Archive for June, 2022

John Laurinaitis Put On Administrative Leave By WWE

The Head of WWE Talent Relations John Laurinaitis has been placed on administrative leave in light of the accusations made against him and Vince McMahon recently.

PWinsider is reporting that the promotion issued a memo to the talent after this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw went off air, informing them of the change.

The memo noted that Bruce Prichard will be working as the interim Head of Talent Relations in the absence of Laurinaitis. Prichard will provide a ‘seamless transition’.

The news of WWE board investigating Vince McMahon came out earlier last week. It was said that Mr McMahon had an affair with a former employee. The board was investigating a $3 million dollar pact he made with her.

John Laurinaitis was also named in the report. A source claimed that the former WWE chairman passed the woman onto his executive “like a toy.”

McMahon stepped down as the CEO of the company after the investigation became public. He named his daughter Stephanie McMahon the interim CEO.

It has previously been said that creatively, everything flows through Bruce Prichard. He is the most powerful person in WWE other than a McMahon family member.

This change now brings even more power to Prichard who was only brought back by the company in an executive role in 2019.

Elias Returns – WWE Raw Reactions (6/20/22): Getting Red Ep. 10

Join us as we run down The Good, The Bad and What The Heck?! moments from this week’s Raw.

Plus, we’ll name the show’s MVE (Most Valuable Entertainer).

Subscribe to the SEScoops YouTube Channel and comment below to let us know what you think!

What Happened After June 20 WWE Raw Went Off The Air

The June 20 episode of WWE Raw has wrapped up.

This week’s edition of Monday Night Raw featured a fatal five-way to determine the new number one contender for the Raw Women’s Championship. Rhea Ripley was expected to challenge titleholder Bianca Belair at Money in the Bank but she won’t be medically cleared in time.

We also got to see two MITB qualifying matches. Riddle fell short against Omos in the first qualifying match of the night, while Asuka and Becky Lynch battled it out for a spot in the ladder match. Asuka ended up winning the match.

Following Before The Broadcast

WWE did things a bit different this time. The Judgment Day vs. The Mysterios, a match that one would expect to see on TV or in an after-event dark match, was actually aired before the show for Main Event.

As a result, there was no dark match once WWE Raw went off the air.

WWE Raw Talk

WWE also held its Raw Talk show. Seth Rollins explained why he attacked Riddle and Booker T made an appearance. There was also a WWE digital exclusive where Omos discussed qualifying for the Money in the Bank ladder match.

Elias Returns to WWE Raw, Blasts Kevin Owens With a Guitar (Video)

As promised, Elias made his highly-anticipated return and Kevin Owens got more than he bargained for.

For weeks, KO has been trying to prove that Ezekiel, Elias’ younger brother, is actually Elias. Zeke promised his older brother would show up on the June 20 episode of Monday Night Raw and he delivered.

Before Elias could get a song going, however, Owens interrupted.

KO was not convinced that the video of Elias and Ezekiel having a face-to-face conversation was real. He got inside the ring and smashed Elias’ guitar.

This prompted Elias to take another guitar and smash it over Owens’ back.

When KO got to the back, he challenged Ezekiel, Elias, or their alleged long-lost brother “Elrod.” Zeke ended up accepting the challenge.

Former WWE Champion Removed From Money in the Bank Event

Former WWE Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley will not be wrestling at WWE Money in the Bank after all. 

During the opening segment of Monday Night Raw, Bianca Belair announced that Ripley will not be medically cleared in time to compete at this upcoming event where she was scheduled to challenge Belair for the Raw Women’s Title. 

As a result, she has been pulled from the bout. Belair revealed that Alexa Bliss vs Liv Morgan vs Carmella vs Asuka vs Becky Lynch would take place on the show in a fatal 5-way bout to determine the #1 contender who will challenge her for the title at Money in the Bank. 

As of this writing, there’s no word yet on the exact injury that Ripley is dealing with. This is the latest star to go down to injury as Cody Rhodes is out with a torn pec and Randy Orton is likely out of action for the rest of the year if he undergoes surgery to repair a back injury as WWE fears may have to happen. 

Other matches confirmed for the July 2 premium live event include the two Money in the Bank Ladder Matches, Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya for the SmackDown Women’s Championship and more. 

WWE RAW Results (6/20/22): Elias Returns, Vince McMahon Appears, Money In The Bank Qualifiers

WWE RAW aired live from the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. There was two Money in the Bank Qualifying matches tonight and a Fatal 5-Way match to determine Bianca Belair’s opponent at WWE Money in the Bank. Ezekiel’s older brother Elias also returned tonight for a concert.

WWE RAW Results (6/20)

  • Carmella def. Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Becky Lynch in a Fatal 5-Way to earn a RAW Women’s Championship match against Bianca Belair at Money in the Bank
  • Omos def. Riddle to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match
  • Angelo Dawkins def. Jey Uso
  • Bobby Lashley def. Alpha Academy & Theory in a Gauntlet match to earn a US Title shot at Money in the Bank
  • AJ Styles def. Ciampa
  • Asuka def. Becky Lynch to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Rhea Ripley Will Not Be Cleared For Money in the Bank

WWE honored the recently deceased referee Tim White to begin the show.

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair kicked off this week’s RAW and made her way to the ring. It was announced that Brock Lesnar will appear on tonight’s show and Riddle will battle Omos in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match.

Belair announced that Rhea Ripley will not be medically cleared in time to compete at WWE Money in the Bank. Bianca wondered who she will defend her title against at the premium live event on July 2nd. Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, Asuka, and Carmella interrupted and made their way to the ring.

Alexa Bliss interrupted and noted that James Ellsworth helped Carmella win the Money in the Bank ladder match in the past. Everyone kept arguing until Bianca Belair broke it up and asked the crowd if they were ready for some action. Asuka, Carmella, Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch, and Alexa Bliss will compete in a Fatal 5-Way to determine who will face Belair at Money in the Bank.

