SEScoops

Author: Jon Fuentes

  • Batista Discusses Family Sacrifices From WWE Career

    Batista Discusses Family Sacrifices From WWE Career

    Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Batista was recently interviewed by SPORTbible. “The Animal” talked about several professional wrestling topics, including the grind of being on the road with WWE. Batista said he has always had a great work ethic, but it skyrocketed after working with WWE:

    “I also think that being on the road with WWE is such a grind,” Batista said. “It really just developed my work ethic, I always had a strong work ethic but nothing like after I came out of the WWE.

    “It really prepared me to just tolerate anything. You have to have a really thick skin there to begin with, but you also have to just pull your weight and be willing to sacrifice.”

    While the travel schedule may improve one’s work ethic, it may strain the relationships of talents with their loved ones. Batista said that he had to make a lot of family sacrifices, including one of his marriages:

    “I have sacrificed a lot,” Batista said. “I have been through a lot of injuries, a lot of lost time with family. Throughout my wrestling career I just… I was never home. I lost a marriage with someone who was a very, very close friend of mine. We still remain friends, but just never being home just tore our marriage apart.”

  • Bob Holly On Past Pill Addiction During WWE Career

    Bob Holly On Past Pill Addiction During WWE Career

    Former WWE star Bob Holly was recently a guest on WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin’s podcast, The Steve Austin Show. Holly signed with WWE back in 1994, after having served as a jobber for the company before in 1991. He lasted 15 years with WWE before being released in 2009.

    During his time with the company; Holly won the WWE Hardcore Title six times, was a three-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and also captured the NWA World Tag Team Titles with Bodacious Bart. Over the course of his career, however, Holly developed an addiction to pain pills.

    He opened up on the situation while speaking to Austin:

    “When I broke my neck, I did end up getting into the pain pill thing and getting on those. And I was able to get off that stuff. And so, but that wasn’t easy, so I had to have help. I wrote about that in my book.

    “I had to have help to get off that stuff and I did. But that was the worst I did. I didn’t get into the alcohol. I didn’t get into the cocaine. I didn’t get into anything heavy like that. I mean, I did steroids. Whoop-dee-doo.

    “But that goes without saying. When I broke my neck, that was the worst, the heaviest I got into anything as far as that you shouldn’t be doing, but, like I said, I got off that and everything. I never drank and I never did anything else.” Holly explained, “I started taking too many [pills] and I was like, ‘this is ridiculous – I’ve got to stop,’ so I did.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK0ol1O_6o4

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Update On Ric Flair’s Wedding, Or Was It A “Commitment Ceremony” ?

    Update On Ric Flair’s Wedding, Or Was It A “Commitment Ceremony” ?

    On Wednesday, we (and other mainstream outlets such as TMZ and People) reported that WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair married his longtime love, Wendy Barlow.

    Several of Flair’s friends and family members gathered for what looked to be a wedding ceremony. Notable names in attendance included The Undertaker, Dennis Rodman, Dolph Ziggler, Fit Finlay, Michelle McCool, Conrad Thompson and of course, Charlotte Flair.

    However, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, what transpired this week was not actually a wedding – it was a “commitment ceremony.” As a result, Flair and Barlow would not be legally married.

    For what it’s worth, Ric Flair himself tweeted the following on Thursday night:

  • Tama Tonga Teases Recruiting Neville To Bullet Club

    Tama Tonga Teases Recruiting Neville To Bullet Club

    New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Tama Tonga spoke to Sports Illustrated recently and discussed several professional wrestling topics. Tonga is one of the founding members of The Bullet Club. The faction is probably the largest, in terms of numbers, in professional wrestling right now.

    Over the years, members of the group have come and gone. However, Tonga believes The Bullet Club’s current members have to prove their loyalties. With some stars’ contracts coming up, and potential WWE moves on the horizon, Tonga is ready to see who is really all in with Bullet Club:

    “There is only one Bullet Club, and we’re fighting for it,” Tonga said. “This ignited in San Fran, and we’re at war for Bullet Club. This is where we’re at, it’s the North vs. the South fighting for the United States.

    “You have their side—the ROH side—against the Japan side of me, [Bad Luck] Fale, and [Tanga] Loa. Bullet Club was born in New Japan, but the Young Bucks ain’t signed in New Japan. Cody ain’t signed in New Japan. Adam Page and Marty Scurll ain’t signed with New Japan. From my understanding, a lot of them are becoming free agents at the end of this year. So, let’s see, who really is Bullet Club?”

