PWInsider.com is reporting that Cody will be taking some time off from his AEW position as he prepares to start filming the television series Heels for STARZ.
Cody lost the TNT title last week to Brodie Lee of The Dark Order and then did the stretcher job and was assaulted while strapped to the stretcher. The beatdown was done to explain his time away from AEW television in the several weeks to come.
The Heels TV series is starting production next month and has Stephen Amell in the leading role. Amell and Cody are big friends and Amell cast him in the series. Cody was also a guest star in Amell’s Arrow show on The CW and the two even wrestled against each other in WWE.
Tomorrow night on Dynamite, an update will be given about the status of Cody so his situation will be better explained storyline-wise. It remains unclear if Cody will have an on-screen spot at the All Out pay-per-view show in the first week of next month.
The world of online casino gaming is booming right now and for that reason, a lot of new games are being created to keep up with demand from players. In terms of slot games, there are many different types of game with a variety of themes.
This covers everything from sports to TV and film, the jungle, history, futuristic and much more. What slot developers are doing at the moment is trying to get one over on their competition by creating new games that players have not seen before in the hope their game is the next big thing.
Many lines have been exhausted in the past, could we be about to see developers turn to the WWE for their next big idea and create slot games based on superstars?
What Could the WWE Gain from This?
The key here is exposure. If slot developers come knocking on the door of the WWE then they should certainly snap up anything they can get their hands on. The WWE has seen ratings decline on Monday Night Raw, one of their two flagship programs, since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic and they need to turn things around somehow.
Fans have been drifting away for many years, some will have completely forgot about the WWE and what it can offer. Seeing slot games while they are playing at online casino sites could spark their interest again.
When you look at the selection of slot games available, many different companies have allowed officially licensed products to be released.
For example, look at what Marvel have done with their film stars, almost every one of them has a slot game about them, as well as bigger games about the Marvel series as a whole.
A Big Market for Slot Developers to Move Into
This would also have potential benefits for both sides, with the developers potentially onto a winner with a partnership between them and the WWE.
What is worth remembering here is just how competitive the casino industry is, there is a great demand for games from online casinos in particular, and every developer is battling to be the best.
The WWE is an entertainment business based around sport. We have seen sport related slots do well in the past and we have also seen entertainment slots do well. There is every chance that WWE slots would not only appeal to WWE fans but they would also appeal to general slot gaming fans who are looking for something else to play as a change.
If one slot game works well, more could then be created down the line and each of the big superstars could have their own game if things went really well and both sides of the agreement were seeing a benefit.
This is an interesting thing to keep an eye on, the WWE has been criticised in the past for not marketing itself and the superstars properly, this is a great way to get their names out there.
The newly crowned NXT champion Karrion Kross and his significant other Scarlett will be kicking off tonight’s episode of NXT.
Kross, who sustained a separated shoulder on Saturday, had an MRI done on Monday to determine the extent of his injury but no details came out. Will the new champ have to surrender the title or will he power through his injury?
Three matches were also announced, with Rhea Ripley teaming up with NXT Women’s champion Io Shirai to take on Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzales, Santos Escobar puts his NXT Cruiserweight title on the line against Isiah “Swerve” Scott, and the new number one contenders for the NXT Tag Team titles Breezango get their shot at Imperium.
Also, former NXT champion Tommaso Ciampa returns to NXT after two months out and Wade Barrett joins the show on commentary for one night only!
People Magazine got the exclusive photos of Nikki and Brie Bella’s newborn babies, available in this week’s issue as well as online at people.com.
Nikki named her son Matteo while Brie named her son Buddy. The two were born just 22 hours apart from each other on July 31 and August 1 respectively.
“What’s crazy about Buddy and Mateo is, they both have the same scream-cry,” says Nikki. “It’s the cutest high-pitch noise and they’re identical. Even their coos are identical and they’re so cute. Now, Mateo, he will grunt and like punch my boobs when he’s breastfeeding. Artem and I will sit and laugh because it’s perfect little punches he’ll do. He grunts at me, so I feel like I have a little boxer on my hands.”
While Matteo loves punching, his cousin Buddy loves kicking instead.
“Buddy loves kicking,” Brie said. “I actually was really nervous, because everyone’s like, ‘If you have a good baby, you’re going to have a really bad one.’ I was like, ‘Well, Birdie was so good. So here comes my wild one.’ He’s calmer than what Birdie was.”
You can check out the photos and the interview with both Nikki and Brie at People.com.
The new Raw Underground segments of the Monday night show have been received very well by fans. These segments offer clashes which look similar to MMA events, giving a different take to the usual action and something to look forward to.