Carmella Will Face Bianca Belair For The RAW Women’s Championship At WWE Money in the Bank

Asuka, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, and Carmella competed in a Fatal 5-Way to determine Bianca Belair’s opponent at Money in the Bank. Alexa and Liv cleared the ring before battling each other. Liv rolled up Bliss for a two count and then the two superstars rolled around the ring until Alexa escaped.

Carmella got back in the action and sent Liv and Alexa to the outside. Asuka got in the ring and unloaded some kicks on Carmella before dancing around the ring. Asuka set up for a Hip Attack but Becky dragged the Empress of Tomorrow out of the ring and leveled her with a boot to the face.

Becky knocked Alexa to the mat and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Lynch went for a Leg Drop but Bliss got out of the way. Alexa connected with an Arm Drag and knocked Big Time Becks to the outside. Carmella dropped Bliss with a kick to the face and posed for the booing crowd.

Alexa went for a Body Slam but Carmella countered into an X-Factor for a near fall. Liv got back into the ring and beat Carmella down in the corner before climbing to the top rope. Carmella shoved Liv onto Becky and Asuka below as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Liv hit Becky with a Dropkick off the middle turnbuckle and followed it up with a Slingblade for a two count. Becky responded by bouncing Liv’s face off the turnbuckle and then climbed to the middle rope. Carmella sent Lynch down with a headscissors and Becky landed on top of Liv on the mat.

Asuka got into the ring and battled with Carmella. Asuka took Carmella down and went for the Asuka Lock but Alexa broke it up. Becky sent Alexa out of the ring and went for the Dis-Arm-Her but Asuka blocked it. Lynch hit the Man-Handle Slam on Asuka and went for the cover. Alexa broke it up with Twisted Bliss off the top and went for the cover but Liv & Carmella broke it up and the Fatal 5-Way continued.

Becky sent Asuka to the outside but turned around into Double Knees from Liv Morgan. Lynch dodged Oblivion and connected with the Man-Handle Slam on Liv but Asuka broke up the cover. Alexa then climbed to the top turnbuckle and went for Twisted Bliss but Liv got her knees up. Carmella hit Liv with a Superkick for the pinfall victory. Becky Lynch quickly stormed backstage and argued with WWE official Adam Pearce as RAW went to a commercial break. Pearce told Lynch that she will battle Asuka in a MITB Qualifying match later tonight.

Vince McMahon Appeared, Omos Qualified For MITB

Despite being under investigation from WWE’s board, Vince McMahon made another brief appearance to promote John Cena’s upcoming return.

After a commercial, Riddle made his way to the ring and discussed his loss to Roman Reigns on last Friday’s SmackDown. MVP and Omos interrupted and told Riddle that he’s not going to make it to Money in the Bank. Omos then battled Riddle in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match.

Riddle had his ribs taped up and Omos locked him in a Bear Hug. Riddle eventually escaped and sent Omos to the corner. The big man responded by launching Riddle across the ring. Riddle hit a Floating Bro off the top rope but Omos didn’t fall down. Riddle set up for the RKO but Omos countered into the Choke Bomb for the pinfall victory. Omos qualified for the men’s MITB Ladder match.

Seth Rollins Vowed To Win Money in the Bank

After Riddle lost the qualifying match, Seth Rollins made his way to the ring and hit him with a cheap shot. Rollins knocked Riddle out of the ring before cackling into the microphone. Seth called Riddle the “ultimate loser” because he lost his buddy Randy Orton, his title match to Roman Reigns, and lost his opportunity at Money in the Bank.

Seth claimed that he is the only superstar that has Roman Reigns’ number and claimed that he “emotionally dismantled” him at the Royal Rumble. Rollins vowed to win the Money in the Bank contract and cash it on him again. Riddle attacked Seth from behind and Rollins shrugged it off. Rollins hit Riddle with the Stomp to end the segment.

Lashley Got Revenge On Theory, Gauntlet Match Announced

United States Champion Theory made his way to the ring wearing a headset microphone as RAW went to a commercial break. Theory competed in a pose-off segment with Lashley last week to close RAW. He stood on a podium and referred to himself as the youngest and greatest United States Champion in WWE history.

Theory boasted about his physique and claimed to be better than Lashley has ever been in his entire career. He took a shot at John Cena before saying that he didn’t get to show everyone his immaculate poses last week. The United States Champion applied some baby oil and started posing for the crowd with a spotlight on him. Lashley attacked from behind and sprayed Theory in the face with baby oil. Bobby added that he will take the US Championship from Theory to close the promo.

Theory was interviewed backstage and said that if Lashley can win a Gauntlet match tonight, he will defend the US Title against him at Money in the Bank.

Angelo Dawkins def. Jey Uso

The Usos cut a promo tonight ahead of their Undisputed Tag Team title defense against Street Profits at Money in the Bank. Street Profits quicky interrupted and it led to a singles match between Jey Uso and Angelo Dawkins. Jey dominated the action early and sent Dawkins out of the ring. Jey then hit a Clothesline that knocked Angelo over the barricade into the timekeeper’s area as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, the action had returned to the ring, and Angelo connected with an elbow to the face. Dawkins followed it up with a Suplex and went for the cover but Jey kicked out at two and the match continued. Jey hit a pop-up Neckbreaker but Dawkins was able to kick out.

Jey charged but Dawkins met him with a shoulder tackle. Dawkins followed it up with the Silencer (underhook Neckbreaker) for a near fall. Jey and Angelo then traded strikes in the middle of the ring. Jey got the better of the exchange and hit a Superkick. Jey went for a Frog Splash but Angelo countered into a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.

