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Vince Russo’s The Brand Recap – Responding to Eric Bischoff, Mahal Ignored on Smackdown Live, Backstage Heat for Bliss? More!

Russo comments on the recent criticism he has received from Eric Bischoff and Jim Cornette. He says that there’s an open invitation to both of them to come on this show and discuss their issues, but he knows that neither of them are man enough to accept that offer.

Bischoff sent out a tweet this week calling Russo a con man, and Russo says if he conned anyone it must have been the 8 million people who were watching RAW every Monday night. That comment doesn’t even bother him because it’s an asinine comment.

Russo says the biggest con of all time is when Bischoff weaseled his way into TNA on the coattails of Hulk Hogan. Dixie Carter wanted to bring in Hogan but Bischoff wasn’t going to allow that to happen without finding a way to get himself involved as well. Russo says if he was Dixie Carter he would have told both of them to go ‘scratch their ass’.

He says that Bischoff had one good idea during his entire career (NWO), and somehow he even managed to ruin that and drive it into the ground until he got fired.

Chris Jericho Explains Why He Would Never Be A Part-time Wrestler

Uproxx recently interviewed the Ayatollah of Rock n’ Rolla, Chris Jericho himself. Jericho talked about a number of things, including how he balances his music career with his wrestling schedule.

When the interviewer, Brandan Stroud, asked Y2J if he would ever wrestle as a part-timer in the WWE, the self-proclaimed “G.O.A.T” had a great response and I quote: (quote credits to iwnerd.com)

“No, I won’t do it because that’s not the way it should be. When you’re there, you should go on the road. That’s how you help guys to learn. That’s how I got better. This whole year I got way better because of working with the younger guys, who then were learning from me as well. They need that. And it was a great year with just an awesome locker room, great people, lots of fun. I had as much fun out of the ring as I did in the ring. And in 2015, all I did was live events. I didn’t do TV at all. It’s like the anti-type Brock Lesnar. I wouldn’t have a problem doing that either. Maybe I’ll never go back on TV again. Maybe I’ll just do live events”

This response alone proves why Jericho is so widely respected by the wrestlers, bookers and fans alike. A legitimate legend indeed.

The Taz Show Recap – Ciampa’s Promo, Women’s Tag Division, Angle Nervous on RAW? More!

Block 1:

Taz opens today’s show speaking about the dangers of taking backdrops. A listener calls into the show and says that he’s a wrestler and actually broke his tailbone taking a backdrop at one point. He tried to take the backdrop by landing on his ass, which would have set up another spot right after. Unfortunately, this broke his tailbone and he was out of action for a while.

Taz says that a backdrop is one of the most dangerous moves that you can execute in a wrestling ring. After he had his neck injuries he would never take backdrops during his matches because it was simply too risky. He also suggests that taking a backdrop on your ass is a terrible idea and he wouldn’t recommend that anyone try that.

A listener calls into the show and asks Taz about the role of managers in wrestling, and what it means when they take a bump. Taz says that it’s rare for managers to take bumps and those spots are often saved for special moments, to enhance a certain feud or to finalize a program. He says that if Finn Balor and Brock Lesnar are in a program together, Balor dropkicking Paul Heyman would be a massive moment.

Former WWE Diva Cameron Hopeful to Return to the Company

Former WWE Diva, Cameron has expressed her wish to return to the promotion in the future and also called it “definite”. Cameron was the former tag partner of current SmackDown Women’s Champion, Naomi. However, her last run didn’t work out and she was released by the company last year.

Regardless Cameron told Extra, that she is still on good terms with the WWE and would not chalk out a future return. Here’s what she said in the interview: (quotes by stillrealtous.com)

 “As far as I am concerned WWE and I parted on good terms. I have no ill will towards anybody there. I am grateful for my time as a WWE talent. I appreciate all of the love and the hate I have received over the years from the WWE Universe. No matter what was said about me I appreciate their candour and their passion for the business. I would definitely love to come back in the future to show the WWE Universe my full potential. I like to say this isn’t goodbye but more like see you later. There will forever be a chip on my shoulder. Maybe one day I will be able to prove myself to the WWE Universe.”

