women

WWE Had to Shorten the Women’s Championship to Fit Alexa Bliss

RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss recently spoke with Great Day Houston. Here are some highlights from the interview:

Why she chose to get into professional wrestling: “It’s such an amazing sport, I watched it growing up and it was never really something I knew I could get into, but once I got the opportunity I knew I had to get on it and I knew I had to try for it. I told my mom, I said, ‘Mom I’m going to try out for WWE.’ Her response was, ‘The heck you are!’ She was like ‘You’re are not doing that!’ So I had to try out without her knowing but know she’s like the biggest supporter and so proud of me.”

Being on Total Divas: “It’s a lot of fun I’m just starting to get into it. They filmed us all in Japan which was really cool, we got to dress up in all these really cool character outfits and it was a lot of fun. It’s really cool, except like, I myself am a very private person and I’m not as mean as I appear to be. But its been a lot of fun and its been really cool to see how everything works. I just feel bad cause sometimes they as me ‘What are you doing this week?’ And I’m like ‘I’m sitting at home with my dogs watching Netflix, what are you doing?’”

Her championship title: “This is the RAW Women’s Championship. What’s funny is – this is a little backstage information – the championship had to be shortened for me because it was so big on me, they actually had to take off size to let it fit me. But that’s why I’m ‘Five Feet Of Fury.’”

You can check out footage from the interview embedded below:

The Ross Report Recap w/ Dave Meltzer – Mae Young Classic, Strowman vs. Lesnar, Young Bucks & Omega in WWE, More!

Ross opens today’s show speaking about his recent experience calling the Mae Young Classic, which was taped last week in Orlando. He says he had a tremendous time calling that action, and he really bought into all of the women after personally interviewing each of them prior to their matches. Their stories were very captivating to him, and it was hard to not get emotional from time to time.

Ross mentions that he spoke to his old friend Mauro Ranallo while he was in Orlando as well, and he’s very happy for Ranallo for the success he is having. Ranallo’s been given another opportunity in WWE as the lead commentator of NXT, and has recently been given the assignment of calling the upcoming Mayweather/McGregor match as well.

Ross welcomes Dave Meltzer to the show.

Meltzer touches on the Mae Young Classic as well, saying that there are fewer opportunities for women in the wrestling business outside of WWE, and that’s why this opportunity means so much to the majority of them.

Ross admits that calling 30 matches in two nights was a marathon, but the audience was terrific throughout and that kept him motivated and right in the middle of the action. He says it was a very unique experience for him, and he can’t wait for everyone at home to have an opportunity to watch it.

WWE Mae Young Women’s Tournament Results – July 13th, 2017

WWE heads to Full Sail University for tonight’s Mae Young Women’s Tournament. Here are the spoilers:

* All the women are introduced before the tournament.

* Princesa Sugehit defeated Kay Lee Ray.

* Serena defeated Vanessa.

* Shanya defeated Zeda.

* Piper defeated Santana Garrett.

* Mia Yim defeated Sarah Logan.

* Mercedes Martinez defeated Xia Li.

* Rhea Ripley defeated Miranda Salinas.

* Abby Laith defeated Jazzy Gabert.

* Toni Storm defeated Ayesha Raymond.

* Dakota Kai defeated Kavita Devi.

* Candice LeRae defeated Renee Michelle.

* Rachel Evers defeated Marti Belle.

* Bianca Belair defeated Sage Beckett.

* Lacey Evans defeated Taynara Conti.

* Nicole Savoy defeated Reina Gonzalez.

* Kairi Sane defeated Tessa Blanchard.

This concludes the tapings.

New Match Announced WWE Battleground

Shane McMahon announced on tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live that the winner of a 5-Way Elimination Match at WWE Battleground will earn a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Here is the updated card:

WWE Title: Punjabi Prison match
Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The New Day vs. The Usos

#1 Contendership for the SmackDown Women’s Championship: Fatal 5-Way
Charlotte vs. Natalya vs. Tamina vs. Becky Lynch vs. Lana

Flag match
Rusev vs. John Cena

Battleground takes place on July 23rd from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Carmella Reacts to James Ellsworth’s Suspension

As seen on Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live, Daniel Bryan suspended James Ellsworth for 30 days and fined him $10,000 for his involvement in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder matches. He also added that if he violates the terms, Carmella will be stripped of her MITB briefcase.

Carmella and Ellsworth both took to Twitter and made the following remarks in regards to the suspension:

Kurt Angle Says GLOW Is Helping Bring More Attention to Wrestling

Kurt Angle talked about the success of GLOW on his recent interview with the Dallas Observer recently.

He talked about GLOW’s recent popularity which led wrestling into mainstream environment again, and the main event women’s matches:

I would say that GLOW’s popularity had an influence on us having women’s main event matches. But the WWE has been working on their women’s division for years, and we’ve already been leading up to having the girls main event TV shows.

A few years ago, WWE made the decision to stop referring to the women wrestlers as “divas.” When I was in WWE the first go-round, the women were having bikini pillow fights and it was all about the look of the girl. Now it’s all about their in-ring ability. GLOW is helping bring more attention to wrestling and women’s wrestling in particular. I think people who watch WWE will watch GLOW and vice-versa.

GLOW is Netflix’s latest show which is based on a promotion of the same name, called Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. The show was released via Netflix on June 23, 2017.

Naomi Lights Up Her Championship Title Belt

Naomi was at a recent WWE live event in Odessa, Texas this past weekend with her WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship with LED lights on it. It looks like this could be part of her ‘glow’ gimmick. We will have to wait for SmackDown to see if this belt makes it on to television.

WWE SmackDown Live Results – June 27th, 2017

A video package opens the show focusing on James Ellsworth helping Carmella at the Money in the Bank PPV to obtain the briefcase. We then see Daniel Bryan stripping Carmella of the briefcase last week and booking a rematch.

We go live to San Diego where Tom Phillips welcomes us to the show.

Smackdown General Manager Daniel Bryan is out first to kick off the show. Big reaction for Bryan tonight in San Diego. A loud “DANIEL BRYAN” chant starts up. Bryan asks if they are ready for a great night tonight? He is proud of the women’s evolution on Smackdown Live and tonight we have two huge women’s matches. Bryan plugs Noami defending the Smackdown Women’s Championship against Lana and the “Money in the Bank” ladder rematch featuring Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Natalya, Carmella and Tamina.

Carmella is out to interrupt along with James Ellsworth. Carmella says Smackdown is the land of injustice. She brings up Bryan stripping her of the briefcase last week. Carmella says she won the ladder match fair and square. She says the rule book states a ladder match is no DQ and has no rules. Carmella says the first woman to gain possession of the contract wins the match. She again repeats the stipulation and says Bryan has no right to take the briefcase away from her. Carmella yells she did nothing wrong.

Bryan says Carmella made some valid points including that ladder matches are no DQ and that other people have interfered in Money in the Bank matches before. He points out that never has someone walked up a ladder and handed it to another competitor. Bryan says he made his decision, but he wants to see what the WWE Universe thinks. He asks if he should cancel the match and hand the briefcase back to Carmella? A loud “NO” chant breaks out in San Diego. Bryan poses having the second ever women’s Money in the Bank ladder match here tonight. San Diego erupts with “YES” chants.

Ellsworth tells everyone to shut up. He says the people make him sick and the fans are the real villains. Ellsworth says they control “this stupid puppet.” He says Bryan takes pleasure in upsetting his “home girl.” A loud “ELLSWORTH SUCKS” chant breaks out. Ellsworth says he used to look up to Bryan. He doesn’t see a man anymore. Ellsworth only sees a “gutless, spineless, coward” that has no grapefruits to cut it in the ring and that he made up some “hokey injury.” Bryan gets in the face of Ellsworth and then starts smiling. He says he could just fire Ellsworth, but it isn’t about James tonight.

Bryan says it is about the “real” superstars of Smackdown Live. He says he knows he banned Ellsworth from ringside last week. Bryan says not to worry and he takes that back. “I am going to ban you from the entire arena,” says Bryan. Bryan calls for security. Carmella yells that Ellsworth didn’t mean it. Security walks down the ramp and gets in the ring going after Ellsworth. Ellsworth tries to leave and they grab him immediately. Ellsworth is grabbing onto the ropes as security drags him out of the ring. He then tells them he is fine and tries to take off again at ringside. Ellsworth tries to break free again jumping on the ring barricade. Security grabs him again and drags him to the back.

-Commercial Break-

If The Hype Bros win, they earn a tag title shot

The Usos vs. The Hype Bros

We start with Jimmy Uso and Zack Ryder. Ryder with a quick flapjack for a two count. Tag to Mojo Rawley who chop blocks the knee of Jimmy. Tag to Jey Uso who chops Mojo. Mojo with a big tackle off the ropes and then clotheslines Jey over the top rope. Tag to Ryder who is launched over the top rope and takes out both Usos at ringside. Jey with a big kick to the face of Ryder on the ring apron as we head to a break.

-Commercial Break-

Back live, Ryder misses his Broski Boot in the corner. Jimmy comes off the top with a splash on Ryder after Jey connects with a superkick. Jimmy gets the pinfall.