    Recruiting Neville

    Recently, at the G1 special, Kenny Omega challenged Tonga while cutting a promo. Tonga is looking to bolster up his supporting crew for his feud against “The Cleaner,” and has his eye on one recently-released WWE star:

    “I love always love a challenge,” Tonga said. “Kenny Omega did a promo during the G1 and said, ‘Tama, you think you can do better than me? You think you can push Bullet Club to new levels, higher ones than I did? Go ahead and prove it.’ Challenge accepted.

    “I know Neville and I’ve followed his work. He’s a phenomenal worker and he’s been here in New Japan before, I watched him in the Super Juniors in 2012. I love his work.”

    What do you think about Neville potentially joining The Bullet Club?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxOIXRV59OY

  • Nikki Bella Reflects On The Bella Twins’ WWE Return

    Nikki Bella Reflects On The Bella Twins’ WWE Return

    The Bella Twins have been back on WWE TV for the past few weeks. Both Nikki and Brie have been on Monday Night RAW, seemingly aligning themselves with Ronda Rousey. Over on SmackDown Live, Brie and real-life husband Daniel Bryan are feuding with The Miz and Maryse.

    At the WWE’s Super Show-Down, The Bellas and Ronda Rousey will take on The Riott Squad in a Six-Woman Tag Team match. Brie will team up with Bryan against Miz and Maryse at this weekend’s Hell In A Cell (HIAC) pay-per-view (PPV).

    Recently, Nikki posted a video on The Bellas’ YouTube channel to talk about their WWE return. Nikki called their return “insane” and talked about getting to tag team with her sister once again:

    “Most importantly right now, Brie and I have made our comebacks to WWE and that has just been insane. Being in the match with her last week was just so fun. It’s just fun to be back in front of the crowd, and the live crowd, the live viewers.

    “WWE Universe, Bella Army, I was just in heaven and I’m really excited for this build-up to the Australia show. I can’t believe I’m going to be tagging with Ronda Rousey. I feel very blessed right now with my life.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHsY9Y7EiV4&feature=youtu.be

    H/T 411 Mania for the transcriptions

  • Chris Jericho: It’s Fun Not Working For Vince McMahon Right Now

    Chris Jericho: It’s Fun Not Working For Vince McMahon Right Now

    Current IWGP Intercontinental Champion and former WWE Champion Chris Jericho recently appeared on Busted Open Radio. During the appearance, “Y2J” talked about his professional wrestling career. Currently, Jericho is basically working wherever he wants while touring with his rock band, Fozzy.

    In regards to wrestling, Jericho previously had an unspoke rule about not working for non-WWE events in the United States. That was recently broken at All In earlier this month, where Jericho surprised the crowd to attack Kenny Omega:

    “There is a whole market now for hardcore wrestling fans,” Jericho said. “Maybe not even hardcore anymore. There’s a whole strain of fans of wrestling that are excited about all of these other options.

    “I mean I didn’t think there was any chance of me doing All In, but at this point in time, sure there’s a chance. I mean if there’s a match that’s presented to me that’s interesting if I’m free, like like why not?

    “Like I’m really kind of enjoying this free agency and realizing why do I have to just keep it in Japan? What if I do want to do more stuff in the States? I’m not really worrying about what anybody thinks.

    “At this point in time, I think for the first time in my career in 28 years, I’m kind of completely in control and it’s fun, ya know?

    “I really enjoy not having to run my ideas that I know are gonna work through a committee of two or three people, or having to wait three hours in front of a door to go pitch it to one guy and hope that he likes it.

    “At this point in time, we’re all pros and we know what works and what doesn’t work, and if we’re not sure we can ask other guys and kind of work together.”

    It’s Fun Not Working For Vince McMahon Right Now

    Jericho then said something very interesting. He said he’s having fun not working for Vince McMahon in WWE right now:

    “In WWE when you work there, once again, you gotta go with whatever it is that he wants to go with,” Jericho noted. “That’s fine. When you work for Vince that’s just the way it is, but it’s fun to not work for Vince right now, and have some of these other ideas you can kind of explore.”

