SEScoops

Author: Jon Fuentes

  • Most WWE Production Staff Reportedly Reluctant To Go To Saudi Arabia

    Most WWE Production Staff Reportedly Reluctant To Go To Saudi Arabia

    The controversy surrounding WWE’s trip to Saudi Arabia continues. WWE will host their “Crown Jewel” event from the country next month. The show is part of a mega-10-year deal with the country to host events there. However, with the story of a journalist being captured and killed in Saudi Arabia sweeping the nation, WWE is being urged to pull out.

    As it stands, they will do no such thing. Multiple reports have surfaced indicating that several WWE stars are uncomfortable making the overseas trip. According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio‘s Dave Meltzer, that feeling extends to the production staff as well.

    Meltzer noted that most people in the company don’t want to go through with the show. However, those in management want to continue forward out of fear that reluctance to will affect the company’s stock price. One reason WWE’s stock is so high is due to the fact that they’re expecting $450 million over the next decade from Saudi Arabia.

    As of this writing, WWE is planning to go forward with “Crown Jewel.”

    What do you think about the WWE production staff reportedly being reluctant to go to Saudi Arabia?

  • Vince McMahon’s Thinking Behind Drew McIntyre’s Push

    Vince McMahon’s Thinking Behind Drew McIntyre’s Push

    Drew McIntyre is likely being groomed for big things. “The Scottish Psychopath” has been protected pretty well on WWE TV as of late. In his matches, McIntyre doesn’t get pinned when he or his team are defeated. In his WWE World Cup qualifier match loss to Seth Rollins, McIntyre lost via count out. He then ended the show by taking out Braun Strowman with a Claymore Kick.

    During a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer offered some insight into McIntyre’s current push on the main roster. Meltzer noted that McIntyre and Ziggler’s partnership was supposed to be similar to that of the storyline between Shawn Michaels and Diesel. When WWE paired Michaels and Diesel together, they wanted Diesel to be the Superstar because he fit the company’s look.

    Meltzer said, hopefully, this plan works better, and it already should since McIntyre is a better wrestler than Diesel. As for whether or not he can carry a company, you won’t know until he’s in the position. If all goes according to plan, McIntyre could be in the World Title picture very soon.

    What do you think about McIntyre’s push on Monday Night RAW?

  • Bruce Prichard On SmackDown Almost Being An All-Female Show

    Bruce Prichard On SmackDown Almost Being An All-Female Show

    Today, SmackDown Live is essentially viewed as WWE’s “B show.” However, upon its inception, SmackDown actually rivaled Monday Night RAW for quite some time. The show has had quite the history, establishing some of WWE’s top stars of all time. This includes The Undertaker, Eddie Guerrero, John Cena, JBL, Batista, and many more.

    To think, that it all very nearly didn’t happen. During a recent edition of his podcast, “Something To Wrestle,” former WWE producer Bruce Prichard discussed the first-ever episode of SmackDown. The topic is fitting considering today (Tues. October 16, 2018) WWE is airing its 100th episode special of SmackDown Live.

    During the show, Prichard revealed something rather interesting. In the midst of the development of SmackDown, the idea of making it an all-female show was actually considered:

    “We definitely discussed it,” said Prichard. “We looked at it, but we just didn’t have the depth to do it on a consistent basis week after week.

    “We really didn’t have enough talent to do that, and in addition to that, if you were going to do that maybe not do it on the broadcast show because Vince McMahon was looking at that the more eyeballs maybe if this broadcast show takes off to possibly make Raw an all-women’s show, but we definitely discussed that many times throughout the years.”

    What do you think about SmackDown almost being an all-female show?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP-nNJXLrFg

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Rousey Comments On Conor McGregor Post-UFC Fight Brawl

    Rousey Comments On Conor McGregor Post-UFC Fight Brawl

    Ronda Rousey is one of WWE’s biggest stars, but before her professional wrestling career, she made a name for herself in the UFC. For several years Rousey was the queen of mixed martial arts (MMA) and undefeated inside the cage. That all changed against Holly Holm, and subsequently Amanda Nunes as well.

    Now, Rousey is the RAW Women’s Champion in WWE and is preparing to headline the company’s first-ever all-female pay-per-view (PPV). She will defend her title against Nikki Bella at Evolution. Now that Rousey is one of wrestling’s bigger stars, she has left Conor McGregor to take over that role in MMA.

    Recently, the Irishman was involved in a post-fight brawl that erupted after his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov. This was largely sparked by his bus attack this past April in New York. While it may simply be a promotion tactic, Rousey tells TMZ that she’s not a fan of it:

    “I understand promoting fights and having to sell them. I really do. But, I don’t think people have to get arrested in order to do that. I think I’ve been able to prove that you can make a fight exciting and make people really wanna see it without crossing any legal lines.

    “I think that Khabib jumping out of the Octagon was not as bad as throwing objects at a bus, because my friend Rose Namajunas was on that bus. My friend Michael Chiesa missed his fight because [he got cut by the glass].

    “I think, if you’re gonna draw the line there, you should have drawn it before that. I just feel like there has to be equal treatment all the way across the board, I don’t think that anyone should get special treatment because they’re a bigger draw.”

    What do you think about Rousey’s comments on McGregor’s UFC melee?

    For more MMA News please visit our sister site over at MMANews.com!

  • Chris Jericho Sounds Off On Don Callis’ NJPW Status

    Chris Jericho Sounds Off On Don Callis’ NJPW Status

    Don Callis’ current situation with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is certainly an interesting one. Callis recently missed the last three days of the G-1 card due to his obligations with IMPACT Wrestling. He was even left off the “King Of Pro Wrestling” pay-per-view (PPV) and reportedly hasn’t been called for any future NJPW shows.

    In Japan, it’s believed that Callis’ duties with IMPACT will prevent him from returning. All of this could simply be a miscommunication, however. It’s possible Callis works several big shows a year while maintaining his responsibilities with IMPACT. With that being said, the entire ordeal seems to be bothering IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Chris Jericho.

    Callis and Jericho are great friends, as Callis was the man responsible for setting up “Y2J’s” feud with Kenny Omega last year. Jericho took to Twitter recently to comment on the matter. Here’s what he had to say:

    “Not using  over huge for ANY AND ALL commentary is a big mistake and just plain stupid. ”

    What do you think about Jericho’s comments regarding Callis and NJPW?

  • Nikki Bella Fires Back At Ronda Rousey For Recent Comments

    Nikki Bella Fires Back At Ronda Rousey For Recent Comments

    Nikki Bella and Ronda Rousey continue to promote their upcoming clash at WWE Evolution. The pay-per-view (PPV) will be the WWE’s first all-female show in history. It all goes down from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York on October 28th. Recently, Bella revealed that she and Rousey’s match at Evolution will headline the PPV.

    Rousey will defend her RAW Women’s Title against the longtime WWE star. Initially, Rousey and The Bella Twins were allies on WWE TV. They even teamed up to defeat The Riott Squad at WWE Super Show-Down in Australia. However, on the following episode of Monday Night RAW, Nikki and Brie attacked “The Rowdy One.” It was later announced that the former UFC champ would face Nikki at Evolution.

    Recently, Rousey took to social media and called Nikki and Brie “DoNothingBellas” in an Instagram post:

    “No exaggeration these pictures were taken only minutes apart. That was my mistake. I should have known better than to trust the backstabbing Bellas….

    “Don’t miss #RAW tonight cause @thenikkibella and @thebriebella are gunna learn betraying me was the stupidest thing they ever could have done. And considering their extensive record of idiocy, that’s really saying something. #DoNothingBellas”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9kga6BJtj/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Bella Responds

    Bella didn’t take too kindly to this, posting a lengthy response to Rousey’s not too long after. Here’s what she had to say:

    “In response to your post @rondarousey You may think I’m a “DNB” but that’s because you been here for what maybe 20 RAW’s? I’ve been here for almost 12 years. Since day one I have wanted change for the women at WWE.

    “This “DNB” has been in the ring with Victoria, Natalya, Krissy Vaine, Shantelle Malawski, Taryn Terrell, Brooke Adams, Michelle McCool, Layla, Vickie Guerrero, Melina, Mickie James, Maria, Katie Lea, Jillian Hall, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Gail Kim, Candice Michelle, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Awesome Kong, Naomi, Cameron, Eva Marie, Jojo, Summer Rae, Kaitlyn, Tamina, AJ Lee, Paige, Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Riott Squad and more.

