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Browsing: Kevin
Kevin Owens has been on the road to recovery after undergoing neck surgery earlier this year. In the meantime, heâ€s been spending more time with his family and now it seems he dressed up as John Cena as part of the Halloween season at Magic Kingdom.
Kevin Owens†wife took to her Instagram and uploaded several photos of Kevin Owens at Magic Kingdom. His entire family was cosplaying as different characters but Owens stole the show as he dressed up as John Cena, complete with Cenaâ€s cap, t-shirt and even shoes. Owens even ended up getting free cake at Starbucks because of his attire.
Owens†daughter dressed up as Art the Clown from Terrifier, while his wife was a pirate and his son dressed up as a banana. So it was clear his entire family was having the time of their lives at the Disney event.
The Prizefighter has also made it clear he hopes to make his in-ring return next year, though nothing is guaranteed yet. Nonetheless, Kevin Owens†John Cena cosplay shows that even while recovering, heâ€s still finding ways to entertain fans. His mix of humor and focus on family during his time off reminds everyone why he remains one of WWEâ€s most loved and relatable stars. So weâ€ll just have to see if heâ€ll make a full recovery by next year.
What do you think of Kevin Owens dressing up as John Cena for Halloween? Sound off in the comments.
From the day Kevin Durant was traded — casting a shadow over Game 7 of the NBA Finals before it even tipped off — it was expected that he would sign a two-year, nine-figure contract extension in Houston. It was a question of when, not if.
Houston has opened training camp, and the when has yet to happen. Not that it is concerning anyone.
“I do see myself signing a contract extension. I canâ€t tell you exactly when itâ€ll happen, but I do see it happening,†Durant said at Rockets media day.
ESPNâ€s Brian Windhorst echoed that, speaking on the Hoop Collective Podcast.
“Iâ€ve talked to the Durant camp, and even beyond what Kevin said [at media day], thereâ€s very good optimism that theyâ€re going to have a deal. But, ainâ€t a deal till itâ€s a deal.â€
Durant can sign a max extension of two years, up to $122 million. The two-year part is non-negotiable. Durant wants it, and the Rockets canâ€t give him more than two years due to the over-38 rule in the CBA (a rule that limits the length of contracts for older players, something owners have had in place for a few CBAs now to protect themselves from themselves).
As always, itâ€s about the money. It was always expected that Durant would take less than the max to get to a place he could contend for a title — but not that much less. The expectation prior to the trade was that Durant still wanted two years and north of $100 million, something closer in average to the $54.7 million he is making this season. The sides are undoubtedly hashing it out, and the fact that the Rockets are also discussing an extension with Tari Eason (and any extension he signs would take effect next season) complicates the long-term financial picture.
That said, a deal will get done.
In the end, the Rockets need Durant. He is a perfect fix for their half-court offensive woes, the issue that led to them getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs as the No. 2 seed last April. Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists a game last season while shooting 43% from three-point range. At age 37, Durant is still a walking half-court offense in and of himself.
The sides will come to a deal. Eventually. And neither side seems particularly stressed about it at this point.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Over the past few years, Jey Uso has become a major part of the men’s singles division in WWE, with both World Heavyweight and Intercontinental title runs under his belt. Things have quieted down for Uso somewhat, but speaking on “Kliq This,” Kevin Nash shared his belief that there are two potential directions Uso’s story could be headed in, and both seem significant.
“I think Jey’s still gonna turn,” Nash said. “Or do they go and get the tag belts? The brothers. And have a f***ing year and a half run with the belts.”
Nash’s podcast was recorded ahead of Monday’s “WWE Raw,” which featured Jimmy and Jey Uso getting their win back over Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed of The Vision. That could lend credence to the theory that they’re headed for a tag title reign. On “Raw,” the World Tag Team Championship is currently held by Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, though they haven’t defended the belts since July.
A heel turn for Jey is another very real possibility, however. The former world champion has been wearing his frustration on his sleeve in recent weeks, and though Roman Reigns making his return on Monday’s “Raw” seemed to help alleviate some of those emotions, there are still many different ways this story could play out.
It seems likely that the Usos are headed for a shot at the World Tag Team Championship, but the tension between the brothers could prevent them from re-capturing the title. Jimmy and Jey last held tag gold together in 2023; they then went their separate ways before reuniting this year.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Kliq This” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Brian WindhorstSep 29, 2025, 04:11 PM ET
- ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010
- Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years
- Author of two books
HOUSTON — Kevin Durant said he envisions himself signing a contract extension with the Rockets and described how a bond and respect level with coach Ime Udoka led him to engineer a trade to bring him to the team.
Durant is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $55 million and is eligible to sign a new deal. There was some belief that Durant would work out an extension with the Rockets as a part of Houston’s deal in July to acquire him from the Suns.
While there have been discussions, Durant is starting training camp with no deal in place.
“I do see myself signing a contract extension,” Durant said Monday, his 37th birthday. “I can’t tell you exactly when that will happen, but I do see it happening.”
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Rockets general manager Rafael Stone declined to comment on the state of the contract talks.
Durant is eligible to sign a two-year extension for more than $120 million if he were to sign for the maximum. The Rockets, who are in the midst of contract extension talks with wing Tari Eason and recently extended forward Jabari Smith Jr. on a five-year deal for $122 million, are faced with managing their expanding payroll over the next few years. That could factor into the Durant talks.
Because of his short-term contract status, Durant was able to work with the Suns on finding a trade partner over the summer. He worked with Udoka when both were with the Nets, and the relationship played a role.
