3 WWE Superstars Who May Retire Edge At WWE Payback 2023 In His Possible Last PPV
WWE is an organisation that always puts the final nail in the coffin when a decorated career is nearing its end. Edge celebrates 25 years with the brand this Friday on Smackdown and indicates that the end is near. WWE will not let this chance go away and will surely look to retire the Ultimate Opportunist, with one of their superstars getting all the momentum from that. Here are 3 potential names that may retire at WWE Payback: The great white is one of Edge’s closest friends in the business, and the Rated R Superstar may go down to Sheamus. Though the Celtic Warrior himself is nowhere near his prime, the WWE may still look to give Sheamus the win as he still has a few years at the top and can be bought into the title picture too. Sheamus has been one of the most consistent workers, and his bonhomie with Triple H may just help him get this match. The LA Knight has been looking for a big name to have as his opponent. Someone who can sell tickets just as fast as him. LA Knight’s confidence was such that he even told the Dead Man that he would send him to the Undertaker. Big Evil did not take this one seriously, but LA Knight hasn’t stopped trying. To have Edge’s name on his resume would do wonders for the LA native. Edge could pass all his momentum to the hottest superstar in this business today and be sure that he passed the torch into the right hands. Yeah! This name should not come as a surprise, as theory has been claimed to be the future of this business on a dozen occasions. One loss to Rey Mysterio may not hurt the cocky Superstar, and should he get a chance to be on the Edge, Austin Theory may well retire the Rated R Superstar for good. The cat-like agility of Theory may be too much for Edge to Spear at this age. The more we want Edge to go on, the more punishment his body has to take, and that is not what the fans want. At that age and with Edge’s injuries in the past, it is a miracle that the Rated R superstar can still walk on two feet.
3 Reasons Why LA Knight Can Match Roman Reigns’ Charm
“Charm is a way of getting a yes without even asking a question.” LA Knight has all the traits to be the next megastar in the business. The veterans have all given this guy a thumbs up after looking at all the noise he has been making of late. Without a godfather in the industry, LA Knight has solely won over fans and audiences with his talent and dedication. It’s like it comes to him naturally. There is no pause in this man, who has overshadowed some of the most established names in the business. From some of the most established superstars to the Most Established Superstar, Roman Reigns is in God Mode these days. The measuring stick of this industry, the tribal chief, unites the names of past and present and sits on top of that pile. A feeling of silence is what superstars feel when the Head of the Table is in the locker room. The God-given looks and in-ring ability of Roman Reigns are something no superstar has had an answer to. But here are three reasons why LA Knight can match Roman Reigns’ charm: The tribal chief gets acknowledged. The LA Knight gets cheered. Roman Reigns is respected because everyone fears him. The LA Knight is adored because the fans love him and enjoy his work. To have any chance against the Big Dog in his yard, LA Knight needs all the fans to cheer his name, and that is exactly why he can match Reigns’ charm and appeal. The Los Angeles native is known to get the crowd going like no one else. It’s like he is enjoying every bit of his job, which is to please crowds the world over. LA Knight is a natural on the microphone, and unlike the tribal chief, he lets no word remain unspoken. The Big Dog, on the other hand, maintains silence to assert dominance and control. LA Knight sounds like the Rock. LA Knight walks like the Rock, and LA Knight has a similar build to that of the Rock. He also had a poster of the Rock in his room back in the days of the attitude era. If The Rock was charming, wait until you see his ditto for LA Knight. This reason alone gets him up there with most great superstars, as he is the closest thing to the Great One in years.
WWE Smackdown: Edge Beats Sheamus ‘In His Last Match’ In Toronto, All You Need To Know
The WWE Superstars may have no more reason to listen to Paul Heyman’s request. The legendary manager always asked the superstars not to introduce their WAGs (wives and girlfriends) to the Rated R star because of his God-given looks and chic magnet appeal. Edge celebrated 25 years with the WWE in Canada last night and reminded the fans that he was getting old and needed some much-needed rest. The ultimate opportunist also said that this may be his final break, as he may not return to action again. With his contract almost expired and up for renegotiation, here is all you need to know about Edge’s last match: Edge and Mark Henry have been friends for a long time. A decade ago, the World’s Strongest Man cut a promo that to this day resonates with some fans. He tricked the fans into believing that he was actually going back home. We all remember what happened after that. Edge has been an opportunist all his life. He wasn’t handed anything, he reminded. Edge, at this point, may be camouflaging his true intentions and may just be looking for his next prey. As emotional as it may seem, the WWE is no stranger to milking wrestlers till their very end. Letting one of the biggest and most known faces of the company go out without clocking big numbers is not how WWE works. Payback is just around the corner, and the WWE may just keep Edge around till the PPV to get the ratings and numbers they desire. WWE would never let a former World Champion and MITB winner go out that easy. Especially when he is not injured. The Crown Jewel is the most value-for-money night from a superstar’s point of view. Edge, being among the company’s biggest names, will be given the opportunity to get a good pension and leave a couple of millionaires richer. It’s no secret that the Middle East plans to make itself a tourist and entertainment extravaganza. Their splash the cash approach has done wonders to put them on the map and make their presence felt. If Edge were to go out yesterday, it would not make sense and may not be best for business. That being said, it will be interesting to see how the Rated R superstar plans his future from here. Even with a loving family and countless injuries, the lure to come back in the ring is what keeps Superstars alive.
WWE Smackdown Results & Report: Winners, Losers And Analysis – 18 August 2023
A lot had been said and written about this week’s edition of Smackdown long before it was even televised. Post-Summer Slam, temperatures may have gone down, but rivalries have been re-ignited. August marks the time when the road to payback has been paved for many superstars, and here is how the events unfolded. Austin Theory picked up a pinfall over one of the hottest properties in sports entertainment today. LA Knight can get an ovation louder than any singer or rapper, and Canada just showed that. Had it not been for the Miz, who has been on LA Knight for over a month now. Michael Cole asked the Miz if he was jealous that his time was over and how LA Knight has taken over. Winner: Austin Theory Edge beat Sheamus on his 25th anniversary in what was an emotional sight. Edge later told the fans how the Celtic Warrior played DDP’s role for him and how Edge could wrestle once again with Sheamus’ motivation. Edge moved around with a stick after the match, telling the fans that he needed it for his knees. Edge’s transformation when he returned from the royal rumble was evident, and he is not the only one to have taken The Irishman’s help with diet. Rey Mysterio and Drew McIntyre are all regulars at Sheamus’ gym and order their pre-prepared meals from the website that Sheamus uses. Winner: Edge Charlotte Flair teamed up with Bianca Belair to take on damage control. Charlotte Flair is a superstar who does not share the spotlight with anyone. But she has a score to settle with damage control and has enlisted the help of Bianca Belair. What turned out to be a very good match saw Belair hit the KOD on Bayley to pick up the victory. Winners: Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair The Street Profits picked up the win over Luke Gallows and Anderson. The Street Profits gain more and more momentum every week as they connect with the fans and, most importantly, maintain originality. Montez Ford is someone who may compete as a singles competitor in the future. The duo was congratulated by the Almighty, Bobby Lashley, and this new trio may well just dominate the roster for months to come.
Booker T left impressed by latest development in WWE’s Bloodline Saga
