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 ahead.
WWE Raw preview – Monday, May 30, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA
Cody Rhodes was just trying to have a normal, competitive match with The Miz when it was unceremoniously ended thanks to an ambush by Seth “Freakin'” Rollins. He’s not going to let that go without addressing it, which he’ll do this week on Raw. When? The Cody Clock will probably let us know on Monday night.
There’s also a contract signing set to take place. Bobby Lashley lost his match with MVP a week ago, meaning his former manager got to pick the stipulation for a third bout with Omos at Hell in a Cell. MVP chose a Handicap Match, so all three men will have to sign on the dotted line this week.
Also on tap for Raw:
- The new team of Riddle and Shinsuke Nakamura take on The Usos in a Championship Contender’s Match
- Bianca Belair will face Asuka, one of the two challengers for her Raw Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell
AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, June 1, Kia Forum, Los Angeles
Double or Nothing was a entertaining but lengthy affair, so it’s good that AEW has some time to catch its breath … but not too long, as the company is set for the first live wrestling event at the Kia Forum since 2015. So far, just one match has been confirmed for L.A., but it’s a big one: Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus and Christian Cage (who still hasn’t turned heel) will join forces with The Hardys in a 10-man tag team match against the Undisputed Elite (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish and Young Bucks).
It would be a surprise if we didn’t hear from new AEW World Champion CM Punk, who needs his first challenger. And we may or may not hear from MJF because … well, you know.
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WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, June 3, The Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
WWE hasn’t confirmed any matches yet for SmackDown in Columbus, but the venue has been advertising Drew McIntyre, Ronda Rousey, the New Day and The Usos. All of them make sense to appear.
On top of that, The Schottenstein Center is also saying AJ Styles will face The Miz, though that could be a dark match, for sure.
AEW Rampage preview – Friday, June 3, Toyota Arena, Ontario, CA
Last but not least (unless Rampage gets moved up again for the NHL playoffs, in which case SmackDown will air last), Rampage rolls into Ontario (not the Canadian one) to close out the week in televised Big 2 wrestling. Toyota Arena is promoting this as a homecoming for the Young Bucks, so they should be involved in some capacity.
As well, at Double or Nothing, Scorpio Sky promised Dante Martin he could have a shot at the TNT Championship, and given Rampage is on TNT, this feels like the proper place for that bout. Expect it to be officially confirmed during Dynamite.