SEScoops

Author: Chris Stephens

  • Goldust’s New MMC Partner Revealed

    Goldust’s New MMC Partner Revealed

    Alicia Fox was placed on the injured list this weekend. Not long before the 1st ever women’s Royal Rumble, it was announced Fox would have to pull out of the event and match due to an undisclosed injury.

    It was also announced over the weekend that Fox would need to pull-out of the Mixed Match Challenge tournament. This left her partner, Goldust, in need of a new partner.

    On last night’s episode of Mixed Match Challenge, it was revealed Goldust’s new partner in the tournament will be Mandy Rose.

    Mixed Match Challenge

    1st round matches completed so far:

    1. Finn Balor & Sasha Banks defeated Nakamura & Natalya
    2. the Miz & Asuka defeated Big E & Carmella
    3. Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss defeated Sami Zayn & Becky Lynch

    Still to come:

    4. Goldust & Mandy Rose vs. Jimmy Uso & Naomi
    5. Elias & Bayley vs. Rusev & Lana
    6. Apollo Crews & Nia Jax vs. Bobby Roode & Charlotte Flair

    • One eliminated team will be brought back in the semi-finals via fan vote.
  • Jobber on Smackdown Identity Revealed; Brother of 205 Live Star

    Jobber on Smackdown Identity Revealed; Brother of 205 Live Star

    Last night on Smackdown, the Bludgeon Brothers won a squash match over two local competitors. One of the two jobbers who faced Harper and Rowen last was Rory Gulak, the brother of Drew Gulak.

    Rory and Drew used to form the tag-team, “the Amazing Gulaks”, and are both from Philadelphia.

    https://twitter.com/DrewGulak/status/958516595684495360

    The Amazing Gulaks

    The 27-year-old Rory and his older brother Drew, 30, teamed regularly together in Combat Zone Wrestling up until Drew’s WWE signing in 2016.

    Rory is a regular with Chikara and even challenged for the promotion’s Grand Championship last August. The younger Gulak dropped the title bout to current champion, Juan Francisco de Coronado.

    Drew is expected to take part in the cruiserweight tournament to crown a new champion on 205 Live.

  • Zack Ryder Comments On Being Left Out of Rumble Match

    Zack Ryder Comments On Being Left Out of Rumble Match

    Former Intercontinental champion, Zack Ryder, was left out of the Royal Rumble match on Sunday night. It’s a position the 32-year-old has been in before.

    Ryder put the situation into perspective with this post earlier:

    Zack Ryder in 2018

    Ryder was originally signed to WWE in 2005. He spent two years working in the company’s developmental territories before graduating to the main roster in 2007.

    While maintaining a position on WWE’s main roster for over a decade is no small feat, many feel Ryder’s talent has been overlooked during that time and WWE has failed to give him the opportunities they have given to others.

    Ryder is scheduled to face Jinder Mahal, Kofi Kingston, and Rusev tonight in a fatal 4-way match for a shot at Bobby Roode’s United States championship.

  • Daniel Bryan Announces New #SmackdownTop10 Rankings System

    Daniel Bryan Announces New #SmackdownTop10 Rankings System

    Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon have been butting heads in storyline recently. This might be what has led Daniel Bryan to introduce a change earlier today regarding how Smackdown will be booked.

    Bryan has introduced a top-10 system based on votes from Smackdown Superstars. This ranking system, Bryan states, will play a key role in how the Smackdown brand is booked moving forward.

    The #SmackdownTop10

    Bryan explained that neither he or Shane are allowed to vote in the top 10. Superstars aren’t allowed to vote for themselves either.

    While this is a kayfabe ranking which will most likely involve writers deciding how Superstars vote, it still seems as though this announcement could play a key role in how Smackdown is booked leading into WrestleMania.

    Smackdown emanates from the Wells Fargo Center tonight in Philadelphia. The fourth straight night WWE has run an event in the building.

  • Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge, & 205 Live Preview

    Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge, & 205 Live Preview

    For the 4th night in a row, WWE will present a show from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia tonight.

    The city and venue have hosted TakeOver: Philadelphia, the 2018 Royal Rumble event, and last night’s Monday Night Raw over the last few days.

    Smackdown Preview

    • Tonight will be the first Smackdown since AJ Styles (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura was made official on Sunday night. The two previously met in singles action for NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 10. Nakamura defeated AJ that night to retain his IWGP Intercontinental Championship. There should be some segment involving the WWE champion and the 2018 men’s Royal Rumble winner tonight.
    • A Fatal Four-way match with the winner receiving a shot at Bobby Roode has been announced:
      • Rusev vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Zack Ryder vs. Jinder Mahal
    • The Usos won 2 straight falls over Gable and Benjamin at the Rumble. WWE.com is teasing we could find out the team’s next challengers tonight.
    • Expect Ronda Rousey highlights.

    Mixed Match Challenge

    • The MMC match tonight is:
      • Braun Strowman & Alexa Bliss vs. Sami Zayn & Becky Lynch

    205 Live Preview

    • Tonight the new 205 Live General Manager will be unveiled
  • Nia Jax and Nikki Bella Take Shots at Ronda Rousey

    Nia Jax and Nikki Bella Take Shots at Ronda Rousey

    Heading into the Royal Rumble, some had Nia Jax pegged as a dark horse who could win the match. It would take the famous Andre “the Giant” battle royal spot for her to be eliminated.

    Jax was in the Rumble match for just under 18 minutes. She eliminated 4 participants, tying her for 2nd in the match with Asuka, with only Michelle McCool having eliminated 5 competitors.

    Nia Jax and Nikki Bella Comment on Ronda Rousey’s Debut

    Ronda Rousey made her WWE debut following the Rumble’s conclusion. Nia Jax seems to be taking issue with the attention Rousey is receiving.

    Nia’s comments come not long after Nikki Bella voiced similar sentiment.

    Luckily, “Rowdy” Ronda will have plenty of time to win over the likes of Nia Jax, Nikki Bella and the rest of WWE’s locker room. During her post-Rumble media rounds, Rousey revealed that WWE is her full-time gig for the next few years – making it clear the next few months are not a publicity stunt or cash grab.

  • Jeremy Borash Signs with WWE

    Jeremy Borash Signs with WWE

    WWE has hired Jeremy Borash, according to a PWInsider.com. Borash had been with Impact Wrestling in various roles since the company’s inception back in 2002.

    Of all the departures from Impact over the past several years, this one is striking, as Borash held a multitude of roles both on camera and behind the scenes. Jeremy Borash is arguably as identifiable with the Impact Wrestling brand as anybody in the company’s history.

    Borash was in Philadelphia over the weekend helping Jim Ross with his live show during Royal Rumble weekend.

    https://twitter.com/jeremyborash/status/957710766131630080

    However, that wasn’t the only thing Borash was in town for. He was reportedly guest behind the scenes for various WWE events during Royal Rumble weekend, including Saturday night’s NXT Takeover special.

    Last year, it was rumored that he was negotiating with WWE at the same time that Matt and Jeff Hardy were, prior to last year’s WrestleMania. He was a key creative force involved in the “Broken Universe” project.

  • NJPW Strong Style Evolved Tickets Sell Out in Minutes

    Tickets went on sale today for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s return to the United States. NJPW presents “Strong Style Evolved” on March 25th, from the Long Beach, Walter Pyramid.

    After a major angle took place recently on the New Beginning in Sapporo shows, tickets sold out fast today with some reports from people being unable to order tickets just 10 minutes after they went on sale.

    Cost of tickets ranged from $50 to $100.

    NJPW Returns to Long Beach

    It is believed 4500 tickets were put up for sale today, though that is not confirmed.

