Ringside Rivalry: Michael Cole Targets United States Champion Austin Theory with Scathing Remarks on SmackDown
Austin Theory’s recent run as WWE United States Champion has not only caught the eye of the fans but also seems to have ignited new rivalries both in and outside the ring. Having successfully defended the title against the likes of Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed at WWE Backlash 2023, Theory’s dominance is undeniable. But with success comes attention, and some are ready to target the young champion, including SmackDown commentator Michael Cole. Cole’s Controversial Comments During the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Austin Theory made his presence known by appearing in the skybox to observe the finals of the United States Championship Invitational. It was here that Michael Cole, the veteran commentator, seized the opportunity to take a shot at Theory. “In a skybox, with all his friends. There’s the United States Champion Austin Theory,” Cole remarked, drawing attention to the champion’s lonesome appearance. This comment was clearly aimed at undermining Theory’s position in the locker room and questioning his alliances and friendships within the WWE Universe. A History of Heated Words Michael Cole’s comments are not isolated; there’s a history of heated words between WWE personalities. Bayley, who has been on a notorious heel run since 2019, has often targeted Cole with her sharp and cutting remarks. The interplay between commentators and wrestlers adds an intriguing dimension to WWE storylines, and this incident is a prime example of how even a simple comment can fuel future rivalries and confrontations. Repercussions and Future Implications The question now is whether Michael Cole’s comments will be dismissed as mere banter or whether they signal a deeper issue between him and Austin Theory. As the United States Champion, Theory has no shortage of challengers vying for his title, and this latest incident may spur further tension and conflicts in the weeks to come. Could Michael Cole’s words lead to an in-ring confrontation? Or will they merely add to the growing list of superstars gunning for A-Town’s title? Only time will tell. Austin Theory’s rise to the top of the WWE has been swift and impactful, but with his increased profile comes increased scrutiny. Michael Cole’s shot at the United States Champion highlights the complex and ever-changing dynamics within the WWE, where words can be as powerful as wrestling moves. As fans eagerly await the next chapter in this unfolding drama, the spotlight continues to shine brightly on Austin Theory. His response to Cole’s jab, as well as his future as United States Champion, will be closely watched in the coming weeks. Whether he takes Cole’s comments to heart or shrugs them off, one thing is for sure: Austin Theory’s time in the WWE is getting more interesting by the day.
Becky Lynch Takes a Hilarious Shot at Seth Rollins on Celebrity Family Feud
WWE Superstars and married couple, Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, were recently featured on the popular television game show, Celebrity Family Feud. Known for their competitiveness both in the ring and in real life, the couple didn’t shy away from trading some friendly banter in a behind-the-scenes video shared on the show’s official Twitter account. A Relationship Born in the Ring Rollins and Lynch began dating in January 2019 and soon became one of WWE’s power couples. Their engagement in August 2019 set the wrestling world abuzz, and fans eagerly followed the love story that culminated in a star-studded wedding on June 29, 2021. They’ve not only conquered championships together but also navigated life’s ups and downs. A Friendly Joust on Celebrity Family Feud The appearance of Rollins and Lynch on Celebrity Family Feud was highly anticipated by fans, and it didn’t disappoint. In a behind-the-scenes video, Rollins approached his wife while she was getting her makeup done and wished her good luck for the show, cheekily adding that she was going to lose. Never one to back down, Lynch had a ready retort for her husband, asking him, “When have I ever lost in this marriage?” The room erupted in laughter, and the clip quickly went viral, leaving fans appreciating the couple’s fun-loving dynamic. Unbeatable in the Ring and in Marriage Lynch’s quip to Rollins encapsulates their relationship’s strength and camaraderie, which has played out in various WWE storylines and now in their personal lives. Both are known for their passion and drive, their competitive nature brings out the best in each other. Lynch, “The Man” of WWE, is known for breaking barriers and trailblazing paths in the wrestling world, and her success in marriage, according to her humorous comment, seems no different. A New Chapter for Rollins and Lynch This Celebrity Family Feud appearance is a reminder of the couple’s charming off-ring chemistry. As they continue to define their legacy within the WWE, they also prove that they’re equally adept at handling the challenges of life outside the squared circle. Be it in wrestling or their playful banter, the Rollins-Lynch partnership keeps the fans engaged, leaving them wondering what’s next for this dynamic duo. The WWE universe has been thrilled to witness the relationship between Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch blossom both inside and outside the ring. Their Celebrity Family Feud appearance was a refreshing look at their personalities away from their wrestling personas. The playful exchange between the two, as seen in the BTS video, encapsulates their love, trust, and understanding, qualities that make them a beloved couple in the world of sports entertainment. Whether winning championships or engaging in witty banter, Rollins and Lynch prove that they are, indeed, a match made in heaven.
Wrestler Saki Akai Announces Retirement at Only 36: A Farewell to the Ring
In an industry known for pushing athletes to their limits, wrestler Saki Akai has decided to call it quits. Announcing her retirement earlier this year, Akai has set her farewell tour to conclude on November 12 at the Ryogoku show. With a career spanning a decade, her influence and impact on the Japanese wrestling scene have been profound. Starting the Road with DDT Wrestling in DDT since 2013, Saki Akai quickly became a well-known name in Japanese wrestling. From watching DDT as a fan to being offered a chance to join the ring by Takagi, her journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Akai reminisced at the press conference, saying, “Thank you all for your support. 10 years ago, I saw DDT as a fan, what a wild and loving company this is. Takagi offered me to join and even though my parents refused I debuted. It felt like just a while ago. I hope I could do what I can to bring DDT to the next level. I’m honored to be a part of DDT for 10 years.” A Farewell Tour Filled with Emotions Heading into her retirement, Saki Akai is actively participating in various events to bid fans farewell. The star’s devotion to her fans and her passion for the sport shines through these last appearances, making them unforgettable moments for those who have followed her career. Her wrestling career’s final chapter is filled with anticipation, as she hopes her last match will come in the form of a mixed tag team match, adding a special twist to the culmination of her professional journey. Beyond the Ring: A Continued Legacy Though leaving the wrestling world, Saki Akai’s story is far from over. With plans to continue her modeling career, Akai’s grace, elegance, and determination will still be in the public eye. Her transition from wrestling to modeling emphasizes the multifaceted talent that has defined her career. Moreover, her contributions to wrestling will continue to inspire new generations of athletes, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends her time in the ring. Wishing A Legend Farewell Saki Akai’s decision to retire at only 36 is a powerful reminder that athletes must balance their passion for the sport with their personal lives and future endeavors. In a world where careers can end with a single injury, Akai’s conscious choice to retire demonstrates wisdom and foresight. We at Sportskeeda join fans around the world in celebrating her incredible career and wishing Saki Akai a peaceful and fulfilling retirement. Her mark on the sport will remain, and her contributions to Japanese wrestling will always be remembered. Her story stands as a testament to the power of determination, skill, and grace, both inside the ring and out. Farewell, Saki Akai, and thank you for the memories.
Cody Rhodes wants WWE to thank The Young Bucks for their video footage
Cody Rhodes, a prominent figure in WWE, recently expressed his gratitude towards Matt and Nick Jackson, known as The Young Bucks, for their significant contribution to his upcoming documentary. Details about the Cody’s Documentary Several reports indicate that WWE’s documentary on Cody Rhodes will feature footage from “Being the Elite,” The Young Bucks’ YouTube show. This footage will cover the 2018 All-In event and the time when Rhodes signed with AEW (All Elite Wrestling). Over the years, there have been various speculations about Cody Rhodes’ relationships with The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page. Despite their collaboration in co-founding All Elite Wrestling with Tony Khan, online fans speculated about the dynamics among the five individuals, especially when they stopped appearing together on television about a year after AEW’s inception. Cody Expressed his Gratitude for The Bucks & Omega In a recent interview with a reputable source, Cody Rhodes discussed these matters and shed light on his current relationship with The Elite. He confirmed that he maintains regular communication with Matt, Nick, and Kenny. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to Matt and Nick Jackson for allowing the use of Being The Elite footage in his upcoming documentary, titled ‘American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes.’ “We still talk all the time,” Rhodes confirmed when asked about his relationship with The Elite. “Matt and Nick were incredibly generous in letting us use BTE footage in the documentary. This footage is crucial in telling the real story, and I believe it will surprise many viewers. Matt, Nick, and I share a special bond, as do Kenny and I. Even if we never step into the ring together again, I’ll always have their back, and I hope they have mine. I genuinely wish them the best in all their endeavors. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to Matt and Nick Jackson for making this possible.” Concluding Thoughts It’s worth noting that AEW also approved the use of the footage for the documentary. For fans interested in watching ‘American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes,’ it will be available for streaming on Peacock starting July 31.
Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman tried to convince Vince McMahon to hire Jerry Lynn in WWE
Rob Van Dam recently shared some insights into his efforts to persuade Vince McMahon to hire Jerry Lynn for WWE back in the summer of 2001. Jerry Lynn’s journey in WWE During this time, Lynn had a brief tenure as the WWE Light Heavyweight Champion, winning the title by defeating Crash Holly in his debut. While the Light Heavyweight Championship was mostly featured on WWE’s undercard shows, Lynn did get an opportunity to display his skills in a memorable televised match against his old ECW rival, Rob Van Dam, for the Hardcore Championship. RVD Details about Jerry Lynn’s Departure from the company Speaking on “One of a Kind,” RVD revealed that both he and Paul Heyman made earnest attempts to convince Vince McMahon to give Lynn a chance on WWE’s main programs. However, Van Dam couldn’t recall the specifics of the conversation with Vince but emphasized the chemistry they had in their match. He mentioned that much of the communication was through Paul Heyman, who updated him on the situation. According to Heyman, Vince didn’t see anything extraordinary in Jerry Lynn and wasn’t interested in giving him a more significant opportunity. Jerry Lynn’s exit from WWE & his stints in different companies Despite the match with RVD being highly regarded but only lasting less than seven minutes, it didn’t secure Jerry Lynn a full-time position with WWE. Unfortunately, Lynn’s journey with the company came to an end in February 2002 due to a knee injury, and he never had the chance to make a notable impact on WWE’s flagship TV shows. Following his WWE departure, Jerry Lynn continued to wrestle for other promotions such as TNA and ROH. Concluding Thoughts In summary, Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman made a sincere effort to advocate for Jerry Lynn’s WWE career, but despite their best efforts, Lynn’s stint with the company didn’t flourish as they had hoped as Vince was not a big fan of him & in WWE if you can’t impress the boss you can’t be the star at all.
Cody Rhodes dreamt about WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Graham
In a recent interview on the podcast feed for SiriusXM’s “Busted Open Radio,” WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes expressed his deep appreciation for wrestling history and how it has shaped his perspective on the business. Cody Rhodes has always been vocal about his respect for wrestling’s past, particularly with regard to his father, Dusty Rhodes, and wrestling in general. He even played a role in bringing back the classic Intercontinental title belt design in 2012, a beloved design that had been inactive for over a decade. Cody Rhodes recently had a dream about Eddie Graham Cody shared a dream he had where his father introduced him to legendary Florida promoter and WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Graham. He then pondered how promoters from the ’80s, such as Eddie Graham, Vince McMahon Sr., Bill Watts, and the Von Erichs, would view the present-day pro wrestling product. Cody believed that if these legendary promoters were to witness a modern event like Monday Night Raw or WrestleMania, they would likely love it. He emphasized that there is no one right way to do wrestling and that the interaction between fans and talent is a significant aspect of the modern product that these legendary promoters would appreciate: “Eddie Graham, Vince McMahon Sr., Bill Watts, the Von Erichs: If you asked them today what they think, if you brought them to ‘Monday Night Raw,’ if you take them to WrestleMania, they’d love it. I don’t wanna put words in their mouth, you can’t do that, I can’t make that guarantee. I can be pretty close and say they’d love it. They’d love to see the interaction that takes place between a fan and a talent, a wrestler, a superstar. I think people forget that there’s no right way.” During the interview, Cody discussed his love for every generation of wrestling and how he has learned from the past. He mentioned that in the past, he used to be easily influenced by the opinions of certain luminary figures who insisted that there was only one correct way to do things. However, he has since become more confident in the current generation’s approach and what works for them. This assurance has allowed him to embrace his own path without doubting himself. Cody also talked about the influence of Arn Anderson on his career and how Arn’s ability to adapt to the times has played a significant role in his own success.