WWE’s long-standing Bloodline storyline has captivated audiences for three years, consistently delivering compelling narratives. However, a recent twist in the storyline during the WWE SummerSlam Tribal Combat match left some fans divided. Booker T, a respected voice in the wrestling community, recently shared his perspective on the current direction of the Bloodline saga, shedding light on the intricacies that continue to drive the narrative forward. Booker T believes WWE’s Bloodline saga is spot on Delving into the complexities of the storyline, Booker T provided his insights during an episode of “Hall of Fame.” He highlighted the unique dynamics at play, particularly the rivalry between the Uso twins, Jey and Jimmy, for the position of the Tribal Chief. Booker T explained, “The contest for the Head of the Table position, coupled with the intricate relationship between these twins, could potentially create a rift between them.” Booker T elaborated further, suggesting that feelings of inadequacy could emerge if Jey were to claim the mantle of Tribal Chief, causing Jimmy to feel overshadowed. While acknowledging that the dramatic elements of the recent developments might not have resonated with every viewer, Booker T commended the narrative trajectory as meticulously calculated. He cited a pivotal scene where Jey’s actions halted Jimmy’s departure, symbolizing a significant moment in their relationship. Commenting on the execution of the storyline, Booker T emphasized that, from his perspective, the narrative compass was precisely aligned. He recognized that while not everyone might have connected with the sentiment conveyed, the storyline’s overarching direction remained intact and impactful. Booker T also addressed critiques of the acting dimension within the storyline. He proposed a scenario where Jimmy Uso’s portrayal could have been elevated by a genuine tear rolling down his cheek during a poignant exchange. Acknowledging the inherent limitations of acting, Booker T empathized with those who had reservations about the scene. Aligning with the storyline’s evolution, the August 11 episode of “WWE SmackDown” featured Jimmy Uso articulating his concerns about Jey’s potential transformation into the Tribal Chief and following in the footsteps of Roman Reigns. Jey, responding defiantly, left an indelible mark by delivering a decisive super-kick before departing the WWE scene.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman reveals the reason why he wants to be on Logan Paul’s podcast
AEW World Champion MJF, known for his confrontational approach, has extended an offer to WWE star Logan Paul to be a guest on Paul’s podcast. This offer comes in response to Paul’s apparent dissatisfaction with his ranking in ESPN’s “30 Under 30” list, where MJF claimed the top spot. Using social media, MJF reached out to Paul and expressed his agreement with Paul’s dissatisfaction about the list. He also took a dig at El Hijo del Vikingo, who appeared on the list. MJF proposed to join Paul on his podcast, “Impaulsive,” to discuss the ranking situation and the upcoming AEW event, All In, scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium. MJF humorously hoped that Logan Paul’s boss, referred to as “Jolly old Saint Nick,” would allow the podcast appearance. Despite MJF’s invitation, neither Paul nor his boss has responded at this time. MJF’s move reflects his ongoing commitment to generating attention and buzz within the wrestling community, using his platform to engage with wrestlers from rival promotions. MJF Invites Logan Paul to Discuss ESPN Ranking and AEW’s Upcoming Event AEW World Champion MJF has reached out to WWE star Logan Paul, offering to be a guest on Paul’s podcast to discuss Paul’s dissatisfaction with his ranking in ESPN’s “30 Under 30” list. MJF, who claimed the top spot on the list, empathized with Paul’s sentiments about the flawed ranking. He humorously questioned the inclusion of El Hijo del Vikingo on the list. MJF hilariously wrote the following on Twitter. He ended up tagging Logan Paul, and claimed that he wanted to be on his “Impaulsive” podcast. MJF also claimed that he wrote the post while sipping on Logan Paul and KSI’s drink, “Prime.” Yo @LoganPaul, I’m a big fan and I heard you were very upset with your ranking in the @espn top 30 under 30. I couldn’t agree with you more, the list was flawed. What the hell is a Vikingo?!? Would love to come on @impaulsive and talk about the list as well as the fact @aew is about to run the biggest show in the history of the sport on aug 27th! Hopefully your boss and our mutual friend Jolly old Saint Nick will allow it! P.S. I wrote this whilst sipping on a prime. Yours sincerely. -Numero uno, MJF MJF also seized the opportunity to talk about AEW’s upcoming event, All In, set to take place at Wembley Stadium, which he dubbed as the “biggest show in the history of the sport.” With his signature wit, MJF expressed his hope that Paul’s boss, playfully referred to as “Jolly old Saint Nick,” would approve the podcast appearance. As of now, neither Paul nor his boss has responded to MJF’s offer. MJF’s offer reflects his penchant for stirring controversy and engaging with wrestlers from different promotions, keeping the wrestling community abuzz with his antics.
