To say that this week was eventful for WWE would be an understatement. With the Money in the Bank pay-per-view and the events surrounding the controversial event, plotlines were put in place that will have long-term consequences for the current WWE product.
Moreover, enough occurred outside the ring that warrants our undivided attention, as wrestling fans. For your reading pleasure and for your convenience, we have gathered all the newsworthy events of the week under a banner we call SKFabe.
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Read on, and let us know in the comments if we have missed any important WWE updates.
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#1 Both brands bounced back in viewership
Last week, Raw was viewed by an embarrassingly low 2.542 million viewers only, and measures had to be taken. The Raw creative team put up an enticing product this week, featuring Big Cass turning heel on Enzo, as well as an interesting segment where Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas joined the Miz’s entourage, among many other highlights.
This week’s viewership saw a 24% increase with 3.123 million viewers tuning in over three hours.
SmackDown Live bounced back too, thanks primarily to the fallout of the Money in the Bank pay-per-view’s aftermath and the return of Daniel Bryan. Last week, SmackDown saw a viewership of 2,072,000 and this week it bounced back with a 20% increase of 2,597,000 viewers.
These are encouraging numbers and we urge WWE to keep up this consistency in quality, week upon week.
#2 History ruined and recreated again
Despite the incredible main event at Money in the Bank this week, everyone was buzzing about how James Ellsworth climbed the ladder instead of any of the women who had a chance to create history, thereby stealing their glory.
SmackDown Live General Manager stripped Carmella of her Miss ‘Money in the Bank’ title and briefcase, and ordered that another match will take place next week, with Ellsworth banned from ringside. There’s a Lana vs. Naomi rematch as well, and we wonder if that will have a bearing on the events that transpire on the blue brand next week.
#3 Daniel Bryan teased an in-ring return
This is an update that should thrill fans of the ‘Yes’ man. Daniel Bryan recently told Sports Illustrated that he’s working towards an in-ring return. These are his exact words:
"I'm working on it. Wrestling is more of a creative outlet, and especially for somebody like me, I view it as my creative outlet. Not all WWE superstars and not all wrestlers view it that way, but that’s how I view it and that’s one of the ways my mind works creatively.”
Of course, it is unclear as of right now, whether Bryan wants to wrestle in WWE or in another promotion in the future. Whatever it is, we couldn’t be any more excited about this update.
#4 Punjabi Prison match at Battleground
We reported it first! The dreaded Punjabi Prison match will return again, for only the third time in history. Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton will square off inside the same at Battleground.
This match has been called one of the most dangerous structures in WWE history and consists of two cages that the competitors must escape from, to finally emerge victorious. If Jinder wins, he becomes the first Indian origin Superstar to win the match, as the Great Khali had lost his match to Batista previously.
#5 Jinder Mahal almost took up another career
Jinder Mahal was interviewed by The Mirror recently, and this is what he revealed about choosing an alternative career:
“I wasn't going to quit wrestling, I would never quit wrestling as long as I can wrestle, but I wasn't going to pursue it as my main career. I was exploring other options, other businesses, I was, in fact, going to open up a Subway franchise,”
Things seem to have worked out fine for Jinder Mahal though, as he got his life back on track soon after. His subsequent push has ensured that he will probably not have to sell yummy footlong sandwiches for a really long time indeed.
#6 Mauro Ranallo is back!
The former voice of SmackDown Live parted ways with the brand on not so pleasant terms recently, but fans will be glad to know that he is back for good again. Only this time, he’ll be the voice of NXT, a brand far better suited to his incredible talent and overall ability.
Let’s hope this new stint is a happier one. Here is the official announcement from Mauro.
#7 Apollo Crews just became a dad
And it’s a girl! Apollo Crews and his partner Linda just welcomed their first girl, Sade Sofiya into the world recently. Our best wishes to the girl, and may she never, ever join the Titus brand.
#8 Well-deserved honour for Sasha Banks
Let’s end with a bit of good news. Sasha Banks has been nominated as the Best Female Athlete at the Teen Choice Awards, alongside legends such as Serena Williams, Elena Delle Donne as well as Olympic gymnasts Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles.
If you’re from America, do vote for The Boss because she’s up against some stiff competition at the award show. Don't worry, Sasha. We are all rooting for you. That concludes our weekly news recap. Be sure to tune in next week!
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