The idea is simple, those creating the Raw show want something different to offer far in an attempt to improve ratings. These have gone down since the start of the pandemic, a time when those producing the show have had the challenge of no fans in attendance to work with.
If you want to know specifically who is behind this concept then it is probably best to look at the man who is presenting the action, Shane McMahon, a key piece in the WWE puzzle.
What has been noticeable so far is that the WWE Underground line up has included some already established stars, in order to quickly give fans something to latch onto. Dolph Ziggler and the Viking Raiders have taken part in the matches, alongside new names Arturo Ruas and Dabba-Kato.
This is seen as a platform to bring new fighters into the limelight, but with established names included too, fans are taking note. The original idea for this was given a mixed reaction by fans, though it has helped viewing figures which is the main reason for this being created in the first place.
With a few points added to the ratings figures, this innovative idea and the storylines that have stemmed from it appears to be working, for now.
Could WWE Bring a Raw Underground Title into Play?
The rumours suggest that Raw Underground is going to be worth watching over the coming weeks. The storylines are set to intensify and at the end of that, an official Raw Underground title is scheduled to be given to someone.
This could lead to the Underground matches becoming a feature of the main events in the future. It is these events that capture the imagination of fans and also where casual wrestling fans watch. These events also feature betting with selected bookmakers, so we could see new betting companies betting on WWE Raw Underground matches in the coming months.
It is expected that the belt would in some way replace the variety we have seen in the past. Most recently this was the WWE Hardcore Championship while before that it was known as the 24/7 Championship. When the title belt comes into force, it is likely that the belt will have a similar look and feel to these we have seen in the past.
With a belt brought into events, it would give the fighters something to work towards and give longevity to the matches, something that should keep fans on board and not see them move onto something else.
Over the coming weeks, keep your eye on the latest WWE news as we expect to see more from WWE Raw Underground.
At some point it seems likely we will see a title belt on offer for the competitors taking part in these fights.
Spectrum News 13 in Orlando has shed more light on the contract that WWE has with the Amway Center for their two-and-a-half month residency which started two weeks ago.
As originally reported, the deal runs through October 31 but WWE can opt to extend – or cut short – the contract with a two-week notice. There are no events planned at the Amway through the end of 2020 so WWE could technically have it as their base until December 31.
Apart from a base lease, WWE is paying $12,500 extra for Sunday shows, $10,000 extra for Monday and another $10,000 for Friday shows, $7,500 for days where WWE works inside the venue, and an additional $2,500 for the rest of the days when the venue is just sitting idle. The base lease seems to be around $200,000.
WWE also has to pay police, paramedics, security, and use of parking lot during their residency.amm
AEW Dynamite is once again pre-empted on TNT tonight in favor of the NBA playoffs.
This week’s Dynamite will instead air tomorrow at 8PM ET on TNT, facing the final night of the Republican National Convention. Last week, Dynamite aired on Saturday at 6PM and still managed to draw over 700,000 viewers, a great sign that the loyal audience will still find the show despite moving date and time.
Dynamite will get pre-empted one more time on September 16 with the show airing the next day on a Thursday at 8PM ET.
The good news is that the go-home and post-All Out Dynamite shows over the next two weeks will air in their regular time slot.
The upcoming eight-episode series Heels from STARZ will enter production next month after the coronavirus pandemic halted all work.
Deadline.com reported yesterday as well that Mary McCormack has been hired as the female lead opposite Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig, who will play brothers and indie pro wrestling stars in the series. The experienced actress is best known for her roles in The West Wing, In Plain Sight, The Kids Are Alright, and many others.
Heels follows the journey of the men and women who try to follow their dreams on the indie scene in a small Georgia community. Amell will play Jack Spade and Ludwig will play Ace Spade, two brothers and rivals who go to war over their late father’s legacy.
The show is written by Michael Waldron, with Mike O’Malley as showrunner.
Cody Rhodes, who is a big friend of Stephen Amell, will also have a major part in the series.
I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news! Well, actually, it’s great news! ProWrestlingSheet.com is reporting that former Nexus leader Wade Barrett will be returning to NXT tonight to be on the commentary team.
The website states that for now, this is just a one-time deal only and Barrett hasn’t signed a full-time contract with the company.
Barrett, who won the first season of NXT, has not been seen on WWE television since 2016 when he refused to extend his deal. He recently started doing commentary for the NWA as well.
The British star is a former five-time Intercontinental champion and King of the Ring winner.
The next big event from AEW is just around the corner. AEW All Out will take place next month and there is set to be some huge matchups as part of the bill.
Date & Start Time
The event will take place on September 5 2020, with a start time to be announced in the near future. This PPV event will take place at Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, Florida and it is the second All Out event in what will become an annual show by the AEW.