“Elias” Got The Better Of Kevin Owens

Ezekiel and “Elias” (fake beard) were shown sitting in the same room. Elias told Ezekiel that nothing compares to playing the guitar in front of the WWE Universe. Elias added that he’s proud to perform in Nebraska. Ezekiel told Elias that this means the world to him and suggested that he might become the champion in the future. Elias told his younger brother to focus on what is ahead of him and he’s doing a great job. The two brothers said that they loved each other, gave a fist bump and Elias began tuning his guitar to end the segment. There will be an “Elias Concert” later tonight on RAW.

“Elias” made his way to the ring for the concert and got a “Walk With Elias” chant going. He wanted to perform a song dedicated Ezekiel but Owens interrupted. Owens got in the ring and said he knows that he and Ezekiel are the same person. Kevin shouted that he saw a movie with a T-Rex flying a helicopter last week and this proves nothing.

Ezekiel then appeared on the jumbotron and claimed that Owens has to accept that they are brothers and move on. Elias started singing “KO is a liar!” and Owens got pissed. Owens ripped the guitar away but Elias caught him with a knee to the face. Elias then broke the guitar over Kevin Owens to end the segment. Owens challenged Elias or Ezekiel to a match next week. Ezekiel showed up in his full ring gear and accepted the challenge as Owens flipped out.

Lashley Won The Gauntlet Match & Earned A US Title Shot At WWE Money in the Bank

Bobby Lashley competed in a Gauntlet match tonight on RAW. If he defeated the three superstars in the match, he would earn a US Title match against Theory at Money in the Bank. Lashley squared off with Chad Gable first and Otis was ringside.

Lashley applied a Headlock before slamming Gable to the mat to start off the action. Chad tried to battle back but Lashley overpowered him. Gable escaped and shushed Bobby & the crowd. Lashley responded with a Swinging Neckbreaker and a slap to the face. Lashley sent Gable out of the ring and posed for the crowd. Lashley bashed Gable into the ring post and Chad crashed to the floor.

Back in the ring, Lashley hit an elbow strike and planted Gable with a Vertical Suplex. Lashley held Gable up for an extended period of time before finally slamming him to the canvas. Lashley geared up in the corner of the ring and went for a Spear but Gable countered into an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Lashley escaped and applied the Hurt Lock for the submission win.

Otis immediately got into the ring and leveled Lashley with a shoulder tackle. Otis continued to attack and stomped on Lashley’s shoulder before the 2nd match got underway. Lashley rolled out of the ring and Otis followed him there. Otis booted Lashley in the midsection and sent him flying into the barricade. Otis threw Lashley into the ring post and followed it up with a Splash on the floor as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Otis was still in control. Otis went for the Vader Bomb but Lashley got out of the way. The All-Mighty battled back and went for the Hurt Lock but Otis blocked it. Otis hit several elbow strikes but Lashley bounced off the ropes and hit a Spear. Lashley went for the cover but Gable attacked to end the 2nd match in a DQ. Alpha Academy continued to attack Lashley and slammed him into the ring post. Gable followed it up with a German Suplex and then Otis hit a Splash.

United States Champion Theory was revealed to be the final superstar in the Gauntlet match. Theory stomped on Lashley right away and started taunting him. Theory beat Lashley down in the corner of the ring but Bobby battled back. Lashley went for a Powerslam but Theory escaped. Theory connected with an impressive Dropkick and went for A-Town Down but Lashley countered into a cradle for the pinfall victory. Theory will defend the United States Championship against Bobby Lashley at Money in the Bank.

AJ Styles def. Ciampa & Sent A Message To The Miz

The Miz welcomed AJ Styles to the ring for an episode of Miz TV. Miz mocked the “young and naive University of Nebraska students” a preview of what it is like to become a failure. Styles popped the crowd with a college football reference and they made the most noise all night. AJ claimed that Miz had “tiny little popcorn balls” and they started arguing. The Miz shouted that he had “python-sized balls”… Styles caught Miz with a punch to the face before Ciampa showed up. Ciampa attacked Styles from behind and knocked him out of the ring to end the segment.

Ciampa then battled AJ Styles in a singles match. AJ caught Ciampa with a Clothesline as The Miz joined commentary. Styles connected with a Backbreaker for a near fall. AJ set up for the Styles Clash but Ciampa was able to escape. Ciampa went for the Fairy Tale Ending but Styles blocked it. Styles then hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the quick pinfall victory. After the match, The Miz tried to attack but AJ caught him with the Styles Clash. AJ then posed with Miz’s sunglasses on.

Asuka def. Becky Lynch to Qualify For Money In The Bank

Becky Lynch battled Asuka in a Money in the Bank Qualifying match in tonight’s main event. Lynch attacked Asuka on the entrance ramp before the bell but she battled back. Asuka tackled Becky to the mat and the two superstars traded punches to officially begin the bout. Asuka locked in an armbar in the middle of the ring but Becky was able to escape.

Asuka leveled Lynch with a shoulder tackle and posed for the crowd. Lynch responded and sent the Empress of Tomorrow out of the ring. Becky followed it up with a Dropkick through the ropes and rolled Asuka back into the ring. Asuka caught Lynch with a series of kicks and then the Hip Attack that sent Becky to the floor.

Lynch booted Asuka in the midsection and bounced her face off the ring apron before the action returned to the squared circle. Becky hopped to the top turnbuckle but Asuka caught her with a forearm to the forehead. Lynch knocked Asuka down and leaped but she missed. Asuka connected with a Codebreaker and went for the cover but Becky kicked out at two. Becky sent Asuka out of the ring as RAW went to its final commercial break of the night.

When RAW returned, Asuka and Becky were battling in the ring. Asuka rolled Lynch up for a two count and then hit her with a Clothesline. Asuka connected with a Hip Attack in the corner and then a Belly to Back Suplex. Asuka hit another Hip Attack and went for the cover but Lynch kicked out at two.

