SEScoops

Author: Jon Fuentes

  • Nikkita Lyons Shuts Down Rumor About Missing SmackDown

    Nikkita Lyons Shuts Down Rumor About Missing SmackDown

    Nikkita Lyons has shut down a rumor about her recent removal from SmackDown Live.

    Initially, Lyons and Zoey Stark vs. Natalya & Sonya Deville was advertised for last week’s SmackDown in a Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament bout. However, that bout did not happen, as Natalya and Deville instead took on the NTX duo of Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne).

    Dolin and Jayne actually won the match, advancing in the tournament. They’ll now compete in a semi-finals bout next week. It should be noted that Stark suffered an injury during her match against NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose last week at NXT Heatwave.

    Nikkita Lyons
    (via WWE)

    A subsequent report suggested that Lyons was actually pulled from SmackDown after she wasn’t allowed into Canada for the show. Canada has strict immigration policies on those traveling to the country, and Lyons is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

    Canada requires proof of vaccination upon entrance to the country. However, Lyons has since denied that her vaccination status had anything to do with her removal from the show, responding to a fan on Twitter.

    Lyons assured fans her removal had nothing to do with COVID-19, but seemed reluctant to give the true reason at this current point in time. However, she did tease potentially revealing the real reason behind her removal soon.

  • Ex-WWE Star Hospitalized in Puerto Rico

    Ex-WWE Star Hospitalized in Puerto Rico

    A former WWE star has reportedly been hospitalized in Puerto Rico.

    IWA Puerto Rico announced on their Twitter page that ex-WWE star Savio Vega was rushed to the hospital on Saturday. The veteran is said to be in stable condition at the moment and is still undergoing various tests.

    There’s no exact indication as to what Vega is being hospitalized for, but he appears to be conscious and alert in photos.

    Savio Vega Hospitalized

    Savio Vega Hospitalized

    Here’s the news from IWA Puerto Rico (translated):

    “Yesterday, Saturday, Savio Vega had to be transferred to a hospital in an emergency. He is still under treatment. You need to rest to recover as soon as possible. He has his phone at hand to communicate only with his relatives.

    “We request space. Thanks. In an update for our fans, Savio Vega is still in the hospital and undergoing a series of treatments. We wish him a speedy recovery. http://iwapuertorico.com.”

    The 58-year-old Vega began his professional wrestling career back in 1987. He was with WWE from 1994 to 1999. Although he was a member of The Nation Of Domination during his run with WWE, he never was able to record a title victory with the promotion.

    Since, Vega has competed all around the independent circuit, as well as a brief run with IMPACT Wrestling.

  • WWE Narrowing Down SummerSlam 2023 Location

    WWE Narrowing Down SummerSlam 2023 Location

    WWE looks to be locking in on their location for SummerSlam 2023 already.

    WrestleVotes has reported that the company was so happy with how this year’s SummerSlam from Nashville turned out that the city is already on the short list to host the event yet again next year.

    A decision is expected to be made by early 2023. This year’s SummerSlam was certainly a big one for the company. It was the first premium live event under Triple H after Vince McMahon’s retirement.

    It certainly delivered in regards to the in-ring product. Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch showed out in an amazing curtain jerker of a RAW Women’s Title match. Logan Paul impressed with quite the in-ring performance in his win over The Miz.

    Pat McAfee was entertaining as ever in a big one-on-one victory over Happy Corbin. And of course, the main event saw Roman Reigns successfully retain his WWE Undisputed Championship against Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match.

    WWE SummerSlam
    (via WWE)

    The match saw several big spots, including the ring nearly getting tipped over with Reigns inside, Theory teasing cashing-in his Money In The Bank, and The Usos assisting their Tribal Chief in the win by stacking several objects on top of him, preventing him from getting up.

    Regardless of where SummerSlam takes place next year, it will have quite a show to follow after this year’s in Nashville, which saw an attendance of a reported 48,000.