“I wasn’t expecting to leave Phoenix that quickly, but that’s just the nature of the game,” Durant said. “So I quickly just thought about who I was comfortable with. … Ime has always been one of those guys that understood what I brought to the table and my mentality and my approach to the game. He always respected that and gave me my space to be me. So that was one of the first things I thought about.”
Several times, Durant mentioned how his “body type” fits with the Rockets roster loaded with long and rangy athletes.
Houston has the potential to play some of the tallest lineups in the league this season with the addition of the 6-foot-11 Durant. His ability to be a ball handler is also relevant with the Rockets losing starting point guard Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL last week.
Durant and Udoka both said Monday that the plan will be for Durant to take on some of the ballhandling duties in the wake of VanVleet’s injury.
The Rockets are Durant’s fifth team in 19 years, and he said some of his breakups with teams have been “tough.” But with two championships and an MVP award, plus a decorated international career, Durant has his own definition of his legacy.
“The definition of the word has just got confusing over the last few years to me,” Durant said.
“So to me it’s just always about impacting and building good relationships within the organization. I just feel like every place that I’ve been from the outside looking in, it may have been a tough breakup from each team that I’ve gone to, but behind the scenes I’ve built so many great relationships with people and lifelong friendships that have been formed from playing in these organizations.”
Also on Monday, new Rockets wing Dorian Finney-Smith discussed his recovery from offseason ankle surgery before coming to Houston from the Lakers in free agency.
Finney-Smith has been running but did not discuss a timeline, and Stone simply said he was on schedule. But Finney-Smith has not been cleared for basketball activities and will likely miss time to start the season.
As summer wound down, Kevin Rooney found himself sifting through PTO opportunities from a couple of teams around the NHL.
When the 32-year-old saw the New Jersey Devils were one of those teams, he felt it was a “no-brainer” to sign a professional tryout with his former club.
“I have already been here, and I am familiar with the organization,” he told The Hockey News on Saturday. “With the uncertainty of not knowing where you stand, I wanted to go someplace where I would be comfortable because training camp is quick. It is two weeks where you have to show yourself.
“I am really happy to be back,” he continued. “It has been a great experience so far being back in New Jersey.”
Rooney began his NHL career with the Devils in March 2017. He appeared in 330 games with New Jersey before continuing his career with the New York Rangers, and eventually, the Calgary Flames.
Now, he is competing for a bottom-six role on the Devils for the 2025-26 season. The Massachusetts native has plenty of competition for the fourth-line center position with veteran Luke Glendening on a PTO as well.
On Friday, The Hockey News asked Devils’ head coach Sheldon Keefe for his thoughts on his players who are on professional tryouts at this juncture of his training camp.
“I think they have shown well,” Keefe shared. “They have both shown what we had expected in terms of what they can provide. We are going to continue to put them in different positions to show that and see how they fit in, and trying to use them in different situations with different types of lineups and different linemates and all these sorts of things.
“(We want) to see them in games when they don’t have a lot of support from our top guys, so they got to take on a lot more in terms of heavy lifting and match-ups and all of these sorts of things,” Keefe continued. “Then, a game like we played the other day, we have a lot of our top guys, so now it is a little bit more like their role would actually feel like in a regular game. That is what I am going to try to do the rest of the way here. The games are coming quick now, and we are going to try to keep putting them in different spots and seeing how the fit is.”
Off the ice, Rooney has spent time with Glendening as the two are staying at the same hotel during camp.
“It has been awesome having a guy like that here,” Rooney said. “He is a guy I have looked up to throughout my career. He is obviously a little older than me, but we have been going to dinners and stuff together. It has been awesome getting to know him.”
Throughout his career, Rooney has averaged 11:38 of ice time per game. As a depth player, he understands and enjoys his role, explaining what it takes to be effective in limited ice time.
“I think just staying in the game, you know? I mean (it could) be communication on the bench,” he said. “I am a guy who loves to talk to my linemates and talk throughout the game, letting people who are on the ice know if they have time with the puck and whatnot. It is just doing those little things that keep you involved in the game in a little bit different of a way.
“Obviously, you feel your best when you are playing 12 to 15 minutes, but that is not realistic every night,” he continued. “You have to find ways to contribute, whether you get eight minutes or 10 minutes. It is something that, over the years, I have just gotten better at.”
One thing that affects the ice time of players like Rooney is the TV timeouts during games.
“I don’t know if it is actually true, but it feels like the fourth line is always about to go, and then there is a TV timeout,” he said with a chuckle. “Then it resets.”
It is a small facet of the game that can go unnoticed not only to fans but to other players in the NHL, who are accustomed to more ice time on a nightly basis.
“I actually have a funny story. One of my really good friends is Adam Fox,” Rooney shared. “He played in the 4 Nations Face-Off, and wasn’t getting his normal 20 to 25 minutes (of ice time). When I was hanging out with him this summer, he said he had a better appreciation for guys like me who don’t play as many minutes. You know, it is harder, and it is cool to see a guy like that appreciate it.”
The Devils have four preseason games remaining with a split squad on Sunday. Half of the team will be at Prudential Center hosting the Washington Capitals, while the other group travels to Quebec City to play the Ottawa Senators.
There is still time for Rooney to make a positive impact on the Devils’ front office before the regular season kicks off on Oct. 9 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the center knows what is at stake and that he, in essence, has to seize the moment.
“When you get your opportunities, you really have to make the most of them, because it doesn’t come around often, honestly.”
Make sure you bookmark THN’s New Jersey Devils site for THN’s latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
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Kevin McGonigle (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In the final game of the 2025 season, Kevin McGonigle struck out three times. It was a rare thing for the Tigers shortstop, as it had happened only twice over his previous 190+ games as a professional.
Unfortunately for McGonigle and the Erie Seawolves, this came at an inopportune time. Erie, playing in its fourth consecutive Eastern League final, fell to Binghamton 8-2 in a deciding game three.Â
Despite a massively productive season, it has, in some ways, also been a season defined by second-place finishes and runner-ups for the Tigers’ top prospect, On Monday, Baseball America named Konnor Griffin the 2025 Minor League Player of the Year. Two days later, Erie and McGonigle fell in that Eastern League final.Â
Still, you canâ€t tell the story of the 2025 minor league season without McGonigle.
Currently No. 2 among BA’s Top 100 Prospects, McGonigle is a dynamic player with one of the most polished hit tools weâ€ve seen in the minors in some time. The 21-year-old has an old-school gamer mentality, and he gets into more power and speed than his physical tools might suggest.Â
For many evaluators outside the Tigers’ organization, McGonigle is the top prospect in the game and praise has been effusive. It’s left Tigers fans wondering if McGonigle—a player who is capable of doing everything well and brings a winnerâ€s mentality—could have provided a spark to a free-falling major league team over the final month of the season.Â
In many ways, McGonigle is the final cog in a rebuild thatâ€s taken a decade and spanned multiple general managers. Alongside Tigers teammate Max Clark, he has found success throughout his minor league career, racking up winning records at every stop along the way. The Tigers hope the dynamic duo can do the same when they reach Detroit in 2026.Â
What sets McGonigle apart from other top prospects is his robust and well-rounded set of tools at the plate. While Griffin is the best all-around player in the minors, it wouldnâ€t be wrong to say that, at the moment, McGonigle is MiLB’s best hitter.
The data backs this statement when comparing McGonigle to minor league averages across his skill metrics:
Miss%IZ-Miss%Chase%Swing%Chase-Swing%Kevin McGonigle18%13.60%20.20%45.20%25%MiLB Avg.27%19.20%25.10%45%19.60%Difference-9%-5.60%-4.90%+0.20%-5.40%
Here we see that McGonigleâ€s skill-based metrics are well above minor league averages. On paper, his numbers roughly equate to a 70-grade hit tool (or better), as he shows elite contact and swing decisions.
Where McGonigle really separated himself from other highly-skilled hitters this season, though, is in his ability to hit for power. After hitting just five homers in 2024, McGonigle smashed 19 across three levels in 2025.
Again, we find standout metrics:
Avg. EV90% EVMax. EVPullAir%xWOBAHard-Hit LAKevin McGonigle91.5 mph105.3 mph113.3 mph24%0.38517.4MiLB Avg.86.2 mph101.5 mph108.4 mph18.60%0.29410Difference+5.3 mph+3.8 mph+4.9 mph+5%+0.091+7.4
McGonigle not only displays elite plate skills, but his power numbers compare well to other top prospects, too. He shows above-average raw power based on major league averages with strong launch angles that allow him to drive his best-struck contact in the air.
Where McGonigle really stands out compared to other prospects is with his optimized swing path. His ability to hit the ball hard in the air to his pull side has allowed him to get to more of his power and likely will lead to 20-plus home run totals annually in the majors.
In many ways, McGonigle is what a fully-optimized hitter looks like: few holes in his swing, a discerning eye at the plate and a swing optimized for power. And while he may have experienced a season of close-call finishes when it comes to awards and trophies, with a future as bright as any in the game, we may one day see McGonigle reach the gameâ€s greatest heights.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is recovering after a recent medical procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat. The wrestling legend took to social media to give his fans an update, and he did so with his signature brand of humor.
The post, while lighthearted, came after Nash had revealed some serious and surprising details about his heart health, including the discovery that he may have unknowingly suffered a heart attack two decades ago.
His health has been a topic of concern for fans, given his family’s history with heart disease, making this positive update a welcome piece of news. Nash shared the news of his successful procedure on his social media account.
“Procedure went fantastic. Penis reduction was a success. Actually the strain of no longer pushing blood in the entire hog brought my heart rhythm back to normal. Thanks to everyone concerned about my well being.â€
Jokes aside, the procedure was a serious one designed to “zap” his heart and put it back into a normal rhythm. In the lead-up to the procedure, Nash had revealed on his podcast that his cardiologist discovered scar tissue on his heart. The doctor suggested this was likely the result of a heart attack that could have occurred twenty years ago when Nash had a stent inserted.
Nash’s father passed away from a heart attack at the age of 36. An autopsy later revealed that his father had suffered five heart attacks in total, with the fifth one being fatal.
Procedure went fantastic. Penis reduction was a success. Actually the strain of no longer pushing blood in the entire hog brought my heart rhythm back to normal. Thanks to everyone concerned about my well being.
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) September 24, 2025
Ohm YoungmisukSep 24, 2025, 10:45 AM ET
- Ohm Youngmisuk has covered the Giants, Jets and the NFL since 2006. Prior to that, he covered the Nets, Knicks and the NBA for nearly a decade. He joined ESPNNewYork.com after working at the New York Daily News for almost 12 years and is a graduate of Michigan State University.
Follow him on Twitter »
As Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore spent time in Minnesota in the years prior to taking ownership over of the Timberwolves this summer, one of the things the two heard often and loudly was to bring back “the trees.”
The new majority owners of the Wolves and WNBA’s Lynx will do just that this season.
The Timberwolves will bring back their iconic Black Trees Classic Edition, an alternate uniform worn from 1998 to 2008 (and donned often by Kevin Garnett) for 28 games this season: 21 at home and 7 on the road. They will debut against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 26.