    “I defended a championship for 301 days, I have executive produced and starred in two reality shows, one about women’s wrestling, while on the road wrestling, I even broke my neck for this business. So if you want to talk about a “DNB” look at yourself, because in this Evolution of women’s wrestling, you’re the “DNB” #bellalution #evolution video edit by @xoxocharlotteflairxoxo”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9taVBhvh9/?utm_source=ig_embed

    What do you think about Bella’s response to Rousey?

  • Matt Riddle Wants To Retire Brock Lesnar From WWE

    Matt Riddle Wants To Retire Brock Lesnar From WWE

    Matt Riddle has signed with WWE, and there are some high expectations for his career with the company. Even from Riddle himself. Riddle was an indy darling for several years, making the transition to professional wrestling from mixed martial arts (MMA). After working for some of the top promotions around the world, WWE inked Riddle to a deal earlier this summer.

    Riddle is now competing on NXT, and fans are expecting to see him on the main roster sooner than most young talents. Recently, Riddle was interviewed on “The Ariel Helwani MMA Show” to discuss his journey in wrestling. During the interview, Riddle was asked about his expectations for his run with WWE. Riddle offered up a very interesting answer.

    He noted he’d like to win the NXT Championship three months from now. After that, he’d like to be called up to the main roster, with his sights set on Brock Lesnar. Not only does Riddle want to headline WrestleMania with “The Beast” for the Universal Title, but he wants to end Lesnar’s professional wrestling career:

    “In my perfect world I’m champion in like, three months,” Riddle said. “And then I’m on the main roster and I’m challenging Brock Lesnar. And I want to retire Brock Lesnar. That’s the perfect world. Maybe Brock Lesnar, main event WrestleMania for the Universal Title, and if he loses he retires.”

    What do you make of Riddle’s comments about retiring Lesnar?

  • Kenny Omega Comments On ‘Exciting Proposal’ Of Wrestling Seth Rollins

    Kenny Omega Comments On ‘Exciting Proposal’ Of Wrestling Seth Rollins

    The hype between a potential match-up between Kenny Omega and Seth Rollins has really picked up over the past 24 hours. It all started yesterday when Rollins mentioned the IWGP heavyweight champ during his appearance at the ACE Comic Con in Chicago, Illinois. A fan asked Rollins who he’d like to wrestle with that isn’t currently signed to WWE. “The Architect” named Omega as his desired opponent.

    “I would like to face Kenny Omega,” said Rollins. “I am the best wrestler in the world, and would like to prove that.”

    This would certainly be a dream match for professional wrestling fans. Omega and Rollins are currently killing it with their respective brands.

    On Saturday morning, Omega spotted the headline in which Rollins called him out. He took to Twitter to issue out a response to a potential match with Rollins. Omega seems interested in the “historic clash,” but believes it requires an “appropriate venue” for such a occasion. “An exciting proposal…Now if only there were an appropriate venue for such a historic clash…”

    WWE could very well scoop up Omega next year. Omega’s current deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is up in January of 2019. When the Canadian hits the free agency market, it’s expected WWE makes a big push to sign him to their roster.

    WWE certainly has the funds, especially after their broadcast deals from earlier this year, and the profits from their Saudi Arabia shows.

    What do you think about Omega’s response to Rollins?

  • Triple H Isn’t Sure Vince McMahon Has Watched Full Episode Of NXT

    Triple H Isn’t Sure Vince McMahon Has Watched Full Episode Of NXT

    Since the innovation of WWE NXT, the professional wrestling juggernaut’s developmental system has really thrived. The program has produced several top stars on WWE’s main roster such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, and so many more. Not to mention that WWE continuously scoops up the best talent available from around the world.

    WWE COO Triple H is largely credited with the brand’s success, as he calls the shots when it comes to NXT and its programming. His success with the brand has really made professional wrestling fans feel optimistic about the inevitable day when “The Game” will take the creative reigns of WWE. It’s hard not to think that WWE CEO Vince McMahon is just as impressed as anyone else.

    During a recent media call in London, however, “The Game” shared a rather interesting bit of information. He said he’s not sure McMahon has ever seen a full episode of NXT from start to finish. “The Chairman Of The Board” may simply be too busy:

    “I don’t know that he’s ever even watched a full episode of NXT start to finish. He’s busy.”

    After catching wind of this, former WWE writer Tom Casiello took to Twitter to clear things up a bit:

    “I know I shouldn’t even respond to this kind of garbage, but I’ve literally been in gorilla with Vince during an NXT show. This is completely false.”

    Do you think Vince McMahon has ever seen a full episode of NXT?

  • Batista On What It’s Like Working With The Undertaker

    Batista On What It’s Like Working With The Undertaker

    Former WWE Champion Batista has worked with many legends of the professional wrestling industry during his time. However, nobody has ever seemed to captivate “The Animal” the way he was when he shared the ring with The Undertaker. Batista and “The Deadman” have shared the WWE ring several times before.

    In fact, the pair worked together at WrestleMania 23 where Taker defeated Batista for the WWE World Heavyweight Title. To share the ring with The Undertaker is becoming more of a rarity as the years roll on. The 53-year-old is still competing semi-regularly for WWE, however, it’s clear his in-ring career is in its final stages.

    Recently, on the heels of SmackDown 1000, WWE released a never before seen interview with Batista. He discussed some of his favorite moments in SmackDown history. During the interview, Batista talked about what it was like working with The Undertaker. Here’s what he had to say:

    “When Undertaker decided he wanted to go, there was nobody who could do it better. He would always say for 15 minutes out of the day he was the baddest son of b—- on the planet, and I would back that up 100 percent. I mean, that dude can go.

    “He’s very intimidating, you know he’s in charge, but it’s also very comforting because this dude has just seen and done it all. It’s almost like one of those things when you get in [the ring] with him you know you’re going to have a good match.”

    What do you make of Batista’s comments about The Undertaker?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Brock Lesnar Might Not Get UFC Heavyweight Title Fight

    Brock Lesnar Might Not Get UFC Heavyweight Title Fight

    UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has remained adamant that he has two fights left in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career. Brock Lesnar may no longer be a part of those plans. Recently, it was announced Cormier would be headlining the UFC’s upcoming card from Madison Square Garden.

    The event goes down next month on November 3rd. Cormier will defend his heavyweight title against Derrick Lewis in the main event. Initially it was expected the final two fights of Cormier’s career would be against Brock Lesnar and Jon Jones. Lesnar confronted Cormier after his UFC 226 win this past summer. Even UFC President Dana White confirmed that was the fight he was attempting to make.

    With Lewis fighting Cormier next, however, that means “DC” only has one fight left in him, as he tells ESPN:

    “Counting the Lewis fight, I think I’m down to two fights left,” Cormier said.“Maybe this will be a blessing in disguise, the fact that I don’t have a crazy, long fight camp to beat myself down.

    “That may prolong it for me, but right now, I think I have this one and maybe one more. I can still fight in March and hit my retirement date.”

    In regards to fighting either Jones or Lesnar, “DC” admits a fight with Jones would mean more to him:

    “The one opponent that would matter to me most is Jones, because he’s beaten me twice.”

    What do you think will be Lesnar’s return fight to the UFC?

  • Update On Kurt Angle’s WWE Status

    Update On Kurt Angle’s WWE Status

    Monday Night RAW earlier this week featured the return of WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle. Several weeks ago, RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon placed Angle on a forced “vacation.” There was no given timeframe to when Angle was to be expected back. However, he made his highly-anticipated return to qualify for the WWE World Cup.

    Angle was dressed up in a Conquistador costume for a Battle Royal that featured several indy wrestlers with different gimmicks. Corbin inserted himself into the match, but was last eliminated by Angle, who unmasked himself after his victory. Now Angle will participate in the WWE World Cup at the “Crown Jewel” even in Saudi Arabia.

    Per a report from PWInsider, Angle will be a part of Monday Night RAW next week. He will also be a regular character going forward. It’s likely they’ll be moving forward with the feud between Angle and Corbin. There have been rumors that Angle and Corbin could face off in a Survivor Series match to determine who will be RAW’s General Manager.

    Angle has been training hard for his in-ring return to WWE. Many believe he could finally get his long-awaited singles match at WrestleMania next year in New Jersey.

    What do you think will be Angle’s role on RAW in the coming weeks?

  • Seth Rollins Explains Why He Wants To Wrestle Kenny Omega

    Seth Rollins Explains Why He Wants To Wrestle Kenny Omega

    WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins is undoubtedly one of the best professional wrestlers on the planet right now. However, across the pond, there’s another man who rivals him in that department. That man is current IWGP heavyweight champion Kenny Omega. “The Cleaner” has been the face of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) for quite some time.

    With his contract coming up soon, however, Omega could possibly hit the free agency market. That would make him ripe for the plucking for WWE. WWE will be able to offer Omega a contract that likely no other promotion can match. Especially with the money they’ve made from their recent broadcast deals and shows in Saudi Arabia. The professional wrestling juggernaut is expected to make big moves once several top stars’ contracts expire in January of 2019.

    Rollins hopes that this is the case. Appearing at the ACE Comic Con in Chicago, Illinois earlier today (Fri. October 12, 2018), Rollins answered some questions from fans. One fan asked “The Architect” who he’d like to share the ring with that isn’t signed to WWE right now. Unsurprisingly, Rollins named Omega:

    “I would like to face Kenny Omega,” said Rollins with playful authority. “I am the best wrestler in the world, and would like to prove that.”

    What do you think about Rollins wanting to wrestle Omega?

    H/T WrestleZone for the transcriptions

  • IMPACT To Air David Arquette Match During One Night Only PPV

    IMPACT To Air David Arquette Match During One Night Only PPV

    It looks like David Arquette will be a part of IMPACT Wrestling’s “One Night Only” pay-per-view (PPV). The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion has reentered the professional wrestling world in recent months. He recently teamed up with RJ City at a Border City Wrestling event. In fact, it was Border City Wrestling’s 25th-anniversary show from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

    The show took place at the St. Clair College Gymnasium last weekend. Arquette and RJ took on “Halal Beefcake” Joe Coleman and Idris Abraham in a Tag Team match. Arquette and City picked up the win, in a match professional wrestling fans will now get to witness next month.

    It looks like IMPACT Wrestling will air the match during their “One Night Only” PPV on Friday, November 9th on the Global Wrestling Network. It’s unknown as of this writing if Arquette has come to any sort of agreement with the promotion.

    However, it should be known that he has been working the indy scene a lot lately. He also recently visited WWE headquarters for unknown reasons. It’s believed he was likely filming material for the WWE Network. TMZ Sports was able to get some video of Arquette and RJ City’s match in Windsor. Check out a clip of Arquette hitting a flying maneuver during the bout here:

    What do you think about IMPACT airing one of Arquette’s matches?

  • Trish Stratus & Lita Could Stick Around After Evolution

    Trish Stratus & Lita Could Stick Around After Evolution

    WWE Hall Of Famers Lita and Trish Stratus will return to the ring later this month (Sun. October 28th, 2018). The pair will be involved in the first-ever all-female pay-per-view (PPV) in WWE history. They will team up against the duo of Alexa Bliss and Mickie James.

    Initially, Trish and Lita were scheduled to have their own singles matches on the card. Trish was to have a one-on-one match with Bliss, while Lita was booked for a singles match with James. However, as the storyline progressed on WWE TV, it was revealed on RAW this week that the match would instead be a Tag Team bout.

    It looks like this could be just the first of many Tag Teams between Trish and Lita. PWInsider reports that WWE is planning to have the two stick around after Evolution. The plan would be to have them appear on “major shows” as a team moving forward.

    It wasn’t specifically mentioned which shows WWE is hoping for, however, obvious candidates such as Survivor Series and WrestleMania come to mind. This is also very interesting considering the rumors surrounding possible Women’s Tag Team Titles coming to WWE.

    What do you think about Trish and Lita sticking around WWE as a team?

  • John Cena Hits His “Sixth Move Of Doom” On Jimmy Fallon (Video)

    John Cena Hits His “Sixth Move Of Doom” On Jimmy Fallon (Video)

    John Cena is a very busy man. “The Leader Of The Cenation” has been in China for the past several months filming his new movie, “Project X” with Jackie Chan. While in the country, Cena has been reinventing himself physically. That’s largely thanks to the use of Chan’s personal training facility.

    Cena made his return to WWE TV over the weekend at the Super Show-Down pay-per-view (PPV) from Melbourne, Australia. He teamed up with Bobby Lashley to defeat the team of Elias and Kevin Owens. Cena picked up the win for his team by hitting Elias with his “Sixth Move Of Doom.”