    What do you make of Jericho saying it’s fun not working for Vince McMahon right now?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Jeff Hardy Teases Appearing As “Brother Nero” At HIAC

    Jeff Hardy Teases Appearing As “Brother Nero” At HIAC

    WWE star Jeff Hardy was recently part of a media call to promote this weekend’s Hell In A Cell (HIAC) pay-per-view (PPV). Hardy talked about becoming a Grand Slam Champion, what’s left on his WWE bucket list, and possibly appearing as Brother Nero at HIAC. Here are the highlights:

    Jeff, you’re the most recent addition to the list of Grand Slam Champions in the WWE in the modern format. Looking back at what you’ve accomplished so far in the WWE, what’s your next aim or ambition to achieve in the company?

    “Well, you know, it’s coming up really soon. I mean, it’s just days away, and I’ve been talking about it for the last eight years. The one thing I’ve never done in the WWE is (participate in) the Hell In A Cell match, and here we are. I’m in the Hell In A Cell with Randy Orton, and so I’ve been asking for it all this time, and now I have to see what I can do inside there. It’s going to be very memorable; I’ll do something that people won’t forget. That’s one to knock off my list as far as things that I want to do.”

    I was going to ask you that. You previously talked about wanting to participate in a Hell In A Cell match, something you never participated in. Is there anything else on your bucket list you’d want to cross off before you call it a day?

    “I would like to win the world title again for sure. That’s probably the main thing; back when me and my brother returned at WrestleMania 33 we won the tag team championships. It’d be good now that we are doing solo deals, in singles competition to be the world champion again. That’s one thing for sure.”

    Finally, I got to ask you about something the fans were expecting to see when you returned to the WWE. With Woken Matt returning to his Woken Universe, while we’ve seen a few glimpses, was there any discussion about Brother Nero appearing on WWE programming, and is there a chance the WWE fans can see the alter ego of Jeff Hardy?

    “Yeah, I think so. I mean, I kind of feel like me wearing the face paint now, and breaking out the white contacts – it’s like a modified version of Brother Nero. And that might take a completely drastic turn this Sunday at Hell In A Cell. I might really go all out as Brother Nero. And who knows? You might even see Willow. He may pop up here. From the Broken Universe, anything is possible!”

    Do you think Jeff Hardy will be appearing as “Brother Nero” at HIAC?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Kurt Angle Doesn’t Know When RAW “Vacation” Is Up

    Kurt Angle Doesn’t Know When RAW “Vacation” Is Up

    Kurt Angle isn’t sure when his forced “vacation” from Monday Night RAW will be up. The vacation was ordered by Stephanie McMahon a few weeks ago. She became upset when Ronda Rousey attacked her during a congratulatory ceremony for winning the RAW Women’s Title.

    McMahon blamed Angle for letting it happen and placed Baron Corbin in charge. He is now the acting General Manager of Monday Night RAW. Angle recently took to Instagram to address the storyline. He posted an old photo of himself, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon. Here’s what he had to say:

    “The same people that I started my career with in WWE, are the same people that have driven me away from WWE. I have not heard a word on when my “vacation” would end. I’m starting to wander if I’m ever coming back.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bno5SoQBN2q/?utm_source=ig_embed

    PWInsider recently reported that Angle is training very hard for his in-ring return with WWE. It’s currently unknown who the company is planning to pair Angle up with.

    When do you think WWE will bring Angle back to TV?

  • Sean Waltman Comments On Renee Young Joining RAW Commentary Team

    Sean Waltman Comments On Renee Young Joining RAW Commentary Team

    Former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman took to his podcast, X-Pac 12360, to talk about Renee Young joining the RAW commentary team. Young is the first woman in WWE history to join the RAW commentary team on a full-time basis. She has been announced as Jonathan Coachman’s replacement.

    Shortly after the announcement, Young received a ton of support from the professional wrestling community on Twitter. It’s a big step for the Women’s Revolution that WWE has been pushing lately. Waltman says that WWE made a smart move in adding Young to the commentary team.

    Not only was the move, obviously, made to push women’s empowerment, but Young is actually good at it:

    “It’s no surprise to me that smart people in the WWE realized this is a really good move,” Waltman said. “It’s not just because [she’s female], yeah part of it is obviously the empowerment of women, but she’s really good at it!

    “You don’t want people being put in positions just because they’re a woman. Because I don’t think that does any good for the movement at all. So, you get capable women that are really good at what they do and you give them a shot to do things. And that’s what this is, and it’s great! And I hope she continues to do a great job.”

