Welcome to the Opening Bell, where we round up what’s been announced for WWE (Raw and SmackDown) and AEW (Dynamite and Rampage) programming for the week we’ve just begun.
WWE Raw preview – Monday, Aug. 22, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
It’s a big homecoming episode of Raw in front of what’s being reported as a legitimate sellout crowd in Toronto. Edge has vowed to kill what he created in The Judgment Day, but Damian Priest isn’t about to let him accomplish that goal easily. Priest says he’ll take on the hometown guy by himself, but it’s hard to imagine there won’t be some kind of hijinks from the heel stable.
Trish Stratus is another legendary local product of the Toronto area, and she’s making a return to Raw this week as well. WWE hasn’t teased much about what she’s doing except to say that she’s appearing, but even if she’s just there to say hi and thank the fans, you know she’ll get a warm welcome.
The Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament continues this week as well. Alexa Bliss and Asuka have to be among the favorites, but Dakota Kai and IYO SKY are getting a nice push. On top of that, reports say another change to the bracket is in the works, so this could be where it takes place.
AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, Aug. 24, Wolstein Center, Cleveland
Thought you’d have to wait until All Out to see CM Punk and Jon Moxley unify the AEW World Championship? So did we, and then last week happened. Now the two men will meet to determine who is the “real” champ going forward, with all kinds of possibilities for All Out depending on who emerges with the gold.
Also on the slate for this Wednesday:
- The World Trios Championship tournament continues with Death Triangle facing NJPW’s Will Ospreay and Aussie Open.
- Dax Harwood takes on Jay Lethal.
- Dr. Britt Baker steps in against KiLynn King.
- Billy Gunn does some tough parenting by facing Colten Gunn.
- Ricky Starks speaks.
WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, Aug. 26, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Though there are bound to be more big matches added and announced on Raw, what WWE has already revealed for Detroit looks sweet. The second Women’s Tag Team Tournament semifinal will go down between Toxic Attraction and the face duo of Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah, but again, there are reports that a change will need to be made that could affect this matchup.
Neither Ricochet nor Happy Corbin advanced from the Fatal 5-Way last week to challenge Gunther at Clash at the Castle, so they’ll be looking to right the ship against each other this Friday night on SmackDown.
AEW Rampage preview – Friday, Aug. 26, Wolstein Center, Cleveland (taped on Aug. 24)
Last in the week but certainly trying not to be least, Rampage will undoubtedly be dealing with some of the fallout from Dynamite. But we also know of two matches already announced, including a title bout as Claudio Castagnoli defends his ROH World Championship against Dustin Rhodes.
The trios title tourney will continue as well, with House of Black in action against Dark Order. Can Hangman Adam Page inspire his friends to what most would consider an upset victory? We’ll find out Friday.