With just 10 days to go, SummerSlam 2023 has crossed the 45,000 ticket mark according to the ticket tracking service @WrestleTix.
The show was close to the 40,000 tickets sold in late May but then took a while to pick up steam, with now the count standing at 45,643 at Ford Field which has been set up for nearly 48,000 seats and could expand more.
WWE has a tendency to move thousands of tickets in the last few days for big stadium shows and if this follows the same trend, SummerSlam could reach over 50,000 tickets by August 5.
Last year’s attendance was at 48,449 at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
The NXT North American title will be on the line in a triple threat match this Sunday at The Great American Bash.
Originally scheduled to be Wes Lee versus Mustafa Ali, plans changed after Dominik Mysterio beat Lee in the main event of last week’s show to capture his first singles gold in WWE.
Mysterio, along with Ripley, were on NXT last night and were interrupted by both Lee and Ali who each demanded a match for the title. Eventually, after a few arguments, all agreed to a triple threat match for the title.
This was the seventh match added to the premium live event card, although one of those matches will be on the Kickoff show.
Monday Night Raw this week drew 1,810,000 viewers, down 45,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast.
The show started with 1,870,000 viewers, then increased to 1,910,000 viewers in the second hour, but the audience tanked in the third hour, dropping to 1,670,000 viewers. The show dropped nearly a quarter of a million viewers from the second to the third hour alone.
Raw did a 0.57 on average in the 18-49 demo, the same as it did last week. No cable rankings are available. (Ratings credit: Wrestlenomics)
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson will have his first official match under the WWE banner this Sunday at The Great American Bash.
Steveson had an in-ring segment on the show last night where he was supposed to announce the decision on his future: return to collegiate wrestling and go to the Olympics or commit to WWE full time.
Baron Corbin interrupted and told him that he does not want him in NXT and he should return to college or go to the Paris Olympics. Steveson said that Corbin coming out to confront him made his decision easier and he would be staying in NXT and face Corbin at The Great American Bash.
Apart from sporadic appearances on WWE TV, Steveson hasn’t done much for the company although he started training at the Performance Center pretty much full time over the past few months.
Athletes are continually seeking ways to enhance their performance and achieve peak physical condition. While a well-balanced diet and rigorous training regimen form the foundation of athletic success, the role of supplements in aiding athletes has become a subject of great interest. However, with the overwhelming variety of supplements available on the market, it can be challenging for athletes to discern which ones truly offer benefits and which are merely hype. In this article, we will delve into key supplements that have proven to be effective in supporting athletic performance, backed by scientific research and expert opinions.
Creatine Monohydrate: The Power Booster
One of the most extensively researched and widely used supplements among athletes is creatine monohydrate. This naturally occurring compound is found in small amounts in red meat and fish and plays a crucial role in providing rapid energy during high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting, sprinting, and jumping. Creatine works by replenishing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stores in muscles, the primary energy source during explosive movements.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of creatine supplementation on athletic performance. It has been shown to increase strength, power, and muscle mass, ultimately leading to improved performance in sports that demand explosive efforts.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Joint Saviors
Athletes often subject their joints to repetitive stress, leading to inflammation and potential injuries. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have emerged as a potent supplement to combat inflammation and support joint health. These essential fatty acids are primarily found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as in certain plant sources like flaxseeds and chia seeds.
Studies have revealed that omega-3 supplementation can reduce exercise-induced inflammation and alleviate joint pain and stiffness in athletes. By enhancing joint mobility and flexibility, omega-3s enable athletes to push their physical limits without compromising their joint health. Additionally, these healthy fats also offer benefits for cardiovascular health and overall well-being, making them a valuable addition to any athlete’s nutrition plan.
Sermorelin: The Potential for Weight Loss
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide that stimulates the production of human growth hormone (HGH) in the body. It has gained attention as a potential aid for weight loss due to its role in enhancing metabolism and promoting fat burning. Sermorelin functions by stimulating the pituitary gland to release more HGH, which, in turn, can help increase lean muscle mass and reduce body fat.
As muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat, the improved muscle-to-fat ratio can lead to a higher metabolic rate, making weight management more manageable. When considering Sermorelin dosage for weight loss, it is crucial to follow the recommendations of a qualified healthcare professional. The dosage can vary based on individual needs and health conditions.