    The fast rate at which the show sold out is a good sign for the planned All-In event in the fall. Cody, the Young Bucks, and others involved in “Being the Elite” are planning to run a 10,000 seat arena in the fall.

  • Ronda Rousey WWE Merchandise Already Available

    Ronda Rousey WWE Merchandise Already Available

    WWE Shop didn’t waste any time cashing in on Ronda Rousey’s big debut at the 2018 Royal Rumble. 2 different versions of the “Rowdy” Roddy Piper inspired T-shirt Rousey was wearing last night are already available on their website.

    Ronda Rousey and Roddy Piper

    Roddy Piper and Ronda Rousey share a connection with “Judo” Gene Lebell who is longtime friends with Ronda’s mother. Lebell has known Rousey ever since she was born. Lebell introduced Rousey to Piper and Piper granted permission for her to use his nickname.

    They stayed in touch in the years that passed. Rousey had a chance to speak to Piper just weeks before his death. She was training for UFC 190 at the time. Here is what she told MMA Fighting, they spoke about.

    “I actually got a chance to sit down and talk to him for a couple hours before this fight,” Rousey said. “I didn’t have time for anything, but I was like, ‘No, I have to go see Roddy. I have to go to Piper’s Pit.’ We talked for hours. I even told him, I promised I’m gonna do the name proud, ‘I’m gonna do you proud, I’m gonna go beat this chick.’ I told him that.”

    At UFC 190 Rousey knocked Bethe Correia out in just 34 seconds.

  • Kenny Omega Makes First Statements Since New Beginning

    Kenny Omega Makes First Statements Since New Beginning

    On the final night of the 2-day New Beginning in Sapporo event, Cody attacked Kenny Omega to kickstart a rivalry which has been building for months.

    Cody gave Omega the Cross Rhodes and was instructing Marty Scurll and Hangman Page to join in the assault when Kota Ibushi made the save. Omega had previously saved Ibushi from a 3-on-1 attack from Cody, Scurll, and Page at New Year’s Dash.

    Omega recently released a statement to Tokyo Sports which has since been transcribed by Chris Charlton.

    Kenny Omega Statements

    “When he came to help me I had a flashback to our time as Golden Lovers. Ibushi’s always been hard to figure out, but I kind of understood something. The real Kenny is always at Kota’s side.

    I said I wanted to face him (in the G1 Final) but the truth is what I wanted was to stand in the ring with him.

    (I didn’t go to WWE) because I was waiting for him. If we aren’t together, there’s no point. I want us to change the world together. I took belts with Bullet Club, did a lot, but that was all the job. Golden Lovers transcends wrestling. This is real life. As long as there was a chance for this to happen, I wasn’t going to say goodbye to NJPW.

    I don’t know if he wants what I want, but if he does we can do something amazing together.”

  • WWE Releases First “Woken” Matt Hardy Merchandise

    WWE Releases First “Woken” Matt Hardy Merchandise

    Matt Hardy’s 1st set of merchandise under his “Woken” gimmick is now available at WWEShop.com.

    Hardy himself announced the news earlier this morning:

    “Woken” Matt Hardy in WWE

    Some have complained that the WWE-version of Matt’s character doesn’t have the same feel as when he was in TNA. In response, Matt urged his followers to be patient and stressed that a “Final Deletion” type mini-film is in the works for the character.

    “I think the hardcore fans have to remember that patience is paramount. There’s such a huge percentage of the WWE Universe and the WWE fanbase who aren’t familiar with the story of the Woken/Broken character so we have to educate them and get them up to speed and help them understand what’s going on. And that’s something the die hard fans are frustrated with,” he said.

    “Things are going to get where they need to be and this is a process now that’s playing out over TV. The biggest thing I’d say to people is just sit back and enjoy this truly fun and jubilant ride.”

    When asked about a Final Deletion style movie being presented on WWE programming, Hardy didn’t mince words: “One hundred percent. Absolutely.”

