A Shocking Turn of Events: John Cena’s Victory over Nexus in SummerSlam 2010 Shattered Wade Barrett’s Momentum
SummerSlam 2010 was a wrestling event that fans will never forget, not only because of the thrilling action but the unexpected twists behind the scenes. In the highlight of the night, Team WWE, led by John Cena, went head-to-head against Team Nexus. Despite Team Nexus being primed for victory, the final result favored Cena, causing a domino effect that changed the trajectory of Wade Barrett’s career. Wade Barrett and his team from Nexus were gearing up for what was supposed to be a victorious match against Team WWE at SummerSlam 2010. Leading his team with the likes of Darren Young, Michael Tarver, Ryback, David Otunga, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel, Barrett had high hopes of cementing their credibility. John Cena’s team was no less star-studded, with talents like John Morrison, R-Truth, Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Edge, and Daniel Bryan. Yet, the original plan, according to Barrett, was for Nexus to come out on top, proving their dominance in the wrestling world. The Unforeseen Change: Cena’s Unexpected Triumph Just before the match, Nexus was informed by Arn Anderson that Cena would win. The shocking news initially seemed unbelievable to the team, and they sought Vince McMahon to confirm. After a frantic search, McMahon was found, and the unexpected decision was validated. McMahon decided that Cena would win to provide a happy ending to the feud, primarily aimed at sending the younger audience home with smiles on their faces. The Aftermath: Barrett’s Unrecoverable Loss The victory by John Cena was a turning point for Barrett, whose momentum seemed to crumble after that night. While he managed to claim the Intercontinental Champion title later on, the spark that had defined his dominance was never the same. In his 2017 interview with Inside the Ropes, Barrett shed light on the confusion and disappointment that marked that fateful night. His wrestling career never managed to recover from the loss, and he transitioned to a commentator role on SmackDown in 2016. SummerSlam 2010 remains an event that many remember for the exciting match-ups and shocking turn of events. The last-minute decision to favor Cena over Barrett changed the trajectory of the latter’s wrestling career. The ripple effect of that single decision highlights the unpredictability of the wrestling world, where storylines can change in an instant, impacting careers for years to come. The victory may have sent the kids home happy that night, but it left a lasting shadow on Barrett’s career, a reminder of what could have been, had the original plans been followed. His move to the commentary table at SmackDown marks a new chapter, but the memories of SummerSlam 2010 linger on, a poignant reminder of a dream unfulfilled.
Rob Van Dam was insulted when he was made WWE Hardcore Champion
Rob Van Dam, a name synonymous with the extreme and violent action that characterized the ECW in the ’90s, recently opened up about his feelings regarding the WWE Hardcore Championship. His sentiments stem from what he believes was WWE’s mockery of a superior art form that he helped pioneer. “I felt like they were making fun of us in ECW,” Van Dam said on the latest “One of A Kind” podcast. This opinion sheds light on a significant era of wrestling history and how the star viewed WWE’s attempts to replicate what ECW had created. The Degradation of the Hardcore Match Van Dam’s disdain is rooted in the difference in philosophy between ECW and WWE. In his view, ECW made wrestling cool to even those who weren’t wrestling fans. The high-impact, violent nature of ECW was copied by both WWE and WCW, but according to Van Dam, it was often done poorly. The Hardcore title matches on “Monday Night Raw,” seemed like a joke to Van Dam, diminishing the essence of what a Hardcore match meant to him. “RIP Crash Holly but it pretty much meant the hot dog stand was gonna get tipped over … the Hardcore match was something to laugh at,” he remarked. Making the Hardcore Title Mean Something Moreover, despite his initial contempt for the title, Van Dam was determined to elevate the status of the Hardcore Championship once it was thrust upon him. His hard work and dedication paid off, as he was able to redefine what the title meant within the WWE universe. His success in making the title significant led to its eventual unification with the Intercontinental Championship, retiring the belt in 2002. RVD’s Continued Connection to His Extreme Roots Van Dam’s extreme past is far from forgotten. His recent appearance on “AEW Dynamite,” where he challenged “Jungle” Jack Perry for his FTW Championship—a title that originated in ECW—shows that his commitment to the hardcore style is still strong. His debut in AEW came at the behest of his ECW friend and rival Jerry Lynn, further cementing the connection between his storied past and current ambitions. Fans eagerly await next week’s edition of “Dynamite” to see this exciting match. Rob Van Dam’s candid thoughts on WWE’s Hardcore title provide a fascinating insight into the mind of a wrestler who helped define an era. Also, his dedication to the art form, his struggle to make the Hardcore Championship meaningful, and his continued involvement in extreme wrestling paint the picture of a man committed to his craft. Lastly, with Van Dam still active and embracing his roots, fans can only hope that his influence continues to shape the industry, preserving the spirit of hardcore wrestling that he holds so dear. His legacy in ECW and efforts in WWE will remain a significant chapter in the annals of professional wrestling.
