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WWE Money in the Bank 2023: Roman Reigns is Pinned for First Time in 3 1/2 Years; Damian Priest & Iyo Sky MITB Winners

By Michael Fairman

Published

3 years ago

on

Photo: WWE

In a red-hot premium live event on Peacock, WWE’s 2023 edition of Money in the Bank from London, England was a wild ride with a series of show-stopping moments and storylines that will keep interest in pro wrestling at an all-time high.

Let’s break this down by saying, Shemar Moore’s (ex-Malcolm, Y&R) line announcing to Susan Lucci (ex-Erica, AMC) that she finally won the Daytime Emmy for Lead Actress, ‘the streak is over’, can apply to a huge moment at MITB.  WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns was actually pinned and lost a match for the first-time in over three and a half years! That streak for the dastardly Reigns is now over.

THE USOS vs. ROMAN REIGNS AND SOLO SIKOA 

While Reigns was not defending his championship, he was given the three count, when his cousin Jey Uso secured the win in the Bloodline Civil War tag-team match main event.

“Main Event” Jey Uso came of the top rope with a frog splash and pinned his cousin for the first time since December of 2019.  This was an absolute epic match with stellar storytelling, all of it would not go over as much as it does without the performances of Reigns, who plays every beat of the story through his looks and motivations and words in and out of the ring, as much as the wrestling action.  The loud and boisterous crowd from London’s O2 Arena, chanted “Stand up if you hate Roman Reigns” throughout the match, and like clockwork, the whole place was standing up amplifying the heel heat on Reigns.

In addition, the match left you with questions. Where does the Usos younger brother, Solo Sikoa’s allegiance really lie? Throughout the match, Sikoa’s face, at times, appeared very conflicted as he continued to let Reigns decimate his older brothers.  Those that were waiting for a complete turn by Sikoa, hoping he would join forces with his brothers, will have to wait another day.  But from the looks of it, that day is coming.

Now, with his entire ‘Bloodline’ on the brink of collapse, his cousin Jey Uso a threat once again to his Universal Championship, and the WWE creatives allowing Reigns to be pinned, it looks to set up a title match between Jey and Roman this August at SummerSlam. Will WWE book that match? Stay tuned. The ‘Bloodline’s’ story has continually paid huge dividends for the WWE with record-high attendance and high television ratings, and there’s more to the story to come.

MEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH

In a brilliant move to start the show with the highly competitive men’s Money in the Bank ladder match the field included: Butch, Ricochet, Shisuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Damian Priest and L.A. Knight.

Photo: WWE

Social media superstar and influencer, Logan Paul, who has proven he belongs in the WWE, was not the favorite with the crowd and he played up that fact. However, the one that everyone in London was rooting for, and many at home, was L.A. Knight. This is the guy who has it all, but has never been given the proper push by the WWE.  It seemed like this would be his moment to elevate him to where he should be.  However, it was not meant to be Knight’s night.

In the post event press conference, Triple H said on L.A. Knight’s loss at Money in the Bank, “I know LA Knight was a massive favorite coming in tonight, continuing that ascent. But great things come to those who wait, right? I think that that rise is just getting started.”

Another very deserving star, Damian Priest, ultimately climbed to the top of the ladder and secured the briefcase which means he now has a shot to win a WWE championship at any time.  The moment Priest secured the briefcase, and with his Judgment Day teammate Finn Balor facing Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship later in the night, all eyes were going to be on Priest, if he showed up at ringside to cash in. (More on that below).

There were outstanding bumps and spots throughout the ladder match. One moment occurred when Ricochet summersaulted from the ring slamming Paul off the apron into two tables. The replay seemedto indicate Paul hurt his head, but he actually wound up slicing his shoulder.

WOMEN’S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH

As the WWE Universe would say, “This was awesome!” The women’s Money in the Bank ladder match was so creative and featured high-flying spots and double-crosses, that you really did not know which way it was going to go – although the smart money was on Iyo Sky.  Competing for the briefcase were: Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus, Bayley, Sky, Zoey Stark and Zelina Vega.

Photo: WWE

During the match, Stark, working alongside “Thank You” Trish Stratus, tried to handcuff Becky Lynch to the ring post, but she only got the cuffs around on one of her wrists. As the decorated Lynch (who has never won Money in the Bank) tries to climb her ladder to victory, Bayley was on the opposite side of her with a ladder trying to beat her to the top.  Then, came Iyo Sky’s brilliant thinking! She handcuffed her Damage CTRL mentor, Bayley, and Lynch to each other so they could not use their arms to further climb their ladders, enabling Sky to get to the top and grab the briefcase and become the winner.

