It’s the 2nd biggest weekend of the WWE year, and we have all the final information on both shows.
In addition to Takeover and Summerslam, we also have the latest injury news and a few other interesting tidbits. Let’s jump right in with the final card for Saturday!
NXT News
This week was primarily hype for Takeover Brooklyn this weekend, but a couple of things aired that take us beyond Saturday. Cathy Kelly hosted a video breaking down all of the superstars who were spotted in the vicinity of the parking lot where Aleister Black was found beaten last week. Presumably this will come back upon his eventual return when they have him feud with one of these suspects. They also announced that Pete Dunne will defend the UK title against Zack Gibson next Wednesday. The match will be taped in Brooklyn on Saturday for next week’s regular show.
In other news, look for new prospects such as Matt Riddle and Kacy Catanzaro to make their onscreen debuts this weekend. They’ll likely be shown in the audience like many new stars of the past.
Takeover Brooklyn Card:
EC3 vs Velveteen Dream
NXT North American Title- Adam Cole (Bay Bay)© vs Ricochet
NXT Tag Titles- Undisputed Era© vs Mustache Mountain
NXT Womens Title- Shayna Baszler© vs Kairi Sane
NXT Title: Last Man Standing Match- Tomasso Ciampa© vs Johnny Gargano
Summerslam News
RAW- They went ahead with the expected triple threat match for the tag titles on Raw rather than wait for Summerslam. The B-Team retained and the Deleters of Worlds were essentially removed from the title picture in the process (what a sad waste of potential for that once promising team up). The Revival, however, asserted themselves as worthy enough contenders to be announced for another chance at dethroning the champs this Sunday in Brooklyn. The other big development on Monday was the return of Dean Ambrose. I thought for sure they were saving him as a Summerslam surprise, but we now know that he’ll be in the corner of his Shield brother Seth Rollins this weekend during the Intercontinental Title Match.
Smackdown Live- The mixed tag match between Rusev and Lana vs Almas and Vega that we’ve been expected was actually made official on Monday. It will take place as part of the 2 hour preshow on Sunday. The rest of Tuesday’s show was just final selling for all of the announced matches. The best of this was the series of video packages highlighting the 8 year history of animosity between Daniel Bryan and the Miz. Their match is perhaps one of the most anticipated of the weekend.
Summerslam Card:
Rusev and Lana vs Andrade Almas and Zelina Vega
The Miz vs Daniel Brian
Finn Balor vs Constable Baron Corbin
Kevin Owens vs Braun Strowman with the MitB contract on the line
Cruiserweight Title- Cedric Alexander© vs Drew Gulak
Raw Tag Titles- B Team© vs The Revival
Smackdown Tag Titles- Bludgeon Brothers© vs New Day
US Title: Shinsuke Nakamura© vs Jeff Hardy
Intercontinental Title- Dolph Ziggler© with Drew McIntyre vs Seth Rollins with Dean Ambrose
Smackdown Womens Title- Carmella© vs Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair
Raw Womens Title- Alexa Bliss© vs Ronda Rousey
Universal Title- Brock Lesnar© vs Roman Reigns
WWE World Title- AJ Styles© vs Samoa Joe
Injury Report
There are reports coming out of a live event last weekend that Tye Dillinger may have been injured during a match against Shelton Benjamin. Those in attendance say it appeared Dillinger may have been knocked out following a bad fall. A quick count out finish was done after the ref threw up the “X” gesture signaling the injury.
We’ve got sad injury news coming out of the MYC tapings last week. Tegan Nox was originally supposed to participate in the first Mae Young tournament, but an ACL injury prevented her from participating at the time. After nearly a year of rehab and recovery she seemed to finally be back at 100% and ready to take her shot. Unfortunately, she was injured again during one of her tournament matches. Backstage doctors were unable to make a clear diagnosis and Nox was sent to the local hospital. Unfortunately, it may be another ACL injury, which would leave a promising young career in doubt.
WWE has confirmed that Sin Cara underwent knee surgery this week. Doctors found scar tissue to be hindering his use of the joint and removed it. There’s no time table for Sin Cara’s return to action, but he was already beginning physical therapy less than 24 hours after surgery.
Neville
Though it ultimately gives us no clearer indication of his status, Triple H did respond to a question about Neville this week. During a conference call he referred to the former NXT and Cruiserweight champion as “one of the most talented guys in the world.” Also stating “Time will see where that ends up.” It’s been more than a year now since Neville grew frustrated with WWE’s booking choices and walked away, but he remains under contract.
Giving Back
WWE superstar and Tampa resident Titus O’Neil has apparently been working with his foundation and community officials on starting a school in the area. The school would be very similar to the one recently opened in Cleveland by LeBron James. It would be tuition free and provide things such as uniforms, transportation, food services, and adult education opportunities. While never the biggest star in the WWE, O’Neill has always used whatever fame his job has given him to make a positive impact on the community.
RIP
Last but certainly not least. We once again want to honor Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart who passed away this week.
Also passing this week was the legendary Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. In her honor, here’s her performance of America the beautiful from Wrestlemania 3.
https://www.wwe.com/videos/aretha-franklin-performs-america-the-beautiful-wrestlemania-iii