Would you like to see Cameron back in action in a WWE ring once again?

Botched Finish on This Week’s Episode of SmackDown Live?

As seen on Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live, Dolph Ziggler defeated AJ Styles cleanly in the main event of the show.

Bryan Alvarez speculated on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio that the finish appeared to be botched. It’s believed that the finish was supposed to see a three-count with Styles having his foot on the rope, however Ziggler screwed it up when he grabbed Styles foot as he went for the pin. The announcers even played into this finish by making mention of his foot being on the rope but quickly re-worded as they processed what had happen.

Dave Meltzer also mentioned on Observer Radio that with Ziggler defeating Styles clean on the show, he expects the two to have another match on either next week’s show or the week after so that Styles can get his win back. The company would have used the foot on the rope as an excuse for the rematch, but because it was botched that won’t be the case.

Naomi & The Usos Filming Total Divas Spin-Off Reality Show?

The Usos and Naomi were off last weekend’s WWE Live Events because of they were reportedly filming a new project.

Squared Circle Sirens reports that the cameras were following them around as they vactioned in Hawaii over the last week. It’s being speculated that they could be filming for an upcoming reality show that could be a spin-off of Total Divas, similar to the one of Total Bellas.

We will keep you updated…

Chris Adonis Suffers Injury at Impact Tapings

PWInsider reports that Chris Adonis (former WWE Superstar Chris Masters) suffered an injury during Monday’s Impact tapings in Mumbai, India.

It’s being said that Adonis went to a local hospital to get an MRI but it’s currently unknown exactly what injury he had suffered. Due to the injury, he was unable to work the set second of tapings on Tuesday.

We will keep you updated if we receive an update on his condition.

Impact Wrestling Spoilers – May 31st, 2017

Thanks again to Himanshu D for passing along the following spoilers from Wednesday’s Impact taping in India:

Sonjay Dutt championship celebration to start off the show. Punjabi dancers out and Sonjay makes his entrance with Shera. He says what a night, it took 15 years to win the X-Division title and he did it in front of you guys. He thanks the crowd and promises to be the greatest X-Division champion of all time. Low Ki out. Sonjay says he hopes Low Ki is here to congratulate him. Low Ki says he is indeed here to congratulate him. He says Sonjay had luck but he made use of it to become the champion. He says he truly feels the rightful place of the X-Division Championship is around his waist, and since he gave Sonjay a match up on his request, it’s only fair that Sonjay gives him a title shot. Sonjay agrees and says that they will face each other in a 2 out of 3 falls match at Slammiversary. Low Ki seemed pleased and shook Sonjay’s hand but then attacked him and Shera. He hit the foot stomp on Shera. He is about to do the same to Sonjay before Matt Sydal comes out and Low Ki retreats.

Swoggle chased Spud. They take it through the crowd. Spud escapes and says “kiss my ass” before running away.

* Laurel Van Ness and Sienna vs Allie and Rosemary: Sienna and Laurel make their entrance. Allie comes out. Rosemary’s music plays but she doesn’t come out. Sienna and Laurel walk towards Allie at the entrance way but Rosemary attacks them from behind. KM comes in during the match but Braxton comes out and fights him to the back. A distraction and Laurel hits the Curb Stomp on Rosemary and Sienna pins her for the win.

* KM vs Mahabali Shera: Doctors try to stop Shera from going out for his match. KM attacks right from the bell, pins him but Shera kicks out. KM is in disbelief. KM goes on the offense but Shera fights back. KM goes for the pumphandle sitout facebuster but Shera counters it to hit the Sky High for the win. After the match, Kongo Kong comes out and they double team on Shera. Pumphandle sitout facebuster by KM. Kongo Kong hits the splash from the top rope. Shera has to be helped to the back.