Main Event – Jon Moxley vs MJF
Moxley is the champion and MJF finally gets his well-deserved title shot at All Out. MJF has been excellent, putting together a series of wins to work his way into the AEW World Championship match. There has been a great story building between these two, something that fans have been enjoying for weeks and finally we get to see what we have all been waiting for.
Moxley has defended his title on numerous occasions, and looked in doubt of retaining it during some of those, however the champions has dug deep and held on. This is the biggest fight of the night and it will be interesting if there are any betting promos available for the fight that punters can use in what looks like being a coin flip.
Moxley has the advantage when it comes to submission moves and fighting in the ground while MJF is inventive and does what it takes to get the upper hand, legally or otherwise. MJF may be a champion over the next few years, but Moxley doesn’t look like he’s ready to give things up just yet.
Prediction: Moxley to retain his AEW World Championship title
Chris Jericho vs Orange Cassidy (Mimosa Mayhem Match)
These two have battled it out twice before, winning one bout each so it is fitting that they come here at such a huge event to see who takes the deciding fight. The rules for this match state you can win via a pin fall, by submission or by throwing your opponent into a tank of mimosa. This is a great way to battle it out with a unique element and you can expect both fighters to put it all on the line here.
Cassidy is seemingly on the edge of something special in the AEW and a win here would propel him further forward. Chris Jericho has fought many people over the years who have gone onto bigger and better things, don’t be surprised to see Cassidy do exactly that.
The twist of the tank of Mimosa is sure to be used, don’t be at all surprised to see Cassidy dunk Jericho and win what looks set to be the best match up between these two we have seen yet. These two have been building up to something very special, on September 5 we are set to witness a great bout.
The post-SummerSlam Monday Night Raw did an average of 2,028,000 viewers, up 385,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast and the best number since the April 6 episode.
Hour one started with 2,140,000 viewers, then dropped to 2,045,000 viewers, before finishing the night with 1,900,000 viewers.
Raw was #5, #7, and #9 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic with 0.72, 0.66, and 0.62 ratings and it was #20 in overall viewership for the night on cable.
The show had major competition from the start of the Republican National Convention along with the NBA playoffs so it’s considered to be a very good number for WWE during this pandemic.
Following the appearance of a KKK video from a virtual fan at the ThunderDome during Monday Night Raw, WWE issued a statement to ProWrestlingSheet.com to address the incident.
“This abhorrent behavior does not reflect WWE‘s values and we have zero tolerance for these unacceptable acts,” the statement said. “We are working to ban those involved from future events and per our policies, any inappropriate actions result in the removal from the live stream.”
Fans will certainly continue to try and get away with displaying illegal things on the virtual fan video board in the weeks to come and it will be difficult to monitor all the fans, even though the company whose technology is being used for the board is supposed to monitor them.
AEW Dynamite, in its Saturday 6PM time slot, did 755,000 viewers, down just 37,000 viewers from the previous broadcast. With a 0.31 rating in the 18-49 demographic, Dynamite placed #5 in the top 50 cable chart. Considering this aired on a Saturday, an hour of which also head-to-head with Takeover, it’s a very good number for the company. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Former NBA star and massive wrestling fan Shaquille O’Neal wants to get back in the ring…only this time for All Elite Wrestling.
With a couple of appearances for WWE and WCW already under his belt, the NBA legend now wants to face Cody in an AEW ring.
O’Neal has recently signed a new deal with WarnerMedia for NBA TNT broadcasts and according to a story on The Athletic, O’Neal wants to work out an appearance for the company as part of his deal. The Athletic says that the negotiations for that are “in the embryonic stage at best” although Shaq already has Cody in his sight.
“I’d love to fight Cody. Write it. Print it. Text it to him. Call AEW up and tell them,” Shaq said.
Shaquille O’Neal was last in a wrestling ring at WrestleMania 32 where he participated in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
The WWE ThunderDome has been a cool concept so far and the addition of virtual fans has been great…but it also gives a platform for those rebel fans to do stupid things.
It was only a matter of time before someone displayed something stupid and that happened last night on Raw after a virtual fan decided to play a video of a KKK rally rather than be on camera himself or herself.
Those monitoring the feeds didn’t see it and it was left there as well. Monitoring over 1,000 fans is not an easy task so some will get away with it.
Also yesterday on Raw, a fan changed his video to display a photo of Chris Benoit, the last photo that Benoit took at his doctor’s before murdering his wife and son and committing suicide a few days later.
A fan on Sunday at SummerSlam displayed a sign that says “Fire Velveteen Dream.” That also didn’t get picked up and made the rounds on social media.
With Payback just a few days away, WWE has announced several matches for the pay-per-view last night.
