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 – XL Center, Hartford, CT (live)
WWE hasn’t released its official Raw preview yet, perhaps allowing WrestleMania Backlash to soak in just a bit more. But the fallout from the event should be front and center, particularly what’s next for the Raw Tag Team Champions, RK-Bro. Is a tag team unification bout still on the horizon?
Seth Rollins won’t be happy following his second straight loss to Cody Rhodes, particularly the way it came about. The Visionary should have something to say about that Monday night, and could give us a hint as to whether he’s seeking a third match with Rhodes or moving on to something else.
And plenty of recent Raw storylines didn’t play a part in Backlash, so those are worth watching for as well. Particularly intriguing is the Kevin Owens situation, as he continues to turn what would otherwise be just another midcard subplot into gold with his quest to prove Ezekiel isn’t who he claims to be.
AEW Dynamite – UBS Arena, Long Island (live)
The Owen Hart Foundation tournaments get underway this Wednesday on TBS. The men’s tourney will see Darby Allin take on Jeff Hardy, as well as Dax Harwood vs. Adam Cole, while the women’s tourney features Jamie Hayter vs. Toni Storm. And since the “Most Magical Place in the World” is his hometown, MJF is sure to have something special cooked up for his contract signing with Wardlow.
Also announced for Dynamite this week:
- Ricky Starks puts his FTW Championship up against Jungle Boy
- CM Punk faces John Silver
- The Jericho Appreciation Society has a celebration with the “AEW Galaxy” for Chris Jericho‘s most recent victory
WWE SmackDown – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes Barre, PA (live)
The big match announced for SmackDown this week is one that fans may have rightfully expected to see at WrestleMania Backlash: the Women’s Tag Team Championship match. Sasha Banks and Naomi will look to retain their titles as they face Shayna Baszler and Natalya.
AEW Rampage – UBS Arena, Long Island (taped)
There’s a title on the line this week on Rampage, as Scorpio Sky lived up to his promise to give former SCU teammate Frankie Kazarian the first crack at his TNT Championship.
Also revealed for this Friday: