SEScoops

Author: Chris Stephens

  • John Cena Reveals Embarrassing In-Ring Incident

    John Cena recently conducted an interview in which he detailed the most embarrassing moment of his pro-wrestling career. The incident happened early in his career and may explain why he’s gone on to wear jean shorts instead of spandex.

    According to John, a case of food poisoning during his early main roster career resulted in a rather embarrassing incident.

    John Cena’s Embarrassing Moment Revealed

    “The most embarrassing thing is when I performed with food poisoning. I happened to not be wearing my denim shorts, this was way back in the days of yore and believe it or not, I was wearing Halloween orange spandex trunks.

    “At the end of the contest, the orange had turned into an unflattering Autumn brown.

    “Another wrestling nightmare would be to have your music play and you’re not ready to go out, but I would much rather arrive late but dressed for the occasion than pooping yourself and vomiting during a performance.”

    His full interview can be read here.

  • WWE Superstars Pick Their Teammates For Mixed-Match Challenge

    WWE Superstars Pick Their Teammates For Mixed-Match Challenge

    Yesterday’s announcement of WWE’s new Mixed Match Challenge show has resulted in several superstars picking who their potential teammates will be.

    Not all Superstars from Raw and Smackdown will be eligible, however. Yesterday both Daniel Bryan and Kurt Angle announced the participating Superstars for their brands:

    Raw & Smackdown Superstars Pick Their Preferred Teammates

     

    Bobby Roode and Charlotte Flair seem to be bonding over their robes:

    Will Lana and Rusev compete together?

    Bayley and Sasha Banks comment on possible teammates:

    Natalya seems interested in teaming with 1/3 of the New Day, Big E:

    Samoa Joe seems less than enthused with having a partner at all:

  • The Rock Receives His Walk of Fame Star, WWE Comments

    The Rock Receives His Walk of Fame Star, WWE Comments

    Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson received his star on the Walk of Fame yesterday. He joins WWE chairman, Vince McMahon, who received his own star in 2008.

    Entertainment news outlet, Variety, live-streamed the ceremony:

    Triple H and Stephanie McMahon Comment

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

  • 205 Live Update Following Mixed-Match Challenge Announcement

    205 Live Update Following Mixed-Match Challenge Announcement

    Yesterday, WWE announced plans to air a 12-part series on Facebook titled “WWE Mixed Match Challenge”. The new show will begin airing on January 16th, 2018, at 10 PM.

    The timeslot MMC will air in begs the question of what will happen to 205 live which is currently in that timeslot. According to a report from PWinsider.com, the plans are for 205 live to begin airing at 10:30 throughout the course of the 12 part series. MMC episodes are only expected to be 20 minutes in length.

    Mixed Match Challenge Format

    WWE released the following description of the MMC format:

    “The 12-episode series will air on Facebook Watch and feature WWE Superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown LIVE rosters competing in a single-elimination mixed tag-team tournament to win $100,000 to support the charity of their choice.”

  • Tyrus Reveals Why He Left Impact Wrestling

    Tyrus Reveals Why He Left Impact Wrestling

    44-year-old Tyrus appeared on the “Arm Drag Takedown” podcast recently and went into further detail regarding what led to him leaving Impact Wrestling.

    Tyrus and Jeff Jarrett History

    Tyrus stated that Jeff Jarrett had originally told him to sign with his GFW and not Impact because Impact was going to fold. Then low and behold, Jarrett was named Impact Wrestling President.

    “When Jeff Jarrett came along — because him and I have an uncomfortable history — I just wasn’t comfortable with the management. They [TNA] didn’t want me working for Jeff.

    “Basically, it came down to either stay with Impact or I could go with Global. I was making more with Impact, and Global didn’t have the resources to pay me what I was making. [Jeff] was basically saying it was better for me to come to Global because Impact was about to fold. He was very adamant about that. Two weeks later, at the TV tapings, guess whose ass is there working the shows? Jeff Jarrett,” Tyrus said in a jaw-dropping revelation. “I was like, ‘Bitch, you crazy?!’ Who does that?”

