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Brock Lesnar Working SmackDown Event
WWE has added Brock Lesnar to the SmackDown Live event at the Joe Louis Arena. The event, which takes place on July 29th, will feature Jinder Mahal, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Baron Corbin, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Apollo Crews, American Alpha and The Usos.
This will be the final event at the Joe Louis Arena. The venue opened in 1979 and will be torn down and replaced with the Little Ceasars Arena.
Chris Jericho Returns to Action Next Week
Chris Jericho has been added to the RAW brands’ international tour dates on June 28th in Singapore and the June 30th & July 1st events in Tokyo, Japan.
Jericho’s last appearance with the company was back in May, where he was written out of WWE storylines after an attack from Kevin Owens. Since his time off he has been touring with his Fozzy band.
Hulk Hogan Not Interested In WWE Return?
Hulk Hogan may not be interested in returning to WWE now that his Gawker problems are behind him.
According to Fightful, WWE had meetings regarding a possible return for The Hulkster, however the decision on whether or not he wants to return to the company is Hogan’s decision. WWE apparently reached out with the proposal of a “renewed working relationship” and Vince McMahon has also touched base with Hogan.
The feeling is that because of Hogan’s $31 Million settlement with Gawker, he’s in a good place financially and doesn’t need the money that WWE is willing to offer him for his return.
Possible Plans for Rusev When He Returns to WWE
According to Cageside Seats, former 2-time United States Champion Rusev is scheduled to enter into the US title picture upon his return on SmackDown Live. Rusev’s wife, Lana has already made her return and had a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Money In The Bank event.
Rusev has been out of action for some months because of an injury that required surgery. He posted a video demanding a WWE Title match at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view and the said video was also aired on the post-Superstar Shakeup episode of SmackDown Live. WWE ultimately dropped the plans for Rusev to go after the WWE Championship after they finalized long-term plans for Jinder Mahal to keep the title.
What do you think about Rusev’s future? Sound off in the comments!
CM Punk Making Rare Public Appearance
Former WWE Superstar CM Punk is being advertised to appear at the Eternal Con convention that takes place on July 1st & July 2nd at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York.
This event will feature several well known-known wrestlers such as Tommy Dreamer, Ashley Massaro, Velvet Sky, Bubba Ray Dudley, The Nasty Boys, Greg Valentine, Mick Foley and Noelle Foley. This is newsworthy because it’s very rare that Punk makes public appearances alongside other members of the wrestling industry. Punk has repeatedly stated in past interviews that he doesn’t intend to associate himself with the pro-wrestling business anymore.
Shelton Benjamin Not Returning to WWE?
It was reported earlier this week via Pro Wrestling Sheet that WWE and Shelton Benjamin are in talks about a possible return to the company, however that may not be the case.
Shelton Benjamin addressed rumors about his return to WWE in a new video message. He mentioned that he has an upcoming commitment on June 30th for Great North Wrestling. He brought up how everywhere he looks, people are speculating on where his career is heading. He then proceeded to cut a promo on his opponent Amanuel Hassan without any indication or hints that he would be returning to WWE.
You can check out his video message below:
It is still very possible that the two parties are in talks about a return. If that is the case they are just trying to keep it a secret. We will keep you updated if we hear anything else regarding the situation.
Vince Russo’s The Brand Recap – Balor’s Promos Need Work, Meltzer Disrespects Al Snow, When Will Corbin Cash in? More!
Russo is joined on today’s show by his co-host Jeff Lane.
Speaking about the new Elias Samson/Finn Balor feud, Bruce Mitchell from PWTorch recently said that Samson needs programs like this, because he can learn from Balor and Balor can carry him in the ring. Russo says if we look at it from a promo perspective, he hasn’t seen Balor cut a good one yet, and Samson has been cutting great promos ever since he arrived on the main roster.
From a promo perspective Samson can ‘eat Balor alive’, but all these ‘journalists’ just look at things based on the in-ring product. Russo still wonders where Balor’s ‘Demon’ character is, and if the ‘Demon’ isn’t going to be a regular part of Balor’s presentation, Balor is going to have to show us more on the mic.
Russo also comments on the notion that perhaps Finn Balor doesn’t want to cover his face with paint every night because he’s a mark for himself and he wants to build his own brand. Russo says that this can happen when talents start to buy into their own hype from the niche audience. Today’s Superstars will never get over like Hulk Hogan or Steve Austin, because they don’t even understand what it takes to be a star in the wrestling business.
Former ROH Wrestler Spotted at Full Sail University
Former Ring of Honor wrestler Bobby Fish has been spotted at Full Sail University, which NXT tapings.
According to our correspondent at the event sent word that he was seen speaking to producer Ryan Katz. While it’s not confirmed, it is very possible that he could make his debut at tonight’s tapings. As of this writing it is unknown if he signed a deal with the company. It’s worth noting that The Wrestling Observer reported back in March that he didn’t want to sign a full-time deal with ROH because it may tamper with his chances of getting hired on by WWE.
We will keep you posted if we find anything out.
WWE NXT Spoilers – June 28th – July 12th, 2017
WWE heads to Full Sail University tonight to tape the June 28th to July 12th episodes of NXT. Below are the spoiler results.
* The show kicks off with Triple H coming out during the pre-show commentator entrances and personally introduces Mauro Ranallo to the commentary desk.
June 28th
* Bianca Bel Air defeats Aliyah in a Mae Young Classic Qualifying Match.
* Velveteen Dream defeated Ho Ho Lun.
* Hideo Itami vs. Oney Lorcan gets called off after Itami got busted open early. The blood was so bad that they had to change the mat.
* Vanessa Borne defeated Jayme Jameson in a qualifying for the Mae Young Classic.
* Johnny Gargano cuts an in-ring promo. He says he didn’t see the attack in Chicago coming but he’s not there to dwell on the past. He promises he’ll be at TakeOver: Brooklyn no matter what and leaves.
* Hideo Itami defeats Oney Lorcan. After the match, Itami calls Kassius Ohno out, but before they can talk SAnitY attacks both men! They’re here to end forced friendship and lies, but Eric Young is off working on some kind of master plan.