Kamaru Usman Believes “Rematch With Grasso Could Be More Difficult For Shevchenko”
Kamaru Usman believes that Alexa Grasso will enter her rematch with Valentina Shevchenko even more confident. Flyweight champion Grasso (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) takes on Shevchenko (23-4 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is broadcast on ESPN+. After seven title defenses, Shevchenko was dethroned by Grasso, who submitted her in the fourth round of their title fight at UFC 285 in March. Grasso initially wanted one more fight before a title shot but ended up getting the call to compete for the belt. “When you’re fighting with someone who’s not supposed to be there at the time and you let them stay there long enough, and they start to develop confidence that they belong here, you’re in a fistfight. or some kind of situation you don’t want to be in. That is this case perfectly. “Alexa Grasso, who at the time I think was ranked No. 3 and had the opportunity to fight because Valentina had run all over the division when she got there, she made the most of that opportunity because watching that fight, who did you think? Was Valentina Shevchenko going to lose to Alexa Grasso? From personal experience, having lost to Leon Edwards twice in a row, former welterweight champion Usman expects Grasso to have a mental advantage over Shevchenko. “This is one of those things, now, with the rematch, it becomes even more difficult to try to take that belt from these contenders. They go in there as mere contenders and leave as champions. That’s another confidence they have now by thinking and saying to themselves, ‘Oh, I was the best all the time.’ I just needed the opportunity.’
Nick Khan, On CM Punk: “We Appreciate His Career In WWE”
CM Punk has starred in some of the most popular headlines this year. The wrestler returned to All Elite Wrestling programming in June to become the centrepiece of AEW Collision, the new Saturday night show. A return that was not liked by all the company’s fans and colleagues, who considered him a problematic person. However, two months after his return, Punk once again became the focus of attention after getting into an altercation backstage at AEW All In London, which ultimately led to his dismissal. Since then, much has been rumoured about a possible return to WWE. A possibility that Nick Khan was asked about in an interview with ESPN on the occasion of the official presentation of TKO. “Look, we have nothing but respect for Phil. We appreciate his career here. We appreciate what he did and what he tried to do in the UFC. Not many people can go there and do what he did. So, when I say we have respect for Phil, is that we wish him nothing but the best,” Khan responded. It should be remembered that CM Punk unilaterally left WWE in 2014. The fighter’s discontent led him to assure that he would never step foot in a wrestling ring again, which is why he decided to try his luck in the UFC. However, his career in the most well-known MMA promotion in the world was very brief. Punk only fought two matches, which ended in defeats, although one of them (the one against Mike Jackson) was eliminated after his rival tested positive for marijuana. Meanwhile, fans are still waiting for a statement or reaction from Punk after his dismissal from AEW, where he could give a clue about his intentions from now on. A return to WWE may sound far-fetched after his stormy departure from the company and the legal disputes that both parties have had since then although, as we have seen on other occasions, anything is possible in this business.
Dominik Mysterio Set To Face Mustafa Ali At NXT No Mercy
During the last episode of WWE NXT broadcasts on USA Network, it has been confirmed that Dominik Mysterio will face Mustafa Ali for the NXT Championship at No Mercy. The next Premium Live Event in WWE’s developmental territory. Last week at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, Mustafa Ali defeated Dragon Lee with Dominik Mysterio as the special referee. This controversial victory allowed him to get closer to a starting opportunity. Despite being upset with the circumstances of his victory, Ali did not stop bragging about a future victory against the Judgment Day member. Will he fulfil his promise and lift his first title in WWE, or will he fall again because of Dominik? WWE NXT No Mercy will take place on Saturday, September 30 at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California. Fans will be able to watch this event live from the venue, or through its exclusive broadcast on WWE Network and Peacock in the United States. Below is the billboard of the event to date.WWE NXT No Mercy 2023 billboard NXT Championship Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Ilja Dragunov NXT North American Championship Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Mustafa Ali NXT Heritage Cup Noam Dar (c) vs. NXT Global Heritage Invitational winner Bron Breakker vs. Baron Corbin
Has Elias’ Contract With WWE Already Finished?