    We also got to see Cena use the “Sixth Move Of Doom” during a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon. Cena appeared on the show to promote his new children’s book, “Elbow Grease.” Cena talked about his new hairdo, working in China, and returning to the ring in Melbourne.

    The topic of Cena’s “Sixth Move Of Doom” came up. Cena then demonstrated it on Fallon. Check out the clip here:

    What do you think of Cena’s “Sixth Move Of Doom?”

  • Erick Rowan Injury Update

    Erick Rowan Injury Update

    Earlier this year, one-half of The Bludgeon Brothers, Erick Rowan, suffered a bicep injury during SummerSlam. Rowan and Luke Harper successfully retained their SmackDown Live Tag Team Titles against The New Day. Due to Rowan’s injury, however, they were forced to drop the titles two days later on SmackDown Live.

    The Bludgeon Brothers lost a No Disqualification match to The New Day. Rowan was praised for working the grueling match while hurt. Nonetheless, he soon underwent surgery to repair the injury. He was initially given a timeframe of four to six months for his return to the ring.

    PWInsider now reports that Rowan is in Birmingham, Alabama and will meet with doctors for a post-surgery check-up. No further details were given on when fans can expect him back. We’re left with the initial four to six months timeframe given. Once healthy, however, it will be interesting to see if WWE retains Rowan and Harper as The Bludgeon Brothers.

    Perhaps WWE will have something different in mind for them instead.

    What do you want to see from Rowan upon his return to WWE?

  • Paige On Daniel Bryan’s WWE Comeback Giving Her Hope

    Paige On Daniel Bryan’s WWE Comeback Giving Her Hope

    SmackDown Live General Manager Paige can’t compete inside a WWE ring. The 26-year-old has been medically suspended from ever competing for the professional wrestling juggernaut inside the ring again. She suffered a neck injury that could have serious ramifications on her longterm health if aggravated. For now, she retains a regular WWE TV role as General Manager of Tuesday nights.

    Despite the disappointment of not being able to compete in the ring, Paige still holds out a bit of hope. This hope comes from seeing the amazing journey of current SDL star Daniel Bryan. Bryan was once in a very similar position to Paige. He was medically barred from competing inside the WWE ring as well. Up until earlier this year, he also served as SDL General Manager.

    Upon Bryan’s resignation to return to full-time Superstar status, Paige was given the role. She spoke about being inspired by Bryan during a recent interview with TV Insider. Here’s what she had to say:

    “His injury was a bit different, but he is still a superstar to me. Here is a guy who did not give up. It took three years since the last time he was in the ring. It gives me hope. I know it probably won’t happen for me because of the prognosis. But I just want a miracle to happen.  Bryan is definitely an inspiration and would want to walk in his footsteps.”

    What do you think about Paige drawing inspiration from Bryan’s WWE comeback?

  • New Day Wants To Face The Elite More Than Any Other Team

    New Day Wants To Face The Elite More Than Any Other Team

    Current SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions The New Day are arguably the best trio in professional wrestling today. The squad consisting of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods have proven dominant over the past several years. The New Day have faced the best tag teams WWE has to offer.

    However, there’s one team that sits above all that the three men have yet to share the ring with. That team being New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring Of Honor’s The Elite (The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega). The two teams had a run-in with one another at E3 earlier this year. Their chemistry as entertainers got fans excited about a possible professional wrestling program.

    New Day member Kofi Kingston spoke about this on a recent media call to promote tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live. Here’s what he had to say:

    “It would be The Elite. It would be The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. I think it’s something that from the moment we came out, people were like, ‘Oh, is this going to happen? I mean, The Young Bucks and Kenny, and The New Day, there are three of you’.

    “They are so talented, and they’ve been able to do so many cool things all over the world, especially in Japan, which are… the way they’ve been able to do those cool things. I think it’s kind of a fantasy match-up that people have been waiting with bated breath to see.

    “But, you never know what’s going to happen in the WWE. Never say never, and I hope that it does happen at some point in time, but I guess we will have to wait and find out.”

    What do you think about a potential New Day vs. Elite match?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Former MYC Competitor Explains Difficulty Of Developing Characters In WWE

    Former MYC Competitor Explains Difficulty Of Developing Characters In WWE

    It doesn’t work out in the WWE for everybody. Just ask former WWE Mae Young Classic competitor Zeda Zhang. Zhang participated in the first-ever Mae Young Classic tournament in 2017. She was recruited by WWE and trained in their Performance Center while making appearances on NXT.

