Tag: Ludwig Kaiser

Opening Bell: Roman Reigns on Raw, dream match on Dynamite

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, March 20, Enterprise Center, St. Louis

The Road to WrestleMania barely has any exits left on it before Los Angeles. That means we need to start seeing the two main event superstars together, and that’s what we’ll get Monday night on Raw in St. Louis.

Cody Rhodes has done more than just challenge Roman Reigns, as he’s also played a major role in reuniting Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. That’s not great for the Bloodline, so the Tribal Chief can no longer stay silent on the matter. Reigns will “address the issue personally” this week … and you have to figure Rhodes will be on hand to hear what he has to say.

In contrast, Logan Paul has had a much easier time of it in his feud with Seth Rollins, as last time they were in the same ring together, he was able to get one over on the Visionary. On Raw, Paul will put on a live episode of “Impaulsive TV,” so we’ll see if he continues to have the mental edge or if Rollins plans to strike back in a very public way.

Austin Theory is headed for a WrestleMania showdown with John Cena, but he decided to pick a fight with the Street Profits in the meantime. The United States Champion was able to defeat Angelo Dawkins and send a message to Cena at the same time last week, but now Montez Ford will be looking for some payback in St. Louis.

AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, March 22, Cable Dahmer Arena, Independence, MO

The term “dream match” arguably gets thrown around a bit too often in pro wrestling in the 2020s, but here’s one that qualifies: Kenny Omega vs. El Hijo del Vikingo. Call it present vs. future or just two of the best wrestlers in the world going at it, but this match Tony Khan tried to schedule for 2021 is finally going to happen on Dynamite.

That’s a great selling point but not the only one for this week. Stu Grayson reminded everyone last week why he was missed during his time away from AEW, and he’ll return to the ring in Missouri to take on Jon Moxley, always a tough night at the office. Skye Blue will attempt to stand up to The Outcasts when she faces Toni Storm.

Champions? Yep, Independence is getting some of those, too. After squabbling over luggage on Rampage, The Gunns will defend their tag team titles against Top Flight in a battle of brothers vs. brothers. And we’ll see if a training montage and a “good ass cookie” will help Stokely Hathaway survive in a No Disqualification match against FTW Champion Hook.

We wouldn’t bet on it. Sorry, Stoke.

WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, March 24, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

It’s Vegas, baby! The penultimate SmackDown before WrestleMania 39 is going to be pretty physically close to L.A. as the days count down to the Showcase of the Immortals.

Speaking of LA, as in LA Knight, he still doesn’t have a match lined up for WWE’s biggest show. Nor does Rey Mysterio, even though there’s one WWE fans really want to see. We’ll see if either or both get closer to one when they collide in Vegas.

And even though Cody Rhodes is a Raw talent, his WrestleMania main event status means he’s been working both shows as his date with destiny draws near. He’ll attempt to stay busy and stay winning when he goes up against Ludwig Kaiser on SmackDown.

AEW Rampage preview – Saturday, March 25, Cable Dahmer Arena, Independence, MO (recorded March 22)

Remember when AEW Rampage didn’t get started until after midnight ET because of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament last week? Good times.

This week, it’s moving not just times but days. AEW Rampage will air on Saturday, March 25 instead of Friday (thank soccer this week instead of basketball), but AEW hasn’t officially announced any matches for it yet. You know the drill by now: Keep an eye on Dynamite and AEW’s social media accounts to get a heads up on what’s in store for this week’s Rampage.

WWE Smackdown quick results: Drew McIntyre ruins Bloodline celebration

Check out WWE SmackDown results for the September 2, 2022 episode, including a celebration of the two-year title run of Roman Reigns.

Before there can be a Clash, there must be a final Smack … Down.

OK that wasn’t a great lede, we realize. But look, we’re already looking forward to WWE Clash at the Castle, and we’re sure lots of fans are too. SmackDown isn’t even live this week, given the travel involved to Wales, so this week’s episode was taped after last Friday’s live show in Pittsburgh. The results have been out there in spoilers posts for a while.

So while we’re not going to do the usual full-court press on this one, we are going to recap what happened, at least in bullet points. Don’t forget: If you’re a fan in the U.S., Clash at the Castle starts early for you on Saturday: 1:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 a.m. PT.

