Feeling a Harlem Hangover due to Booker T’s NXT absence? Fear not, sucka, the two-time, two-time, two-time WWE Hall Of Famer says he’ll be back behind the commentator’s table.

Booker T revealed back on February 4 that he’d be undergoing an undisclosed medical procedure that would keep him off television for a few weeks.

“I will not be at #NXTVengenceDay tonight and I’ll be off TV the next couple weeks due to a medical procedure I had to have. But – I’m all good and I’ll be back in action on NXT in no time! Thank you all for your support, couldn’t do it with out the people. Shucky Ducky!”

I will not be at #NXTVengenceDay tonight and I’ll be off TV the next couple weeks due to a medical procedure I had to have. But – I’m all good and I’ll be back in action on @WWENXT in no time! Thank you all for your support, couldn’t do it with out the people. Shucky Ducky!

— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) February 4, 2024

Speaking on the latest Hall Of Fame podcast, Booker said he’s likely only seven days away from being back by the side of Vic Joseph.

“I’m back in the gym. I’m feeling good. I’m one week out, and I’ll be back at the table, doing my thing, doing it like it’s supposed to be done, making all them suckas bow down, making them pay, making them say, ‘Daddy, I don’t want none.’ I can’t wait, man.”

While Booker was away, Byron Saxton sat in his steed as he and Joseph both got to witness Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin becoming the new NXT Tag Team Champions against The D’Angelo Family last week.

Booker in the past has giving big credit to Vic Joseph as being a stellar play-by-play man, even making a play for Joseph to get called up to the main roster in a commentary role.

Please credit Hall of Fame and h/t Fightful for the transcription.

Ace Steel has found a landing spot in a role he’s already very familiar with. 

The good friend of CM Punk revealed on the latest episode of “Two Man Power Trip” that he is now currently working as a producer with TNA Wrestling. Steel expressed his excitement in addition to the great backstage dynamic the promotion has already presented to him.

“Working with TNA as a producer at the moment. Loving that, loving the atmosphere there. Just a great backstage feel.” 

Steel happened to work previously with TNA during their Bound For Glory event back in October and even CM Punk had his recent ties with the former Impact Wrestling being an influencial presence backstage before making his suprise return to WWE at Survivor Series late November.

Previously a producer for AEW, Steel was notoriously involved in the infamous “Brawl Out” fight back in 2022 and remained in limbo for a good amount of time with the company before eventually making his exit.

Steel joins several notable minds backstage in TNA including Gail Kim, Lance Storm and Tommy Dreamer. It was initially reported that Dreamer had taken on a new role as the head of TNA Creative in light of Scott D’Amore’s exit but “The Innovator Of Violence” later dispelled such scuttlebutt from catching fire on Busted Open Radio.

TNA will have a busy weekend forthcoming as the promotion will fire off its first PPV under the new Anthem regime with No Surrender on February 23. They just announced that they re-signed stalwart star Josh Alexander to a new deal.

Josh Alexander aims to be the face of TNA wrestling moving forward.

Alexander has inked a new deal with the promotion, as first reported by Justin Barrasso of SI. The the exact terms of the contract were not disclosed, but Alexander confirmed his motivation for sticking with TNA:

“With the rebranding and the return of those iconic letters, TNA, those letters that inspired me to get in the ring in the first place and chase this wild dream of being a wrestler, I’ve dreamt of that moment, being there at Hard To Kill, hearing those letters.” said Alexander.

The Walking Weapon has accomplished a lot over the past few years, but still he’s still looking to accomplish a few more bucket list items. He’s doing it for the younger version of himself who never dreamed all of this is possible, as well as his his son.

“I got a lot of work to do this year. I have to find some success because I think more so than myself, the 15-year-old kid who was sitting on the couch never dreamt this was possible wouldn’t believe that I could be TNA World Champion or TNA X-Division Champion, things that are still on my bucket list, but, I know my son wants me to bring home some gold.”

Josh Alexander: TNA Franchise

New TNA President Anthony Cicione called Alexander one of the most popular wrestlers in TNA history and he’s thrilled to have him on board as the brand embarks on the coming year.

Josh Alexander is set to compete this weekend at TNA No Surrender as he faces former Vaudevillain Simon Gotch in singles action.

He’s well on his way to being an all-time great for TNA, as he’s spent his whole mainstream career with the promotion. He’ll even be one of the figures featured in the first line of toys from PowerTown Wrestling.

The Rock is a full-fledged heel once again and “The People’s Champion” is clearly not a champion of Salt Lake City, UT.

Dwayne Johnson returned to his 1998 form once more on WWE Friday Night SmackDown and laid the verbal smackdown on the fans in attendance. The Rock was well aware of the strong Mormon contigency in the state of Utah taking the opportunity to lean into that aspect, but not before calling them trailer park trash.

“Finally you and your 50 wives will have a story to tell and you know what I’m talking about. You’ll have a story to tell your 600 inbred grandchildren one day and that is what it’s like to look at greatness in the flesh because finally The Rock has come back to Salt Lake City!”