  • Ciampa Names ‘Craziest, Funniest’ Part Of Vince McMahon’s Retirement

    Ciampa Names ‘Craziest, Funniest’ Part Of Vince McMahon’s Retirement

    WWE star Ciampa has offered up what he believes is the “craziest, funniest” part of Vince McMahon’s retirement.

    Ciampa was recently interviewed on “Out Of Character” with Ryan Satin, where he gave his thoughts on the entire situation. The Monday Night RAW star noted that he believes the “craziest, funniest” part of it all was the fact that the 77-year-old McMahon retired via Twitter.

    “The craziest, funniest part of it all was, of course the most powerful man in the history of professional wrestling tweeted out his retirement. One tweet, doesn’t need more than a 160 characters, no problem.

    “It blew my mind. I heard a couple of texts before I saw it, and I looked and was like, ‘This is real.’ Aside from that, I’m not kidding you at all when I say that I just didn’t put much more thought into it.

    “I’m just in such a different place in my life that I think my initial thing was, ‘I hope he’s happy. I hope he stops waking up at 3 AM to work out before his meetings. Dude, you deserve a retirement. You’re 77, go enjoy retirement.’

    As we’ve noted, Vince McMahon was forced to step down as WWE CEO once allegations of sexual misconduct were levied against him. His daughter Stephanie McMahon and Nick Kahn then stepped in as co-CEOs in Vince’s place.

    Tommaso Ciampa
    (via WWE)

    Soon after, investigations began into the allegations into McMahon. As a result, McMahon then announced his retirement from WWE altogether, leaving his post as head of creative in WWE.

    His son-in-law and multiple-time WWE World Champion Triple H would step up to fill the void. Although Ciampa has a great relationship with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, it’s a bittersweet ending to his working under McMahon.

    “Of course, Hunter coming off all the health stuff, you’re like, ‘Well, I hope you’re ready for the deep end.’ But obviously, I have a good relationship with him and Steph, and their energy – it’s very positive.

    “But I was also very much enjoying my time with Vince. I think everybody who gets into this, especially from our generation, wants that Vince pat on the back and bearhug and all that.

    “He was giving me great feedback, and I was really happy with how things were developing. I’m still excited because when you give me an opportunity, I will take it and run.”

    Quotes via 411Mania

  • Tony Khan Met With CM Punk Before AEW Dynamite

    Tony Khan Met With CM Punk Before AEW Dynamite

    All Elite Wrestling (AEW) president Tony Khan reportedly had a meeting with CM Punk before this week’s episode of Dynamite.

    There’s reportedly been some issues that Punk has been having backstage with Adam “Hangman” Page.

    During this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, in a promo that was supposed to be angled at Jon Moxley, Punk instead started it off by taking a shot at Page, calling him a “coward.”

    Initial reports indicate this was not part of the script. Wade Keller of PWTorch reports that there are, in fact, issues between Punk and Page.

    However, he added that some wrestlers backstage in AEW wouldn’t put it past AEW president Tony Khan to do a work-shoot type of thing with it.

    CM Punk and Tony Khan
    AEW

    Keller did add, however, he doesn’t think that’s the case here. He also stated that Punk met with Khan in his locker room before Dynamite went on-air for a “decent amount of time.”

    Despite the drama that unfolded on Dynamite (and all the subsequent fallout), Punk was acting fine backstage before the show with no signs of being disgruntled.

    Punk has returned from a foot injury that required surgery to repair. He’s still the AEW World Champion, but in his absence, an interim champion in Jon Moxley was crowned.

    Now, Punk will shift his focus to unifying his title with Moxley’s to determine the undisputed AEW World Champion.

  • MJF Expected Back With AEW ‘Somewhat Soon’ (Report)

    MJF Expected Back With AEW ‘Somewhat Soon’ (Report)

    MJF is expected to be back with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) “somewhat soon.”

