Latest news with #SmackDownTagTeamChampionship
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Abruptly Splits Up Popular Tag Team
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The WWE tag team of A-Town Down Under is officially over. On the July 21st episode of Monday Night Raw, Grayson Waller announced that his partner, Austin Theory, has suffered an injury and that their team is finished, before delivering a scathing promo on social media. This split brings an end to a partnership that has been teased with dissension for well over a year. Waller made it clear he has no sympathy for his now-former partner. Waller's Scathing Message Following the on-screen announcement, Grayson Waller took to social media to send a direct and insulting message to the injured Austin Theory. He claimed that he "saved" Theory's career and that their partnership was a waste of his own time. "You should be celebrating the fact that Big G, Grayson Waller, saved Austin Theory's career," Waller began. "Remember two years ago when John Cena buried him alive on Monday Night Raw, I watch it all the time, it's one of my favorite Raw moments of all time. Imagine where he'd be without Grayson Waller." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation He continued, "I just wasted two years of my career making you relevant, and now that that's done, I can finally remind everyone just who Grayson Waller is." Appolo crews and Titus battle in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille north France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN Appolo crews and Titus battle in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille north France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN The Infamous John Cena Promo Waller's comments refer to a now-legendary promo segment on the road to WrestleMania 39. During their verbal confrontation, John Cena brutally ran down Austin Theory, questioning his authenticity and telling him that the fans did not care about him. Many fans and critics believe the promo was so harsh that it legitimately stalled Theory's momentum as a rising star. Waller is now using this famous moment as the foundation for his new rivalry with Theory. He claims that by teaming with him, he gave Theory a WrestleMania moment by winning the tag team titles and made him relevant again. A Partnership Built On Tension The breakup of A-Town Down Under has been a long time coming. The team of two arrogant heels was formed in 2023, and while they found success, there was always underlying tension. They captured the SmackDown Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 40 in a chaotic six-pack ladder match. Throughout their reign and in the months since, WWE has consistently teased a split. The two would often argue, show jealousy towards one another, and accidentally cost each other matches. Now, with Theory on the shelf with an undisclosed injury, Waller has used the opportunity to officially end the partnership on his own brutal terms. When Theory eventually returns, a heated feud between the two former champions is inevitable. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar To Undergo Surgery: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chad Gable has been written out of WWE storylines due to a legitimate injury. A new report indicates that the Raw superstar is scheduled to undergo surgery. Multiple outlets, including and have confirmed the injury. The word among talents is that Gable is slated for surgery in early July. On-Screen Angle Writes Chad Gable Off TV On the June 23rd episode of Monday Night Raw, Chad Gable was attacked by Penta El Zero Miedo. This on-screen angle was done to explain his upcoming absence from television. The nature of Gable's injury has not been disclosed. A specific timeline for his return to the ring is also unknown at this time. WWE will use the storyline to give Gable time to have the surgery and recover. It is not clear when he will be able to compete again. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: WWE logos are shown on screens before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: WWE logos are shown on screens before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Injury Halts Storyline Momentum Gable's absence comes at a pivotal time for his character. He has been a central figure on Raw as the heel coach of his own faction. The group includes The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile. Gable's injury will undoubtedly impact the momentum of the storyline. It remains uncertain how WWE will handle the direction of the faction during his recovery period. Gable's WWE career has been defined by tag team excellence across all brands. He first gained prominence in NXT, forming the acclaimed tag team American Alpha with Jason Jordan. The duo's impressive in-ring skill earned them the NXT Tag Team Championship. After moving to the main roster, American Alpha captured the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Following that team's split, Gable proved his versatility by winning the Raw Tag Team Championship on two separate occasions, first with Bobby Roode and later with Otis as part of the Alpha Academy. This makes Gable one of the few stars to have won the tag team titles on NXT, Raw, and SmackDown. While a singles championship has so far eluded him, his multiple tag team reigns solidify his reputation as one of the most decorated and respected tag team wrestlers of his era. We wish Gable a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on TV. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Raw Superstar Sidelined With An Injury: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A segment on Monday Night Raw was reportedly done to write Chad Gable off of WWE television. The angle was used to cover for a legitimate injury. According to a report from Gable is suffering from an undisclosed injury. The report states the injury is serious enough to alter creative plans for him. The On-Screen Angle Involving Chad Gable On the June 23rd episode of Raw, Gable was attacked by Penta El Zero Miedo. This storyline attack will serve as the reason for his on-screen absence. WWE will use the angle to either remove Gable from television completely or reduce his schedule. This will give him time to recover from the injury. There are currently no details on the specific nature of the injury. It is also unclear how long Gable will be out of action. It is not known if he will work a limited schedule or stay away from the show entirely while he heals. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Ricochet jumps off the top rope as JD McDonagh lays on the ground during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Ricochet jumps off the top rope as JD McDonagh lays on the ground during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex BierensChad Gable's Impact On Raw Storylines The timing of the injury affects a key storyline on Raw. Gable has been a consistent presence on the show in recent weeks. He has fully embraced a heel role as the "coach" of The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile. He has also been feuding with top stars like Sami Zayn. Gable's absence will impact the momentum of his faction. It is uncertain how WWE will handle the storyline for his group in the coming weeks. Gable signed with WWE in 2013 and quickly made a name for himself in NXT. He formed the popular tag team American Alpha with Jason Jordan, capturing the NXT Tag Team Championship with their impressive technical skill. The duo was called up to the main roster in 2016 and won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation After the team split, Gable became a tag team specialist, winning the Raw Tag Team Championship with both Bobby Roode and later, Otis. After a poorly received run as "Shorty G," he reinvented himself as the charismatic master of the Alpha Academy, creating the popular "Shoosh!" catchphrase. In recent years, Gable received a significant singles push with a series of acclaimed Intercontinental Title matches against GUNTHER. This led to his current role as a demanding, villainous coach, a central part of Monday Night Raw storylines. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How does the WWE Draft work?
Image via WWE The WWE Draft is one of the most anticipated events in the professional wrestling calendar. It allows superstars to move between the two main brands like RAW and SmackDown , shaking up storylines and creating fresh matchups. First introduced in 2002 following WWE's acquisition of WCW and ECW, the Draft helped split the growing roster into two distinct brands. Over the years, the Draft has undergone several changes. It was rebranded as the " Superstar Shake-up " for a few years before reverting to the traditional Draft format in 2019 when SmackDown moved to FOX. In 2022, WWE skipped the Draft altogether, but it returned stronger than ever in subsequent years. Notably, since 2016, stars from NXT - WWE's developmental brand, have also been eligible to be drafted. How the WWE Draft functions The WWE Draft typically unfolds over two nights, beginning on Friday Night SmackDown and continuing on Monday Night RAW. Each brand gets a designated number of picks to select superstars for their rosters. Due to RAW being a three-hour show compared to SmackDown's two hours, RAW usually receives three picks for every two picks made by SmackDown. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Selections are made live, and the unpicked superstars - referred to as "free agents", are assigned to brands through online announcements via WWE's official website and social media. Tag teams are often drafted together as a unit, but WWE reserves the right to split teams if desired, drafting individual members separately. Champions are also eligible to be drafted; however, brand-specific titles like the RAW Women's Championship or SmackDown Tag Team Championship usually remain with their respective shows. Charlotte Flair tears up over Becky Lynch being drafted to SmackDown: WWE The Day Of sneak peek A notable example of title switching happened in 2021 when Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair were drafted to opposite brands while holding each other's brand-specific championships. WWE resolved it with an on-screen title exchange. The WWE Draft plays a crucial role in refreshing storylines, elevating new talents, and keeping the programming unpredictable. For superstars, it can mean a career resurgence, a change in persona, or a shot at championship glory. For fans, it creates fresh rivalries and dream matches, keeping the excitement alive season after season. As WWE gears up for the 2025 edition of the Draft, all eyes will be on which superstars will find new homes and how these shifts will impact the road to major events like SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
