Nia Jax Makes Her Shocking Return At WWE Raw, Takes Out Rhea Ripley
WWE Raw witnessed a breathtaking turn of events as the arena came alive with the unexpected return of Nia Jax. Not seen since her stint at this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble in January, the WWE Universe was left in suspense as Jax stormed the ring. The main event was at its zenith as Rhea Ripley faced off against Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s World Championship. When it seemed like the match was nearing its conclusion, Jax emerged from the shadows, ambushing Rodriguez outside the ring. Initially, her interference appeared to favor Ripley, giving the champion an edge. But as the dust settled, and the two giants met eye-to-eye inside the squared circle, Jax’s real intentions became clear. To the shock of fans and viewers alike, Jax unleashed her fury on Ripley, leaving the Women’s World Champion reeling. The cacophony of boos and jeers echoed throughout the arena as the screen faded to black. Jax’s surprise comeback was particularly significant given her absence from WWE since the Royal Rumble. The wrestling community had been rife with speculation after she hinted at a potential return in recent weeks. Now, it’s evident that her sights are set on the top prize, presenting a formidable challenge for the reigning champion, Ripley. Many fans will recall the roller-coaster year Jax had in 2021. After a memorable separation from her tag team partner, Shayna Baszler, Jax took a step back from the spotlight. Her sudden departure from WWE in November 2021 took many by surprise. As rumors and speculations swirled, Jax herself later clarified that her release was rooted in her decision not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This unexpected turn in her career left many wondering if and when she would ever step into the ring again. Looking back at her illustrious journey in the WWE, Jax’s evolution as a performer has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting her journey in WWE NXT, she quickly carved a niche for herself with her powerful in-ring presence and charisma, eventually earning a spot on WWE’s main roster shows, Raw and SmackDown. Throughout her tenure, she clinched numerous accolades, including the WWE Raw Women’s Championship and winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice with Baszler. Beyond her championships, Jax has been a part of several memorable moments and feuds that will be etched in the annals of WWE history. Who could forget her intense rivalries with Alexa Bliss and Ronda Rousey? One unforgettable episode saw her inadvertently give Becky Lynch a bloody nose, a scene which skyrocketed Lynch’s popularity, turning her into an overnight sensation. Behind the scenes, sources close to the situation have spilled some intriguing beans. Fightful Select recently reported that Jax had already inked a deal with WWE over a month ago. Interestingly, this signing marked one of the first major personnel moves since Vince McMahon’s recent reassertion of control earlier this year. Some insiders even believed that Jax might have made her return sooner, but her appearance at WWE Raw confirmed the timeline. Jax’s return promises a new chapter of thrilling storylines and intense matchups for the WWE Universe. With Ripley holding the Women’s World Championship and Jax clearly indicating her intentions, fans can eagerly anticipate the battles that lie ahead. As the events unfold in the coming weeks, one thing is certain: the WWE Women’s division is in for a wild ride.
3 Reasons Why Nia Jax Vs Rhea Ripley Will Be A Cinematic Match At WWE Fastlane 2023
WWE RAW witnessed a shocking return that promises a significant shakeup in the Women’s division. Nia Jax, the dominant force from yesteryears, made a striking re-entry and interfered in the Women’s World Championship main event. With a match between Nia Jax and Rhea Ripley likely at WWE Fastlane 2023, fans are buzzing about the potential of it being cinematic. Below, we delve into the reasons fueling this speculation. Nia Jax wasn’t just any competitor during her initial run in WWE. She had an impactful presence in Triple H’s NXT version, where she was built as an unstoppable force. Upon her move to the main roster, her path of dominance continued. Nia has been a tag team champion and even held the coveted RAW Women’s Championship. While her role in NXT saw her decimating opponents like Lana and Amber Moon, her main roster presence also contributed to pivotal storylines. Fans might recall how she was inadvertently responsible for Becky Lynch’s skyrocketing momentum between 2018-2019. Given her history, WWE might be exploring the idea of a cinematic match to highlight her strengths and the larger-than-life aura she carries. No one can deny that the women’s roster on the red brand needs a refresh. While SmackDown’s women’s division has thrived, RAW has lagged behind in terms of compelling storylines and fierce rivalries. Nia Jax’s return might be WWE’s answer to this imbalance. By bringing back a dominant competitor like Nia, WWE has the chance to reframe narratives in both singles and tag team divisions. Her arrival sends a strong message to the locker room and the WWE Universe. The stakes have risen, and the landscape is changing. An intriguing cinematic showdown between Jax and Ripley at Fastlane could be the reset button the red brand needs, bringing back the unpredictability and high stakes the audience craves. The current events surrounding the Women’s World Championship main event on RAW could set the stage for some intricate storylines leading up to Fastlane. With Dominik Mysterio’s interference at Payback leading to Raquel Rodriguez’s failure against Rhea Ripley, and him subsequently being barred from ringside in the subsequent matches, the narrative was ripe for a twist. WWE capitalized on this, using Dominik’s absence as the perfect window to reintroduce Nia Jax. With her interference, a potential feud between Raquel Rodriguez and Nia Jax is on the horizon. This allows WWE to shift the spotlight momentarily from the Rhea-Raquel rivalry, giving it time to simmer and build anticipation. A cinematic match between Nia and Rhea at Fastlane could serve multiple purposes. It could elevate the prestige of the Women’s title, provide a fresh direction for RAW’s women’s division, and allow other storylines, like the one between Raquel and Nia, to develop concurrently. The stage is set for WWE Fastlane 2023, and if speculations are to be believed, fans might be in for a treat with a cinematic showdown between Nia Jax and Rhea Ripley. Given Jax’s dominant history, the need for a fresh direction in RAW’s women’s division, and the intricate web of storylines we’re seeing, this match could be one of the highlights of the year. One thing’s for sure – with Nia Jax back in the picture, the WWE Universe is in for some captivating twists and turns.
3 Positive Takeaways From WWE Raw – 11th September 2023
Welcome to Wrestling Inc.’s weekly review of “WWE Raw”, the show that fans worldwide can’t seem to resist, regardless of the season. The mid-September Monday night episode of “Raw” was notably lengthy, leaving viewers feeling every tick of the clock. The anticipation was palpable; this episode marked the end of the McMahon ownership era. The Wrestling Inc. crew, like many, had mixed feelings. Some moments left them indifferent, such as Nia Jax’s return. But as with any episode of WWE, there are moments to love, and the crew has pinpointed three standouts. The opening segment set the stage. It began with Jey Uso and Kevin Owens, a scene all too familiar to WWE fans. The predictability of the event was a drawback; as Judgment Day entered, it was clear where the storyline would lead. The impending match against Uso and Owens was foreseen, as was the result, with Judgment Day’s win emerging due to Uso and Owens’ lack of teamwork. Yet, this narrative arc still has much to offer. It is the continuation of the emotional narrative that started the previous week with Sami Zayn’s forgiveness toward Jey. Kevin Owens’ promo highlighted his understanding of redemption and that Jey still had a lot to achieve. Owens’ decision to give Jey a chance, only to face disappointment, fit perfectly. The entire sequence adds depth to Jey’s story, making every bit of sense. This was a refreshing contrast to the rather convoluted storyline surrounding his brother on “SmackDown”. However, it wasn’t just Jey’s narrative that intrigued fans. Drew McIntyre, a staple of WWE, surprised viewers with a new twist to his character. Encounters with Xavier Woods and Jey Uso set the tone for future storylines. McIntyre’s face-off with Woods led to a match which he won, and the animosity with Uso foreshadows an upcoming