SEScoops

Author: Fernando Quiles Jr.

  • “It Is A Little Weird” That Naomi Isn’t In The Bloodline

    “It Is A Little Weird” That Naomi Isn’t In The Bloodline

    Naomi has responded to those who think she should be in The Bloodline.

    Roman Reigns has been dominating the world of WWE. Ever since starting the “Tribal Chief” gimmick, the general consensus is that Reigns has finally found his character. He along with Jimmy and Jey Uso play a key role on SmackDown.

    • The Bloodline
      (via WWE)

    Naomi & The Bloodline

    Naomi is married to Jimmy Uso, leading many to question why WWE hasn’t used her in Roman’s faction. It’s something that even Naomi has thought about.

    During an interview with Inside The Ropes, Naomi admitted that she finds it a bit odd that she hasn’t joined The Bloodline (h/t POST Wrestling).

    “I do [get the Paul Heyman wisdom] and it is a little weird that I’m not in it [The Bloodline] because I’m always there with them. I’m always there, I’m always around, I’m always, you know, annoying them so, maybe later down the road or maybe there’s somewhere for me to come in with the boys, with Jon and Josh [Jimmy & Jey Uso], who knows? But definitely something I would look forward to. I would want it to be the right time, you know? And done properly.”

    Naomi currently holds tag team gold with Sasha Banks. The two won the championship on night two of WrestleMania 38 back in April.

    As for The Bloodline, they’ve got business to handle at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8. Reigns and The Usos will collide with Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro.

  • Colt Cabana Plays Brooklyn Brawler On Young Rock (Video)

    Colt Cabana Plays Brooklyn Brawler On Young Rock (Video)

    AEW talent Colt Cabana made an appearance on Young Rock as the Brooklyn Brawler.

    Young Rock gives fans a reenactment of The Rock’s early life. This season, viewers have been reliving the Rocky Maivia days. Recently, the Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Mankind, The Undertaker, and The Ringmaster characters appeared.

    Colt Cabana Appears On Young Rock

    Colt Cabana ended up snagging a role on the NBC show. On the latest episode this past Tuesday night (May 3), he played the role of Brooklyn Brawler.

    Former WWE writer and Executive Producer of Young Rock, Brian Gewirtz, heaped praise on Cabana’s performance.

    “Beyond excited for tonight’s #YoungRock. Writing the story of the Rock’s first EVER match with @TheRock and @hhgarcia41 truly was the thrill of a lifetime. And suffice to say @ulilatukefu as the Rock and @ColtCabana as @brawlerreal absolutely crushed it.”

    The Rock also gave a shoutout to Cabana.

    “You and @hhgarcia41 did a great job writing this episode mi amigo. This was a special one. Good to see people loving it. Shout to @ColtCabana & @brawlerreal.”

    Young Rock was recently in the headlines after there was a tease of a future match between The Rock and current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

  • Update On Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Plan To Start Wrestling Promotion

    Update On Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Plan To Start Wrestling Promotion

    Freddie Prinze Jr.’s ambition to start a wrestling promotion hasn’t wavered.

    Freddie is a longtime wrestling fan and he even worked behind the scenes with WWE. Prinze had a hand in the creative team and wasn’t afraid to stand his ground when needed.

    Just ask John Cena.

    Freddie Prinze Jr. Has Plans For New Promotion

    Freddie Prinze Jr. had been teasing that he wanted to start his own wrestling promotion late last year. That is very much still the goal and he recently updated his plans on an edition of his Wrestling With Freddie Podcast.

    • Plans to start in 18 months
    • Wants a two-hour show
    • Has the money for a three-year plan
    • Storylines based in reality
    • Men & Women given equal time
    • Wants to own the space it’s filmed in
    • Wants to be a SAG show
    • No TV contract yet

    Freddie has also asked for input on a name for the promotion.

    Back in February, Freddie took to his podcast to make it clear that his promotion wouldn’t be in competition with the likes of WWE or AEW (via WrestlingNews.co).

