Eva Marie lost to Becky Lynch at a WWE live event this weekend. It's entirely possible we see more of Eva Marie after the draft. WWE's going to need all hands on deck if they're doing a women's division on each brand.
Titus O'Neill and Sin Cara beat Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel at the other WWE live event Sunday. I wouldn't assume that's a permanent pairing, but it's worth mentioning in case WWE does try them out as a more regular duo. It could make for an interesting, if oddly matched, pairing.
Hideo Itami returned to singles action at an NXT event in Florida, beating Josh Woods. Also on that show, No Way Jose of all people challenged Samoa Joe for the NXT Championship. I guess it makes sense in that he needs more seasoning in the ring than Almas or Roode.
Some notes from Brock Lesnar's UFC fight:
- Brock didn't use his WWE music. Instead, he came out to Metallica's "Enter Sandman." I'm sure that cost UFC a pretty penny.
- WWE commercials for Summerslam and WWE 2K17 aired on the PPV feed before Lesnar's fight. Good to see Dana White have to promote wrestling given his antagonism toward it.
- No Paul Heyman or any other WWE personalities accompanying Lesnar. You would think Lesnar's advocate would have been instrumental to getting him the UFC gig. Heyman was in attendance, but will not be on Raw as he is booked in the UK for Q&A events.
- C.M. Punk was in attendance. He's set to debut at UFC 203 on September 10 after nearly two years of promotion.
Randy Orton talked about returning to face Brock and more. I'm looking forward to them colliding.
Nikki Bella gave an update on her neck recovery. By no means is she "retired" at this point in time. If that CAT scan goes well, she could indeed return to the ring.
John Cena discussed Brock Lesnar and hosting the ESPYs. Appearances like this are why he's positioned so strongly in WWE. He's someone the company can present to the public as a positive representation of the company.
Alberto Del Rio talked in India. Hopefully the wrestling business evolves there in the years to come.
For my take on yesterday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. I thought it was great! Its oddball nature was its charm. I definitely don't want to see it every week, but it was a nice change of pace from the normal presentation of wrestling. Doing the same thing over and over will only take TNA so far, and "serious athletes having hard-fought contests" doesn't attract a large audience at the same level as good stories people can get invested in.
1. I thought it was great! Its oddball nature was its charm. I definitely don't want to see it every week, but it was a nice change of pace from the normal presentation of wrestling. Doing the same thing over and over will only take TNA so far, and "serious athletes having hard-fought contests" doesn't attract a large audience at the same level as good stories people can get invested in.
2. Brock vs. Orton is a big deal with big names. It's not going to "bury" Orton to lose to Brock, so they don't have to sacrifice a rising star to feed the Beast Incarnate. It's the right move.
3. Welcome to the world of hugpunch fans. It's best to stay away from that corner of the Internet as a wrestling fan.
4. I wouldn't say Reigns' push is in serious doubt, as much as some people would love for that to be the case. We'll have to see how he rebounds from the suspension before making that judgment. I think Rollins could be a top babyface, and Ambrose probably can, too. WWE just has to make sure they don't try to cater to the hardcore fans who are going to turn on anyone who's pushed as a top name.
5. Brock's that much of a hoss naturally. That farming lifestyle lends itself well to him being built like a Viking.
More wrestling tomorrow.
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