A big annoucement for NXT by Shawn Micheals: No Mercy Event Soon!
WWE continues its recent tradition of reviving old-school gimmicks as Premium Live Events (PLEs), with the latest confirmation being the return of No Mercy for the NXT brand. This announcement was made on WWE’s official corporate website and further solidified during a media call by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, who was also hyping up The Great American Bash 2023, another old-school event. Details about the No Mercy Premium Live event NXT No Mercy 2023 is scheduled to take place on September 30 at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California. Notably, the event will be held on a Saturday, aligning with the main roster PLEs. Tickets sale for the said event will be starting on August 4 at 10 AM PT on axs.com, there will be exclusive pre-sale opportunities that fans can avail of from August 2 at 10 AM PT via wwe.com/nxtnomercy-presale. The event will be aired live on Peacock for fans in the United States, while the rest of the world can watch it through the WWE Network platform. In India, Sony LIV and its exclusive OTT platform will serve as the broadcasting partners. Stars to be featured on the Show While the match lineup for No Mercy has not been revealed yet, top NXT stars like Carmelo Hayes, Tiffany Stratton, Roxanne Perez, Bron Breakker, and Wes Lee are being promoted to appear. No Mercy was a regular event during the WWE’s Ruthless Aggression Era until it went on hiatus in 2008. It later returned as a Smackdown-exclusive event. Shawn Michaels expressed his thoughts on Shawn Michaels’ NXT Vision and No Mercy 2017’s Memorable Matches Shawn Michaels expressed his interest in seeing more main roster competitors on the developmental brand of NXT ahead of two big NXT events. He mentioned names like the Brawling Brutes, Imperium, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens as potential talents he would like to see in NXT. The last time No Mercy was a pay-per-view event was in 2017, as a Raw-exclusive show featuring a dream match between John Cena and Roman Reigns as the headliner, and Brock Lesnar facing Braun Strowman. Expanding WWE’s Premium Live Event (PLE) Schedule for 2023 and Beyond : It seems that WWE plans to gradually increase the number of standalone premium live events under their banner. The current PLE schedule includes: WWE SummerSlam 2023 on August 5 WWE Payback 2023 on September 2 WWE NXT No Mercy 2023 on September 30 WWE Fastlane 2023 on October 7 WWE Saudi Arabia PLE on November 4 (with location to be announced) WWE Survivor Series 2023 on November 25 WWE WrestleMania 40 on April 6/7 WWE WrestleMania 41 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota (date to be determined).
Chael Sonnen urges Dana White to re-sign Derrick Lewis to the UFC after stunning TKO win
Chael Sonnen doesn’t want to see Derrick Lewis leave the UFC. Claiming that he wanted to see more of ‘The Black Beast,’ Sonnen recently urged Dana White to re-sign the perennial heavyweight contender. Lewis recently fought the last fight of his current contract and dispatched Rogerio De Lima via first-round KO. The hard-hitting heavyweight contender barraged his opponent with punches and forced the referee to intervene just 33 seconds after the opening bell. Lewis reclaimed his top spot for most knockouts in UFC history with the win. After the fight, Derrick Lewis iterated that he’d love to re-sign with the promotion and fight for the title. Given his status as a fan-favorite fighter and his entertaining fighting style, many called for Dana White to bring him back. Speaking at the post-fight ESPN MMA show, Chael Sonnen urged the UFC supremo to strongly consider keeping Derrick Lewis on the roster. He said: “Look, Dana, I’ve asked you for things before, but not in a while. I feel like I’m owed one. Please re-sign this guy. I’m not done with Derrick. I want to see more of Derrick Lewis. I’ll leave it at that.” Watch the full video below: Dana White shares update on Conor McGregor’s return Earlier this month, Dana White shared an update on Conor McGregor’s highly-anticipated return to action. The UFC frontman revealed that while the Irishman hasn’t entered the USADA testing pool yet, he’s confident about McGregor fighting before the year ends. After suffering a nasty leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, McGregor went through a long process of recovery and physical therapy. The Irishman made his UFC return by taking on a coaching role on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) opposite Michael Chandler earlier this year. The two men were highly touted to face off in the octagon after their season concluded. However, McGregor’s absence from the USADA testing pool has proven to be a significant hurdle to his return. While he’s hinted at submitting his samples several times in the past, he is still not registered by the drug-testing agency. In an interview with Aaron Bronsteter for TSN, Dana White shared an update on Conor McGregor’s future plans and said: “He’s not [back in the USADA testing pool]. 100 percent [there’s a chance Conor McGregor fights this year]. We’ll see how that plays out. They’re saying that now, but who knows… Who cares what USADA says, we’ll see what happens when it happens so I don’t know.”