The match definitely took its toll on WWE legend, Trish Stratus, 47, as it appears she broke her nose.  Vega and Sky provided the jaw-dropping spots throughout the match including powerbombs off the top of the ladder and Sky, taking to the sky, to land on all her opponents outside the ring.

After Sky’s recent performances, including at WWE Backlash in Puerto Rico against Bianca Belair, it was only a matter of time before she got her big push. Now the question becomes, which WWE women’s champ will she cash in on?

LIV MORGAN AND RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ VS. RHONDA ROUSEY AND SHAYNA BASZLER

In the “WTF” moment of the entire show, Shayna Baszler out of nowhere turned on her tag team partner Rhonda Rousey during their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.  If you went away from your screens or blinked, you may have missed this turn of events. After going ballistic on her partner, Baszler walked out on the match, leaving a vulnerable Rousey to easily get pinned by Rodriguez.

Photo: WWE

Morgan and Rodriguez regain the tag championships they lost.  Where does this go from here? Most likely, Rousey vs. Baslzer at SummerSlam, but we just are on sure of what are the motivations for Shayna to beat down Rhonda.

JOHN CENA MAKES A SURPRISE APPEARANCE

In a shocker, and a major moment of the night, 16-time WWE champion, John Cena came out to the ring to the adoring crowd and propped up London as a potential home for WrestleMania, much to the delight of the over 19,000 in attendance.

Cena shared, “I want the world to know that you are under-appreciated. I’m here to try to bring WrestleMania to London.”  While the pop was deafening, this has to be something in the works for the superstar to say that.  The first open WrestleMania would be 2025, since WrestleMania is booked for Philadelphia in 2024.  With AEW about to sellout Wembley Stadium this August with their first massive stadium show, it’s clear that WWE went on the offense to bring an even bigger moment to London town.

Photo: WWE

To give Cena a foe during his segment, Grayson Waller came out to talk trash to Cena and to say that WrestleMania should come to Australia not London. Eventually, Waller attacked Cena, but Cena got the upper hand with his ‘attitude adjustment’ before his time in the ring ended.

Just having Cena show up was massive for fans young and old at O2 Arena. Reports indicated that John was already in London filming a movie so it was easy to get him to come across time and give some love to the London WWE Universe.

SETH ‘FREAKIN’ ROLLINS VS. FINN BALOR

In this WWE World Championship match, Balor had an ax to grind against Rollins.  Ultimately, this match was really about furthering another storyline rather than this match itself.

Damian Priest, fresh off winning the Money in the Bank ladder match, came out to the ring ten minutes into the match-up.  As many had hoped, would this be the moment that Priest would cash in on Rollins if he was weakened by Balor, or would he swerve his Judgement Day buddy, Finn Balor, if Balor got the victory?  What did happen was Priest brought the intimation factor to ringside with his MITB briefcase in hand.

Photo: WWE

Ultimately, Damian did not cash in. Instead, he faked like he would as Balor went to the top rope for his finisher the coup de grace, but he was distracted by Priest and fumbled the move. Rollins was then able to knock Balor off the top rope and hit him with his patented curb stomp and secure the win.

There will be more dissension between Priest and Balor in the weeks to come. Will Priest leave the Judgement Day? Will one or the other cost each other a title opportunity? More to come.

In other key moments ….

GUNTHER VS. MATT RIDDLE

While it looked once again that Gunther was dominant in his win vs. Matt Riddle to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship, the real threat to his title arrived on the scene when Drew McIntrye returned to action after months away and his contract negotiations still underway.  In the ring, McIntrye challenged Gunther and landed a Claymore to Gunther’s face for good measure. It was at WrestleMania 39 that Gunther, McIntrye and Sheamus were involved in that triple-threat match for the title, that many believed was one of the best of WrestleMania weekend in Los Angeles.

CODY RHODES VS. DOMINIK MYSTERIO

Rhodes secured an easy win here over Mysterio, and now he is on to continue to ‘finish the story’.  We would assume, next up, the third match-up with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, before returning to his quest for the WWE Universal Championship currently held by Roman Reigns.

This card had everything and we have to give it a solid “A”.  Following Money in the Bank, Michael Fairman and pro wrestling reporter, Luis Ruiz went on to You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for another edition of their What’s Up? Wrestling series to give their thoughts and reactions immediately following the premium live event on Peacock.  You can catch that below.

So, what did you think of WWE’s Money in the Bank 2023? What were your favorite moments? Let us know in the comment section.