Additionally, using Sermorelin for weight loss should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Sermorelin is not a magical solution on its own but may offer support to individuals seeking to optimize their body composition and overall well-being.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin for Performance and Immunity
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a vital role in various physiological functions, including bone health, immune function, and muscle strength. While the body can synthesize vitamin D through sunlight exposure, many athletes, especially those training indoors or in regions with limited sunlight, may be at risk of deficiency. Insufficient vitamin D levels can lead to decreased athletic performance, increased susceptibility to infections, and impaired muscle function.
The Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Athletic Performance
Emerging research has highlighted the significance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in athletes. Studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may enhance muscle strength, power, and overall exercise performance. Moreover, adequate vitamin D status is crucial for maintaining bone health, reducing the risk of stress fractures and other bone-related injuries that are common among athletes.
Caffeine, a well-known stimulant found in coffee, tea, and certain energy drinks, has been recognized as a potent ergogenic aid. It exerts its performance-enhancing effects by stimulating the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, reduced perception of effort, and improved endurance. Many athletes turn to caffeine to gain a competitive edge, as it can help delay fatigue, enhance mental focus, and boost physical performance.
Leveraging Caffeine for Optimal Results
Timing and dosage are crucial when using caffeine as a supplement for athletic performance. Consuming caffeine approximately 30 to 60 minutes before exercise has been shown to yield the most significant benefits. However, individual responses to caffeine can vary, and excessive intake may lead to negative side effects such as jitters, rapid heart rate, or digestive issues.
Beta-Alanine: The Buffering Champion
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that combines with histidine in the body to form carnosine, a molecule that acts as an intracellular pH buffer. During high-intensity exercise, the buildup of lactic acid in muscles can lead to fatigue and reduced performance. Carnosine helps buffer the accumulation of hydrogen ions, thereby delaying the onset of muscular fatigue and allowing athletes to maintain intensity for longer durations.
Enhancing Athletic Performance with Beta-Alanine
Studies have indicated that beta-alanine supplementation can improve performance in short-duration, high-intensity activities like sprints and weightlifting. Athletes engaging in activities with repeated bouts of high-intensity efforts may particularly benefit from this supplement. The recommended dosage is typically 3 to 6 grams per day, taken over several weeks to allow carnosine levels to increase in muscle tissue. However, some individuals may experience a harmless side effect known as paresthesia, a tingling sensation on the skin, which can be mitigated by using sustained-release formulations or dividing the daily dose into smaller portions.
By incorporating these additional three supplements – vitamin D, caffeine, and beta-alanine – alongside the previously discussed creatine monohydrate, omega-3 fatty acids, and BCAAs, athletes can optimize their performance, enhance recovery, and safeguard their overall well-being. However, it’s essential to remember that while supplements can provide valuable support, they are not substitutes for a well-rounded diet and appropriate training. Athletes should approach supplementation strategically, seeking professional guidance to determine their unique requirements and ensure that the chosen supplements align with their specific goals. When used wisely and in conjunction with a holistic approach to training and nutrition, these supplements can unlock an athlete’s true potential, enabling them to thrive and succeed in their chosen sport.
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan told TMZ that he got engaged last week to his girlfriend Sky Daily, asking the important question at a restaurant in Tampa, Florida.
“I asked Sky to marry me, and she was crazy enough to say yes, brother,” Hogan said in a video on Instagram, now deleted.
Hogan, who started dating the 45-year-old yoga instructor last year, is heading towards his third marriage, following Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel. He recently got divorced from McDaniel following an 11-year marriage.
Collision on Saturday night did its second best viewership number so far with 618,000 viewers tuning in to the TNT broadcast. That is up 39,000 viewers from the prior week. The show did a 0.18 rating in 18-49, which coincidentally is the second-lowest number so far, down 0.02 from last week. (Ratings credit: Wrestlenomics)
Mami and Dirty Dom will kick off tonight’s live episode of NXT on USA Network as Judgment Day’s rule over WWE continues on the black and gold brand too.
Dom is the new NXT North American champion and with The Great American Bash just a few days away, it’s highly likely that his opponent will step up tonight. Originally, Wes Lee was supposed to defend his title against Mustafa Ali this weekend but things got altered following Mysterio’s win.
Two matches have been announced for tonight, with Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, and Ilja Dragunov teaming up to take on Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, and Jagger Reid of The Schism in a six-man tag team match and Cora Jade battles Dana Brooke in a kendo stick match.