The Universal title will be on the line in a triple threat match as newly-crowned champion The Fiend will defend against Braun Strowman and the returning Roman Reigns. A contract signing will be held on Friday Night Smackdown on FOX.
Two other title matches were also announced, including Bayley and Sasha Banks defending their WWE Women’s Tag Team titles against the team of Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax and Apollo Crews defends the United States title against Bobby Lashley of The Hurt Business.
The other match is Randy Orton versus Keith Lee in a rematch from last night’s Raw. It looks like the WWE title will not be defended at Payback with Orton taking on Lee and it’s unlikely that McIntyre will face someone else unless he’s inserted into an already announced match.
Pat McAfee discussed his Takeover: XXX match against Adam Cole on his Pat McAfee Show earlier today, saying it was something that he will remember all the way to his death bed.
Pat said that there was massive hype and pressure going into the match because Takeover is a big deal so he had to deliver. He talked about jumping on the top turnbuckle and delivering the superplex which he said was awesome. McAfee joked how he did the jump in his ring during training but then when he was there and the ropes looked a little bit higher so he wasn’t sure he was going to nail it.
“But what a bucket list item, I enjoyed the living hell out of it,” McAfee said as he said he made a few…actually a lot of mistakes that led him to lose his match. He said he reads all the dirt sheets and was getting buried by everyone before the match so he felt he needed to show everyone what he can do in the ring.
McAfee said he woke up sore the next day and even today and his foot was sore as well. He said Adam Cole “baited him” into kicking the steel steps but blames himself for the rookie mistake.
All in all, McAfee was thankful for the opportunity to check it off his bucket list.
New NXT champion Karrion Kross is confident that he will not be missing any significant time following his shoulder injury which took place at Takeover: XXX this past Saturday.
Despite the injury, Kross soldiered on like a true champion and finished the match, looking in considerable amount of pain, especially since he still had a few power moves he had to pull out with a heavy opponent like Keith Lee.
“It felt like a choir of demons screaming inside my shoulder in unison,” Kross told ESPN’s Marc Raimondi the day after the show.
Kross is set to undergo an MRI today on his separated right shoulder to determine the extent of the injury.
“I will get the professional, educated opinion on what the severity of it is,” Kross said. “But it’s definitely separated. I won’t beat around the bush about that. As the saying goes, it’s not ballet.”
The champ said that he’s vert intuitive with his body and with the range of motion he has in his shoulder, he doesn’t think it will require any sort of extreme measures to repair.
kros”I feel mixed emotions right now. The whole situation is very bittersweet. I think from a natural place, I’m always a very motivated individual. I’m a solution-based thinker, rather than a pity-based thinker,” he added.
After nearly eight years with WWE, Renee Young closed the curtain on her WWE career once and for all. Yesterday’s work at SummerSlam was her last obligation with the company.
“An opportunity of a lifetime with a global company to learn, grow, make history and do things beyond my wildest dreams before I left Toronto for this adventure,” Young wrote in a long post on Instagram describing her time in WWE.
Young wrote that she did things that she couldn’t have ever imagined or dreamt of, including backstage interviews, hosting Talking Smack, be part of a reality show, travel to Saudi Arabia to commentate a pay-per-view, being the first woman to sit at the commentary desk full time for WWE’s flagship show, called WrestleMania, and more. She also listed anchoring Backstage on FOX Sports, where she mentioned that we would still be able to see her on in the future.
“But it’s also been a lot of my hard work, drive and passion that’s landed me in these amazing spots. I’ve had such an incredible run with WWE. It’s changed my life. But that all leads me to now. What’s next? Do I stay satisfied with what I’ve done? Or do I go in pursuit of new barriers and goals in mind? I always choose the latter,” Young added.
She did not reveal what her next project is apart from saying bye to Renee Young and reconnect with Renee Paquette, her real name.
“So I just wanted to say thanks to WWE and to the all the fans that have been so damn cool to me over the years. And send a crap ton of love to all of my people. I’m excited for the future! Thanks for everything.”
Sasha Banks capped off another disastrous title run with the Raw Women’s championship as her fifth title reign ended once again with zero successful title defenses.
Out of five title reigns, Banks has never managed to defend her title once and each of her reigns lasted only days.
Her first reign in July 2016 lasted only 27 days and then lost it to Charlotte. Her second reign with the title was in October 2016 and again lasted just 27 days, with Charlotte taking it back. The third reign came to an end after just 20 days in November 2016 while her fourth was the shortest one yet with just eight days as champion in August 2017. Her latest run was 34 days, her longest one yet, but still no win while actually the champion.
Sasha Banks spent a total of 107 days as Raw Women’s champion and has the worst record so far with the title.