With the sale of WWE to Endeavor and the formation of TKO Holdings Group, movements in the WWE roster could increase as the days go by. Following the departure of Fran Riddick, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of WWE, it is speculated that many other changes will come with this operation. In the last few hours, we have learned about the first cases of possible departures from the WWE locker room. Twitter user Boozer 666, a specialist in launching scoops and exclusive WWE news, has reported that Elias (Ezekiel) no longer has a contract as a professional wrestler in WWE. “He currently does not have a professional contract,” he wrote on Twitter. Elias’ profile is still part of the official WWE roster, but this could change in the coming days if the fighter does not get a new agreement with the company. It should be remembered that Elias and Ezekiel are played by the same person. Elias, whose real name is Jeffrey Sciullo, debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2017. He quickly became a polarizing character due to his ability to rile up audiences with his musical performances and speeches. The character of Ezekiel was born in 2022 when he appeared on Raw after WrestleMania as Ezekiel’s brother. He was greeted by Kevin Owens, who knew from the beginning that Ezekiel was Elias, and not his brother. Ezekiel has remained away from television since last year. On the August 8, 2022 episode of Raw, Kevin Owens brutally attacked the wrestler. After this event, he was taken to the hospital, where he was evaluated and it is the place where he has remained since then, an angle that WWE took advantage of to remove him from television. Elias returned to Raw in October of last year and became a regular on Monday Night Raw, although his character did not have the freshness of yesteryear. His last fight dates back to May 15, 2023, when he was part of a battle royal on Monday Night Raw to determine the new contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
AEW Abandons CM Punk’s ‘Real’ World Title After Multiple Allegations
We now know that CM Punk is no longer part of AEW. He was released because of various accusations against him, and the final straw was a violent backstage fight with Jungle Boy. This situation worried AEW owner Tony Khan about his safety, so he had to make the difficult decision to let go of CM Punk, who was one of the biggest stars in the company. Despite high hopes when he first joined AEW, CM Punk’s time with the promotion only lasted for two years. Just one day before the All Out PPV event in Chicago, Tony Khan decided to release CM Punk. Luckily for AEW, there wasn’t a specific match featuring Punk that was advertised for the event. However, there were rumors that he might make a surprise appearance. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen because he was fired the day before. Now, the question arises: What happened to the championship that CM Punk held at the time of his firing? If you’ve guessed it, we’re talking about CM Punk’s version of the REAL World Championship, also known as the X Title or the Straight Edge Title. The latest news on this matter is that AEW has completely abandoned CM Punk’s ‘Real’ World Title due to the multiple allegations against him. This means that, just like Punk himself, his REAL World Title is now gone from the company entirely. When Punk held the title, there were rumors that he would defend it on AEW Collision and PPVs until the right time came for the ultimate showdown between the current AEW Championship holder, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), and CM Punk to fight for both titles and create the Undisputed AEW World Championship. However, following CM Punk’s departure from the company, Tony Khan has decided to remove the REAL World Championship once and for all. According to reports, this means there will be no tournament or any plans for that title, and it’s now defunct within the company, just like CM Punk himself. What are your thoughts on this? Please share your comments below.
Who Is Jade Cargill? All You Need To Know About AEW Star
In the past few days, Jade Cargill has become a hot topic in the world of professional wrestling. She’s been part of AEW since 2020 and has quickly risen as one of the company’s fastest-growing talents. At 31 years old, her fame skyrocketed thanks to an impressive unbeaten streak and a 508-day reign as the TBS Champion. AEW star Mark Henry suggested that Jade Cargill start her training at the Face 2 Face Wrestling School in Atlanta, Georgia. Interestingly, before finding her home in AEW, Cargill had a tryout with WWE in 2019, but unfortunately, she was not selected. Her television debut happened on November 11, 2020, during an episode of Dynamite. In her first match, Cargill teamed up with Shaquille O’Neal to take on Cody and Brandi Rhodes. Originally from Gifford, Florida, Cargill attended Sebastian River High School, where she excelled in basketball, leading her teams to victory at the district championships. Her impressive physical prowess and unique on-screen presence helped her become a notable figure in the world of professional wrestling. Cargill has often mentioned that WWE Hall of Famer Chyna served as her inspiration. Recent reports have suggested that Jade Cargill might be nearing the end of her time with AEW and could potentially be heading to WWE once her current contract expires. However, no official confirmation has been made on this matter, and AEW has even announced details about her upcoming return to in-ring action. At the Double or Nothing event earlier this year in May, Kris Statlander made her comeback from a break and challenged Cargill for the TBS Championship, ending Cargill’s reign. After the loss, it was reported that Cargill requested some time off. She returned on the September 9, 2023, episode of Collision, where she attacked Statlander. If Jade Cargill makes the move to WWE, she wouldn’t be the first AEW star to transition to WWE within the past year. AEW has welcomed several former WWE talents into its roster, including notable names like Jon Moxley, Matt Hardy, Daniel Bryan, Christian, and others. However, it’s worth noting that the flow of talent from AEW to WWE has been less common. A few months ago, there were rumors about Brian Pillman’s son, following in his father’s footsteps and joining WWE. He initially signed with AEW in 2019 and primarily appeared on DARK and Rampage. Pillman Jr.’s contract expired in July, and there have been reports that he has since signed with WWE and is currently undergoing training at the Performance Center. Jade Cargill has consistently made a big impact in All Elite Wrestling, and if she decides to sign with WWE, she could potentially replicate her success there. On the other hand, Brian Pillman Jr. might be gearing up for his WWE debut soon. What are your thoughts on whether Jade Cargill should join WWE? Please share your opinions in the comments section below.