  • Ember Moon Explains How WWE & Comics Got Her Through Childhood

    Ember Moon Explains How WWE & Comics Got Her Through Childhood

    WWE Monday Night RAW star Ember Moon was recently interviewed by GuideLive.com to promote next week’s Monday Night RAW. RAW will be in Dallas, Texas on the post-Hell In A Cell episode of RAW.

    Moon discussed several professional wrestling topics. First, she talked about how WWE and comic books got her through her childhood:

    “I was just bullied really bad in school, and my only escape was to turn on WWE SmackDown or Raw. Just go into a different world and see all of these larger than life characters defending their ideals. Not afraid to defend themselves and stick up for what they believed in.”

    With the recent boost of the Women’s Revolution, there ceiling for female WWE stars is endless. Moon has similar aspirations as her fellow female WWE stars, such as winning a World Title and headlining WrestleMania:

    “We all want our name in the history books, and I want to continue to keep writing Ember Moon in those slots anywhere I can.”

    Although she has her own goals in WWE, she’d like her professional wrestling career to hold a higher purpose. Her main goal is to inspire people to feel like it’s okay to be themselves:

    “I just want to show people that it’s OK to be you. That it’s OK to defend everything that you want in life to accomplish your dreams no matter what other people say. That’s my main goal.”

  • Cody On What He’d Do Differently For An All In 2

    Cody On What He’d Do Differently For An All In 2

    NWA World Heavyweight Champion Cody was recently a guest on WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross’ podcast, The Ross Report. Cody talked about All In and how successful the self-funded event was earlier this month. After his match with Nick Aldis for the NWA Title, Cody produced the second half of the show:

    “I didn’t get a chance to sleep [after All In] and I went right to gorilla [position] after my match and I directed and timed the last half of the show,” Cody said. “I’m not the best timer judging by the main event time. I’m learning! But I didn’t get that moment to… I didn’t get many moments. It was just happening so fast.”

    Cody then talked about the possibility of doing an All In 2. When asked what he learned from his first show, which he can apply to a possible follow-up to make it better, Cody revealed he’s already planning:

    “Well, maybe we already started planning [laughs].” Cody added, “I kept writing these lists. And my dad was a big list guy and I have become a big list guy too. I kept writing these lists of these are the things to do to make sure you’re in peak condition, and also make sure you’re in peak mental state, and make sure you paid this guy and talked to this guy.

    “I also learned I wanted to do every single thing with this show. I wanted to do payroll; I wanted to know elements of production; I wanted to know how many chairs were in the union catering room.”

    Do you think there will be an All In 2 next year?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xkfu5d_Rs4

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Kevin Owens Teases Vince McMahon On Twitter

    Kevin Owens Teases Vince McMahon On Twitter

    Kevin Owens is an absolute savage. “KO” took to Twitter earlier today (Wed. September 12, 2018) and teased Vince McMahon. Today marks one-year since Owens attacked Vince McMahon on an episode of SmackDown Live.

    Owens viciously attacked McMahon after being granted a Hell In A Cell (HIAC) match against Shane McMahon. Vince made the mistake of guaranteeing Owens that he wouldn’t get punished for harming a McMahon. Unknowingly, Vince gave Owens permission to attack him.

    He proceeded to headbutt Vince and bust him open before hitting him with a Frog Splash from the top rope. Check out Owens’ Tweet here:

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/1039971265942052866

    Owens ended up defeating Shane McMahon at HIAC thanks to some help from Sami Zayn. Eventually, the rivalry came to an end at WrestleMania 34 in April. Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon defeated Zayn and Owens in a Tag Team match in New Orleans.

    What do you think of Owens’ tease towards McMahon on Twitter?

  • Ric Flair Married, Undertaker & Ziggler In Attendance (Video)

    Ric Flair Married, Undertaker & Ziggler In Attendance (Video)

    Two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair is married once again. “The Nature Boy” and longtime fiancee Wendy Barlow tied the knot during a ceremony at a resort in North Florida on Wednesday. This was the fifth time down the aisle for the 16-time World Heavyweight Champion.

    The wedding was attended by a few WWE personalities. According to TMZ, WWE legend The Undertaker was in attendance, along with RAW tag team champion Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler had the honor of walking Flair’s bride down he aisle.

    Flair and Barlow have been dating for over six years, and have known each other since their days in WCW when Barlow portrayed Fifi the Maid. Congratulations to Ric and Wendy!

    Check out this video from Ric Flair’s wedding:

    Update: On Thursday, Ric Flair and Charlotte tweeted out these photos from the wedding.

