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WWE Mae Young Women’s Tournament Results – July 14th, 2017

WWE heads to Full Sail University for tonight’s Mae Young Classic tournament. Here are spoiler results from the show:

* Dark match: Dianna & Jesse James defeated Nicole Mathews & Hayden.

* Abby Laith defeats Rachel Evers.

* Piper Niven defeated Serena Deeb.

* Mercedes Matinez defeated Princesa Sugehit.

* Kairi Sane defeated Bianca Belair.

* Toni Storm defeated Lacey Evans.

* Shayna Baszler defeated Mia Yim.

* Dakota Kai defeated Rhea Ripley.

* Candice LeRae defeated Nicole Savoy.

* Mercedes Martinez defeated Abby Laith.

* Shayna Baszler defeated Candice LeRae

* Toni Storm defeated Piper Niven.

* Kairi Sane defeated Dakota Kai

* Tessa Blanchard, Jazzy Gabert and Kay Lee Ray defeated Santana Garret, Sarah Logan, Marti Belle.

* Triple H comes out to thank fans.

* Shayna Baszler defeated Mercedes Martinez to advance to the finals. Triple H, Sarah and Stepanie come out after the match and congratulates her for the victory.

* Kairi Sane defeated Tomi Storm to advance to the finals. Triple H, Sarah and Stephanie comes out to congratulate her.

WWE Wants CM Punk Back In The Company

WWE apparently wants CM Punk to return to the company, according to Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

While speaking about Mauro Ranallo’s return to the company, he wrote about how some people will leave the company on horrible terms but most end up returning. Meltzer wrote, “That’s why, no matter what is said, WWE wants C.M. Punk back and even though Punk was adamant about never doing it, history tells you time heals a lot of wounds.”

Despite WWE wanting Punk to return the company, he apparently has no intentions on it according to his wife, AJ Lee. During her recent book tour, AJ Lee said that she misses wrestling but her husband does not. It’s also worth noting that Punk is still going through a legal battle with WWE’s doctor Chris Amann, so it looks like a return anytime in the near future won’t be happening.

Vince Russo’s The Brand Recap – Commenting on Paige/Del Rio Situation, Mahal’s Championship Run, Fatal 4-Way at SummerSlam? More!

Russo opens today’s show by commentating on the recent drama in the relationship between Paige and Alberto Del Rio. He says that he met Paige and her family before, and they’re all very nice people. He has also met Del Rio in the past and he was very nice as well. In other words, he likes both of these individuals and he really just wants both of them to be okay.

He says that he doesn’t put any weight into the headlines written by wrestling ‘journalists’, but the tweets that were sent out by Paige’s brother really caught his attention. Some people forget that Paige is still just a kid, and her family are obviously very concerned about her. He believes that there is love in that relationship and he thinks they’re both good people, so he hopes they can figure this out.

Lane mentions that there has been some criticism from dirt sheet writers, Bryan Alvarez in particular, over the fact that Billy Gunn worked the recent NJPW show from the United States. Russo says he’s glad that Gunn wrestled on that show, and he’s glad that he’ll continue to wrestle for the foreseeable future because he’s able to make money doing that. This is a business, and each time Gunn wrestles he gets paid, so what’s the problem here?

Russo says that Gunn is still a machine at his age. He adds that in a shoot fight, Gunn would give Brock Lesnar a tougher bout than Samoa Joe or most other performers on WWE’s roster.

Bobby Fish Reacts to His NXT Debut

Bobby Fish spoke with WWE.com. Here are some highlights:

If he thought he’d make it to WWE: “At times, yes, and at times, no. I remember a conversation I had with Kevin Owens in a hotel gym in Chicago a few years back. We were both working for Ring of Honor, and at that time, it seemed like Kevin was headed toward the next step in his journey. I have immense respect for Kevin and all that he’s been through to find his success. He is not the prototype for what was rumored to be ideal here and neither am I. Understanding his drive to succeed here through that conversation made me think that if I want that — which I believe, in some way, anyone who laces up the boots to do this, does on some level — then I will create a similar opportunity for myself. So yeah, I did think I’d be here one day.”

NXT debut: “Somewhat surreal because much of this has come together very quickly. I watched the success of former co-workers and peers, such as Roderick Strong, Kassius Ohnoand Hideo Itami, make that very same walk at Full Sail. At this point, I feel so prepared for this new challenge. In my opinion, this life is about the journey, and when mine ends, I expect that this vessel, my body, will be banged up, battered and beaten, which will be a clear indication of a life well lived. NXT represents the next step in my journey.”

Wrestling in Japan: “Japan will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the place where I received the first big break of my career when I was selected to travel to the island and begin competing for Mitsuharu Misawa’s Pro Wrestling NOAH at the end of 2006. I worked eight years with NOAH and developed much of my style there. I learned from and tallied matches with Japanese legends like Misawa himself, Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama. I was also afforded the opportunity to develop alongside my Japanese peers like Hideo Itami, Atsushi Aoki and Naomichi Marufuji. In 2014, I left NOAH with their blessing to pursue a career with New Japan Pro Wrestling. There is no question in my mind that this is the place where I truly rounded out my skillset. I cannot thank [New Japan matchmaker] Gedo enough for the opportunity he gave me when I was invited there to compete. I shared the New Japan ring with a living legend in Jushin “Thunder” Liger, UFC Hall of Famer Kazushi Sakuraba, Yuji Nagata, Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi. The list is endless, and I am forever grateful. I am a better wrestler because of my time with New Japan Pro Wrestling.”

Shelton Benjamin Has Not Signed With WWE

There were reports surfacing online this week regarding Shelton Benjamin possibly returning to WWE, however that doesn’t appear to be the case.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Shelton Benjamin has not re-signed with WWE as of earlier this week. If his status changes, we will keep you updated.

Reason Billy Gunn Can Still Use His Name Outside of WWE

Many of you have noticed that Billy Gunn has been using his WWE name outside of the company and are wondering how he’s getting away with that.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that he is now allowed to use the name “Billy Gunn” because WWE did not continue the trademark. When they let it go, he trademarked it himself and he now owns the rights to the name worldwide.

Alberto El Patron Advertised for GFW Event Next Month

Alberto El Patron, who is supposed to be suspended from Global Force Wrestling over the recent allegations, is being advertised for an upcoming event for the company at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard on August 6th in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

“A loaded lineup of IMPACT WRESTLING stars will be in Bridgeport. Anything can and will happen once the action starts, in and out of the ring. The city of Bridgeport, Fairfield County and the state of Connecticut have great wrestling tradition, we are excited in our 15th anniversary to be there this Summer as part of the Bridgeport Bluefish’s 20th anniversary season,” said Jeff Jarrett.

The lineup for the event features Bobby Lashley, Patron, EC3, “Cowboy” James Storm, Eli Drake, the Latin American Exchange and more. All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative trading card set of five Impact Wrestling stars. Plus, there will be a pre-show VIP Meet & Greet for select ticket holders.

“We are thrilled to bring this exciting show to the ballpark in August,” said Bluefish General Manager Paul Herrmann. “We love being able to offer our city more than just baseball during the gorgeous summer months. There is a strong wrestling fanbase in Southern Connecticut, and we’re happy to invite fans of all kinds to enjoy our perfect outdoor venue.”