    “I was like, ‘Oh, shit! Well, I’m out.’ Unless him and I were going to have a sitdown, which just wasn’t going to happen, I knew this was not going to be a spot for me,” he said. “I just wasn’t comfortable with it.”

    The full podcast can be listened to here.

  • WWE Announces New Live Show on Tuesday Nights

    WWE Announces New Live Show on Tuesday Nights

    WWE will be airing a new live in-ring show on Tuesday nights at 10pm est beginning January 16th, 2018.

    While it is currently not clear how this will impact 205 Live, WWE and Facebook have announced “WWE Mixed-Match Challenge”, a 12-part series featuring a single-elimination tag-team tournament.

    Mixed Match Challenge Information

    Facebook has purchased the distribution rights for 12-weeks of the program at the moment, though it is not clear if the idea is to keep the show going after the initial tournament.

    WWE has released the following information about the show:

    • “The 12-episode series will air on Facebook Watch and feature WWE Superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown LIVE rosters competing in a single-elimination mixed tag-team tournament to win $100,000 to support the charity of their choice.
    • Each 20-minute episode will reflect a progressive approach to production, with elements optimized for mobile consumption, experimentation and social interaction, including the ability for the WWE Universe to engage with Superstars during the show. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to select matchups, match stipulations and more, on Facebook.”
  • Raw Viewership Sinks to Lowest Number Since June

    Raw Viewership Sinks to Lowest Number Since June

    Monday Night Raw this week drew 2,684,000 viewers, the lowest number for the show since June 12th. It was up against the Patriots and Dolphins MNF game which drew 11 million viewers.

    This number is down from last week’s 2,813,000 viewers and is down from the November 13th and 20th episodes which each drew over 3 million viewers.

    Raw Rating Hourly Breakdown

    Raw’s 1st hour drew 2,876,000 viewers and was the most viewed hour. The 2nd hour of the show drew the lowest viewership of 2,570,000. Finally, the 3rd hour, which featured Kane vs. Braun Strowman in the main event, drew 2,608,000 viewers.

    Raw ranked 4th out of the top 150 cable shows airing Monday night.

    The last time Raw drew a total viewership less than they did Monday was on June 12th when they drew 2,542,000 viewers.

  • Cris Cyborg Wants Match With Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania

    Cris Cyborg Wants Match With Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania

    One fight Ronda Rousey fans never got to see was her against Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino. Evidently, Cyborg is so disappointed she never faced Rousey in an MMA fight that she is willing to follow her into pro-wrestling and face her at WrestleMania.

    Earlier this year, Cyborg and Becky Lynch went back-and-forth on Twitter and teased a possible match at SummerSlam:

    Cyborg vs. Rousey at WrestleMania

    Cyborg recently spoke with FloCombat about the possibility of facing Rousey in a wrestling ring.

    “I think Ronda Rousey in the WWE would be an amazing thing,” Cyborg told FloCombat on Monday. “I just recently attended my first WWE event live when RAW was in [Los Angeles] filming and I absolutely loved the experience. If she really is done fighting and not returning to the UFC, I think the idea of a WWE match between us for the fans is still something everyone could get excited about.”

    “Could the Brazilian Vale Tudo Fighter beat the American shoot fighting champion? That seems like a pretty natural storyline to a WrestleMania if you ask me. I know 70,000 fans who would still be willing to pack a stadium to see Cyborg vs. Rousey even if it took place in a three-rope ring instead of a cage.”

    While a match with Rousey seems unlikely, Cyborg does have one pro-wrestler interested in facing her:

    Cyborg’s full interview with FloCombat can be read here.

  • James Ellsworth Releases List of “Dream Opponents”

    James Ellsworth Releases List of “Dream Opponents”

    The recently released James Ellsworth has borrowed a page from Cody Rhodes’ book and released a list of his “Dream opponents”.

    Shortly after he and WWE parted ways last year, Cody posted the following:

    This prompted Stu “Bennett (aka Wade Barrett) to post a similar list:

    Sadly, Barrett’s dreams have gone unfulfilled thus far.