Becky battled back and connected with a Leg Drop off the middle turnbuckle for a near fall. Asuka climbed to the top rope and delivered a Missile Dropkick for a two count. Asuka went for a Powerbomb off the apron but Becky blocked it and hit a Dropkick. Lynch leaped off the apron but Asuka countered with a knee to the face and both superstars were on the floor outside the ring.

Both superstars got into the ring before the 10 count and traded punches. Lynch went for the Man-Handle Slam but Asuka blocked it. Becky went for the Dis-Arm-Her but Asuka got to the ropes to break the hold. Asuka then hit Lynch with a roundhouse kick to the face for the pinfall victory. Asuka now joins Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez, Alexa Bliss, and Liv Morgan in the Money in the Bank Ladder match. There is one final spot remaining. Becky Lynch lost her mind and destroyed the announce table to close the show.

Chris Jericho Shares His Shocking Take on MJF

Last month one of the biggest stories in pro-wrestling was AEW superstar MJF and his contract dispute with president Tony Khan, a real-life incident that later morphed into an angle on AEW television. The Salt of the Earth’s last appearance was the post-Double or Nothing edition of Dynamite in Los Angeles, where he cut an epic promo asking for Khan to fire him.

In a recent interview with TalkSport top AEW superstar Chris Jericho spoke about the MJF situation, which included the Demo God questioning the former Pinnacle leader’s motives for a future deal with AEW, and how he believes that the 26-year old still has a lot to learn.

“He has a lot to learn. He’s not as good as he thinks he is and like I said, it really is nothing to do with me but I’m sure he’ll be back. 18 months is a long time to stay at home and that’s Tony Khan’s prerogative. You’re under contract, you want to stay at home? You can stay at home and not get paid and that’s what happens. We see it happen in other companies and that’s just how it goes. If you didn’t expect that, then why did you sign your contract in the first place?”

MJF has been teasing for months that he may jump ship and go to WWE. Jericho would be asked how he thinks MJF’s raw uncut character would be portrayed in the fed, a move he believes would be a bad decision but understands since he has switched companies multiple times.

“Oh absolutely [his character would be watered down in WWE]. He’s better off staying in AEW. But, again, don’t stick your finger in the light socket. You tell a little kid not to do that and they’re going to do it to see what happens. I’m not going to tell anybody not to go elsewhere because I did it. I did it for years. I did it to come to AEW. I walked away from WWE. When I signed my AEW contract Vince McMahon said ‘Can you get out of it?’ – No, you told me to go here!”

The Wizard ends his rant by saying that contract disputes happen in professional sports all the time, but that if a team wants to run smoothly they need to have talent that wants to be there.

“if they want to go elsewhere, that’s kind of the way it goes. That’s pro sports and that’s what pro wrestling is. It happens in the NFL, in the NHL, the Premier League – guys come and go. You got to have the best team possible with people that want to be there and if you don’t want to be there, it’s just not going to be conducive to your own performance anyways.”

Jericho and MJF feuded for a large portion of 2021, which included Jericho putting his career on the line at ALL OUT 2021. Since his Dynamite promo MJF has been noticeably absent from AEW programming, and even removed from the AEW intro. graphics.

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Betting Odds

The betting odds have been released for the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view event. 

The card for the show that takes place this Sunday is nearly finalized. So far, five titles are on the line. 

Some of the more notable odds include Jon Moxley expected to win the Interim AEW World Heavyweight Title when he battles Hiroshi Tanahashi while Miro is the leading candidate to win the All-Atlantic Championship

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Odds

As a reminder, we will be providing coverage of the show this Sunday. The favorites to win are listed as – while the underdogs are listed with +. Here are the final betting odds, courtesy of BetOnline:

Jon Moxley -250 (2/5) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi +170 (17/10) – AEW Interim World Championship Match 

Thunder Rosa (c) -500 (1/5) vs. Toni Storm +300 (3/1) – AEW Women’s Championship Match 

Malakai Black +125 (5/4) vs. Miro +125 (5/4) vs. PAC +400 (4/1) vs. Tomohiro Ishii +800 (8/1) – AEW All-Atlantic Championship Match 

Will Ospreay (c) -800 (1/8) vs. Orange Cassidy +400 (4/1) – IWGP US Championship Match

FTR -150 (2/3) vs. Roppongi Vice +200 (2/1) vs. United Empire +275 (11/4) – IWGP/ ROH World Tag Team Championship Match 

Chris Jericho, Minoru Suzuki & Sammy Guevara -150 (2/3) vs. Shota Umino, Wheeler Yuta & Eddie Kingston +110 (11/10) – Six-Man Tag Match

Billy Graham Set To Have Multiple Toes Partially Amputated

‘Superstar ‘Billy Graham is scheduled to undergo surgery.

The WWE Hall of Famer announced on his Facebook page that he has some infections in his toes and his Mayo Clinic surgery will amputate a few of them. 

Graham mentioned that he will not be active on social media as he’ll be recovering and healing in between surgeries. He wrote the following: 

“Health Issues. Hi fans, nice shot here while working in Japan for you, enjoy. I have some infections in a few toes and my Mayo Clinic surgeon must do some partial amputations. This is going to take some time to recover from so I will be offline for a while.

If you good folks out there have any photos or thoughts you would like to put up in the meantime my FB is open for business. I just won’t be responding for the next 2 or 3 weeks, I have to heal up in between surgeries and it takes full concentration. Catch up with you all a little further down the line. Superstar Billy Graham.”

Graham has been battling health issues as late as this past September he checked into the Mayo Clinic for heart issues. Graham turned 79 years old on June 7th.

Paige Books First Post-WWE Appearance

World Association of Wrestling in the UK announced today that Paige (SARAYA) will be part of Frightmare IV on October 15. 

This marks her first announced booking since she revealed that she will be leaving WWE when her contract expires on July 7. The promotion is owned by her family. 