Plus, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson will make his decision on his future. Will it be returning to collegiate wrestling or will he finally pick up pro wrestling full time?
Rampage, with the Royal Rampage headlining the show, drew 415,000 viewers on Friday night, up 105,000 viewers over the previous week. In the 18-49 demo, Rampage drew a 0.11 rating, so an older audience tuned in. It was up 0.01 from the previous week. (Ratings credit: Wrestlenomics)
Variety is reporting that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has donated a seven-figure sum to SAG-AFTRA so it can support its members during the strike.
The donation, made to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief Fund, is the largest single donation ever received from one individual at one time according to President Courtney B. Vance.
“And what is amazing is that that one check is going to help thousands of actors keep food on their table, and keep their kids safe, and keep their cars running. And it’s not lost on me that he’s very humble about this, but it is a way to get us started,” Executive Director Cyd Wilson added.
The donation came after Wilson sent a letter to the union’s highest-earning actors – 2,700 of them – to outline the financial need that many of its members are facing.
After the letter was sent, Johnson’s team reached out to help.
“It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it,’” Vance told Johnson. “This is him saying, ‘In such a time as this, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.’ And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.”
Both Kevin Owens and Liv Morgan are currently dealing with injuries which explains why last night went the way it did for both WWE Superstars.
Owens has a fractured rib according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, with the current WWE Tag Team champion waiting for the current storyline with Judgment Day to be over before he’s allowed to get a break and heal.
On Raw last night, Owens was attacked by Judgment Day and thrown out from backstage to the ramp way. A later scene backstage saw Owens telling those checking him that he thinks something is broken.
Meanwhile, Liv Morgan is back on the injured list and is dealing with another shoulder issue. Morgan had a torn shoulder two months ago and that led to her and Raquel Rodriguez surrendering their Women’s Tag Team titles. They eventually regained them, but lost them again quickly to Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green on Raw last week.
Morgan was written off television after an attack by Rhea Ripley last night on Raw although it’s unclear how long she will be out this time around.
Rush announced that he has signed a new AEW deal and now 100% committed to being part of the promotion.
“I started a new chapter in my personal and professional career, people doubted I could make it, today I want to say that I’m 100% AEW,” the 34-year-old wrote on social media.
He thanked AEW President Tony Khan and his fans for their support and said that they can now “rule the wrestling world.”
Rush originally started his AEW journey in May 2022 and signed a short-term deal in September of last year.
Friday Night Smackdown on FS1 last week drew 1,230,000 viewers, and while down 1.1 million viewers from last week’s airing on FOX, this was Smackdown’s best number ever on FS1, an increase of 36% from December of last year. The show drew a 0.36 in the 18-49 demo, also the best number for the show on FS1. Smackdown was pre-empted from FOX due to the Women’s World Cup match between the USA and Vietnam. (Ratings credit: Wrestlenomics)
SummerSlam has three more matches added to its card and with the show two weeks away we’re now up to seven bouts.
Ricochet and Logan Paul made their match official last night, with Ricochet getting the upper hand on the social media star on the night. Paul said last week that he’s pushing to be first on the card so he could have a chance to go walk out with his brother in Dallas for his boxing match against Nate Diaz.
Former WWE Women’s Tag Team champions Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler will go one-on-one for the first time ever in a WWE ring, with Baszler challenging Rousey to a fight rather than a match.
Also, the Intercontinental title will be up for grabs as Drew McIntyre tries to get his hand on some gold by taking on champion Gunther. Gunther is on day 410 as champion and has to beat McIntyre to continue his quest to dethrone the Honky Tonk Man from the longest-reigning IC champion of all time, a record that stands at 454 days.
The Judgment Day are out first and introduced the new NXT North American Champion, Dirty Dominik Mysterio. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn came out to interrupt. Kevin says to Dominik that no one cares what he has to say at all, ever. If you want to help this business, just shut your mouth forever. Sami talked Dominik into a match tonight then said you guys made a stink last week that our titles were not on the line so why don’t you defend your title tonight and Rhea accepted for Dominik.
Becky Lynch VS. Zoey Stark
Stark dives off the top rope but Becky caught her into the manhandle slam and Becky gets the win.
Winner: Becky Lynch
With this win Becky gets another match with Trish Stratus in the future.