Logan Paul accepts Ricochet’s SummerSlam challenge on Raw
The much-anticipated clash between Logan Paul and Ricochet has been officially announced for WWE SummerSlam. Following the latest episode of “Raw,” WWE confirmed the match after a heated confrontation between the two rivals. Ricochet, not holding back, called out Paul and challenged him to a match. While acknowledging Paul’s skills, Ricochet also labeled him as “arrogant” and disrespectful. The history between these two competitors began in the men’s Royal Rumble match earlier in the year, where they collided in a jaw-dropping mid-air spectacle. Their paths crossed once again in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, where Ricochet’s high-risk move resulted in a dangerous crash through tables, leading Paul to criticize Ricochet as “unprofessional.” Logan Paul and Ricochet to battle it out at WWE SummerSlam After months of buildup, Ricochet finally had enough and publicly called out Logan Paul, delivering a fiery promo where he didn’t hold back. He passionately expressed his belief that Paul was a “pr**k” who didn’t belong in the wrestling business. Ricochet accused Paul of lacking respect for the industry and the sacrifices made by wrestlers like himself to earn their place in WWE. The WWE high-flyer let the fans know exactly why he despised Paul and his presence in the wrestling world. Paul, living up to his Maverick persona, made a surprise entrance through the crowd and ambushed Ricochet from behind. He then proceeded to gloat over his adversary before accepting the challenge thrown at him. This means that Ricochet will take on the self-proclaimed “most viral Superstar” and “Maverick” of WWE, Logan Paul, at SummerSlam in Ford Field, Detroit. Paul has also branded himself the king of content and has a long-standing feud with Ricochet. The animosity between the two has been simmering since January, when they both pulled off a dazzling spot in the Royal Rumble match, gaining attention on social media. Months later, Paul controversially secured a spot in the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match without earning it, leading to tension with Ricochet during the match. Ricochet didn’t hold back in his passionate promo, calling Paul a “pr**k” and questioning his place in the wrestling business. He emphasized the hard work and sacrifices made by wrestlers and accused Paul of disrespecting the industry. While Paul’s demeanor has been utterly disrespectful during his feuds until now, he might finally get his payback, which is how the current storyline is expected to conclude.
UFC 291 loses main card bout: Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira canceled
A highly anticipated welterweight barnburner between Stephen Thompson and Michel Pereira will no longer take place at UFC 291. The promotion confirmed the news after the Brazilian failed to make weight at the official weigh-ins. While the non-title welterweight bout weight limit is 171 pounds, Pereira weighed in at 174 pounds, three pounds overweight. This is the second time he has failed to make weight. Meanwhile, ‘Wonderboy’ successfully came in at 170.5 pounds. While many speculated that the UFC would attempt to go forward with the fight and try to negotiate a deal between both camps, the cancelation was announced just a few minutes before ceremonial weigh-ins. Soon after, Stephen Thompson confirmed that he refused to fight at catchweight, and the bout was ultimately pulled from the fight card. He issued a statement on Instagram explaining why he chose not to fight Michel Pereira. He wrote: “Unfortunately, my fight with Michel Pereira will no longer be going forward. First off, I’m sorry to all the fans who were looking forward to my fight… Fighters who miss weight face far too few consequences and are often allowed to fight with a significant competitive advantage.” Stephen Thompson was coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Kevin Holland last December. Meanwhile, Michel Pereira was looking to extend his five-fight winning streak. UFC reveals Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira replacement bout After it was confirmed that the Stephen Thompson-Michel Pereira bout stood canceled, the promotion hinted at a replacement fight. It seems that the UFC made the decision to replace the scrapped bout with a heavyweight matchup. MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter recently took to Twitter to point out that the official UFC website has been updated to show the Derrick Lewis vs. Rogerio De Lima fight taking place in the scrapped welterweight bout’s spot. The two heavyweights will reportedly fight just before the co-main event instead of the preliminary card. Replying to a fan comment asking which fight would replace the canceled bout, he quote-tweeted: “UFC.com has it as Lewis vs. De Lima.” ‘The Black Beast’ will be looking to stop a dismal three-fight losing slide. Lewis suffered three consecutive finishes against Tai Tuivasa, Sergei Pavlovich, and Sergey Spivak. Meanwhile, Rogerio De Lima is coming off a two-fight win streak. He last defeated Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 72 in April.