  • Chris Jericho Comments on Role at Raw 25

    Chris Jericho Comments on Role at Raw 25

    Some Chris Jericho fans expressed disappointment the 47-year-old wasn’t used in a more prominent role at Raw’s 25th Anniversary show.

    Jericho has had a monumental month of January, after all. At Wrestle Kingdom 12, he wrestled a 40-minute match against Kenny Omega. The next night he would attack Tetsuya Naito at New Year’s Dash.

    Despite the international spotlight Jericho has been under as of late, he was not disappointed by his Raw 25 role. A fan asked him as such on Twitter, and Jericho responded:

    Is Chris Jericho in NJPW? WWE?

    According to Jericho, he received Vince McMahon’s blessing to work against Omega in NJPW. What is not clear, however, is if Vince has given Jericho permission to continue working with the promotion.

    NJPW returns to the United States in Long Beach on March 25th for “Strong Style Evolved”. If Jericho and Naito are to wrestle each other, this event seems like an ideal date and location.

  • House of Hardcore 37 Lineup

    House of Hardcore 37 Lineup

    Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion runs their 37th event tonight. The promotion is back in the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, and build towards the crowning of their 1st ever champion on the show.

    The main event will be a tag-team rivalry match as Dreamer teams up with Billy Gunn to take on Nick Aldis and Joey Mercury. Aldis and Mercury are now managed by Shane Douglas in HOH and have formed something of a new Triple Threat.

    The rest of the show will consist of 1st round matches in a tournament to declare the 1st ever Twitch TV champion.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnUQ9grmGYY

    House of Hardcore 37 Lineup

    1. Swoggle vs. The Squad’s Mikey
    2. Lisa Marie Varon vs. The Squad’s Kenny
    3. Alex Reynolds vs. Super Crazy
    4. Bull James vs. Eddie Kingston
    5. Guido Maritato vs. Killer Kross
    6. Ace Romero vs. Dan Maff
    7. Austin Aries vs. Matt Riddle
    8. Mystery Opponent vs. Brian Cage
    9. Tommy Dreamer & Billy Gunn w/Mystery Person vs. Nick Aldis & Joey Mercury w/Shane Douglas
  • Vince McMahon Comments on XFL Rules, Politics in Sport, more…

    Vince McMahon Comments on XFL Rules, Politics in Sport, more…

    Vince McMahon’s XFL re-launch announcement has been met with more questions than answers. Many in the media are wondering why the much-maligned league would make a comeback.

    Vince took the time to answer questions on several topics to media members following the announcement.

    XFL Questions and Answers

    One of the bigger questions football fans have is whether or not the XFL will allow protests or kneeling during the anthem.

    Vince has said social and political causes have no place in his football league. “People don’t want social and political issues coming into play when they are trying to be entertained,” McMahon told ESPN. “We want someone who wants to take a knee to do their version of that on their personal time.”

    Vince was also asked if he felt President Donald Trump would support his vision of football. Vince’s wife Linda serves in President Trump’s administration. “I have no idea whether or not President Trump will support this,” McMahon said.

    “Let me say as far as our league is concerned it will have nothing to do with politics, and nothing to do with social issues either. We’re there to play football. We want really good football, and that’s what the fans want too.

    “When they tune in I don’t know if they want to be dealing with social issues and things of that nature. And that’s what we’re going to deliver.”

    Asked about the unique set of rules the league is promising, Vince stated that there will be a firm set of instructions for all players.

    “There will be a booklet to make sure that all the players understand the rules.” McMahon said.

    “We intend for everyone to abide by those rules. As far as the national anthem is concerned, I think this: the national anthem is a time-honored tradition that is played to this day and many years in the past in our country; whatever our rules are what our players will abide by.”

    Asked about allowing players with criminal records into the league, Vince said “The quality of the human being is important,”

    “You want someone that has does not have any criminality whatsoever associated with them. In the XFL, If you have a DUI (driving under the influence) you will not play in the XFL.”

  • XFL Reactions from Wrestlers, Players, and Media

    XFL Reactions from Wrestlers, Players, and Media

    After Vince McMahon’s announcement of the XFL’s return in 2020, there is no shortage of football players and wrestlers lining up to get a spot in the league.

    Reactions to XFL Announcement

    Johnny “Football” Manziel might be looking at the XFL as a place where he can make a comeback. He released the following on Instagram after Vince’s announcement yesterday:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BeYsci7Fvyn/?utm_source=ig_embed

     

    “Woken” Matt Hardy put his own spin on yesterday’s announcement:

    Each XFL game will take place on Rusev Day:

    Brad Shepard brings up a good point about the 2020 start date:

    https://twitter.com/TheBradShepard/status/956351977847476229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fftw.usatoday.com%2F2018%2F01%2Fxfl-comeback-twitter-reacts

    Marcus Mosher has some advice on how the league can be successful:

    Corey Graves has some concerns:

  • Rich Swann Update: All Charges Dropped

    Rich Swann Update: All Charges Dropped

    All charges against former WWE cruiserweight champion, Rich Swann, in regards to a December 10th incident have been dropped.

    He had been charged with misdemeanor battery and false imprisonment/kidnapping stemming from an altercation with his girlfriend, Vannarah Riggs, who wrestles under the name Su Young.

    According to a report from PW Insider, charges against Swann have been dropped due to insufficient evidence.

    Will Rich Swann’s Suspension Be Lifted?

    Triple H and Stephanie told reporters earlier that due to the company’s zero-tolerance policy on domestic violence he would be released if convicted.

    “We are just waiting on legal.” Triple H said. “We have a zero-tolerance policy on that, as you’ve seen, so he’s suspended until it is determined legally one way or the other.”

    It remains to be seen how WWE chooses to proceed with Swann now that charges have been dropped.

    WWE did reinstate Jerry Lawler in 2016 after domestic violence charges were dropped against him.

  • Ronda Rousey Says She Won’t Be At The Royal Rumble

    Ronda Rousey Says She Won’t Be At The Royal Rumble

    Reporters recently caught up with Ronda Rousey at an airport as she was in commute to film a movie. When asked, Rousey denied rumors she will be in the Royal Rumble on Sunday.

    In fact, Rousey mentioned she will be filming a movie in Columbia until mid-February.

    Whether Ronda is just trying to pull one over on wrestling fans or not is currently unknown.

    Rousey also commented on recent statements directed towards her by Alexa Bliss. The current Raw women’s champion had said she is not worried about Rousey coming to take her title.

    Ronda Rousey to WWE

    Rousey and Triple H were spotted having dinner together recently which fuelled speculation the former UFC bantamweight champion could end up in WWE sooner rather than later. Both Triple H and Rousey have denied an agreement has been struck between the two sides, however.

  • NJPW Lineups for New Beginning in Sapporo Shows

    NJPW Lineups for New Beginning in Sapporo Shows

    New Japan Pro Wrestling presents 2 shows this weekend.

    The New Beginning in Sapporo will be a 2-night event featuring 4 title matches. There will also be several multi-person tag matches to set up the New Beginning in Osaka on February 10th.

    New Beginning in Sapporo – Night 1 – January 27th

    1. Michael Elgin vs. Katsuya Kitamura
    2. Kushida, Tiger Mask, Jushin Liger, Kojima, & Tenzan vs. Taka, Desperado, Taichi, Kanemaru, and Iizuka (Suzuki-Gun)
    3. NEVER 6-Man Tag Team Championships
      Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga, Bad Luck Fale (Bullet Club) (c) vs. Taguchi, Henare, and Togi Makabe
    4. David Finlay, Juice Robinson, & Kota Ibushi vs. Marty Scurll, Hangman Page, & Cody (Bullet Club)
    5. Will Ospreay, YOSHI-Hashi (CHAOS) vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito (LIJ)
    6. Gedo, Goto, & Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) vs. Bushi, EVIL, & Sanada (LIJ)
    7. Sho, Yoh, and Jay White (CHAOS) vs. the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega (Bullet Club)
    8. IWGP Intercontinental Championship
      Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki Gun)

    New Beginning in Sapporo – Night 2 – January 28th

    1. Juice Robinson vs. Katsuya Kitamura
    2. Taguchi, Umino, Tiger Mask, and Jushin Liger vs. Taka, Desperado, Taichi, and Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)
    3. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii (CHAOS) vs. Leo Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi (Bullet Club)
    4. Henare, Kojima, Tenzan, & Togi Makabe vs. Chase Owens, Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga, and Bad Luck Fale (Bullet Club)
    5. Michael Elgin and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Takashi Iizuka and Minor Suzuki (Suzuki Gun)
    6. Kushida, David Finlay and Kota Ibushi vs. Marty Scurll, Hangman Page and Cody (Bullet Club)
    7. Gedo, Ospreay, Yoshi Hashi, Goto, and Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) vs. Bushi, Takahashi, Naito, EVIL, and Sanada (LIJ)
    8. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
      the Young Bucks (Bullet Club) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K
    9. IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship
      Kenny Omega (Bullet Club) (c) vs. Jay White (CHAOS)
  • Report: Vince McMahon Launching Football League In 2020

    Report: Vince McMahon Launching Football League In 2020

    Vince McMahon recently created in a new company called “Alpha Entertainment” with many believing this company will eventually promote a professional football league. While there are still questions regarding the actual name of the league, it does appear Vince McMahon’s new venture is planning on launching a football league by 2020.

    A new report from PWInsider is stating that WWE production staff have been working on promotional videos for the league in preparation for a 2020 start date.

    XFL Re-Launch

    Earlier this year, ESPN ran a “30 for 30” documentary on the history of the XFL. The success of the documentary spurned rumors Vince might be willing to give the league another shot.

    One of the admissions made during the filming of the documentary was that they rushed the league onto the field and as a result, the quality of football suffered. A 2020 start date gives Vince and the league more time to prepare.

  • Nia Jax is Moving on From Enzo

    Nia Jax is Moving on From Enzo

    Before Enzo Amore was released earlier this week, he had been involved in a program with Nia Jax. Enzo and Nia were becoming something of an odd-couple love story on 205 Live and Raw. The storyline was a focal point of the 205 Live house shows which took place this weekend.

    The events of this week involving Enzo Amore seemingly put Nia’s new storyline in jeopardy. It appears now, however, Nia has developed eyes for another member of the cruiserweight division.

    205 Live Changes

    With Enzo Amore’s departure, other changes are coming to 205 Live. On the most recent episode, Daniel Bryan announced plans for a GM to be assigned to the brand. A report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has since reported the idea has been tossed around before, with Summer Rae being someone the company had once thought of for the role.

    This past week on 205 Live, a match between Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali is getting solid reviews.

  • Former Friend of Accuser Says Enzo is Innocent, Posts Video

    Former Friend of Accuser Says Enzo is Innocent, Posts Video

    YouTube user, “ImSamCook”, has posted a video claiming to be “former best friends” with Enzo Amore’s accuser. Enzo’s accuser does appear in some of imSamCook’s earlier videos but it is not clear what their relationship is.

    In the video, he claims to have gone on her phone and obtained text messages from Enzo’s accuser. He then runs down the timeline of events as he knows them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6nWlaKRCQI&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop

    Enzo Amore Fired

    Enzo Amore was suspended shortly after the story came out and was later released yesterday. There has been some speculation that his release was given due to failing to inform WWE of the investigation but that has not been confirmed.

    https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/955884474516099073

    Enzo’s legal team then sent out a release (via Twitter) that Enzo denies all claims against him:

    Here is Enzo’s accuser in a previous video with ImSamCook:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuftQFSFMQs

  • Goldberg Appears on “the Flash” Tonight

    Goldberg Appears on “the Flash” Tonight

    Soon to be WWE Hall-of-Famer and former Universal Champion, Bill Goldberg, will appear on an episode of “the Flash” tonight.

    Goldberg plays the role of a prison inmate, “Big Sir”, in the show’s 11th episode of season 4.

    Bill Goldberg Acting Career

    Goldberg has several IMDB credits listed to him including:

    • Yes, Dear (2002) – TV Series
    • Family Guy – 1 episode in 2002
    • Arli$$ – 1 episode in 2002
    • Kim Possible – 1 episode 2002
    • Looney Tunes: Back in Action
    • Desperate Housewives – 1 episode in 2005
    • Santa’s Slay
    • the Longest Yard
    • Law and Order: SUV – 1 episode in 2007
    • Bullrun
    • Half Past Dead 2
    • Kill Speed
    • Fury of the Fist and Golden Fleece
    • American Satan
    • Holly, Jingles, and Clyde 3D (announced)
    • Con Man (Post-Production)
  • Melissa Santos & Brian Cage Welcome Baby Daughter

    Melissa Santos & Brian Cage Welcome Baby Daughter

    Melissa Santos and Brian Cage are now the proud parents of a newborn daughter. They welcomed Skylar Faith Button to the world yesterday.

    Santos was in labor for 36 hours.

    Brian Cage and Melissa Santos

    Cage recently participated in the last set of Impact Wrestling tapings and keeps a regular independent schedule as well. He is expected to be a part of Lucha Underground’s Season 4, as is Santos. Cage was a prospect in WWE’s system from 2008-09 but was released. He got a lot of attention in PWG afterward.

    Santos’ wrestling career started in 2012 with Women of Wrestling but has since caught on as the popular ring announcer for Lucha Underground.

    https://twitter.com/LanasEggWhites/status/956019400334815232

  • Mike Kanellis Comments on Debuting and Failing

    Mike Kanellis Comments on Debuting and Failing

    Mike Bennett (aka Mike Kanellis) recently posted a comment about how debuting and failing was the best thing that ever happened to him.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BeRhtrWlL-7/?hl=en&taken-by=therealmichaelbennett

    Mike and Maria Kanellis in WWE

    Prior to debuting in WWE at the Money in the Bank PPV last year, Bennet and Maria had been a popular act in Ring of Honor and NJPW. They had a brief run in Impact Wrestling in 2016-2017 before signing with WWE last spring/summer.

    Many have responded poorly to their gimmick of a love-struck couple. Since their debut, Mike has come out as having had a painkiller addiction (for which he is now sober), and Maria is approximately 6 months pregnant.

  • Royal Rumble Confirmed Participants (Men’s and Women’s)

    Royal Rumble Confirmed Participants (Men’s and Women’s)

    There are still a lot of unfilled slots for both the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches on Sunday. Let’s take a look at the confirmed participants for each match.

    Women’s Royal Rumble Confirmed Participants

    1. Asuka
    2. Bayley
    3. Becky Lynch
    4. Carmella
    5. Lana
    6. Liv Morgan
    7. Mandy Rose
    8. Mickie James
    9. Naomi
    10. Natalya
    11. Nia Jax
    12. Ruby Riott
    13. Sarah Logan
    14. Sasha Banks
    15. Sonya Deville
    16. Tamina Snuka
    17. Dana Brooke

    This leaves 13 open slots for the match.

    Men’s Royal Rumble Confirmed Participants

    1. John Cena
    2. Finn Bálor
    3. Randy Orton
    4. Shinsuke Nakamura
    5. The Miz
    6. Elias
    7. Baron Corbin
    8. Matt Hardy
    9. Bray Wyatt
    10. Aiden English
    11. Rusev
    12. Titus O’Neil
    13. Apollo Crews
    14. Tye Dillinger
    15. Big E
    16. Kofi Kingston
    17. Xavier Woods

    13 spots are still unaccounted for.