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“One of the things we’ve been obsessing over is fan experience in the arena and giving them the best in class,” Rodriguez, co-chairperson of the Wolves and Lynx, told ESPN. “We polled the fans and very high on their poll was they wanted these jerseys that mean a great deal to them — the ‘Black Trees.’
“And also we’ll be having some more surprises in-arena and uniform stuff. But hearing the fans loud and clear is very important to us and we’re trying to deliver exactly what they want.”
Minnesota first introduced the popular uniform with tree trim and a Timberwolves font that looks similar to the Count Chocula one in 1996-97. The black alternate jersey debuted two years later.
With Garnett roaming the paint and Flip Saunders coaching on the sideline, the Wolves made the playoffs eight straight seasons — culminating with the franchise’s first Western Conference finals appearance in 2003-04 — during the trees uniform era.
The last time the franchise wore the black alternate jersey was during the 2018-19 season.
“We’ve got some uniforms in our closet that fans love,” said Mike Grahl, Timberwolves and Lynx chief marketing officer. “And I would say this particular one that we’re bringing back is at the front of the fans’ closets … The fans continue to ask for this jersey. Anytime we do a uniform drop of any sort, there’s one common word that gets echoed by all of our fans, and that word is ‘trees.’
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“There’s no other uniform in the NBA that’s designed in that way. The character that it has and the uniqueness that it has, I think fans have significant energy for and they hold onto that in lore.”
As Anthony Edwards will try to lead Minnesota to a third straight Western Conference finals appearance, he and the Wolves will wear the franchise’s most iconic jersey 21 of the 28 times at the Target Center.
Rodriguez says he and Lore heard the fans loud and clear.
“When we first got here, everyone wanted to bring the glory days back,” Rodriguez said. “They had that uniform when they [first] went to the Western Conference finals. There’s a lot of great memories for the young adults that were kids at that time.
“And that is not just a cool uniform for the Timberwolves. I think it’s one of the cool jerseys over the last few decades in the NBA. They’re just classic. You see ’em when they [rank] a lot of throwbacks. That’s one of the ones that always comes up top five. So our fans are very proud of them.”
Kevin Nash is out of his latest heart procedure and already back to cracking jokes.
The WWE Hall of Famer recently revealed he was dealing with an irregular heartbeat and was scheduled for a cardioversion procedure to get things under control. Now, in an update shared to social media, Nash confirmed everything went well—complete with his trademark humor. Nash wrote on X that his heart rhythm was corrected, but not before dropping this gem:
“Procedure went fantastic. Penis reduction was a success. Actually the strain of no longer pushing blood in the entire hog brought my heart rhythm back to normal. Thanks to everyone concerned about my well being.â€
Behind the humor, Nashâ€s recent medical update is no joke. He shared on his Kliq This podcast that doctors found 3% scar tissue on the back of his heart and suggested he may have already suffered a heart attack years ago without realizing it. That revelation came as a shock, especially given his family history. Nash explained what his cardiologist told him:
“My cardiologist said that I could have had a stent put in my heart like 20 years ago. He said I might have had a minor heart attack without even realizing it. Iâ€m not kidding you. And he explained that you can measure it as a percentage—he said the scar tissue on my heart was about 3%. He said that could be genetic, or it could have happened during the procedure of putting the stent in. But itâ€s in the back of my heart, which, if youâ€re going to have something wrong with your heart, you donâ€t want anything around your arteries. So it was in the back of my heart.â€
Despite the seriousness of the condition, Nash reassured fans that his current health was otherwise strong, aside from the arrhythmia. Doctors told him theyâ€d use a controlled electric shock to restore his heartbeat:
“But like he said, everything else about me is fine. The only problem I have right now is an irregular heartbeat. He said theyâ€re going to zap me and put me back in rhythm. So thatâ€s my next thing.â€
The situation hit closer to home for Nash due to his fatherâ€s sudden death at just 36 years old. That tragic event revealed a deeper issue during the autopsy.
“When they gave my dad his autopsy, they found heâ€d had like four before the fifth one killed him. So he just kept working through them. Iâ€m thinking, wow, I hope I donâ€t have that gene in me.â€
With the successful procedure now behind him, Nash is staying positive, poking fun at himself, and thanking fans for their support.
Kevin Nashâ€s health scare is a serious reminder that even the strongest legends in wrestling arenâ€t invincible—but itâ€s good to see Big Daddy Cool still standing tall.
Do you think WWE should do more to raise awareness about heart health for its legends and current talent? Let us know in the comments.
September 24, 2025 7:51 pm
Kevin Owens (photo credit Brian Mathesen © PWTorch)
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
The following report originally published 5 years ago this week here at PWTorch.com…
KELLERâ€S WWE RAW REPORT
AUGUST 24, 2020
ORLANDO, FLA. AT AMWAY CENTER (“THUNDERDOMEâ€)
AIRED ON USA NETWORK
Announcers: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, Samoa Joe
[HOUR ONE]
-They aired the WWE brand stamp and the usual Raw opening theme. Then they cut to pyro blasting on the stage and wide shots of Thunderdome with even more pyro blasting. The LED boards lit up with fans applauding as Phillips introduced the show. Philips hyped an Asuka vs. Sasha Banks rematch with lumberjack stipulations. Saxton hyped Apollo Crews vs. Bobby Lashley in an arm wrestling contest with Mark Henry as the special referee. Joe hyped the Dominik & Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins & Murphy.