* Trevor Lee vs Davey Richards vs Suicide vs Braxton Sutter vs Eddie Edwards Sony SIX X-Division Invitational (Elimination rules): Suicide eliminated Braxton, Trevor Lee eliminated Suicide, Davey was disqualified after he hit Eddie with a steel chair, Eddie was disqualified after he used a chair on Davey, Sydal wins after a shooting star press on Trevor Lee.

Eli Drake comes out with Christopher Adonis. He says he hears it when he sleep, he hears it when he eats, “Moose Moose Moose”. Crowd chants for Moose. Adonis says, “You really like Moose, huh? That chump doesn’t deserve to be in the same country let alone the same ring as me and Eli”. Eli says Moose is out her running his mouth and putting his nose in our business. A loud “Eli sucks” chant. He says this guy says he has a partner. He says Moose rhymes with Bruce and jokes about Prichard being his tag team partner. He tells Moose to shut the hell up and he needs him to be a man like CA and him. He says he needs Moose to walk down the aisle. Moose’s music hits. Moose says for first time, Eli is not a dummy. He says he can’t say the same for Chris. Moose says Eli’s right, he doesn’t have partner, all his friends are tied up, Eddie has a full metal mayhem against Davey, Alberto El Patron has his hands full with Lashley and even Rosemary has to get ready for Sienna. Eli says this is gonna be two on one. Moose says his partner is gonna be NFL star DeAngelo Williams. They look at the entrance way but no one comes out. Eli and Chris lay out Moose.

Matt Sydal’s Sony SIX X-Division Invitational trophy presentation is taped with the Sony Pictures Network CEO, Bruce Prichard and Scott D’Amore.

* EC3 and Lashley vs Storm and Alberto: EC3 and Lashley are in control until Storm gets the hot tag and he clears house. Storm sees the belt in the ring and is about to use it but Lashley stops him. EC3 and Lashley regain control of the match until Alberto gets the hot tag. During the match, EC3 gets angry at referee Brian Stifler’s count and whips him. Brian Hebner comes out and disqualifies EC3 and Lashley. They take the fight to the outside. Alberto chases Lashley away with a steel chair. Alberto celebrates with the GFW and Impact titles in the crowd.

* Trevor Lee and Low Ki vs Matt Sydal and Sonjay Dutt: Sydal and Dutt dominate the early part of the match, Lee and Low Ki get the advantage on Sydal, Sydal and Sonjay come back into it and Sydal gets the pin after a shooting star press.

Contract signing for Slammiversary matches:
Rosemary vs Sienna: Both sign the contract. Sienna says Rosemary thinks she’s so clever, this is the dumbest thing she ever did. Rosemary says that was very compelling. She says tonight Sienna may have signed the contract, all that means is at Slammiversary they are gonna sign her death certificate with her own blood. “Rosemary’s gonna kill you” chants.

First time ever mixed tag team Full Metal Mayhem Davey Richards and Angelina Love vs Eddie and Alisha Edwards: “Eddie’s gonna kill you” chants. Davey says you’re gonna have to kill me, because at Slammiversary, I’m gonna bury you. Eddie Edwards says this Sunday at Slammiversary, he’s gonna beat Davey’s ass right where it started.

James Storm is angry and has to be held back by Borash and Prichard. EC3 says he feels disconnected. He says he lashes out with this, he lashes out for you, he lashes out for this company, he lashes out for these people and for the last emotion that is of disgust. He says he’s gonna tear Storm’s ass piece by piece to the bone not because he wants to but because he has to. Because he’s a Carter and the world needs them. Storm tells EC3 to tell his family Storm is gonna take that strap and whip EC3 over and over and over and over and when the scars burn he’s gonna continue. He says he’s been here for 15 years. He says he’s the cowboy and “sorry about your damn luck”.