    Now, James Ellsworth has added his own list of dream opponents to the mix:

    James Ellsworth’s Post-WWE Career

    Ellsworth is able to resume his independent wrestling career on February 12th, 2018. He won’t be short of opponents for that time it seems as several of his “dream opponents” have already responded.

    https://twitter.com/NikiMSavo/status/940453242449866752

    Even MMA fighter, Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, responded to Ellsworth on social media:

  • 3 Matches Announced For Smackdown Live Tonight

    3 Matches Announced For Smackdown Live Tonight

    Smackdown & 205 Live tonight are from the US Bank Arena in Cincinatti, OH.  3 matches have been announced thus far for the show.

    Smackdown Lineup

    • Kevin Owens vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
      • Owens and Sami Zayn wrestle Nakamura and Randy Orton on Sunday. If Zayn and Owens lose they are fired from “all of WWE”.
    • the Riott Squad vs. Carmella, Tamina, & Lana
      • As of right now, nobody involved in this match is scheduled for Sunday’s Clash of Champions. Something during this match could change that, however.
    • the Usos vs. Aiden English & Rusev
      • These are 2 of the 4 teams which will meet in a 4-way match for the tag titles at Clash of Champions.

    Also announced for the show is a face-to-face meeting between WWE Champion, AJ Styles, and his challenger on Sunday, the former champion, Jinder Mahal.

    Breezeango will also pay tribute to their “friends”, the Ascension, on a special Fashion Files episode.

    There will probably also be segments setting up Charlotte Flair’s title defense against Natalya and Baron Corbins US title defense against Bobby Roode on Sunday.

  • Matt Cappotelli Brain Cancer Update

    Matt Cappotelli Brain Cancer Update

    A story out of WDRB in Louisville, KY today has provided an update on Tough Enough Season 3 winner, Matt Cappotelli.

    Cappotelli was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2007. He had the tumor removed and was cancer-free up until earlier this year. Cappotelli announced this summer that he was undergoing emergency surgery due to a second and more deadly brain tumor. According to today’s report from WDRB, Cappotelli’s condition is terminal.

    Matt Cappotelli’s Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

    Doctors were only able to remove 90% of the new tumor. The other 10% is located next to brain stem and considered inoperable. According to today’s report, Cappotelli’s situation is terminal and doctors have said only 5% of people with this cancer survive 5 years.

    A GoFundMe account has been created for him.

  • Braun Strowman Says He Is Vince McMahon’s “Project”

    Braun Strowman Says He Is Vince McMahon’s “Project”

    Braun Strowman took part in an interview with Metro UK recently. Amongst the interview’s highlights were Strowman’s comments that Vince McMahon has taken him on as his “project”.

    Braun Strowman Interview Highlights:

    On his relationship with Vince:

    “At the end of the day, a lot of it is Vince. He is very hands-on with me and has taken me on as his project.

    He has some crazy ideas and I’ve never once questioned anything that Vince has wanted me to do because I know he wouldn’t ask me to do something he wouldn’t do himself.”

    On Being a “Larger Than Life Superstar”

    “Vince is very keen on the larger than life human beings, especially because of the shock and awe value. Even before I was a WWE Superstar, when I walk into a room I don’t care who is in there, I take focal point. People stop what they’re doing to look at me when I walk in, and now they can put a name to it.

    That’s been a huge factor in WWE since the beginning of the company. It’s a huge favor for me that I’m larger than life and having these genetics and the look that Vince likes.

    But it’s more than a look, there’s a lot of guys that look big and tough but being able to put that into play in WWE is difficult.

    Being able to go out there night after night and work with people and not injuring and hurting people, that was a big thing when I first came in that I had beat into my head from developmental”

    The full interview can be read here.

  • The Rock & Lauren Hashian Expecting 2nd Daughter

    The Rock & Lauren Hashian Expecting 2nd Daughter

    The Rock and his girlfriend, singer-songwriter Lauren Hashian, announced through social media recently they are expecting their second daughter together.