Rhea Ripley Teases Major Change for WWE Character
Rhea Ripley of The Judgment Day, who currently holds the top position in the WWE women’s division is teasing a major change in her character. The Success of Rhea Ripley’s Championship Reign The reigning Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley, has been performing exceptionally well since winning the title from Charlotte Flair at Wrestlemania. Her journey to success began when she joined the villainous group Judgment Day at Backlash 2022. From Humble Beginnings to Stardom Rhea Ripley’s journey to popularity had humble beginnings. She has continuously transformed her appearance and performance to connect better with the audience. Rhea Ripley’s Evolving Look and Teased Changes Responding to a post highlighting her transformation throughout her WWE career, Rhea Ripley hinted that her appearance would keep changing. She suggested that exciting developments are in store for her character. Rhea Ripley expressed, “I’m not done changing yet.” Rhea Ripley’s Reaction to a WWE Star A recent interaction involving Rhea Ripley and WWE star JD McDonagh has sparked some heat. Tension within Judgment Day Escalates JD McDonagh’s involvement in a conflict between Finn Balor and Damian Priest, members of Judgment Day, has intensified tensions within the group. Balor’s mentorship of McDonagh has become a point of contention, further complicated by McDonagh’s interference in Judgment Day matters. Struggles of a Newcomer Despite trying to gain acceptance by attacking Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn in a recent episode of Monday Night RAW, JD McDonagh has not been welcomed by the rest of Judgment Day. Doubts and Distrust Rhea Ripley remains skeptical about JD McDonagh’s intentions. She called him out for a social media post that seemed to irk her, indicating that she doesn’t trust him. Uncertain Future for JD McDonagh It’s uncertain whether JD McDonagh can earn the trust of the Judgment Day members or if he has ulterior motives. While Rhea Ripley’s character transformation and JD McDonagh’s attempts to fit into the group continue to create intrigue, the WWE storyline unfolds with suspense and uncertainty
Former WWE Writer dismisses claim against WWE’s Vince McMahon
Former WWE creative writer Britney Abrahams has voluntarily withdrawn her racial discrimination lawsuit against both Vince McMahon and WWE. This withdrawal follows a request for dismissal made in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of New York. The dismissal applies to “all claims and causes of action against the defendants” without prejudice, allowing the possibility of reopening the case at a later time. The lawsuit originally targeted various defendants, including Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and several WWE writers. However, this particular motion of dismissal exclusively pertained to the claims against these named individuals. This suggests that Abrahams and her legal team may still be contemplating the pursuit of legal action against WWE as an organization. Vince McMahon’s racial discrimination lawsuit is withdrawn Abrahams’ lawsuit alleged that she faced discriminatory treatment and retaliation after raising concerns about offensive and racially insensitive storyline concepts during her tenure as a WWE writer. Some of these concepts involved portrayals such as Apollo Crews adopting a caricatured Nigerian accent and implicating Mansoor in the events of September 11. Though the precise reasons behind Abrahams’ decision to withdraw the lawsuit against the named defendants remain unclear, speculation has arisen that she and her legal representatives might be exploring the potential for a settlement with WWE. The dismissal, made without prejudice, leaves open the possibility for Abrahams to refile the lawsuit in the future. Former WWE writer Britney Abrahams has dismissed her lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation for her complaints about racially insensitive scripts. Initially filed against WWE, Vince McMahon, and other executives, the lawsuit claimed that Abrahams faced discrimination and retaliation for speaking out against “offensively racist and stereotypical jargon” in relation to WWE stars like Bianca Belair, Apollo Crews, Mansoor, and others. Abrahams asserted that her complaints were ignored and subsequently resulted in her termination. The filing stated the following: The filing states: “Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(1)(i), Plaintiff Britney Abrahams, by and through her attorneys, THE COCHRAN FIRM, hereby gives notice that the above captioned action is voluntarily discontinued without prejudice as to all claims and causes of action against defendants CHRIS DUNN, individually, RYAN CALLAHAN, individually, JENIFFER PEPPERMAN, individually, CHRISTINE LUBRANO, individually, MIKE HELLER, individually, VINCE MCMAHON, individually, STEPHANIE MCMAHON, individually, with each party bearing that party’s own attorney’s fees and costs. Dismissal is proper under this section because the Defendants have not yet answered the complaint in this matter.” Reported by Fightful, Abrahams requested the dismissal of the lawsuit on Thursday. The dismissal was made “without prejudice,” which implies the possibility of refiling the lawsuit at a later date.