    A new report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that MJF is expected back with the company soon after several months away from television. AEW seems hell-bent on bringing MJF back at this time given their upcoming TV deal negotiations.

    Negotiations for a new TV deal will begin in a few months, so ratings from September up until whenever the deal gets done are more important now than ever. AEW has had a recent drop in ratings, which couldn’t have come at a worst time.

    Bringing MJF back into the fold would certainly help things in that regard. MJF hasn’t been since on AEW TV since the post-AEW Double Or Nothing episode of Dynamite, in which he cut a scathing promo on AEW and president Tony Khan.

    When Will MJF Return to AEW?

    MJF Promo

    MJF has essentially vanished from professional wrestling since his ‘pipe bomb’ promo. His last match at Double Or Nothing saw MJF finally get what was coming to him against Wardlow, who laid waste to his former storyline employer.

    Over the course of his run with AEW, Friedman has established himself as one of professional wrestling’s biggest young stars, turning heads with his amazing ability on the microphone. He has had some of the best feuds in AEW thus far, most notably against current World Champion CM Punk.

    When he finally makes his return to AEW TV, it will be interesting to see if he jumps into the World Title conversation, as he’s yet to win the AEW World Title thus far.

  • Rey Mysterio Wants Finn Balor at WrestleMania

    Rey Mysterio Wants Finn Balor at WrestleMania

    Rey Mysterio wants a match with Finn Balor at WrestleMania.

    Mysterio was recently interviewed by Inside The Ropes where he discussed his professional wrestling career, including his current run on Monday Night RAW.

    Currently, he and his son, Dominik, are locked in a feud with The Judgement Day – Rhea Ripley, Finn Balor, and Damian Priest.

    With that being said, Mysterio has had the opportunity to work quite a bit with Finn Balor. When asked who his desired opponent for WrestleMania would be, Mysterio named the Irish star.

    “The one guy I had in mind, and it’s actually happening right now as we speak is Finn Balor. The opportunity of working against Finn, and these last couple of weeks that we have been on Raw, I really feel like we have great chemistry together.

    “It was bound to happen just because I know how dedicated he is, and how committed he is, so I think the program I have been doing with Finn has been incredible.”

    Rey Mysterio

    At the moment, Mysterio and Dominik have been feuding with The Judgment Day for the past few weeks. They’ve seemingly aligned themselves with ex-Judgement Day leader Edge, who was kicked out of the faction several weeks ago.

    Judgement Day has been attempting to lure Dominik into their faction for some time. If they ultimately succeed, perhaps a father vs. son angle could be on the horizon. It’s something The Mysterios have admittedly talked about amongst themselves.

    However, they’d only want to do it if it felt right at the moment. Given where their current storyline seems to be heading, the perfect moment might be right around the corner.

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Kevin Owens: Locker Room ‘Rejuvenated’ By Triple H Promotion

    Kevin Owens: Locker Room ‘Rejuvenated’ By Triple H Promotion

    Kevin Owens claims the WWE locker room has been “rejuvenated” by Triple H’s recent promotion.

    Owens was recently interviewed by the TWC Show where he was asked about the changes that have gone on within WWE since Triple H took over. Owens got to work very closely with “The Game” during his own days in NXT, before eventually making his way up to the main roster.

    Triple H was also a big part of his storyline in which he won the Universal Championship. With Triple H now running creative on the main roster, Owens is able to work with “The Game” again, and “KO” is excited about the reunion.

    “Getting to work with Triple H again is really exciting because he’s obviously the reason I’m here, the reason I got my opportunity in WWE, my chance to go to tryout and eventually get signed and everything.

    “When I first started out, I was in NXT for a few months and I got to work directly with him and it was so enlightening. I’ve been blessed to work with a lot of people that have tremendous minds for this industry.”

    Vince McMahon was forced to step down as WWE CEO after some sexual misconduct allegations against him surfaced. After those claims began to be investigated, McMahon then retired as head of creative for WWE.