The Rock then disparaged the crowd further, re-opening an always lingering wound when the Utah Jazz lost to the Chicago Bulls back in the late 1990s. He then took shots at the “Cody Crybabies,” stating that they blew their opportunity to have the biggest WrestleMania main event in history.

The Rock Sticks It To Salt Lake City One More Time

Even though The Rock left Salt Lake City, he made clear they didn’t forget him on Monday. Still in heel mode, Rocky made the following post on Instagram to add further salt to the wound.

“Rock knows all.

“50 wives = 600 inbreds.

“FINALLY. ~ people’s champ”

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C3hKF0GMgEO

The Rock did officially align himself alongside The Bloodline on Friday, but it was ECW original Blue Meanie who presented a theory that The Rock may pulling a fast one on Roman Reigns.

Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker just became your new NXT Tag Team Champions this past Tuesday, but now Breakker is SmackDown bound. Fear not, fans of “Wolf Dogs.”

Although Bron Breakker may be headed for bluer horizons on Friday night, Fightful Select is reporting that officials have been very impressed with the pairing of Breakker and Corbin. They’ve appeared to leave enough of a mark together as a tag team that there’s been consideration to bring Baron up along with Bron on SmackDown.

Corbin and Breakker had a hard-hitting throwdown main event on NXT as the Dusty Rhodes Classic 2024 winners up-ended the D’Angelo Family to become the new champs.

This all happened despite Breakker making his main roster debut at the WWE Royal Rumble and then making an appearance on main roster programming as he considered his “free agent” options.

The latest episode of SmackDown featured GM Nick Aldis making it official that Breakker has been signed to his brand and that he will be exclusive to Fridays.

A Possible New Name For Baron Corbin & Bron Breakker?

Even if the future of the “Wolf Dogs” is up in the air, there is an interesting tidbit to add from the Fightful report. If the pairing between Corbin and Breakker continues to cultivate, a new name is being considered for the team. 

Instead of “Wolf Dogs” WWE officials are considering “Spear Of Days” for the dynamic duo.

While they are the new champs, Corbin and Breakker have been teasing uncertainty considering Breakker’s future in WWE, but the Capitol Wrestling Center was fully behind their victory on Tuesday night.

Could Bron Breakker be the next Paul Heyman guy? WWE sure isn’t letting their foot on the gas when it comes to that notion.

Breaker became the hot “free agent” acquisition of WWE SmackDown this past Friday after weeks of teasing which brand he’d sign to. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis came out and had Breakker put pen to paper to make it official.

Now WWE has released a YouTube video package showcasing the skills and achievements of Breakker down during his NXT days and it starts with a voiceover by current Wiseman of The Bloodline, Paul Heyman.

Heyman hasn’t been shy about his enthusiasm for the talent and limitless ceiling of Breakker and that is clearly on display in the video.

The following SmackDown after the notorious WrestleMania Kickoff, Heyman even interrupted Breakker and Triple H to further hammer home his interest in the son of Rick Steiner.

Breakker’s trajectory to the SmackDown roster did get a bit interesting this past Tuesday as he along with Baron Corbin became the new NXT Tag Team Champions after winning the 2024 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. That aspect won’t slow Breakker’s rise to SmackDown down, however, but their have been discussions at bringing Corbin to the blue brand too due to the duo’s strong chemistry with one another.

Heyman has had a wide range of “Paul Heyman Guys” in his WWE tenure. Including Roman Reigns, Heyman has managed Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, CM Punk, Big Show, Brock Lesnar, Claudio Castagnoli and Curtis Axel.

Here's a video of Paul Heyman introducing BADASS Bron Breakker pic.twitter.com/e2hAyVjhIB

— Push LA Knight (@pushlaknight) February 18, 2024

On SmackDown this week, fans saw The Rock officially align with The Bloodline, but could it all be just a ruse by Rocky? One ECW Original has been taking notes during this whole saga between The Rock, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes.

After The Rock returned back to his 1998 ways in the closing segment of SmackDown, Blue Meanie took to social media to present an interesting theory that all may be not what it seems regarding this notorious Samoan family tree.

“After watching last night’s Smackdown I have a feeling the Rock is joining the Bloodline on behalf of Cody to help distrupt the Bloodline from within. After the Rumble Cody looked like he was stepping down. The Rock whispered ‘something’ in Cody’s ear. The camera intentionally shoots Cody walking away down the aisle. We see Rock and Roman inch their way towards each other before the show goes off air. 

“At the press event the Rock says he’s challenging Roman for the title and on cue Cody interrupts says he’s challenging Roman at Mania after all. Cody tells the Rock and Roman that their grandfather’s would be ashamed of them. Rock initiated the contact before Roman could because this is all a ruse. He signifying that he is on Roman’s side.

“He’s further disarming Roman.  Last night on Smackdown the Rock comes out to ‘join’ the Bloodline. He cuts the heel promo. If you notice when they all do the finger point upwards, the Rock has his thumb out. The hand gesture commonly known as the ‘loser’ hand gesture.

“Basically Rock is signaling that he is there to help Roman lose to Cody at Mania because it’s actually The Rock who is ashamed of how Roman is acting. The Rock just had Cody say it at the press event that lead to the contact between Rock and Cody.

“Last year at Mania Cody was outnumbered by the Bloodline. This year, Seth Rollins and the Rock are his back up to any interference and will help Cody attain the goal of winning the title that his father never did. Just my 2 cents.”

1/ After watching last night's Smackdown I have a feeling the Rock is joining the Bloodline on behalf of Cody to help distrupt the Bloodline from within. After the Rumble Cody looked like he was stepping down. The Rock whispered "something" in Cody's ear.

— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) February 17, 2024

Whichever side The Rock may or may not be on, Cody Rhodes will indeed have a “shield” in Seth Rollins who came out on WWE Raw to show him added support. We may see something develop even further at Elimination Chamber as Cody and Seth are set to sit down in Perth as guests of “The Grayson Waller Effect.”

Finally – The Rock is back to his 1998 Corporate form, but “The People’s Champ” makes it clear that version of him never left.

The Rock officially joined The Bloodline to close out WWE SmackDown and fans of the WWE Attitude Era had to have been shell-shocked when Rocky sauntered out in Salt Lake City. He didn’t come out with Under Armour merchandise, nor did he walk out in WWE Shop merch, but in his classic “corporate” $500 shirt. The Rock just wasn’t wearing that “attitude” but spoke it on the microphone. In classic Rock fashion, he pulled the rug out from under the Salt Lake City fans by stating they set an indoor attendance record, but not for what Utah expected.

“You broke the all-time record for the largest gathering of trailer park trash The Rock has ever seen!”

The Rock wound up his “Finally…” catchphrase to spin that on its head to to reference the city’s large Mormon population.

“Finally your life has meaning! Finally you and your 50 wives will have a story to tell and you know what I’m talking about. You’ll have a story to tell your 600 inbred grandchildren one day and that is what it’s like to look at greatness in the flesh because finally The Rock has come back to Salt Lake City!”

This is NOT @TheRock we remember… ?

This SOLD OUT #SmackDown crowd is getting RIPPED TO SHREDS TONIGHT. ?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/pbScC6sGWn

— WWE (@WWE) February 17, 2024

Dwayne Johnson also hearkened back to an old Ric Flair trick by referencng a “fat boy” fan in the crowd. He then went on to say the fans had the biggest WrestleMania match in history set up between The Rock and Roman Reigns, stating that they had it in their hands but they let it go. He then proceeded to add a little more color to it.

“You flushed it down the toilet. The same toilet you sat your fat a**ess on and you sat there and Tweeted ‘We want Cody! We want Cody! Cody’s gotta finish his story! He’s gotta finish his story!’ You’re laughing now and you’re booing because it’s true.”

"cOdY's gOtTa FiNisH tHe StOry" ?@TheRock blames the WWE Universe for ruining what would have been "the biggest #WrestleMania main event" in history. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/aLnNqQX1f8

— WWE (@WWE) February 17, 2024

The Rock then claimed that he’ll do everything in his power to make sure Cody Rhodes walks out of WrestleMania 40 a loser. He then began to start his “If ya smell” tagline, but stopped himself to deliver another signature line the fans haven’t heard for over 20 years.

“Sing-along with The Rock is over! You lost that privelage. Sit there and shut your mouth and enjoy the ride that The Rock is taking you on! If ya smeeeelll what The Bloodline is cookin’!”

"IF YA SMELLLLL WHAT #THEBLOODLINE IS COOKIN' ????@TheRock promises to do everything he can to make sure @CodyRhodes leaves #WrestleMania empty handed. #TheBloodline is back. ?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/SITh3wwdVe

— WWE (@WWE) February 17, 2024

The return of a classic version of The Rock sat well with a great contingency of fans on social media so much that “Hollywood Rock,” “Heel Rock” and even “Versace” were trending on X at the end of the evening.

Paul Heyman believes that Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are destined for the “Ocean of Obsurity” and the two stars will begin to set sail on this Friday’s SmackDown.

Heyman took to his Instagram to make a bold proclamation before both his “Tribal Chief” and “The People’s Champion” The Rock show up in Salt Lake City

Ladies and Gentlemen, today is a picture-perfect day to ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR TRIBAL CHIEF!

“As WWE tries to grasp the enormity of the events that transpired at the #WrestleMania Kickoff Event in Las Vegas, I remind you that yet another chapter shall unfold tomorrow, LIVE on FOX as #Smackdown will feature not only your humble #Wiseman and the reigning defending Undisputed #WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns but also The #PeoplesChamp The Rock! 

