Crazzy Steve & Others to Receive WWE Tryout This Month

WWE revealed the following list of talents who will receive a tryout at the WWE Performance Center later this month:

Hunter McIntyre: “Obstacle course racer. The reigning champion of Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge competition series and a decorated Spartan Race runner.”

Amarlo Herrera: “A 250-pound linebacker from the University of Georgia who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.”

Noke Tago: “A 300-pound defensive tackle from American Samoa who played at Oregon State.”

Raynor Whitcombe: “6-foot-2, 230-pounds. A New Zealand-born football player-turned-bodybuilder who was the first-place winner of the 2015 BodySpace Spokesmodel Search.”

Denzel DeJournette: “A 6-foot-3, 265-pound All-American wrestler from Appalachian State University who finished eighth in the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championships.”

Nicolai Salchow: “6-foot-1, 205-pounds. A Brazilian-born, German-raised kickboxer and grappler who is 6-1 in professional MMA fights.”

Lindsey Kelly: “Crossfit competitor. A former swimmer at the University of Arizona who has deadlifted 410 pounds and squatted 315 pounds, according to her CrossFit profile.”

Reginald Gibbs: “A 275-pound, Georgia-based independent wrestler and protege of WWE Superstar Mr. Hughes who competes as “Odinson” in the southeast region.”

Brothers Arthur and Josh Haug: “Arthur Haug was a four-sport athlete in high school and a former bodybuilding champion who has trained with Impact Pro Wrestling. Josh Haug was a three-time letter winner as a wrestler at the University of Iowa, a 2016 national qualifier and an Academic All-American.”

Nick Brewer: “Minnesota powerlifter, a 295-pounder who has been known to bend horseshoes and roll up steel frying pans with his bare hands. At the 2009 London Strongest Man competition, he pulled a firetruck.”

Vernon Willis: “A 6-foot-4, 275-pound California state wrestling champion.”

Andrew Cavanna: “A 6-foot-1, 220-pound Connecticut weightlifting champion and five-time wrestling champion.”

Briana Brandy: “A hip-hop artist who has performed with the likes of Soulja Boy and Ying Yang Twins, and trains in MMA and CrossFit.”

Cody Deaner: “A multi-time heavyweight champion in Canada who once faced Kurt Angle on SmackDown in 2004.”

“Crazzy Steve” Steve Scott: “A 14-year veteran from Ontario who received training under NXT’s Eric Young.”

Paul ‘PB Smooth’ Bilbo: “6-foot-9. From Erie, Pa., a former college basketball player who has wrestled for Cleveland-based Absolute Intense Wrestling and CWF Mid-Atlantic in North Carolina.”

Matt King: “A 23-year-old, 6-foot-5, 250-pound model and independent wrestler from Atlanta who competes as “Raphael King”.

Troy Russell: “6-foot-6, a graduate of Lance Storm’s wrestling academy who trains at the famous DeFranco’s Gym.”

Tehuti Miles: “A 210-pound U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan and played for the University of Maryland football team.”

Quelton Toliver: “A 20-year-old, 6-foot-4, 265-pound wrestler from Missouri.”

Brothers Morgan and Christopher Hill: “Football players-turned-fitness models from Las Vegas.”

Elena Pogosyan: “A 24-year-old journalist-turned-wrestler who trained under WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz and has wrestled for almost two years.”

Jeslen Mishelle: “A three-year wrestling veteran and blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu who competes on the West Coast under the alias ‘Desi Derata.’”

Nikii Duke: “A 24-year old bodybuilder, International Federation of Physique Athletes pro, and World Beauty Fitness and Fashion bikini competitor.”

Mike Taverna: “Twenty-five-year-old from New York City, who has wrestled in Chaotic Wrestling, Chikara and New York Wrestling Connection, among other groups.”

Marquis Carter: “A U.S. Army veteran who was deployed once to Afghanistan and twice to Korea, and has officiated in several Florida wrestling organizations.”

Haley Kate Yellin: “A fitness model with a background in dance, track and taekwondo.”

Will Cuevas: “A California-based independent wrestler, former referee and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who is a former All Pro Wrestling Worldwide Internet Champion.”

Blake Dees: “A 240-pound former college football player who played linebacker at Texas Tech and South Alabama.”

Micas Harris: “A 28-year-old independent wrestler from Indiana who played semi-pro football.”

