SEScoops

Author: Chris Stephens

  • Final WWE 2K17 DLC Pack Coming This Week

    Final WWE 2K17 DLC Pack Coming This Week

    The final DLC content for WWE 2k17 is due to be released this week. The “Hall of Fame Showcase” will be available for XBOX and PS4 on February 21st, while no release date has been announced yet for the PC.

    New Content

    The final DLC for this year’s version of the game will include:

    • WCW era Cactus Jack
    • Early WCW era Diamond Dallas Page
    • The Fabulous Freebirds (Hayes, Roberts and Garvin)
    • WCW Saturday Night 1992 Arena
    • Kerry and Kevin Von Erich
    • WCCW 1986 Arena
    • Ivory
    • Jaqueline
    • Smackdown 2000 Arena
    • 1980s Sting
    • 1980s Ric Flair
    • Clash of the Champions 1988 Arena
    • Wolfpac Sting
    • WCW Bret Hart
    • WCW Halloween Havoc 98 Arena
    • Papa Shango
    • the Godfather
    • Attitude Era Big Boss Man
    • Late 90s WWE Big Show
    • Armageddon Arena
  • The Rock Spotted At The Staples Center – Site of Tonight’s WWE RAW

    The Rock Spotted At The Staples Center – Site of Tonight’s WWE RAW

    The Rock was up early this morning at the Staples Centre in L.A, which also happens to be the venue of tonight’s RAW. The People’s champ posted a photo of himself and Florence Pugh (who plays the role of Paige in Rock’s upcoming movie on her family) earlier this morning.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BQug9G4llE-/

    Fighting With My Family

    The film, “Fighting With My Family” stars the Rock and is being co-produced by WWE Studios. It centres on the family of Saraya Knight (real name Julia Hamer-Bevis) and her family. Saraya is the mother of the currently injured WWE superstar Paige.

    WWE Studios co-producing the movie may allow the Rock to play a bigger role at this year’s Wrestlemania.  In recent years, The Rock has made unannounced appearances, including an unannounced match against Eric Rowen last year. In the two years prior, Rock appeared with other WWE legends for an in-ring promo segment and also with Ronda Rousey for a segment with Stephanie McMahon. From WrestleManias 27-29, Rock’s feud with John Cena took centre stage at the event.

    While the Rock is in L.A at the same time as RAW, there is no guarantee he appears on the show. As of yet, WWE have not advertised him as appearing.

  • George “The Animal” Steele Passes Away

    George “The Animal” Steele Passes Away

    We are saddened to report that WWE Hall of Famer George “the Animal” Steele has passed away. He was 79 years old. Recent reports had stated George had been moved to hospice care recently due to failing health.

    In December of 2015, Steele underwent major kidney surgery that had to be aborted mid-procedure. His family reported that he had flatlined during surgery and had been dealing with health complications since.

    Earlier this week Bob Backlund stated on his Facebook page that he had spoke with George’s wife who informed him that George may not be coming home from the hospital. He leaves behind a wife, daughter, and two sons.

    A Beloved Character

    George “the Animal” Steele began his career as a heel, and recently the WWE Network released a “Hidden Gem” collection which included George battling Bruno Sammartino in a steele cage.

    While managed by Captain Lou Albano he was involved in several comedic sketches where Lou attempted to make George smart through electroshock therapy. In the sketches the electroshock therapy worked and George acted and spoke like a scholar for a short period of time. The electroshocks were then taken too far and George faded back into the “Animal”. Eventually fans began to love George and his character evolved into a good guy. Fans would start to cheer as he would rip open turnbuckles and act like a maniac in the ring.

    His infatuation with Miss Elizabeth in the buildup to WrestleMania III helped set the stage for the famous Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat match that year. He would later “adopt” a stuffed animal whom he dubbed “Mine.” He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995.

    Outpouring of Support

    Always a well-liked guy behind the scenes, there has been an outpouring of support following news of his death:

  • Pro Wrestling Fantasy Camp Coming to Las Vegas

    Pro Wrestling Fantasy Camp Coming to Las Vegas

    Many sports have fantasy camps for longtime fans to hang out and learn from their childhood idols. Now wrestling does too!
    Check out this message from “the Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart on the Fantasy Slam Fantasy Camp coming to Las Vegas:

    What is a Pro Wrestling Fantasy Camp?