“While Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins face an uncertain future, condemned to live life after #WM40 in the Ocean of Obscurity, it is quite apparent the #Bloodline’s rule on the Island of Relevancy has never been more powerful! The Delta Center in #SaltLakeCity will be the setting, and The People’s Slap was only the beginning of what’s to come next.”

“And that’s not a prediction.

“That’s a spoiler!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C3YCc6nuATe

“The People’s Slap” sure conjured up a lot of conversation and on WWE Raw this past Monday, Cody Rhodes promised retaliation against The Rock. As Heyman mentioned, Rhodes will not be without a “Shield” in Seth Rollins who offered his helping hand in dealing with The Bloodline. 

Right now, it’s Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, but where The Rock may fit in the equation remains a question mark, with many speculating a tag team match on night one.

While The Rock and Roman Reigns aim to bolster The Bloodline on Friday Night SmackDown, Dustin Rhodes and The Von Erichs continue their own familial legacy on AEW Rampage.

Rhodes will be teaming up with Ross and Marshall Von Erich in trios action as AEW is in the thick of “Von Erich Country” down in Texas. The Von Erichs, who are the sons of Kevin Von Erich, expressed their excitement ahead of teaming with Rhodes as Marshall thanked Tony Khan for making the pairing happen.

Thank you @TonyKhan we’ve been wanting to team with @dustinrhodes for years! #TexasBoys @AEW pic.twitter.com/320AP6k0oy

— Marshall Von Erich (@MarshallVonEric) February 15, 2024

Dustin Rhodes Gives A History Lesson

Ross and Marshall weren’t the only ones excited for the opportunity as Dustin himself was pumped to team up with another legacy family in the “one true sport.”

Rhodes took to social media and was informed by AEW’s Alex Marvez of the additional historical significance that “The Natural” is teaming up with Ross and Marshall.

“A little history lesson for you. Our own Alex Marvez told me last night that their dad Kevin tagged one and only one time with my pops back in 1978. So you can imagine how special this meant to me. #VonErichsAndRhodes #TexasBoys whooping tail!!  Trios anybody? Thanks Tony Khan for making this happen. Historical and honored. #keepsteppin and see you tomorrow night on #AEWRampage baby!!!”

A little history lesson for you. Our own @alexmarvez told me last night that their dad Kevin tagged 1 and only 1 time with my pops back in 1978. So you can imagine how special this meant to me. #VonErichsAndRhodes #TexasBoys whooping tail!!
Trios anybody?
Thanks @TonyKhan for… https://t.co/Yzlrh74bRX

— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) February 15, 2024

Marshall and Ross Von Erich have already competed in ROH, but the brothers, along with Kevin, shared a good deal of experience in Major League Wrestling. Ross & Marshall actually became the World Tag Team Champions for the promotion when the brothers beat Richard Holliday and former AEW World Heavyweight Champion MJF.

A big return is on tap for WWE and it’s good timing considering the company is rolling down the road to WrestleMania 40. In the latest Wrestling Observer, Dave Meltzer reports that Rey Mysterio will be medically cleared to return in a matter of weeks. 

Mysterio had to underwent knee surgery, a procedure that was necessary, and due to that was written off television to give the WWE Hall of Famer time to recover. Mysterio was sent off in a memorable way as it was his former LWO member, Santos Escobar, who attacked him, leaving the legend laying and out of the equation for the foreseeable future.

Rey Mysterio and WrestleMania 40

However, Rey’s return has been a bit delayed according to his own schedule as the former WWE Champion was hoping to make a return at the Royal Rumble.

Rey previously noted on an episode of K100 that he has to factor in slowing down his ring style, but even so, the legendary luchador can still get it done at a high level.

“I know that I’m slowing down, the older I get, but I can make things look faster just by being in the business so long, that keeps the fans the perspective of ‘he hasn’t slowed down.’ I can go out there every time and pour it out. I don’t know how to hold back.”

The options could be open for Mysterio when he makes his return to WWE programming as it would seem likely for him to continue a feud with Escobar, but due to his star power, WWE creative may not be against putting him into a high-profile program. 

Rey actually had one of the most memorable matches at WrestleMania 39 last year when he defeated his son, Dominik Mysterio, in a showcase battle. Just recently Dominik admitted that he doesn’t know where he’ll fit in the WrestleMania puzzle, but is open for anything.

Steve McMichael has been taken to the hosptial due to a suspected case of pneumonia as family and friends are asking for prayers for the future Pro Football Hall Of Famer.

Jarrett Payton, son of the legendary Walter Payton, took to X to let fans know of the unfortunate news.

“We are asking for prayers for Steve McMichael. He is going to the emergency room now with suspect pneumonia. We will inform you as we have more updates. Thank you . – The McMichael Family. Team Mongo.”

Requesting prayers for Mongo from The McMichael Family. #Bears ?? pic.twitter.com/lRiJ1bMqxV

— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) February 15, 2024

McMichael is currently battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) something he was diagnosed with in 2021.