-They went to the announcers on camera. Phillips said The Fiend beat Bray Wyatt to win the Universal Title, but the headline was the return of Roman Reigns. He said Friday on Smackdown, Reigns, Braun Strowman, and The Fiend will sign a contract for a triple threat match at Payback for the Universal Title.
(Kellerâ€s Analysis: Theyâ€re getting that belt on Reigns ASAP, it appears.)
-Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring and held up his WWE Title belt. They aired a video package on the Drew vs. Randy Orton match. He asked everybody in the Thunderdome to give him a thumbs up. He looked around at the screens and smiled. “How cool is that?†he said. “What a difference!†He said Orton was his biggest challenge to date, and he still stands there as WWE Champion.
Drew said heâ€s hungrier than Orton and he works harder than him. He said when the chips are down, he pushes forward because he is so proud to be WWE Champion. He said heâ€s this way because of his journey. He said he knows what itâ€s like to go through tough times and not know where your next paycheck is coming from. He said Orton has never faced that because he so gifted. He said no matter how many mistakes Orton made, his inner circle protected him. He said as good as he was at the start, he kept getting better. He said even though Orton is at his best, he was better than him last night.
Drew addressed a camera and asked Orton if he won the Greatest Wrestling Match ever, and declared himself the greatest wrestler ever. He said he beat Orton with a wrestling move last night, ‘So what does that make me?†He said heâ€d like another chance at Orton, and he thinks the feeling is mutual. He said he still wants to knock Ortonâ€s head off with a Claymore Kick. He lowered the mic but shouted toward the LED boards that he loves the Thunderdome. He held his belt up in celebration on the stage. Orton attacked him from behind and threw him into the LED wall.
They brawled into the backstage area where Orton threw Drew into a wall. He charged and gave him a punt kick. Adam Pearce, Sonjay Dutt, and several referees ran in and pulled Orton away. Drew flailed and tried to sit up, but couldnâ€t. Orton went back after him and gave him a second running punt kick. Orton leaned down and whispered in Drewâ€s ear, smiled in a sinister manner, then left. [c]
-They replayed the Orton attack on Drew. Saxton said Orton is obviously not over his loss at Summerslam. They went backstage where Drew was still being helped up. Drew could barely keep his balance, but yelled, “Iâ€m fine! Iâ€m fine!â€
-They went back to the announcers who expressed amazement that Drew could take two kicks and walk away. Phillips excitedly threw to a video package on the arriving Keith Lee.
-McKenzie Mitchell approached Nia Jax and asked what she was doing there because she was suspended. Jax said the key word is “was.†She said sheâ€s been reinstated. She said all she had to do was go to Pat Buck and apologize. She yelled “Apologize!†in her ear. She asked Mitchell to keep her mind out of the gutter, implying that she thought McKenzie was thinking she did something sexual to get her job back. Shayna Baszler approached her and said theyâ€re all just counting down the days until she says or does something to get herself suspended again. Jax asked if she has a match with Bayley coming up. Jax said if she wants any tips, give her a call. Baszler said, “Iâ€ll call you. Iâ€ll call you Haystacks Calhoun. Oh, my bad. At least he was good looking.†Nia said, “First of all, rude.†(Sheâ€s got a point.) She added, “Iâ€m very good looking. Second of all, thatâ€s very rich coming from an Addamâ€s Family reject looking like you.†Baszler said, “Welcome back.â€
(Kellerâ€s Analysis: Did they really just tell two jokes based on a wrestler from the â€60s and a sitcom from the â€60s and a movie from nearly 20 years ago? And did they just have one woman call another fat and another ugly? Come on, WWE. Neither of them were likable, but Jax had the point that Baszlerâ€s first comment was rude. Bad segment.)
-Sasha came out with Bayley. Then Baszler made her ring entrance. Before the bell, Jax walked out. They cut to a break. [c]
(2) SHAYNZA BASZLER vs. BAYLEY (w/Sasha Banks)
A few minute in, Bayley threw Baszler to the floor. Jax came up and yanked on her leg to keep her from re-entering. The ref called for the bell.
WINNER: No contest in 5:00.
-Bayley and Sasha laughed. Jax and Baszler stopped fighting each other and looked down at Sasha and Bayley. They hopped out of the ring and seemed to have a truce as they eyed one another. Sasha and Bayley looked scared.
-Backstage, Kevin Owens walked in and asked someone where Aleister Blackâ€s locker room is. The guy pointed KO around the corner. KO knocked and asked Black if heâ€s actually going to join him since he didnâ€t answer his texts. KO got an affirmative. Black then closed the door. Viewers could only see his hand. [c]
-Kevin Owens Show: He came out and acknowledged this was the first KO Show in the Thunderdome. He said he and Black have had a common enemy lately. He said they havenâ€t seen him in a while, but heâ€s pleased to welcome Aleister back. Blackâ€s ring entrance took place. Black walked out in all black with a black eye wrap. He looked at the ring steps apprehensively and got into the ring by rolling under the bottom rope instead. Owens said he appreciated him being there. KO wasnâ€t going to show the footage, but Black said it was okay. They re-aired the clip. KO said he thinks he knows what Black is feeling.
KO said they made him question why he was even in WWE at one point. He said Seth loves to do that. He said to ask Rey and Dominik. He said heâ€s done a lot of terrible things to a lot of terrible people, but heâ€s tried to take a different path, but Seth Rollins isnâ€t like that. He didnâ€t want to show the clip. Black fell off his chair and held his eye. KO checked on him. Black threw a spinning back elbow and then delivered a Black Mass. He stood strong and tall. KO was down and out. Saxton gasped, “Why?†Black walked away looking very serious as referees checked on KO.
-Charly Caruso interviewed Bayley and Sasha backstage. Charly said they barely escaped Baszler and Jax. Sasha said sheâ€s focused on winning back her Raw Title. Bayley said theyâ€re going to take care of Baszler and Jax before this is all over.
-A commercial advertised Fiend vs. Wyatt vs. Reigns for the Universal Title. [c]
(3) SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. R-TRUTH vs. CEDRIC ALEXANDER vs. AKIRA TOZAWA (w/Ninjas) – 24/7 Title match
Shelton attacked Tozawa at the bell. Truth tried to steal a cover, but Shelton stomped on him. Cedric then went after Shelton. Shelton tossed Tozawa over the top rope into the arms of the Ninjas. The Ninjas lifted him back onto the ring apron. Truth threw Shelton over the top rope. Tozawa rolled up Truth for the win. Tozawa ran to the back as Shelton beat up the Ninjas. Phillips said Tozawa “could care less†about the Ninjas. (He meant Tozawa “could NOT care less†about the Ninjas, I assume.)
WINNER: Tozawa to capture the 24/7 Title.
(Kellerâ€s Analysis: And I thought the return of Roman Reigns was going to be the biggest story of the weekend.)
-McKenzie approached Orton backstage and asked if he has anything to say about what Drew said about him or about what he did to him. “Yes, I do,†Orton said. [c]
-An NXT ad hyped the return of Tomasso Ciampa.
-The camera panned the fans on the LED screens. Then they threw to a clip of the Drew-Orton angle from earlier.
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
Check out the latest episode of “PWTorch ’90s Pastcast” with Patrick Moynahan and Alex McDonald, part of the PWTorch Dailycast line-up: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “wade keller†on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)
[HOUR TWO]
-Orton made his way to the ring. He said for the longest time he has done what he wants to do when he wants to do to whomever he wants. He said that didnâ€t happen at Summerslam, because he wanted to RKO Drew and take his title, but he didnâ€t. “You can call me a lot of things,†he said. “Itâ€s a pretty long list. But one thing I am and will forever be is a man of my word.†He said he kicked Drew twice because he offered him another match out of pity. “Who in the hell do you think I am?†he asked. “I am Randy Orton. I am the Legend Killer.†Keith Leeâ€s music played and he walked out. Phillips said heâ€s astonishingly athletic for man of his size.
Lee entered the ring and introduced himself. He said he has come to Raw to offer him the spectacular opportunity, luxury, and privilege to bask in his glory. He said he has been called many things like- The Viper, Apex Predator, Legend Killer. He said he has been called a Game Changer, Anomaly, and he is for certain Limitless. He said if he is looking for a fight, with respect to his friend Drew McIntyre, heâ€d step up to face him if heâ€s willing to accept his challenge. “Right here, right now.†He dropped the mic. Orton said if he wants to fight him, maybe later. He pretended to be getting ready to fight, but then he left. Phillips said itâ€d be amazing if they wrestle later on Raw.
(Kellerâ€s Analysis: That felt like a big moment for Lee to have the audacity to interrupt and challenge Orton on his first night on Raw. I like that a lot. It fits Leeâ€s persona.)
-Caruso interviewed Zelina Vega, Angel Garza, and the reality show woman nobody knows. Zelina said the footage didnâ€t prove anything regarding Montez Fordâ€s poisoning. Garza said she got caught, but who doesnâ€t get caught sometimes. Zelina freaked out and said, “Youâ€re not helping.†She stormed away. Garza asked the reality show woman what sheâ€s doing. She said sheâ€s been talking to Ivar. Garza said she is welcome to watch him wrestle. She turned to Caruso and told her she is welcome to watch him too. [c]
-Phillips announced Lee vs. Orton has become official. Saxton said he canâ€t think of a better way for Lee to make a splash on Raw.
(4) ANGEL GARZA (w/Andrade, reality show woman) vs. MONTEZ FORD (w/Angelo Dawkins)
When the Street Profits came out, dozens of red Solo cups dropped from above. A soundbite aired with the Profits before the match. They closed with, you guessed it, “We want the smoke!†Ford leaped high off the top rope early, but Garza dropkicked him. Ivar walked out a couple minutes in, with Garza in control. He smiled and approached reality show woman. He offered her a turkey leg. She stood and happily accepted it. He asked if she wants to get out of there. Garza was upset and turned his back to Ford. Ford kicked him, but Garza caught him on the top rope and set up a superplex. Ford fought back and punched Garza to the mat. Ford then hit a turning frog splash for the win.
WINNER: Ford in 3:00.
-Jax told Baszler she realized they could win the Womenâ€s Tag Team Titles together, and she wants the tag team titles. Baszler said sheâ€ll help her with that as long as she gets off her back and leaves her alone. Jax said as long as she follows her lead. She poked Baszlerâ€s shoulder as she talked. Baszler slapped her. Jax no-sold it.
(Kellerâ€s Analysis: The idea of Jax and Baszler gaining respect for each otherâ€s toughness by fighting and thus deciding to unite for a common cause is good. The way theyâ€ve had them speak tonight couldnâ€t be worse. Baszler, of all people, asking someone to “get off her back and leave her alone†doesnâ€t fit her character at all.)
-Bianca Belair, Ruby Riott, and Liv Morgan walked backstage together. [c]
(5) ZELINA VEGA & THE IICONICS vs. RIOTT SQUAD (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan) & BIANCA BELAIR
The match built to Belair tagging in excitedly against Vega. She landed a Lionsault, but the IIconics broke up the cover. Riott and Morgan gave them enziguiris. Vega came up behind Belair for a roll-up, but Belair kicked out and then delivered a KOD for the win.
WINNERS: Belair & Riott Squad in 3:00.
-Backstage, Cedric beat Ricochet in a practice arm wrestling contest. Mark Henry walked in and asked Cedric if he wanted to try him. Cedric said no. Henry made his way to the ring with the arm wrestling table. MVP scolded Cedric for clowning around with Ricochet instead of going after a title. Ricochet told MVP this is getting sad. MVP said he didnâ€t ask him anything. Ricochet said heâ€s going to lose a finger if he keeps pointing at him. Cedric said he already told MVP no. MVP said The Hurt Business is a family business, and family tell each other the truth, such as when theyâ€re wasting their potential. MVP said he has another way to persuade him. He said heâ€d see him later. [c]
-Henry stood mid-ring and introduced Bobby Lashley. Then Apollo Crews came out. Henry said he wants it to be a fair competition. Lashley said he doesnâ€t need MVP or Shelton, but he wants to beat Crews tonight without hurting him so he can take is U.S. Title from him on Sunday. Crews said what happened to MVP at Summerslam will happen to him on Sunday, but first heâ€ll beat him at arm wrestling. Lashley wore a suit, but took off his suit jacket before locking up. Henry hurried him along. Lashley pointed at Henryâ€s face and mouthed off. He put his arm in place. Crews surprised Lashley by stomping on his foot and then snapping his arm down to win. Crews celebrated as Lashley protested to Henry. Saxton said Crews outsmarted Lashley. Lashley went after Crews, but Crews got the better of him. MVP and Shelton came to ringside, so Crews leaped over the top rope onto them. Phillips explained Lashleyâ€s foot was placed illegally under the table, which is why Crews stomped on it.
-They went to the announcers who hyped the Seth & Murphy vs. Rey & Dominik tag match. They threw to a vdieo package on the Summerslam singles match.
-Backstage, Caruso interviewed Rey, his wife Angie, and his son Dominik. Rey said whatever happens tonight, heâ€s proud of his son. Angie spoke in Spanish briefly. Rey said Dominik faced one of the most dangerous Superstars and gave him hell. He said he was proud. Caruso asked if he was nervous. Dominik said he was absolutely terrified, but he knew no matter what, he had his family in his corner and that gave him the courage to do what he had to do. Rey said some day Seth will have a family of his own and heâ€ll know what he put his family through. Rey said he turned into a man last night and someone he had never seen before. Rey said itâ€s not about winning or losing. He said heâ€s so proud of him for standing there after the pain he is in after last night. Rey told him he loves him so much and tonight will be a great night. He said heâ€ll be damned if Seth ruins this. He said Seth talks about the future of Raw. “Well, Seth, youâ€re looking at it.â€
(Kellerâ€s Analysis: They laid it on so thick, Iâ€m worried Dominik is going to break Reyâ€s heart tonight.) [c]
-Natalya and Lana stood mid-ring. Lana gushed about Natalya. Natalya said sheâ€ll get her own Hall of Fame induction some day, but tonight they are paying tribute to Mickie James, a true trailblazer in WWE. “Like every great trail, her trial ends,†she said. Lana said they tried to elevate her. She said sheâ€s been riding their coat tails for a while. Natalya said theyâ€re retiring the chic with the kick. Natalya said she put a lot of work into this highlight video of Mickieâ€s career. Nothing played. They laughed that there are no career highlights. Mickie ran out and shoved Natalya down. Then she kicked Lana down. She smiled and left as her music played again. “Miss me?†she asked, smiling.
-Saxton said Lee vs. Orton was up next.
-Lashley, MVP, and Shelton walked up to Shane McMahon outside the door to Raw Underground. Lashley said he wanted a fight tonight. Shane let him in and said heâ€s quite welcome. Shane smiled at the bouncer and said itâ€s going to be a great night tonight. [c]
-Raw Underground began 1 minute before 10 ET tonight, so closer to the advertised time Shane always mentions that never turned out. Lashley beat up some scrub and tapped him out. Dolph Ziggler stepped up and squared off with Lashley. Ziggler went for a single-leg takedown. Lashley out-wrestled him and kicked him in the ribs. Ziggler poked Lashley in the eye, then applied a sleeper. Lashley broke free and then shoved Ziggler out of the ring. Ziggler flew head-first into the wall. MVP and Shelton threw another guy into the ring. Lashley kicked him. He went down immediately. Lashley threw him out. Shane asked if anyone else wanted a piece of Lashley.
[HOUR THREE]
(6) RANDY ORTON vs. KEITH LEE
As Orton made his entrance, they replayed Ortonâ€s two punt kicks to Drew. (I think theyâ€ve stopped calling it the Punt Kick, perhaps in deference to Pat McAfee.) Saxton said Lee doesnâ€t fear pressure situations. Joe said this man will do things amazing for someone who is regular-sized. “The gall and the moxie of Keith Lee to step up†to Orton. Lee leapfrogged Orton early. Orton backed away and looked up at Lee as if he was impressed. Lee offered a test of strength, but Orton kicked him in the gut. Lee caught Ortonâ€s punch and shoved him out of the ring. Lee went after him at ringside, but Orton shoved him into the ringpost. Orton stomped away at Leeâ€s hands. He went for a cover, but Lee kicked out at one. He settled into his obligatory mid-match chinlock. Orton shifted into a sleeper. Lee escaped and crossbody blocked Orton. Orton grabbed his arm in pain. Lee shoulder checked Orton down. Orton rolled out of the ring to regroup. Lee again went right after him. Lee threw Orton back into the ring. Saxton said, “This is just remarkable to watch, guys.†Orton caught Lee coming back in and gave him a draping DDT. Orton stalked him, then pounded the mat to signify an RKO. Drew came out and yanked Orton out of the ring and threw him around ringside. Orton ran away over the barricade. Drew entered the ring and was fuming mad.
WINNER: No contest in 5:00 when Drew interfered.
-Stats on the screen noted the Thunderdome has over 17 million pixels on over 3,000 LED panels, 750,000 watts of HDX lasers, and over 8 million BTUs of flames. WWEThunderdome.com to apply to be part of the show.
-They recapped the return of Reigns last night.
-Caruso interviewed Drew who said he respect Lee, but he doesnâ€t need him fighting his battles. Drew turned to the camera and was about to address Orton, but Orton attacked him from behind and gave him yet another running (punt) kick. [c]
-Caruso stood outside the Doctor/Trainer room. She said Drew is inside. She said what she is overhearing is there might be a skull fracture and potentially a bleeding brain, which could be career-ending. She said sheâ€d provide an update if she heard more.
-They went to the announcers. Joe said we can only hope heâ€ll be okay.
(7) ASUKA vs. SASHA BANKS (w/Bayley) – Lumberjack Match for the Raw Title
As Sasha came out, they announced at Payback on Sunday, Sasha & Bayley will defend their tag team titles against Baszler & Jax. In the opening minute, Asuka knocked Bayley to the floor. When Bayley approached her, the rest of the lumberjacks approached her from both side. They cut to a break. [c]
The announcers talked about how worn out these two must be after last night. Asuka caught a charging Sasha with a boot. Asuka leaped at Sasha and drove her arm into the mat and scored a two count. Asuka swept Sashaâ€s leg and applied an anklelock. Sasha powered out and sent Asuka flying out of the ring. Sasha then leaped off the ring apron and aimed for Asuka, but took out the Riott Squad instead. Asuka then gave Sasha a running knee to the face. Bayley shoved Natalya at Asuka as Asuka was walking toward her. Asuka shoved Lana. Bayley shoved more wrestlers in between her and Asuka, then attacked Asuka. Back in the ring, Sasha leaped off the top rope and landed a frog splash for a near fall. Sasha called for help from Bayley. Bayley grabbed a chair. Baszler yanked on Bayleyâ€s leg to stop her. Asuka then put Sasha in an Asukalock. Sasha tapped out again. Sasha sat up crying.
WINNER: Asuka in 8:00 to retain the Raw Title.
-They cut backstage where an ambulance was driving out of the venue. Caruso said due to the possible severity of the injury, doctors didnâ€t want to take any chances. She said Drew will undergo more evaluations. She asked Lee, who was standing by, for his thoughts. Lee said he just watched his friend get loaded into an ambulance, but fortunately he knows Drew is one of the toughest men heâ€s ever met. He said he is going to be okay. Lee said he cannot say the same for Orton. He then walked away.
-Backstage they showed Rey and Dominik walking backstage. [c]
-They announced Lee, Ziggler, and Baszler would be on Raw talk tonight.
-Back to Raw underground, Cedric was battling Lashley. Lashley applied a cross armbreaker. MVP had to pull him off. Ivar jumped in. Shelton tackled him. Erik joined in. All of them brawled. Shane said business is booming for the Hurt Business, and theyâ€d see what happens next week.
-They announced Orton will face Lee at Payback instead of Drew due to Drewâ€s injuries. Orton just cost himself a potential quick rematch with those attacks, it appears.
(8) SETH ROLLINS & MURPHY vs. DOMINIK & REY MYSTERIO
They brawled at ringside before the bell when Rey and Dominik went after Seth and Murphy as soon as they got to ringside. Seth threw Rey into the announce desk. Then Seth and Murphy threw Dominik into the ring. The bell rang to officially start the match. Dominik outmaneuvered Murphy and knocked Seth into the announce desk with a slidekick. The camera missed Rey sending Seth into the barricade – a rare missed shot by WWE. Dominik and Rey surrounded Seth. Seth bailed out when Rey went for a 619. Dominik leaped onto both of them. He returned to the ring and stood strong with Rey. [c]
Back live, Seth was stomping on Rey in the ring. They showed that during the commercial, Seth took over with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker after tagging in. Seth taunted Rey as he crawled toward tagging Dominik. Then he knocked Dominik off the ring apron. Rey eventually hot-tagged in Dominik against Murphy. He leaped off the top rope and rallied against Murphy. Joe said heâ€s moving like an old veteran pro. Dominik springboarded into Murphy. He gave Murphy a tornado DDT. Seth broke up the cover. Seth gloated at ringside. Murphy clipped Dominikâ€s legs from behind as Seth distracted him. Dominik fought back and tagged Rey back in. Rey then set up a 619 on Seth, but Murphy tagged himself in. Murphy rolled up Rey from behind for a two count.
Rey set up Murphy for a 619, but tagged in Dominik so they did a double 619. The lights began to flicker. That delayed Dominikâ€s top rope dive, so Seth shoved him down. Rey went after Seth. Retribution entered the ring. Seth ran out. They surrounded Dominik. Rey ran in to help Dominik. They swarmed both Rey and Dominik. Seth watched with a smile from the stage. He laughed and said everything looks good. They slid Rey out of the ring, then two of them lifted Rey and dart-threw him into the ringpost. They stomped away at Dominik. Seth and Murphy continued to watch. Six Retribution members stood on the ring apron and looked down at Rey and Dominik as the show ended with tons of boos on audio.
WINNER: No contest in 11:00.