3 Reasons Why Roman Reigns Was Not Advertised For WWE Royal Rumble 2024
Roman Reigns has been missing from WWE’s weekly shows in recent weeks, and we’re uncertain about his plans for Friday Night SmackDown. Recently, WWE unveiled the poster for Royal Rumble 2024, and surprisingly, the Undisputed Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, was not featured. Let’s explore the reasons behind this absence. Here are three possible explanations for why Roman Reigns was not advertised for WWE Royal Rumble 2024: 1) Potential Future Promotion: The Royal Rumble is a major event for WWE, and ticket sales are expected to be strong. However, just in case sales aren’t as robust as anticipated, WWE might choose to release additional promotional material featuring The Tribal Chief closer to the event date, typically a month or two away. It’s highly unlikely that WWE would leave Reigns out of a Florida event, as it’s his hometown. 2) Keeping Him as a Surprise: Roman Reigns has set records during his reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and has strategically limited his appearances, making each title defense a must-see event. If WWE decides to turn his appearance into a surprise, it could generate an even more enthusiastic response, especially because Florida is his home turf, which makes it the perfect place for such an unveiling. 3) Uncertainty About His Opponent: There could be a possibility WWE has not decided who will face Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. Reigns is a top-tier talent in WWE, and finding an opponent who can provide a compelling challenge and maintain the significance of the title defense may be a challenge. With Wrestlemania being WWE’s flagship event, they might be saving Reigns’ next major opponent for that show. Nevertheless, it’s almost certain that Reigns will have some role at Royal Rumble 2024, as WWE wouldn’t keep one of its biggest stars away from such an important event, especially considering the hometown connection. In conclusion, these are the three potential reasons why Roman Reigns was not initially advertised for Royal Rumble 2024. Feel free to share your thoughts on these possibilities in the comments below.
‘This Is Going To Be My Run’, Tyson Kidd Recalls Bray Wyatt Texting Him After Re-Signing With WWE
WWE producer TJ Wilson, also known as Tyson Kidd, recently shared some lesser-known facts about the late Bray Wyatt that many people might not be aware of. Wilson joined the Stamford-based wrestling company in 2006, three years before Bray Wyatt entered the scene. Over the next 14 years, they not only became colleagues but also formed a close friendship outside the wrestling ring. They even faced each other once in a six-man tag match at FCW in October 2009. Tragically, Bray Wyatt passed away on August 24, prompting Wilson to share a heartfelt message on Twitter. During an interview with Ryan Satin on “Out of Character,” the three-time Tag Team Champion revealed two interesting tidbits about Wyatt that fans may find surprising. “Most people probably don’t know this, but there are two things I’d like to mention. Firstly, I used to tease him about this all the time – Bray was possibly the best-smelling wrestler in history. It’s quite the contrast considering his on-screen appearance. I’d often say, ‘Man, based on how you look on TV, you’d expect something different, but he smelled great,’” Wilson reminisced. The 43-year-old went on to share another anecdote: “But the other thing I thought about recently, and I wish I had tweeted it when it happened – it’s not a profound thought, but it’s interesting – Bray had a genuine fear of heights. He was really afraid of them. What’s ironic is that he overcame that fear quickly because he soared to great heights in his career. There’s no one better than Bray Wyatt. I love and miss him dearly.” In 2011, TJ Wilson had a brief stint in NXT. When he returned to the main roster, Bray Wyatt helped him prepare for a promo, as Wilson revealed during his interview on “Out of Character.” Wilson praised Bray Wyatt, known as The Eater of Worlds, for always being supportive of his colleagues. “Bray was truly unique. His creativity was outstanding, but it wasn’t limited to himself; he helped everyone all the time. His superpower was making everyone feel important when they spoke to him. He was incredibly special in that regard,” Wilson shared. Regarding their meeting before Bray Wyatt’s return to WWE last year: “He texted me and said, ‘Hey, I think I’m ready to get back in the ring a little bit.’ This was in August. I replied, ‘Sure, no problem.’ We exchanged messages about training times, and he asked when I’d be available. I said, ‘I’m training at five or six, but I can meet you anytime at noon or one.’ Initially, he suggested a private meeting, but later he decided to join our practice session. He was extremely helpful to everyone there, offering advice to the wrestlers.” “He took me aside and said, ‘I love what you’re doing here. Our combined creativity can achieve something special in this business.’ At that point, I wasn’t sure if he was staying in character or not. He mentioned he hadn’t finalized his contract at that time. Later, he did re-sign, and I remember talking to him a few weeks after, and he said, ‘This is going to be the run.’ I genuinely believe that if he had been physically well, he was about to amaze everyone with his performances.”