Champion vs champion Lashley vs Alberto: Lashley says all the talking is over, they know at Slammiversary Lashley is going to beat him, so just hand over the belt. He says all the talking is done. Alberto says why wait, we came all the way from America to India, Lashley has a title, he has a title, let’s do it right here tonight. He says it’s as easy as this, take it to the other corner. Alberto goes after Lashley and they everyone in the ring brawl. Bruce says everybody wants to fight tonight, Lashley can captain a team with Davey, EC3 and Kongo Kong, and Alberto can captain a team with Eddie, Storm and Shera.

* Mumbai Cats vs Eli Drake and Christopher Adonis: Mumbai Cats entered to Eli Drake’s music. Eli Drake gets the win after a Gravy Train.

* KM, Laurel Van Ness and Sienna vs Braxton Sutter, Allie and Rosemary: Rosemary mists Laurel, Sienna goes for the AK47 but Rosemary countered it into Red Wedding for the win. After the match, Rosemary stares at Allie, then taps her head and smiles, which makes Allie feel happy. Rosemary then taps Braxton’s head too.

* Kongo Kong, Davey Richards, EC3 and Lashley vs Alberto El Patron, James Storm, Eddie Edwards and Mahabali Shera: Shera comes out alone and the heels gang up on him, until El Patron’s music hits and he comes out with Storm and Eddie. The heels clear the ring. The faces and doctors take a look at Shera and they decide he cannot continue. They take him to the back. The match continues without Shera. Midway through the match, the heels are working on Eddie and they take out Storm and Alberto outside the ring before Eddie can get the tag. Shera comes out and gets the tag from Eddie. Shera hits the Attitude Adjustment on Lashley and a scoop slam on Kongo Kong. Shera goes for the pin but Lashley breaks it up. Lashley picks Shera up on his shoulder but Alberto tags himself in and he takes out Lashley. Shera and Alberto hang Kongo Kong from the corner and Alberto hits the double foot stomp for the win. The faces celebrate in the ring.

* Mumbai street fight Spud vs Swoggle: A directional sign board, pani puri stalls, coloured powder and trash cans around the place. The special guest referee is an Indian dwarf. Spud attacks from the outset, they take it to the outside where Swoggle throws coloured powder on Spud’s face, Spud attacks with the trash can near the entrance stage. They return to ringside and Spud takes out a table and places it near the apron. Spud hits Swoggle with the trash can lid, goes for a powerbomb off the apron but Swoggle bites Spud’s hand. Swoggle enters into the ring and tries to kick Spud onto the table but Spud fights out. Spud enters the ring and takes a mic and says he’s got a message, this is a big man’s business, he hates Swoggle, the boys at the back hate Swoggle and these people hate Swoggle. He says, “Here’s a secret, I meant to pull your pants down!” Swoggle slaps Spud, Spud attacks Swoggle in the corner, referee pulls Spud away from the corner. Spud pushes the referee down and accidentally pulled the referee’s pants down, Swoggle teams up with the referee and he pulls Spud’s pants down. He takes Spud to the apron, picks him up on his shoulders and through the table for the win. Swoggle celebrates with the referee.

The Taz Show Recap – Smackdown Analysis, In-Ring Psychology, Nia Jax Lashes Out, More!

Block 1:

Taz says that he enjoyed the different open to Smackdown Live last night. All five women who are competing in the Money in the Bank Ladder match next month cut promos in an old school ‘cold open’. He believes that from time to time, it’s a good idea for WWE to open their shows in different ways like this in order to keep fans guessing.

The only thing Taz didn’t like about these promos is that they all felt very scripted to him. He understands that each of these promos were very short, and it would have been tough for these women to ad lib promos that short.

He also says that by opening the show like this, WWE made their Smackdown Live Women’s Championship feel very important. Later in the show these five women went all out in a crazy brawl before Shane McMahon came to the ring and announced the first ever Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Taz thinks this is a great idea, and he’s looking forward to watching this match.