Out next the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes. Cody talks about his match with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam and he is not coming to win the rubber match he is coming to embarrass Brock Lesnar. He knows people backstage are talking saying “there he goes poking the bear” but Cody said, “He is not poking the bear, he is slapping the bear right in the face and saying come and get it.” He doesn’t want to beat Brock Lesnar for revenge he wants to beat Brock because that is what he deserves.
Jackie Redmond asked Ricochet about Logan Paul coming to Monday Night Raw tonight, Ricochet is happy he accepted his challenge. But everything he has to say to Logan, he will say it to his face.
Dominik Mysterio VS. Sami Zayn for the NXT North American Championship
The Judgment Day and Kevin Owens were all removed from ringside and as Sami sets up Dominik for the Helluva Kick, Balor, Ripley, and Priest threw Owens out on the stage. The distraction allowed Dominik to roll up Sami and get the win.
Winner and still NXT North American Champion: Dominik Mysterio
In the back Kevin Owens is getting checked by a trainer with Sami and Adam Pearce looking on.
A video package of the Bloodline segment from Friday Night Smackdown was shown.
Ricochet is talking to Shinsuke Nakamura about looking for Logan Paul and Shinsuke turned into Tommaso Ciampa and Ciampa tells him that the kick in the face last week was deserved but he better not see him out there with his match against Reed tonight or he will know they have a problem.
Dominik, Rhea and Priest were walking backstage when Dominik bumps into Apollo Crews who was standing there talking to Akira Tozawa and Dominik yelled at him to show him some respect and Apollo says your just going to act like I am not standing here. Priest then pushes Dominik out of the way and exchanges words with Apollo and Priest says ok tonight you will get your punishment. Rhea had asked Tozawa if they had a problem and Tozawa says no and walks away. After the Judgement Day walks away, Tozawa comes back in and pats Apollo on the back and says you got this.
Bronson Reed VS. Tommaso Ciampa
During the match Shinsuke Nakamura came out and Ciampa turned his attention to him and told him to go in the back. Reed hit Ciampa from the back and throws him in the ring and hits a tsunami and gets the win.
Winner: Bronson Reed
Byron Saxton interviews Liv Morgan. Byron announces Raquel has a knee injury after last week. Liv says tonight she has Rhea. Liv said she is the last person that beat Rhea Ripley and she might get beat but watch me.
Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green come up to Byron about not interviewing them.
Rhea comes in and Sonya and Chelsea changed their story and told Rhea things revolve around here like it should because she is the champ. Rhea then says she told Raquel and Liv last week to stay out of her way. Then walks away.
Liv Morgan is introduced and as she makes her way to the ring Rhea Ripley attacks her and throws her in the ring and puts a chair on her arm and stomps on it. Liv screaming in pain and officials trying to get Rhea out of the ring and Ripley picks up the chair again and locks Liv’s shoulder in it and stomps on it again.
In the back the trainer is trying to stabilize Liv’s arm and she is in a lot of pain and crying.
Alpha Academy challenge The Viking Raiders to an Academy Rules match. Maxxine Dupri says she is going to beat Valhalla in her first ever singles match next week.
In the ring, Ricochet calls out Logan Paul and tells him he doesn’t belong here. Ricochet then challenges Paul to a match at SummerSlam and Logan comes in and attacks Ricochet from behind. As Paul gloats and says he is the best, Ricochet recovers and gives Paul a superkick then a shooting star press and its Paul who ends up lying in the ring and Ricochet leaving the ring.
Jackie then interviews Shayna Baszler backstage and asks about Ronda Rousey and Shayna says she is sick of hearing her name. Shayna says she is going to fight Ronda at SummerSlam.
Damian Priest VS. Apollo Crews
Priest catches Crews with the South of Heaven finisher and gets the win.
Winner: Damian Priest
In the back Jackie interviews Becky Lynch and Becky says about her match with Trish Stratus it ain’t over till I win.
Imperium come to the ring for Gunther’s face-to-face with Drew McIntyre
After Gunther and Drew exchange words, Ludwig Kaiser interrupts and says he is not going to let Drew disrespect Imperium like that. Drew says well we are both dressed to go, and he points at Gunther isn’t going to do anything about it so why don’t we go. And then they ask for a referee.
Drew McIntyre VS. Ludwig Kaiser
It was Drew with the Claymore.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
After the match Imperium attack Drew, Matt Riddle comes out but gets beat down. As Gunther was setting up the announce table it was Drew that powerbombed him over the announce table.