    Soon after, Triple H then stepped in to fill the position, and there have already been big changes made under the new regime. Owens adds that the change has “rejuvenated” those in the locker room.

    “It rejuvenated everybody, the atmosphere here is pretty great and it’s just cool to see where things go from here.“

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Jim Ross Believes Punk vs. Moxley Could Be Biggest AEW Main Event Ever

    Jim Ross Believes Punk vs. Moxley Could Be Biggest AEW Main Event Ever

    Jim Ross believes that CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley for the Undisputed All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Title will be the promotion’s biggest main event ever.

    Ross recently took to his podcast, “Grilling JR,” to offer his thoughts on the potential CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley match to unify their AEW World Titles. Punk recently made his return to AEW TV to confront Moxley, teasing their eventual matchup.

    Of course, given Punk’s current injury, there’s no indication as to when that match could finally take place. With that being said, Jim Ross believes when the match finally does go down, it could do historic business for AEW.

    “I knew he was in the building. I saw him briefly, earlier in the day, in the trainer’s room, getting some attention. He sure has been missed, there is no doubt about it. The crowd’s reaction would indicate the same. They are ready to see him.

    “I still don’t know how healthy the guy is. I asked on air ‘has he been cleared to wrestle?’ Nobody knew. He will be cleared. He’s under good doctor’s care. This process has been ongoing.

    “He’s still in the process of healing as far as I’m concerned, until I get word that he’s 100%, I’m going to play it by ear. He’s a tough guy. Everyone wants to see him and Moxley beat the shit out of each other.

    “You can count your bottom dollar that’s what they’re going to do. They both have that pride. It’s going to be, arguably, the biggest main event we’ve ever had considering all the ramifications going in and injuries and all these things.

    “I’m excited about calling that match. I think it’s going to be fun as hell.” 

    CM Punk

    Punk won the AEW World Title at AEW Double Or Nothing earlier this year against Hangman Page. However, in June it was announced that Punk suffered a foot injury that needs surgery to repair.

    In his absence, Moxley has been crowned as the interim World Champion. He’ll be ready to welcome Punk back once the former WWE Champion is ready to get back inside the squared circle.

  • Chris Jericho: Cons of Vince McMahon Departure Will Be Felt Later

    Chris Jericho: Cons of Vince McMahon Departure Will Be Felt Later

    Chris Jericho believes that the cons of Vince McMahon’s departure from WWE won’t be felt for another few months.

    Jericho was recently a guest on the Swerve City podcast, where he talked about Vince McMahon stepping down as WWE CEO, as well as retiring as the head of creative on television. This happened shortly after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against McMahon.

    “Y2J” explained that, while there will certainly be some positives from McMahon’s WWE departure – especially creatively – there will also be some negative impacts. Those negatives in particular likely won’t be felt for a few more months.

    “I can go back working for him for 17-18 years. Obviously, there are Vince-isms and Vince-foibles that don’t make sense, but I did learn a lot about the psychology of the business and how to be a star, how to conduct yourself, how to be a true main eventer and money draw.

    “I think the pros, if that’s the right word, the pros of Vince leaving WWE will be seen very quickly. There are a lot of changes right off the bat, very refreshing. Lots of in-ring time. The cons of Vince leaving won’t be felt for a few months, maybe more, six months, a year.

    “There are a lot of things that Vince did, little things, and I know people bag on him for his recent booking, and obviously there was a habit he had, but the guys who are true main event stars are legit stars. Legit stars.

    “You can spot them from a mile away. Look at the difference between Drew McIntyre now, prior to the last run he had. Vince worked with him to make him a top guy and top star. Same with Roman (Reigns).

    “Completely different now than it was before he turned heel. Brock as a babyface, I can tell Vince worked with him as being a babyface. You can spot it. I can see it.”

