Fox Den Sports

Fastlane 2023

the show today is coming from Indianapolis Indiana

I am listening to the pre-show as I am starting this blog. This is my thoughts on the matches before the show begins

Tag Team titles are on the line with Finn Balor/Damien Priest defending the titles against Cody Rhodes/Jey Uso. I would so love for Cody/Jey to win the titles, it is time for Judgement Day to be picked apart. They have been around long enough, Rhea really needs to get back to the Women’s division. Why does she still have the belt if she can’t defend it every 30 days like it is supposed to be? If they can get Rhea back where she belongs, let’s get some of those ladies waiting in the wings a chance to shine. I won’t even bring up Nia Jax. How many people is she going to injure before they realize that resigning her was a mistake?

Bobby Lashley/Street Profits facing LWO in a 6-man tag team match. Rey/Santos survived the on slot on Smackdown but is left one man short after the Street Profits took out the LWO Tag team. I saw a spoiler about who the 3rd man is but I won’t spoil it here if I am wrong.

John Cena/L.A. Knight facing the Bloodline (Jimmy Uso/Solo Sikoa). This will get ugly, The Bloodline is another story that needs to go away. It’s been 3 years, if I am getting tired of it who else is. OK, Roman now holds the longest reign (no pun). Come on creative, give us what we want. Cody/Roman 2 at Wrestlemania 40 and put the belt on Cody. Roman works a reduced schedule now. The best is never defended like it should be.

Seth Rollins facing off in a last-man-standing match against Shinsuke Nakamura. This should be the Main Event. It will be ugly but will be good. The main question is this, will they take the belt off Seth to get him off TV for a while so he can rest and get healed or will he hold on it it. Seth has been working an insane amount of matches to make this title relevant. Remember that Damien has the briefcase, will he cash in tonight? (rumour that he will try and chas in but will lose/leave Judgement Day.

Asuka/Charlotte/ Iyo Sky in a triple-threat match for the Smackdown Women’s title. You can bet that Bayley/Dakota will be at ringside to make sure Iyo wins. I would rather see Charlotte or Asuka with the belt but my gut tells me it will stay with Iyo. In an interview with Kathy Kelly, she asked Iyo about her strategy, Bayley tried to speak for her as Bayley always does but Iyo told Bayley she has her own strategy, and that she doesn’t need Bayley/Dakota at ringside. Looks to me that Damage Control is imploding.

Have you noticed how grey-haired Paul Heyman has gotten?

Jade Cargill just arrived at Fastlane.

***From here I will be giving you my thoughts on the match, not sharing too much to give anything away in case you have yet to see the show.

**MATCH 1 — Cody/Jay facing Judgement Day for the Tag Team Belts. For now, Finn and Damien are out alone. Michael Cole brought up a good point, is Damien thinking too far ahead to Seth’s match and maybe cashing in. Cody finally the match after Judgement Day cutting off the ring, keeping Jey in as much as possible. Told you so, here comes Rhea/DumDum to make sure that Judgement Day keep the tag belts. No matter what Judgement Day tried with a big mistake from J.D McDonagh handing the belts to Cody/Jey.

**MATCH 2 — Lashley/Street Profits against the LWO. Waiting to see who the 3rd Member of LWO will be. The spoiler was true, Carlito just showed up. There were bodies flying all over the place but the backstabber doing the trick, helping Carlito to get the win.

**MATCH 3 — Women’s title triple threat match with Iyo, Charlotte, and Asuka. Charlotte had match one, and Bayley showed up after helping Iyo steal the win from Charlotte/Asuka.

**MATCH 4 — L.A. Knight/John Cena facing Bloodline. I was actually not sure how this match was going to go. Jimmy/Solo did a good job of cutting off the ring to keep John in the ring as long as possible trying to punish him. John finally was able to create an out, making it to L.A. to get him in, giving John some time to get a breather. L.A. Knight with the pin for the win. Paul looks defeated as you can see him placing a call to Roman. Who by the way returns to Smackdown next week

**MATCH 5 — Last man standing match. Seth and Shinsuke have been beating the snot out of each other. Seth is tapped up but is taking a beating. Seth is still getting up but to be honest I am not sure how much he has in the can left. Last-man-standing matches are so hard to watch, Doesn’t matter what you do to your opponent, it’s all legal. You have to answer the 10 counts. You beat the snot out of who you are facing to make sure they can’t answer the call. Seth took a right old beating but still managed to take Shinsuke out so he was not able to answer the call. Seth is still your Heavyweight Champion. Seth is so beat up. I don’t know how he can do much more. They need to write him off TV for a while, letting him get heald. I told Phil that I wondered what Becky Lynch was thinking as she was watching this.

