More Smackdown censorship news, backstage names, Simon Miller, More! (Patreon)

• Though Elektra Lopez, Tegan Nox and Cedric Alexander weren’t used, they were in New York for Smackdown. Oro Mensah was as well.

•  For those asking about it, Seth Rollins is still listed as Seth “Freakin” Rollins on rundowns internally.

• Our interview with Tommaso Ciampa that we filmed recently will be posted ahead of his tag title match next Friday.

• WWE sources tell us the door remains open for Kayla Braxton/Becker to return in the future. She is no longer under contract to WWE and finished up on Friday.

• Needless to say, WWE was over the moon regarding the reception for their MSG Smackdown show.

• One of the reasons for a censor on Smackdown was a fan flipping off Nia Jax. Another was a "fuck the Pacers" chant.

• WWE expect to have Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson featured on shows in the future when it works for each of them.
  

Simon Miller Interview Notes 

Fightful’s Corey Brennan recently sat down with creator and pro wrestler Simon Miller for an interview about content creation, wrestling and more.

When asked about starting late in his career, Simon admitted that while he could continue wrestling theoretically into his 60’s, starting wrestling training late has left him wishing he’d started earlier, while also becoming a sponge of knowledge in his learning. Simon spoke about his previous attempts to begin wrestling training, admitting that it became two much for him on those attempts, but preparing for one match only helped him overcome that hurdle.

Simon expressed his excitement about his upcoming match with AEW’s Danhausen, admitting that getting to be silly in the ring is something he enjoys a lot. Miller noted that he does have one idea in particular that is “so ridiculous” he was surprised that those around him didn’t shut it down. Simon said that if he makes one other person laugh, he’s achieved his goal.

On juggling content creation and his wrestling career, Simon admitted that there were times he was overwhelmed, but never strongly considered giving up either, although he did admit the right circumstances would lead to him dropping content creation, but also spoke highly of wanting to become an actor, and adding that job to his workload.

Reflecting on working with Joe Hendry in TNA, Simon admitted that several people both in and inside the industry weren’t sure if they’re feud was real or a work, to which Simon admitted to leading these people to believe that the feud was real. Simon admitted that he wasn’t surprised to see Hendry appear on NXT television and “popped his socks off” for the appearance.

Speaking on his recent shoulder injury, Simon explained that while performing in THE LAST MATCH musical tour in the US, he landed awkwardly on his shoulder on the first night and accumulated more damage on his shoulder tendons throughout the tour to the point that while there were no tears or major damage, it was a ticking time bomb. Simon made the decision to sit out of Progress Super Strong Style 16 rather than end up out of action with a more serious injury for months. He also noted that he was surprised to get the reaction he did from the Progress crowd, and that he had made many suggestions on what he could do on the show despite not wrestling. Simon spoke highly of working with Progress, thanking them for the opportunities they have provided him in wrestling.

Miller noted that his goals for the remainder of 2024 include reaching his ceiling in the ring, whatever that may be, as well as heading to the US for an extended tour.