WWE Hall of Famer labelled as least liked guy by Kurt Angle
The landscape of WWE underwent significant shifts during the Attitude Era, and one of the pivotal figures in this transformation was Kurt Angle. His remarkable career within Vince McMahon’s promotion left a lasting impact, and he recently shed light on an intriguing aspect of the wrestling world – the locker room dynamics. Angle recently revealed that John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL), a prominent name in WWE, held the distinction of being perhaps the least-liked individual within the locker room. In 2017, Kurt Angle made his highly anticipated return to WWE, taking on the role of RAW General Manager. While his primary responsibilities revolved around managerial duties, Angle occasionally donned his wrestling gear and engaged in matches during his second stint with the company. His journey culminated in his retirement after participating in WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Kurt Angle labels JBL as least liked guy in WWE locker room Reflecting on his prime years, Angle reminisced about sharing the locker room with wrestling’s biggest stars. Speaking on “The Kurt Angle Show,” the former WWE Champion candidly expressed his thoughts on John Bradshaw Layfield’s standing in the locker room hierarchy. According to Angle, JBL earned the distinction of being the least-liked individual due to his penchant for ribbing fellow wrestlers. Angle elaborated that JBL’s approach often carried a bullying undertone, causing some wrestlers to fear him and others to become frustrated. Despite this, Angle acknowledged JBL’s prowess, labeling him as one of the best heels in the business, both in the scripted world of wrestling (as a “work”) and behind the scenes (as a “shoot”). Angle’s commentary underlined the complexity of locker room dynamics and how personalities can generate contrasting reactions. He highlighted the duality of JBL’s character – a figure who elicited mixed sentiments due to his interactions with fellow wrestlers. JBL’s notable tenure saw him rise to prominence as a heel character on Friday Night SmackDown. Capturing the WWE Championship after dethroning Eddie Guerrero, JBL held a dominant presence on the brand, holding the title for nearly a year leading up to WrestleMania 21. Among those who challenged JBL was Angle himself. In 2005, Angle and JBL engaged in a gripping Last Man Standing match, showcasing their intensity and rivalry. Their feud culminated in a Triple Threat match involving The Big Show. Ultimately, JBL’s championship reign came to an end at WrestleMania 21, with John Cena seizing the coveted WWE Championship. Meanwhile, Kurt Angle’s journey led him to a feud with Shawn Michaels, resulting in a victory for Angle at the same event.
Zach Gowen details the reasons why he was forced to leave the WWE
Former WWE sensation Zach Gowen has unveiled the multifaceted reasons that culminated in his departure from the company in February 2004. As the sole one-legged competitor in WWE history, Gowen’s unique journey saw him engaged in feuds with prominent figures like Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon. However, he found himself rapidly relegated to lower-tier matches against cruiserweights. Gowen recently provided insights into the factors that led to his release, shedding light on his behavior, attitude, and incidents that contributed to his departure. Zach Gowen details reasons that led to WWE exit In a candid discussion on his podcast “The False Finish,” Gowen tackled the question of whether a specific incident triggered his firing and the reasons WWE management soured on him before his dismissal. The wrestler offered a frank perspective, stating that his inability to maintain professionalism, coupled with his behavior and attitude, played a pivotal role in his departure. Gowen reflected on his final pay-per-view match against Matt Hardy at No Mercy 2003, which marked his exit from that platform. He revealed that WWE management arranged a series of matches against Hardy at house shows to help him acquire essential wrestling skills. However, things took a downturn when Gowen experienced a concussion just two nights after their pay-per-view encounter on SmackDown. The incident left him disoriented, with his hands mimicking a fencing pose due to the impact. During this time, former WWE star Orlando Jordan confronted Gowen for occupying a hotel room, exacerbating his challenging situation. As a result of the concussion, Gowen was promptly sent home on a plane. Following this episode, he received a call from John Laurinaitis, who offered guidance and acknowledged the heat Gowen had garnered among fellow wrestlers. Laurinaitis advised Gowen to reach out after receiving medical clearance, and in retrospect, Gowen appreciated the honesty and insight into the WWE locker room dynamics that Laurinaitis provided. However, a personal decision Gowen made marked a turning point in his WWE journey. He recounted falling in love and choosing to stay in Detroit, despite WWE’s plans for him to move to Louisville and progress through the developmental system. Gowen’s decision to prioritize his personal life over WWE’s developmental path irrevocably affected his standing with the company. This turning point paved the way for a significant moment when he was summoned to WWE headquarters in Stamford. Jim Ross, a respected figure in wrestling, delivered the news of Gowen’s release. The conversation with Ross left a lasting impact on Gowen, as Ross communicated the reasons for the decision in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. Ross emphasized that it wasn’t a matter of talent but rather a maturity issue. Gowen’s post-WWE journey led him to various indie promotions, including TNA and Ring of Honor.