Thanks for joining me today.

See you with WWE notes next week

WWE Notes week ending October 7

Did you see the surprise entrance at the end of AEW Wrestledream? I had a feeling it would happen but it was a great surprise. Adam Copeland made his first appearance, but Christian Cage did not like what he saw.

*RAW — Will be interesting to see things tonight post NXT No Mercy with Domnick Mysterio losing the North American Belt to Trick Williams. How will the rest of Judgement Day respond?

Shayna/Nia — going at it before the show even started. Raquel and Rhea have joined the Malay. Rhea is pissed, demanding that Judgement Day come to the ring right now. This would be due to Dom losing the belt at No Mercy. There is no Finn, only Dom/Damien coming to the ring. Rhea just told Dom he has a rematch for the North American Title tomorrow on NXT, if he loses, don’t bother to come home. The Tag Team Titles are on the line at Fastlane when Jey/Cody faces Judgement Day.

Contract signing between Tomasso Ciampa facing Gunther. The match will take place tonight.

*NXT — Becky Lynch/Tiffany Stratton left it all in the ring this past Saturday. Becky will meet Tegan Knox for a title defence. The question here is what do you do with Tiffany? Is she really ready for a call-up or does she need more time to work on her skills? She is amazing already but she can be better. As Becky as Tiffany, How hungry are you?

Another post No Mercy Question — With Trick Williams winning/Carmello Hayes loss this could go one of 2 ways. Carmello gets called up and no story line OR there is a battle between Trick/Carmello for the North American Title. I was NOT HAPPY that Judgement Day showed up to make sure DumDum stole the belt back from Trick. (I am just so over Judgement Day and the constant whatever. Rhea really needs to get back to the Women’s division, especially since Nia has returned, (Nia’s return — I can’t even say in 800 words how I feel about that one. How many of the ladies are going to get injured because of her)

*SMACKDOWN — Final show before Fastlane tomorrow.

Bobby Lashley/Street Profits took out 2 members of the LWO during Bobby’s match with Rey Mysterio. Its suppose to be a 6man tag team. Zelina expressing concerns about what theya re going to do. Rey told Zelina/Santo not to worry he was making a call.

Triple H is making an appearance next week.

Jimmy Uso facing L.A. Knight in the main event. NO surprise that Solo got involved. Ok, this has gotten interesting. Rhea negotated with Heyman for Judgement Day to take out Knight/Cena before Fastlane BUT here comes Jay Uso with Cody Rhodes to the rescue. Cody/Jay taking everyone out. Everyone else has turned tail and run but they left J.D behind the sacraifical lamb. Bodies laid out all over outside the ring. Needless to day it fell apart everywhere.

Join me tomorrow for Fastlane

No Mercy — NXT

All belts are on the line today, This has the capability to be a great show, and I hope it is booked correctly. The show is coming from Bakersfield, California

**MATCH 1 — Braun Breakker facing Barron Corbin. I wonder if this match will end the feud, maybe sending Braun to RAW or Smackdown) It was a real slugfest, the Ref gave extra leeway because of the intensity of the match. In the end with a little help from Mr. Stone, it was Corbin with the win.

**MATCH 2 — North American Title is on the line as Trick Williams faces Dom Mysterio. (at this point no Rhea) Dragon Lee is the Ref for the match. Dragon Lee was taken out, new Ref was in the ring, but he has been taken out also. This is too weird. Dom tried to use the Belt to take out Trick but in the end, it was Dragon Lee with the 3 count to give Trick the belt. (I am glad this belt finally is back on NXT where it belongs. Question — is this the beginning of the end for Judgement Day? Will the tag belts go next)

**MATCH 3 — NXT Tag Team titles on the line in a Fatal 4-way match with the Creed Brothers/Garza & Carrillo/O.T.M – Bronco Nima and Lucien Price/Tony Dángelo Channing Lorenzo(title holders) You can’t take your eyes off this match. Only 2 legal teams at a time in the ring, it breaks down, then settles and then breaks again. 4 super plexes at one time, that takes the ref off his feet. Somehow Tony and Channing have held onto the belts. This was a good match.

**MATCH 4 — Heritage Cup — Noam Dar screws Butch to make sure he keeps the cup. 7 people helped Noam keep the cup

***December 9th is the Deadline in Bridgeport. It will be the final Pay-per-view of the year for NXT. Halloween Havoc taking place on October 24 and 31.