    Chris Jericho
    (AEW)

    Chris Jericho certainly knows what he’s talking about when it comes to working with McMahon. The current All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star worked under McMahon during his nearly 20-year run with WWE.

    After departing from WCW in the late 90s, Jericho debuted for WWE and instantly became one of the company’s biggest stars. The six-time WWE World Champion eventually joined AEW in 2020, where he became the promotion’s inaugural World Champion.

    Quotes via Fightful

  • Conrad Thompson Tried Getting DDP To Do a ‘Last Match’

    Conrad Thompson Tried Getting DDP To Do a ‘Last Match’

    It appears as though Conrad Thompson also tried getting WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page to do a Last Match.

    Recently, two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair headlined a Last Match event in which the main event was headlined by the last match of his career. Flair teamed up with Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

    The event was promoted by Conrad Thompson and Jim Crockett Promotions at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Since, Thompson has teased doing more events allowing legends to have their “Last Match.”

    On a recent episode of his podcast, “DDP Snake Pit,” Diamond Dallas Page revealed that Thompson suggested that he take part in a Last Match. However, it doesn’t seem to be something DDP is interested in.

    “It’s nothing I’ll ever do,” DDP said. “Conrad was like ‘You know DDP, you’d be perfect to do one of these,’ I was like ‘Nah bro, I’m good. I had my last match, it’s never going to be better than that.’ I was lucky enough to have all my boys around me and it was fun. I’m good with that.”

    Page did get to do a match two years ago in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he teamed up with Dustin Rhodes and QT Marshall against MJF and The Butcher and Blade.

    DDP was also at Flair’s Last Match event, where he hit Matt Cardona with a Diamond Cutter, which got quite the reaction from the crowd. He was one of several professional wrestling legends at the show; including The Undertaker, Bret Hart, and Mick Foley.

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • AJ Styles Reveals How Close He Was to Signing with AEW

    AJ Styles Reveals How Close He Was to Signing with AEW

    AJ Styles has revealed exactly how close he was to becoming a member of the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) roster.

    Styles was set to be a free agent this summer before signing a new multi-year extension with WWE. Now, Styles is enjoying a deal that is seeing him make well over a reported $3 million a year.

    The former WWE Champion was asked about his contractual situation earlier this year with WWE in a recent interview with Inside The Ropes. Styles was specifically asked about how close he came to becoming a member of the AEW roster, where he has several friends.

    AJ Styles
    (via WWE)

    Styles admits he doesn’t think it was close for him, but he does ultimately want AEW to succeed, as it benefits everyone in the long run.

    “I didn’t really sign a new [WWE] deal. Basically, I had a player option and I just used that option. I had no plans, really, looking back.

    “I want to be with WWE and as much as I’d like to be with my friends [in AEW], this is what I know, this what I know is expected of me, I understand what they need here in WWE, and I want to be a part of it.

    “Like I said, this is a business. I’m going to go where business is best for AJ Styles… Was it close? I wouldn’t say it was close for me.”

    “I want AEW to do well. Competition is a good thing, it makes everybody better, there that. We want to see people succeed and to tell the truth, I have friends in every company, I would like to see them do well.

    “So, they have my support, just like anybody else. I want to see them do well, I don’t want to see anyone lose their job and you never know who might show up in WWE.”

    Currently, AJ Styles is one of the top stars on Monday Night RAW. This week he even challenged for the United States Championship against Bobby Lashley.

    Despite putting on a great performance with “The Almighty” inside the ring, he came up just short, eating a Spear off of a Phenomenal Forearm attempt for the defeat.

  • WWE Contacted Top AEW Star About Jumping Ship (Report)

    WWE Contacted Top AEW Star About Jumping Ship (Report)

    WWE reportedly tried to poach a talent from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) recently.

    Since Triple H has assumed control of WWE creative, there have been several returns made on television. Former NXT stars such as Karrion Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux, B-Fab, Dakota Kai, and Hit Row have all been brought in.

