John Cena Free Agency News; Bob Orton Is Fine; WWE Network’s Most Watched
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While speaking to news.com.au, Finn Balor was asked about why his Demon Character hasn’t been being used on WWE programming lately. He responded with the following remarks:
“The Demon character is something I draw on occasion. It’s something that requires a lot of focus to tap into and really requires the right situation for me to sort of draw on that darker side of my personality. Since I’ve been back on Raw, the opportunity hasn’t really presented itself to tap into that side and I’ve had such a good time being back I haven’t wanted to change. I quite like walking out in my sweet new Balor club jacket. popping my collar and being Mr Cool.”
You can check out the full interview here.
WWE announced two matches for next week’s episode of 205 Live on Tuesday. Those matches are:
Drew Gulak vs. Mustafa Ali
Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher
Next week’s show takes place from from Dayton, Ohio and airs on the WWE Network after Smackdown concludes on USA Network.
Following the announcement of John Cena being a “free agent” and appearing on both RAW and SmackDown, there was a lot of online speculation that the company may be setting something up between Cena and Roman Reigns for this year’s SummerSlam event. However, we can now confirm doesn’t appear to be the case.
Dave Meltzer was asked on the latest installment of Wrestling Observer Radio about the speculation between a match between the two at this year’s blockbuster summer event. Meltzer said that he was told that Cena will not be Reigns opponent for the event.
As previously noted, there is speculation that Cena will face Jinder Mahal for the WWE Title at this year’s SummerSlam event, despite Cena appearing for both brands moving forward.
Ross opens today’s show by sending his best wishes to his friend Harley Race. Race suffered a fall in his home which resulted in multiple broken bones in both of his legs. Ross wishes Race a speedy recovery.
Ross really enjoyed the pull apart between Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW. He points out that to his knowledge, Samoa Joe is the only Superstar to ever block Lesnar’s double leg takedown. He suspects that this will become a focal point of their match at Great Ball of Fire later this month.
He says that he has no problem admitting that he has been politicking to call this match, because it’s going to be a great bout in his opinion. He adds that if your profession is announcing professional wrestling matches, this is the type of match that you absolutely long for.
Ross welcomes Adam Cole to the show.
Ross mentions that Cole’s recent match against Christopher Daniels was a great piece of work. They took him on an emotional journey, and that’s the sign of a great match. Cole says that particular match holds a special place in his heart because he looked up to and respected Daniels for an awfully long time, so it was his pleasure to be able to tell that kind of story with Daniels.
Sunday’s WWE Money in the Bank event has not sold out yet.
Ticket IQ claims that there are still hundreds of seats available for the event via TicketMaster with rices ranging from $50 to $1005. The average sale price is $155 with cheapest seats starting at $47 on the secondary market.
At this time, prices are very similar to the last pay-per-view event held at Scottrade Center, during the same time frame; 2015’s Battleground featured an average resale price of $157 with cheapest seats costing $53.
WWE has been having a downward trend at events recently. It’s being said that the trend has to do with the ticket price increase for their shows.
Lead SmackDown creative writer Road Dogg responded to fans on Twitter that complained about Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance on Smackdown Live being cut to commercial. He made the following remarks:
Thanks. We run a television show, they have commercials. See how sarcasm sounds?!
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) June 14, 2017
No sir, we can’t. You guys never cease to amaze me. It was NOT a mistake nor a poor decision. Business decisions are unpopular at times.
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) June 14, 2017
The following press release was sent in:
BYE BYE BUFF DADDY
1990-2018 Retirement Tour
Woodstock, GA, May 31, 2018– Approaching his 28th year in the world of professional wrestling and sports entertainment, Marcus “BUFF the STUFF” Bagwell, or as many have referred to him over the years as his entrance music shouts “BUFF DADDY”!!! has made a definitive decision that as of May 2018 he will lace up his boots for the last time and put the block buster to rest.
When asking Buff about the retirement decision he simply said:
“When going with the Buff Daddy character I knew it was going to be a blessing and a curse.” The blessing was, it was always an over exaggerated part of me so it was easy and a lot of fun to do, but when you call yourself BUFF!! You better damn sure live it and be in that gym 4-5 times per week.
Going into my 28th year in ring performing and with injuries and a few major surgeries over these last few years I really wanted to end my in-ring career still looking and performing like Buff Bagwell.
Anchor Marcus Buff Bagwell is one of the most professional workers currently on the independent wrestling scene. His dedication to the professional wrestling world and the Buff Bagwell character goes unmatched by anyone currently working independent dates. This former 5 time WCW tag team champion and former NWO member is not only a very recognized draw to any promotion throughout the world, but goes above and beyond giving the fans and the promotion an experience to reflect on for many years to come.
For booking inquiries on Buff Bagwell, please contact MEP Worldwide Office at (330) 837.1697 or email at [email protected].
Jim Ross briefly mentioned plans for the upcoming UK show for the WWE Network on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Radio. While Ross didn’t reveal many details, he did mention that there are plans to do “something significant” for the brand. Ross said that talks are still on-going and the belief is he is just waiting to find out himself.
As previously noted, there was speculation that WWE would be adding a weekly show to the WWE Network that would consist of UK Superstars. The show was rumored to be taped once a month overseas once a month, with the shows airing later on the Network.