Bryce Mitchell set to return to the octagon in September
Bryce Mitchell is set to return to the UFC octagon. The Arkansas native is reportedly booked to face Dan Ige in a featherweight matchup at a Fight Night event on September 23 in Las Vegas. Mitchell has been calling for this fight for a long time, and the promotion has finally granted him his wish. ‘Thug Nasty’ will be looking to redeem his first maiden loss against Ilia Topuria. The Georgian-Spanish fighter secured a second-round submission victory over Mitchell at UFC 282 last December. Prior to that loss, Bryce Mitchell was on an incredible 15-fight win streak. His record now stands at 15-1. Bryce Mitchell was initially slated to fight Movsar Evloev in May but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury. A lightweight barnburner between Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot will headline the September Fight Night card. ‘Ataman’ will aim to rebound from a close decision loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 286. The defeat broke his six-fight winning streak and was his first UFC loss since his debut in April 2019. Meanwhile, Gamrot has won five out of his last six outings. He last beat Jalin Turner at UFC 285 via split decision. When Bryce Mitchell claimed Conor McGregor would cheat to defeat Michael Chandler UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell is not a fan of Conor McGregor. ‘Thug Nasty’ once claimed that the Irishman would resort to cheating in order to defeat Michael Chandler after their The Ultimate Fighter (TUF 31) season concludes. McGregor was roped in to reprise his role as a coach opposite Chandler in the ongoing season of TUF 31. The two explosive strikers have been placed in charge of two teams of bantamweight and lightweight fighters. While McGregor has a group of MMA prospects under his tutelage, Chandler is coaching a group of UFC veterans. Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler are highly expected to face off in the octagon after the reality show ends. However, there is no official confirmation of that bout yet. In a May edition of MMA Pros Pick, Bryce Mitchell claimed that he believes McGregor could use steroids to gain a competitive edge over Chandler. He said: “I think McGregor is on steroids and I don’t think they are gonna test this properly. I think he’ll win on steroids. But if they test them, I think it’ll be a good fight. But if he’s on steroids… it’s still definitely, I’m going, I’m rooting for the American.” Watch the full video below:
Reason for Dana White’s absence from UFC 291 press conference revealed
Dana White was a notable absentee from the recent UFC 291 pre-fight press conference. Considering the significance of the event and the massive hype behind the fight card, many wondered why the UFC supremo gave it a miss. Due to White’s absence, perennial UFC commentator Jon Anik took over his duties as the press conference host. Anik not only hosted the event but also answered questions from the attending journalists. Shedding light on why Dana White missed the presser, MMA journalist Mike Bohn revealed that the UFC president is currently on vacation in Italy. Confirming the same on Twitter, he wrote: “With Dana White vacationing in Italy, I’m told @Jon_Anik will host today’s #UFC291 pre-fight press conference.” UFC 291 is set to go down this weekend at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. A rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje will headline the exciting pay-per-view card. The two explosive lightweights will be fighting for the coveted ‘BMF’ title. The co-main event will feature former middleweight champion Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight debut against former 205-pound champion Jan Blachowicz. Elsewhere on the card, former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson will face Bobby Green. Welterweight contender Stephen Thompson will face Michel Pereira and Kevin Holland will fight Michael Chiesa. A heavyweight matchup between Derrick Lewis and Rogerio De Lima will also take place on the UFC 291 card. Dana White confirms main event for the Fight Night event on September 23 UFC president Dana White recently confirmed that the promotion is close to finalizing an exciting lightweight matchup between Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot for a Fight Night event in September. The two mercurial fighters will headline the main card on September 23 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. ‘Ataman’ will look to redeem his unanimous decision loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC 286. Before that loss, Fiziev was on a six-fight winning streak. Meanwhile, Gamrot is coming off a split-decision victory over Jalin Turner at UFC 285. The card will also feature a featherweight barnburner between Bryce Mitchell and Dan Ige. This will mark Mitchell’s first 2023 octagon outing. The news was confirmed by MMA journalist Brett Okamoto of ESPN, who tweeted: “UFC Fight Night, Sept. 23 … per Dana White. No. 6 Rafael Fiziev vs. No. 6 Mateusz Gamrot. No. 12 Bryce Mitchell vs. No. 13 Dan Ige.”