Jorge Masvidal claims he lost $100k betting on Dustin Poirier at UFC 291
Jorge Masvidal recently opened up about last weekend’s Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje BMF title fight. ‘Gamebred’ revealed that while he recognizes Gaethje’s impressive performance, he was salty about losing $100,000 in wager money. It’s no secret that Masvidal and Poirier are close friends and train together at the famed American Top Team gym (ATT) in Florida. Unsurprisingly, the former BMF champion chose to bet a significant amount of money on his teammate to win. While Poirier succeeding Masvidal as the BMF titleholder would be an exceptional honor for both men and the ATT gym, Justin Gaethje’s devastating head kick splashed water all over that possibility. ‘The Highlight’ ended the blockbuster fight by unexpectedly knocking Poirier out early on in the second round. In the aftermath, Jorge Masvidal graciously handed over the coveted black-and-grey belt to Gaethje. In an interview with TNT Sports after the event, Masvidal revealed that he suffered a personal loss after Dustin Poirier lost and said: “I’m making wagers that I probably shouldn’t. I put $100,000 on D.P, on Dustin Poirier. Kids I’m sorry, you’ve got to go to public school now…I’m just hurt. I wanted my boy to get that belt.” Watch the full interview below: Jorge Masvidal dares Conor McGregor to call him out Jorge Masvidal has had enough of Conor McGregor’s empty callouts. ‘Gamebred’ recently sounded off on the Irishman and dared McGregor to try calling him out for a fight. McGregor hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since suffering a nasty leg fracture against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Since then, ‘The Notorious’ has gone through extensive physical therapy and medical rehabilitation. He made his return to the UFC by reprising his role as a coach on the ongoing season of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Chandler. The two explosive strikers are expected to face off after their season concludes. Despite the hype, there seems to be no official movement regarding the McGregor-Chandler fight. Masvidal could be prepared to change that. Almost immediately after Justin Gaethje’s BMF title win, Conor McGregor called him out via a series of explicit tweets. However, ‘The Highlight’ was neither impressed nor interested in the Irishman’s rants. It seems Jorge Masvidal wasn’t too pleased either. In a recent tweet, the Miami native wrote: “Conor McGregor shut ur mouth you pissing hot midget ur not cleared to fight. Talking about fighters going thru the grind and process. I bet you never say my name you scared.”
Stephen Thompson reveals he still hasn’t been given his show money for UFC 291
Stephen Thompson is still waiting to be compensated for making weight and showing up to the UFC 291 weigh-ins. Thompson was booked to face Michel Pereira at last weekend’s UFC 291 event. However, the fight was scrapped after the Brazilian failed to make the welterweight limit by three pounds. He weighed in at 174 pounds, while the non-title limit is 171 pounds. ‘Wonderboy,’ who weighed in successfully at 170.5 pounds, chose not to go ahead with the fight at catchweight. Despite Stephen Thompson completing an entire training camp, he isn’t sure if he’ll get paid for all the blood, sweat, and tears he put into making weight. However, the welterweight mainstay remains optimistic about the UFC doing right by him. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Thompson shared an update about the status of his payment and said: “At this point, my management is talking to the UFC, nothing yet. I know Dana White is on vacation. The guy is a workaholic, so well deserved, but I feel like the UFC is going to do right by me. I’ve done everything that I’m supposed to do… I’ve done what they wanted of me, and I feel like they’re going to do right by me. Things are still in talks. I think they’re waiting for Dana White to come back from his vacation, and we’ll go from there.” Watch the full video below: Chael Sonnen calls for the UFC to pay Stephen Thompson his dues Former UFC middleweight title contender Chael Sonnen recently weighed in on the Stephen Thompson pay issue and called for the promotion to make the welterweight striking maestro whole. As mentioned above, ‘Wonderboy’ hasn’t received payment for going through a whole training camp and successfully making weight. While fighter pay is typically segregated into ‘show’ money and ‘win’ money, the UFC reserves the right to decide if a fighter who makes weight and is ready to fight gets the show money if the bout falls through. While it’s unclear if Stephen Thompson will get paid, Chael Sonnen recently voiced his support for the welterweight striker. In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, he said: “I stand with Stephen. I stand with Thompson on this one… This was about an honor and a respect that goes deeper than just this organization, you and I both know the deal and you and I both know you can’t [miss weight]… Why should Thompson be punished?” Watch the full video below:
Kurt Angle Reflects on the Legacy and Controversy of Chris Benoit
Professional wrestling has seen many skilled performers throughout its history, but few have left a mark as complicated and troubling as Chris Benoit. In a recent episode of “The Kurt Angle Show,” WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle opened up about his experiences working with Benoit and how he navigates the difficult legacy left behind. A Complex Legacy Chris Benoit’s legacy is inseparably tied to the shocking events of 2007, where he murdered his wife and son before committing suicide. This tragedy left an indelible scar on the wrestling community, yet some, like Angle, find it essential to acknowledge Benoit’s undeniable skill in the ring. Acknowledging Benoit’s Skill Angle, who worked with Benoit extensively between 2000 and 2006, shared the ring with him 101 times and had this to say about his in-ring ability: “A lot of times when I talk about Chris, I get negative feedback on social media,” Angle explained. “But you can’t excuse the fact that he was one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and you can’t ignore that. It’s just — it’s really difficult to do that. Now, don’t get me wrong — I don’t condone anything he’s done. But I know this — Chris was the best in-ring performer that I’ve ever been in the ring with, and I can’t lie about that.” Considering the Impact on Benoit’s Surviving Son The conversation also took a more personal turn, as Angle discussed his motivation to continue speaking about Benoit, citing Benoit’s surviving son on a podcast: “The thing is, with Chris Benoit, you can’t forget he [still] has a son,” Angle said. “Okay? And the reason why I talk about him so much is because of his son. He has a living son right now that thinks the world of his father. I mean, he’s obviously forgiven him for what he’s done. And there’s no excuse for what Chris has done, but when you have a living human being that absolutely idolized his father, [you’re not] gonna say, ‘I don’t want to talk about Chris Benoit because he’s a piece of s**t and what he did to his family is horrible.’ What is that going to do for that kid, you know?” Kurt Angle’s discussion on his podcast reflects a broader challenge in the wrestling community: how to remember and talk about a performer who was a master in the ring but whose actions outside it were deeply disturbing. Angle’s perspective adds nuance to a conversation that will likely continue to be fraught with difficulty for years to come. His willingness to face the subject head-on provides an opportunity for fans and fellow performers to grapple with the uncomfortable reality of a man who left behind a complex and unsettling legacy.
WWE Phenomenon Charlotte Flair Takes Center Stage in Metropolitan Luxury Magazine; Father Ric Flair Leads Cheers
In an industry where legacy and reputation mean everything, the Flair family continues to make headlines. WWE legend Ric Flair, never one to shy away from expressing his pride, has once again taken to Twitter to celebrate his daughter, Charlotte Flair. This time, the occasion is Charlotte’s appearance on the cover of July’s Metropolitan Luxury Magazine. As the “Nature Boy” has done several times this year, he showered praise on Charlotte, not only for her elegance and style but also for her incomparable abilities in the ring. Ric Flair’s Unwavering Support Ever the proud father, Ric Flair’s latest tweet stated, “Charlotte is the best at what she does, continually raising the bar. She’s the greatest women’s wrestler in history!” The statement, oozing with paternal bias, surely won’t go unnoticed or unchallenged by fans and critics alike. However, the 16-time World Champion’s support for his daughter has always been a hallmark of their public relationship. Charlotte’s Stellar 2023 Charlotte’s 2023 has indeed been a year to remember. After winning the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship by defeating Ronda Rousey late last year, she entered this year with the belt around her waist. Her reign continued until WrestleMania 39, where she dropped the title to Rhea Ripley. Taking a brief hiatus after WrestleMania, Charlotte has since made a triumphant return to the WWE Women’s Championship scene, joining reigning champion Asuka and former titleholder Bianca Belair. The three are set to clash in a highly anticipated Triple Threat Match this weekend at SummerSlam. A Growing Legacy While debates rage over whether Charlotte indeed deserves the lofty title of the greatest women’s wrestler, there’s no denying her impact on the sport. Her 2023 performance further cements her position as one of the defining figures in women’s wrestling. Whether she emerges victorious at SummerSlam or not, her presence in the industry, coupled with achievements like the Metropolitan Luxury Magazine cover, ensures that the Flair legacy continues to thrive. In an industry where competition is fierce, and accolades are hard-earned, Charlotte Flair’s success both inside and outside the ring is undeniable. With a supportive father like Ric Flair cheering her on, the sky’s the limit for this WWE superstar. As the Flair family motto goes, “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man,” and Charlotte seems poised to take that mantra to new heights.