Jackie then tries to interview Ronda Rousey about Shayna challenges her to a fight at SummerSlam and Ronda says challenge accepted.
Up next the contract signing for Finn Balor VS. Seth “Freakin” Rollins for the World Championship for SummerSlam.
As Finn and Seth talk, The Judgment Day surround the ring and Seth tips the table into Priest but Priest recovers and hits Seth with the briefcase and Finn and Priest have a short stare down. Sami Zayn comes out with a chair in hand and hits Priest and Dominik but Balor attacks Zayn from behind as officials come to the ring to try and stop everything Rhea is throwing furniture at them. Seth is then left alone with the Judgment Day and is attacked by the group and Priest gives Seth a Razor’s Edge, Dominik hits a frog splash and Finn hits Coup De Grace on Seth.
Tonight’s Monday Night Raw will be live from the jam-packed Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida and will be headlined by a contract signing between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor for their World Heavyweight title match at SummerSlam.
Logan Paul will return to Raw tonight as well to confront Ricochet as their proposed match at SummerSlam continues to build up and Drew McIntyre will come face-to-face with Intercontinental champion Gunther.
Plus, Becky Lynch takes on Zoey Stark with the chance to get Trish Stratus if she wins and former NXT stars Tommaso Ciampa and Bronson Reed go one-on-one in the other match announced.
STARZ screened an exclusive preview of the season two premiere of Heels this past Saturday at San Diego Comic Con ahead of the television premiere this weekend.
Heels follows the stars of the family-owned wrestling federation Duffy Wrestling League where brothers and rivals, Jack (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig), continue to fight over their late father’s legacy and their individual versions of success, while also working to find their own identity as a face or a heel.
The new season of Heels kicks off on Friday, July 28 at Midnight ET on the STARZ app and via linear TV on STARZ at 10:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.
A new sneak peek of season two is available to watch below.
He’s called the People’s Champion for a reason. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson surprised his “biggest fan,” 12-year-old Luna Perrone, at a hotel in Los Angeles where left her speechless!
Perrone has been suffering from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, for the past few years which has now unfortunately continued to spread.
Johnson said that she always wanted to meet him so his team set her up for a big surprise at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles where she thought she was having lunch with her family “arranged” by himself because he was not in town to join.
But the former WWE champion was in the kitchen, waiting for the chicken fingers and fries to get ready so he could personally deliver her lunch.
“I’ve had some super cool jobs in my life – but being Luna’s waiter just might be the coolest,” Johnson tweeted.
As The Rock walked out with the plate in his hand, Luna’s face lit up and jaw dropped! After a few seconds of shock, Luna uttered the most adorable “Hi!”
Johnson put the plate on the table and said, “You know what I need?” as he spread his arms. Luna moved over and gave The Rock a big bear hug.
“They say, don’t meet ever meet your heroes, because you’ll be disappointed — well I got to meet my hero and she was AWESOME,” Johnson tweeted.
That was not all though. Johnson paid for her and her family a trip to Disneyland, where she enjoyed a day meeting her favorite stars before returning home to start therapy radiation.
You can follow Luna’s journey on her Instagram at @Luna_Perrone.
WWE issued a press release today announcing that the back-to-back WWE SuperShow events held at the Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City on Saturday, July 22, and the Arena Monterrey in Monterrey on Sunday, July 23, broke records for WWE’s highest attendance and highest grossing live events in Mexico for 12 years.
The event in Mexico City also broke venue records, becoming the highest attendance and highest grossing event ever held at the Arena Ciudad de México, in addition to setting a record for highest-ever WWE merchandise sales in Mexico City.
More than 25,000 spectators across both nights witnessed the WWE shows, including a rare appearance by Roman Reigns in a main event match against Rey Mysterio in Mexico City.
Tons of SummerSlam merchandise just went on sale on the WWE Shop website ahead of the premium live event in two weeks.
Many t-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, glasses, socks, tank tops, and even the good-looking mini replica title are all available for sale, some already eligible for 20% off with the code WALKOUT.
As you can imagine, merchandise is very car-heavy due to the location of Detroit but there are also some retro SummerSlam merchandise sporting the original orange and blue logo.
You can order your SummerSlam merchandise now at WWE Shop.