bout. With prior episodes building tension between McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, and Matt Riddle, there’s a significant indication of what might come next: a potential heel turn for McIntyre. This shift is timely. Since his victory at the Royal Rumble match in January 2020, McIntyre’s character had remained fairly consistent. His menace, despite his role as the ‘good guy’, has been palpable. But with the hints dropped during the recent episode, fans can expect McIntyre to unleash the darker, heel side of his character soon. Apart from these two intriguing storylines, there was another aspect that salvaged the episode: the riveting face-offs between Chad Gable and GUNTHER. Their interactions injected life into what was otherwise perceived as a humdrum episode. GUNTHER’s championship celebration speech took a twist when he accused Gable of being an inadequate father, leading to Gable’s fierce retaliation. The subsequent brawls culminated in a six-man tag match that can arguably be called the highlight of the evening. With Gable securing a win over Imperium, the path seems set for a fourth face-off between GUNTHER and Gable for the Intercontinental title. Speculations are rife that Gable might finally get his due, given that GUNTHER now holds the record previously secured by the Honky Tonk Man. But the episode left some unanswered questions, mainly revolving around Tommaso Ciampa’s sudden alignment with Gable. The unexpected pairing led to wild speculations, with some hoping for a return of Johnny Gargano, possibly as a heel. In summary, while the episode had its lows, it certainly wasn’t devoid of highs. From Jey’s continuing redemption arc and Drew McIntyre’s potential character twist to the thrilling Gable-GUNTHER rivalry, WWE Raw left fans with enough to ponder and look forward to. As the McMahon era draws to a close, there’s a unanimous hope that the WWE universe continues to serve episodes as layered and complex as this one.
Matt Hardy Reveals 9/11 Attack Memories Back In The Locker Room, Says ‘Everyone was looking Blanked, Except Vince McMahon’
Today marks 22 years since one of the most memorable terrorist attacks of all time. September 11 is remembered by Americans and the entire world for the massacre of the Twin Towers in New York. That same week, a new episode of SmackDown was recorded, a show that finally aired live on television two days later. Most WWE talents did not know if the event was going to be held that week. Matt Hardy was one of them. The former tag team champion spoke about this matter as the centrepiece of the latest edition of his podcast “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy”. Where he detailed some interesting moments that occurred that day in the WWE locker room. Matt admitted that he was scared and that he just wanted to go back to his house, but Vince McMahon encouraged his workers not to give up and continue as normal. “I remember we were waiting and thinking, ‘What’s going to happen?’ Because we had SmackDown in Houston, Texas,” Hardy stated. “That happened at 9 or 10 o’clock, which is when the planes hit the buildings, right? First thing in the morning. Our call time is noon, 1 o’clock. We were like, ‘ What’s going to happen to the program?’ We were trying to figure it out, and then the company sent an email and several text messages. And they said, ‘We’re not sure what we’re going to do; everyone’s on hold. Everyone’s on hold. We’ll have an answer.’ for this afternoon’”. “So we didn’t know if the show was going on. And then obviously everything shut down, so the show couldn’t happen. I remember me and Jeff Hardy just wanted to go home. I just wanted to get home and “To be with my father, to be with my family, because we didn’t know anything. And everyone was the same. Shane Helms too. Nobody knew what was happening or what was going to happen… Everyone wanted to go home.” “Vince is a human being who is not afraid. He was not afraid of those things. There were a lot of worried people and thought that we might be a new target since we were the first public meeting. I felt that way. It was very strange “I was very worried that day, but Vince had his mind made up. He was like, ‘No one’s stopping me, no one’s stopping World Wrestling Entertainment, and we’re going to do the show, damn it.’” Despite Matt Hardy’s statements, not everyone liked WWE’s decision. In 2021, Rob Van Dam remembered that day in an interview and thought it was not a good idea. “I think WWE was eager to get to work. I remember thinking it was a horrible idea. Those terrorists wanted to hit America in its heart, What better way than a stadium full of people living on television watching wrestling professionally free, What is the most American thing there is? I think we were not at all safe performing in front of all those people. The SmackDown show continued. The main event that night was a fight between Kurt Angle and Rhyno. After the live broadcast, The Rock defeated Steve Austin by disqualification in the dark match. Vince McMahon was the last to appear to give a speech to everyone present, encouraging American society not to be afraid, to continue fighting for their rights and to continue with their lives normally.
