Things are heating up in the WWE as this past week was centred around the Great Balls of Fire pay-per-view in Dallas, which was a RAW exclusive event. The tension between Lesnar and Samoa Joe have built into something far more intense than I personally anticipated, but would they deliver on a main-event level? Better yet, CAN they deliver at such a high level, on such a grand stage?
The WWE Universe also said goodbye to a wrestling veteran this past week as Austin Aries was granted a release from his contract. Austin was growing very disgruntled with his role with the company and felt that he had more to offer than what he was being allowed to showcase.
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Needless to say, there's a lot going in the world of professional wrestling, making for an exciting time to be a member of the WWE Universe! With that said, I have personally searched through many of the Instagram accounts of some of your favourite WWE Superstars, in search of the best post of the week. Here's what I have found for you!
#15 Heavy Machinery on the move!
NXT fans have been enjoying a nice surge in up and coming new stars that have been making huge strides in hopes of impressing the WWE powers-that-be. Coming in at roughly 600 pounds combined, Otis and Tucker have spent the past year honing their skills and creating their own respective style, unlike anything else you will see in NXT.
Look for Heavy Machinery to continue this current trend of domination until the main roster comes calling!
#14 Auntie Nikki has baby fever....
Nikki Bella recently posted this adorable photo on her Instagram page of her holding Brie’s newborn baby, Birdie.
On May 9, 2017, Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan welcomed Birdie Joe Danielson into the world and the new parents appear to have adapted to parenthood perfectly. In 2014, Bryan and Brie were married and in October of 2016, the couple officially made the announcement that they were expecting their first child. Meanwhile, Nikki Bella finally got her wish when John Cena proposed to her, following their mixed tag match at Wrestlemania 33.
#13 Free hugs for everyone!
Bayley may very well be the most genuinely down to earth performer in recent history. We constantly hear stories of how she often stays at the venue until the last person has had the opportunity to meet her, as well as receive one of her infamous free hugs!
Surely most fans recall the massive success Bayley enjoyed while in NXT. Unfortunately, she hasn't seen quite the same success on the main roster, but there's no need for panic just yet! Bayley is still considered a top-tier performer and is also still very young. She will likely be perfectly ok in due time.
#12 Live and in living colour!
Since arriving in the WWE, Shinsuke Nakamura has taken the WWE Universe by storm and as you can see from this photo of the recent WWE house show in Amarillo, Texas, he’s got the fanbase wrapped around his finger.
Nakamura is undoubtedly one of the greatest signings in recent memory. There was a time when Japanese fans laughed at the mere mention of their beloved hero jumping ship to the industry juggernaut. I guess it's true, never say never!
#11 Luke... IS your father!
Most fans simply view Luke Harper as nothing more than a relentless, unforgiving monster. While that may very well be true while he is in a WWE ring, Harper is fully capable of turning it all off once he get’s home and surrounds himself with family.
Despite his in-ring demeanour, Luke Harper is one of the kindest, most polite Superstars you will meet in every day, “normal” life. When he’s not clotheslining someone's head off in the ring, his primary passions are hockey and of course, family.
#10 Girl power!
This incredible shot was taken during the recent WWE Japan Tour. It’s quite amazing how a simple photo can be so powerful and mean so much. But, if you think about the efforts that have been put into women's wrestling in recent years, then you can begin to understand the magnitude of this photo.
Alexa Bliss and Asuka are currently two of the top women's performers in the entire world. They represent a deep roster of truly talented women who are ready to lead women's wrestling into the next era.
#9 Happy Miz-Dependence Day!
You can love him or you can absolutely loathe him, either way, if you are honest with yourself, you must respect what The Miz has done since his main roster debut over a decade ago. When The Miz was first featured on WWE Tough Enough, the critics were plentiful and the believers were very few.
Nevertheless, he has certainly shut a lot of doubters down with his progress and his championship performance. The Miz has definitely proved that he is indeed AWESOME!
#8 Once family... ALWAYS family
Inside the ring, it would appear that Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman are bitter enemies, torn by family betrayal. However, outside the ring, the two former Wyatt Family members remain very close friends.Strowman are bitter enemies, torn by family betrayal. However, outside the ring, the two former Wyatt Family members remain very close friends.
