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There is never a dull day in the bustling world of pro wrestling and the week that went by was no different. There may have been the occasional 'slow news day' that quite frankly, frustrated the folks down here at SK.
However, looking back at the week as a whole, there were many stories that piqued the interests of the fans. In this article, we've compiled the biggest news stories in pro wrestling from this past week (17th - 24th June) and when we say pro wrestling, we mean its entire gambit and not just the WWE.
#1. Two new champions crowned at Stomping Grounds
With Stomping Grounds fresh in our memories, it was only obvious that we begin with the events that transpired at WWE's latest PPV offering. As is the case with PPVs that seem lacklustre on paper, Stomping Grounds made for a decent viewing with tolerable matches that were complemented with a few eye-catching moments.
Drew Gulak defeated Tony Nese and Akira Tozawa in just under twelve minutes to become the new Cruiserweight Champion on the pre-show. The Cruiserweight title match was one of the best pre-shows matches in recent memory and really showcased the talent of the highly underrated 205 Live roster.
The second title change of the night took place when Ricochet beat Samoa Joe to win the United States Championship - his first title in the WWE. The title win was made to look like a big deal as the new champion was congratulated by a section of the WWE roster that included the likes of Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Carmella and Heavy Machinery. Otis Dozovic was the star of this segment with his hilarious yet infectious charisma.
Triple H had to be there as well to give the customary hug to one of his NXT pass-outs.
#2. The Undertaker returns, Extreme Rules matches
In a bid to boost falling ratings, WWE resorted to tried-and-tested tactics by getting The Undertaker back on the fallout Raw of Stomping Grounds. The Deadman saved Roman Reigns from a vicious assualt at the hands of Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon.
In the latest WWE NEWS, tag team match between the team of Undertaker and Roman Reigns against McIntyre and McMahon was subsequently booked for Extreme Rules. This will be the second time Reigns and Undertaker will be teaming up with each other as they were on the same side at last year's MSG house show.
The other big match booked for Extreme Rules is a Winner Takes All Mixed Tag Team Match featuring Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch against Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans.
Extreme Rules will air on July 14th from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
See WWE RAW Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE RAW Results page
#3. Drake Maverick loses the 24/7 title at his own wedding
The best part about the 24/7 title is that you don't even need to watch WWE's tedious televised programming. The 24/7, which is more or less the social media title, delivered another memorable moment this week from the most unexpected of places.
Drake Maverick won the 24/7 title from R-Truth on June 18th and carried the strap to his wedding - scheduled to take place on June 20th. The 205 Live Manager got married to wrestler and former Mae Young Classic competitor Renee Michelle but ended up losing the title in hilarious fashion while walking down the aisle after pledging the wedding vows.
On the latest episode of Raw, the 24/7 title changed hands 5 times, with Heath Slater, EC3, Cedric Alexander having reigns before R-Truth won it back. Truth won the title twice on Raw, making him an 9-time champion. A 9-time European TV 48/7 Champion! Dance Break!
#4. Reason behind Nikki Bella's retirement
Any hope of Nikki Bella returning to the ring can be put to rest as the former Divas Champion is physically just can't do it anymore.
She opened up about her in-ring career on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and expressed her desire to contribute to the WWE Women's Tag Team division. However, multiple physical issues have rendered those hopes useless.
I herniated the disc above where I had surgery, I have all this inflammation around the metal and then I have a cyst on my brain. So they were like, 'you're done, no more.' So I didn't get a choice, which sucks. H/t: WrestlingInc
#5. Nikki Cross and Killian Dain get married
Drake Maverick and Renee Michelle weren't the only wrestlers who got hitched this week as Nikki Cross and Killian Dain officially got married in front of their friends and family in Glasgow, Scotland on Friday.
NXT Superstars and coaches from the performance centre were at the wedding ceremony, which also encouraged WWE to put out an article on its website.
SAni†Y may not have found much success on the main roster, but Cross and Dain wouldn't be complaining as they found each other. We wish them nothing but the best for the future.
#6. Matt and Reby Hardy expecting a third child
As announced by Matt Hardy on Twitter, House Hardy will soon welcome another baby boy.
After King Maxel and Lord Wolfgang, the seven deities have gifted Matt Hardy with another woken offspring. The spiralling society we live in needs more Hardys to restore it to its former glory. Truly wonderful news!
#7. Scarlett Bordeaux released from Impact Wrestling
The most popular female wrestler outside the WWE is now a free agent. Impact Wrestling confirmed this week that they have released Scarlett Bordeaux from her contract.
The promotion and Bordeaux herself released statements regarding the departure that has been rumoured to happen in recent weeks.
Courtesy of her raunchy 'Smokeshow' act, Bordeaux rose to become one of the most sought-after names in Impact Wrestling over the past few months.
Despite the success, Bordeaux was apparently unhappy with her contract and along with her boyfriend Killer Kross - who also works for Impact - requested a release. While Bordeaux has been granted her wish, Impact is no mood to let Kross go.
As for Bordeaux, every top promotion would be aching to get her signature. Where will she end up though?
#8. Chris Jericho gives his honest opinion about Stomping Grounds
Now we know that Stomping Grounds is done and dusted but Chris Jericho's comments on the PPV prior to the show are just too good to pass by.
On the Talk is Jericho podcast, Y2J focused on WWE's problem by highlighting the Corbin vs. Rollins match.
This match, to me, once again is one of the problems with WWE and maybe one of the reasons why tickets haven't sold well in Tacoma," Jericho said. "We just saw this match two weeks ago at Super [Show Down]. The classic thing is my neighbour is a good guy too, [that] doesn't mean [Corbin] should be headlining pay-per-views over and over again.
He praised Corbin for being a solid worker and a great guy, but Jericho opined that the Lone Wolf was not ready for the main event.
Jericho instead pitched Samoa Joe as the man who should be pushed into the limelight.
Let Corbin work his way up through the ranks and let a guy who is a legit proven headliner who has drawn money. I know you're not supposed to say TNA in WWE but let's be honest, the biggest pay-per-view in TNA history was Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe. Joe can walk the walk and talk the talk. I think Corbin is still learning. I think the difference in this one is that there's a special guest referee that's going to be chosen by Corbin. H/t: WrestlingInc
#9. Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum passed away
ICW World Heavyweight Champion Adrian 'Lionheart' McCallum sadly passed away at the age of 36 on June 19th. Lionheart was a big draw in the UK and his death at such a young age has elicited heartbreaking reactions from the pro wrestling fraternity.
Preston City Wrestling (PCW) has organized a tribute show in memory of Lionheart which is scheduled to take place on June 28th. The WWE has granted its talents the permission to perform at the event, which will also have a Lionheart Trophy Memorial Tournament.
#10. Bruce Prichard's dental emergency
As revealed by Conrad Thompson, Bruce Prichard was forced to abruptly leave the recent WWE TV tapings to undergo an emergency dental surgery. Six of Prichard’s teeth were pulled out and the mere thought of that sends a chills down our spines.
The pro wrestling veteran was said to be in a lot of pain, however, he took to Twitter, later on, to give the fans a positive update regarding his status.
How did Ric Flair spend $1500 at a pizza place? More details here