    Of course, it seems like this is only the beginning of the main roster Triple H has envisioned moving forward. While more NXT stars are expected to be brought up, some desired talents Triple H has his eyes on might not even be under the company’s umbrella at the moment.

    Some could be with AEW, such as former WWE stars Adam Cole, Daniel Bryan, and more. Apparently, WWE tried to make a move on a current top AEW star to bring them into WWE.

    WWE Headquarters

    Fightful Select reports that a notable AEW star “reported to AEW management that WWE had reached out to them about coming to WWE.” The reported talent made it clear that they’re happy in AEW and wanted upper management to know about the situation.

    The talent added that they have no desire to leave AEW. It was noted that the talent received a call from one of WWE’s talent relations department members. The talent responded by referring them to their representation rather than speaking directly.

    A source also notes in the report that there were no mistakes made in regards to knowing that the talent was under contract with AEW on a full-time basis. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

  • Eric Bischoff: Tony Khan Is Booking AEW Like a 14-Year-Old

    Eric Bischoff: Tony Khan Is Booking AEW Like a 14-Year-Old

    Eric Bischoff is not a fan of how Tony Khan is booking All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

    It’s no secret that the former WCW president has been critical of the Khan-led promotion in recent months. Both he and Khan have exchanged harsh words through the media as of late, mainly due to Bischoff’s criticisms of AEW.

    In a recent interview with SHAK Wrestling, Bischoff was asked for his thoughts on the booking in AEW at the moment. Bischoff doesn’t seem to be a fan of Khan’s creative mind or storytelling ability.

    Instead, he feels like Khan is booking the promotion as a 14-year-old with too many toys to play with.

    “If Tony Khan is smart, and I know he’s very, very smart, a lot smarter than me in a lot of ways. I don’t exactly think he’s got a creative instinct in his body.

    “I think what he’s doing is reliving a childhood memory, you know of ECW and the indie scene, and super matches. He’s booking, in my opinion, like a 14-year-old would – who would have a lot of toys and things he can play with.

    “But I’m not seeing story – we’ve seen the wrestling audience or AEW audience call it a story but it’s not. It’s an excuse for having a super match or dream match.”

    Eric Bischoff
    (A&E)

    At one point Bischoff made a few appearances for AEW in 2020. However, that all stopped after he became more vocal about his issues with the product. That doesn’t mean fans should expect Bischoff to show up in WWE anytime soon.

    Bischoff noted that WWE doesn’t need him back, and any changes he would make seem to already be in the works in the post-Vince McMahon era.

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Conrad Thompson Tried Talking Ric Flair Out Of Fake Heart Attack Spot In Last Match

    Conrad Thompson Tried Talking Ric Flair Out Of Fake Heart Attack Spot In Last Match

    Conrad Thompson tried to talk his father-in-law Ric Flair out of the fake heart attack spot in his Last Match.

    Flair recently took part in what was said the be the final professional wrestling match of his career. He teamed up with his son-in-law and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Andrade El Idolo against the team of Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

    During the match, Flair actually had a spot where he faked he was having a heart attack, and when Lethal looked concerned, he poked him in the eye.

    In a recent episode of Jeff Jarrett’s podcast, “My World,” which Conrad co-hosts, Conrad revealed he tried to talk Flair out of the spot.

    “The only thing you and I pushed back on, and we pushed back the first time we heard it and the second time, and the third time. ‘Do not fake the heart deal,” Conrad Thompson said. “Do not. Please.’ The afternoon of, he goes, ‘Guys, guys, it’s my last match.

    “I’m not saying I’m going to do it, but if they are with it and I feel I have the crowd, I’m going to do it. Jay is going to have a little sympathy and I’ll poke him in the eyes.’ When it didn’t happen in the ring, at first I thought, ‘We made it, he’s not going to do it.’