Winners: The Usos

After the match, The New Day walk out and get in the ring. Xavier Woods congratulates The Usos for actually winning a match and not walking out. Big E says they want the gold and at Battleground they are coming for them. Woods tries to avoid a Booker T moment with Big E. The Usos questions having to face them again, but ultimately agree to the “little change” from New Day. Kofi insults The Usos with a booty line.

-Commercial Break-

A new “Fashion Vice” segment airs with Breezango. Fandango is confronting The Ascension about attacking them. Konnor and Viktor said it wasn’t them. They leave the room and see their office has been trashed again.

Smackdown Women’s Champion Naomi heads to the ring. She defends her title next.

-Commercial Break-

WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship
Naomi (c) vs. Lana

We get ring introductions for the challenger Lana and champion Naomi.

Before the bell officially rings, Lana attacks Naomi as she raises up her title. Lana with a few more kicks on Naomi until the referee breaks it up. The referee checks on Naomi in the corner and she gives him the okay to ring the bell.

The referee officially starts the match. Lana with a few more shots in the corner. Lana with her sitdown spinebuster on Naomi and gets a very close two count. Naomi with a big kick to the head of Lana. Naomi connects with her split legged moonsault and gets the win!

Winner and still Smackdown Women’s Champion: Naomi

After the match, we see a very upset Lana inside the ring.

Backstage, Becky Lynch is asked about tonight’s Money in the Bank ladder rematch. She’s ready to make history and be the first legitimate woman to win a briefcase.

We return live inside the ring where Aiden English begins singing. Randy Orton’s music hits to interrupt English. Orton heads to the ring as we go to a break.

-Commercial Break-

What to Expect on the June 27th SmackDown Live Episode

WWE heads to the Valley View Casion Center in San Diego, CA for tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live. The following is confirmed for the show:

Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn
The Usos vs. The Hype Bros  (If The Hype Bros Win They Get a Tag Title Shot)
Smackdown Women’s Title Match: Champion Naomi vs. Lana
Smackdown Women’s MITB Match: Carmella vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Tamina vs. Natalya

Check back here at 8PM ET for our live play-by-play coverage of the event.

Becky Lynch Says There Will Be Women’s Royal Rumble

While speaking to Amarillo, Becky Lynch made the following remarks about a possible women’s Royal Rumble match:

“I think there’ll definitely be a time where the women get their own Royal Rumble. When you look at the fact that in July there is the Mae Young Classic taking place between 32 women. Then, you have the women in NXT and the women on both brands. I think it’s a year or two away from having our own Royal Rumble, then maybe our tag titles, the sky is the limit.”

You can check out Becky Lynch’s full Q&A at this link.

Eric Bischoff: Women’s Money In The Bank Re-Match Is A Bad Idea

After the controversial ending to the women’s Money in The Bank Ladder Match, Daniel Bryan announced on this week’s episode of SmackDown LIVE that there will be a rematch on next week’s episode of SmackDown LIVE. James Ellsworth will be banned from the ringside in the match.

Eric Bischoff expressed his displeasure over the decision on his podcast, “Bischoff on Wrestling”. Here’s what Bischoff said:

“I think it’s a bad move. It’s a mistake I’ve made in the past. Sometimes you learn from your mistakes. At least, sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. When you build up to a big event on PPV and you build up the stakes and you build up the expectation and you basically deliver a screwed finish and then re-match it on free TV. It diminishes the long-term expectation of future big event matches on pay-per-view when that happens. I think it’s a really bad idea. By the way, I’ve done it and the results were always negative”

The Ross Report Recap w/ Jason Powell – MITB & RAW Analysis, A.J. Styles vs. Nakamura, Lesnar’s Expiring Contract, More!

Ross congratulates Seth Rollins on being named as the cover Superstar for WWE 2K17. He says that’s a big deal for Rollins personally and professionally, and it’s a big deal in the WWE locker room as well. Ross has heard that the two finalists for the cover were Seth Rollins and A.J. Styles, and he thinks Styles would have been very deserving of the cover as well.

Speaking about Sunday night’s Money in the Bank PPV, Ross thought the St. Louis crowd loved the legends sitting at ringside. He also thinks that Naomi is a very talented performer, and her athleticism allows her to continue to grow as a performer in the ring. It was nice to see her continue her Women’s Championship run at Money in the Bank with a win over Lana.

Ross liked that Mahal got some heat by defeating Randy Orton in his hometown on Sunday. The distraction finish protected Orton and allowed Mahal to continue his momentum. Ross does feel that Mahal needs to pick up a few convincing wins as some point where he can show off his aggressiveness, and he needs to vary his style from time to time.

However, Ross does like where Mahal is headed, and he credits WWE for putting their Championship on him to help build his credibility as rises to prominence within the company.