**MATCH 5 — The NXT Championship title is on the line between Carmellop Hayes facing Illja Dragunov. The first match was stellar, here’s hoping this one can stand up to it. Their battles in the past have been amazing, to say the least, and this is no different. They are both going to leave it all in the ring. (If Carmello loses, will he get called up to RAW of Smackdown?) They are both beyond exhaustion. Illja with a major super H off the top rope for the win. Illja had to ask the Ref if it was really a 3 count, had he actually won. Dragunov showing so much respect to Carmello for a hell of a match.

***Women’s Breakout Tournament begins on NXT this week.

**MATCH 6 — MAIN EVENT — NXT Women’s Title match has Becky Lynch defending against Tiffany Stratton in an Extreme Rules Match (Basically, Anything goes)(If Tiffany loses, will she get a call up to RAW/Smackdown) The ladies are taking it to each other, Leaving it all in the ring. This is actually worth a main event. It took a Becsploder on a pile of metal chairs for Becky to keep the belt.

The last 2 matches received standing ovations from the Universe.

Thanks for joining me today

WWE Notes Ending September 30

**RAW — Cody in the ring to talk about Jey Uso. Well, once again here comes Judgement Day to spoil things. WOW, Judgement Day was going after Cody but Jey showed up to help Cody, OMG, Kevin/Sami showed up also. Judgement Day as always, turning tail and running. J.D. showed up with 2 chairs, which Finn was happy to head to the ring. Damien tried to stop it but got the worst end of the deal, a couple of super kicks and a chair shot. All titles are on the line tonight. Tag belts in a rematch with Kevin/Sami and the North American title with Dragon Lee. (I hope they all change hands but we can’t be that lucky, can we) .

Nia Jax is back as a heel, hell-bent on destroying the Women’s division. Nia was let go last time because she injured so many of the lady wrestlers and I have a feeling it will happen again.

***The Elimination Chamber in Perth next year will be the last major event before Wrestlemania. February 2024

**NXT — Final show before No Mercy. Butch facing Joe Coffey for the right to meet Noam Dar for the Heritage Cup at No Mercy.

The match to decide who will face Dom at No Mercy for the North American title was supposed to be a triple threat match but thanks to Trick Williams, it’s now a fatal 4 way. With Treat, Tyler Bait, Axiom, Dragon Lee. (Dom is not happy about it, according to him he had nothing to do at No Mercy and was going to enjoy the night off) Trick will be heading to No Mercy on Saturday to face Dom. (Dragon Lee will be the guest ref for the match)

**SMACKDOWN — Show has opened with Paul Heyman, Solo along with Jimmy in the ring. (I’m bored with the Bloodline story. With Roman’s reduced schedule, its actually crap) (Michin just came out to help Anderson, and slapped Jimmy so hard it knocked him off his feet, Jimmy acting, like, what did I do) Jimmy/Solo still running rampit over the backstage. It doesn’t matter who they take out, making sure John won’t have a tag team partner for Fastlane. John is on his way to the venue.

Santo’s Escobar facing Rey Mysterio for the United States Title. It’s been one hell of a match. Somehow Rey found a way to win. (this is crap, Street Profits out to be a huge spoil, trying to prove themselves to Bobby Lashley) (Profits with a heel turn)

John Cena to close the show, having the Fastlane contract with him. John said he would go it alone if he had to. As Solo/Jimmy started to take John out, some help arrived in the form of L.A. Knight, who helped clear the ring, also signing the contract to join John for the match against Bloodline at Fastlane.

WWE Notes week ending September 23

**RAW — Cody Rhodes is opening the show tonight. He won his match against Dirty Dom. Kevin/Sami is out to help Cody even the numbers against Judgement Day.

Recap of the Rhea/Raquel match from last week, Rhea only won thanks to Nia Jax interfering.

Ricochet is in a match with Shinsuke, who is not interested in winning the match but hurts him at all costs. Trying to prove a point to Seth that he will hurt him at some point, taking him out for good. Shinsuke needs to stop once and for all.

***Royal Rumble will take place in St.Petersburg, Florida on January 27, 2024

Becky Lynch is in the ring with the NXT Women’s Title. She can finally call herself a Gand Slam Champion

During Jey Usos’s match with Drew McIntyre Judgement Day tried to interfere. Hoping that Jey would join, super kicked Damien, Finn and Dirty Dom. Cory came out to give Jey a hand, when it started out being 3 on 1, at least with Cody, it was 3 on 2.

**NXT — Becky Lynch defending the NXT Women’s Title at No Mercy. Becky started out in a 2 /1 tag match against Tiffany Stratton/Kiera James when Lyra Valkyria joined her.

There was a match between Carmello Hayes/Dom Mysterio but it ended with interference thanks to Illja Dragunov. I must admit it was great to see Dom get his backside kicked.

**Smackdown — John Cena opening tonight’s Smackdown. John has asked A.J. Styles to join him in a tag match against Bloodline.

Asuka facing Iyo Skye for the Smackdown Women’s title. Charlotte is out watching but Damage Control is out also, waiting to see how things progress.

There was supposed to be a contract signing between John Cena/A.J. Styles facing Bloodline. Needless to say Jimmy/Solo took out A.J. before he even made it to the ring. A.J. on his way to the hospital, Heyman along with Jimmy/Solo trashing the ring. Jimmy is so proud of what he along with Solo just did. Paul is trying to speak but is getting booed very loudly. John winds out laid out in the middle of the ring with Solo/Jimmy standing over him.

**SUNDAY, Sept 24

I found out later on after I had filed this that Matt Riddle has been let go by WWE

WWE News on September 22

I usually don’t do a special news post but there are some things going on I want to get you in the loop.

**The Elimination Chamber will take place on February 24, 2024, in Perth Western Australia. The show will be taking place at Optus Stadium. As far as I know, this is the first major paid live event in the Southern Hemisphere.

**As many of you know they have started letting people go in the WWE, behind the scenes but as of this morning for me in Adelaide, news is coming out that wrestlers are also being let go.

From the list that I am already seen, it includes, Dolph Ziggler(free agent), Mustafa Ali (surprised me, he was to have a title shot at the North American Belt), Aliya, Elias (free agent),(another one I am not surprised by), Emma and Riddick Moss (just got engaged a few months back) Rick Boogs (never a fan) Shelton Benjamin(free agent), Top Dolla, Quincy Elliot, Bryson Montana, Mace, Mansoor (the male models), Dabba-Kato (he came in when Appolo Crews did the Nigerian character) Shanky, Yuilsa Leon, Daniel McArthur, Kevin Cortes, Alexis Grey, Dana Brooke.

I had to do a little searching with some of the names. Some were in NXT, one was a recruit, others were free agents. No one was really involved in any major story lines. Dana was in NXT but that storyline didint last long.

Look for more updates in my WWE Notes ending blog after Smackdown tomorrow.

WWE Notes. Weekending September 16

**RAW

Jey Uso/Kevin Owens worked pretty well in a tag team match until Damien ducked leaving the superkick meant for him to hit Kevin and the Judgement Day getting the win.

The Rhea Ripley/Raquel Rodriguez match was actually pretty good, It looked like Raquel would leave with the belt until Nia Jax showed up, giving Rhea the win. (I read that it was Vince’s final way of screwing the fans since the merger is now complete)

**NXT

Becky Lynch defeated Tiffy Stratton for the NXT Women’s belt. The one title that Becky has never held until now. Will be interesting to see how this plays out, how long Becky keep the belt, will Tiffany get moved up or will they give her a rematch, putting the belt back on her?

**Smackdown

Pat Macaffee has returned to Smackdown. Not seen him since Wrestlemania. Austin Theory our for some trash-talking. Pat set Austin straight, this is the people’s show NOT the Austin Theory show, (it’s been rumoured) out walks The Rock. Love the look on Theory’s face, boy is he pissed. I am waiting for Theory to throw a punch at The Rock.

In a match between A.J Styles/Finn Balor thanks to Jimmy Uso inferring after Damien/Dom got tossed from ringside. Finn steals the win.

Santo Escobar asking Rey Mysterio for a title shot for the United States Title. Rey has accepted.

I am bored with Damage Control

WWE Notes Week Ending September 9

I won’t even consider how bad Hubby and I thought Payback was. Anyway, Let’s get to the good stuff.

**RAW — I was so sure that it would be Judgement Day opening the show but it was Jey Uso/Sami Zayne joining him to open the show. It was a good positive. Even a hug was involved.

They have created a good pairing — Shayna facing Zoey Stark. If done right this could be a good feud.

That was one hell of a match between Chad Gable/Gunther. Gunther has realized that it was not easy, Chat can be a real threat.

Raquel/Rhea in round two for the Raw Women World Title. This time Dom is banned from ringside. See if this helps.

**NXT — Becky Lynch returns to NXT next week to face Tiffany Stration for the NXT Women’s Title.

**SMACKDOWN — Charlotte is heading to the ring/tagging with Shotzi facing Damage Control. With an assist from Asuka/Charlotte and Shotzi the win.

Jimmy Uso picked a fight with A.J. Styles. A.J. with the win but what is with Damien/Finn coming out to help Jimmy/Solo?

Payback

This will be an interesting show. It’s not packed as per the usual PLE but it still has its own dramas. I just don’t know how things will play out. I know what I would like to see but I also know that the Universe is waiting for something special to happen. It really needs to.

**MATCH 1 — Steel Cage match between Becky Lynch facing Trish Stratus. (Becky has to win this. Trish is great don’t get me wrong but this is now. Trish has no clue what Becky can do or how much she can take) (My pick is Becky to win) Well, they had to ruin it because of Zoey Stark. Zoey is in the cage now. Finally, even dealing with Zoey Becky gets the win. OK, this has gotten interesting back in the cage, Trish/Zoey going at it. Zoey is the one who walked away.

***John Cena is out for hosting duties. John will be the special guest Ref for the L.A. Knight/The Miz

**MATCH 2 — L.A. Knight versus The Miz with John Cena as a special guest Ref. (Miz needs to retire. IMO, Miz is getting boring) It was an interesting match. John made sure that it was a clean match. Miz tried to cheat as usual but John stopped it. L.A. with the win

**MATCH 3 — United States Title on the line when Rey Mysterio faces Austin Theory. (IMO this will get dirty on Theory’s part. Rey needs to hold on to the belt. The title has been boring for a while, time for some excitement) Austin is getting frustrated that he can’t put Rey away once and for all. Theory kept it legal but it was Rey that got the win. Here’s hoping Rey can get the title exciting once again.

**MATCH 4 — Steal City Street Fight for the Tag Team titles with Sami Zayne/Kevin Owens facing Judgement Day. Anything goes in this match. Sami/Kevin paying tribute to Terry Funk. Well, Dirty Dom just showed up, it’s legal. This match has been all over the arena. OMG, what a Swanton bomb by Kevin. (Kevin is just nuts). Finn and Damin are both showing their frustrations. Sami just put Finn through a table. OMG, J.D. just showed up, trying to save it for Judgement Day. Geesh Rhea with a spear to Kevin. If she gets injured it will help Raquel. OMG, they took the tag belts off Kevin/Sami. WHY unless they are letting Sami/Kevin have some time off to get healed from injuries. (This one blows big time)(They can’t let Rhea keep her belt. This will really blow if they do)

On the Greyson Waller Effect, Cody Rhodes just announced that Jey Uso is the newest member of the RAW Roster.

**Match 5 — Raquel Rodreguez facing Rhea Ripley for the RAW Women’s World Title. (Raquel has to win this, this title has gotten boring. Dragging the women’s division down as long as Rhea keeps the belt) Rhea keeps trash-talking, but it also shows her frustration at times. (BULLSHIT — once again Dirty Dom shows up making sure Rhea keeps the belt) This could have been a super great match if it wasn’t for stupid showing up.

**Match 5 — Seth Rollins facing Shinsuke for the World Heavyweight title. (I really want Seth to keep the belt BUT, if they do put it on Shinsuke, I understand why, with Seth working injured) I have no clue how Seth got through this match. You can see that he is really hurting from the injuries that he is carrying. You know that Becky is watching on a monitor in the back, I would be, worried about what could happen. Seth is still the Heavyweight Champion.

Thanks for joining me today, see you for RAW

WWE Notes Ending Week September 2

Payback is in one week, I know they are building the card but I have not seen much as to what is going to take place. I hope today has more info.

With the passing of Bray Wyatt, not sure what kind of tribute RAW might have, I don’t think they can top Smackdown.

**RAW

They will be honouring Terry/Bray during the show.

Well, this is interesting. Sami Zayne facing Damien Priest. (Kevin/Sami facing Damien/Fin for the tag belts at Payback. Thanks to a diversion from J.D. Sami lost. Damien was ticked off that he interfered when he was not wanted.

Raquel Rodriguez facing Rhea Ripley for the RAW Women’s title. Also at payback, Becky Lynch facing Trish Stratus in a steal cage.

Seth defending the belt against Shinsuke for the Heavyweight World championship at PayBack.

Also at Payback: Rey Mysterio defending the United States Title against Austin Theory. The Miz versus L.A. Knight, In a Steel City Street Fight Sami/Kevin put the tag belts on the line against Finn/Damien of Judgement Day. The Waller Effect making its PPV debut will have Cody Rhodes. (This should be interesting)

**NXT — The next major pay-per-view for NXT will be No Mercy, on September30th in Bakersfield, California.

**Smackdown Live — John Cena has made his return. John will be hosting Payback tomorrow. John was in mid-sentence and Jimmy Uso walked out. John told, Jimmy that the wrong Uso quit.

Shotzi facing Bayley. Thank you, Charlotte

A.J. Styles faced Solo Sokia after Solo attacked him when Jimmy Uso was talking to A.J.