The advertisement noted that the soon-to-be-former WWE star will be stepping back into the WAW ring, but it isn’t clarified if she will wrestle or just do a promo. 

Paige has not wrestled since December 2017 due to her having spinal stenosis. Earlier this month, Paige noted that the decision to not renew her WWE contract was made by WWE. 

Her in-ring career ended in late December 2017 after she took a bad bump on the back of her neck during a six-woman tag team match. She officially retired from wrestling in April 2018 due to a neck injury.

The former WWE Divas Champion has publicly talked about wanting to wrestle again even though she hasn’t been medically cleared yet to do so.

Nixed Plans for Last Week’s WWE Raw Revealed

WWE had a change of plans for the June 13 episode of Monday Night Raw.

The show featured two Money in the Bank qualifying matches. Seth Rollins defeated AJ Styles to earn his spot in the ladder match, while Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan beat Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop to lay claim to their spots.

Fans also got to see a pose down between Bobby Lashley and Theory, which ended up closing the show.

Ahead of WWE Raw, some changes were made to initial ideas.

Details on WWE Raw Changes

Fightful reports that WWE originally planned to have R-Truth be involved in the pose down between Lashley and Theory. There’s no word on why that idea was ultimately nixed.

The outlet also notes that Mustafa Ali was not initially factored into plans for Monday Night Raw. He was expected to face Shelton Benjamin on Main Event.

Instead, Benjamin defeated Akira Tozawa on the show, while Ali lost to Chad Gable on Raw.

Speaking of Gable, fans noticed that Alpha Academy did not accompany Kevin Owens to the ring for his match with Ezekiel. Fightful has reported that the team was initially going to be ringside for the match but that plan was scrapped.

Booker T: Adam Cole Needs More Muscle, It’s a Problem

WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T believes All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Adam Cole needs to pack on some more muscle.

Booker took to his podcast, “The Hall Of Fame,” to offer his take on Cole and his recent injury troubles. The former World Heavyweight Champion suggested that Cole’s lack of muscle on his frame could be contributing to his injury woes.

“If Adam Cole has to have surgery and he’s down for six, nine months and he, you know, lose any more muscle, it’s going to be hard on this brother. You know what I’m saying? Right now, he’s about a buck 60.”

“We gotta get more weight on Adam Cole, you know what I mean? That’s his problem, he’s light, bottom light. We gotta get some muscle on this kid. That’s probably one of the reasons why he’s going out there, getting hurt because it can’t be the schedule at AEW.”

It was initially believed that Cole suffered a shoulder injury during the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, which he eventually won. His arm was taped up for his final match against Samoa Joe at Double Or Nothing.

Although Cole finished and won the match, he hasn’t wrestled since. A recent report suggests that Cole won’t be back inside the ring until the AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view (PPV) on June 26.

Previously, Cole was set for a 10-man Tag Team match on the June 1 episode of AEW Dynamite. However, he and Jeff Hardy were both removed from the match, respectively, for different reasons.

What do you make of Booker T and his comments on Adam Cole needing to add more muscle? Let us know in the comments below!

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

WWE in Trouble With ANOTHER Investigation

WWE has certainly had a difficult time over the past week with multiple investigations taking place throughout the company.

Last week, it was announced that Vince McMahon is under investigation over an alleged affair and $3 million ‘hush money’ payout, an investigation that has seen McMahon step down as WWE CEO.

Not long after, it was reported that the law firm Scott+Scott would be investigating members of the company’s management to determine if they’ve breached their duties to the company and its shareholders.

Another Investigation

As if having the Chairman and several high-profile names being investigated wasn’t bad enough, WWE is now facing another investigation.

The Schall Law Firm have announced that they are investigating claims on behalf of the company’s investors, alleging that there have been violations of the securities law.

The investigation will focus on whether WWE made false or misleading statements important to investors, or did not inform investors on matters that they should have been told about.

A statement by the law firm suggests that by not informing investors about the investigation into McMahon (and John Laurinaitis,) WWE kept vital information that would have been important to investors.

Any shareholders who have suffered a loss due to WWE have been asked to get in contact with the firm.

McMahon’s next move

On SmackDown, Vince McMahon made his first public appearance since stepping down as WWE CEO but did not address the ongoing investigation.

Instead, McMahon stressed the ‘Together’ part of WWE’s tagline ‘Then. Now. Forever. Together,’ and welcomed fans to the show.

McMahon has vowed to respect the result of the investigation, no matter the outcome, though many believe that he will survive the investigation into the alleged affair.

Eric Bischoff Reacts to Vince McMahon Stepping Down as WWE CEO

Former WCW president Eric Bischoff has offered up his reaction to Vince McMahon stepping down as WWE CEO recently.

Recently, McMahon was put under investigation for sexual misconduct, forcing him to step down as CEO of WWE for the time being. In his place, Vince McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, has stepped in to fill his role.

Bischoff recently took to his podcast, “83 Weeks,” to offer his thoughts on the situation. Simply put, Bischoff feels terribly for everyone affected by the recent moves.

“I was dumbfounded. Shocked. I can’t imagine anybody felt any differently. Even though it appears to be very temporaneous and not a permanent situation, at least that’s not the way it’s presented or the way I read it, but nonetheless, it’s a big damn deal and it did shock me,” Bischoff said.

“I feel bad for a lot of people. I still have a lot of friends in WWE that I do care about a lot. Regardless of how this ends up, it’s going to adversely affect a lot of people.

“How do you feel anything other than bad for people that you know and have affection for that are having to go through this? I feel bad for Bruce (Prichard).

“I sent Bruce a text Friday night during the show going, ‘Brother, one hell of a ride.’ To be sitting in that seat, to be there in the eye of that fu**ing hurricane, man I feel for a lot of people.”

McMahon is accused of paying $3 million in hush money to a paralegal his allegedly had an affair with. Last month, Stephanie McMahon announced she would be taking a leave of absence from WWE to spend more time with her family.

However, just a few weeks later, she finds herself returning to fill her father’s role as he steps away amidst the investigation.

The Company and the Board do not expect to have further comment until the investigation is concluded.

https://youtu.be/LFB93t-0qWM

Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

Internal Plans for WWE Raw Tonight

Tonight’s edition of WWE Monday Night Raw will air from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, and will see the company continue on the road to Money in the Bank.

The first Raw of the Stephanie McMahon era will certainly be an interesting night for fans, and there’s plenty happening behind the scenes this week.

What’s in store?

One of the major selling points of tonight’s show is the return of Elias, who is set to appear alongside his ‘brother’ Ezekiel.

Fightful Select reports that WWE is all-in on the return of the 24/7 Champion, who will have a guitar-smashing segment as part of his concert alongside his brother tonight, according to an internal listing.

The report adds that an edition of Miz TV is also planned for tonight’s show, but there’s no word on who the two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion will have as his guest.

One name who could be speaking to The Miz is Riddle, who after losing his WWE Undisputed Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns on SmackDown, is booked to appear tonight.

WWE United States Champion Theory will continue his posing gimmick that began last week after he faced Bobby Lashley in a pose down.

It has been confirmed by WWE that Asuka will face Becky Lynch with the winner earning a spot in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match on July 2.

Alexa Bliss, Carmella, MVP, The Street Profits, and Bobby Lashley have also all been booked for tonight’s show. 

Wrestletix reported last night that 5,584 tickets out of a possible 5,990 had been sold for tonight’s show, meaning there were little over 400 seats left at the time of their report.

Three Potential WWE Money in the Bank 2022 Returns

WWE’s Money in the Bank is just a few weeks away and the qualifying matches are underway on both the RAW and Smackdown brands.

So far for the women, Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Raquel Rodriguez, and Liv Morgan have qualified. For the men, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre have earned their way into the Money in The Bank ladder match.

After those names qualified the match graphics on the screen showed seven participants for both the men’s and women’s matches. This is a change from previous years that usually saw eight participants in both matches.

While the graphics show seven participants according to WWE’s website, they mention there will be eight participants this year. It could be an oversight, or it could mean we are in for some surprises for this PPV.

There are three potential surprise returns we could see at the Money in the Bank this year if all the participants are not revealed ahead of time.

Bayley

I believe speak for most wrestling fans when I say we are all anticipating her return.

Bayley has not appeared on TV since July 2, 2021, due to a torn ACL she suffered from a freak accident while training at the WWE Performance Center. She has teased a bit on social media while she has been out, leaving fans guessing as to when we may see the “Role Model” make her grand return.

The latest tease was a post of what appears to be a laced-up boot she posted on both Twitter and Instagram. If she is cleared and ready, what bigger return than the Money in the Bank match where she could possibly snag the briefcase giving her the opportunity at a title shot?

Right before Bayley got injured, she was in a hot feud with Bianca Belair, who at the time was the Smackdown Women’s Champion. Bianca Belair is now the RAW women’s champion and there is some unfinished business, especially for Bayley.

Either way, Bayley making her return and capturing the briefcase would at the least be entertaining, especially given the obnoxious trolling character she was when she left.

An argument can also be made that if you are returning fresh from an ACL injury would you want to put her in a ladder match first thing coming back? While she should be cleared regardless, I can see them exercising caution as well.

This without a doubt would be the biggest return audience pop they could garner right now.

Charlotte Flair

No matter how you feel about Charlotte Flair, she shines bright on a big stage.

Last we saw Charlotte Flair was her saying “I quit!” at Wrestlemania Backlash in her “I Quit” match against Ronda Rousey. WWE reported later on the PPV that Charlotte had suffered a fracture of the radius as a result of the armbar, but it was reported this was all part of storyline to write Flair off TV.

As we now know she was being written off so she and her now-husband, AEW star Andrade El Idolo, could get married. It was never reported how long she would be absent, so we fully expect her to pop up now that they are back from their honeymoon.

Charlotte Flair always seems to find herself in the title picture, so it isn’t far-fetched to think that she may make her grand return and be a surprise entrant in the ladder match. If she were to win the Money in the Bank briefcase it would be an easy way to set up a rematch between herself and Ronda Rousey.

It would also be a change in the norm, as Charlotte Flair has been the one cashed in on three times of the four winners.

Whether she wins the match or not, this would be a great way for her to make her comeback and set up a SummerSlam match since the PPV is set for three weeks after Money in the Bank this year.

Bum A** Corbin

Baron Corbin has gone through many transformations over years, but none have been more endearing, welcoming, and entertaining as Bum Corbin.

Last we saw Bum Corbin was back around SummerSlam 2021 in Las Vegas where his luck turned around and he became Happy Corbin. This past Smackdown after losing to Madcap Moss in a Last Laugh match, Corbin addressed commentator Pat McAfee upset about his criticisms over the last year and for coining the nickname Bum A** Corbin.

He then threatened to drag him into the ring, hinting at maybe a future match. Pat McAfee did not let Corbin go without a response, and with the help of the WWE Universe laughed Baron Corbin out of the arena.

Money in the Bank is being held in Las Vegas this year where Bum Corbin won “big” and became Happy Corbin. It would be poetic if this year Happy Corbin enters the Money in the Bank ladder match, loses, and tries his luck at the casinos again, except this time he loses.

Down on his luck again, we may see the return of Bum A** Corbin? Corbin arguably did some of his best character work as Bum Corbin, I think it would be a welcomed return by most fans.

Money in the Bank is one of the most fun Pay-Per-Views of the year and a lot of people look forward to the surprises. The unknown of the briefcase winners and potential cash-ins make it all the more exciting.

If any of these surprise returns were to happen this year, it would shake things up for the rest of the year in WWE.

Samoa Joe Comments on Not Appearing at Impact Slammiversary

AEW superstar and current reigning ROH TV champion Samoa Joe issued a short statement on Twitter this morning explaining why he did not appear via video on last night’s Impact Slammiversary pay-per-view.

Along with the event Impact was celebrating its 20-year anniversary in the wrestling business, and got video testimonials from some of their biggest talents over the years, dating back to their days as Total Nonstop Action (TNA). This includes statements from WWE’s AJ Styles, AEW’s Sting, and the Olympic Hero himself, Kurt Angle.

Fans were quick to notice Joe’s absence from the event, as his run in TNA was quite memorable. The Samoan Submission Machine was a former TNA heavyweight champion, former TNA TV champion, former two-time TNA tag champion, and a former five-time TNA X-Division champion, and along with Styles is widely considered one of the best X-Division champions in history.

In his tweet Joe reveals that he was not asked by Impact to appear, nor would he have been available to film anything anyway. He adds that his absence should not “mar a great milestone” set by the promotion before wishing everyone well moving forward.

“Dearest cackling hens. I wasn’t asked, or available, and it should not mar a great milestone set by Impact. Happy Anniversary, and my best going forward to all involved.”

You can check out Joe’s tweet below.

Ric Flair’s Last Match Moved to a Much Larger Venue

Ric Flair is still a draw, brother.

The Nature Boy is scheduled to wrestle his final match on Sunday July 31st during Starrcast weekend. After selling out the Nashville Fairgrounds in less than 24-hours, event organizers (Jim Crocket Promotions) made the call to move the spectacle to a significantly larger venue.

“Ric Flair’s Last Match” will now take place at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, which can accommodate over 7,000 fans.

According to a press release sent in to SEScoops current ticket holder’s seats will be honored, and communication on the changes will be emailed to them this week.

Additional tickets go on sale Friday, June 24 at RicFlairsLastMatch.com.

Ric Flair and JCP Comment

“On July 31, I’m still going to walk that aisle and style and profile as only I can,” said Flair. “But now, a bigger crowd, brighter lights! ‘The Nature Boy’ can’t wait to do what I do best. WOOOO!”

“Like so many times before, having Ric Flair’s name on the marquee has the wrestling world buzzing,” said Jim Crockett Promotions President, David Crockett. “On Sunday, July 31, we look forward to bringing the fans at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, and our worldwide audience, a night of professional wrestling that they will never forget.”

“When we announced that STARRCAST was coming back, with our partner Thuzio, we knew the last weekend in July was going to be a celebration for wrestling fans. The party’s main event has now moved to a bigger room,” said STARRCAST and AdFreeShows.com founder Conrad Thompson. “There will still be numerous events and experiences happening throughout the weekend at The Nashville Fairgrounds, who have been wonderful to work with. However, the demand for Ric’s last match to move to a bigger venue was one we couldn’t ignore.”

“Due to the overwhelming demand by fans to be in the building for ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match,’ we have made the decision to move this once-in-a-lifetime show to the Nashville Municipal Auditorium,” said Jared Augustine, CEO of Thuzio. “Once the initial batch of tickets at the Nashville Fairgrounds went so quickly, our team immediately started to look for a larger venue, and the Nashville Municipal Auditorium is an ideal solution.”

“Ric Flair’s Last Match” will stream live on FITE 6:05 p.m. EST on Sunday, July 31.

WWE Rumor Killer on Stephanie McMahon & Triple H

A big rumor has been making rounds regarding Stephanie McMahon and Triple H and it’s time to put it to rest.

Last week brought a firestorm of news in the wrestling business. WWE, in particular, was under a microscope following a report from The Wall Street Journal.

After news broke that the WWE board is investigating Vince McMahon for an alleged secret $3 million pact with a former employee, the company announced that Stephanie is now the interim CEO and Chairwoman of the company.

Fans noticed something in the press release and it started the rumor mill.

No, Stephanie & Triple H Have Not Split

In the official WWE presser, Stephanie was referred to as “Ms. McMahon” rather than “Mrs. McMahon.” This led some to believe that Stephanie and Triple H may have quietly split from their longtime marriage.

Wade Keller of PWTorch is reporting that this simply isn’t true. In fact, sources told Wade that the two very much continue to be a “team.”

The source also told Keller that when Stephanie stepped back, Triple H actually reduced his hours in the company.

Stephanie is said to have taken the leave of absence in part due to the age of their kids and the fact that they are well off as far as money is concerned.

Wade also dismissed the notion that Stephanie initially took a leave of absence because she knew about the investigation on Vince.

Bryan Danielson Status Update

There is an update on Bryan Danielson’s status and it doesn’t appear to be ideal.

Danielson is one of the top stars on the AEW roster. He’s a current member of the Blackpool Combat Club and has been involved in a big storyline where bad blood is brewing between him and Eddie Kingston in the fight against the Jericho Appreciation Society.

Unfortunately, Danielson has been out of action due to an undisclosed injury suffered during the Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing.

Latest on Bryan Danielson

NJPW’s Zack Sabre Jr. has been teasing a match with Bryan Danielson at the Forbidden Door PPV event on June 26. It’s a fantasy technical matchup for many but there is a chance it may not happen at this time.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that as of last Wednesday, Danielson had still not been cleared to return to the ring.

Meltzer suspects that if Danielson doesn’t appear for the June 22 episode of AEW Dynamite, then he likely won’t wrestle at Forbidden Door.

It would be a major blow to the crossover show if Danielson can’t perform.

As it stands now, Kazuchika Okada’s status for the card is up in the air. Andrade claims he was set to meet Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door but politics with Mexico’s two top promotions got in the way.

Plenty of NJPW stars are expected to attend Dynamite this week in the final push before Forbidden Door.

William Regal Credits Vince McMahon with Saving His Life In 1999

William Regal believes that the WWE chairman Vince McMahon unknowingly helped save his life when the company paid for his surgery during the Attitude Era.

