Could WWE’s busy Fall schedule be to blame for some recent injury issues?
WWE currently puts on approximately 3 hours of new content 3 nights in a row each week (though some of it is pretaped). On top of that you’ve got house shows most other nights of the week for the core roster of each show. Add in a crazy, globe trotting travel schedule for appearances all over the world and the bulk of the roster gets very little time to rest their battered bodies. On top of all that they’re also bringing in part-timers who may be a little rusty. To me this is a recipe for disaster and I’m surprised they haven’t had even more injury related issues. Keep that in mind as we run down the news of the week.
Injury Report
Sasha Banks has been pulled from the Mixed Match Challenge due to a currently undisclosed injury. Neither Banks nor the WWE have provided any details on the exact injury or a timeline for her return. There are, however, social media postings from both Sasha and her husband suggesting at least the possibility of a major decision ahead for the couple. At first I thought that sounded like perhaps a career threatening injury, but now I’m thinking the vague company description of a “health related issue” could mean pregnancy. Those involved seem to be remaining tight lipped for now, so we’ll just wish Banks the best on a healthy outcome regardless of the situation.
Liv Morgan was being evaluated for a possible concussion issue after being kicked in the face by Brie Bella on Raw. Bella was attempting, as she often does, to use her husband’s signature Yes Kicks on Morgan. Unfortunately the last two kicks were aimed a bit too high and struck Liv in the face rather than the chest. Though clearly unintentional, perhaps Brie needs to stop using the Yes Kicks. This isn’t the first time they’ve looked sloppy and the potential for injury to her opponent is just too high to risk. WWE confirmed on Tuesday that Liv had indeed suffered a concussion and was going through their protocols for head injuries. She won’t be allowed to return to the ring until she passes all of the associated tests. This could put her status for next week’s Super Showdown event in jeopardy. Best wishes to Morgan on a speedy recovery.
Mixed Match Challenge
We’re only 2 weeks into the new MMC season and there’s already another team change. Due to Sasha Banks’ health situation (see Injury Report), Mickie James will now be teaming with Bobby Lashley for the Mixed Match Challenge. The audience was asked to help choose a name for the new duo with the winning suggestion being Country Domination.
The Women’s Revolution
We’ve talked about it so many times I’m almost ready to say “I’ll believe it when I see it,” but the buzz has again picked up that a Womens Tag division IS happening. The inaugural champions are expected to be crowned at the Evolution event…. Probably.
Assorted News and Notes
There are apparently no current plans for Big Show to return to a televised role. He’s currently working only as an ambassador for WWE. I’m sure we’ll still see him pop up in a nostalgia spot from time to time though, and I personally think he’d be a good fit as an authority figure should they need a new GM for one of the shows.
New Prospects
It has been confirmed that 2 time MYC competitor Mia Yim has indeed signed with WWE/NXT.
Another familiar face may be returning as well. James Storm posted a cryptic but suggestive photo of himself with a WWE official. He made a couple of NXT appearances about 3 years ago, but didn’t stick around at that time. Could he be ready for a longer run?
Mae Young Classic 2
Here are your Round 1 results for this week:
Match 13: After a match that showed off the power of both women, Hiroyo Matsumoto (aka Lady Godzilla) was able to get the victory over 2nd generation wrestler Rachel Evers
Match 14: Returning MYC competitor Taynara Conti defeated relative newcomer Jessie Elaban
Match 15: Nicole Matthews got the win over NXT UK’s Isla Dawn
Match 16: it wasn’t a good night for 2nd generation wrestlers as Xia Brookside fell to one of the tournament favorites Io Shirai
With round one now concluded, these are the match ups we can look forward to in round two:
Tegan Nox vs Nicole Matthews, Rhea Ripley vs Kacy Catanzaro, Io Shirai vs Zeuxis, Deonna Purrazzo vs Xia Li, Meiko Satomura vs Mercedes Martinez, Lacey Lane vs Taynara Conti, Toni Storm vs Hiroyo Matsumoto, and Mia Yim vs Kaitlyn
PPV Event Plans
The WWE has a busy schedule of events this fall, and I’ll do my best to keep you updated on their cards.
Oct 6: Super Show-Down from Melbourne, Australia
Announced:
Triple H vs The Undertaker
Daniel Bryan vs The Miz with a future WWE title shot on the line
John Cena and Bobby Lashley vs Kevin Owens and Elias
The Shield vs Strowman, Ziggler and McIntyre
Ronda Rousey and the Bella twins vs Riott Squad
Cruiserweight Title Match-Cedric Alexander© vs Buddy Murphy
Naomi and Asuka vs the Iconics
Smackdown Tag Titles- New Day© vs The Bar
Smackdown Womens Title- Charlotte Flair© vs Becky Lynch
Oct 28: Evolution-All women’s PPV
Shayna Baszler has invoked her rematch clause for the NXT Womens Title and will get that match against current champion Kairi Sane at Evolution.
Announced:
Alexa Bliss vs Trish Stratus
Mickie James vs Lita
NXT Womens Title: Kairi Sane© vs Shayna Baszler
Expected:
Raw Womens Title Match, Smackdown Womens Title match, NXT UK Womens title match, Final match of MYC2
Rumored:
Maryse vs Brie Bella
Nov 2: WWE Crown Jewel from Saudi Arabia
Announced:
Universal Title Triple Threat: Roman Reigns© vs Braun Strowman vs Brock Lesnar
Rumored:
Tag Match: HHH & HBK vs Taker & Kane
WWE Title 4 way: Aj Styles vs Samoa Joe vs Daniel Bryan vs Miz