 

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: The WSB Extradites Nina After Drew Frames Her for Jack’s Disappearance

Published

16 hours ago

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September 17, 2026

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Nina Reeves

It was not a good day on the Thursday, September 17 episode of General Hospital for Nina Reeves. However, while it was not a good day for Nina, it was a good day for GH fans because of the performance (as per usual) of Daytime Emmy winner, Cynthia Watros who is at the epicenter of this leg of the story.

In story, Nina has been dragged down to the PCPD and Agent Baines (Alimi Ballard) shows Nina, and her now lawyer, Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst), evidence of Jack (Chris McKenna) Brennan’s wallet found in Nina’s car. Baines says he has enough evidence to extradite Nina immediately.

Nina loses it and fumes and cries. Baines instructs Ric to get his client to cooperate before heading into the squad room to tell Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) that Nina would be transferred to a WSB facility. Now alone with Ric, Nina tells him she is being framed. She did nothing to Jack other than have a public argument with him. Ric asks her if she can think of anyone who would frame her for Jack’s disappearance or possible murder?

After not giving Ric any thoughts as to who could be framing her, Baines returned and informs Nina she is being extradited and taken into WSB custody immediately. Just as a frantic Nina is being carted away, Ava (Maura West) has shown up at the police station and witnessed the whole thing.

Drew

Courtesy/ABC

AVA LEARNS EXACTLY WHAT NINA AND WILLOW DID TO DREW

Earlier in the episode, Ava got a mouthful from Drew (Cameron Mathison). He informed her that Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and Nina drugged him for months with a paralytic drug and he never had a stroke. He also informed her Willow shot him.

Ava was not surprised about Willow shooting him in the back. However, Drew told Ava that Nina tried to kill him when she pushed him into the water at the Quartermaine boathouse while he was locked in his wheelchair.

Drew admits to framing Nina with Brennan’s wallet, although Ava is upset because Nina is her friend. He then reminds Ava that Nina also gave her drugs, induced labor and stole her baby. Ava says Nina is a very different person now than she was then. A vengeful Drew wants Nina to suffer after all she did to him, plus he has a plan for taking down Willow next.

So, what do you think of Nina being taken into custody by the WSB? How will she get out of the new hell she is in? Do you think Ava will help her friend, or continue to help Drew because of their alliance to take down Sonny? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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Dancing with the Stars

DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 35 Premiere Night Two: Which Women Stole The Show? Who Went Home?

Published

18 hours ago

on

September 17, 2026

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Dancing with the Stars premiere night 2

The second night of a two-part season 35 premiere had the ladies hitting the dance floor for the first time on Wednesday’s, September 16 edition of Dancing With the Stars. As previously reported, night one was the male celebrity contestants and night two would be the women.

When the smoke cleared, three couples looked very strong coming out of the gate: Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas, Jenna Dewan and pro Val Chmerkovskiy and Amber Glenn and pro Pasha Pashkov.

The remaining couples were: Tatyana Ali and pro Jan Ravnik, Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong, Giada De Laurentiis and pro Alan Bersten, Julia Stiles and pro Ezra Sosa and Sarah Jane Nader and pro Hailey Bills. Look for Miller and Stiles, who tied with 18 points with Amber Glenn, to possibly challenge the frontrunners in the weeks ahead, but this is Dancing with the Stars were the popular at-home vote really decides who stays and who gets the boot.

Photo: ABC

Let’s take a look at the top three couples from last night’s competition:

Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas – dancing the Foxtrot to “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles – 21/30

Judge Bruno said of the sleek performance, “So enticing. Smooth as silk and ready for the kill. I was talking earlier about the quality of the foxtrot … you’ve done just that. The movement on Week 1, I’ve never seen something that level of quality.”

Judge Carrie Ann said of Traitors star Higgins. she was blown away and almost rendered unable to speak, sharing, “That was mesmerizing. Not only was it all that Bruno said, you are mesmerizing. You had the character right, the way you toned it.”

Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy – dancing to Tango to “Call Me” by Blondie – 19/30

For the final dance of the night Jenna Dewan and Valentin Chmerkovskiy performed a tango. The star of The Rookie, who once danced for the likes of Janet Jackson and others is expected to go far, so Val made sure they turned up the heat.

Judge Derek Hough said of the routine, “It literally had so much power, so much energy, and I think part of that, actually, for me, made the shoulders go up a little bit.” He also had a bit of warning for Dewan that she needs to work on the “fine strokes” of her dance moves as she moves forward in the competition.

Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov – dancing the Cha Cha to “Smooth” by Carlos Santana Ft. Rob Thomas – 18/30

Although there were those annoying winks at the start of her routine and later on from the Olympic Gold medalist, Amber Glenn took her athletic prowess from the ice to the dance floor.

Judge Bruno said of her performance, “She attacked the cha-cha-cha like a warrior queen. I love the attitude. You really went for it. There are bad habits that come with what you do. You don’t articulate with your foot … she’s got it all, you just need to refine.”

THE RESULTS

When it was time for the evening’s result which would send one couple home packing, the five couples safe were: Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas, Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy, Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov, Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa, and Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong.

Photo: ABC

That left: Giada De Laurentis and Alan Bersten, Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills, and Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik. The couple eliminated was the all-girl duo of Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills, thus ending the run to showcase a same-sex dancing duo moving forward for the rest of the season.

So, we ask you, did the right couple get voted out? Who do you think is your early favorite from the ladies to make it to the finals for the Len Goodman MirrorBall Trophy later this season? How do you think the ladies ranked with what you saw from the men on night one? Let us know via the comment section below.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Chase Walks Out on Brooklyn, Anna and Valentin Share Poignant Moments as She Urges Him to Go to Carly

Published

1 day ago

on

September 17, 2026

By

General Hospital

The Wednesday, September 16, episode of General Hospital provided the tipping points in the marriage of Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard), the case of Jack Brennan, where Agent Baines (Alimi Ballard) arrested Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), and Anna (Finola Hughes) and Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) deep love for each other on display, even though Anna didn’t want Valentin to do anything to destroy his burgeoning relationship with Carly (Laura Wright). 

Let’s take a look at what went down. First, Brook Lynn’s world is rock when Chase announced he was moving out of the Q’s. As he packed (his one duffel bag?), Brook Lynn begged him not to leave. However, no matter what solution she came up with, Chase shot her down explaining that the trust issues between them is bigger issue than her family and their love for one another.

As they talked about mistrust, Chase says that Brook Lynn lied about framing Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) despite swearing there were no more lies between them. Then, Chase reveals he had spoken to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) about a legal separation to a stunned BLQ. Chase said he had concerns if it would effect their adoption of Phoebe, which Alexis assured Chase it would not.

Courtesy/ABC

Somehow, Brook Lynn manages to convince Chase to hold off on filing the legal separation paperwork. She wants him to figure out for himself if he feels their marriage is worth saving, by taking some time with it. After he leaves, Brook Lynn breaks down and cries.

THE WSB DESTROYS MINDS

In the pick-up of Tuesday’s episode, Carly (Laura Wright) shows up at Anna’s front door and finds Valentin there when he opened the door. Carly saw Anna inside and then took off.

However, Valentin is so worried for Anna and how the WSB had broken her. It’s something he understands and relates to and hates seeing the woman he loves deeply and always will, in such a state. Initially, he said they should go away together. Anna instead told Valentin to go after Carly and explain to her that he was just visiting her to take care of a friend.

Anna phoned Felicia to come sit with her, so Valentin could salvage his relationship with Carly. Once Felicia arrives, and Valentin left, Anna shared to her best friend that no one understood her better than Valentin who had seen her though the years in some of her worst moments. However, Anna says she cannot lean on him any longer, and that she would always love him. Now, it’s time for he and Carly to be together because he deserved happiness.

Courtesy/ABC

Valentin heads back to Carly’s and sees her with a glass of red wine. Valentin wants to explain, but Carly wants to respect Anna’s privacy. She explains she had gone to see Anna after seeing Emma (Braedyn Bruner) and her daughter Josslyn (Eden McCoy) in a fight over Anna’s situation.

Carly fears Josslyn could one day end up like Anna. Valentin explains that Anna’s downfall was linked to Cesar Faison, so it would be unlikely that Josslyn would suffer the same fate.

In a very adult conversation, Valentin tells Carly he believes Anna will get back up from this, and land on her feet and he hoped that one day she can find some peace, just like he has now with Carly. Throughout all the scenes that played out featuring Anna, Valentin and Carly, James Patrick Stuart played it all to perfection.

YOU’RE UNDER ARREST

Finally, while Ava (Maura West) and Nina are at the Metro Court Gardens, Agent Baines shows up and handcuffs Nina for the disappearance, possible murder, of Jack Brennan. Nina screams that she did not to it while she is being dragged away which is also witnessed by her ex Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). 

So, what did you think of Chase walking out on Brook Lynn? Do you hope he files separation papers and eventually gets out of Brook Lynn’s life for good, since one can assume he will be headed back Willow’s way? What did you think of the Anna/Valentin scenes? Do you hope they end up together down the road, or would like to see Valentin remain with Carly? And, now that Nina is arrested for Jack’s disapperance, will the real culprit reveal themselves? Let us know in the comment section, but first check out a preview for today’s Thursday, September 17 episode via the official GH video tease below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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