    Rock also has a 16-year old daughter, Simone, from his previous relationship with Dany Garcia.

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Lauren Hashian are believed to have been together since 2007. The couple had their first daughter, Jasmine Lia, in December 2015.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BclCqzbl0E_/?taken-by=therock

  • Kenny Omega Attacks Chris Jericho at WK12 Press Conference

    Kenny Omega Attacks Chris Jericho at WK12 Press Conference

    One day after Chris Jericho attacked Kenny Omega in Fukuoka, Omega has returned the favor. Jericho was being interviewed at a Wrestle Kingdom 12 press conference when Omega struck:

    Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho Wrestle Kingdom 12

    Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho will face each other for the IWGP United States Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 12 on January 4th, 2018. Omega is the inaugural holder of the belt, having won a tournament at the NJPW G1 Special in Los Angeles earlier this year.

    Wrestle Kingdom 12 lineup:

    1. Killer Elite Squad (c) vs. EVIL & Sanada – IWGP Heavyweight tag titles
    2. Cody (c) vs. Kota Ibushi – ROH World Championship
    3. Roppongi 3K (c) vs. the Young Bucks – IWGP Jr. Heavyweight tag titles
    4. Marty Scurll (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Will Ospreay vs. KUSHIDA – IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
    5. Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Jay White – IWGP Intercontinental Championship
    6. Kenny Omega (c) vs. Chris Jericho – IWGP United States Championship
    7. Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito – IWGP Heavyweight Championship
  • Paige Opens Up About Drug Use and WWE Suspensions

    Paige Opens Up About Drug Use and WWE Suspensions

    Paige recently appeared on Lillian Garcia’s podcast and opened up about her past drug use and the reason for her WWE Wellness Policy violation last year.

    Paige on Her Injury Causing Depression:

    “When my neck (injury) came along and I thought ‘oh my gosh I’m not going to be able to wrestle again’ and that put me in a depression. I just felt so alone and I was in so much pain from my neck.”

    Paige on Addiction to Medication for Her Neck Injury

    “I was just like ‘this is fine, one more (pill) will be fine. I can do this, I’m not addicted to this pill.’ Which I’m not because I completely stopped after I got humiliated online!

    I made the dumb mistake. It’s not even good, I didn’t even enjoy doing it.

    It’s not me, it’s far from me.”

    On Her WWE Suspensions

    “It was my fault, I was very dumb. Unfortunately, I took the drug test and I popped it.
    Unfortunately, I tried to cover it up a little bit. I feel very stupid, I was very embarrassed it.

    The first one (suspension) that wasn’t actually from drugs, that was from not doing it (taking the test) in the allotted time, which is kind of my bad but was a confusing situation. The physical drug test I passed, but the 2nd one that was just me being stupid.”

    At this point, Lillian pointed out that Paige’s drug-test failures were not just for prescription medicine even though Paige indicated as such on social media afterward.

    “At that time, I was just very embarrassed and I was like “ok, I have to cover this up somehow.”

    On How WWE Treated Her:

    “I was just so humiliated because it was everywhere. Obviously, WWE had to cover themselves.

    I was never mad at WWE for doing that, it sort of gave me the kick in the butt I needed.

    They were so fantastic with me, they definitely helped me, they’re still helping me now. I get to do therapy, they are like a big family. ”

    Listen to the full podcast here (drug use talks after the 1st break)

  • WWE Announces Tour of South Africa in 2018

    WWE Announces Tour of South Africa in 2018

    WWE has added a South African tour to their 2018 schedule. The tour will run from Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 to Saturday, April 21st, 2018.

    The Raw-branded house show tour will land in Cape Town (April 18th), Pretoria (April 20th) and finally Johannesburg (April 21st).

    In 2013, Randy Orton was attacked by a fan at a show from Cape Town:

    WWE South Africa

    “WWE’s family-friendly Live Events will feature Raw Superstars Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, Asuka, Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus, and many more

    Following the overwhelming demand from our fans in South Africa, we are excited to return to Cape Town and Johannesburg, and bring WWE Live to Pretoria for the first time,” said Stefan Kastenmüller, Senior Vice President & General Manager, WWE Africa, Europe & Emerging Markets. “WWE fans in South Africa can look forward to spectacular, non-stop, family-friendly entertainment featuring their favorite WWE Superstars.”

  • Nick Aldis Wins NWA Championship (Video)

    Nick Aldis Wins NWA Championship (Video)

    There is a new NWA World Heavyweight Champion and his name is Nick Aldis.

    The former champion, Tim Storm, opted to defend the title against Aldis at CZW’s show over the weekend. He did so despite having been the recipient of a post-match attack just days earlier.

    Storm was attacked by Jocephus last weekend following their non-title match from Championship Wrestling from Hollywood.

    View highlights of Aldis’ win below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn_5oD7ePIs

    Billy Corgan’s National Wrestling Alliance

    Corgan and his team officially took control of the organization on October 1st of this year. Since that time they have been releasing documentaries on their YouTube account as they follow the NWA champion on his travels.

    Aldis’ title win will be the focus of the next episode of “10 Pounds of Gold”.

  • Triple H vs Roman Reigns Abu Dhabi Match Result

    Triple H vs Roman Reigns Abu Dhabi Match Result

    The main event from WWE’s 2nd Abu Dhabi show featured Triple H challenging for the Intercontinental Championship against the current title-holder, Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns successfully defended his title at the event.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcc3qnVAuPh/?taken-by=wwe

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcc70SggvO9/

    #WWEIndia Supershow On Saturday

    Saturday’s WWE live event from India has been billed as a “Super Show” and will feature Triple H vs. Jinder Mahal in the biggest match in the country’s history. The rest of the card is as follows:

    • The Shield: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose vs. Samoa Joe and RAW Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Sheamus
    • Braun Strowman vs. Kane
    • Finn Balor vs Bray Wyatt
    • RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks
    • Jason Jordan vs Elias
    • WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore vs. Kalisto
    • Apollo Crews and Titus O’Neil vs Gallows and Anderson
    • Jeet Rama and Kishan Rafter vs The Miztourage

  • Vince Russo Claims WWE Superstar Reported Sexual Assault to Him

    Vince Russo Claims WWE Superstar Reported Sexual Assault to Him

    On a recent episode of Vince Russo’s podcast, he claims while he was in WWE a female wrestler reported to him that she was sexually assaulted. The assault was said to involve another member of the WWE roster.

    Ryan Satin of the Pro Wrestling Sheet posted a clip of the podcast:

    https://twitter.com/ryansatin/status/939180036715716608

    Vince Russo’s Claims Transcribed

    “When I was at the WWE, one of the female wrestlers came up to me, and actually told me that she was raped by another wrestler on the roster. She told me who it was, she was very upset, she was very shaken, and I’m sure after all these years she still carries that pain with her, which is really unfortunate.”

    Former WWE wrestler, Shelly Martinez (aka Ariel), then came forward with a similar claim.

    https://twitter.com/ShellyFromCali/status/939181569687764999

  • Triple H Announces New WWE Signees on Abu Dhabi/India Tour

    Triple H Announces New WWE Signees on Abu Dhabi/India Tour

    Triple H recently announced WWE has signed 2 new developmental prospects. The signings include the first ever Kuwaiti WWE signee as well as the first female superstar from the Middle East.

    The signings were made official recently in Abu Dhabi during WWE’s 2-day tour of the country.

    Shadia Bseiso

    Bseiso is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt who has been featured on ESPN. In addition to her martial arts background, she has worked as a TV presenter in Jordan.

    https://twitter.com/shadiabseiso/status/939165597958574081

    Nasser Jamal Alruwayeh

    Nasser has competed in jiu-jitsu tournaments and frequently works as an athletic coach. Videos on his YouTube channel feature him doing CrossFit and various other workout routines.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BXsrxdMjJzj/?hl=en&taken-by=nasserjimmy

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BcckCH1ngID/?hl=en&taken-by=nasserjimmy

     

  • Vince and Stephanie McMahon Comment on 1st Women’s Match in Abu Dhabi

    Vince and Stephanie McMahon Comment on 1st Women’s Match in Abu Dhabi

    Both Vince and Stephanie McMahon have recently commented on the Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks match from Abu Dhabi last night.

    The match was the first between two females in the country. Bliss and Banks both wore outfits which covered everything but their hands and heads to adhere to the country’s cultural norms.

    Raw Women’s Division

    With Paige’s return and the recent additions of Asuka, Mandy Rose, and Sonya Deville, the division has grown considerably in recent months. It looks as though they are building towards a Paige vs. Asuka match, which could be held at the Royal Rumble.

    As for the championship picture, Bliss will pass Charlotte in 10 days as the longest reigning Raw women’s champion since the brand split.

  • Top NJPW Star Suffers Injury, Pulled From Tour

    Top NJPW Star Suffers Injury, Pulled From Tour

    One of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s top stars will miss the remainder of the World Tag League tour. Hiroshi Tanahashi has suffered a right knee injury and has been pulled from the remaining shows.

    The company released the following statement:

    “Due to an injury suffered to his right knee, New Japan Pro Wrestling has come to the decision to remove Hiroshi Tanahashi from December 7’s Yamaguchi card. Further, Tanahashi will be out of action for the remainder of the World Tag League tour, which ends December 11 in Fukuoka.
    New Japan Pro Wrestling apologizes to fans who were looking forward to seeing Tanahashi perform.”

    Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Switchblade Jay White

    At WrestleKingdom 12, Tanahashi is scheduled to face “Switchblade” Jay White.

    Over the summer, several vignettes laid the groundwork for White’s return. White attacked Tanahashi last month after Tanahashi defended his IC title against Kota Ibushi, setting up the match between the two on January 4th.

    White had been scheduled for the final show of the World Tag League tour on Monday in Fukuoka.

  • WWE Considering Australian PPV in 2018

    WWE Considering Australian PPV in 2018

    WWE does not like to hold PPV events outside of their traditional markets. Despite this, there are reports they are considering running an Australian PPV next year.

    WWE has run several successful live event tours in Australian. In 2002, WWE’s Global Warming tour drew over 50,000 fans in Melbourne.

    According to a report from the Pro Wrestling Sheet, there have been internal discussions about holding a PPV at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next year. The venue holds 100,000 people.

    WWE’s Australian Market

    News that WWE is looking to bring a PPV to Australia may come as a surprise considering the company recently released Emma, who is from Melbourne.

    Emma (Tenille Dashwood) was one of the most popular Superstars on WWE’s 2017 Australian tour.

  • Rusev & Aiden English Tag-Team Name Revealed

    Rusev & Aiden English Tag-Team Name Revealed

    Recently, WWE conducted a short interview with Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable regarding their Clash of Champions match. Benjamin & Gable will take on New Day, the Usos, and Aiden English & Rusev in a fatal 4-way match.

    During the interview, the interviewer referred to the team of Aiden English & Rusev as “Rusev Day”.

    Rusev Day defeated New Day on Smackdown and was added to the title match afterward. Benjamin & Gable seemed to have trouble comprehending the news.

    Smackdown Tag-Team Division

    Smackdown’s tag-team division consists of 7 teams: the Usos, New Day, Benjamin & Gable, Rusev Day, Breezeango, the Ascension, and the Bludgeon Brothers.

    Based on how they are being booked on television, it might not be long until the Bludgeon Brothers are in the title mix as well.

  • Carrie Fisher Displayed Box of Booty-Os in Kitchen

    Carrie Fisher Displayed Box of Booty-Os in Kitchen

    Apparently, the actress who portrayed Prince Leia always ate her Booty-Os in the morning.

    Several novelty items found in Carrie Fisher’s home were auctioned off recently, including a box of New Day’s cereal which reportedly had been displayed in the star’s kitchen before her death last year.

    via Reddit

    Carrie Fisher and New Day

    Big E reacted to the news on Twitter: