Clash of Champions PPV
This is the official card for Smackdown’s Clash of Champions. It will be held in Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday, December 17 and will air on pay-per-view and the WWE Network at 8 PM EST/7 PM Central:
WWE Championship Match: AJ Styles (c) vs. Jinder Mahal
WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship Lumberjack Match: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Natalya
WWE United States Championship Match: Baron Corbin (c) vs. Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs. The New Day vs. Rusev & Aiden English vs. Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable
Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens
* Owens & Zayn’s careers are on the line
* Special guest refereers: Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan
The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Breezango
Kickoff Show Match: Mojo Rawley vs. Zack Ryder
Sheamus health update
Sheamus recently revealed on his workout YouTube Channel, Celtic Warrior Workout (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=kKNzzLaBcOw), that he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in June. He’s since been in rehab and is also supplementing it by doing therapy at home. Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spaces within the spine narrow. The condition can be debilitating and is what forced stars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin and Edge (Adam Copeland) into retirement. The WWE has adjusted matches featuring The Bar to be of lower impact on him in light of his condition, according to a report from Dave Meltzer.
Rich Swann update
Rich Swann’s attorney gave a statement to Sporting News earlier today, “hoping for a fair and quick resolution” regarding his client’s shocking arrest. Rich Swann was released from custody Monday after being arrested for simple battery and false imprisonment on Sunday on the condition that he has no direct or incorrect contact with his wife. He was placed on indefinite suspension by the WWE and he and his wife face termination by the WWE should either be convicted of domestic violence related charges. The arrest shocked many of their respective peers within the WWE but some weren’t surprised. Their relationship was described as “volatile” by some due to their respective pasts, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Tye Dillinger vs. fans
Tye Dillinger was involved in altercation with an irate fan at an airport. According to Tye’s account of the dust-up on Twitter, the fan yelled “I hoped you get released again, Shawn!” after Tye didn’t autograph eight items that he had. Tye took it in stride and apologized for not being able to sign everything.
King Kong Bundy vs. Razor Ramon
WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall started a scuffle with fellow legend, King Kong Bundy, at a New York fan convention late last month. According to the latest podcast episode of Sean Mooney’s “Prime Time” show, Hall showed up late for the event after he vanished earlier. According to Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Hall was “messed up” and he was verbally abusing Bundy. Eventually, Kong got fed up and attacked Hall by choking him until they were separated. This mishap isn’t a good look for Hall, especially after he seemed to finally be turning the corner from his well documented history of substance abuse.
Kaientai member hospitalized
Yusuke Yamaguchi, also known as Yamaguchi San, was hospitalized after suffering a severe stroke early Thursday morning. Yamaguchi is best known as the manager of Kaientai and is said to be “fighting for his life”.
Noam Daris out for 5 months
Noam Daris expected to miss five months of action due to a meniscus tear. He initially injured his knee November 27 on Raw but when his knee gave out again last weekend, an MRI revealed the tear and that Noam would need surgery.
2018 WWE Hall of Hame inductee prospects
WrestleMania 34 is looming and speculation has begun as to who is slated to be inducted in next year’s Hall of Fame class. The current consensus rumored inductees are: Bam Bam Bigelow (posthumously) , The Dudley Boyz, Ivory, Kid Rock, and the headliner for the Class of 2018 being Goldberg.
Mass Remixes?
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, The WWE is considering mass remixes of all the talent’s entrance themes. Given the sudden and shocking departure of Jim Johnston and the reasoning behind it, it’s not surprising that a transition would be entertained. The move was a cost cutting one, as Johnston was reportedly the highest paid non-executive on WWE’s payroll.
Vince Russo returns?
Vince Russo is returning to the wrestling industry. Former WCW, TNA, and Lucha Underground talent, Konnan, announced on Twitter that Vince has been hired as a script consultant for Aro Lucha. Konnan is the Head Of Creative for Aro Lucha.
Primo Colon returning
Primo Colon is prepping for a return to WWE TV, according to a report from PWInsider. Primo suffered a knee injury this past June and recently underwent knee surgery about seven weeks ago. The Colons are expected to remain a tag team, despite rumors earlier this year that they were possibly leaving due to dissatisfaction as to their bookings.