  • Curt Hawkins Had To Fight To Keep His Losing Streak Alive

    Curt Hawkins Had To Fight To Keep His Losing Streak Alive

    WWE Superstar Curt Hawkins recently did an interview on The Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Podcast. Hawkins discussed a wide range of topics; such as leaving WWE, life on the indies, returning to the company, and much more. One interesting topic of discussion was Hawkins’ current losing streak. The former Edge Head hasn’t won a match on WWE TV in quite some time.

    His losing streak is well over 200 matches by now. It turns out, that streak almost ended not too long ago. Hawkins revealed he had to beg WWE writers not to end the streak. Initially, the plan was for him to defeat Heath Slater on an episode of Main Event.

    Almost Ending The Streak

    Hawkins knew that would be irrelevant, and pleaded with the lead writer of RAW to ask Vince McMahon to allow him to lose instead:

    “What really sparked it all was… there was some kind of online article or something that said, ‘Hey, Curt Hawkins just lost his 100th match in a row’. Where, I think like… and I’m not throwing a shot out there but I think most of my colleagues if they saw that about themselves they’d be like, ‘Man, that’s bulls**t’ and be upset about it.

    “A bunch of people tweeted me this information and I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s true, yes. Lets talk about it. I didn’t know what it could become, but I knew like why not embrace it and acknowledge it.

    “There’s been times since that article where I was supposed to… I remember one time I was supposed to beat Heath Slater on Main Event and I went, ‘Oh, no’ – I said ‘no, no, please no, this could be something.’ There’s no sense in ending it on Main Event against Slater.” Hawkins said.

    “I literally went to the head writer of RAW and said, ‘Please no, I can’t [lose my streak]’ and they were cool about it in the first place because it was more like, ‘Hey, good job. You get to win one tonight’ and I’m like oh God no, you don’t understand, and I remember that particular night, I was like, ‘Can I just run something by you…

    “You guys[creative writers] are all aware of the streak?’ They say yeah and I go, ‘Does Vince know about it?’ They’re like, ‘Probably not’ – well can you please just tell him before he makes a decision tonight – I got out of it.”

    H/T Fightful for the transcriptions

  • AJ Styles Nearly Changed His Name After Signing With WWE

    AJ Styles Nearly Changed His Name After Signing With WWE

    Current WWE Champion AJ Styles spoke to ESPN last month to promote his match with Samoa Joe. Styles and Joe battled it out for the WWE’s top prize in a bout that ultimately ended in a disqualification.

    During the conversation, Styles talked about signing with WWE back in 2016. That process included a meeting with WWE COO Triple H. “The Game” wasn’t sure that they would be able to retain his “AJ Styles” ring name.

    Styles said he would be okay with that, but the big “AJ” tattoo on his side might be a problem:

    “When Triple H and I were talking, he said, ‘I don’t know if we’ll be able to keep your name.’ I said, ‘That’s fine, I’ll be any name you want me to be called, except I do have this huge AJ tattoo on my side so that might be a problem,’” Styles said.

    “I think it worked out for the best because we weren’t taken and being changed into something else. We were the same characters that they saw from different companies and that they were familiar with and people were already invested in. I think that was a good move by WWE.”

    How do you think a name change would’ve impacted Styles’ WWE career?

  • Carmella Explains How Her Father Influenced Her WWE Career

    Carmella Explains How Her Father Influenced Her WWE Career

    WWE star Carmella was recently interviewed by KATC TV to promote SmackDown Live in Lafayette, Louisiana.

    Carmella opened up on her professional wrestling career, and how she was influenced by her father. The former SmackDown Live Women’s Champion’s father is Paul Van Dale, a former jobber in WWE. After her cheerleading career in the NFL and NBA, Carmella decided to follow in her dad’s footsteps:

    “I have a background in dance so I danced my entire life, since I was three years old,” said Carmella.

    “And I cheered in the NFL [for the Patriots), in the NBA [for the Lakers]. My dad was a wrestler back in the early 90s, so it just brought everything full circle with my dad’s background and my love of performing and entertainment, and now here I am in the WWE.”

    After cheerleading for the New England Patriots for three seasons, Carmell applied to Tough Enough in 2010. She withdrew her application, however, as she landed a gig cheerleading for the Los Angeles Lakers.

    In 2013 she joined NXT and made her main roster debut in 2016. Carmella went on to defeat Charlotte Flair for the SDL Women’s Championship. She did this by cashing in her Money In The Bank (MITB) briefcase, the first ever won by a woman.

    Charlotte eventually won the title back from Carmella at SummerSlam, and “Money” is looking to get another crack at “The Queen”:

    “Well, Charlotte Flair,” Carmella said. “She took my title from me. I did beat her twice, however she beat me and took my title from me unfortunately. But I’m gonna get it back.”

    Discussion: What do you think about Carmella’s father’s influence on her WWE career? Let us know in the comments section below!

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Alexa Bliss On Her Initial Reaction To WWE Signing Ronda Rousey

    Alexa Bliss On Her Initial Reaction To WWE Signing Ronda Rousey

    WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey recently took part in a media conference call to promote the Hell In A Cell (HIAC) pay-per-view (PPV). During the call, Bliss talked about her ongoing rivalry with Ronda Rousey.

    Rousey defeated Bliss for the RAW Women’s Championship at SummerSlam last month. Now Bliss will get her rematch for the title this Sunday in Texas.

    Bliss talked about WWE signing Rousey, their match at HIAC, and what she needs to do to end Rousey’s dominance in WWE. Here are the highlights:

    Ronda Rousey’s arrival to the WWE boosted the women’s evolution. When did you know about Ronda coming to the WWE, and what was your initial reaction?

    “I think it’s great. I’ve said it before, that I think if we can have any woman from any other background to come into the WWE, it makes it better for the performers. So, I’ve been a fan of it since day one.”

    With all the hype surrounding Ronda Rousey, how big of an opportunity is it for you to establish yourself as the most dominant women’s athlete by beating her at the Hell In A Cell pay–per–view?

    “Obviously, I have some things to work on. SummerSlam did not go according to plan, so it’s time to look back and see what I did wrong, and find Ronda’s weakness, work on it, and figure out a way to get my title back, because that would probably legitimize my (spot) as the most dominant champion at that point.”

    Ronda Rousey came to the WWE with a chip on her shoulder, but has been dominant thus far. What do you think it would take to finally end her dominance in the company?

    “I think, for me, it would be to show that Ronda’s not really the baddest woman on the planet, and that the baddest woman on the planet is still beatable – I said the same thing about Asuka, that there is no such thing as ‘unbeatable’; I might be the one to prove that with Ronda. That would be the most amazing thing for me.”

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Matt Jackson On If Batista Was Considered For All In

    Matt Jackson On If Batista Was Considered For All In

    Last week’s All In pay-per-view (PPV) was a big success. The Sears Centre in Chicago, Illinois played host to the self-funded event by Cody and The Young Bucks.

    Several big names in the indy professional wrestling scene were on the card. Kenny Omega, Cody, The Young Bucks, Rey Mysterio, Pentagon Jr., Okada, and so many more competed at the show.

    Also, big names like Jeff Jarrett, Diamond Dallas Page, Tommy Dreamer, and Road Warrior Animal made special appearances as well. When it was all said and done, Cody and The Young Bucks did what they set out to do – put on one of the biggest professional wrestling shows of the year.

    Recently, a fan on Twitter asked Matt Jackson if there were any plans to bring in Batista for the show. The former WWE Champion is currently a free agent in the professional wrestling world but is focusing more on his acting career.

    Jackson joked that they considered “The Animal” to be put in the Burnard the Business Bear suit:

    https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/1039212083592589312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

    Discussion: How do you think a Batista appearance at All In would’ve played out? Let us know in the comments section below!

  • Sting Reveals Where He Got The Scorpion Deathlock From

    Sting Reveals Where He Got The Scorpion Deathlock From

    WWE Hall Of Famer Sting was recently a guest on the Apter Chat podcast.

    During the interview, Sting revealed where he got the idea for the Scorpion Deathlock. Apparently, Sting got the inspiration from a wrestling by the name of Riki Choshu at a Japanese show:

    “I was fortunate enough in those early days, while I was still with Bill Watts, (Giant) Baba from Japan wanted me to come do a show,” Sting said.

    “Bill sent me to Japan and there was a wrestler named Riki Choshu. He used that hold and I went ‘oh, I like that’ and so then the scorpion kinda popped in all at the same time and attempting to brand myself.”

    The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion then discussed the demise of WCW. He was one of the key characters in the promotion’s legacy. When WCW finally came to an end and was bought out by WWE, Sting said it felt “surreal”:

    “It was shocking, it was surreal,” Sting said. “It was emotional because it was a lot of years of a lot of sacrifice. Fighting tooth and nail to not be the second class wrestling organization, but to finally evolve into the number one wrestling organization in the world.

    “To be that first class wrestling organization. A global machine. And to just watch it slip through your fingers and be gone and totally out of your control, I always said it was like the enemy coming into your camp and having their way.”

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • More On Pentagon Jr. & Fenix To WWE Rumors

    More On Pentagon Jr. & Fenix To WWE Rumors

    We have more on the rumors suggesting Pentagon Jr. and Fenix are WWE bound.

    Earlier this month, it was noticed that Pentagon Jr. shared a story on his official Facebook page suggesting he and his brother were heading to WWE. MLW also teased this in a recent Tweet. However, Pentagon himself quickly shot this rumor down at a PCW Ultra event.

    Following a successful PCW Ultra Championship defense, Pentagon made the following comments:

    “Respect that I am the PCW Champion and no one is going to take that from me. Thank you very much! And before I forget. I am not going anywhere. Penta will be in PCW for many, more years.”

    Per a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, Pentagon Jr. and Fenix aren’t able to sign with any other promotion at this time. They’re currently inked to contracts with Lucha Underground. However, the opportunity may arise when the fourth season of Lucha Underground wraps up.

    Currently, it’s unknown when the season will end. The 14th episode will air this week and last season featured 40 episodes.

    There’s a strong feeling that Pentagon and Fenix could opt to sign with WWE once their deals are up. They could also decide to renew their deal with Lucha or sign with another promotion such as AAA.

  • Sabu Posts Controversial Tweet About Renee Young

    Sabu Posts Controversial Tweet About Renee Young

    Last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW marked Renee Young’s first as a full-time commentator.

    Young was announced as Jonathan Coachman’s replacement at the commentary booth for the red brand. Since the news broke, Young has received a lot of support from the professional wrestling community.

    Of course, not all were in favor of the decision it seems. ECW Legend Sabu took to his Twitter account and posted a rather controversial Tweet about Young. Sabu has since deleted the Tweet, but you can check out the screenshot below.

    (WARNING: language is explicit)

    “Lol oh boy I offended some one again .. lol wtf?”

    Soon after deleting the Tweet, Sabu followed up with this:

    https://twitter.com/TerryBrunk/status/1039537644244365312

    When reading the comments, it’s clear that Sabu lost a lot of fans for his remarks. As for Young, she has yet to respond to Sabu’s comments and will likely ignore the matter.

    Discussion: What do you think about Sabu’s Tweet on Renee Young? Let us know in the comments section below!

  • Samoa Joe Says There Has Never Been A Company That Has Wanted Him

    Samoa Joe Says There Has Never Been A Company That Has Wanted Him

    WWE Superstar Samoa Joe was recently interviewed on Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Podcast. Joe discussed his long journey in the industry of professional wrestling.

    Joe first discussed his initial deal with WWE, and why it was “the greatest deal in the history of professional wrestling”:

    “I had the greatest deal in the history of professional wrestling,” said Joe. “I could work for WWE, anybody else that I wanted to and collect income from every one of those companies, including merchandise.

    “It was a really good deal. Obviously, my prospects in WWE they felt they were extremely limited even initially when I got in. That was fine with me. Here’s the thing, it isn’t something that is new to me. There has never been a company that has wanted me, which sounds insane.”

    Know Your Worth

    Joe then discussed the grueling and demanding toll that professional wrestling takes on its athletes’ bodies. He said because of this, indy wrestlers should know their worth when booking themselves:

    “We sacrifice ourselves every day when we go out there and I do it proudly,” Joe said. “At the end of the day I know what I signed up for and I do not shy away from that fact at all. There is a good chance that at 60 I will be in a wheelchair, but hey, I signed up for that, I know that.

    “That being said, I have an extreme amount of respect for people that do value their worth and do maintain the integrity of the business.

    “When guys go out there and sell themselves short and they are out here booking themselves out when they are really talented and devaluing the market, I am really opposed to that.

    “I always tell guys to get paid what you are worth and know what you are worth so that if you are worth it you will get that number. I support guys that do that.”

    Listen to Samoa Joe on the Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast:

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • DDP On Appearing At All In For Free

    DDP On Appearing At All In For Free

    WWE Hall Of Famer Diamond Dallas Page was recently interviewed by WSVN-TV Entertainment Reporter Chris Van Vliet.

    “DDP” was asked about his appearance at last week’s All In pay-per-view (PPV) event. Page was ringside for Cody’s NWA World Title win against Nick Aldis. He explained how the late Dusty Rhodes played a major role in the bout:

    “Dusty used to always tell me ‘I got five friends D and every time I count them, you are one of them’ and that meant a lot to me.

    “So when he passed, Cody called me and said Dusty, because he always calls him Dusty and not pops, he said ‘Dusty told me right before he passed that he had five friends and you’re on that list’.

    “I appreciated that because I had heard it, but hearing it from him took it to a different level. So fast forward a year a half later and he’s putting together ALL IN, he really loved that five friends thing.

    “And three guys who couldn’t have been any closer besides me were Ray Lloyd who is Glacier and Tommy Dreamer. He of course threw in his brother-in-law Kevin who he loves dearly and his father-in-law Otis and of course his dog Pharaoh.

    “It was like super special and it was super emotional. We were all looking at each other trying not to cry.”

    Appearing At All In For Free

    Page then talked about how Cody convinced him to hit a Diamond Cutter during the show. He also revealed he didn’t charge Cody and The Young Bucks a dime for his appearance:

    “When I first heard Cody was doing ALL IN, I told him you know I don’t do Diamond Cutters anymore. I mean, if WWE calls me I’ll f*cking do a Diamond Cutter, but not for an independent wrestling company.

    “I’ve been offered $10,000. I’m not hitting that mat anymore. But for Cody, I told him if you need me for anything, I said I’m there and I wouldn’t charge him nothing. I’m sure plenty of people got paid a lot of money to be there, I took nothing and I won’t take nothing from him.”

  • Jazz Reveals What She Was Told When WWE Released Her

    Jazz Reveals What She Was Told When WWE Released Her

    Current NWA World Women’s Champion and former WWE Women’s Champion Jazz was recently interviewed by Women’s Wrestling Weekly. Jazz talked about her pending lawsuit against WWE, racism in professional wrestling, being released by WWE, and much more. Check out the highlights here:

    Her lawsuit with WWE:

    “Yes, I really can’t discuss that right now. There is news. It could be good or it could be bad.”

    Racism in professional wrestling:

    “I wouldn’t say I had experienced it. But, honestly with my ability and my way of work… if I were blonde hair and blue eyed, I would probably still be on TV now.”

    Trish Stratus:

    “Trish and I had a phenomenal feud. I mean she was the type of person that no matter what I put on her she got her ass back up and we did our thing. She was great at taking that ass whopping.”

    Being released from WWE:

    “They called us to the back and said, ‘we were wrestling too much like men.’ I thought, well that’s the end of my career.”

    Would she still be with WWE if she had blonde hair and blue eyes:

    “If I wasn’t in the company, I would be a part of the company. Because right now today, I still have no clue of why I was released. I’m championed one day and released the next day.”

    WWE not knowing how to market African Americans:

    “I don’t think they (WWE) knows how to market African Americans. I was a champion and I’ve never had an action figure. They did the screening and scanning and said my action figure is in high demand and I never saw it.”

  • All In Appearance Didn’t Help Chris Jericho Cruise Cabin Sales

    All In Appearance Didn’t Help Chris Jericho Cruise Cabin Sales

    Former WWE star Chris Jericho made a special appearance at All In last week in Chicago. Jericho dressed as Pentagon Jr. and attacked Kenny Omega after the lights in the arena went out.

    After Jericho attacked Omega, he teased that he would be seeing “The Cleaner” again on the Jericho Cruise. That was a slight plug to try and get more wrestling fans to buy a cabin for the upcoming cruise, which will feature several big professional wrestling names.

    In a recent episode of his podcast, Talk Is Jericho, he revealed that he sold zero cabins a few days after All In:

    “I found out today that I sold zero cabins yesterday,” Jericho said. “Everyone’s watching the pay-per-view [on demand] so hopefully it goes that way.

    “Just being there was huge, the cruise thing, the shirt, the reveal, the Pentagon thing. It was one of the coolest moments of my career and I’m glad I got to do that in the States after doing it in Japan the last couple of times.”

    It looks like Omega and Jericho will be facing off on the Jericho Cruise. The Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea is set for sail on October 27th.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3lyH3EBBWc