The Dyad (Rip Fowler And Jagger Reid) NXT Faction Is No Part Of WWE: Reports
In the ever-shifting landscape of professional wrestling, surprises and unexpected developments are par for the course. The latest twist in the WWE universe centers around The Dyad, the faction consisting of Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid, formerly known as The Grizzled Young Veterans. Reports have emerged suggesting that this dynamic duo is no longer part of WWE’s NXT roster, leaving fans both surprised and intrigued by the abrupt turn of events. In this article, we delve into the details surrounding The Dyad’s departure and the unanswered questions that linger. A Request for Release: The Initial Shockwave The journey of The Dyad’s departure from WWE began with an unconventional request. Shortly after WrestleMania 39, reports circulated that Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid had expressed a desire to be released from their WWE contracts. Such requests are rare and typically met with resistance, given the company’s commitment to retaining its talent. The initial shockwave of this request raised numerous questions about the future of the tag team, particularly because they had been actively featured on NXT television and were engaged in ongoing storylines. It was an unprecedented situation that had fans speculating about the intricacies of their contracts and what might have prompted such a decision. Unexpected Utilization: The Dyad’s Continued Presence What made The Dyad’s situation even more perplexing was their continued presence on WWE’s NXT programming. Despite their request to leave the company, Fowler and Reid were not only retained but actively used in storylines. They were even part of significant matches, including a “losers leave NXT” showdown against The Creed Brothers. This left fans puzzled about the status of their contracts, which were reportedly set to expire in October. The ongoing utilization of The Dyad begged the question of whether their initial request was still valid and whether WWE had any plans for their departure. A Surprise Exit: The Dyad’s Departure Confirmed As the wrestling world continued to speculate about the fate of The Dyad, a surprising development occurred. Dave Meltzer, a reliable source in wrestling journalism, confirmed on Wrestling Observer Radio that Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid were no longer with WWE. This revelation came without the typical fanfare or storyline to write them off television, leaving fans intrigued and perplexed. It was an unexpected turn of events, especially considering WWE’s consistent use of Fowler and Reid in recent weeks. Notably, the duo was included in The Schism, a faction led by Joe Gacy, and featuring Ava Raine, the daughter of wrestling legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This inclusion added complexity to their departure, as they remained integral to ongoing storylines even after requesting to leave the company. Unanswered Questions and Future Prospects The departure of Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid from WWE has left a trail of unanswered questions in its wake. With no official statement or explanation from the wrestlers themselves, fans are left to speculate about the reasons behind their decision to leave NXT. One plausible theory is that they may have preferred their previous identities as Zack Gibson and James Drake, under which they achieved considerable success in NXT UK before transitioning to the US NXT roster. The sudden transformation into Gacy’s followers represented a significant departure from their established personas, potentially playing a role in their desire to part ways with WWE. As the wrestling community awaits further developments, the next steps for Fowler and Reid remain a source of intrigue. All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is often seen as a potential landing spot for talented wrestlers, given its robust tag team division. However, the presence of non-compete clauses could affect their immediate prospects. While the typical non-compete period in NXT is 30 days, exceptions have occurred in the past. The Dyad’s unexpected exit from WWE’s NXT brand has added an extra layer of unpredictability to the world of professional wrestling. As fans await further details and potential explanations from Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid, their future endeavors are a source of intense curiosity. The abrupt nature of their departure, the ongoing storylines they were involved in, and the lack of an official announcement make this departure particularly intriguing. Wrestling enthusiasts remain eager to learn about the circumstances and motivations behind The Dyad’s exit, while also keeping a close eye on their next move in the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.
Will The Street Profits And Bobby Lashley Soon Take The Heel Turn?
The world of professional wrestling thrives on evolving storylines, and few things are as thrilling as a well-executed heel turn. Recent developments in the WWE landscape have fans buzzing with speculation about the possibility of The Street Profits and Bobby Lashley taking a dramatic pivot in their characters. While nothing is set in stone, several factors suggest that a heel turn may be on the horizon for this intriguing alliance. The Power Play: Bobby Lashley’s Revelation The catalyst for the heel turn speculation came from none other than Bobby Lashley himself. The All Mighty disclosed his intentions to join forces with The Street Profits not out of friendship, but rather for the pursuit of power and championship gold. This revelation set the stage for a potentially seismic shift in the dynamics of this trio. It’s worth noting that, while Lashley’s alignment with The Street Profits was a refreshing departure from the typical heel turn scenario, recent developments seem to indicate that the turn is still very much in the cards. The ‘Faux Babyface’ Mode: WWE’s Classic Approach In the world of WWE storytelling, there’s a familiar pattern known as the ‘faux babyface’ mode. This narrative device involves characters maintaining a heroic façade, often working alongside fan-favorite faces, before ultimately revealing their true, villainous selves. The intriguing twist here is that the current storyline involving The Street Profits and Lashley appears to be following this classic WWE playbook. WrestlingNewCo’s report suggests that the trio is currently in this ‘faux babyface’ mode, where they walk the fine line between heroism and opportunism. WWE has employed this strategy effectively in the past as a prelude to memorable heel turns, adding an element of unpredictability to the storytelling. The Heel Turn Confirmed Internally Adding fuel to the speculation fire, WrestleVotes, a reputable source for wrestling insider information, has stated that internally within WWE, Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits are already categorized as heels. This internal classification is a strong indicator that the creative team is actively planning a character transformation for these superstars. Bobby Lashley’s Rising Popularity Bobby Lashley’s recent performances have garnered him significant attention and adoration from the WWE Universe. The powerhouse athlete has consistently elicited strong reactions from live audiences, both in terms of cheers and jeers. This newfound popularity positions Lashley as a compelling contender for a high-profile feud, perhaps even a championship showdown with Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion. Kurt Angle’s Influence: A Beast in the Making Reflecting on his early days in the wrestling world, Bobby Lashley fondly recalled the influence of WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle. Angle, an Olympic Gold Medalist and wrestling legend, recognized Lashley’s potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in professional wrestling. Angle’s support served as a pivotal moment in Lashley’s journey, igniting his passion for the squared circle. Lashley’s acknowledgment of Angle as a “Beast” even in those formative years speaks volumes about the impact Angle had on his career and development as a wrestler. While no one can predict the future of WWE storylines with absolute certainty, the signs pointing towards a potential heel turn for The Street Profits and Bobby Lashley are hard to ignore. The combination of Bobby Lashley’s revelation, the ‘faux babyface’ narrative approach, internal categorization as heels, and Lashley’s rising popularity all contribute to the tantalizing possibility of a character transformation. Wrestling fans are known for their passion and dedication, and the anticipation of a well-executed heel turn can electrify the WWE landscape. Whether it’s a clash with Roman Reigns or a recalibration of their characters, the coming weeks promise intrigue and excitement for those eagerly awaiting the moment when The Street Profits and Bobby Lashley fully embrace the heel turn, potentially reshaping their careers and the WWE storyline landscape in the process.