    “I don’t want to compete with WWE or AEW. I just want to kind of have my own thing and have it on smaller channels, smaller networks, have it be a SAG show, so that they’re all Screen Actors Guild. That’s what SAG stands for. Then they can have some insurance for as long as that union lasts. I’m sure there’s some scheme to bust that one up if it’s still there.”

    “I went back to work. I’m excited for it. I’m putting together my little wrestling piggy bank. I’m putting some money in there for the next year and a half, a little over a year and a half, and then I’m going in on my indie wrestling brand.”

    SEScoops will keep you posted as Freddie Prinze Jr. continues his push to start a wrestling promotion.

    h/t Wrestle Purists

  • AEW Console Game Roster Size Revealed, New Names Confirmed

    AEW Console Game Roster Size Revealed, New Names Confirmed

    It looks like we now know what the roster size will be for the upcoming AEW console game.

    AEW Games and Yuke’s are hard at work with the AEW Fight Forever title. Back in April, Fightful Select reported that the timeframe for the game’s release is late September.

    In a new report, Fightful Select says the game will feature around 50 playable characters. The report noted that there will be some “disappointing omissions.” With that said, DLC has been discussed.

    On top of that, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Sting, Adam Cole, and Ruby Soho have all been confirmed for AEW’s debut console game.

    Here is a list of wrestlers confirmed for AEW Fight Forever so far:

    • Kenny Omega
    • Chris Jericho
    • Darby Allin
    • Hikaru Shida
    • Jungle Boy
    • The Young Bucks
    • Owen Hart (reported by BodySlam.net)
    • Thunder Rosa
    • CM Punk
    • Bryan Danielson
    • Sting
    • Adam Cole
    • Ruby Soho
  • AEW Teases Signing Willow Nightingale?

    AEW Teases Signing Willow Nightingale?

    AEW may be on the verge of signing Willow Nightingale if they haven’t already.

    Nightingale has made several appearances for AEW. For the most part, she has been eating pinfalls to more established stars but she hasn’t exactly been presented as an enhancement talent.

    Nightingale is quite active in her matches and even picked up a win on AEW Dark this week. Following the victory, AEW seemingly dropped a big hint regarding the future of Willow Nightingale.

    Willow Nightingale Off The Market?

    After Nightingale picked up her first AEW win, the camera zoomed in on a fan sign calling for her to be signed.

    Back in April, Nightingale was asked about potentially signing with AEW or even ROH. She shared her positive outlook (h/t Fightful).

    “It’s looking positive. I don’t have anything solid that I can tell anyone, but things are looking good. I’ve wrestled there and had nine matches and there were definitely moments on that journey where I was like, ‘what is going on?’ Moments of frustration, but especially the last couple of weeks, I’ve been re-affirmed, ‘trust the process, keep going.’ Stay on this journey folks.”

    Many feel it’s only a matter of time before Nightingale puts pen to paper but we’ll keep you posted once something concrete surfaces.

  • Matt Hardy is Tired of Seeing Toxic WWE & AEW Fanboys Online

    Matt Hardy is Tired of Seeing Toxic WWE & AEW Fanboys Online

    Matt Hardy has had enough of the toxicity.

    The wrestling world certainly isn’t immune from tribalism. Ever since AEW was formed back in 2019, there have been some mind-numbing fanboy wars on social media. Even though Matt currently represents AEW, he sees conversations going south on both sides.

    Matt Hardy Sends Message To Keyboard Warriors

    During an edition of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt said there’s nothing wrong with supporting the company you prefer. With that said, he doesn’t understand why fans work themselves up over brand loyalty (via Wrestling Inc).

    “One thing I would like to say is the tribalism between WWE and AEW fans, like, you don’t have to do this. I don’t know if you enjoy it, the people that do it online on social media, it just creates such a toxic environment in the big scheme of things.

    “You love WWE, go hard for WWE, and support WWE. I love WWE and you know I’ve said that since day one, and I’ll never say anything differently. Obviously, when I work somewhere else, I’m going to go hard for AEW because they’re the people paying my bills at the end of the day, but just like a pro wrestling match, you take shots at your opponent, and you talk sh** about them.