WWE SmackDown results in 60 seconds:

  • Viking Raiders def. The New Day by pinfall in a Viking Rules match, which features a miniature Viking longship, a hammer that looked like a unicorn version of Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, multiple tables and lots more
  • The Usos, and specifically Jey Uso, are concerned that Paul Heyman isn’t on hand for the celebration of Roman Reigns’ two-year anniversary as Universal Champion, but Sami Zayn assures them he has it
  • Liv Morgan interrupts Shayna Baszler with a bold claim that she’ll rip Shayna’s arm off
  • Karrion Kross promises a moment for Drew Gulak tonight that will haunt him for the rest of his life
  • “Ronda Rousey, I call you the single biggest bitch I ever met.” Adam Pearce, distraught that Ronda Rousey’s suspension is over, goes off on her, and she isn’t about to let that go without getting physical in return
  • Hit Row def. Maximum Male Models by pinfall to spoil MMM’s in-ring debut
  • Los Lotharios joins Maximum Male Models in a post-match assault, but the Street Profits quickly even the odds and clear the ring
  • Happy Corbin makes an open challenge … and is somewhat dismayed to see Shinsuke Nakamura answer it
  • Shinsuke Nakamura def. Happy Corbin by pinfall
  • A distraught Corbin is picked up by a limo with horns on it … JBL telling him to get in?
  • Butch def. Ludwig Kaiser by pinfall
  • Sami thinks they should wait for Roman Reigns before starting the celebration, but The Usos assure him they should go out and introduce the Big Uce so the spotlight is all on him when he arrives
  • When Reigns arrives, Drew McIntyre is waiting for him with a Claymore, and he goes on to crush the entire Bloodline before letting Reigns know the same fate awaits him in Cardiff

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.

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: Barbed wire, shark cage on Dynamite, Belair-Carmella II 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 July 18.

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, July 18, Amalie Arena, Tampa

Are you ready for Logan Paul, sympathetic babyface?

That appears to be where we’re headed for SummerSlam, beginning with his appearance this week on Raw. He’s looking for some payback on The Miz for his betrayal at WrestleMania, and all indications are that he’ll get his chance for exactly that.

As far as in-ring action goes, Raw has a Raw Women’s Championship rematch on tap between Bianca Belair and Carmella. Because of her inability to focus on the task at hand, Bianca actually lost to ‘Mella the first time, but because it was by countout, she retained her title. She’ll try to win this second go-round and move on to what awaits in Nashville.

AEW Dynamite preview – Fyter Fest Week 2 – Wednesday, July 20, Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia

AEW remains in the Peach State for the second week of Fyter Fest, and it’s got an explosive bout as the headliner for Dynamite. Eddie Kingston will get his wish for “barbed wire everywhere” to make Chris Jericho bleed, but The Wizard has promised it’ll be his Painmaker persona who shows up for the Barbed Wire Death Match. Also, Jericho Appreciation Society will be suspended above the ring in a shark cage for reasons.

Also on tap for this week’s Dynamite:

WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, July 22, TD Garden, Boston

Hey, this is a big city and deserves a big SmackDown, right? WWE has obliged by promising an appearance by Brock Lesnar ahead of his Last Man Standing Match with Roman Reigns at SummerSlam. It’s been strange to have the build done without the two combatants in the same place at the same time, but it’s possible for two big attractions like these, and because Paul Heyman continues to keep the story moving along.

In contrast, Liv Morgan will come face to face with her SummerSlam challenger this week … but may wish she didn’t, as the challenger in question is Ronda Rousey. Will WWE do what it should probably have done a while back and just let Rowdy be a heel?

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Also advertised for SmackDown:

  • Shinsuke Nakamura has a second match against Ludwig Kaiser
  • The only thing that really matters: The Maximum Male Models show off their 2022 Beachwear Collection, and introduce the world to Max Dupri‘s sister, Maxxine Dupri

AEW Rampage preview – Fyter Fest Week 2 – Friday, July 22, Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia (taped on July 20)

Fyter Fest will look to close out with a bang, not a whimper, and should get a boost from Dante Martin vs. Lee Moriarity as Martin has already promised it will be a “Guaranteed Banger.”

We should learn more about the rest of the card on this week’s Dynamite, so stay tuned for what should be a good way to close out the week in Big 2 televised wrestling.