John Cena, Hulk Hogan and Latest WWE News and Rumors from Ring Rust Radio

Ring Rust Radio is the best wrestling show on the airwaves, and this week was no different. With strong opinions on John Cena, Hulk Hogan and more, this is where you need to go to get all of your weekly WWE nuggets.

Bleacher Report featured columnists Mike Chiari, Donald Wood and Brandon Galvin give the lowdown on everything going on in the wrestling world. Lucha Underground star Cage also joined the show to offer his inside perspective on the business.

With another unpredictable episode of Ring Rust Radio in the books, you can't afford to miss another second of the action. Catch us live every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET (some language NSFW) or follow us on Twitter @RingRustRadio.

We may just read your questions and comments live on the air. Visit our website at RingRustRadio.com. You can also email us here: [e-mail].

Some language NSFW.

Upcoming Guests/Events

Aug. 4: TNA star DJ Z

John Cena Forces Seth Rollins to Submit on Raw

One week after United States champion John Cena called out WWE world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins for being a poor titleholder, the two premier Superstars clashed on Raw with the U.S. title on the line. Despite getting his nose broken by a Rollins knee, Cena ultimately prevailed by making him tap out to the STF.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Was This Match Booked Correctly?

There were seemingly already mixed opinions with regard to a feud between Cena and Rollins within the WWE Universe, and Monday's result likely didn't help matters. It wasn't particularly surprising to see the leader of the Cenation prevail, given his title was on the line, but making the world champion give up felt counterproductive, especially after Cena did the same thing to Kevin Owens at Battleground.

It was a great match, as expected, and Rollins looked good because of the accidental injury he inflicted upon Cena, but the finish was far from ideal. The former architect of the Shield has often been made to look weak throughout his title reign, especially at Battleground.

He was on the verge of losing to Brock Lesnar before the Undertaker interfered. He could have used a good string of victories in order to rebound from that situation, but he fell to Cena just over a week later.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

WWE did a poor job of following up with the narrative it created earlier in the night when Cena dubbed himself the underdog. Nobody believes the 15-time world champion is ever an underdog, but having him beat Rollins with something fluky like a roll-up could have made that declaration seem more legitimate. It also wouldn't have damaged Rollins' credibility much since it could have been chalked up to luck or a lapse in concentration.

Although Cena's broken nose may complicate things, there is still time to rectify the situation. If Cena is able to wrestle ahead of SummerSlam on August 23, then Rollins must be given a victory over him with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line. If that happens, then the two Superstars will be on equal footing entering the pay-per-view, which is where a title versus title match would likely take place.

Rumor Mill

Talk surrounding ESPN and WWE SummerSlam (Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestlingInc.com)

WWE Parts Ways with Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan has long been viewed as one of the biggest stars and most positive influences in the history of professional wrestling, but his reputation took a major hit when he was fired from his role as a WWE ambassador after it was revealed that he had made several racist comments on video, reported by Forbes.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Did WWE React Properly to the Situation?

There is no question Hogan is a huge reason why WWE became a global phenomenon following the original WrestleMania in 1985. Without Hulkamania, there may be no WWE today. While Vince McMahon owes a lot to Hogan, he owes even more to those who support the product, including fans and advertisers. Also, WWE is a publicly traded company, which means it can't associate itself with such intolerant viewpoints.

Hogan would obviously love to take back everything he said, and the manner in which his comments were recorded and released were nefarious since he was unaware he was being taped. That doesn't excuse anything he said, though.

Despite WWE's love for Hogan and the good work he had previously done as a representative of the company, it had no choice other than to act swiftly and completely end its relationship with the Immortal One.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

It is difficult to imagine anyone has much of an issue with WWE moving on from Hogan, considering the circumstances, but some have objected to the company essentially trying to pretend like he never existed. All mentions of him have been removed from the promotion's website, and WWE is no longer selling his merchandise, either. In addition, select Hogan-related content has been removed from WWE Network.

Those who disagree with that approach should keep in mind WWE probably won't take the so-called "Chris Benoit approach" with Hogan forever. Nobody will ever fully forget the things Hogan said, but time tends to heal most wounds, which means WWE and its fans will likely be more receptive to Hogan down the line.

It could take five or even 10 years before WWE starts acknowledging the legendary Superstar again, but the smart money is on it happening eventually.

Rumor Mill 

Backstage news regarding Hogan on WWE Network (F4WOnline via WrestlingInc.com)

RRR Interview with Lucha Underground's Cage

Professional wrestling fans have been exposed to many new and exciting talents in recent months thanks to Lucha Underground, but few can compare to Cage. While he did some good things in PWG, TNA and former WWE developmental system FCW, Cage is just now being exposed to a wider audience. He sat down with Ring Rust Radio to discuss his continually improving profile in the business.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's Next for Cage?

Cage has been a staple throughout the first season of Lucha Underground, and he stole the show in his match against the Mack on the opening night of Ultima Lucha. Cage displayed the mix of strength, brutality and athleticism that has made him such a good fit inside the temple.

Although he doesn't seem like the typical Lucha-style wrestler, the 31-year-old star believes he has been a great fit with the promotion:

"

At first, they think I don't belong here, but then they see my styles and my ability and it meshes well with them and their style altogether. It gives them something new and brings almost a hybrid style of a so-called big man. I love it here.

I was a little unsure myself jumping on board and seeing how it would work out. I was worried it wasn't going to work out or turn out to be a flop. It's been phenomenal and the best company I have ever worked for. I am glad and couldn't be happier that I signed on board.

I am looking forward for everything down the road and think it will be a big success.

"

Lucha Underground has become a top alternative in wrestling thanks to the eclectic mix of styles and personalities it provides the viewers with, and there is no doubt Cage is at the forefront of that movement.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

While the first season of Lucha Underground has been fantastic, it will reach its conclusion Aug. 5 when the second part of Ultima Lucha airs. Although nothing has been announced with regard to a second season, Cage likes the way the promotion is set up and feels strongly that Season 2 will ultimately happen:

"

The season thing I was shaky going back and forth with at first. I know originally they wanted a shorter time lapse, but I'm not so worried now. It's shot more like a TV show, and I think that will help to keep people wanting more, like when we took that winter break last year.

Everyone thinks it won't work because you will lose momentum, but this has never been done before. There are a lot of things Lucha is doing that no one has before like shooting in a whole different angle. The only way to see how it works is to try it.

I am getting more and more confident that it will be fine and not too long of a break. We will see how it goes moving forward shooting the seasons. I think Season 2 will be everything Season 1 was and just so much more. You know what to expect, people will want to be a part of it, and wrestlers will even want to sign on. Everyone is going to [be] more excited for Season 2, [which will] deliver more than Season 1 did.

"

Lucha Underground may not yet be a household name in professional wrestling, but based on how entertaining the first season has been, it will approach that territory if and when a second season happens.

Cage promises to be a linchpin of the operation, and there is no question Lucha fans are excited to see what kinds of incredible athletic feats he'll pull off in the near future.

B/R Article

Lucha Underground Ultima Lucha 2015: Match Card, Predictions and Preview (via Donald Wood)

Ring Rust Radio's Season 9 Fantasy WWE Standings

1. Joe Arcidiacono: 120

2. Donald Wood: 45

4. Mike Chiari: 22.5

3. Brandon Galvin: 15

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio. Catch the latest episode in the player below (some language NSFW).

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