    “That’s what AEW is going to do to WWE, that’s what WWE, in theory, is going to do to AEW although they don’t mention AEW in the big scheme of things, they may take shots in other ways behind the scenes. That’s part of the game, part of the business, and don’t take that too seriously.

    “If you have a guy in WWE taking shots at an AEW guy, don’t sweat it. If you have an AEW guy taking shots at a WWE guy, don’t sweat it, it’s all part of the game, baby. It’s all a part of the game and the whole promotion, and the whole fun of pro wrestling. As a fan, don’t work yourself into a shoot, especially with other fans online. Enjoy whatever you enjoy and be proud of it, and don’t let anybody take it differently.”

    AEW star Bryan Danielson also spoke about tribalism in wrestling during an interview with Sports Illustrated back in Sept. 2021. He doesn’t believe the issue solely rests within the industry.

  • Former Producer Reveals the Origin of WWE’s Dizzying Camera Cuts

    Former Producer Reveals the Origin of WWE’s Dizzying Camera Cuts

    Former WWE Vice President of Global Television Production Michael Mansury has reflected on the time WWE first got trigger happy with its camera cuts.

    One big criticism of WWE TV is that there are too many camera cuts. It’s a style that WWE has implemented for years and it was in full effect during the opening segment of the May 2 episode of Raw. In that opener, The Bloodline brawled with Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro.

    When Did WWE’s Camera Cut Craze Start?

    Mansury recently had a chat with Conrad Thompson on The Insiders and he revealed when WWE first started getting gung-ho over having multiple camera cuts at a time.

    “I will say that the rapid camera cutting, to my recollection, that came into play when The Shield debuted. The whole purpose behind it — because there’s the movement in the camera, ‘Ready 3, ready 4,’ going back and forth between all the angles.

    “The initial design behind that style of shooting was to make what you were seeing on screen for the three characters of The Shield, and just the push that they were getting at the time, was just to make it seem all that more chaotic. At the time it worked.

    “I can see now how after so many years of doing it, a lot of viewers feel like they’re on a pretty queasy-inducing thrill ride but that was the intent behind it initially.”

    Mansury said initially, the cuts were reserved for only The Shield before that style was implemented throughout all the shows.

    “That rapid camera cut situation, it was born out of just creating an exciting and chaotic feel for when The Shield were doing those 3 on 1, 3 on 2 beatdowns very early in their run.”

    Please H/T SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.

  • WWE Legend Names AEW Star Who Could Challenge The Rock On The Mic

    WWE Legend Names AEW Star Who Could Challenge The Rock On The Mic

    One WWE legend believes he knows the perfect AEW talent who could go blow for blow with The Rock on the mic.

    It’s no secret that The Rock is Hollywood’s biggest star. He is highly sought after and WWE officials feel lucky anytime they get to bring him on TV.

    On the mic, Rock has always been known for his scathing lines but one young AEW star has Bully Ray thinking he can take the heat and dish it out.

    MJF Is Bully Ray’s Pick

    • MJF
      MJF (Photo: AEW)

    During an episode of SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio show, Bully said that he could see MJF trading barbs with The Rock and holding his own (h/t Sportskeeda.com).

    “I was going back and forth between two, Hook was one of them. I don’t know if you guys are really going to consider this a sleeper pick but I’m going with him. It’s MJF. Is MJF really considered a sleeper pick? I don’t know. But he’s a younger talent, when you say sleeper, I equate it to younger. So I was like Hook, Austin Theory, MJF. MJF is the guy for me. He’s a younger talent, who, we all know, the sky is the absolute limit. Who knows what MJF [is capable of]?

    “If anybody could ever challenge what The Rock was able to accomplish on the microphone, I think it’s MJF. I think given time, seasoning, the right people to stand across from him, the right people to tighten his screws, MJF could become the next Rock on the microphone.”

    MJF is only 26 but he’s quickly emerged as a top heel for AEW. He’s been known to push the boundaries with his promo work and is never afraid to roast someone. One would think Max and The Rock could hurl insults back and forth for hours and it would keep fans entertained throughout.

    Max’s AEW contract is set to expire in 2024 and he isn’t shy in letting everyone know about it. He has made media rounds teasing a jump to WWE. MJF said it’ll come down to who is willing to pay him more.

