Mixed Match Challenge
The return of the Mixed Match Challenge is causing a bit of a shake up in the weekly lineup of shows for WWE. Rather than staying live after the MMC each Tuesday, 205 Live (title change TBA) is moving to Wednesdays at 7pm. Many are hoping this also means the show will be taped BEFORE Smackdown on Tuesdays when the crowds will hopefully be more responsive. It also means that for a little while we’re going to have a 3 hour block of fresh programming each Wednesday with 205 at 7, NXT at 8, and the MYC at 9.
There was a late change to the line up this week as Ember Moon replaced Alexa Bliss as Braun Strowman’s partner. The reason given was that Bliss’ arm had been injured by Ronda Rousey. It’s unclear if this is a legit injury that will keep her out of action or just a story used to take her out for one week only.
One More Match
While I still don’t like the idea personally, it seems the road is indeed being paved for Shawn Michael’s eventual return to the wrestling ring. This week it was the Undertaker’s turn to appear live on Raw and remind us about his upcoming match with Triple H. During his promo he revealed that if HBK was going to be in HHH’s corner when they get to Australia then he was bringing his brother Kane to even the odds. If the rumors swirling for the last couple of weeks are to be believed, this is going to lead to a tag match between the 4 men in Saudi Arabia.
Final Deletion
We’ve been speculating on Matt Hardy’s status for a few weeks now, and it seems he has finally made a decision about his future. In a video over the weekend he announced that it was time to “go home.” He does admit that you can never say never in the wrestling industry but for now he is officially retired from in ring competition. While his body has given its all to the industry already his mind still has a lot to offer. I hope after he takes some time to relax and enjoy his family that he’s able to find a role that allows him to continue contributing in some way. I know that he has spent time learning the ropes as a producer recently. I think he would also do quite well as a trainer at the PC.
Mysterio
Supposedly Rey Mysterio and WWE have finally come to terms on a 2 year deal for him to return. He already made appearances at both the Royal Rumble and the Greatest Royal Rumble with speculation he would make a full time return. However he’s been going back and forth on terms of the deal for months. Since WWE will once again be sending all the star power it can to entertain their Saudi backers at the Crown Jewel event, I would expect that we’ll see Rey joining that card soon. That may or may not be the start of his full time return to the company though.
Mae Young Classic 2
One of the matches this week will feature 2 time MYC competitor Mia Yim, and rumors suggest she may not be going anywhere anytime soon. She’s been spotted at the PC multiple times leading to speculation that she’s signed an NXT deal. Although not yet announced officially, it would not be surprising. She’s a well regarded performer who certainly would be deserving of a spot on the regular NXT roster.
Here are your Round 1 results for this week:
Match 9: Former Diva’s champion Kaitlyn defeated India’s Kavita Devi with a spear
Match 10: Australia’s Toni Storm hit her finisher Storm Zero for the victory over England’s Jinny
Match 11: China’s Xia Li defeated Chinese American Karen Q with a flipping axe kick
Match 12: Returning MYC competitor Mia Yim pulled out a hard fought victory over her Indy rival Allysin Kay
PPV Event Plans
The WWE has a busy schedule of events this fall, and with Hell in a Cell now behind us they’ve made another big event official. On Nov 2nd WWE returns to Saudi Arabia for WWE Crown Jewel. Fall out from the Hell in a Cell main event has led to the announcement of a Universal Title Triple Threat at that event between Reigns, Strowman and Lesnar.
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
Announced:
Alexa Bliss vs Trish Stratus
Mickie James vs Lita
Expected:
Raw Womens Title Match, Smackdown Womens Title match, NXT 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