Marshall “Solo” WilliamsZach Johnson: “6-foot-5, 240-pounds. An independent wrestler from North Carolina for whom this was a second WWE tryout.”

Michael Richards: “From New Zealand, a 6-foot-2 independent wrestler who has trained in the Ring of Honor Dojo.”

Joe Maples: “A 6-foot-3, 285-pound former college football player. He made appearances in three Bowl Games as a member of the University of Missouri football team.”

Haley Tipton: “A 24-year-old model and former Junior Olympics beach volleyball player.”

Rawle Chichester: “A 6-foot-2, 245-pound wrestler with six years’ experience.”

Abigail Burgdorf: “A college track athlete who is also an active powerlifter.”

Nikki Bella Teases Sixth Entry In The Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match

We noted earlier this week that WWE may have spoiled a six participant in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match for Sunday’s event when they mentioned on Twitter that six women would be in the match.

Coming off this news, Nikki Bella posted a new video to her YouTube channel teasing that she may be the six entrant into that match.

“First ever girl’s match, which, I mean, maybe I’ll fly straight in and you know, be the sixth member, who knows? No, but I really, really, really wish that I could be in Money in the Bank, but, goodness, it makes me so proud of the women in WWE. Every week, every month every year, we just keep breaking more and more barriers and making history and just proving who the women really are at WWE.”

Possible Reason Why WWE Called Several Legends In for Sunday’s Money in the Bank Event

Sgt. Slaughter, Ric Flair, Greg Gagne, Larry Hennig and Baron Von Raschke have all been spotted in St. Louis this afternoon.

As previously noted via Wrestling Observer, these legends are expected to take part in a segment at Sunday’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. While it hasn’t been confirmed, it’s very possible that they could be doing some sort of “father’s day” segment, considering that is tomorrow’s holiday. We will keep you updated if we hear anything as we head into tomorrow’s event.

The Taz Show Recap – Money in the Bank Predictions, It’s Mahal’s Time, Lita Returning at MITB? More!

A listener calls into the show and tells Taz that in a recent ‘I Quit’ match on the indie scene, one performer pulled a gun on the other in order to make them quit. The caller thinks that was a bit much, and Taz agrees. In this day and age, Taz doesn’t think there’s a place for that stuff in the business of professional wrestling, but that’s strictly his opinion.

Taz gets into his Money in the Bank predictions.

He says that it’s weird to see a PPV with only five matches on the card, but he admits that the two Money in the Bank ladder matches will eat up a large portion of time. He points out that it takes a long time to tell good physical stories when ladders are involved.

The Usos vs. The New Day – The Usos

* Taz doesn’t think that The New Day needs the Titles right now, and a win over New Day will strengthen The Usos’ Title run significantly. Taz thinks that The Usos are one of the freshest acts on WWE programming right now, and he’d like to see their Title reign continue.

Lana vs. Naomi (C) – Lana

* Taz thinks Lana will defeat Naomi for the Smackdown Live Women’s Championship, but he doesn’t think that’s a good idea at all. He thinks that Naomi has had a good run with the Championship, but it’s evident that WWE wants to push Lana to the moon. After debuting with a big entrance and a new gimmick, a loss here for Lana will kill her run before it even gets started.

WWE Reveals Four Names for the Mae Young Classic

WWE announced the first four names for the July 13th and July 14th Mae Young Classic tournament. They wrote the following on their website:

Toni Storm is the first and reigning PROGRESS Women’s Champion in the United Kingdom. Already an eight-year veteran, Storm has carved out a reputation worldwide: Born in New Zealand, raised in Australia and based in the U.K., she wrestled in 13 countries before age 20, capturing championships along the way.

Lacey Evans, of Parris Island, S.C., is a familiar face to WWE Network subscribers. A newcomer inside the yellow ropes of NXT, Evans joined the WWE Performance Center in April 2016. Prior to pursuing sports-entertainment, she served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years, including time spent as military police and a member of the Special Reactions Team, which is the Marine equivalent of a SWAT Team.

Sarah Logan is an NXT competitor and recruit at the Performance Center. She began her in-ring career on the U.S. independent scene in 2011, and quickly gained notoriety for her rough-and-tumble fights. She refined her skills in Japan under former WWE Light Heavyweight Champion Taka Michinoku before signing with WWE in October 2016. Logan, who has also won Olympic powerlifting competitions, made her NXT TV debut earlier this year.

Princesa Sugehit, from Monterrey, brings 20 years’ experience to the Classic. Since turning professional in 1996, Sugehit has earned countless accolades while competing in her home country’s top organizations, CMLL and AAA. Not only that, but she has claimed the masks of numerous rivals over the year, which is considered the ultimate sign of triumph in lucha libre. She is also the current Mexican National Women’s Champion.

We revealed seventeen names the other day for the event, which you can read here.

WWE 2K18 Coming to the Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch may be getting the upcoming WWE 2K18 video game.

GoNintedo.com reports that there could be two different versions of WWE 2K18. Austrian retail outlet Libro triggered speculation after they listed WWE 2K18 as available on Nintendo Switch.

The listing has been deleted but they could have posted the information ahead of schedule after receiving sales data for the game. This has been done in the past.

The last game in production for Nintendo was WWE 13, which was available on the Wii. The Wii U never got any wrestling titles. The latest game of the series, WWE 2K17, is currently available for PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4.

Rusev Returning to SmackDown Next Week

We reported a few days back via Pro Wrestling Sheet that Rusev has been cleared to return to in-ring competition after having shoulder surgery back in March.

PWInsider reports that Rusev is expected to make his return to WWE programming on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live. There is no exact word on what his role will be upon his return. WWE teased a feud with Shane McMahon last month, but those plans got nixed. It’s unknown at this time if the company will pick up where they left off. We will keep you updated.

Someone Please Tell Me Where the Smackdown Midcard Is

These last few weeks on Smackdown, there’s been a noticeable lack of superstars on the show. I’m not even referring to American Alpha.

“We used to be your tag team champions!”

You’d think that with the Money in the Bank ladder match coming up, the blue brand would want to use that match to help build up some of their lower players. There’s no reason that Tye Dillinger, Luke Harper, or even Aiden English shouldn’t be in the match. Even if management didn’t want them there, at least have qualifying matches and have those guys lose. As much as I hate to say it, Smackdown’s been recycling matches ever since Backlash. Some variation of the 6 men in the ladder match will fight, they’ll tag against each other, etc. Quite a few people have been missing action, and it’s a shame, because the roster is so talented right now.

The United States Championship Is on Lock Right Now

Did you know that Luke Harper and Tye Dillinger won their matches at Backlash? Crazy, right? What are they up to now? Nothing, that’s what. They could have very easily been put into a program for the United States Championship. You know, the title that’s meant for the midcard guys? Instead, Kevin Owens is in the ladder match, and the title will not be defended at all this Sunday.

After Money in the Bank, I’m sure Shinsuke Nakamura will go on to take the title from Mr. Kevin Owens. I don’t mind that. I’m cool with that. However, it is highly unlikely that Nakamura will spend his time defending the title against Erick Rowan or Aiden English. It’s not happening.

They don’t have to win the title. I get that. Not everyone can be a champion. But give the guys some exposure. Rusev defended the title against Kalisto, Zack Ryder, and Titus O’Neil. John Cena fought the likes of Stardust and Neville for the US title. The point is, these guys who aren’t being used need a purpose.

Create Engaging Feuds For Them

Tye Dillinger had something interesting going on with Aiden English. Dillinger would beat him, and English would cry. English would also sing a lot and Dillinger would interrupt and kick him in the face. That was something.

Erick Rowan was angry at Luke Harper for leaving the family. He had a whole bunch of masks, and it was sort of cool. That was something.

After Backlash, what happened to Luke Harper and Erick Rowan? Absolutely nothing. What happened to Tye Dillinger and Aiden English? Absolutely nothing. Apparently they’re trying to start a program between Luke Harper and Aiden English. But how is someone supposed to know that if it isn’t even televised?

One of the best parts of Smackdown last year was the fact that almost everyone had something to do. Heath Slater got a job. The Usos became thugs. Kalisto wanted to fight Baron Corbin. When Raw was struggling to use more than 5 people per show, Smackdown had something for everyone. Sure, the roster was thinner, but even with the current roster  you should still be able to create engaging stories for everyone. Heck, that’s what Raw is doing right now. Who attacked Enzo? Who will join the Titus Brand? Even Goldust and R-Truth are battling each other via film quotes and vignettes.

Please, Smackdown. Make better use of your roster. It’s too talented to waste.