  • Alberto Del Rio’s Ex-Wife Passes Away

    Alberto Del Rio has announced the passing of the mother of his three children.

    The former WWE and AAA star had been asking for help finding blood donors in an effort to save Ángela Velkei, his ex-wife. While it appears donors were found, things quickly went awry, and Velkei has died.

    Del Rio took to his Twitter account to issue the following statement:

    “It is with pain in my heart and with a torn soul that I officially confirm the unexpected and unfortunate death of Ángela Velkei, mother of my three children. Angela was an exceptional human being and an exemplary mother to my three children. I thank each and everyone who went to donate blood and platelets, to the media that spread the word so that more people could go to help us and the whole family that is present for my children in this very difficult moment in their short lives.

    “Angela passed away this past Saturday 30 April 2022 and fought with all his might until his last second in this world. Today she rests with God and is watching over Sofia, Stephanie and Joseph from heaven. Angela, you were my wife for many years, the mother of my children, my best friend, advisor and you were there for me.

    “In many moments where the world turned its back on me with words of encouragement and a sincere hug. Thank you so much Angela. We miss you like you have no idea. But I swear to you that our children will grow up to be good men and women like you always asked me to. Dad will be here for them. Rest in peace. In this world you were always my angel and so I always let you know. Now you truly become an angel watching over us from heaven. You will always be my angel. Our angel. We love you Angela. Thanks for being you.”

    We at SEScoops wish the family of Ángela Velkei the very best during this difficult time.

  • AEW Original No Longer Under Contract

    AEW Original No Longer Under Contract

    Stu Grayson’s time with AEW might have come to an end.

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Stu’s contract with AEW is up and the two sides haven’t struck a new deal at this time. There is no word on whether or not talks are completely done between the two sides.

    Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has also been trying to get the final word on Grayson’s status with AEW.

    It’s interesting to note that more recently, we’ve seen the likes of Joey Janela, Marko Stunt, and Jack Evans not have their contracts renewed by AEW. They are free to sign elsewhere.

    Grayson’s profile has been removed from the AEW roster page. It seems to be AEW’s policy to try to avoid releasing talent and instead just let those contracts expire.

    SEScoops will keep you updated on the status of Stu Grayson as more details become available.

  • John Cena Has Entered Into New Business Venture

    John Cena Has Entered Into New Business Venture

    John Cena is getting into the cocktail business.

    The Thomas Ashbourne brand is set to roll out a slew of ready-to-drink cocktails. The brand has aligned with celebrities in order to help with the promotion of the products. Cena is one of them.

    John Cena Partners With Thomas Ashbourne Brand

    • John Cena Thomas Ashbourne
      (via Thomas Ashbourne)

    Each cocktail is attached to a celebrity. John Cena is tasked with pushing the old-fashioned drink.

    Here’s what Thomas Ashbourne CEO Cara Kamenev had to say about the cocktail endeavor (via Bloomberg).

    “These are not influencer deals, and these are not promotional or pay-for-post or anything like that. It was important to us that everyone came at it with an ownership mentality.”

    Cena also chimed in, saying he’s learned quite a bit from conversations with the movers and shakers at Thomas Ashbourne.

    “I got a lot of my business education after the events, being able to sit with the people I’ve watched and admired and we’ve shared beer and bourbon and a bunch of stories. That actually brought me here.”

    Cena joins the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosario Dawson, Ashley Benson, Vanessa Hudgens, and Playboi Carti in the list of celebrities co-founding the cocktail drinks.

    Over the past few years, Cena has turned his attention more towards Hollywood. Cena last wrestled back in Aug. 2021 for the WWE SummerSlam main event. He was pinned by Roman Reigns.

  • MLW Boss Confirms “Deep Talks” With a Cable or Streaming Partner

    MLW Boss Confirms “Deep Talks” With a Cable or Streaming Partner

    MLW could be on the verge of a new deal through a cable or streaming partner.

    It’s no secret that MLW has been looking to make a splash with a big broadcast deal. The search was seemingly over as they were set to enter a lucrative deal with Tubi, which is a streaming service owned by FOX.

