The Calgary Flames say thank you to WWE.
On September 9, Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome served as the home to an episode of WWE Raw. On a grander scale, the Scotiabank Saddledome stands as the home venue for the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames.
As such, WWE issued a special tribute to Flames alumni Johnny Gaudreau, and his brother Matthew, who both unexpectedly died at the end of last month. On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver who is now facing charges of reckless driving.
During this week’s episode of Raw in Calgary, commentators Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore acknowledged the life and careers of Johnny and Matthew. Raw correspondent Jackie Redmond also stood outside the Scotiabank Saddledome, showing off the jerseys, hockey sticks, flowers, and other sentimental items laying in memory of Johnny Gaudreau, who served as a Flames winger for nine seasons.
To further commemorate “Johnny Hockey,” former Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn sported Gaudreau’s #13 Flames jersey during his in-ring segment with Gunther and WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart.
The Calgary Flames have since thanked WWE for their tributes.
“Thank you, @WWE, and Canada’s own @SamiZayn for this incredible gesture tonight,” wrote the Flames’ official X account. “Hearing the #CofRed and the WWE Universe come together like this brought a tear to our eye.”
Elsewhere on Raw, Calgary’s own Natalya returned to her hometown for six-woman tag team action against Pure Fusion Collective. Natalya ultimately emerged victorious as she, Lyra Valkyria, and Zelina Vega locked in a trio of Sharpshooters on Shayna Baszler, Sonya Deville, and Zoey Stark.
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