Here is your news for October 31 2019
We've got some more news from Crown Jewel now and some big news at that, as the WWE has
confirmed that a women's division match will take place in Saudi Arabia for the first time ever.
At a WWE press conference earlier today, the news broke that Natalya and Lacey Evans
will face off in Riyadh, after the pair feuded over recent weeks, culminating
in a Last Woman Standing match on the October 7th, 2019 edition of RAW.
This announcement doesn't quite address all the issues many fans have with WWE's
partnership with the country, as the Saudi government, led by Crown Prince
Mohammad Bin Salman still has an atrocious human rights record, which was rebuked
earlier this year by the UN Human Rights Council.
Regardless, the Natalya-Evans match at Crown Jewel is still a big deal,
and WWE's Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon was clearly pleased
when she spoke to Bleacher Report's Jonathon Snowden about the news.
When asked why Natalya and Evans were picked over current champions
Becky Lynch and Bayley, or bigger stars like Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks, she said:
“Natayla is somewhat of a legend in the women’s division. She is the veteran
She has been here for so long, been a part of so many of the changes that have
happened. When you consider her legacy and family history, it’s pretty remarkable.
You take Lacey Evans, who is fairly new on the scene but who has not been shy about sharing
her perspective on overcoming, especially in her life and the things she’s been through
She has a young daughter and she wants to set an example and pave the way not only
for her daughter but boys and girls all around the world. That’s their personal stories.
I can’t think of better representatives for WWE. You can go on their social media.
They’ve made some pretty awesome statements. Lacey Evans said ‘I never
never thought I’d have the opportunities to do the things I’ve done with WWE
Tomorrow I get to show my little girl that hard work can bring you to
history-making heights. I’m ready for this.’"
As fans will remember, last year's Crown Jewel show was counterbalanced by Evolution
WWE's first all-women's event, though McMahon explained
why they opted not to have another version in 2019:
"We did consider it. A lot of our focus has been on having this particular match
as a part of this PPV in Saudi Arabia. More to come on Evolution
but it’s most likely not going to happen in 2019.”
Later in the day, WWE.com caught up with the two history- making women
who gave their own views on the match that'll happen today. Lacey Evans said:
"I'm Honored that I get to be apart of this history-making event
Honored that I get to perform in front of the WWE Universe in Saudi Arabia
To get to open doors that have never been open before. I'm blown away.
I'm honestly numb. I can't believe this is happening. I'm blessed to get to be here."
Meanwhile her foe Natalya described her own excitement, saying:
"I don't even feel like it's really sunk in. For me, it's life- changing. It was like 3 or 4
in the morning when the news broke back in the States. I texted my mom like
'I'm so sorry to wake you up, but I'm so excited.' My mom was so happy.
To me, I can't believe that I'm getting to do this and I get to be part of history.
I'm so excited for our WWE fans in Saudi Arabia and around the world
For women around the world, it's transcending."
Though this will be the first Women's match in Saudi Arabia, this isn't the first
bout of its kind, as Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks competed in Abu Dhabi 2017.
Due to the conservative ways there, the Boss and Little Miss Bliss wrestled
wrestled in full body suits, and fans should expect the same for Natalya and the
Sassy Southern Belle, instead of their regular wrestling attires.
Another person who will be at Crown Jewel today is Ric Flair,
who recently teased getting physical at the show.
Speaking to Corey Graves on the debut After the Bell podcast,
Flair was joined by Triple H and Bayley, and said he's been medically cleared.
“That’s a secret, I’ve been cleared. I’ve got a medical release.
So, never, ever forget who the dirtiest player in the game is, man.
I’ll be equipped and ready, in the words of Pedro Morales, for any kind of action!”
It's clear that the two-time Hall of Famer is ready for a fight, but given his age and recent
medical issues that both he and Hulk Hogan have, it's unlikely WWE will let him take a bump.
With that said, both mean teased getting physical a few weeks ago on Monday Night RAW, and teased
a fighter yesterday in Saudi Arabia when the Nature Boy was being interviewed by Byron Saxton.
With his severe back issues and upcoming surgery, the chances of Hogan
taking a bump tonight seems very slim, but that hasn't stopped the Hulkster
from wanting one more match after the surgery.
We don't know if Hogan will ever get cleared for that one last match, but after
he miraculously returned in 2002 and became Undisputed Champion, anything is possible.
We've got some news from WWE Backstage now, as Renee Young dropped a little teaser video
on social media, ahead of the show's official launch on
November 5th at 11pm EST, on FS1.
We are at our final rehearsals as we are set to go live for real, for real
for real with WWE Backstage,” Young said before revealing some guests
they have lined up, as well as a huge guest yet to be announced.
In the video, the Canadian commentator said they'll have a taped message
from John Cena planned, and that Rob Gronkowski will be
checking in as well, and confirmed that their first guest will be announced
on tomorrow's SmackDown and will be a very big deal.
Like many things in wrestling, this led to speculation that it'll be the return of CM Punk
and the rumors of his return were only strengthened recently when the
former World Champion was spotted with a Fox Sports Microphone.
This was followed by Samoa Joe walking behind Young and asking
if she's gotten a new job on social media, leading to Renee getting
offended and saying she hopes his pass gets revoked.