Cathy Kelley Explains How She Made Her Comeback To WWE
Cathy Kelley returned to WWE in October 2022 after several months away from the company, during which, among other things. She debuted as an actress on Netflix; she had a brief role in the series ‘#blackAF’. Shortly after returning, she told a small detail about how it happened: “I remember sending a birthday text message to Triple H and that was what led to everything for him to come back. “More recently, on Out Of Character with Ryan Satin, the interviewer revealed much more. The Return of Cathy Kelley “As I mentioned, when I left, the door was never completely closed; I desired to be a part of something specific, whether it was on Raw or SmackDown at that time. I always kept the door open with both Steph and Hunter, and we stayed in touch throughout that time. I think it all started when I sent Hunter a happy birthday message. At the time, I was in Alaska with my mother, and he started talking about how he had fished there years ago and how he remembered it fondly. Cathy Kelley’s advice to WWE with TikTok.“That turned into a conversation in which he asked me if I would be willing to talk to Steph, something he also proposed when I originally left. At that point, my mind was already made up, but I gave them credit for my comeback. I think they are exceptional leaders. I enjoyed working with them in NXT. Yes, it seemed like the right time and opportunity. “Steph was very welcoming to listening to what she wanted to do and offered me to learn how to be a commentator, and take on a writing role, and this opportunity came up right when we were having those conversations.”
Madusa Criticizes Brock Lesnar For How He Uses The German Suplex
Brock Lesnar is one of WWE’s greatest stars. His conviction in the ring and his way of being have made him one of the most respected talents in the company’s locker room. In 2014, one of his most notable moves, the German Suplex, took on a new dimension when he used it 16 times to defeat John Cena at SummerSlam. Since then, Lesnar has implemented this move in almost all of his fights. The maneuver has not always been viewed favorably and some even consider it dangerous. Madusa, a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, criticized its use and referred to it as a dangerous manoeuvre. In an interview for Monthly Puroresu, she spoke about this matter. “You have to learn it and nail it because if you don’t, you’ll get hurt. And then your opponent can get very, very hurt. That’s why it scares me every time I see Brock Lesnar try to do a suplex. I cringe every time Brock does that. ..whatever you call a German (Suplex). I scream every time. I react like Suplex City my ass. That’s not a German Suplex! “ Brock Lesnar has continued to apply this manoeuvre in his matches to this day and has performed it on opponents of different sizes, including Omos at WrestleMania 39. As of 2015, this series of moves was known as ” Suplex City.” The term “Suplex City” became popular with Brock Lesnar during his match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 31. During that match, Brock Lesnar executed a series of suplexes on Roman Reigns, which led to WWE commentators and Fans referring to this sequence of moves as “Suplex City”, a description that came out of Lesnar’s mouth during the match. The term became a catchphrase for Brock Lesnar and has remained a part of his WWE identity ever since.
Former Nexus Member Wade Barrett Rules Out To Go Against Gunther For A Match
Former Nexus member Wade Barrett praises current Intercontinental Champion, Gunther. “He is an absolute phenomenon, to be honest. I think if he didn’t have the Intercontinental Championship, we’d already be seeing him compete with people like Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns for world titles, but I think he’s on his way. I think he’s in a really good position. I think there is not a single weak point in his game.” The most impressive thing for me is not the machetes or his tough style, which are great and I love them. He’s not on the technical side of the game about him. Gunther, I think his cardio as a heavyweight is what impresses me the most of all. Wade Barrett rules out going against Gunther What we read above are words that Wade Barrett spoke a couple of months ago when he was asked about Gunther’s current success in WWE. The Ring General just became the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time. More recently, the company’s commentator was asked about the possibility of returning to the ropes to try to dethrone him. On this occasion, the former wrestler who led The Nexus makes it clear that it does not cross his mind to put on his boots again to pursue that feat. No, I have no surgeries planned in the future. “I feel pretty good,” he says on the Even Stronger podcast with Kazeem Famuyide. Now, of course, is when people start sending me messages: ‘When are you going to get back in the ring? What about Gunther?’ No way! “I’m not going to get into the ring with Gunther, I can assure you that. “Perhaps we could also look at this comment as an indication that although he does not want to return to fight with the monarch, he could do so for another reason because, in reality, it does not guarantee that he will not fight again. Wade Barrett had his last match on the April 4, 2016 episode of WWE RAW, when The League Of Nations lost to The New Day. Let’s remember that he only won one title during his years as a Superstar and that was precisely the Intercontinental Championship, five times.
Sean Strickland Feels That Israel Adesanya Didn’t Even Try
Sean Strickland agrees with his boss Dana White and other critics of Israel Adesanya’s performance coming out of UFC 293. Something didn’t seem right. Following his defying-the-odds unanimous decision victory, Strickland (28-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC) indicated that he thought Adesanya’s shortcomings in the cage could be due to a lack of motivation. “Damn, dude. I feel like the guy didn’t even try. There were times when he was throwing punches and I was like, ‘Am I fighting an amateur right now? What the fuck is happening? But yeah, I think I talk too much and people forget that I can fight. But here we are, guys. You’re going to have to talk to me a little more. I’m sorry.” On the other side of the equation, Strickland seemed proud of his performance, even though the game plan wasn’t fully realized. During the buildup to Saturday’s main event at Qudos Bank Arena, Strickland and his coach Eric Nicksick indicated that wrestling was coming. However, Strickland did not attempt a single takedown, much less manage to exploit his jiujitsu. You know, I thought I was going to leave with a concussion, but I feel relatively good, apart from some bumps and bruises. The game plan was to fight, guys. We fought throughout camp. But when you’re a little autistic, you just do what you do. I think I am one of the best forwards in the world. Every time you do the ‘man dance’, you’re one hit away from being knocked out. But he could train with any world champion boxer and beat him. I do not know, man. “I just think I’m one of the best strikers in the world.”
Drew McIntyre On CM Punk’s Potential WWE Return, ”I Don’t Make Those Decisions”
The wrestling world has been abuzz with speculation about CM Punk’s future following his unexpected departure from AEW. With fans and pundits speculating about the possibility of a WWE return, former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre was asked for his thoughts on the matter. In a recent interview, McIntyre offered his perspective on Punk’s controversial nature and the excitement he generates within the wrestling community. The CM Punk Saga CM Punk’s journey through the world of professional wrestling has been marked by its twists and turns. From his storied tenure in WWE, where he became a six-time world champion and a fan favorite, to his contentious stint in AEW, Punk has remained a divisive and headline-grabbing figure. Punk’s exit from AEW, stemming from an incident with Jack Perry at AEW All In, marked the conclusion of a significant chapter in his career. Since parting ways with the promotion, Punk has maintained a relatively low profile, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about his next move. Drew McIntyre’s Diplomatic Stance In a recent interview with “Sportskeeda,” Drew McIntyre was asked to weigh in on the hot-button topic of CM Punk’s potential WWE return. McIntyre, known for his composed and thoughtful responses, chose his words carefully, recognizing that the ultimate decision lies beyond his control. McIntyre offered a concise perspective: “I mean, I don’t make those decisions. I watch what I say in interviews. But he’s certainly controversial and he gets people talking, so I’ll leave it at that.” Divided Opinions on CM Punk’s WWE Comeback Within WWE, the notion of CM Punk’s return has sparked a spectrum of opinions. While some individuals within the company reportedly have reservations about rehiring Punk, others have voiced their support for the idea. Notably, Zelina Vega, whose husband, Malakai Black, shared the ring with Punk during his AEW run, has been among those in favor of Punk’s potential return. However, Punk’s tumultuous history with WWE adds an additional layer of complexity to the scenario. His acrimonious departure from the company in 2014, following the Royal Rumble event, resulted in years of strained relations between Punk and WWE. Despite previous interest from Fox, WWE decided against actively pursuing Punk’s return a few years ago due to the lingering animosity. The Uncertain Future of CM Punk As the wrestling community eagerly awaits news of CM Punk’s next career move, Drew McIntyre’s diplomatic response underscores the intricacies of the situation. Punk’s reputation for controversy and his ability to generate discussion ensure that his name will remain a topic of fervent debate among wrestling enthusiasts. Whether CM Punk will make a triumphant return to WWE or opt for alternative avenues within the wrestling landscape remains a subject of speculation and anticipation. Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of those who hold the keys to the wrestling kingdom, leaving fans and industry insiders alike eager to see how this chapter of Punk’s journey unfolds.
Kevin Nash Takes A Dig At Former WWE Superstar CM Punk, Says ‘He Is At Ultimate Warrior’s Level Of Toxicity’
CM Punk’s journey through AEW has been far from smooth, marked by controversy, backstage drama, and public disputes. As speculations swirled about a possible return to WWE, Punk’s contentious history with the company remained a significant hurdle. Wrestling legend Kevin Nash recently offered his insights on Punk’s demeanor, drawing parallels between the former AEW star and the infamous WWE icon, The Ultimate Warrior. CM Punk’s Rocky AEW Stint CM Punk’s eagerly anticipated return to the wrestling ring was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. His stint in AEW was marred by tumultuous backstage relationships, feuds, and controversies, casting a shadow over his in-ring return. Rumors of a WWE comeback emerged, but Punk’s strained history with the organization loomed as a potential stumbling block. Kevin Nash’s Comparison to The Ultimate Warrior During episode #61 of his podcast ‘Kliq This,’ WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash didn’t mince words when discussing CM Punk’s attitude, likening it to the notorious WWE figure, The Ultimate Warrior. Nash, known for his candidness, expressed reservations about Punk’s reputation for being a challenging personality within the industry. Nash’s commentary went as follows: “He’s already placed himself in the same category as The Ultimate Warrior. You can go ahead and shake the ropes, buddy, but you punched Luke Perry’s son, sucker-punching his son.” Nash’s reference pertained to the widely publicized altercation between CM Punk and Jungle Boy Jack Perry, the son of the late American actor Luke Perry. Nash’s point was evident: Punk’s recent backstage turmoil in AEW has positioned him alongside The Ultimate Warrior in terms of being problematic to collaborate with. The Notorious Reputation of The Ultimate Warrior The Ultimate Warrior, a WWE superstar of yesteryears, was infamous for his backstage politics during his wrestling career. He leveraged his on-screen popularity to exert influence behind the scenes, leading to numerous confrontations and disputes. Even established wrestling figures like Jake “The Snake” Roberts recounted their tumultuous interactions with Warrior during the 1990s. WWE’s documentary, “The Self-Destruction of The Ultimate Warrior,” portrayed the wrestling icon in a negative light, highlighting his reputation as a challenging personality away from the spotlight. This portrayal starkly contrasted with Warrior’s on-screen persona, which had endeared him to fans. CM Punk’s Recent Altercations in AEW Kevin Nash’s critique of CM Punk came following Punk’s altercation with Jungle Boy Jack Perry at All In, marking his second such brawl within AEW. The previous year witnessed Punk embroiled in a high-profile skirmish with The Elite during the AEW All Out media scrum. Nash’s sentiments echo those of other industry insiders and fans who have questioned Punk’s behavior during his tenure in Tony Khan’s promotion. Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently enumerated seven reasons why WWE might be hesitant to re-sign Punk following his departure from AEW. Ryback emphasized that Punk’s drawing power had diminished since his heyday during the “Summer of Punk” in 2013, and his recent series of incidents in AEW could dissuade WWE from future collaborations. CM Punk’s Controversial AEW Journey CM Punk’s stint in AEW has been marked by controversy, discord, and an array of challenges. Kevin Nash’s likening of Punk to The Ultimate Warrior serves as a stark reminder of the hurdles Punk has faced in the realm of professional wrestling. Whether Punk’s future lies within WWE or takes a different path, his polarizing reputation will remain a subject of ongoing debate among wrestling enthusiasts and insiders alike.