Tag: Aliyah

Aliyah Boston named unanimous 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year

She is the first unanimous Rookie of the Year since fellow South Carolina alum A’ja Wilson won the award in 2018.

Indiana Fever forward-center Aliyah Boston was unanimously named the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year. She received all 60 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

She is the first unanimous Rookie of the Year since fellow South Carolina alum A’ja Wilson won the award in 2018. Indiana selected Boston with the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft. In her rookie season, she averaged 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocked shots, and shot a WNBA-high 57.8% from the field. She became the first rookie to lead the league in that category in a season.

Boston will receive $5,150 and a trophy to commemorate the achievement.

She is the second player in Fever history to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, joining Tamika Catchings in 2002. Boston also became the first rookie in WNBA history to have at least 550 total points and 325 total rebounds in a season.

“It is so special and it is really a blessing to have won Rookie of the Year,” Boston said in a video the team shared on social media. “It is one of the goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the season and to be able to accomplish it with God’s help was amazing. So thankful for my teammates because they were really able to put me in the position. Thank you to my coaches because they motivated me. But this is honestly such a blessing and I am super excited.”

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Opening Bell: Stretch run toward Clash at the Castle, All Out

Get set for the week in WWE and AEW with Opening Bell: quick previews of Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage.

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. 29, PPG Paints Arena

The final live WWE show before Clash at the Castle (because SmackDown was taped last week, since everyone is traveling to Wales) is unsurprisingly loaded. The card starts with the crowning of new Women’s Tag Team Champions, as Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah collide with Dakota Kai and IYO SKY.

Bobby Lashley and The Miz will also do battle on Monday night, but there’s a story to tell first since Miz was dragged into … um, wherever by Dexter Lumis last week. Is he any the worse for wear? And how exactly did he escape? Hopefully there’s a fun story in there somewhere.

Also on the slate for this week’s Raw:

  • Hall of Famer Kurt Angle makes an appearance in his hometown
  • The Usos and Sami Zayn visit from SmackDown to represent the Bloodline (yes, Sami too)
  • Riddle and Seth Rollins have one final face-to-face before Clash at the Castle and it’s likely to result in fisticuffs

AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, Aug. 31, NOW Arena, Chicago

Hey, what do you know, AEW has a big event this weekend as well, so Dynamite is also a pretty stacked show as a result. The World Trios Championship tournament will have its Dynamite final (or as it’s better known more generally, the tourney semifinal) when Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks take on Will Ospreay and Aussie Open of the United Empire. Get your popcorn ready, as the great American philosopher Terrell Owens once said.

Also of interest is a tag team match pitting Toni Storm and Hikaru Shida against Dr. Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter. You may recognize those women as the four who will compete at All Out for the interim AEW Women’s Championship.

Plus there’s more already announced for Dynamite:

WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, Sept. 2, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit (taped on Aug. 26)

As mentioned above, this episode is already in the can, as it was recorded after the live SmackDown last week in Motown. You can get full spoilers online should you be so inclined.

If you’d rather just have teasers of what’s to come and enjoy SmackDown as it happens on Friday, here’s what to expect:

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AEW Rampage preview – Friday, Sept. 2, NOW Arena, Chicago

In a bit of role reversal, Rampage is live this week while SmackDown is recorded. That means it should be a sweet hour of TV even though AEW has so far not said much about what to expect yet.

One match we feel confident will take place is the other semifinal of the World Trios Tournament. The two teams left on the Rampage side of the bracket are Dark Order, after they upset House of Black, and Best Friends. Expect to see them compete this Friday for the right to challenge for the inaugural championship on Sunday.

Opening Bell: Huge AEW title match, WWE Toronto homecoming

Get set for the week in WWE and AEW with Opening Bell: quick previews of Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage.

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.

WWE SmackDown results: Shinsuke tries to take IC gold from Gunther

Get full WWE SmackDown results for the Aug. 12, 2022 episode from Raleigh, NC, with the Intercontinental Championship on the line.

As the last days of summer tick away, things are staying hot in WWE. SmackDown rolls into Raleigh this week to try to keep the flames on, featuring an Intercontinental Championship Match between Gunther and Shinsuke Nakamura that figures to be the night’s main event.

That’s far from all WWE has advertised, however. SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan has a new challenger in the form of Shayna Baszler, but they need to make their title bout at Clash at the Castle official. How, you say? With a contract signing, how else? Hijinks may ensue.

The Women’s Tag Team Championship is currently vacant, but it won’t stay that way for long since a tournament to decide the new titleholders got underway earlier this week on Raw. Tonight, Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah take their turn, but they may not even advance out of the first round since they have the team of Shotzi and Xia Li to face right out of the gate.

On top of all that, one would expect that Drew McIntyre would have something to say on this show as he has his sights set on dethroning Roman Reigns in just a few weeks at Clash at the Castle. And how does newly returned Karrion Kross figure into things?

Add it up and you’ve got a promising two hours of sports … we mean, wrestling on tap. If you can’t watch live, bookmark this page and check back as needed for the latest WWE SmackDown results as they go down in Raleigh.

WWE SmackDown results in 60 seconds:

  • Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah def. Xia Li and Shotzi by pinfall in a WWE Women’s Tag Team Tournament Match
  • “Everybody knows about the Bloodline, now we’re going to show them the new timeline.” – Tick, tock, says Karrion Kross

WWE SmackDown results: An unexpected return shakes things up in Greenville

Get full WWE SmackDown results for the August 5, 2022 episode from Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC.

Sometimes we just don’t have time to do the full-on, detailed breakdown of WWE SmackDown. We’re a small team at Wrestling Junkie, after all.

But that’s OK, because we’re still invested in finding out what went down from Bon Secours Wellness Arena (that’s a long name for a venue) in Greenville, SC and passing it along to you. So an abbreviated results post it is, with just the summaries of each match and segment.

Here’s what we know to expect: Roman Reigns will address the man he knows is now his No. 1 contender for Clash at the Castle, Drew McIntyre. Seven women will run the gauntlet (meaning a Gauntlet Match) to determine who will challenge Liv Morgan for her belt (we’re allowed to call it that now, probably). Shinsuke Nakamura will face Ludwig Kaiser, again, for a potential shot at Gunther.

Let’s roll, Greenville!

WWE SmackDown results in 60 seconds:

  • Ricochet def. Happy Corbin by pinfall, partly because Corbin can’t let go of his issues with Pat McAfee
  • Sami Zayn tries keeping it 100 with the Bloodline but wants to know why the Tribal Chief kept him on read
  • Shinsuke Nakamura def. Ludwig Kaiser by pinfall, earning a shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship next week (and possibly earning Kaiser another butt-whupping)
  • Kofi Kingston says Xavier Woods is in good spirits as he recuperates from the attack by the Viking Raiders, but it’s almost time for him to make the Raiders pay
  • The Usos ask Zayn for a favor, telling him it would mean a lot to Roman to head to the production truck to ensure his pyro, music and entire entrance is just right tonight
  • Liv Morgan, sporting a brace on her left arm, gets some boos and “you tapped out” chants as she explains her victory over Ronda Rousey,; Sonya Deville comes out to belittle Liv and vow to win the Gauntlet Match
  • Shayna Baszler wins a Gauntlet Match that included Aliyah, Sonya Deville, Shotzi, Xia Li, Natalya and Raquel Rodriguez to become No. 1 contender for Morgan’s SmackDown Women’s Championship
  • Annoyed by Zayn’s nagging, the Usos tell him he needs to pull his weight or they’re going to take his Bloodline shirt off him real quick
  • Viking Raiders def. Local Talent by pinfall, then get attacked by a kendo stick-wielding Kingston
  • Kofi Kingston def. Erik by pinfall
  • The tournament for the Women’s Tag Team Championship is back on, for real, for real
  • Drew McIntyre comes out to confront the typically confident Bloodline, but he’s attacked by a returning Karrion Kross (now with hair!), and Scarlett leaves the hourglass in the ring in front of Roman Reigns

Opening Bell: Forbidden Door sneak peeks on Dynamite, Asuka vs. Becky on Raw

Get set for the week in WWE and AEW with Opening Bell: quick previews of Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage for the week of June 20.

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, June 20, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, Nebraska

Money in the Bank qualifiers are always important, but one this Monday will be particularly personal. Asuka and Becky Lynch will clash again, with only the winner going on to vie for the briefcase on July 2. Will this finally be the start of Becky’s big comeback, or will the Empress of Tomorrow prove to be a thorn in her side again?

Also, Elias is back! Still tormenting Kevin Owens, Ezekiel has promised that his older brother would return to Raw in full concert mode. Not sure how this is going down for … reasons, but should be a lot of fun, as this whole angle has been highly entertaining.

AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, June 22 – UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Milwaukee

Jon Moxley and Hiroshi Tanahashi will go head to head this coming Sunday at Forbidden Door to find out who will be Interim AEW World Champion. But first, they’ll join forces on Wednesday to battle Chris Jericho and Lance Archer, two men who know NJPW and its Ace. It’s “can they coexist?” in the finest pro wrestling tradition.

Another important piece of Forbidden Door will be settled when the final AEW spot in the All-Atlantic Championship Match is decided. Penta Oscuro and Malakai Black have had plenty of clashes to date, but this one has arguably the highest stakes yet.

Also scheduled for Dynamite:

WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, June 24 – Moody Center, Austin, Texas

Ricochet was having a solid run as Intercontinental Champion until he ran smack into Gunther, who thrashed him but good while taking his gold. He’ll get a rematch against the Ring General this week, but it remains to be seen if he’ll fare any better.

We’ll also see a Money in the Bank Ladder Match qualifier between Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn, which has some fun subtext since Zayn’s recent failure made Roman Reigns have to defend his championships against Riddle … though since that turned out fine in the end, maybe the Tribal Chief isn’t mad at Sami. Maybe.

Also announced for this week:

  • Shotzi vs. Aliyah in a Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match qualifier

AEW Rampage preview – Friday, June 24 – UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, Milwaukee

Somewhat surprisingly, AEW hasn’t announced anything yet for its final show before Forbidden Door, one that will air on TNT just two nights before the joint card with NJPW in Chicago. That said, because this is being taped on Wednesday after Dynamite, we’ll know by the end of that show most of what to expect on Friday.

There’s still time for more matches to be added to Forbidden Door, for sure, so expect that to be the case right up through Friday night.