Gable Steveson’s Debut Match: Mark Henry’s Insight on What the NXT Newcomer Needs
Gable Steveson’s debut in the WWE ring was met with an unexpected reception from the WWE Universe. The normally villainous Baron Corbin found himself cheered, leaving many to question the newcomer’s future. On “Busted Open,” WWE legend Mark Henry weighed in on what he believes Steveson needs for his career. Cold Reception at the Great American Bash Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and highly anticipated addition to the WWE roster, finally made his debut in Sunday’s Great American Bash, only to receive a cold and caustic reception. The match ended in a double count-out draw with Baron Corbin, leaving fans cheering for the typically reviled Corbin instead. Mark Henry’s Perspective The legendary Mark Henry believes that proper mentorship is key to Steveson’s success. According to Henry, it’s up to Steveson to “impose [his] will” on the fans, rather than relying on the office or writers to win them over. “The writers are not in the ring. The writers are not in front of the people. The boss cannot come to the ring and say, ‘Hey guys, we’re paying this guy a lot of money. We want him to get over with you, here he is.’ It’s gonna go off like somebody taking a dump in church,” Henry said, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in building rapport with the audience. The Need for a Mentor and Manager Returning to his initial point, Henry suggested that Steveson needs a mentor who has walked the same path, preferably an Olympian, to guide him both in the ring and on camera. “You almost have to bring Kurt Angle back to be his manager and say, ‘He’s not me. He’s better than me,’” Henry advised. He emphasized that Angle’s mentorship could help Steveson project an attitude of indifference toward the audience and allow him to highlight his amateur wrestling credentials. Also, fans were impressed by the performance Gable put on his debut match at WWE. A Long-Awaited Debut Steveson’s debut was highly anticipated since signing with WWE in 2021. He was even part of that year’s WWE Draft when he was selected for “Raw.” However, he never wrestled a match until the Great American Bash on Sunday. Mark Henry’s insights underline the importance of mentorship and personal development for Gable Steveson. His debut may not have been the triumphant entrance many expected, but with the right guidance, Steveson’s future in WWE could still be bright. The call for Kurt Angle’s involvement could be a step in the right direction, allowing Steveson to learn from a seasoned pro and truly connect with the WWE Universe. The fans and the wrestling world are watching, waiting to see how Steveson’s story will unfold.
Tony Ferguson addresses eye-poke from Bobby Green loss
Tony Ferguson recently weighed in on his loss against Bobby Green at UFC 291. He stated that an eye-poke during the contest hindered his vision and ultimately affected the outcome of the fight. ‘El Cucuy’ was handed his sixth consecutive loss last weekend after Green managed to secure a third-round submission. While Ferguson had some promising moments early on, an unfortunate eye poke from ‘King’ forced the referee to call a temporary halt to the action. After the fight resumed, albeit sooner than expected, Green built momentum and finished his opponent in the final seconds of the last round. In the aftermath, many called for Tony Ferguson to call it a career. Given his dismal run since his last win in June 2019, it’s unsurprising that fans are concerned about the 39-year-old damaging his legacy beyond repair. However, it seems Ferguson doesn’t intend on giving up just yet. Taking to Instagram, Tony Ferguson addressed his eye poke incident and iterated his intentions to continue competing. He stated: “As the fight began, I was in the Xone, flowing & feeling confident. Bobby knew the direction of the fight & I believe he knew what he was doing when he poked my eye. He has a big history of moves like this. It significantly impaired my vision, making it difficult to see clearly out of my eye. Despite this eye poke I never considered stopping the fight Although the doc wanted too.” He continued: “While I won’t use the eye poke as an excuse for the outcome, I know for a fact I have more to give… Eye appointment tomorrow, some recovery & back after it.” Bobby Green on Tony Ferguson’s retirement calls Bobby Green recently weighed in on Tony Ferguson’s future plans and addressed those calling for him to retire. At the UFC 291 post-fight press conference, Green claimed that while he couldn’t say if Ferguson should retire or not, ‘El Cucuy’ still has a lot to give. He stated: “What I should say for another man? I can’t speak for another man. It depends on what’s in his heart and his goals…He took hella shots, and he was still fighting. He was still game. I felt like maybe if it was someone else, they would slow down and stop. I think he’s still got it in him. I would say so. He’s got a lot of fight in him.” Before the Bobby Green loss, Tony Ferguson lost against Nate Diaz, Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje. Meanwhile, Green is back in the win column with his UFC 291 win. He previously scored a No-Contest against Jared Gordon due to an accidental head clash. He was on a two-fight losing streak prior to that.