    Similar to a baseball fantasy camp, Fantasy Slam offers attendees the chance to learn the basics of pro-wrestling alongside their childhood heroes. Advertised for the 3-day event so far are Jake “the Snake” Roberts, Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat, Al Snow, Shane Douglas and D-Lo Brown.

    The instructor at the even will be the former Kizarny, also known as Sinn Bodhi.

    The event’s Facebook page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/362759100775694/

  • New WWE Network Show Now Available

    WWE will be releasing the first episode of “My Son is a WWE Superstar” at 10am est today. The first episode features Finn Balor.

    WWE Network Content

    WWE seems to be throwing a lot of content at the wall and seeing what will stick.
    Here is just a sampling of the programming WWE has produced and then let slide:
    – Holy Foley
    – Camp WWE
    – Table for 3
    – Storytime
    – WWE 24
    – Ride Along
    – Superstar Ink
    – the Edge and Christian Show
    – Breaking Ground
    – Legends House
    – Slam City
    – Culture Shock are all

    How long “My Son is a WWE Superstar” will last will depend on how many people watch.

  • WWE Releasing Official “Book of Rules” (And How to Break Them)

    WWE Releasing Official “Book of Rules” (And How to Break Them)

    For years there have been many unanswered questions regarding WWE’s official rules. Come February 28th 2017, we might start to get some answers. That’s the date WWE will be releasing their official “Book of Rules”.

    Daniel Bryan has written the forward to the book, which is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

    As of yet it is not clear if wrestlers are still required to hold the “tag rope” during tag-team matches.

    The Official WWE Book of Rules: (And How to Break Them)

    A press release from WWE stated the following:

    “New York, NY – February 15, 2017 – For the first time ever, WWE is publishing The Official WWE Book of Rules (And How to Break Them). Learn how the biggest WWE Superstars of today such as John Cena, Roman Reigns and The New Day are following in the footsteps of legends like The Undertaker and WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels to reshape the rules of sports-entertainment.”

    “The Official WWE Book of Rules reveals not only the rules of the ring but also the do’s and dont’s of every aspect of WWE Superstardom. Published for the first time, these regulations range from the conventional and competition-based to the eccentric and Superstar-specific. It’s the ultimate companion for any member of the WWE Universe who believes rules were made to be broken.”

  • Josh Mathews Melting Down On Twitter, Quits Social Media

    Josh Mathews, who drew the ire of many in the business for referring to himself as “the greatest play-by-play announcer in the world” recently, has been having a social media meltdown. Over the past day, Mathews has been arguing with the likes of Jeremy Borash, Tony Schiavone and Shark Boy.

    Josh Mathews vs. Tony Schiavone & Jeremy Borash

    https://twitter.com/JoshuaTimes7/status/831637884008546304

    https://twitter.com/jeremyborash/status/831696934545002496

    Josh Mathews vs. Shark Boy

    Shark Boy is less than impressed with Matthews, and has made no secret of this on Twitter. Matthews responded, and the results have been kind of hilarious.

    Finally it seems that Josh Matthews is retiring from social media:

    Update: He’s back.

  • Brock Lesnar Tells UFC His MMA Career Is Over

    Brock Lesnar Tells UFC His MMA Career Is Over

    Brock Lesnar has retired once again from the world of professional mixed martial arts. The former UFC Heavyweight champion informed the UFC and USADA of his decision on Tuesday.

    USADA will no longer be able to test Brock Lesnar for PEDs.

    For more details on this story, visit our report over at MMANews.com.

    Brock Lesnar and the Wellness Policy

    Lesnar received a 1-year suspension from USADA as a result of failing two failed PED tests stemming from his UFC 200 bout with Mark Hunt. For Lesnar to return to MMA he would have to allow USADA to test him for a period of 1-year before he would be eligible to return to the sport. By retiring he is taking himself out of USADA testing pool. If he ever wanted to return he would have to allow USADA to test him for a period of 1 year beforehand.

    Last summer a WWE spokesperson told TMZ that part-time performers, such as Lesnar, are not subject to the company’s wellness policy. This means Brock is free to take whatever he wants with no repercussions from either WWE or UFC.

  • Heath Slater and the Ascension Robbed in Oakland

    Heath Slater and the Ascension Robbed in Oakland

    Monday night while RAW was in Las Vegas, the Smackdown crew was in Oakland. A rental car being used by Heath Slater and the Ascension was broken into. Each member of the Ascension had their bags stolen.

