The WWE have announced their plans to air a new Mixed Tag Team Tournament via Facebook Watch beginning Tuesday January 16th, 2018, following SmackDown Live.
According to WWE, the Mixed Match Challenge will be a Raw vs. SmackDown tournament that will consist of twelve 20-minute live episodes that will feature WWE Superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown LIVE rosters competing in a single-elimination mixed tag-team tournament to win $100,000 to support the charity of their choice.
Below are the names of the participants set for the Mixed Match Challenge, with the announcement of teams being revealed on January 4th:
RAW: Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Asuka, Bayley, Braun Strowman, Enzo Amore, Finn Balor, Goldust, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, The Miz, and a final fan vote for a competitor.
SmackDown: Becky Lynch, Bobby Roode, Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Jimmy Uso, Lana, Naomi, Natalya, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, and a Final Fan Vote that includes a member of The New Day.
Pro Wrestling Sheet, who first reported on rumors of the series last month, adds that Vince McMahon is pulling out all the stops with to impress Facebook’s top brass, as well as other websites/streaming services, in an effort to open new doors for 2019 when the company’s TV contract with NBC Universal expires.
The show won’t necessarily be storyline related with Raw and SmackDown, but minor things that happen to the performers might factor into their individual stories (like an “injury” or grueling match causing someone to miss a match).
Some pairing such as Nia Jax and Enzo Amore are almost a lock to team together and pairing up real-life married couples Jimmy Uso/Naomi and Lana/Rusev.
WWE launched a Mixed Match Challenge Facebook page and is asking viewers to submit suggestions on team pairings. Go here to like and follow the page.
What are your thoughts on this new in-ring series competition? Will you be tuning in to it? Which Superstars would you like to see paired up? Let us know in the comments below!