    MLW has filed an antitrust lawsuit against WWE, alleging the promotion halted the deal with Tubi. FOX has a deal with WWE, allowing them to air SmackDown every Friday night.

    While that case is ongoing, MLW’s Court Bauer appeared on Busted Open Radio to confirm that there have been serious talks with another cable or streaming partner (via Putting You Over).

    “I can confirm that we are in deep talks with a possible player either in cable or in streaming. I can’t say anything else, I’ll get into trouble but we’ve been working on something for a bit.”

    MLW has been the home of some great talent including MJF, who left the promotion in favor of a full-time deal with AEW. Max last appeared for MLW back in Jan. 2020.

    Today, MLW features talent such as the promotion’s current heavyweight champion Alex Hammerstone, Jacob Fatu, and Richard Holliday.

  • The Miz Names One WWE Superstar Whose Character Is A “Money Maker”

    The Miz Names One WWE Superstar Whose Character Is A “Money Maker”

    The Miz has one WWE superstar in mind who he believes has money written all over him.

    If there’s one thing The Miz knows about, it’s longevity under Vince McMahon’s empire. Miz has been on the WWE main roster since 2006. Along the way, he became a two-time WWE Champion and headlined WrestleMania 27.

    Miz has seen many come and go over the years and he’s impressed by the growth of one performer in particular.

    The Miz Has High Hopes For Chad Gable

    • Chad Gable
      (via WWE)

    Miz was a guest on the Out of Character podcast with Ryan Satin. During the show, “The A-Lister” reflected on Chad Gable’s road to his current character.

    “Chad Gable first came in with Jason Jordan, right? Amazing tag team, incredible. Didn’t click, like didn’t get to the upper echelons but won things and did stuff and was in there.

    “Then they took him and said, ‘Alright, you’re gonna be a singles competitor, you’re gonna be Shorty G.’ And everyone was like, ‘What?! What?!’ Honestly, sometimes it’s just to see like, ‘I see something in you, let’s see if we can get something out of you. Let’s see if we can find something that’s different than everybody else.’

    “Most times the fans or the critics will be like, ‘Why are they doing this? This guy went to the Olympics.’ We’re just trying to find something here. In my mind, that’s what they’re doing. So, then he did, he took it and I thought he did exceptional at it. He didn’t get to the upper echelons or whatever but he took that character and made something out of it.”

    Miz said that Gable has finally found what works for him and he sees a lot of green for the leader of the Alpha Academy.

    “Now you look at Chad Gable, guess what? He found his voice, he found his character and now you look at him and you go, ‘Oh wow, this is a money maker. This character is a money maker.’”

    Please H/T SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.

  • Mick Foley Has a Great Response to Undertaker’s HOF Speech Omission

    Mick Foley Has a Great Response to Undertaker’s HOF Speech Omission

    Mick Foley isn’t bothered by The Undertaker not mentioning him during his Hall of Fame speech.

    When people talk about The Undertaker’s greatest rivals, a popular choice is Foley. Longtime fans may remember the time Foley, who once played the role of Mankind, got Paul Bearer to turn on Undertaker in 1996.

    Of course, you can’t discuss the Foley-Undertaker feud without bringing up the 1998 Hell in a Cell match between the two. Foley was thrown off the cell onto the announce table and Undertaker legitimately thought he had killed him.

    Foley was also chokeslammed through the roof and into the ring. When he landed, a steel chair bounced and hit him in the mouth, knocking out a tooth. To top that off, Foley also went through some thumbtacks in what is still considered to be the most brutal HIAC match.

    • The Undertaker Mankind
      (via WWE)

    Mick Foley Doesn’t Feel He Was Snubbed

    Serving as a guest on the In The Kliq podcast, Mick Foley explained why he’s the last person who should be crying “snub” (h/t WrestlingNews.co).

    “Well, listen, I forgot to mention my wife during my speech, so I’m not one to lecture anybody about who they should and should not include in their speech. I was not there for those formative years. His was more about friendship and support. We had a great rivalry, but he didn’t mention Rock or Austin. So, if I’m not hurt, no one can be hurt on behalf of me.”

    Despite the omission, The Undertaker and Foley will forever be linked career-wise. The two had some unforgettable encounters.

  • Booker T Says Most Fans Won’t Care About AEW Working With NJPW

    Booker T Says Most Fans Won’t Care About AEW Working With NJPW

    Booker T doesn’t believe the “Forbidden Door” event does anything for AEW outside of catering to its existing fanbase.

    AEW and NJPW have teamed up to create a joint PPV event, “Forbidden Door.” The event will be held inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 26. No matches have been announced at this time.

    Booker T Not Sold On Forbidden Door Attracting New Fans

    Taking to his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T said he doesn’t see the AEW-NJPW crossover show attracting new fans (h/t EWrestlingNews.com).

    “I do not think the majority of people here in the United States are clicking to go find Japanese wrestling. I just don’t believe that.”

    Booker said he understands that the existing AEW fanbase will enjoy the show but it won’t be making waves outside of that group.

    “They’re going to love it, I get that. The AEW fanbase, they’re going to love it,” Booker expressed. “But what I am saying is, outside of the AEW fanbase, there aren’t a whole lot of people are going to look at this like it’s a forbidden door because don’t too many people know about it but the AEW fanbase.”

    As of now, no matches have been announced for the “Forbidden Door” show. IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada has squashed speculation that he may not be able to attend the show.

    Big AEW names such as Bryan Danielson have also committed to being in action on the show. The Hardys have made it clear that they want to add the IWGP Tag Team Titles to their mantle.

    Tetsuya Naito has said that he won’t be calling anyone out and that he’ll let the AEW stars come to him. His status is a bit of a question mark, however, as he’ll be undergoing surgery on his right eye soon. Naito had a quick turnaround for a similar surgery back in 2019.

  • Theory Hints At SummerSlam Match With John Cena

    Theory Hints At SummerSlam Match With John Cena

    Theory is teasing a SummerSlam showdown with John Cena.

    It’s no secret that WWE is pushing Theory as the next big thing. Theory is aligned with Vince McMahon on TV and has been labeled as the WWE Chairman’s new “Chosen One.” Some reports have even claimed that WWE is trying to make Theory the next John Cena.

    Theory vs. John Cena At SummerSlam?

    Theory recently took to Instagram Stories to drop a big tease regarding a potential match with Cena (h/t The Brass Ring).

    https://twitter.com/TheBrassRing1/status/1520890918353711108

    Theory is the reigning United States Champion. He captured the gold on the April 18 episode of Raw. He pinned Finn Balor to win his first singles championship in WWE.

    WWE seemingly dropped its own hint of a possible collision between Theory and Cena. During the April 25 episode of Raw, Mustafa Ali returned and said he was hoping Theory would have an open challenge for the United States Championship.

    During John Cena’s runs with the United States gold back in 2015, he held open challenges with the title on the line. If Theory eventually does the same, then it would be yet another hint.

    Theory stoked the flames of a potential rivalry, taking to social media to claim he’s a better U.S. champ than Cena was. Cena responded, warning Theory to not get too big for his britches.

  • Power Goes Out During Wrestling Show, Fans Use Smartphones For Light (Video)

    Power Goes Out During Wrestling Show, Fans Use Smartphones For Light (Video)

    No matter what lengths they have to go through, wrestling fans will be entertained one way or another.

    The perfect example of this was a Journey Pro KC show that took place on April 29. At one point, the power inside the building was cut off.

    So, what did the crowd do?

    Fans in attendance pulled out their smartphones for light and it’s a sight that would make Bray Wyatt proud.

    Here are some videos courtesy of Twitter users Patriot Pat, GPA, and Journey Pro KC:

    When wrestling promotions book Lights Out matches, this is surely not what they have in mind.

    Still, fans made the best out of a less-than-ideal situation and it’s quite the sight. The crowd also seemed to remain hot throughout the show.

  • Stardom Reportedly Interested In Working With AEW

    Stardom Reportedly Interested In Working With AEW

    Much like NJPW, it appears Stardom has warmed up to the idea of working with AEW.

    Dave Meltzer hopped on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast to discuss all things wrestling. During his appearance, he reported that Stardom is high on the idea of working with AEW. In particular, the company would like to bring in some big names for some of its more high-profile events.

    Which AEW Talents Have Stardom’s Eye?

    Stardom has certainly grown in popularity and served as a bright spot in Japanese wrestling during the pandemic. As the promotion gears up for some of its major events, eventually at full capacity with Japan starting to open up more, there is interest in top AEW talent.

    Meltzer noted that Stardom wouldn’t hesitate to have the likes of AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker for some of its key shows.

    The report may not come as a surprise to many. After all, Bushiroad owns both Stardom and NJPW. We’ve seen NJPW team up with AEW ever since Harold Meij was replaced by Takami Ohbari as the promotion’s president.

    AEW and NJPW will be holding a joint PPV event dubbed, “Forbidden Door” on June 26. At this time, Stardom isn’t expected to participate. The promotion has its own event on that date.

  • Former ROH Booker Delirious Taking Independent Bookings

    Former ROH Booker Delirious Taking Independent Bookings

    Delirious is taking independent bookings for the first time in over a decade.

    He made the announcement on his Twitter account. He will be taking “full-time” bookings this spring into late summer.

    Here is the press release from Delirious:

    “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1st, 2022

    “For the first time in over 10 years …. DELIRIOUS will be available for full-time bookings from May 2022 – August 2022.
    Don’t miss your chance to book DELIRIOUS this summer for wrestling appearances and comprehensive pro wrestling seminars.

    “DELIRIOUS has an extensive resume consisting of over 20 years of international pro wrestling experience including Mexico, Japan and the UK. Over 10 years as ROH Head Training Instructor. Over 10 years of full-time writing and producing for television and much more.

    “For booking inquiries and info on seminar packages please email: DeliriousWrestler@gmail.com

    “DELIRIOUS has provided a list of wrestlers who he would love to compete against this summer so promoters… take note.

    “We are excited for the 2022 SUMMER HYSTERIA TOUR and it is still to be determined whether this is the last time DELIRIOUS will be available for independent bookings so don’t miss out!

    “Peace and Love, Alice.

    “- Delirious Translator & Assistant”

    WWE superstar Cody Rhodes showed his support for Delirious on social media:

    “Awwww I love this. When I came to ROH there was a 30% business jolt in year 1 and then double that for year 2 – record business for them! AND this was the guy writing/editing/organizing the whole show. Good luck Delirious! Check em’ all off.

    “Also, I should make a new list…”

    When ROH went on hiatus, there was a ton of uncertainty. The promotion had released all of its talent and planned for a “reconceptualization” period. AEW President Tony Khan ended up purchasing the promotion.

    As SEScoops first reported, ROH staff were told to prepare for their releases. Delirious was no exception.

  • Tetsuya Naito Undergoing Surgery On Right Eye Again

    Tetsuya Naito Undergoing Surgery On Right Eye Again

    NJPW star and former three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito will be having another operation on his right eye.

    Naito suffers from superior oblique muscle paralysis. As a result, Naito has been having issues with double vision. Tokyo Sports reports that the top NJPW main eventer will be undergoing surgery soon.

    Back in 2019, Naito underwent a similar operation.

    Tetsuya Naito recently challenged Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestling Dontaku. Okada successfully defended the gold.

    The good news for Naito fans is that it only took him 20 days to recover and return to the ring following his first procedure. Time will tell if he’ll need more or less time this go-around.

  • Former Impact Star Debuts at AEW Dark Taping

    Former Impact Star Debuts at AEW Dark Taping

    A former Impact Wrestling star has made his AEW debut.

    JJ Williams was in attendance for an AEW Dark taping. At the show, there was a former Impact X-Division Title challenger in action. This talent just so happened to have parted ways with Impact back in March.

    Jake Something Wrestles On AEW Dark

    JJ Williams of Wrestling Observer Newsletter attended an AEW Dark taping and he witnessed Jake Something make his AEW debut.

    There’s currently no word on whether or not AEW will be doing business with Jake Something in the long term. We’ve seen plenty of recognizable names on AEW Dark in the past but not all of them end up with full-time roles, at least not right away.

    Jake debuted in the wrestling industry back in 2010. He was trained by the ROH dojo. Jake made appearances for the likes of ROH and NWA before making his way to Impact back in 2017.

    Fightful Select reported that Jake’s contract with Impact was up in February of this year. He ended up working the Sacrifice event in March anyway and it’s been said that the split was amicable and that the door is open for Jake to return down the road.

    “Thank you to @IMPACTWRESTLING and @ScottDAmore for taking the chance on me, and helping me learn and grow so much. Much love to the entire locker room, a true family.”

  • Former AEW Women’s Champion Expected To Return From Injury Soon

    Former AEW Women’s Champion Expected To Return From Injury Soon

    One former AEW Women’s Champion looks to be on the verge of making her return.

    The current world titleholder in AEW’s women’s division is Thunder Rosa. The TBS Champion is Jade Cargill. Jade has been shutting down all challengers, while Thunder’s reign is in the early stages. A return could add a spark to the division.

    Riho Expecting To Return Soon

    • Riho
      (via AEW)

    Riho has confirmed on her blog that she has completely healed from a broken collarbone. Her return to the United States is imminent (via The Midwest Marks Podcast).

    https://twitter.com/marks_midwest/status/1520489795713175555

    Riho’s last match was back in January when she took on Britt Baker at Battle of the Belts. It was in that match where Riho suffered the injury.

    Reports had said the former AEW Women’s Champion was expected to fully recover in about three months so it appears everything went according to plan.

  • The Hardys Eyeing IWGP Tag Team Championship At Forbidden Door

    The Hardys Eyeing IWGP Tag Team Championship At Forbidden Door

    The Hardys have long cemented their legacy but they may not be done adding more hardware to their mantle.

    On June 26, AEW and NJPW will team up for a special cross-promotion event dubbed, “Forbidden Door.” The action will be held inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. No matches have been announced at this time but The Hardys seem to already have one goal in mind.

    The Hardys Want Gold In NJPW

    Matt and Jeff are looking to add to their already stellar legacies. In a new video posted by AEW, Matt said he and his brother have their sights set on IWGP gold.

    “The Forbidden Door event is going to be massive. It is going to be huge and blow people’s minds. There should be plenty of opponents for us to ‘DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!’ And you know what, Brother Nero? We never held the New Japan Pro Wrestling tag team titles. Maybe it’s time for a new expedition of gold. See you at the Forbidden Door.”

    Bullet Club members Bad Luck Fale and Chase Owens recently captured the IWGP Tag Team Championship at Wrestling Dontaku. They defeated previous champions Jeff Cobb & The Great-O-Khan as well as Hiroki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi in a three-way tag team title match.

    Please H/T SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.

  • Juice Robinson Turns Heel, Joins Bullet Club (Video)

    Juice Robinson Turns Heel, Joins Bullet Club (Video)

    Juice Robinson has swerved the wrestling industry.

    It wasn’t long ago when Juice claimed he didn’t plan on re-signing with NJPW. He sounded a bit deflated during an interview on Wrestling Observer Live. His tone even left some fans concerned but it was all a ruse.

    During Wrestling Dontaku, a masked man attacked IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. The man then hit Pulp Friction and at that point, it was clear what was going on. The man unmasked and sure enough, it was Juice Robinson.

    Check out the heel turn below courtesy of NJPW World.

  • Penta El Zero M Superkicks Tay Conti Into Oblivion (Video)

    Penta El Zero M Superkicks Tay Conti Into Oblivion (Video)

    Tay Conti has learned that you don’t mess with Penta El Zero M.

    AAA held its TripleMania: Monterrey event this past Saturday night (April 30). Tay was in action on the show. She teamed with Sammy Guevara to take on Los Vipers, Maravilla and Látigo, and Sexy Star II and Komander. The AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship was on the line.

    In the end, Tay and Sammy won to capture the gold.

    Tay didn’t walk away unscathed, however. At one point, she found herself on the wrong end of a superkick courtesy of Penta El Zero M.

    https://twitter.com/EIiteAEW/status/1520639237640523778