    It is not currently known if the thieves were aware of how many kids Heath Slater has.

    He’s Got Kids!!

    Slater announced on Twitter that the car had been broken into:

    https://twitter.com/HeathSlaterOMRB/status/831262861699657729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

    Other members of the tag team division offered their sympathies:

    https://twitter.com/MojoRawleyWWE/status/831263582465581057

    Viktor from the Ascension was also less than pleased at the situation:

    He had positivity?

     

  • Holy Foley Not Returning to for Season 2?

    Holy Foley Not Returning to for Season 2?

    Mick Foley appeared on Lillian Garcia’s podcast yesterday. During the course of his interview he revealed that he doesn’t believe Holy Foley will be returning for a second season the WWE Network.

    Notes from the show:

    • Foley claims he is the first person to ever be put on Chris Jericho’s “list”. According to Foley, Jericho was annoyed with him back in catering and Jericho grabbed a notebook away from someone and made Foley the inaugural person on his list. Foley would also say that he told everyone Jericho would get that over in 3 weeks.
    • Foley would also say that he is given creative control with his character, and that WWE has been very good in that regards.
    • He mentioned that he pushed for James Ellesworth to be signed, saying he would be perfect for television. He also noted that Ellesworth bought him a tie.
    • Additionally he said that he makes less money working for WWE than he would if he was doing his one-man shows or taking other bookings. He believes it is an important job however, and is given a chance to have his creative input into the direction of the show.
    • On Holy Foley: “Personally I don’t think there will be a season 2”. Foley noted the show is expensive to make.

    The full show can be listened to here.

  • Goldberg & Kevin Owens Exchange Trash Talk On Twitter

    Goldberg & Kevin Owens Exchange Trash Talk On Twitter

    The social media trash talk between Kevin Owens and Bill Godlberg is heating up ahead of their upcoming showdown at WWE Fastlane. Owens threw shade in Goldberg’s direction last week when he pointed out WWE’s production crew had been digitally darkening Goldberg’s goatee.

    Goldberg was not in attendance for Monday’s RAW from Las Vegas, but he took notice of Chris Jericho bringing out Gillberg during the Festival of Friendship.

    It didn’t take long for Owens to respond, leading to the following exchange:

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/831349362315759616

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/831362565640851456

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/831536446519537665

    Did Triple H Encourage Kevin Owens to Turn on Chris Jericho?

    In a backstage segment leading up to the “Festival of Friendship” Triple H asked to speak with Owens in private, as in without Chris Jericho present. A second quick shot of Owens and HHH was shown later in the show, though no audio was present. It seems likely that Triple H relayed the message to Owens that he should turn on Jericho.

    Jericho, who was taken away in an ambulance last night, has been silent since. Considering Jericho had promised to help Owens retain his Universal Championship at Fastlane, one now has to wonder if Triple H (or Samoa Joe) will now play a role in the match.

    Naturally this means an Owens vs. Jericho match at WrestleMania is upcoming. If Owens retains (with the help of HHH) at Fastlane, then the Universal title will be on the line in that match. If Goldberg defeats Owens however (most likely with Jericho fending off Triple H) then Goldberg vs. Lesnar would have the Universal Championship on the line. Rumours are out there regarding who is most likely to come away the winner, but such rumours are often proved false.

  • Kelly Kelly Backstage At RAW, Teases Potential Role At WrestleMania (Video)

    Kelly Kelly Backstage At RAW, Teases Potential Role At WrestleMania (Video)

    Former WWE Superstar Kelly Kelly was backstage at Monday’s RAW from Las Vegas and teased that she might be returning to the company.

    Kelly appeared on RAW Fallout, said she’s considering one more run with WWE and revealed there is “definitely a chance” we’ll see her at WrestleMania 33. It’s been reported in recent weeks that WWE has been reaching out to former female Superstars about a role on the show and Kelly’s statement appears to corroborate that.

    Kelly Kelly Returning?

    Kelly Kelly (Barbie Blank-Souray), featured on the E! reality show WAGS, made her debut for WWE back in 2006 as part of the relaunched ECW brand. Over time Kelly Kelly transitioned from stage dancer to manager and eventually captured the WWE Divas Championship in 2011. She left WWE in 2012 while dealing with a neck injury. She is married to NHL player Sheldon Souray.

