Search Results: "slater"

18 result(s) found

NEWS

An Infamous WWE Stable Had A Very Different Original Plan

March 25, 2022

It isn’t how he drew it up. Stables have been a constant factor in wrestling for a very long time, with some of the most famous names in wrestling history having been a part of one at some point. They are an easy to understand concept and allow multiple wrestlers to get television time at once. There have been some rather memorable ones over the years, but one of them was envisioned very different. Heath Slater appeared on Stories With Brisco And Bradshaw and discussed the origins of 3MB. Slater came up with the idea of putting a stable together with him, originally wanting Johnny Curtis (better known as Fandango), Dean Ambrose and EC3 on the team. After pitching the three names, he was told that WWE already had plans for Ambrose and Curtis and that EC3 wasn’t happening. Three weeks later, Slater was told that Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal would be his band instead, as that is what Vince McMahon wanted. The team debuted on September 21, 2012 until June 12, 2014 when Mahal and McIntyr..

NEWS

Dream Title Match Officially Set For WWE Elimination Chamber

February 1, 2022

I’d call it a dream match. The WWE Women’s Revolution changed the way the wrestling world worked in a great way. After so many years of women’s wrestling being treated as little more than a joke, it was becoming something a lot more interesting and important, which was certainly a big upgrade. The change would not have happened without the stage being set though, and now those two generations are clashing. This week’s Monday Night Raw ended with an unscheduled showdown between Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch and Lita. After coming to the ring to confront her, Lita challenged Lynch to a title shot at Elimination Chamber on February 19. After initially backing down, Lynch agreed to the match. This will be Lita’s first WWE singles match since she defeated Heath Slater on the July 23, 2012 Monday Night Raw. Lita is a four time Women’s Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014. She and Trish Stratus were the first women to main event an episode of Monday Night Raw, with..

NEWS

Heath Offers An Injury Update After Bound For Glory Accident

November 1, 2020

It could be worse. You never know when you are going to see an injury in wrestling and oftentimes it can be a rather bad situation. Sometimes what looks to be something simple is actually a much more serious injury and the wrestler could be out of action for a long time. Thankfully a recent one does not seem to be as bad as it could have been and we have a somewhat positive update. Last week at Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory, Heath, formerly known as Heath Slater in WWE, was part of the Call Your Shot gauntlet. During the match, Heath suffered some sort of injury and was left laying on the mat for a long stretch. It seems that Heath was supposed to win the match but wound up having to be eliminated due to his injury. Now we know a bit more about what happened and how bad it was. Heath has made a post to Instagram with an update on his health status. During the match, Heath suffered a severe inguinal injury, a partially torn abductor muscle and a slight groin tear. Heath will not ..

NEWS

RUMOR: What Led To Heath Slater’s WWE Return

July 8, 2020

He did what he said. Like any other wrestling company, WWE’s roster is going to change at a fairly rapid rate. At one point or another, someone is going to leave and be replaced by another wrestler. That may or may not be an upgrade, but what matters the most is seeing where things go and having a good time. This week, a recently departed wrestler made a cameo return and it was for a good reason. During this week’s Monday Night Raw, Dolph Ziggler brought out Heath Slater, who had been released from the company back in April, to confront Drew McIntyre. After McIntyre defeated Slater in less than thirty seconds, the two of them hugged in what seemed to be Slater’s farewell to the show. It was a bit of a sad moment but at least Slater did get to have a sendoff. So how did he get it? According to Tom Colohue of SportsKeeda.com, Slater’s return was due to McIntyre requesting the match since he became WWE Champion in April. While Slater was released less than two weeks after McIntyre won t..

NEWS

New Grudge Match Added To Elimination Chamber Card

March 7, 2020

There’s still time for more. You might have forgotten about it, but we are less than two days away from Elimination Chamber. The show has not exactly had the strongest build in the world, mainly because for a time, it was one of three shows that WWE was building towards at the same time. That hasn’t turned out very well so far, as WWE is still putting the show together at the last minute. Over the last few weeks, Daniel Bryan has been working with some people not quite on his level. This has included Heath Slater and Curtis Axel, but the main person seems to be Drew Gulak. The story has allowed some people to get on television for a change and that is a good thing for them. There needs to be something that comes out of it though, and we will be seeing that on Sunday. This week on SmackDown, Gulak was explaining to Drake Maverick that he knew Bryan’s weaknesses. Bryan came up and challenged Gulak to a match at Elimination Chamber. Later in the night, Gulak accepted the challenge on hi..

NEWS

Welcome Back! Former Tag Team Reunites Before Monday Night Raw.

August 27, 2019

Good to see you again. This week on Monday Night Raw, Dolph Ziggler and Bobby Roode won a Tag Team Turmoil match to become the new #1 contenders for the Raw Tag Team Titles. Their title shot will come at Clash Of Champions against new champions Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman, who won the titles in their first match as a team. It is clear that WWE is paying attention to tag teams, which makes another development more understandable. According to Wrestlinginc.com, Heath Slater and Titus O’Neil wrestled in a match during this week’s Main Event tapings, defeating Eric Young and Mojo Rawley before Monday Night Raw went on the air. Slater and O’Neil teamed together as Slater Gator from late 2014 until early 2015 with little success. There is no reason to believe that this is anything more than a one off match instead of a full time reunion. They were kind of legendary. Check out one of their rather amusing promos, complete with a mascot: [This post contains video, click to play] Opinio..

NEWS

Rumor: Jinder Mahal Working Injured

December 30, 2018

Last year, WWE officials used Jinder Mahal as the centerpiece for the company to make a major push into the Indian market. Out of nowhere, Mahal won the WWE Title and he received a strong push on SmackDown Live until it was decided AJ Styles was a stronger choice to lead the brand. As a result, Jinder Mahal was thrust back into WWE’s midcard. After the extremely lackluster feud against Roman Reigns, Mahal has been stuck in feud after feud without much momentum. Most recently, he has been featured in Christmas segments with Heath Slater. There’s nothing wrong with this role, but for someone who was the WWE Champion just a year ago, that’s a massive step down with the company. Related: WWE Officials Blame Jinder Mahal For Lackluster Roman Reigns Feud According to a report from RingSideNews, Jinder Mahal has been looking injured for a while. The injury doesn’t seem to be bad enough to put him on the shelf. However, a lot of people have noticed his work in the ring is suffering as a resu..

NEWS

Recently Departed WWE Superstar Returns At House Show

December 16, 2018

He’s not done just yet. Earlier this month on Monday Night Raw, Heath Slater defeated Rhyno in a match where the loser would be out of a job. While Slater has gone on to become a crooked referee, Rhyno seems to be looking for a new line of work. However, much like anything else in wrestling, there seems to be a little more to this than meets the eye. According to Wrestlinginc.com, Rhyno appeared at a WWE house show on Friday in Nashville, despite losing his career earlier in the month. After being on the losing end of a six man tag, Curt Hawkins made an open challenge in hopes of breaking his losing streak, which has now lasted over two years. Hawkins issued an open challenge so Rhyno came through the crowd and Gored him without a match actually starting. There is no word on if or when Rhyno will return to WWE TV. It was a hard way to go. Check out how Rhyno lost his job: [This post contains video, click to play] Opinion: I’m not sure how much value there is in pushing Rhyno at th..

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Drew McIntyre Back From Injury; Returns To WWE Main Roster

April 17, 2018

Drew McIntyre has returned to the main roster of WWE. At NXT Takeover: War Games, Drew McIntyre was injured in his championship loss to Andrade Almas and the former NXT Champion has now returned to action but on Raw. On the first night of the Superstar Shakeup, Dolph Ziggler switched brands to Raw. He came to the ring to address his arrival and was interrupted by the members of Titus Worldwide but Ziggler would say he did not come to Raw alone. McIntyre attacked from behind and he and Ziggler laid out Titus O'Neil and Apollo. Things are different for @HEELZiggler this time around, because he didn't come back to #RAW alone... HE'S WITH @DMcIntyreWWE! #SuperstarShakeup pic.twitter.com/CLzEF8nK3N — WWE (@WWE) April 17, 2018 The last time McIntyre was on Raw was in a tag team match against the Los Matadores when he was part of the group 3MB with Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal who are all on Raw now. In 2009 and 2010, McIntyre held the WWE Intercontinental Championshi..

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EXCLUSIVE SPOILERS: Debuts On WWE Raw

April 10, 2018

Several NXT stars have made the jump to WWE Raw. FightfulSelect.com was able to gain a copy of tonight's WWE Raw Ember Moon makes her WWE Raw debut on the Raw after WrestleMania, just a couple of days after dropping the NXT Women's Championship to Shayna Baszler at NXT Takeover: New Orleans. Ember Moon is set to interrupt an Alexa Bliss promo and work a tag match alongside Nia Jax against Bliss and Mickie James. Authors of Pain will make their debuts on the main roster with longtime manager Paul Ellering. They'll take on the former Smackdown tag team championship duo of Heath Slater and Rhyno. AOP were last seen coming up short at NXT Takeover: New Orleans in the NXT Tag Team Championship match. No Way Jose is also set for his debut, as he will take on an enhancement talent. Jose has largely been absent from NXT TV in recent months, but is often used as a "show starter" for NXT Live events to get the crowds going. In addition, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe and Je..

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Authors Of Pain, Ember Moon, No Way Jose Debut On WWE Raw

April 10, 2018

Several NXT stars have made the jump to WWE Raw. Ember Moon made her WWE Raw debut on the Raw after WrestleMania, just a couple of days after dropping the NXT Women's Championship to Shayna Baszler at NXT Takeover: New Orleans. Ember Moon interrupted an Alexa Bliss promo and worked a tag match alongside Nia Jax against Bliss and Mickie James, which Ember and Nia would emerge victorious from. Authors of Pain will made their presence felt on the main roster with longtime manager Paul Ellering. They took on the former Smackdown Tag Team Championship duo of Heath Slater and Rhyno in a winning effort. AOP were last seen coming up short at NXT Takeover: New Orleans in the NXT Tag Team Championship match. No Way Jose also made his debut, as he defeated an enhancement talent. Jose has largely been absent from NXT TV in recent months, but is often used as a "show starter" for NXT Live events to get the crowds going FightfulSelect.com was able to gain a copy of the Raw After Mania scrip..

NEWS

Update on Vader’s Medical Condition; How Did Open Heart Surgery Go?

March 27, 2018

It had been previously reported that WWE legend Vader recently underwent open heart surgery in Dallas, TX. He has always been known as a monster in the ring, making a huge statement during his debut on “Raw” in 1996, when he attacked then WWE president, Gorilla Monsoon. You can see that clip below: [This post contains video, click to play] His son tweeted the following message from his dad’s Twitter account, indicating that the surgery was a success, but the recovery will be a long one: This is his son Jesse. I wanted to let everybody know that I just spoke to the Surgeon. The surgery was a success but it was worse than we had expected. Long road for recovery. Will keep you posted. Thank you for the prayers. — Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) March 26, 2018 Vader was last seen on WWE programming in 2012, when he defeated Heath Slater in a singles match on “Raw.” During the 1000th episode of the show, Vader and a number of other legends dismantled Slater. In 2016, he inducted Stan ..

NEWS

Main Event Results – March 22, 2018

March 26, 2018

Main Event Date: March 22, 2018 Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas Commentators: Vic Joseph Nigel McGuinness I’m just going out on a limb here but I think Smackdown might get some extra attention this week. You know, because of that whole biggest story of the year thing that went down. There was good stuff on Raw too though, meaning we might not be getting a lot of original content this time around. Let’s get to it. Here’s last week’s show if you need a recap. Opening sequence. Curt Hawkins vs. Heath Slater Hawkins wastes no time in laying down so Slater can pin him but his “surprise” kick to the head is easily countered. A running clothesline puts Hawkins on the floor and he’d be more than happy to have Rhyno attack him for a DQ. Slater cuts him off but Hawkins cuts him off, followed by a chinlock inside. The comeback is cut off with a dropkick and Slater has to break out of another chinlock. There’s an enziguri to get Slater out of trouble and a neckbreaker is ..

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How To Book Darren Young Upon His Return

July 23, 2017

<a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/darren-young" title="Darren Young">Darren Young</a> is set to make his return to the company really soon. You all remember Darren Young right? He was one half of The Prime Time Players with Titus O’Neil, which I thought was one great tag team. Although he isn’t the greatest wrestler, he isn’t half bad either. We last saw him as a student of Bob Backlund, working hard and doing things the right way. He injured his elbow back in January and has been off our television screens ever since.With a return nearing, one has to wonder how Young should be booked and portrayed in his return. It doesn’t make sense to pair him back with Backlund, but he could be used in another form.Young is on the Raw brand, which is loaded with star studded talent. To get television time there, you have to do something impressive and shocking at the same time. Do something that draws ratings and garners attention for yourself. For Young to do that, he must turn on and destroy Bob Backlund.It sounds harsh and inhumane in a way, but it makes perfect sense. Backlund is a sixty-seven year old man who isn’t physically the same as he was back in his prime. He may can defend himself, but not like a thirty-three year old Darren Young could. Young turning on Backlund would make the crowd feel uncomfortable, sad, and even disgusted at the sight before their eyes. So how should he do it?Start out with Young making a surprise return to Monday Night Raw with Backlund by his side. They can do the skit where Backlund proclaims he’s going to make Darren Young great again. This is when Young turns on Backlund, hitting him with heavy shots and kicks. Young grabs a chair and hits Backlund across the back. As the crowd stares at the motionless body of Backlund, they will also see the sinister grin on Young’s face. A new heel is born, one with nothing to lose.Young’s success after that moment determines how he performs in the ring and cut promos. Start him off against a <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/heath-slater" title="Heath Slater">Heath Slater</a> or a <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/rhyno" title="Rhyno">Rhyno</a>, a low-card babyface that can help put someone over. Eventually this will lead up to him getting a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. It may be puzzling, but if Young can put in the work then he definitely deserves a shot at the Intercontinental Championship.Jinder Mahal winning the WWE Championship has opened the door for so many others. Mahal went from jobber to champ in a blink of an eye. If he can do it, then Young has the chance to do it too. Just put in the time and the work, then anything is possible.Darren Young has had his fair share of success within the company. He is a former Tag Team Champion and knows what it’s like to perform in big time matches. The ability is there, he just needs the opportunity. Attacking his mentor could create just the perfect opportunity. Young as a heel will be a little fresh thing to help keep the fans interested and may get the notice of the powers that be. I wish Young all the best during his return to the WWE.

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Heath Slater & Curt Hawkins React to Impromptu Match at Great Balls of Fire

July 10, 2017

As seen on Sunday’s WWE Great Balls of Fire event, <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/heath-slater" title="Heath Slater">Heath Slater</a> and <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/curt-hawkins" title="Curt Hawkins">Curt Hawkins</a> were added in an impromptu match while Dallas Fire & Rescue used Jaws of Life to free <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/braun-strowman" title="Braun Strowman">Braun Strowman</a> from the ambulance wreck that was cause by Roman Reigns.Both Slater and Hawkins took to their Twitter accounts to react to the match:

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Someone Please Tell Me Where the Smackdown Midcard Is

June 17, 2017

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 <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/tye-dillinger" title="Tye Dillinger">Tye Dillinger</a>, <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/luke-harper" title="Luke Harper">Luke Harper</a>, 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.<h4>The United States Championship Is on Lock Right Now</h4>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. <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/rusev" title="Rusev">Rusev</a> 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.<h4>Create Engaging Feuds For Them</h4>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.

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Several Spoilers for Tonight’s Episode of RAW

June 13, 2017

The following are a couple of spoilers heading into tonight’s episode of RAW:The Hardys’ rematch against Shesaro has been announced as two out of three falls. Bayley is scheduled to speak out about her Extreme Rules loss. Gallows & Anderson vs. <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/enzo-amore" title="Enzo Amore">Enzo Amore</a> & Big Cass is set for tonight. Heath Slater & <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/rhyno" title="Rhyno">Rhyno</a> vs. <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/the-miz" title="The Miz">The Miz</a> & a special “mystery partner” is also expected to take place. Check back here at 8PM ET For our live play-by-play coverage. You can join us on <a href="http://www.ringsidetalk.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RingsideTalk.net</a> for our live fan discussion!

NEWS

4 Superstars Who Are About to Become Very Important to Smackdown

May 13, 2017

Ever since the Superstar Shakeup, Smackdown has struggled to find its footing. The loss of Dean Ambrose and <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/the-miz" title="the Miz">the Miz</a> was a particularly crippling one. Still, there are new, fresh faces on the roster. With the shift in the landscape, a few superstars will step up to the plate and move up the ladder. Here are four superstars who will become very important to the blue brand in the coming days.<h4>4. Rusev</h4><a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/rusev" title="Rusev">Rusev</a> is one of the most underrated performers on the roster today. His character work is excellent, and he is surprisingly agile. He can cut a mean promo, and English might not even be his first language. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was, though, as he sounds so natural when he speaks.Smackdown’s writing team built up Baron Corbin, who nobody liked at first. They made us care about Dolph Ziggler and the Miz. Luke Harper was almost made into a big deal. They made one of the best stories in 2016 with Heath Slater and Rhyno. There’s no reason they can’t do the same with Rusev.The fact that he is demanding a title match at Money in the Bank at least shows some effort on WWE’s part. It makes him kind of seem like a big deal. It’s unlikely that we’ll get Rusev v. Mahal, so they’re probably just going to feed him to Orton, but it’s still something. After it all, Smackdown can build Rusev right back up. They can start right before his match with Orton, actually. He returns next week, so have him beat the hell out of Sin Cara. They can turn him into a viable contender in time. They’re doing it right now with Jinder Mahal. Expect big things from Rusev.<h4>3. Baron Corbin</h4>WWE is clearly high on Baron Corbin. He’s been obliterating his competition lately. He steamrolled through Apollo Crews, Kalisto, and Jack Swagger. He was in the Elimination Chamber. Heck, he doesn’t even eat the pin in triple threat matches.There are big plans for Corbin, methinks. Many expect him to win Money in the Bank this year. It’s going to be a stacked match, with the likes of <a href="http://www.ringsidenews.com/wrestler/sami-zayn" title="Sami Zayn">Sami Zayn</a> and AJ Styles potentially competing in the match as well, but Corbin is still seen as the favorite in the match.It’s not hard to see why. His mic work isn’t the best, but his moveset is pretty good. The End of Days and the Deep Six bring a nice amount of theatrics, which seems to be more important than it actually looking painful (see: the Spanish Fly). He also has the ability to hit these moves out of nowhere. He’s a surprisingly agile big man who understands who his character is supposed to be.With Smackdown having the smaller roster, there are more opportunities afforded to everyone. Corbin has made the best of these opportunities. I wholly expect him to be holding gold in a year’s time.