The Wednesday Night Wars continued this week, as NXT hosted a special Halloween
edition of the show, which kicked off with a live musical performance by Poppy.
Accompanying Io Shirai to the ring, the Japanese warrior was able to pick up
another huge win, this time over Candice LeRae, but was
thwarted in her attempted post- match beat-down by Rhea Ripley.
A week after his shocking heel turn, it was next time for Finn Balor to explain his actions
as the first Universal Champion was met with a mixed reaction by the crowd.
In a worked-shoot, Balor spoke candidly about how he was treated on the main roster,
and ended his speech with a declaration that he'll send Johnny Gargano back to the hospital.
Shane Thorne took on Bronson Reed in a short match next,
and despite an impressive showing by Thorne, it was Reed who got the win,
thanks to a huge splash from the top rope.
Up next fans got Women's Tag Team title action, as RAW's Kabuki Warriors
took on Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox with the gold on the line.
Despite being heels, Asuka and Sane got a big welcome back chant from the crowd
but continued their villainous ways, including stomping on Nox's right hand.
The challengers would fight back though, but after Asuka escaped Kai's fireman's
carry and hit the green mist, the titles were retained by the Kabuki Warriors.
Post-match, Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir all ganged up on Nox
but once again it was Rhea Ripley who made the save, proving herself to be a babyface.
A match between Tyler Bate and Cameron Grimes was up next, and whilst Bate looked
to have the match won after a series of top rope elbows, this match would go to Grimes.
He can't take all the credit for the win though, as the appearance of Killian Dain
at Ringside was able to distract Bate allowing Grimes to hit the Cave-In for the pin.
The beatdown on the British star wouldn't end there though, as Dain would level
Bate with a senton in the ring, and a cannonball against the steel steps, before saying
"Tell your friend that we have unfinished business," seemingly referring to Pete Dunne.
After an announcement by Cathy Kelly that Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler will be the
team captains for War Games, it was time for the main event, pitting Kyle O'Reilly
and Bobby Fish against Keith Lee and Matt Riddle.
While the titles weren't on the lin, Lee and Riddle had a lot to prove, but the match instead
went to the Undisputed Era, thanks to a distracted referee
and a high-low on the King of Bros.
After the match, the Undisputed Era once again attacked Lee, who was
once again saved by a crutch weilding Tommaso Ciampa, who downed O'Reilly.
Telling the NXT Title "Goldie, you'll have to wait. Daddy's going to war"
the Blackheart engaged in an intense staredown with Adam Cole to end the show.
Over on TNT, and it was the latest edition of AEW Dynamite as the company continued on
the road to Full Gear, with an opening match between Adam Page and Sammy Guevara.
Toppling the Inner Circle member with a Buckshot Lariat, The Hangman certainly
looked dominant, and promised even worse to PAC when they meet on Pay Per View.
Next up, Hikari Shido defeated Shanna via pinfall after a Shining Wizard
but what followed was a clear sign of disrespect by the Inner Circle.
As the Rock 'n Roll express appeared on the top of the ramp, ahead of tonight's
main event where they would crown the first AEW Tag Champions
the legendary team were attacked by Santana and Ortiz.
In a gruesome sight, the duo powerbombed the 63-year- old Ricky Morton
through the stage, before the Young Bucks made the save.
In six-man-tag action, the Best Friends and Orange Cassidy defeated Alex Reynolds,
John Silver and QT Marshall, in a match which included the popular cartoon Rick and Morty.
Though no-one in the match got Schwifty, Chuckie T, Trent Beretta and Cassidy
did dress as characters from the show on this Halloween special.
It was time to get serious next, as Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes met
on the top of the ramp for their Full Gear World title match contract signing.
Unlike almost every other contract signing ever, this didn't lead to a brawl between the two, but it was
instead Dustin Rhodes who took the hit, being ambushed in the parking lot by Jake Hager.
Kneeing Dustin in the groin, a reference to his recent MMA bout against Anthony Garrett
the fight ended with Rhodes' arm being slammed into the limousine door,
as it seems the Inner Circle has the numbers advantage heading into Full Gear.
Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks defeated the Hybrid 2 and Kip Sabian next,
as the Bucks wore Street Fighter costumes for the bout, whilst Omega
chose to don a Sans from Undertale mask for his entrance.
Post-match, the Bucks were celebrating with the fans, but were attacked by two wearing
Rick and Morty masks, who revealed themselves
to be Santana and Ortiz who disappeared into the crowd.
After Jon Moxlry Paradigm Shifted the Lbrarian Peter Avalon in the ring
the Lunatic revealed his Full Gear match against Omega is now un-sanctioned,
in a truly epic promo by the former WWE Champion.
With all this out of the way, it was time for the first AEW World Tag Team Champions
to be crowned, as SCU were able to defeat the Lucha Bros to enter the history books.
It was Sky who surprised Pentagon Jr with a cradle pin, and whilst the finals were fantastic
this ending was very abrupt and didn't necessarily resonate well with the live crowd.
Still, SCU are in the history books as the first ever AEW Tag Team Champions
and whilst both shows delivered an excellent product this week, with both AEW
and NXT building to their upcoming Pay Per Views, we have to give it to Dynamite
this week, thanks to it's trouble- making storyline with the Inner Circle.