  • A Look At The Many Title Reigns Of The RAW Women’s Championship

    A Look At The Many Title Reigns Of The RAW Women’s Championship

    At WrestleMania 32 last year WWE changed the “Divas Championship” to the “WWE Women’s Championship”. It has since been re-dubbed the “RAW Women’s Championship”. This title has swapped hands at a pace only Vince Russo could make sense of.

    In the 10 months the championship has been in existence, it has changed hands 7 times. Charlotte is already a 4x champion. At this rate it will take her less than 4 years to equal John Cena and Ric Flair’s record of being a 16x champion.

    Breakdown of RAW Women’s Championship Title Changes

    Last night Bayley defeated Charlotte for the RAW Women’s Championship, with a little help from Sasha Banks. It was the fourth time in 10 months that Charlotte has lost the title on RAW. The other 3x she lost the title were against Banks.

    Title Changes:

    WrestleMania 32 April 3rd 2016
    Charlotte defeated Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks in a 3-way match
    * Charlotte was the Divas Champion heading into the match and won the inaugural women’s championship (well not inaugural…)

    • RAW July 25th 2016
      Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte
      * Banks’ first title win
    • SummerSlam August 21st 2016
      Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks
      *title re-named the “Raw Women’s Championship”
    • RAW October 3rd 2016
      Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte
    • Hell in a Cell October 30th 2016
      Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks
      *inside a Hell in a Cell
    • RAW November 28th 2016
      Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte
      *Falls Count Anywhere Match
    • Roadblock: End of the Line December 18th 2016
      Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks
      * 30min Ironman Match
    • RAW February 13th 2017
      Bayley defeated Charlotte
      * Bayley’s first title win

    Perhaps only the Hardcore title has ever changed hands more frequently…

  • Money in the Bank to be Exclusive to Smackdown Live

    Money in the Bank to be Exclusive to Smackdown Live

    It looks as though only superstars from Smackdown Live will be able to compete for the Money in the Bank briefcase this year. Promotional materials for the event are advertising it as a Smackdown-exclusive event.

    Money in the Bank 2017

    Tickets for the event will go on sale Friday, and so far everything the WWE has sent out has indicated the event will not be open to both brands. This is unlike how the event was run during the previous brand-split era, where each brand would have their own separate MITB match. Under those rules however, the winning superstar could cash in their briefcase for a shot at either world title.

    The event is scheduled for Sunday June 18th 2017 from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Randy Orton’s hometown.

    This doesn’t necessarily mean the RAW superstars won’t have their own MITB match, but so far all indications are the gimmick will be exclusive to Smackdown.

    WWE’s full release can be viewed here. 

  • ROH Announces Honor Rising Lineups

    ROH Announces Honor Rising Lineups

    For the second straight year Ring of Honor will be running two shows from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. This year the events will be held on February 26th and 27th. Each show will feature members of the ROH and NJPW rosters.

    3 different championships will be on the line.
    The NEVER Openweight 6-Man Championships will be on the line in the first night of the tour, with Los Ingobernables defending against Jushin Liger, Tiger Mask and ROH booker Delirious.

    Goto will defend his NEVER Openweight championship against Kevin Sullivan protege Punisher Martinez on the second night.

    On the second night Adam Cole will defend his ROH World Title against CHAOS’s Yoshi-Hashi.

    The full lineup for the shows are as follows:

    Honor Rising Night 1 (Feb. 26th)

    – David Finlay, Juice Robinson, and Kushida vs. Gedo, Jado (CHAOS) and Silas Young

    Never Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships
    – Bushi, Evil and Sanada (Los Ingobernables)(c) vs. Delirious, Justin Liger and Tiger Mask

    – Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Roa and Takahashi (Bullet Club) vs. Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay and Yoshi-Hashi (CHAOS)

    – War Machine vs. the Young Bucks

    – Dalton Castle, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Taguchi vs. Hiromu Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito (Los Ingobernables) and Punisher Martinez

    – Cody (Rhodes) and Hangman Page (Bullet Club) vs. Jay Lethal and Katsuyori Shibata

    – Adam Cole and Kenny Omega (Bullet Club) vs. the Briscoe Brothers

    Honor Rising Night 2 (February 27th)

    – David Finlay, Henare and Kushida vs. Gedo, Jado (CHAOS) and Silas Young

    – Dalton Castle, Delirious, Jushin Liger, Taguchi and Tiger Mask vs. Bushi, Evil, Hiromu Takahashi, Sanada, and Naito (Los Ingobernables)

    – Guerrillas of Destiny (Bullet Club) vs. War Machine

    – Bad Luck Fale, Hangman Page, and Yujiro Takahashi (Bullet Club) vs. Tanahashi, Jay Lethal and Juice Robinson

    Never Openweight Championship
    – Hirooki Goto (CHAOS) (c) vs. Punisher Martinez

    ROH World Championship
    – Adam Cole (Bullet Club) (c) vs. Yoshi-Hashi

    – Cody (Rhodes), Kenny Omega, and the Young Bucks (Bullet Club) vs. Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay (CHAOS), Jay Lethal, and the Briscoe Brothers.

  • Big Show Getting Shredded for WrestleMania Match With Shaq

    Big Show Getting Shredded for WrestleMania Match With Shaq

    The Big Show is training hard for his upcoming WrestleMania match against Shaquille O’Neil and has been documenting his journey on social media. Over the past week, Big Show updated fans on his physical transformation:

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BOf0lKNgrJx/?taken-by=wwethebigshow&hl=en

    Big Show vs. Shaq

    Big Show vs. Shaq has been a long talked about possibility. With WrestleMania being in Orlando, where Shaq began his NBA career, the timing was right for WM33.

    WWE set the stage for the matchup during last year’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, when Shaq was a surprise entrant.

    After the match Shaq issued a challenge to the Big Show during a backstage interview with Renee Young.

  • WWE Considering Running Cruiserweight Live Events

    WWE Considering Running Cruiserweight Live Events

    During today’s WWE Earnings call Vince McMahon announced potential plans to begin live events for the cruiserweight division. He noted the company plans to increase revenue by increasing merchandise for the brand as well.

    Vince’s statements regarding the division come on the heels of Triple H calling the brand “a work in progress.” During a conference call promoting NXT Takeover: San Antonio, HHH stated that the division being a standalone product represented several challenges for the talent and writers.

    “I have high hopes for that show. I think it’s one of those deals where a few years from now it just feels like a staple part of what we are and what we do and has a really robust following. That’s truly my belief.”

    WWE Brand Expansion

    205 Live has yet to develop the same kind of following which NXT enjoyed for some time. With the additions of a UK and Asian division to the Network soon, the cruiserweights will have plenty of competition as well. The division did produce a highly entertaining show this week however, which featured a spectacular main event featuring Jack Gallagher.

    Recent additions to the show include Akira Tozawa, Neville, and Tajiri (who returned from injury Tuesday night). Gran Metalik is expected back soon as well.

     

  • “Legends With JBL” No Longer Filming Episodes

    “Legends With JBL” No Longer Filming Episodes

    JBL’s Network show has gone the way of the Stone Cold Podcast. The former WWE Champion announced on Twitter that the show has been dropped by the Network.

    WWE Network Dropping Unscripted Interviews?

    While this is only speculation, one might be able to connect the dots between both JBL and Steve Austin’s podcasts being dropped from the Network. It appears as though “real” interviews are no longer going to be featured on WWE programming.

    The Stone Cold Podcast’s last episode aired in August, and management was said not to be happy with how his interview with Dean Ambrose went. There had been earlier concern as well when Austin suggested that Chyna should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

    According to JBL, there is one episode left to air, an interview with Jimmy Hart. Following that episode there are no plans to film anymore.

     

  • Report: Jeff Jarrett Back In Charge Running Impact Wrestling

    Report: Jeff Jarrett Back In Charge Running Impact Wrestling

    TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrettis once again running the promotion. According to the Wrestling Observer, Jarrett has officially replaced John Gaburick as head of Impact Wrestling. The change happened approximately two weeks ago. Dutch Mantel and Scott D’Amore are also back working creative.

    Jarrett Ousted From His Own Company

    Several years after co-founding TNA back in 2002, Jeff and his father Jerry sold 71% ownership of the promotion to Panda Energy. The deal gave controlling interest of the company to Bob Carter, who put his daughter Dixie in charge. Jeff Jarrett would continue to play a large role with the company both on and off-screen for several years.

    Jarrett ended up having a falling out with the company over his relationship with Kurt Angle’s wife, Karen, who would later divorce Kurt and marry Jeff.

    In 2013, Jarrett and country music star Toby Keith attempted to purchase TNA, but the deal fell through when Bob Carter insisted that Dixie remain President. Jarrett resigned from the company and created Global Force Wrestling (GWF) after the deal fell through. Jarrett’s new promotion failed to gain much traction however.

    In 2016, when Anthem Sports and Entertainment purchased the company, they began consulting with Jeff. 2 weeks ago it appears Jeff was put in charge. He has now brought in Dutch Mantel and Scott D’Amore to help with creative.

  • Tyler Bate To Defend WWE UK Championship Next Week On NXT

    Tyler Bate To Defend WWE UK Championship Next Week On NXT

    Tyler Bate will put his WWE United States Kingdom on the line next week on NXT. The inaugural champion will defend against Trent Seven, his first title defence since winning the UK tournament.

    Having the UK title defended on NXT represents an interesting prospect for the show. Since the brand-split, viewership of NXT on the Network has decreased, what with the departure of stars such as Finn Balor. Now with Samoa Joe having left the brand as well, another hole needs to be filled. International titles being defended on the show may help NXT’s viewership.

    WWE Global Territory System

    Many are speculating that WWE’s signing of several UK and Asia based talents represents the beginning of a global territory system that will take place under WWE’s umbrella.

    The signed UK talents are expected to be featured on a WWE Network show of their own later this year. As for WWE’s Asia territory, the company is currently scouting talents for an WWE Asia Championship tournament. It is believed this tournament will be similar to the UK version.

  • WWE Shop Now Selling “List of Jericho” Clipboards

    WWE Shop Now Selling “List of Jericho” Clipboards

    Now you can be the one to decide who makes the list! WWEShop.com has added “List of Jericho” clipboards to their inventory.

    WWE Shop notes that the clipboards do not come with a pen. You also have to add people to the list yourself.

    WWEShop link: https://shop.wwe.com/chris-jericho-the-list-of-jericho-clipboard/77104.html?dwvar_77104_color=No%20Color#start=1

    Triple H also has a new shirt available:

    WWE Shop has a new Samoa Joe shirt available as well.

    If you think the “List of Jericho” clipboards are weird, let me remind you of the WWF Attitude cologne:

     

     

     

  • Adam Cole’s Upcoming Title Defenses, Cards For This Month’s ROH Shows

    Adam Cole’s Upcoming Title Defenses, Cards For This Month’s ROH Shows

    Ring of Honor has had a busy day on Tuesday announcing upcoming matches, including a World Championship opportunity for Bobby Fish in New York on March 4th 2017.

    As previously announced, Dalton Castle will get an ROH World Title opportunity on April 1st 2017 at Supercard of Honor 2017. The show will take place at the Lakeland Centre in Lakeland, Florida.

    CMLL wrestlers are scheduled for the event in Florida as well. Announced wrestlers so far include Dragon Lee and Volador Jr.

    Match Cards for Ring of Honor Events in February:

    ROH: the Experience
    February 11th 2017 in Pittsburgh
    Stage AE

    Adam Cole, Cody (Rhodes) and the Young Bucks vs. Jay Lethal, Bobby Fish and the Briscoes

    TV Title Match
    Marty Scurll (Champion) vs. Donovan Dijak

    6-Man Tag Team Title Match
    the Kingdom (Champions) vs. the Rebellion

    No DQ Tag Team Match
    Damien Martinez and BJ Whitmer vs. War Machine

    Motor City Machine Guns vs. Tempura Boyz

     

    ROH: the Experience
    February 12th 2017 in Columbus
    Express Live

    6-Man Tag Team Title Match
    the Kingdom (Champions) vs. A team determined by fan voting

    Tag Team Title Match
    the Young Bucks (Champions) vs. War Machine

    Adam Cole and Hangman Page (Bullet Club) vs. Jay Lethal and Bobby Fish
    * Fans vote on stipulation

    Proving Ground Match
    Marty Scurll (TV Champion) vs. Lio Rush
    *Fans vote on stipulation

    “American Nightmare” Cody (Rhodes) vs. Dalton Castle

    Jay White and the Motor City Machine Guns vs. the Rebellion

    the Briscoes vs. Tempura Boyz

  • Lucha Underground’s Son of Havoc (Matt Cross) Injured

    Lucha Underground’s Son of Havoc (Matt Cross) Injured

    Popular Lucha Underground star Son of Havoc/Matt Cross announced on Twitter recently that he has a broken leg.

    He is scheduled to meet an orthopaedic doctor today to find out how long he will be out of action for.

    16-Year Career Peaking

    The 36-year old Cross began his pro-wrestling career in 2001 under the name M-Dogg 20. He would spend two years wrestling with the hardcore promotion Combat Zone Wrestling from 2002-04. He also appeared in Ring of Honor under the name Matt Cross from 2006-09.

    Cross would wrestle some tryout matches for the WWE in 2010. He would also participate in the re-vamped season of Tough Enough. Surprisingly he was eliminated on the second week of the show. He would make some contacts on that show that would eventually land him a spot in Lucha Underground however, namely LU head writer Chris DeJoseph.

    After appearing on the very first episode of Lucha Underground, under the name “Son of Havoc”, he has become one of the show’s most popular luchadors. The broken leg should not impact his ability to tape episodes for LU, considering they are most likely not filming again until the fall.

  • Former WWE Broadcaster Mike Adamle Diagnosed With Dementia, Doctors Suspect CTE

    Former WWE Broadcaster Mike Adamle Diagnosed With Dementia, Doctors Suspect CTE

    Former WWE announcer and RAW General Manager Mike Adamle has been diagnosed with dementia and what doctors believe could be Chronic Traumatic Encephelopathy, also known as CTE. He is also said to be suffering from post-traumatic epileptic seizures.

    While the 67-year old is most well-known to wrestling fans for his run in the WWE in 2008, Adamle spent six seasons in the NFL. He played with the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears during his NFL career. He later was a broadcaster with NBC Sports.

    NBC Chicago Interview

    Adamle revealed his diagnosis during a recent interview with NBC Chicago. Video and a full transcript can be found here. 

    “I’ve had seizures and epilepsy for the last 19 years.” Adamle revealed.

    He was not able to answer how many concussions he suffered throughout his football career. In the early-70s, when he was playing in the NFL, not much attention was given to the long-term impacts of head injuries.

    “You went to the sideline, ‘How many fingers do I have?’” Adamle told NBC Chicago. “And no one thought anything of it. No big deal. I’m sure a lot of guys still don’t think it’s a big deal. Now they’re saying it’s a big deal.”

    Part two of his interview with NBC airs tonight.

  • Sami Zayn Hopes to Change Perceptions of Muslims

    Sami Zayn Hopes to Change Perceptions of Muslims

    Sami Zayn was born and raised in Montreal, QC Canada, but his family comes from Syria. His real name is Rami Sebei, his family is Muslim, and he speaks Arabic fluently. 

    Here’s a fun task: 

    – Using google translate have the words “Sami Zayn” translated from English to Arabic.
    – Then reverse the words. Have the Arabic translation translated back to English and you get the words “El Generico”. Pretty creative.

    While WWE is avoiding political talk at the moment, Sami Zayn hasn’t hesitated to comment on the US travel ban.

    Sami Zayn ESPN Interview

    Zayn recently spoke to ESPN about his Syrian heritage and Muslim upbringing, as well as his hopes to change perceptions of Muslims.

    “It’s definitely a sensitive topic to discuss, but I have felt since I signed with the WWE I was in a unique position to reestablish how Arabs were perceived in the WWE and western media,” He told ESPN recently.

    “Ever since I was a kid and growing up and watching things like the ‘Naked Gun’ movies, there was always this stereotype about how Arabs were perceived and portrayed. I’ve never watched those Arab villains in the movie and felt like that was me. They were nothing like me, and now I get to just be me — and hopefully being me strikes a chord with a lot of young Arabs and non-Arabs, honestly. We’re really not all that different.”

    Zayn is a Canadian citizen, and even though he his family is from Syria, he will not be impacted by the US travel ban.

    Quebec Mosque Shooting

    On January 29th 2017 2 gunmen opened fire on a mosque in Quebec City. 6 people were killed while attending prayer. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are both from Quebec.

    Both Owens and Zayn could be seen wearing black armbands with the Quebec fleur-de-lis, a symbol of French Canada.

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/825910261835968518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw