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Tuesday, September 6, 2016

New TNA championship coming, Interview with Sheamus, more ROH matches in Georgia, Ciampa hurt, KISS Demon profiled, new WWE trademark, Delete or Decay preview, NXT to tour California, Rusev and Lana not at Raw, Heyman update, Sasha tease before Raw, Trent Acid Cup proceeds not going to family?, first three Clash of Champions matches, more Cruiserweights official, and Questions on the draft splitting couples, using the Superman Punch too much, softer wrestling mats, Raw promoting Smackdown, and why we have commissioners as well as GMs

TNA will be unveiling a new championship on this week's Impact Wrestling. Surprisingly, they aren't just relaunching the KOTM Title. The new title design has the Impact Wrestling logo rather than any TNA branding, which could lead the way to further distancing from those letters. I can't say I blame them for trying to forge a new path.

Sheamus discussed his current feud with Cesaro and more. I definitely prefer their more physical style to the synchronized gymnastics of so many other wrestlers. As for LoN, it always felt like they were thrown together as opposition for Roman en route to WM32 following Seth's injury, rather than being a long-term plan for those involved. Wade Barrett was basically waiting out his contact, and WWE might have already had an inkling Del Rio wasn't going to be a long-term player. So, they did their thing for a few months and disbanded. 

Added to ROH's September 24 show in Georgia:
- Delirious vs. Caprice Coleman
- Lio Rush vs. Jonathan Gresham
- War Machine vs. ANX 

Tommaso Ciampa needed five stitches and had part of his lip removed after working PWG this weekend. Ciampa's a rugged, tough guy.

The former KISS Demon was profiled. I miss some of those outlandish gimmicks, even if that was pretty much a commercial for the band. WWE could have had a modern version of 3 Count to capitalize on the One Direction/Jonas Brothers days. 

WWE has applied for a trademark for "Skull King," believed to be a nickname for Triple H. Because he doesn't have enough heavy metal nicknames/influences... It's hard to boo a character who's generally presented as a badass.

TNA released a preview for Thursday's Delete or Decay match. I hope it's as wild as its predecessor. The Hardys have been really enjoyable with their over-the-top characters lately.

NXT will run shows in California from October 26 through October 30. There are a number of big markets to hit in the state, so West Coast fans can finally get more action from the brand.

Rusev and Lana are in Bulgaria this week for their "family and friends" private wedding. WWE NEEDS to have Roman or someone interrupt a staged reenactment of that. That could be a lot of fun if they do it right.

Paul Heyman is not scheduled to appear for WWE until the September 24 live event where Brock Lesnar faces Randy Orton again.

Sasha Banks teased bad news before her return on Raw. That's how you effectively build intrigue in 2016. I'm glad The Boss is back, and I hope she doesn't miss any more time in the near future. I do wonder how this will affect Bayley, though. Hopefully one won't overshadow the other.

- Sasha will get her rematch with Charlotte at Clash of Champions. I expect their string of great matches to continue.

The family of Trent Acid has spoken out against the upcoming "Trent Acid Cup," saying they have not approved of using Trent's name and likeness to advertise the event and are receiving no compensation from the event. According to a friend of Trent's, they have not been contacted at all regarding the event or donations. That sounds REALLY carny. I hope no one's exploiting his death for their own gain.

Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship will headline Clash of Champions. It's expected Triple H will be in Owens' corner, with Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley in Rollins' corner. I really hope the non-(full time) wrestlers don't overshadow the awesome competitors there. ROH alumni Rollins and Owens headlining a WWE PPV is wild. 

- Roman Reigns will be added to a triple threat match scenario if he beats Chris Jericho next week on Raw. That will be an interesting scenario to keep track of.

Gran Metalik, Akira Tozawa, and Jack Gallagher have been announced as the latest competitors in WWE's cruiserweight division. All three will be great, unique additions to the division based on their contributions to the CWC. 

New Day vs. The Club for the Raw tag team championships is official for Clash of Champions. Hopefully this ends the feud; it's running pretty long.

For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. They had reasons other than keeping people in relationships together/apart. Cena on Smackdown puts a top name there and gives other names chances to break out on Raw. Nikki on Smackdown serves a similar purpose. I'd rather have her there than being in title matches in the place of Charlotte, Bayley, Sasha, and Nia on Raw. I wouldn't be surprised if Paige went to Raw because WWE's worried she'll ask for her release in order to join Del Rio outside of the company. Her absence will hurt Raw less than it would if she was a centerpiece of Smackdown.

2. That "honor"/insult definitely belongs to Cesaro's European uppercuts. Roman's not quite in that league of overusing a signature spot yet.

3. Some of it is wrestling companies liking the sound of the mats they use now. I have to agree with them there. I wish there were less painful bumping surfaces, though. 

4. I'm OK with the cross-promotion at that level. Hopefully it means more views for PPVs. On that note, I hope they switch the terminology for those, since the Network has superseded PPVs, or will soon.

5. Because you can't have a WWE show without a McMahon in charge. Shane and Stephanie are going to feud until their kids are old enough to feud on TV themselves. It's the circle of life and all that.

More wrestling tomorrow.

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