    Zhang is an extremely talented athlete. As a former mixed martial artist, she’s trained in disciplines such as boxing, jiu-jitsu, judo, muay thai, and more. She’s also a former model and singer, giving her a ton to work with when it comes to developing a character in WWE. However, Zhang found it very difficult to develop a gimmick while with the company. She explained the situation during her appearance on the “Women’s Wrestling Weekly” podcast:

    “I don’t have the freedom of what kind of character I want to be. I can’t really test it out. They tell you when you wrestle and when you get to try things out, and they just tell you, “be yourself”. But the thing is everything that makes me is my background – my modelling, singing, dancing, music and MMA – and me just being Chinese in general.

    “That’s what I am but when I was there, I can’t do the MMA thing because someone else has it, I can’t do the singing thing because someone else has it, can’t do the dancing thing cause someone else has it, can’t do the modelling thing because someone else has it, so I’m left with nothing.

    “I can’t be Chinese either, they told me, I wasn’t allowed to be billed from China because it’s not true so because of that I was left with this heart gimmick.”

    What do you make of Zhang’s comments?

  • David Arquette Discusses Possible WWE Run

    David Arquette Discusses Possible WWE Run

    David Arquette is back in the fold of the professional wrestling world. Arquette is a former WCW World Heavyweight Champion. He was brought in by WCW to participate in storylines in 2000, following his role in the “Ready To Rumble” film. Arquette’s title win was seen as a huge slap in the face to the professional wrestling industry. The embarrassment is still joked about today by the likes of WWE Hall Of Famer Bully Ray.

    Shortly after Arquette’s title reign, WCW went out of business and was shut down after being bought by WWE. Now, almost 20 years later, Arquette has been wrestling indy shows and establishing himself within the business. Arquette hopes to soften the blow his WCW Title reign had on his career by legitimizing himself.

    While doing that, Arquette’s fame outside wrestling could earn him some big opportunities. Perhaps even a run with WWE? Arquette was asked about this during an interview on “The WINCLY.” Arquette said he’s a huge fan of WWE, but doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers there by doing anything he doesn’t deserve:

    “I’m a huge fan of WWE and I have the utmost respect for what they’ve done in the business over there. I love NXT, what they’re doing is incredible,” he said. “I don’t know, if anything made sense, I also don’t want to ruffle any feathers in that world – I don’t want to do anything I don’t deserve. You know what I’m saying?”

    What do you think about Arquette possibly getting an opportunity in WWE?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Paige Criticizes Riott Squad’s Handling Of Liv Morgan’s Injury, Morgan Responds

    Paige Criticizes Riott Squad’s Handling Of Liv Morgan’s Injury, Morgan Responds

    Two weeks ago on Monday Night RAW, Liv Morgan suffered a nasty injury on live WWE TV. During a match between The Bella Twins & Natalya against The Riott Squadd, Morgan was knocked unconscious. Brie Bella hit Morgan in the face with a “YES! Kick” and Morgan crumbled over and knocked out.

    Morgan was dragged to her corner and tagged out of the match. She jumped back in and participated in a Triple Suplex before being taken to the back and undergoing medical attention. SmackDown Live General Manager Paige took to former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia’s podcast, Chasing Glory, to offer her thoughts. The former Divas Champion doesn’t think Brie would ever intentionally hurt anyone:

    “I feel so bad for Brie,” Paige said. “She’s never hurt anyone, it’s the first time she hurt some and she gets blamed for it? Come on dude, it’s an accident. Liv doesn’t blame her. The thing I didn’t like about it is the fact her teammates brought her back in the ring to do a suplex when everyone knew she was knocked out. That’s the thing I don’t like.”

    Paige then criticized The Riott Squad for not taking care of their partner better:

    “Ruby and Sarah, take care of your teammate. You see that she got hurt, don’t let her back in the ring again. Referee, don’t let her back in the ring again.”

    Liv Morgan then took to Twitter, seemingly responding to Paige’s podcast comments and firing back at her:

    What do you make of Paige’s comments and Morgan’s response?

  • Rush Set To Debut For MLW: Full Details

    Rush Set To Debut For MLW: Full Details

    Major League Wrestling (MLW) picked up a hot prospect tonight (Thurs. October 4, 2018). Longtime Mexican professional wrestling star Rush was announced to make his debut for the promotion during “MLW: Fury Road.” The event took place from the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York. Mid-way through the show, MLW played a video package hyping Rush’s debut. A date or location was not given. We’re told that Rush is coming into MLW strong and will be in the mix for the next few months.

    https://twitter.com/courtbauer/status/1048036393556086784

    Rush has been in the professional wrestling business since 2008 when he debuted for International Wrestling Revolution Group (IWRG) in October. He performed under the name “Latino” for several months, sticking around the mid-card before leaving in June of 2009. Rush then signed with top Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in the summer of 2009.

    He has remained there for the past nine years and is a member of the famed Los Ingobernables faction. During his time in CMLL, Rush has been extremely successful. He is a former CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion, a two-time and current World Tag Team Champion, and former Mexican National Trios Champion.

    Rush was named the number 131 best (out of 500) wrestler in the PWI 500 list back in 2013. Most recently, he was awarded “Best Gimmick” by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter in 2017 as a member of Los Ingobernables.

  • XFL Commissioner On Players Standing For The National Anthem

    Vince McMahon picked the perfect time for the relaunch of the XFL. There’s currently a ton of controversy within the NFL over the National Anthem. Several years ago, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began to kneel during the playing of the National Anthem.

    Kaepernick began the silent protest to shed light on what he believes to be an epidemic of injustice against people of color at the hands of police within the United States. The topic has attracted mainstream attention and has divided the United States even further. While some sympathize with the protest, others believe the playing of the Anthem is nor the place or time.

    Vince McMahon is part of the latter. During the announcement of the XFL’s relaunch, McMahon called the playing of the anthem before sporting events, “a time-honored tradition.” He made it very clear that players in the XFL would be required to stand during the anthem being played.

    XFL And The Anthem

    XFL CEO and commissioner Oliver Luck dove further into the topic. He appeared on former Green Bay Packers linebacker AJ Hawk’s podcast, The HawkCast. Here’s what he had to say on the matter:

    “Vince feels strongly about that, so that will be one of those things that will differentiate us from the NFL. Remember, unlike the NFL we will not have a union when we start. There won’t be collective bargaining….we could say to a player, ‘Hey there is a clause in the contract that says I hereby agree to stand for the National Anthem.’

    “Period. End of story. That won’t have to be collectively bargained. My position would be as long as a player knows beforehand that that’s part of the contract then that’s a workplace rule and we can enforce that workplace rule.

    “If you go into a contractual situation, knowing what the workplace rules are, you’re obligated to follow those rules, otherwise there will be consequences.”

    H/T WrestleZone for the transcriptions

  • Sting Reveals Vince McMahon’s Reaction To Him Signing With TNA

    Sting Reveals Vince McMahon’s Reaction To Him Signing With TNA

    There’s no doubt Sting is one of the greatest professional wrestlers to ever step in between the ropes. The WWE Hall Of Famer began his WCW tenure back in 1987 with Jim Crockett Promotions. He was a staple in the company’s history, winning several World Titles under their banner.

    Sting is a former NWA World Champion, a six-time WCW World Champion, and a two-time WCW United States Champion – to name only a few. Of course, WWE eventually bought out WCW and signed a few of their stars in the process. Sting, however, was not one of those stars.

    He’d instead briefly work with World Wrestling All-Stars before signing with Jeff Jarrett’s new promotion, TNA in 2003. Speaking on the Apter Chat podcast recently, Sting revealed Vince McMahon’s reaction to him deciding to sign with TNA:

    “I’ll never forget that conversation I had with Vince. He’s on the phone with me and he says: ‘You know Sting, I find this hard to believe. The legacy that you leave behind and the thought of you going to TNA… it just bleh!”

    “So you fast forward to you know coming back to do WrestleMania I had set out a text to Vince and Triple H that just said, ‘have you guys turned the page on Sting yet?’ And I honestly did know? Did they turn the page? Are they done? Or would they consider a run up there?”

    Sting would leave TNA in 2014 after over a decade with the company. That same year he’d make his WWE TV debut and begin the build to his WrestleMania match with Triple H. He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2016.

    Do you think Sting should’ve gone straight to WWE?

    H/T Wrestling News Source for the transcriptions