BY SACNILK

Philadelphia, August 18, 2023 - WrestleMania 40, the grandest wrestling spectacle, is all set to rock on April 6 and 7, 2024. This mega event marks the return of WrestleMania to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after a quarter-century hiatus. ## The last time the city played host was back in 1999, making this a nostalgic comeback. WrestleMania is ranked sixth globally by Forbes as a valuable sports brand, often compared to the Super Bowl in the realm of sports entertainment. ## Much like the Super Bowl, cities compete to host WrestleMania each year. WrestleMania XL will feature skilled wrestlers from Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. Besides regular PPV airing, fans can watch the event live on Peacock in the US and WWE Network in many other countries. ## Several WWE stars have already started promoting the event, while, some of them have appeared on NFL preseason games. As of writing, Superstars from Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown as they take the stage at the showcase of the immortals including Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Becky Lynch, and many more!" ## WWE WrestleMania 40 Predicted Match Card ## -Solo Sikoa vs. Brock Lesnar ## -LA Knight vs. Logan Paul ## -Finn Bálor vs. Damian Priest vs. Dominik Mysterio ## -Intercontinental Championship: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus ## -Women's World Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley ## -WWE Women's Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair ## -World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins vs. Gunther ## -Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Pensacola, August 17, 2023 - Roman Reigns has achieved yet another remarkable milestone by surpassing 500 days as the reigning WWE Champion. His current tenure as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion symbolizes the rich history of both the WWE Championship and the WWE Universal Championship. Despite the creation of a singular championship belt for Roman, the legacies of these titles remain distinct. Roman's reign commenced at WrestleMania 38, where he vanquished Brock Lesnar, the final holder of the standalone WWE Championship. ## Throughout this year, Roman Reigns has engaged in only four title defenses at Premium Live Events. He has vanquished formidable opponents such as Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and most recently, Jey Uso. These victories continue to solidify his status as the most dominant champion of his era. ## While the future of the WWE and Universal Championship lineages remains uncertain in the event of Roman Reigns' eventual loss of these titles, the Monday Night Raw brand has introduced a novel World Heavyweight Championship. This prestigious accolade currently belongs to Seth Rollins, ensuring that both brands possess a premier prize to vie for. ## Roman Reigns remains a record-breaker in various respects, including his unprecedented reign of over 1000 days as the WWE Universal Champion. Paul Heyman, who serves as Roman's manager during this historic tenure, recently expressed that his narrative is only in its initial stages, promising further chapters of enthralling accomplishments to come. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Toronto, 18 August 2023 - Here are the full results for this Friday's SmackDown which is scheduled to air live on August 18, 2023, live from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. ## Friday Night SmackDown currently airs live every Friday on Fox from 8:00 ET–10:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE SmackDown starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Saturday mornings. ## WWE SmackDown Time In Australia: It airs live on at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ## WWE SmackDown Time In Canada: It airs live every Friday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ## WWE SmackDown Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Saturday at 02:00 am CAT ## SmackDown Time In Italy: In Italy, SmackDown airs on DMAX at 2:00 pm with the international version of one-hour shows airing on Cielo in Italian ## SmackDown airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 5:30 am. While SmackDown airs live on Fox Sports in Mexico and across Central and South America since 2014. ## WWE Friday Night SmackDown, August 18, 2023 Play-By-Play Results The Grayson Waller Effect begins with Waller welcoming everyone to Smackdown and highlighting the 25th Anniversary Celebration for Edge. He's eagerly awaiting Edge's gratitude towards Grayson. The focus then shifts to tonight's guests: Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio.## Escobar enters with a knee brace, accompanied by Rey.## A video clip of Rey's US Title victory from the previous week is shown.## Waller congratulates Rey and inquires about his feelings.## Rey expresses his joy at regaining the United States Championship.## Waller turns to Santos and asks if he ever envisioned himself as the champion.## Rey explains that Theory concocted a plan last week, but their interference spoiled it.## Waller suggests the notion of them sharing the championship.## Rey clarifies that the title belongs to the LWO.## Waller questions if there's any tension due to Rey supposedly taking Santos' opportunity, highlighting Santos' recent successes.## Santos emphasizes his victory over Waller.## Waller points out that Santos defeated Rey, and Santos' mentor stole the opportunity.## Waller states his desire for the spotlight and reluctance to pass the torch.## Santos interrupts, instructing Waller to be quiet. He conveys that his only frustration is with Austin Theory, whom he berates as a lowlife. Santos sanctioned Rey as champion due to his deep respect and familial bond. He asserts that Austin got what he deserved and warns of further consequences.## Austin Theory's entrance music interrupts, and he heads to the ring.## Theory congratulates Rey sarcastically and criticizes him for not receiving a "Father of the Year" award. He questions the management of the show and insists that last week's events were unfair. He challenges Santos for not confronting him directly. Theory asserts that Rey was never meant to be part of that match, predicting that Adam Pearce will return the US Title to him.## Adam Pearce emerges and dismisses Theory's complaints.## LA Knight's music hits, and he approaches the ring.## Knight seeks clarification and mocks Theory for claiming to be the greatest champion despite rare title defenses. He chastises Theory for dropping the ball. Knight, who hasn't held the US Title yet, highlights his victory at SummerSlam against numerous opponents. He suggests settling the matter with a number one contender match, which Pearce approves. An impromptu match is set in motion. ## LA Knight Vs Austin Theory in a Number One Contender Match ## As the match is about to commence, The Miz makes his entrance and heads to the ring.## With Knight momentarily distracted by Miz's arrival, Theory strikes with a forearm, followed by a flurry of punches and kicks. Theory delivers a knee strike and follows it up with a fallaway slam. He lands a solid punch and then whips Knight into the corner, but Knight counters with a clothesline. Knight executes a suplex and climbs the turnbuckles, nailing an elbow drop for a close near fall.## Theory responds with a kick, prompting Knight to retaliate with a powerful power slam for another near fall. Theory sends Knight to the ringside area, where they brawl near the announce table. Theory propels Knight into the apron and continues his assault, pummeling Knight in front of Miz. Knight rolls to the outside and connects with a forearm before slamming Theory into the announce table repeatedly. ## Knight tosses Theory back into the ring and briefly shifts his attention to Miz. Theory capitalizes with a well-timed kick, but Knight avoids being rammed into the announce table. Instead, Knight turns the tables and hurls Theory into the announce table, with Theory colliding into Miz. ## Back from the break, Theory delivers an elbow strike, but Knight counters with punches and a clothesline. Knight attempts a sunset flip for a near fall. Theory executes a drop toe hold, sending Knight into the turnbuckles, and follows up with a slingshot rolling drop kick for a near fall. ## A replay from the break shows Theory ramming Knight into the ring steps. ## Theory focuses on stomping Knight's ribs before delivering a clothesline. Theory then positions himself on the apron, but Knight catches him, executing a belly-to-back suplex. Knight launches into a series of punches and Irish whips. He follows up with a neck breaker, a side Russian leg sweep, and a boot to the head, securing a near fall. Knight unloads kicks in the corner and lands a running knee. He attempts a belly-to-back suplex, but Theory manages to land on his feet. Theory takes down Knight with a well-timed clip and a punch. Knight avoids Theory's signature move, A Town Down, and answers with a power slam. ## Knight prepares for the YEAHple's Elbow, but Miz interferes by stepping onto the apron. Knight responds with a kick and a DDT. Miz enters the ring, and Knight goes after him, ultimately clotheslining Miz over the top rope. In the midst of the distraction, Theory seizes the opportunity and rolls up Knight for the three-count victory. ## WINNER: Austin Theory ## After the commercial break, the show continues with a series of congratulatory messages for Edge's 25-year journey in WWE. John Cena, Sheamus, Natalya, The Miz, Charlotte Flair, and Sami Zayn express their admiration for Edge. ## Returning from the break, Michael Cole discusses Edge's first visit to WWE Headquarters. ## A video package about Edge begins, featuring clips of him asking Bret Hart a question on a talk show. Booker T mentions his early anticipation of Edge becoming a major star. There are glimpses of Edge's humorous five-second poses and kazoos. Mick Foley describes him as a perfect blend of athleticism and showmanship. Steve Austin emphasizes Edge's selflessness. Kofi Kingston praises Edge's infectious passion. The Undertaker acknowledges Edge's willingness to take risks for the sake of entertainment. Randy Orton acknowledges Edge's role in raising the performance bar for everyone. ## Edge reflects that when someone takes away what you love the most and you start a family, it becomes a question of whether you can resist the temptation if it's dangled in front of you. The video showcases Edge's triumphant return at the Royal Rumble. Batista labels Edge as WWE's rock star. Various individuals imitate Edge's iconic pose. Hulk Hogan credits Edge with leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling business. ## Bayley and Dakota Kai make their entrance and announce that they have something special to share. Bayley remarks that the Toronto audience may not deserve it, but they will present the crowd with something unfamiliar to Toronto—champions. She takes a dig at the Toronto crowd's lack of recent championship successes and suggests that they're about to grace the people with their presence. ## Iyo Sky and Bayley (with Dakota Kai) Vs Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair ## The match begins with Bayley facing off against Bianca. Bayley makes a move for the leg, but Bianca responds with a waist lock. Bayley counters with a single-leg takedown, resulting in a near fall. Bianca then executes a waist lock takedown of her own. She transitions into a side headlock and follows up with a shoulder strike in the corner. Bianca goes on to deliver a suplex. ## Charlotte Flair tags in and delivers kicks to Bayley in the corner. Flair forcefully sends Bayley into the turnbuckles and delivers chopping strikes. Bayley attempts a move resembling a sunset flip, but Flair rolls through and lands a dropkick. Charlotte tries for a fallaway slam, but Bayley slips away and pulls Charlotte down to the mat. ## Iyo tags in and delivers a chop to Charlotte. Flair retaliates with chops of her own and a forearm in the corner. Charlotte sends Iyo to the apron and uses a boot to the head to send her to the outside. Flair follows up with a cannonball leap off the apron, connecting with both Iyo and Bayley outside the ring.## As the action resumes, Bayley employs a side headlock on Charlotte. Flair counters with a backbreaker and hurls Bayley into the turnbuckles. Bayley answers with a press slam, earning a near fall. Iyo nimbly lands on her feet during a belly-to-back suplex attempt. She transitions into La Mistica, then transitions it into a crossface submission on Flair. Charlotte manages to rise to her feet and snap mares Iyo to escape the hold. Despite Flair's proximity, Iyo prevents her from tagging out. Flair attempts a sunset flip, but Iyo holds on, forcing Flair to roll through. Charlotte finally executes a back body drop, but Iyo knocks Bianca off the apron just as Flair was about to tag her. ## Iyo follows up with a chopping strike to Flair. She delivers a dropkick against the ropes and scores a near fall. Bianca tags in, unleashing a series of shoulder tackles and a well-executed dropkick. She follows it up with a delayed vertical suplex, showcasing her strength. Bianca proceeds with a shoulder thrust in the corner before ascending the turnbuckles to deliver punches to Iyo. ## Bayley intervenes to halt Bianca's assault, but Bianca surprises with a backflip, using it to execute a backbreaker on Bayley. Taking advantage of Iyo's positioning, Bianca executes a handspring moonsault to Bayley, which inadvertently hits Iyo. Iyo responds with a dropkick aimed at the back of Bianca's leg. Bayley tags in and executes a KneeDT, earning a near fall. Bianca retaliates with a neck breaker on Bayley while simultaneously delivering a DDT to Iyo. ## Charlotte enters the match after tagging in and climbs the turnbuckles, executing a cross body on both Iyo and Bayley. Charlotte follows up with a series of chops. She performs a fallaway slam on Iyo, then repeats the move on Bayley. Flair proceeds with a handspring clothesline, resulting in a close near fall. Charlotte ascends the turnbuckles once more, but Bayley interferes and pushes her off, causing Flair to crash onto the ringside floor. Charlotte clutches her ankle in pain while Bayley shoves Bianca off the apron. Iyo takes advantage and kicks Flair, while Bayley returns Flair to the ring. ## Bayley gains a near fall after a pin attempt. Iyo tags in and goes for a high-risk maneuver from the top rope, but her moonsault misses its mark. Iyo, however, lands on her feet and swiftly strikes Flair with a shotei. Attempting a running shoulder strike into the corner, Iyo ends up hitting the ring post instead. Bayley seizes the opportunity and sets up for a figure-four leglock. Charlotte counters with a punch. ## Bianca tags in and Flair kicks Bayley. Bianca connects with the KOD (Kiss of Death) on Bayley, securing the three-count victory. ## WINNER:Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair ## More tributes pour in for Edge as Cody, AJ Styles, Ricochet, Bayley, and Dolph Ziggler share their congratulations.## Cody reminisces about Edge's participation in the European tour following his retirement announcement.## Kevin Owens expresses his desire to have wrestled Edge. Becky extends her gratitude to Edge for his support. Rey sends his love and warm wishes for Edge's 25th anniversary. Kurt Angle hails Edge as one of the all-time greatest wrestlers. ## In the backstage area, Cathy interviews Bianca when she is suddenly ambushed by Dakota, Iyo, and Bayley. They forcefully propel her into a storage case, followed by Iyo choking Bianca using a chair. Bayley proceeds to trap Bianca's leg in a chair, and Iyo strikes the chair with another chair. ## Officials quickly intervene to halt the attack. ## Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins Vs Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows (with Mia Yim) ## Gallows initiates the assault with a series of kicks and punches directed at Ford. Luke follows up with peek-a-boo uppercuts, and Karl Anderson enters the fray with an Irish whip on Ford. Luke delivers a splash, setting up Karl to follow with a kick for a close near fall. Karl proceeds with an uppercut and chop. Ford retaliates with a clothesline, prompting Dawkins to tag in. ## Dawkins enters with a burst of energy, launching punches and kicks at Karl. Ford joins in with his own flurry of strikes. Karl is sent into the apron, but he manages to counter as Dawkins charges, using a boot to his advantage. Karl responds with a chop. Dawkins executes a pump handle suplex, knocking Luke off the apron in the process. Dawkins continues the momentum with a twisting suplex, setting up Ford to hit a Frog Splash for another near fall. Luke is then sent to the ringside area. ## Dawkins tags back in, and Karl gets back on his feet. Ford springs over Karl, but Karl counters with a spinebuster. Gallows tags in, and they execute a tandem belly-to-back suplex and neck breaker combination for another near fall. Karl tags back in, and they prepare for the Magic Killer. However, Dawkins manages to escape, hitting Karl with an enzuigiri. Ford clotheslines Gallows out of the ring and follows up with a plancha. ## Karl surprises Dawkins with a flying boot. Ford takes the blind tag and together they execute the Sky High and a neck breaker combination, resulting in the three-count victory. ## WINNER: Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins ## Following the match, Bobby Lashley joins Angelo and Montez on the stage. ## The scene shifts to Paul Heyman backstage, and he appears visibly displeased. ## Looking back to the previous week on Smackdown, the focus was on the Bloodline. Kayla sought an update from Paul Heyman concerning this matter.## Kayla attempted to engage Paul about Roman Reigns' state of mind, but Paul remained tight-lipped.## Alluding to some rumors she'd heard, Kayla prompted Paul for more information. Paul responded by asking what rumors she had to bring to him. He mentioned the departure of Jey Uso from the Bloodline and WWE, as well as potential rumors about Roman's family. Paul even turned the conversation toward Kayla's own family, asking about her mother, father, and cousins.## Paul then shifted the discussion to the rumors surrounding Roman's cousins, noting the contrast with Kayla's apparent lack of interest in topics like Edge and Austin Theory's recent victory.## Drawing on a phrase from Quebec, Paul took a call and informed the caller about the ongoing live interview. The conversation took an unexpected turn, leading to some surprising news before the call abruptly ended.## When Kayla inquired about the information, Paul clarified that it was not a rumor, but a fact—a spoiler, in fact. He announced that Jimmy Uso would be appearing on the upcoming Smackdown.## Kayla pressed Paul to reveal the source of this information, but he declined, indicating that he couldn't divulge it.## As the scene transitioned, it was revealed that in the following week, Jimmy Uso would indeed be present on Smackdown. Additionally, there was mention of Grayson Waller taking on Rey Mysterio in a non-title match. ## Sheamus (with Butch and Ridge Holland) Vs Edge ## They exchange a handshake before getting into the action. Edge initiates with a side headlock followed by a swift shoulder tackle. They grapple, and Sheamus gains control with a wrist lock and a side headlock. Sheamus responds with a forceful shoulder tackle of his own. He then executes a uranage backbreaker move. ## We return to the action, and Edge starts off with a series of punches. He follows up with a springboard back elbow maneuver. Edge then executes an Edge-O-Matic, coming close to a pinfall. Edge directs Sheamus to the apron and smoothly slides under, delivering a power bomb to the outside floor. After bringing Sheamus back into the ring, Edge connects with a crossbody move, coming close to another near fall. ## Edge readies himself for a Sharpshooter attempt, but Sheamus thwarts it by kicking Edge away. Sheamus responds with a tilt-a-whirl power slam, nearly getting a pinfall. Sheamus then aims to execute forearm strikes on the apron, but Edge counters and lands a series of punches. Edge switches to delivering knees to Sheamus' midsection, causing him to tumble onto the apron. In a fierce move, Edge spears Sheamus through the ropes and onto the outside floor. ## After a commercial break, we return to find Sheamus applying a Cloverleaf submission hold on Edge. Edge responds with forceful forearms to the back of Sheamus' legs and his back. Edge transitions into a crossface submission hold, but Sheamus manages to reach the ropes to break the hold. Edge charges into the corner but gets met with Sheamus' boots. Sheamus struggles to ascend the turnbuckles, and Edge halts his progress with a well-placed boot to the head. Edge positions himself on the turnbuckles, executing a successful superplex and following it up with Edgecution for a near fall. ## Undeterred, Edge returns to the turnbuckles, but Sheamus intervenes with a timely kick to halt Edge's plans. A back-and-forth exchange of punches ensues between Sheamus and Edge. Sheamus incorporates forearms into the mix. Sheamus then lifts Edge for a super Air Raid Crash. Seizing the moment, Sheamus positions for the Celtic Cross and lands the move, coming very close to a pinfall victory. ## On the apron, Sheamus delivers a series of forceful forearms across Edge's chest. Edge defiantly urges Sheamus to continue the onslaught. Sheamus responds with more impactful forearms. In a fiery exchange, Edge slaps Sheamus before landing a clothesline. ## Edge then readies himself for a spear, but Sheamus counters with a jumping knee followed by his signature Brogue Kick. He comes close to securing a pinfall. Sheamus prepares for another Brogue Kick, but Edge evades, rolling up Sheamus for a near fall. Edge counters with a spear, earning another near fall. ## Refusing to relent, Edge charges in with yet another spear, this time securing the three-count pinfall victory. ## WINNER: Edge via pinfall ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Laval, August 17, 2023 - Sami Zayn's ascent to the main event echelon occurred in late 2022 and extended into 2023, largely attributed to his pivotal role in the Bloodline narrative. ## Zayn diligently labored to garner the confidence of Roman Reigns, attaining the esteemed designation of an Honorary Uce. This led him to collaborate closely with The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso), Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman. However, the narrative took a dramatic twist during the WWE Royal Rumble event, as Zayn unexpectedly betrayed Reigns.## This treacherous act culminated in a showdown between the two at WWE Elimination Chamber, hosted in Montreal. Despite amassing fervent fan backing, Zayn ultimately succumbed to Reigns' prowess in a contest vying for the prestigious Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. In a conversation with Ryan Satin on Out of Character, Zayn engaged in introspection, delving into the complexities of the feud. ## "No, it was a little hard, if you want the truth," Zayn said when asked if the loss was hard to deal with. "It was a little hard because, and I don’t think I’m being controversial in saying this, but I’m not the chosen guy, obviously. I’ve been handed a lot of opportunities, and I’ve delivered on a lot of those opportunities throughout my time with the company. I’m grateful for all of it, but clearly, I don’t think anyone would say, ‘Oh clearly, he was being positioned to be the top guy or be the most popular guy on the show.’ Obviously, that’s not the case, and that’s fine. But I guess in the back of your head, you’re always banking on your ability to get there. Somehow or another, you just feel like you’ll get there, and then it is hard to get there. ## It’s almost miraculous to get there, or to get one of these organic runs that the audience sort of wills into existence. You can probably count them on one hand in the last ten years with Daniel Bryan, Becky Lynch, Kofi Kingston, and myself. Who knows what’s happening with LA Knight? I feel like he’s starting to get a bit of that right now in the moment, and good for him. But all this is to say, it’s like a lighting-in-the-bottle type of a thing. You don’t get it very often. Then you kind of get it, and you’re like, ‘Well, you almost feel like the story, the audience, your performance, all of it, it’s just got you to the exact right place you dreamed you’d be. When you get there, it just kind of falls short, and you don’t know if you’ll ever get it back. You know what I mean? So for sure that’s hard. You don’t know if you can do it again. ## "Like I said, it’s only happened a handful of times in the last ten years. I still think the investment and the equity that I have with the audience from that storyline, I think I’ve penetrated a lot of hearts, where I’ll stick around there for a while because I’ve made them feel all these feelings. I took them on that ride, and when somebody takes you on that ride and they penetrate your heart, they’re in there, and they gotta do a lot to get out of it. So now you’re probably gonna cheer them for years to come. So I got a lot out of that story, don’t get me wrong, it goes without saying. So if and when I do get to that mountaintop again or I get in the title picture and I’m a big challenger trying to fulfill my destiny, whatever it is, it might still get there, but it’ll just have a different feel. ### It’ll still be part of the overarching story of the character. But it just felt like one of those things like man, I forced their hand as much as humanly possible, and still just a buck short. It was a hard pill to swallow, for sure it was. Even though you kind of know what the plan is or where thin are headed or this and that, there’s kind of this hope that you hold onto like, ‘Yeah, but if the crowd is loud enough, and the story’s good enough, it’s kind of right there.’ It kind of felt like we got right there, about as close as any human being on earth could get without actually getting there. That’s as close as anyone on earth as ever come without getting there [laughs], but it’s fine because getting there on its own is an amazing feat. ## What I mean by getting there, it’s not beating Roman, but getting to that match where everyone wants you to beat Roman and getting an audience in that frenzy and experiencing an audience like that, being part of a story like that, very few people on earth can say they’ve ever done that. Like I said, I’ve been able to penetrate the hearts of so many fans to where now I’m in their good graces, regardless of the storyline that I’m in next. They love me because I made them feel all these different feelings, and that means a lot to me. I don’t have bad things to say about anything involving that story. But if you’re asking me was it a tough pill to swallow to come that close and not quite make it, I’d be lying if I said no, it didn’t bother me at all. For sure, there was a part of me that had problems digesting that." Transcription via Fightful ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...