It was just over a week ago when Steve “Mongo” Michael would finally get the news that he’d be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame along with two other former Chicago Bears players. The news officially broke during last week’s NFL Honors ceremony.

Mongo notoriously played a primary role in the vaunted Super Bowl-winning 1985 Chicago Bears defense. McMichael is the second all-time sacks leader in Bears history and in addition to having a Super Bowl ring, he’s a four-time All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler.

McMichael clearly has made his friends in the NFL, but he also formed a very strong friendship with Ric Flair. Flair has been steadfast in visiting McMichael since his diagnosis and has been supportive of his fellow Four Horsemen.

Mongo was a memorable member of the famous faction, winning the United States Championship while he styled and profiled along the Nature Boy.

We at SEScoops would like to extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mongo and all the best to the McMichael family.

Will Ospreay’s first official match as an AEW talent will be against a rising star and he may have the decked stacked against him.

On Wednesday night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, the diabolical Don Callis revealed that Konosuke Takeshita will challenge Ospreay on March 3 at AEW Revolution in Greensboro, NC.

Callis claimed that everyone on the roster was afraid to take on Takeshita or Powerhouse Hobbs and so he had to take it upon himself to facilitate the bout between Konosuke and Ospreay.

Ospreay announced that he signed with AEW all the way back in November, but had several obligations to fufill with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Ospreay did work for TNA as well during his lame duck period and was greatly praised for his influence on the locker room.

Claudio Castagnoli recently did an interview with Adrian Hernandez where he considered Ospreay’s thought process in signing with AEW.

“I’m sure there was something for Will where it’s like … Tokyo Dome, New Japan, he’s been there for, I believe, it was seven plus years, there’s the same thing of like, ‘okay I’ve done this, I know I can do this, if I want to challenge myself …’ that’s always the scary part,” Castagnoli said. “Do you choose comfort or do you want to challenge yourself and take that leap of faith?” 

On the Valentine’s Day episode of Dynamite, it was also revealed who Sting’s final opponents will be at AEW Revolution.

Please credit Adrian Hernandez and h/t to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

Scott D’Amore clearly had a love for TNA which further fueled the shock as to why the veteran was let go from the company’s top executive. 

Last week, the wrestling world was astonished to learn that Anthem decided to terminate D’Amore, who to many, has been the primary factor as to why Impact Wrestling (and now TNA) still exists. Even in just the past six months, D’Amore has been a heavy proponent for change in the company product, complete with bringing in new acts, old faces, and bringing back the three familiar letters in TNA. 

Despite all that, Anthem replaced D’Amore with Anthony Ciccone, a longtime Anthem executive. A new report from Fightful Select shines further light on the matter as the plan for D’Amore’s exit was put in place for over a month.

Latest on D’Amore Leaving TNA

Anthem wanted the ending of D’Amore’s run to be a mutual departure, but Scott remained steadfast in keeping his position. The reported reason for D’Amore not agreeing to a mutual departure is because it put him in a better position for future opportunities.

Despite Ciccone taking over for D’Amore, Scott has reportedly held Ciccone in high-regard but still didn’t want to relinquish his position as TNA President. There were rumors of D’Amore attempting to buy the company outright from Anthem, but that was clearly denied if the effort was actually made.

When it comes to budget upgrades for TNA, it only appears that Anthem may be making an effort to do so in the software department. The reported plan is for Anthem to strip back TNA’s budget to even less than what they had for 2023.

While there’s been a clear change of the guard at the top of TNA with Scott D’Amore getting fired, the returning brand may be making an effort to see if a new star could join the promotion.

A new report from Fightful Select shined further light on the exit of D’Amore as TNA President, but also had another interesting tidbit about a certain “Monster Among Men.”

Several TNA sources have confirmed with Fightful that the company actually has had talks with Braun Strowman, who is actually still under contract with WWE. TNA reportedly spoke with Strowman’s lawyer but there was no talk in the “seven-figure” range.

Strowman has been on the shelf due to a severe neck injury, but did make his return to WWE back in 2022 and notably formed an “odd couple” tag team alongside Ricochet.

Braun underwent neck fusion surgery which has sidelined the big man for seven months.

In a recent January interview with “The Ranveer Show,” Strowman said he was on the road to recovery and could start lifting weights, but as of then couldn’t take any bumps or knocks to the head.

“So it’s still going to be another month and two before we start easing back in the ring. But when it’s time to go, we’re going.”

Former WWE Stars in TNA

TNA Wrestling has worked with several high-profile WWE Superstars in recent months. WWE Superstar Naomi  (Trinity Fatu) recently returned in the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble after wrapping up a run with TNA that included a reign as Knockouts champion.

Former WWE World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler has ‘crossed’ the line and now competes in TNA as Nic Nemeth.

Mustafa Ali debuts for TNA later this month. He challenges Chris Sabin for the X-Division championship at the TNA No Surrender PPV (2/23).