The former NXT General Manager recently had an interview with Gentleman Villain podcast. Among other things, he talked his relationship with the WWE owner.

The AEW star claimed that he never tried to get too friendly with Mr McMahon. Regal always knew that McMahon was his boss:

“I’ve always known he’s my boss, so I have never got too friendly with him because I knew one day, he might want to fire me. I’ve had an incredible, always polite, great working relationship with him,”

‘I Owe Him My Life’: William Regal

Though despite getting released from the promotion, William Regal claimed that he will always have a loyalty towards the WWE owner. This is because he authorized a surgery in 1999 without which Regal believes he would have died:

“So, I owe him my life. When I had my neck surgery, he might not have even known but it was his company that paid me to get the best surgeon, the only surgeon in the world who could do the surgery that I needed,”

William Regal was released from WWE earlier this year after over two decades with the company. He has since joined AEW and formed a faction with Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

Jack Evans Takes Scary Bump During GCW Show (Video)

Jack Evans had quite the scare during a recent GCW event.

Evans went one-on-one with Ninja Mack during the show. This was for the You Wouldn’t Understand event. The action was held inside the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, NY this past Saturday (June 18).

Jack went up the top turnbuckle and attempted a 630 splash but Ninja Mack got out of the way. Evans landed hard on the mat and something wasn’t quite right as he laid in the middle of the ring.

Mack ended up scoring the pinfall.

https://twitter.com/Aregularindyfan/status/1538322834749022208

Thankfully, Jack did make it up to his feet and Ninja Mack raised his arm to an ovation. GCW personnel helped Evans to the back.

Jack Evans had been scheduled for the Ultimate X match at Slammiversary the following night. That didn’t end up happening as he was pulled from the card as a precautionary measure.

“BREAKING: Out of an abundance of caution following an injury this weekend, @JackEvans711 has been pulled from today’s Ultimate-X match. He will be replaced in the X- Division Title showdown by @_AndrewEverett!”

Jon Moxley Set to Wrestle Former WWE Superstar For The First Time

Jon Moxley will be sharing the ring with a former WWE superstar for the first time.

Moxley has been on a roll as of late. He’s a currently member of the Blackpool Combat Club and he’ll be vying for the interim AEW World Championship. He’ll take on Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi at Forbidden Door on June 26.

Moxley also happens to be the reigning GCW World Champion.

Jon Moxley’s Next GCW Title Challenger

Jon Moxley had a successful GCW World Title defense over Tony Deppen at the GCW You Wouldn’t Understand event. After the match, Blake Christian made his way to the ring and he had a staredown with Moxley.

It was then shown on the screen that Moxley will defend his GCW gold against Christian at The People vs. GCW in Nashville on July 29.

Christian was known as Trey Baxter on WWE’s NXT brand. He was released from the company back in Nov. 2021.

Ronda Rousey & Natalya Talk OnlyFans & Conspiracy Theories in Twitter Feud

WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey will defend her title against Natalya at Money in the Bank on July 2.

Natalya earned a shot at the “Baddest Woman on the Planet” a few weeks ago on SmackDown, and the pair aren’t backing down in their build towards WWE’s next Premium Live Event.

Rousey and Natalya’s War of Words

On Twitter, Rousey kicked things off with a tweet referencing Natalya’s sister Jenni, who has an account on OnlyFans.

Speaking about the Neidhart sister’s Youtube channel ‘The Neidharts‘ Rousey described the channel as a “discount onlyfans sister fetish youtube channel” calling it “weird and embarrassing.”

The channel, which began in January 2020 currently boasts over 78,000 subscribers and over 5 million views.

Many of the videos show the incredibly close relationship between the Neidharts, who often share a bed, kiss, or try and expose one another as part of their content.

Natalya fired back with a tweet of her own, saying she would rather make videos with her attractive sister than discussing “conspiracy theories” that are “weird.”

You can check out both tweets below.

Rousey’s Conspiracy Theory

Natalya didn’t address any conspiracy theories specifically, but Rousey’s name is linked to one in particular.

In December 2012, a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School led to the deaths of 20 children and six staff members in one of the worst mass shootings in the United States of the past decade.

Some have claimed that the shooting was staged, and in 2013, Rousey (then with UFC) shared a video claiming the shooting was not real and called the video “extremely interesting, and must-watch.”

Deleting her first tweet, Rousey followed up saying “Asking questions and doing research is more patriotic than blindly accepting what you’re told,” before later apologizing for promoting the baseless conspiracy theory.

WWE Raw Superstars Annoyed by Waiting Times Between Matches

Each week, WWE Superstars appear on hours of programming which is aired around the world across various continents.

To keep producing WWE TV content, the company needs to work smoothly with its production team, who decides what airs and at what time in the shows.

Lately though, a new trend has begun emerging on TV, one that has left the roster furious.

An Unhappy Roster

According to Fightful Select, a lot of the Raw Superstars are unhappy with having to wait around for long periods of time before their matches begin.

Between commercials, video packages, recaps of earlier segments, and interviews, the waiting time after an entrance now regularly exceeds ten minutes.

Superstars who have complained to WWE’s higher-ups about the waiting time have been told that the TV show’s format “was what it was” and that these segments “improve the show flow” for fans watching at home.

One anonymous Superstar who was asked what they do during this wait said they “talk to the crowd, dance and get annoyed that I’m waiting that long.”

Liv’s 19-Minute Wait

One example of WWE Superstars having to wait far too long took place ahead of the main event of the May 30, edition of Raw.

On the show, Liv Morgan had her entrance ahead of a match with her former Tag-Team partner Rhea Ripley, but the two didn’t lock up for nearly 20 minutes.

Superstars have reportedly seen this as a particularly egregious waiting time for Morgan, who would go on to defeat Ripley.