In fact, they are both huge fans of Avenged Sevenfold, a band which happened to recently have a performance in Orlando. Bray and Braun got together and made the short drive up Interstate 4 into O-Town for the concert.
It also appears that Avenged Sevenfold are WWE fans as well, judging from the fact that Bray and Braun were granted access backstage for what appears to have been a great time!
#7 High praise from high places
Chad Gable is someone who has had to fight the odds his entire life. For years he has had people tell him he wasn't big enough or wasn't tall enough or whatever the case may be. But, despite the negativity, he remained focused until all of his dreams came true, including a trip to the 2012 Summer Olympics, as well as an eventual WWE contract.
Recently, Chad had the privilege of stepping into the ring with one of today's best, AJ Styles. Following the match, AJ was extremely impressed with the talent that Chad Gable possesses, as well as his desire to win.
#6 The NXT Women's Revolution
The WWE Women's main roster is good... no, they're great! However, the ladies of NXT have something special brewing themselves. Of course, we all know all too well what Asuka is capable of.
We are also aware that Nikki Cross and Ruby Riot are very solid as well. But, beyond that, many fans are not very much in-tune with the current status of the NXT Women’s roster. Well, you can rest assured that the future of women’s wrestling in NXT and the WWE main roster is in perfectly capable hands.
In the very near future, you will be seeing much more from Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Mandy Rose and please don't forget about Ember Moon who recently returned from injury. In fact, I personally believe Ember is a future NXT Women's Champion... sooner than later.
#5 Ode to the Golden Age
Old school Goldust fans are very happy right now, or at least I know I am. I can almost see Marlena smoking her cigar as she patiently watches Goldie from the corner.
Goldust is a true gem in the industry, a living legend, in fact. He is one of the last remaining connections we have to fonder times, such as The Attitude Era. Once he, Kane and Mark Henry are gone, we will be left with only memories.
I’m not sure how much more fuel Dustin has in the tank for Goldust, but one thing is for sure, he is a consummate professional, one we have always been able to lean on for last minute, quality entertainment. At 48 years old, he's out there hanging with guys half his age and doing it even better in many cases. Thank you, Goldust.
#4 Let sleeping monsters lay...
This picture may not say a thousand words, but it appears this WWE couple may have gotten a thousand laughs in during this flight. As you can see Luke Harper appears to be sound asleep while seated directly behind Lana and Rusev last week.
Just as the old saying goes; “let sleeping dogs lie,” that may very well be good words of wisdom for this situation as well. Let’s just let our monster sleep. Besides, he’s probably in the middle of a happy dream, maybe of rainbows and cute puppies... or not.
#3 The Champ gets inspired
If this photo is any indication of the company Jinder Mahal keeps, then we have a champion with a heart. Nick Santonastasso is a 20-year-old who was born with no legs, no right arm and only one finger on his left arm.
But, his disability never hindered Nick from chasing his dreams. Nick now travels the world, inspiring people to be the best at whatever they are. Let’s not forget to mention that Nick is also a BODYBUILDER! Yes, this is a fact. Nick has been seen in videos with true heavyweights of the fitness industry, including CT Fletcher.
Judging by Jinder’s post, it appears the WWE Champion took in a quick workout session with Nick and he was obviously impressed, as well as inspired. The world could certainly use more strong souls such as Nick!Jinder’s post, it appears the WWE Champion took in a quick workout session with Nick and he was obviously impressed, as well as inspired. The world could certainly use more strong souls such as Nick!
#2 Brilliantly broken club
Okay, guys, we are starting to see a trend here. Finn Balor and The Hardy Boyz have grown incredibly close both on and off the air. Does this mean we could legit see a true alliance forming? Could we have a new stable seed being planted? Or, could this simply be a harmless, yet a hilarious case of Superstar trolling on behalf of the three men shown in this photo?
Regardless which side you lean towards, one thing is for sure, they all deliver in the ring on a top-notch, consistent basis.
#1 PHENOMENAL title change!
By now everyone has heard the news of AJ Styles defeating Kevin Owens during a recent house show at the “Worlds Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden. Kevin Owens has truly been an outstanding champion, but in order to continue the build of making the U.S. Title a credible strap, it was very necessary to drop it off on someone equally as good, or better than Owens.
Personally, I think they did just fine with this decision. Not to mention the cool nostalgia points for having a title change at a non-televised event!