Please credit “The Ranveer Show” and h/t to Wrestling Inc for the transcription

Rob Van Dam can still get it done at a “high” level in the wrestling ring, but can Mick Foley? Mr. Monday Night is intrigued to find out.

On the latest episode of “1 Of A Kind With RVD” Van Dam was asked if he heard about Mick Foley wanting to have one last match as he turns 60 years old in 2024.

“I think I saw the headline, you know, something like that, and heard a little inside chatter on it.”

Van Dam noted that he and Foley were possibly on tap to have a match while in TNA together, but it never came to fruition. It was around the time when Abyss was answering to someone or somebodies as “they” and that “they” was slated to be Foley. That match never did happen with rumor being that Foley decline to work with Rob.

However, when RVD heard of Mick wanting one more match, Van Dam thought about his history with Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy.

“My first thought was, ‘Dude, that should be me.’ That’d be a huge draw because we have never wrestled each other and we’re both, you know, kings of hardcore.”

The only time RVD worked with Mick in a ring happened to be in Peach State Wrestling where the two were in a battle royal together.

Not only does RVD and Foley have strong ECW ties, but there’s something else that Mick Foley has which Rob Van Dam thinks should be in his possession.

“This is very relevant. When I was in WWE and I won – well, first, even before I got to WWE, like when I started watching the product before I got there, I was a little insulted by the Hardcore Championship because I felt like they were kind of making fun of ECW. And no offense to Crash [Holly], but he would do things to make them laugh. They would fight in the pit of balls for the kids and knock the taco cart over and fight at weird places. And when I won the WWE Hardcore Championship, I was Rob Van Dam. Just kept being me and, and, uh, and having great f***ing matches, and I loved it.”

WWE Hardcore Championship

RVD goes on to say that he established the Hardcore Championship as a must-see title in WWE, much like he did with the Television Championship in ECW. He made the belt so relevant that he’d main event house shows with it.

“I was f***ing loving it, and then it meant too much. So that wasn’t their plan. So what do they do? They retire it. They retire the f***ing championship while I’m wearing it while I’m having these kick ass matches. Me and Tommy Dreamer had a match I think to retire it.”

RVD won that match against Dreamer to become the Intercontinental Champion, putting an end to the Hardcore Title. However, Van Dam made that valuable to the fans and himself, but surprisingly enough it doesn’t sit in his trophy case.

“Did they give me the Hardcore Title? Do I have that hanging in my Rob Van Dam room of outstanding f***ing accomplishments and memorabilia? No. You know who has that Hardcore Championship? Mick Foley.”

That gives RVD further incentive to have a “one of a kind” go-around with Mick Foley.

“So deep inside, there’s a little bit of resentment on my behalf. Not resentment, but I would like to have it.”

Subscribe to RVDTV.com for full episodes and exclusive clips of “1 Of A Kind With RVD.”

Please credit “1 Of A Kind With RVD” and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Bully Ray doesn’t believe that Seth Rollins or the WWE World Heavyweight Title was framed in the best light during the WrestleMania Kickoff press event in Las Vegas.

Speaking on Monday’s Busted Open Radio with Mark Henry and co-host Dave LaGreca, The Dudley Boy paid attention to detail when it came to Seth Rollins on stage in Las Vegas.

Not only did Bully believe Roman Reigns disparaged the World Heavyweight Champion, but noticed something between The Visionary and The Rock.

“Seth has had some s*** to say about The Rock lately, hasn’t he? Did you notice when Rock came on stage what Seth did not do? Mark, he didn’t make eye contact with him.

“If you’re gonna talk s*** and now you get to see the guy? You better look him in the eye because Rock was looking right at Seth when he came out and you know how we are, Mark. ‘Go ahead, talk your s*** now. I’m standing on stage, I’m right next to you, talk your s*** now.’ Seth never looked at Rocky, Seth just kept looking ahead at Roman. That’s the moments that I look for.”

Bully puts himself in The Rock’s position and how “The People’s Champ” hypothetically put Rollins in his place.

“’Now our characters are out there in front of the world. Watch what my character does to your character in an instant. If I wanna expose you I can,’ and all Rock needed to do is walk past Seth slowly and spread his wing slowly like a giant, jacked-up peacock. I noticed that and I was like, ‘Oh my God, Seth looks so small and so out of place standing next to Rock.’ Remember, this is just my perception of what I’m seeing.”

Please credit Busted Open Radio and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

It’s all about positioning in WWE, figuratively and literally, and Mark Henry says The Rock is well aware of that.

During Busted Open Radio on Monday, Henry was chatting with Bully Ray and co-host Dave LaGreca about the WrestleMania Kickoff press conference that took place in Vegas last Thursday. Both WWE Hall of Famers made note of how The Rock pulled the Tony Atlas trick of positioning himself closest to the stage so he would look bigger on camera. 

It paid off for Dwayne Johnson, who just by a visual standpoint, made Roman Reigns look smaller than himself. Henry thinks that move was intentional.

“Because The Rock knows better and he would not allow that to happen. He knows that he’s not the second guy in any equation and they have to fix that.”

Bully Ray adds that after the presser during the backstage segment, The Rock was leading while Roman was trailing. Henry said Roman should have flipped that and gave Rock permission to do that.

“Some of that is [WWE] not being able to tell Dwyane no. He’s very persuasive and he wants it the way that he wants it.”

Henry even recalls during his Nation of Domination days where The Rock would tell him to step on the opposite side because “The World’s Strongest Man” looked too big in front of “The Most Electrifying Man.”

“He’s the principal, but just know, that you going to have to tell me not to take the spotlight.”

Please credit Busted Open Radio and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

LA Knight is tired of hearing of his own hype and wants to put his money where his mouth is.

Before he took on Ivar on WWE Raw in hopes to qualify for Elimination Chamber, LA Knight had gold on his mind, but after Monday, he got one step closer when defeating the Viking Raider. 

Knight will join Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley in the Elimination Chamber, but had someone specific in mind when speaking with Cathy Kelley on “Raw Talk” after his win. 

However, Knight first made perfectly clear he isn’t looking for praise before Perth. He may have won the Slim Jim battle royal and challenged Roman Reigns, but that amounts to nothing as he looks ahead.

“What do I really have to hang my hat yet on at this point? What do I have to sink my teeth into just yet and I say a big fat goose egg! 

“Save the congratulations. Give me the congratulations when I walk out of Elimination Chamber the number one contender for that World Heavyweight Championship and then congratulate me two times when we get to WrestleMania and I take it off of Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Nice middle name ya got there, pal, but what you’re gonna to call yourself after that is ‘former’ Champion because right now you’re looking at the future Champion.”

This past Friday on SmackDown, Knight happened to cost AJ Styles his qualifying match against Drew McIntyre when he interfered and it opened up Styles for a Claymore Kick and a 1-2-3.

Dominik Mysterio may be the most disliked persona currently in WWE, but the son of Rey is more than satisfied with his spot in the company.

Mysterio spoke with Konnan and Disco Inferno on the latest “Keeping It 100” and talked about what may (or may not) be on tap for him at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia.

“I have no idea what I’m doing at Mania. I don’t really get a head’s up on anything when it comes to creative and stuff. Tell me what to do and I’ll do my best to go out there and make it look as best as possible to the best of my abilities.”

As it stands now, Dominik Mysterio may have a date in Perth at Elimination Chamber considering he has a qualifying match against Kevin Owens. If he were to somehow beat Owens, that would make him the only representative of Judgment Day in the bout.

Whatever may come to be for Dirty Dom, he did express his happiness and gratitude for how he’s been handled in the WWE Universe.

“I’m not in the position to be politicking. I’m very blessed to be in the position that I’m in, so I’m not going to be poking at any bears or any fingers or anything. Tell me what to do and I’m here for it. I’m happy. I’m having a blast doing it, especially with the crew that I’m doing it with. I’ve become actual friends with everybody there. So being able to just go out there and have fun and beat the sh*t out of people, I’m having a blast.”

Please credit K100 and h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription

Joey Janela certainly has big plans for his eighth rendition of his self-named Spring Break and it involves reuniting a WWE Hall of Fame tag team.

Along with Kerry Morton, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express will join forces once again to take on Mike Bailey and the East West Express which consists of Nick Wayne and Jordan Oliver. Spring Break will take place at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia on Friday, April 5.

Janela took to X to express his excitement about having a young “Express” vs. a legendary “Express.”

“We had to make this one happen! Thank you for buying tickets for my show and selling it out! We ain’t even close to being finished, this will be the best spring break of all time! The Rock N Roll express reunites for SPRING BREAK.”

https://twitter.com/JANELABABY/status/1756879478393807203

Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson started up their retirement tour back in 2022 before Gibson stepped out of the squared circle and made a hot tag to Ricky’s son Kerry to take up the mantle.

While no titles are on the line for this bout, Rock ‘n’ Roll had a renaissance before COVID-19 hit as the duo won the NWA World Tag Team Titles. Since then, Morton and Gibson would find themselves working a cup of coffee in AEW and several stints in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

The forthcoming GCW match will cover a wide range of ages as Morton is one of the oldest active talents at 67 years old and Wayne is one of the youngest at the age of 18.

The Kansas City Chiefs sit at the “Head of the Table” once again and Patrick Mahomes had the appropriate hardware to celebrate.

The Chiefs have become the first NFL team in 20 years to win Super Bowl Championships back-to-back after a thrilling overtime victory against a scrappy San Francisco 49ers team in Las Vegas 25 to 22.

After being handed his third Lombardi Trophy, 2023 Super Bowl MVP. Patrick Mahomes set that aside to hold a special customized WWE Championship with Chiefs sideplates on it. However, Mahomes is the consummate team player as he gave the gold to a celebrating teammate.

The party in the Chiefs lockeroom. pic.twitter.com/XC4RkGRkmz

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 12, 2024

WWE & AEW At The Super Bowl

Several wrestling stars were on hand to witness the big game go down, including Rey Mysterio, Mercedes Mone, Bayley, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, AEW star Britt Baker and more.

WWE also is capitalizing on the Super Bowl victory with a new version of the WWE Title that is Super Bowl themed which is now available for a significant sum of change at $549.00. The description of the hardware is below:

“Throughout an exhilarating season, the Kansas City Chiefs executed all the right plays to take home the title of Super Bowl LVIII Champions! Celebrate this crowning achievement by grabbing this WWE Legacy Title Belt. With striking SBLVIII graphics, this commemorative gear is exactly what you need to honor your Kansas City Chiefs emerging victorious in the league.”

It appears Tony Khan will not be pumping the breaks on his social media activity anytime soon. 

The AEW President notoriously has taken on critics via Twitter and it’s caught the eyes of fans and his pro wrestling colleagues. Speaking with Adrian Gonzalez in Las Vegas during media row for the Super Bowl, Khan was asked about his decision to chirp back and the criticism he gets for that. Khan believes at times he’s speaking to and for his fanbase.

“We have a great connection with the fans so It’s a good question but I think we’ve been able to build real engagement at times and I think there’s tangible proof of that.”

Tony praised AEW Dynamite for it’s ratings in recent weeks and gave some viewership numbers against another live sports television property.

“I believe three out of the last four weeks Wednesday night Dynamite has beat the NBA on ESPN straight up and we’ve had great, great success connecting with our fans so I think what we’ve got going works really well.”

Khan may receive a great deal of engagement, but the criticism he has gotten for some of his posting on the former Twitter has several thinking it’s counter-productive. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray said outright that Khan should step away from the app and Konnan also mentioned that it would behoove Khan and his AEW product to be more acceptive of constructive criticism.

Names like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Disco Inferno have all felt the wrath of Khan via social media. 

John Laurinaitis, or at least his attorney, isn’t done with the media despite stating his claims against WWE would be handled in court rather in the public news cycle and the latest invovles the tragedy of Ashley Massaro.

Back in 2019, the attorney of the late Massaro issued a sworn affidavit stating that she was raped by a doctor in Kuwait while on tour with WWE. The accused doctor identifed as someone with the military and both Vince McMahon and Laurinaitis were allegedly aware of the situation.

WWE did release a statement back in 2019 after the affidavit was released denying that McMahon or WWE management were made aware of Massaro’s accusations.

“At no time was Vince McMahon or the management of WWE ever informed by Ashley Massaro or anybody else that she had been sexually assaulted, drugged, raped or sodomized by a military doctor with a nurse standing guard while on a goodwill tour in 2007 to U.S. military bases in Kuwait. 

“At no time was there ever a meeting with Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn, John Laurinaitis or other company executives in which she told them of such a claim and was instructed to keep it quiet.”

A new report from VICE has Laurinaitius’ lawyer, Edward Brennan, stating that his client was aware, but dismissed anything resembling a cover-up.

“Any allegations that Mr. Laurinaitus helped to cover up an alleged rape allegation is an outright lie. Johnny, like most upper level management at sometime became aware of the allegations and ensured all proper WWE protocols were followed, including privacy for the alleged victim. We object to the use of the term cover up as no such plan or plot ever took place to hide or assist in the alleged rape.”

Massaro unfortunately passed away in 2019 after an apparent suicide. 

If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual assault, you can contact the RAINN hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).

Steve McMichael is going to be a Pro Football Hall Of Famer. According to NBC Sports out of Chicago, Mongo will be one of three Chicago Bears announced for Canton during Thursday Night’s NFL Honors ceremony.

McMichael was an undoubted force on the NFL gridiron playing a full 15 NFL seasons with 13 of them being for the Windy City, one of which was for the notorious 1985 Super Bowl-winning Bears, led by their defense to which Mongo was a major player to. He’s second in all-time sacks for Chicago and is a four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler.

Mongo has valiantly been battling ALS since 2021 and he’s had the support of his teammates and fellow wrestling colleagues, most particularly Ric Flair who visits and keeps in touch with the NFL legend. 

McMichael found himself in the pro wrestling fold first with WWE during WrestleMania XI as he, along with other NFL stars, was in the corner of Lawrence Taylor during his main event fight with Bam Bam Bigelow.

However, unlike Taylor, Mongo continued to pursue a pro wrestling career where he really began to cut his teeth in a WCW ring. Soon enough, McMichael became a member of the Four Horsemen and won the United States Championship in a match against Jeff Jarrett. He lost that gold eventually to WWE Hall of Famer to Curt Hennig who infamously turned against the Horsemen after teasing that he’d join their ranks following Arn Anderson’s retirement. It’s actually 24 years ago to the day when Mongo made his final appearance with WCW.

We at SEScoops.com would like to send our congratulations to Mongo and his family for the well-earned honor!