superstars for Hope to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America during WrestleMania season.
The auctions were held on CharityBuzz.com and featured unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences with John Cena, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Stephanie McMahon and others.
“WWE is committed to improving the lives of children around the world, and I’m proud that the WWE Universe once again supported our Superstars for Hope campaign. The funds raised for Boys & Girls Clubs of America will help create a brighter future for youths at Clubs across the country,” said WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon.
“BGCA is grateful to WWE and their fans for including us in the Superstars for Hope auction,” said Frank Sanchez, Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “The funds raised will support Boys & Girls Clubs in the Dallas area and provide resources to Clubs across the nation, to give kids the skills and tools they need to prevent bullying in their communities.”
During one of his stops in the United Kingdom, Bret Hart revealed that he has no desire to appear on television at Payback and he’s only doing it because of niece Natalya.
“I do it to honor Nattie, I have no desire to be there, no desire to be on TV,” Hart is quoted by the UK-based Total Wrestling Magazine. “I’m happy to be there for Nattie but I’ve just had wrist surgery so it’s not a great time.
The WWE Hall of Famer shares a history with Flair with the two not always being the best of friends over the years but respecting each other for their accomplishments. “It’ll be great to put Flair in the sharpshooter though,” Bret said.
This is the second time that Bret will be in the corner of Natalya against Charlotte. The first time they did it was at the first NXT Takeover a couple of years ago and on that night Charlotte walked out of the ring as the new NXT Women’s champion after the title was vacated.
The individual who will be running Monday Night Raw will be decided this coming Sunday at the Payback pay-per-view with WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon making a decision between his son Shane and his daughter Stephanie.
The revelation came last night on Raw after Stephanie McMahon interrupted her brother’s opening segment, her first appearance on WWE television since getting speared by Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 32.
“This is your last night running Monday Night Raw,” Steph told Shane as the crowd chanted ‘No! No’ No!’ “This Sunday at Payback, our father Vincent Kennedy McMahon will decide officially once and for all just who is running Monday Night Raw.”
Shane then took a quick poll from the crowd, asking if they want to see The Authority running Raw and the crowd booed and then cheered when he pointed to himself.
Stephanie didn’t want to leave and wanted to hang out in “her ring” but Shane told her he’s still charge and called for security. Steph told security not to touch her and then slapped one of them as the crowd sang, “Na na na na hey hey goodbye.”
An “In Memoriam” graphic is shown, remembering Joanie Laurer, a.k.a. Chyna.
Introduction Segment: Video Prom and Welcoming
A recap of last week’s Raw with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and A.J. Styles’ build-up to Payback airs. The regular Raw video plays, and the pyro goes off in the arena. We are greeted by Michael Cole in Hartford, Connecticut, and runs down a couple of matches – A.J. Styles meeting Sheamus, and Alberto Del Rio going against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
Shane McMahon’s music plays, and he is in charge of Raw again. He talks about “fresh faces” and “fresh matchups,” but doesn’t get further as Stephanie McMahon interrupts. She informs Shane that Vince McMahon will decide “once and for all” who is in charge of Raw; that will happen at Payback.
After a bit of bickering, and Shane asking the fans who they would rather be operating Raw, Shane has Steph walked to the back by security. He gets to the first contest, featuring A.J. Styles!
Commercials.
Match #1: Single – A.J. Styles VS. Sheamus
Sheamus uses his power first, but A.J. hits back with a dropkick and takes over with a snapmare. He kicks hard, but Sheamus slugs back with a fist out of a wristlock. He hits an uppercut, but Styles chops back and rams his shoulder into Sheamus’ stomach in the corner. Sheamus double-boots back and tries a pin, but only gets two!
“The Phenomenal One” kicks and forearms back, sending Sheamus tumbling to the floor. He breaks out of a Beats of the Baron attempt, then dropkicks Sheamus off the apron. He goes for a springboard-moonsault, but Sheamus avoids it and throws A.J. into the steps.
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Sheamus is now in control, giving Styles a couple of Irish Curse backbreakers. He catches a running A.J. into a bearhug, but Styles headbutts out of it. A.J. moves fro the corner then sunset-flip powerbombs him from the second turnbuckle! He follows with forearms, then quick chops, punches, and kicks. A.J. kicks more in the corner and picks Sheamus up; “The Celtic Warrior” drops out and shoves A.J. into the turnbuckles. Sheamus follows with an over-shoulder powerslam for a near-fall!
Sheamus goes for the Cloverleaf, but A.J. gets out if it. He hits a Pele Kick, and both are down! A.J. hits Sheamus in the head with rapid forearms, but his Styles Clash attempt is countered into a clothesline! Sheamus now turns Styles over into the Cloverleaf, but A.J. makes it to the ropes, breaking the hold!
Sheamus Brogue Kicks, but eats the top rope. A.J. slingshots from the top rope into a Phenomenal Forearm and covers for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: A.J. Styles
Post-match, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson walk out to observe A.J.
Segment #3: Locker Room Promo
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns is watching on a T.V. when his cousins walk in. Jimmy and Jey Uso talk to Reigns about what they’re going to do, and they make a pact to watch out for each other.
Tag-Team Champions The New Day make their entrance!
Commercials.
Segment #4: Arena Promo
Tag-Team Champions New Day tout themselves for the Tag-Team Tournament that determines their next challengers; the final match is Big Cass and Enzo Amore taking on The Vaudevillians. Simon Gotch and Aiden English proclaim that they are going “bring back an era gone by,” but Enzo and Cass protest that. They walk out and declare that they will be the ones facing The New Day after Payback. Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E. say that it doesn’t matter who wins, because they will still be the WWE World Tag-Team Champions afterward.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows walk out of a locker room, and will go against The Usos up next!
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Match #2: Tag-Team – The Usos (Jimmy and Jay) VS. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
Karl and Jimmy begin, with Uso giving Anderson a couple chops in the corner. He runs off the ropes into a tornado-elbow, then both Twins double-up. Jey is in but quickly overtaken, despite switching with his brother. Gallows and Anderson take over for a while.
Commercials.
Gallows is still governing until Jey double-boots Luke from the corner. Jey manages the hot-tag to Jimmy, as does Gallows to Anderson. Jimmy gives Karl a Samoan Drop, then rear-splashes him in the corner.
Luke boots Jimmy in the ring, then both he and Anderson plant the Uso with the Magic Killer.
Winners via Pinfall: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
Post-match, Luke and Karl continue to beat up on Jey and Jimmy until Roman Reigns charges down to make the save. He puts the new tag-team to the aisle, and they stare at the family trio.
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Segment #5: Backstage Promo
Rene Young talks to A.J. Styles about his WWE World Heavyweight Championship bout at Payback. He starts in, but Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows interject. They “promise” not to cost him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship; all they want to do is back him up. “This friendship of ours is forever.”
Segment #6: Video Promo
A montage of Kevin Owens’ and Sami Zayn’s history plays.
Sami makes his entrance for his next contest.
Commercials.
Match #3: Single – Sami Zayn VS. Rusev
Sami ducks around Rusev until the big man hammers away with his huge right arm. Rusev dominates for a bit until Sami hops over him, then pulls down the top rope to dump Rusev to the floor. He follows with a slingshot plancha, but is caught and slammed onto the apron! Sami comes back with a moonsault from the barrier, then slingshots over the top rope into the ring, but gets a spinning-wheel kick back. Rusev places Zayn atop the turnbuckle, but Sami blocks with punches. Rusev kicks him hard, letting Sami fall to the floor.
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Rusev has Zayn in a front-facelock, then flips him over with a couple of gutwrench suplexes! Sami hits back with a clothesline, then rapid forearms and another clothesline. Sami counters a backdrop into a float-over crossbody for two! He soars off the turnbuckle with a crossbody for a near-fall and goes for the Blue Thunder Bomb! Rusev slugs out of it and fall-away slams Zayn!
Sami runs right into a smacking-superkick! 1 – 2 – Zayn kicks out! “The Bulgarian Brute” signals for The Accolade but Sami reverses into a roll-up to take this!
Winner via Pinfall: Sami Zayn
Post-match, Kevin Owens attacks Sami on the ramp.
Segment #7: Backstage Promo
Apollo Crews is interviewed by Rene Young, but Stardust interrupts. Apollo is actually happy, because he wanted to gives props to Stardust’s Dad, the late-great Dusty Rhodes. They will square off, next!
Commercials.
Match #4: Single – Stardust VS. Apollo Crews
Despite an effort from Stardust, this one is over quick-enough after Crews drops Stardust with the spin-out sit-down powerbomb!
Winner via Pinfall: Apollo Crews
Dean Ambrose will be out after the break!
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Segment #8: Arena Promo
Dean Ambrose talks about Chris Jericho, who he will be facing Sunday at Payback. “The Lunatic Fringe” says he is not like Chris, who sneaks up and attacks. Dean claims he does it right in front of you. He wants Jericho to join him, which “Y2J” does. They argue back and forth and get into it. Jericho clamps on the Walls of Jericho on the announce table to inflict punishment before Sunday.
Commercials.
Match #5: Single- Natalya VS. Emma
Prior to this starting, Women’s Champion Charlotte, and Ric Flair, strut out to see fro ringside.
An elbow/collar tie-up starts, then they trade holds. Emma rolls to the floor, then yanks Natalya and butterfly-suplexes her on the outside. In the ring, Emma wears Natalya down with a grounding full-nelson. She clothesline Natalya, but Nattie then turns her into The Sharpshooter, forcing Emma to give in!
Winner via Submission: Natalya
Post-match, Natalya jaws at Charlotte until referees send her away.
Segment #9: Video Promo
A retrospective of Chyna – Joanie Laurer’s – career airs, which features many tweets from WWE wrestlers, past and present.
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Match #6: Damien Sandow VS. Baron Corbin
As Baron is making his entrance, Dolph Ziggler hits him and they brawl before referees separate the two.
Winner: No Contest due to No Official Start
Commercials.
Segment #10: Arena Promo
Maryse puts over her real-life husband, Intercontinental Champion The Miz. He rips the fans for not wanting him to be the I.C. Champ. Maryse and Miz kiss, then Miz tells the crowd that the Intercontinental Championship is “more than a title. This is more than an accomplishment. This is more than legendary.” Miz makes comparisons between “The Cesaro Section” (the fans) and “The Miz Section” (Maryse).
Cesaro joins, and the two argue in movie-line quotes. Cesaro starts to take off his coat, but Miz goes to leave before trying an attack. Cesaro counters into a Pop-Up Uppercut, then tries to Swing
Segment #11: Backstage Promo
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns is walking through the halls when A.J. Styles approaches; “The Phenomenal One” warns Reigns that he’s winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Payback. Reigns quips back then continues on his way.
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Match #7: Single – WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns VS. League of Nations member Alberto Del Rio (Non-Title)
They lockup and Alberto whips Reigns off the ropes, but Roman hits back with a shoulder-block. Roman throws him into a couple of the turnbuckles, but Alberto comes back with a headbutt and running-enziguri! He jumps off the apron onto the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Commercials.
Del Rio is working over Roman with a rear chinlock and continues until Reigns makes a comeback. He gives him multiple-clotheslines in the corner, and signals for the Superman Punch. Del Rio moves to the outside, but Roman follows up with the running front-dropkick.
Alberto capitalizes in the ring with a min-superkick but Roman gets his shoulder up! Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson make their way out, turning Reigns’ attention. Del Rio rolls him up but only gets two! Roman whips Del Rio into the ropes and meets him with a Spear, then covers for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns
Post-match, Gallows and Anderson attack until A.J. Styles runs out. He gets his friends to back off, but eats a Superman Punch as he turns around. Luke and Karl re-enter and attack again, then A.J. delivers the Phenomenal Forearm. He looks on at laid-out WWE World Heavyweight Champion, as do Gallows and Anderson to close the show.
Deadline.com is reporting that Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes and his production company Maandi Media DMM have signed a multi-film deal with WWE Studios.
The first movie between the two was announced earlier this month titled Temple, featuring Snipes himself, Anne Heche Dave Annable and WWE Superstar Seth Rollins. The movie is also being produced in conjunction with Gene Simmons’ label Erebus Pictures, which has a working agreement with WWE Studios.
The second movie as part of the deal will start production later this year and under terms of the deal, WWE Studios will handle worldwide rights and leverage its platforms including weekly TV shows, digital and social media, and WWE Network to bolster awareness.
“We are always looking for the ideal talent to extend our brand and vidico.com is the right video production company for our brand,” They said. “We look forward to creating exciting new content with the perfect partner.” There are also many special effects are used in videos for enhancing the brand image. Special effects are illusions or tricks of the eye created to simulate the imagined events in a story or imagined world. Vidico also provides the special effects for videos are powerful storytelling tools. As a result, they are heavily used in film, television, theatre, and the video games industries.
Wesley Snipes added, “The action genre has been a very big and important part of my career. There is no better way to extend my love for dynamic action-based entertainment than with a company like WWE, who have been entertaining fans for decades with incredible visuals and deliciously entertaining storylines. Maandi strives to create elevated multi-media content that appeals to all demographics worldwide — from childhood fan to feature film collaborators.”
WWE today announced the appointment of Jay Li as Vice President & General Manager, Greater China based in Shanghai. Li, a senior executive who has held multiple leadership positions in key industries in China and the U.S., will report directly to Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International.
In this newly created role, Li will lead WWE’s strategic business development initiatives and day-to-day operations in China and work in conjunction with local government authorities and partners across all of WWE’s lines of the business including television, live events, marketing, sponsorship, new media, licensing and merchandising.
“China is strategically important for WWE and we are confident that Jay will help successfully develop our brand and business in the market,” said Gerrit Meier, President, International, WWE. “We remain committed to expanding WWE internationally, and our presence in China is critical to the company’s future growth.”
The WWE Network is still missing from China, one of the biggest markets left for the streaming service and this will be a major step in working towards that goal.
John Cena is ready to come back to Monday Night Raw and the man himself has announced that he will be making his return on the Memorial Day Raw at the end of next month.
Cena underwent shoulder surgery in early January and was set to be out for the majority of the year. The former WWE champion however surprised everyone and made a cameo appearance at WrestleMania 32, teaming up with The Rock to take out the Wyatt Family.
“They said the surgery recovery time is 9 months, but I’m ready to go in 5. This #MemorialDay Cena is back on #Raw,” Cena tweeted today. He last appeared on Raw on the December 28 episode.
The Memorial Day Raw will take place on May 30 at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
CBS Los Angeles is reporting that the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has deferred a ruling on the cause of death of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer pending additional investigation.
Chyna, 45, was founded dead by her manager in her bedroom after she did not answer her phone for a few days. Officers from the Redondo Beach Police Department went on site after a 911 call.
Her manager said that he finding Chyna dead was caught on tape when a crew tailed him to continue filming the documentary The Reconstruction of Chyna however there are no plans to include the footage in the documentary.
Officers found two prescription bottles next to her, one for Ambien and one similar to Xanax which might suggest an accidental overdose.
WWE has published a funny behind-the-scenes video of the making of Camp WWE, the WWE Network’s newest R-rated animated series spearheaded by Seth Green.
The video shows Vince McMahon, Triple H, Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, The Godfather, and others recording their voice-overs as the creators and producers laugh in the background at how good it was coming.
The series is produced by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios with super WWE fan Seth Green heading the project while another big WWE fan, Aaron Blitzstein, is head writing and producing.
Camp WWE features WWE Superstars as kids at a summer camp that is run by Vince McMahon with Stephanie McMahon and Triple H acting as counselors. It premieres on May 1 on the WWE Network right after Payback.
It’s good news for Zack Sabre Jr. and Jack Gallagher as the two British indy stars have earned a spot in the upcoming WWE Global Cruiserweight Series tournament, winning their respective qualifying matches at a PROGRESS Wrestling show in London during the weekend.
Sabre defeated Flash Morgan Webster while Gallagher defeated Pete Dunne. They each booked a place in the 32-men tournament which will be filmed in a few months at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida.
Seven participants automatically qualified for the tournament after WWE announced Rich Swann, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Noam Dar, Akira Tozawa, Ho Ho Lun, as Lince Dorado will be on the show without going through qualifiers.
The new WWE Network series debuts on Wednesday, July 13 at 9PM ET.
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler has announced the launch of his new venture, a bar on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.
Beale Street is the home of several restaurants and blues clubs and the street itself is a major tourist attraction with festivals and concerts being held there as well, similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Titled Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grille, the new property replaces the old Superior Bar and is located at 159 Beale St. It will open for business next week on April 29.
WWE wrapped up the WrestleMania Revenge Tour in Europe yesterday with two final shows, one in Spain and one in Scotland.
The first big Euro tour of the year saw the WWE Superstars and crew visit 8 countries including a quick trip to Dubai for two days, and a total of 17 shows were held in 10 days.
This tour was hit with several problems with The Undertaker and Daniel Bryan first pulling out of the tour, then Bray Wyatt getting injured in the first leg in Italy, and then Kofi Kingston sent home towards the end as his wife was about to give birth to their second child.
Triple H came to the rescue and wrestled in different locations, mainly doing the jobs for Dean Ambrose, and Shane McMahon also did the trip appearing on Raw and Smackdown tapings in London.
Everyone has traveled back to the United States and are in Hartford, Connecticut, in preparation for tomorrow’s live Monday Night Raw.
It’s been a busy month for everyone involved as the tour started the week after WrestleMania 32 with some people not even getting a trip back home since they landed in Dallas, Texas the week of WrestleMania.
A lawsuit filed against John Cena by a construction worker back in 2013 was finally dismissed by Judge Linda H. Babb in the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pasco County, Florida.
The case dates back to October 2013 when construction worker, Dale Ducharme, claimed that he fell off a scaffolding provided by Cena back in 2010 and the fall left him unable to work. He said that the scaffolding was defective or damaged and it was Cena’s responsibility to make sure it was safe. whеn thе employee suffers frоm permanent disability, thе services оf a workers’ compensation attorney bесоmе mоrе necessary. Thіѕ іѕ especially true whеn thе employer refuses tо gіvе financial assistance tо thе employee. Thе workers’ compensation attorney ѕhоuld bе thе оnе tо inform thе employee оf hіѕ оr hеr rights аnd assist hіm оr hеr іn speeding uр thе litigation process. Then why not find out more about worker compensation attorney here. Workers’ compensation attorneys usually gеt 10-15% оf thе total compensation received bу thеіr client. Fоr people whо аrе seeking workers’ compensation attorneys, thеу аrе advised tо fіrѕt ask аrоund. Sоmеtіmеѕ, оnе саn obtain a work related injury еvеn whеn hіѕ оr hеr job іѕ nоt considered tо bе particularly dangerous. Thеѕе types оf injuries саn pose еvеn greater threats tо one’s personal welfare bесаuѕе thеу normally occur wіthоut warning. Whіlе оnе whо works іn thе construction industry obviously muѕt understand thе potential hazards оf hіѕ оr hеr career bеfоrе taking a job, аn accident thаt occurs іn a modest office building wоuld bе entirely unexpected, аnd thе victim likely wоuld nоt hаvе taken precautions аgаіnѕt thе event оf ѕuсh аn injury.
Ducharme was looking for $15,000 to cover medical bills and loss of work.
In the final judgment papers, published by ProWrestlingSheet.com, the Judge said that the court finds no evidence in showing the subject scaffold was defective and the defendant – John Cena – did not know or have reason to know that the scaffold was damaged.
“The Plaintiff, Dale Ducharme, shall take nothing by this action and the Defendant, John Cena, shall go hence without day,” Judge Babb wrote.
Thursday Night Smackdown! TV Report for April 21st, 2016
Introduction Segment: Video Promo, Welcoming, and Arena Promo
Highlights of A.J. Styles’ and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns’ confrontation from Raw is shown, along with Luke Gallows’ and Karl Anderson’s attack on Reigns is shown first, then the regular Smackdown! video plays and the pyro bursts in the 02 Arena of London, England. Mauro Ranallo salutes us and gets ready for MizTV!
Maryse asks us to “rise to your feet” and homage the Intercontinental Champion. Miz gets right to it, asking his guest, A.J. Styles to join. Miz goes over the history of Styles’, Luke Gallows’, and Karl Anderson’s relationship in Japan, then grills him about “hiring” the duo to assault Roman.
Miz accuses A.J. of calling for Gallows and Anderson because he cannot defeat Reigns single-handily. He orders Styles to “tell the truth,” and Maryse tells him to say it “Will Smith” style; Miz obliges and Maryse approves. They make-out until A.J. furiously strikes Miz and walks away.
Later tonight, Sami Zayn and Dean Ambrose will team up to face Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens! Up next, Ryback will meet United States Champion Kalisto.
Commercials.
Match #1: Single – United States Champion Kalisto VS. Ryback (Non-Title)
“The Big Guy” controls almost all of this early-on before the break.
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Ryback is still governing, dropping Kalisto with a big suplex from the middle rope and kicking him multiple times in the corner. He runs at Kalisto, but misses and hits the ring post! Kalisto follows with a legrop to Ryback’s head from the top rope, and then kicks away. Ryback shoves him off, but Kalisto hits back with a front-dropkick and springboard-tornado-elbow! He drives him down with the hurricanrana-facebuster for a near-fall, then tries the Salida-Del-Sol, but Ryback counters into the Meathook Clothesline.
Ryback picks up the U.S. Champ in a Shellshock position, but Kalisto reverses into a DDT! 1 – 2 – Ryback gets his shoulder up! Kalisto dives off the second turnbuckle, but Ryback catches him. Kalisto works his way out and hits a spinning-back-kick, but as he goes for another Salida-Del-Sol, Ryback reverses that into the Shellshock and covers for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Ryback
Up next, Baron Corbin takes on Dolph Ziggler!
Commercials.
Match #2: Single – Dolph Ziggler VS. Baron Corbin
Baron immediately hits Ziggler as “The Show-Off” was making his entrance. He tosses him around the ring, barricade-to-barricade, and into the ring steps before finishing with his End of Days.
Winner: None due to No Official Start
Post-match, Rich Brennan interviews Corbin on his actions. “Because I can,” he replies.
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Match #3: Single – Intercontinental Champion The Miz (with Maryse) VS. A.J. Styles (Non-Title)
They lockup and Miz shoves A.J. into the corner. styles fires back with fast chops and punches, but Miz drags him down with a side headlock, and a running shoulder-block. A.J. leapfrogs Miz, but is slammed to the canvas right after. A.J. counters with a headscissors, and hits a kneedrop for one! He ties Miz up in an Indian Deathlock/Mutalock, but Miz gets out of it and goes to the outside.
A.J. follows and throws Miz into the ring, but Miz hits a knee and stomps away. Styles counters a Miz run with a dropkick and chops away after. He flips over a backdrop attempt and hits Miz to the floor with a spin-kick. Styles purses, but Miz places Maryse in front to block, then punches and lets go of A.J. face-first on the barrier. He chucks him into the opposite one too.
Commercials.
Miz is mudhole-stomping in the corner, then runs with a clothesline and dives off the top turnbuckle with a double-axe-handle! He mount-punches Styles and receives chorus of boos as he looks on. A.J. chops back and almost gets this with a roll-up; Miz does the same with a kick! Miz props Styles atop the turnbuckle, and sets up for a superplex; A.J. headbutts out of it, but is crotched! Miz goes for the superplex again, but Styles slips out and trips up Miz. They both run at each other in crossbody-formation and hit together!
A.J. has the momentum with a couple of elbows, then a snapmare and running forearm! He pump-handle-knees Miz for two, then goes for the Styles Clash; Miz pushes away, and catches A.J.’s left leg, kicking it hard. He knees away at A.J.’s knee, but Styles reverses into a small-package for a near-fall! Miz drives A.J. down with a DDT and covers, but “The Phenomenal One” kicks out!
A.J. counters with elbows and the “Ushigoroshi” (fireman’s-carry kneedriver; thanks Maruo!) but still can’t pin Miz for three. Miz chops at A.J.’s knee, and catches him into a Figure-4 as he dove off the turnbuckle! Styles writhes, but manages to turn over Miz!
Miz gets out of it and runs at A.J. in the corner, but Styles ducks and rolls Miz into the leglock. Miz struggles but makes it to the bottom rope! A.J. victory-rolls for two, then delivers a Pele Kick! He goes for the Springboard-Forearm, but Miz escapes. Maryse gets his I.C. Title, and he goes to walk up the ramp until Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows saunter down. Miz turns around into a Springboard-Forearm, then A.J. hits another in the ring for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: A.J. Styles
Segment #2: Backstage Promo
After clips of Raw with Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho, Shane McMahon, Dean Ambrose, and Kevin Owens, Rich Brennan is with Sami and Dean asking about their tag match. Ambrose calls Jericho and Owens “dirty, rotten scoundrels.” He is mad that Jericho gave him a “cheap-shot” on Raw, and Zayn reiterates that they want to “stop” Kevin and Chris. They then bicker over a Tag-Team name and walk away.
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Segment #3: Backstage Promo
A recalling of the A.J. Styles/Miz finish is shown, then Brennan asks Karl and Luke about it. They claim they are here just “to make an impact.” Anderson and Gallows promote that their match debut will happen next Monday on Raw, against Jimmy and Jey – The Usos!
Match #4: Tag-Team – Tamina and Naomi VS. Natalya and Paige
Tamina and Natalya start out with a waistlock by Natalya. Tamina breaks out of it and works over Natalya’s arm, then grabs her head and whips her to the mat. Naomi is tagged in and whips Nattie into the ropes, but Nattie reverses. Naomi grabs the top rope and headscissor-wiggles Natalya’s face, but Nattie reverses a run, driving Naomi into the canvas.
Paige is in, to the delight of the fans, and her and Natalya wishbone-leg split Naomi. Natalya is back and tries the Sharpshooter, but Naomi moves and kicks Nattie from the apron. She legdrops Natalya for a near-fall, and switches with Tamina, who clotheslines Nattie hard. Paige begs for the tag, but Tamina hits her, and then double-teams Natalya as Paige tried to enter but was block by the referee.
Naomi’s back in and tears on Natalya’s chin, then Tamina does the same. She misses a kneedrop, allowing Natalya to make the hot-tag. She runs at Naomi with a knee, then kicks Tamina off the apron. She soon plants Naomi with the Ram-Paige DDT, but Tamina breaks the cover. Natalya comes back in, and both her and Paige lock Tamina in the Sharpshooter and Naomi in the Paige-Tap-Out, respectively. Naomi and Paige are the legal women, so the referee checks and Naomi gives in!
Winners via Submission: Natalya and Paige
R-Truth and Fandango will square-off with Goldust as the Special Referee.
Commercials.
Match #5: Single – Fandango VS. R-Truth
(Note: Goldust is the Special Referee)
This quickly turns into a dance contest, with Fandango and Truth even grabbing Goldust to get him to groove. Fandango twirls right into a Jumping-Flatliner, and Goldust counts to give it to Truth!
Winner via Pinfall: R-Truth
Post-match, Goldust and Truth dance to celebrate.
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Segment #4: Arena Promo
Big Cass and Enzo Amore are out; they don’t get far before The Vaudevillians interrupt. Simon Gotch and Aiden English rip on Enzo and Cass for their choices of language and verbal-skills, but Amore and Big warn them that it will be the boys from ‘Jersey who are standing after Payback, the new #1 Contenders!
Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens are on their way to the ring!
Commercials.
Match #6: Tag-Team – Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens VS. Sami Zayn and Dean Ambrose
Jericho and Zayn begin, with Chris giving Sami a standing side-headlock. Zany turns it into a wristlock, but Jericho punches back. Sami leapfrogs from the middle rope over Jericho, then armdrags him around a couple of times. He locks on an armbar and tags in Ambrose. Dean and Chris both go for their finishers, but work their ways out of it. Jericho and Owens discuss on the floor.
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Jericho is in control and tags in Owens, who punches away at Dean. The two Canadia(e)ns (Montreal spelling of Canadian is Canadien) take over! Ambrose elbows Chris and makes the hot-tag to Sami, who is all over “Y2J.” he hits Kevin off of the apron, then soars off the second turnbuckle with a crossbody!
He kicks Chris and chops, then walks up the ropes and dives onto Owens on the floor! He runs back in the ring, but is tripped up by Kevin, and run into the ring post (thanks Mauro!) and punched at by Owens. He is dominated for a bit by Jericho and Kevin, until ducking a clothesline and spinning Chris to the canvas with a Blue Thunder Bomb!
“The Lunatic Fringe” is hot-tagged and controls Owens! He runs through the ropes with a dive, and also shoves “Y2J” into the barricade. Dean goes back into the ring but eats a superkick for a near-fall, but soon gets in a Dirty Deeds DDT! 1 – 2 – Jericho breaks it up! Sami gets in there too, but Jericho stops Ambrose on the top turnbuckle and Owens capitalizes with a cover to receive the victory!
Winners via Pinfall: Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens
Post-match, Zayn and Ambrose look on as Jericho and Owens back up the ramp with arms raised to close the show!
End of Smackdown!
Reporter’s Rumblings
In light of the tragic passing of Joanie Laurier, a.k.a. Chyna, I will offer my memories of her in the WWF instead of my usual review of the week.
My first memory is of the training videos showed near the time she first debuted as Hunter Hearst Helmsley’s bodyguard; she was different! It was the first time I had seen a woman that muscular and built, about as big/if not bigger than some of the guy wrestles.
The mystifying thing about Chyna for the first couple of years was her silence. I was always intrigued as to what she sounded like, but for all of 1997 that I can remember, and a good chunk of 1998, she never spoke. When she finally did, I will admit that I was a little floored on how high her voice was; I was expecting a lower-sound because of her physical appearance.
Then she became more than a bodyguard; she got in the ring and competed semi-regularly, with both the men and women. This was ground-breaking then, as most women couldn’t wrestle period, let alone have decent matches with anyone. 1999 was her year; I remember “popping” when she won the “Corporate Rumble” on Raw, and becoming the Intercontinental Champion in the fall of that year. Just prior to SummerSlam 1999, I actually thought she was going to win and/or be in the match for the WWF Championship!
Even now, writing about her being the I.C. Champ, I can see that happening again in this era of the Women’s Revolution; Charlotte, Sasha, Becky, Bayley all have the capability to give credit to the championship too.
While I disagree with her post-WWF career and lifestyle morally, her WWF career is the legacy that I think she has left; Chyna was the first to make it fine for women to compete in and overtake a sport dominated by men.
May God rest her soul, and provide love and support to her family and friends.
Chyna’s brain will be donated to science once all the paperwork has been filed and the medical examiner releases her body. This was revealed by Anthony Anzaldo, her former manager and the one who made the discovery of her dead body.
Anzaldo also revealed that Chyna was approached by lawyers to join the concussion class action lawsuit against WWE but she didn’t want to be a part of it but she was “intrigued” by the science. It’s never too early to start taking care of your brain. The secret to living a fulfilling life starts with excellent how to improve brain health. Whether you’re in your 30’s or 80’s now is the best time to take steps to a healthier you. No two people are exactly alike which is why it’s imperative to treat the individual. Science has discovered that there are many root causes to cognitive decline. If you have diabetes, had a hysterectomy, been exposed to chemicals, have a poor diet or inflammation, if you are nutrient or hormone deficient or insulin resistant you are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Today, with our comprehensive testing we can pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms and create a treatment program that works. Whether you already have dementia or have no symptoms and want to take better care of your brain, we can help you! Do you actively take care of your brain? If not, why not? Did you know that how you feel is the work of your brain – and thus it is within your control? In fact, every thing that goes on in you – your thoughts, your action and your feelings are all in your control. If you know how your brain works, and if you know how to tame it instead of letting it tame you, you can change your life. For example, there are people who seems to have everything yet is clinically depressed – just look at the cases if drug abuse famous “celebrities” engage in. While others who seems to have every reason to be depressed yet are the happiest persons on earth. What is the difference between these people? Is it wealth? Meaningful relationships? Beauty? It’s the way they control their brain! In this article, I’ll introduce you to some methods you can utilize NOW to improve your brain functions – and thus improve your quality of your life. Let’s get started. First, let me briefly explain how your brain works. Did you know that your brain is made of billions of brain cells? These brain cells are called neurons. These neurons are what’s responsible for any action you take and any thought you have. If you want to move your hand, for example, the neurons responsible will fire signals to the appropriate areas of your body. Thousands of neurons fire just to move your hand. To make the process more effective (use less energy to do the same task), these neurons that fire together, wire together by creating synapses between them. The more you fire those neurons together, the stronger the synapses become – so that the next time one of the neurons fire, the others will also follow suit. Thus when a baby learn to walk, he/she wobbles — the neurons responsible for walking has not created the necessary synapses. As adults, walking is an unconscious effort. You do not need to think about moving your right leg forward, while at the same swing your left hand backward and so on and so forth (Our walking function is so complex no other animal brain is capable of controlling such a function). This is because the synapses involved in walking has wired together and made the process effortless and automatic. What’s worse is that when you go through an experience (practical instead of theoretical), neurotransmitters are released with the formation of every synapse. These neurotransmitters immediately strengthen those synapses, making it difficult for you to forget about it (this is true for most cases of a memorable scene in a TV program). Think about your first kiss, the day your get married, the day your parents bought you that house… or any other memorable events in your life. Yet few of us frequently and actively recall these joyous times. We do, however, frequently recall events that are less than desirable. Because neurons for remembering an experience is always connected to neurons responsible for emotions, by recalling undesirable events, you’re putting yourself through the negative emotions attached. To make things worse, recalling an event strengthens the synapses involved in the memory – making it easier for you to recall it. Thus a habit is formed. Most people constantly sabotage their well-being by conjuring past images and living through them over and over again. We can see, now that you know how a habit is formed, just how “asleep” we have been in our life. Here, think about your morning routine. Each and every morning, you probably do the same tasks, in the order for the same amount of time. It’s a habit you’ve unknowingly formed. Your morning routine is not necessarily harmful, but are you taking the same approach to life in general? Are you living passively, instead of actively? Are there any “addictions” that you can get rid of — perhaps watching TV at a certain time, gossiping and even the cups of coffee you “must” have during breaks? Most people live in this sort of reactive mode and letting the environment determine how they should feel. That is the limbic system talking — the part of your brain responsible for emotions. By living in reactive mode, the synapses in your frontal lobe, where your consciousness resides, is thus weak because it’s rarely fired, resulting is some of the most common age-related diseases such as the inability to learn.
“We want to donate her brain. We want to know what made Chyna tick,” he told the New York Daily News. Famous forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu called Anzaldo after the news came out that she passed away and asked to have her brain. Dr. Omalu is credited with finding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after examining several professional athletes.
“My hope is that we can do it. I’m in the process of getting the permission to speak on behalf of family to tell the coroner it’s okay to release it,” Anzaldo said, adding that they’re still not interested in the lawsuit but hopes researchers can give them more news about what happened.
Her manager said that Chyna did not suffer from concussions while working for WWE but her life story, including a history with domestic violence, makes her an interesting candidate nonetheless.
John Cena’s American Grit reality series on FOX does not look like it will survive past season one as ratings continue to disappoint. This week the show did just 2,170,000 viewers which is less than what it did last week for the premiere episode. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Chyna’s manager Anthony Anzaldo was the one who found her dead body and it was all caught on tape as they were still filming the documentary The Reconstruction of Chyna according to a story on the New York Daily News.
“Me walking in was shot. I would never show me finding her, but you might hear me,” he told the newspaper. Anzaldo said they will continue filming during the investigation of her death as Chyna wanted this documentary to be “truthful and raw.” The documentary started filming when Chyna returned from a stint in Japan teaching English language at a school.
Her manager said that when he walked in her bedroom, he found her with two prescription bottles next to her, one for Ambien and one similar to Xanax, an anti-axiety medication.
“There was nothing illegal. No alcohol. It was just those two prescriptions she was legally taking,” he said. “I saw no indication of foul play, no vomit, no blood. She was just lying there peacefully. Of course she’s had issues and posted things (online), but I just don’t think it was intentional.”
Anzaldo revealed that some of her ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean and some will be interred at a place fans can visit, with a location still to be determined. A large public memorial service is also in the works and he’s hoping two of her famous friends – Alice Cooper and Mike Tyson – will be participate.
Smackdown from London drew a total of 2,431,000 viewers this week, an increase of 76,000 viewers from the previous episode. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Velvet Sky has chose to leave TNA Wrestling nearly after a decade with the company. Sky, who is the real-life girlfriend of Bubba Ray Dudley, announced her departure on Twitter.
“For the last almost 10 years I have been with a company who saw potential in me and gave me the one thing I strived for the most comping up in this business, a chance,” Sky wrote.
She said she was able to live out her dream through TNA and will never forget the experiences and the people who believed in her. “From management, to the amazing, hardworking production and crew, to all the talent at TNA, past and present, THANK YOU,” she added.
The 34 year old also thanked her fans and the Knockouts locker room and said that she had made lifelong friendships. “This isn’t goodbye, more like see you all down the road,” she concluded.
Sky joined TNA in 2007 and formed The Beautiful People team with Angelina Love shortly after. In July 2012 she briefly left TNA before returning in December of the same year. After another run, her contract went untouched and TNA chose not to renew it with Sky leaving in January 2015 after she participated in the Feast or Fired match. Once again her departure was short and in May of the same year she returned. During her time with TNA she won the Knockouts Tag Team titles once and the Knockouts title twice.
Steven Hirsch, the Founder and Co-Chairman of Vivid Entertainment issued a statement to us through his public relations office regarding the death of one of his most popular employees, Chyna.
“Chyna was a kind and gentle person. She was incredibly popular and her movies were amongst our best sellers. She made time for everyone that came up and spoke to her. When I spoke to her last she seemed a bit down but was looking towards the future. RIP Chyna.”
Hirsch got Chyna onboard after her first x-rated film 1 Night in Chyna, filmed with her then-boyfriend Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. She made her debut under the Vivid banner in 2011 and went on to have four best-selling movies including Backdoor to Chyna, Chyna is Queen of the Ring, Avengers XXX: A Porn Parody and She Hulk XXX.