    “He did it on the floor. I didn’t look at you, but I know somewhere, you were looking at me like, ‘Why is he doing this?’ I saw great feedback from that, people dug it. Who are we, especially me, it’s his last match. He gets to pick.“

    There was a lot of concern about the 73-year-old Flair competing in the matchup in the first place. Flair admittedly was dealing with injuries heading into the bout, but wanted to put on one final show in front of the Nashville crowd.

    The two-time WWE Hall Of Famer and Andrade emerged from the bout victorious when it was all said and done. He even made an appearance at The World Wrestling Council’s 49th Anniversary Show in Puerto Rico shortly thereafter, serving as a manager for Andrade.

    Flair also got physical during the appearance, taking a few punches and a headbutt from Carlos Colon. He revealed he was offered to wrestle for the promotion, but declined.

    https://youtu.be/-wJJTEmh7ak

    Quotes via Fightful

  • Cody Rhodes Advertised for Upcoming Edition of WWE RAW

    Cody Rhodes Advertised for Upcoming Edition of WWE RAW

    Injured WWE star Cody Rhodes is being advertised for an upcoming episode of Monday Night RAW.

    Rhodes injured his pectoral muscle back in June, which sidelined him for several months after requiring surgery. Initial expectations had Rhodes out for nine months, meaning he wouldn’t be expected back until March of 2023.

    However, much speculation suggested he could be back in time for the Royal Rumble in January of 2023. With that being said, the Scotiabank Arena is promoting Cody Rhodes for an in-ring appearance on August 22.

    When will Cody Rhodes Return to WWE?

    The American Nightmare is being advertised to compete at next week’s WWE Raw from Toronto, Canada.

    It’s unknown if he’s medically cleared to compete, but the Scotiabank Arena is hyping Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins:

    Rhodes tore his pectoral muscle in the midst of his feud with Rollins on RAW. Despite having already torn his pectoral, he still competed against Rollins inside Hell In A Cell back in June, winning the match and seemingly closing the chapter on his rivalry with Rollins.

    However, the following night on Monday Night RAW, Rollins attacked Rhodes after faking a compromise, attacking Rhodes’ injured area to seemingly help write him off TV. Rhodes was being positioned as the top babyface over on Monday Night RAW.

    The timing of his injury couldn’t have been worst. However, many expect Rhodes to return at the Royal Rumble in January, potentially winning the match and going on to WrestleMania 39 to challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Championship.

    With Rhodes now being advertised for a match on August 22, it certainly makes things interesting.

    We’ve reached out to Cody Rhodes for comment.

  • Mick Foley on What He Didn’t Like About Vince McMahon’s Booking

    Mick Foley on What He Didn’t Like About Vince McMahon’s Booking

    WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley has revealed what he didn’t like about Vince McMahon’s booking.

    Taking to his “Foley Is Pod” podcast, Foley offered up his thoughts on the recent creative changes within WWE, with Vince McMahon stepping down. During that segment, Foley actually touched on what he doesn’t like about McMahon’s booking style.

    Foley noted that he isn’t a fan of always having guys lose in their hometown for the sake of heat. He’d rather see those respective stars go over in their hometowns.

    “There is a part of Vince that genuinely likes to make dreams come true. He likes to do that for his audience. I think you could argue that he puts them through an unnecessary ringer sometimes, you know?

    “Like I’m not a fan of having people lose and get embarrassed in their hometowns. I guess he thinks, you know, it’s good heat. I would rather have seen, you know, Charlotte [Flair] go over in Charlotte and Sasha [Banks] go over in Boston instead of vice versa.”

    Mick Foley
    Mick Foley

    McMahon was the head of WWE’s front office and creative decisions for decades. However, after some sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, McMahon was forced to step down as WWE CEO, leaving his daughter Stephanie McMahon and Nick Kahn to step in as co-CEOs.

    Soon after, when investigations into these allegations began, McMahon then decided to retire altogether, stepping down as head of WWE creative. His son-in-law and multiple time WWE World Champion Triple H ascended to the throne, assuming creative control in McMahon’s absence.

    There’s sure to be a massive difference in style with Triple H at the helm rather than McMahon. It will be interesting to see how the landscape of WWE changes over the next few weeks under “The Game.”

    https://youtu.be/bbKf0R6q6fg

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Tony Khan Reveals How Often He Watches WWE

    Tony Khan Reveals How Often He Watches WWE

    All Elite Wrestling (AEW) president Tony Khan has revealed how often he watches WWE.

    Recently, Khan was interviewed by DAZN, where he was asked about the competition over in WWE. During the interview, Khan divulged that he watches WWE pretty often, and believes the product has improved recently since Triple H assumed control of creative.

    “Now the competition changing, I think that’s a good thing in some ways. If you like good wrestling, you’re just more likely to want to see it because our competitor has been doing better shows recently than they had been doing, I think.

    “I watch them pretty often, and I think they’ve been better,” Tony Khan said. “It seems like that’s the consensus among people who watch them. I do think in general, if it’s gonna get more people watching wrestling, that’s probably not gonna hurt any wrestling company.

    “And we stand to gain the most in many ways because if you’re a big wrestling fan, and if you’ve been away and you like good wrestling, you might be saying, ‘Where are Chris Jericho and Bryan Danielson? CM Punk’s back?’

    “So as we get to an exciting point of a lot of people coming back to the company, but a lot of new fans also, I think hopefully they want to embrace the new wrestlers in AEW and also a lot of the big names in AEW that you’ll be able to see on a regular basis, people that are on the show every week and have been going all summer like Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley.

    “Then again, whenever CM Punk is back, there’s a big setup for an undisputed championship to be crowned. I think if you’re a fan of good wrestling, it’d be a great time to step back in and check it out because right now, there’s a lot of good wrestling on TV, including Wednesday’s on TBS and Fridays on TNT.”

    Tony Khan
    (via AEW)

    Longtime WWE front-man Vince McMahon was forced to step down as WWE CEO after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. This left his daughter Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan to step up as the new co-CEOs of WWE.

    Soon after, investigations into McMahon’s misconduct sparked, then forcing McMahon to make the decision to retire as head of creative in WWE. His son-in-law and ex-WWE Champion Triple H has since stepped up to the plate.

    Since taking over, the new creative regime under Triple H has been positively received. It’s also involved the return of former NXT talents now getting their shot on the main roster. It will be interesting to see how prominent changes under Triple H will be moving forward.

  • Kevin Nash: WWE Saudi Money Isn’t Enough To Wrestle Again

    Kevin Nash: WWE Saudi Money Isn’t Enough To Wrestle Again

    WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Nash seems to have zero interest in wrestling again at this point in his life.

    Hall recently took to his podcast, “Kliq This,” to discuss a variety of professional wrestling topics. One such topic being the Last Match of two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair. Nash noted that he wasn’t live at the show, but did watch Flair’s match from home.

    The Hall Of Famer actually was at the event before the show started doing meet and greets, but didn’t stick around for the actual match alongside the likes of The Undertaker and Mick Foley. Nash admitted that he didn’t want to stick around in case something physically happened to Flair.

    He then addressed the possibility of himself getting back into the ring again. Nash doubled down that he has no interest in competing inside of the ring at this point in his life. He even went as far as saying WWE Saudi Arabia show money wouldn’t be enough to get him back in the squared circle.

    “No, I don’t. The f**king thought of my f**king rickety ass body hitting that f**king wood. Like nah man and not even for f**king Saudi money.

    “You come with me the half a million bucks let me take two bumps, f**k you. What am I gonna do with that? Let me put that in the bank with the rest of my f**king money I don’t spend.”

    Kevin Nash

    Nash hasn’t wrestled in an official match since August of 2018. He defeated Flex Armstrong for the Big Time Wrestling Heavyweight Championship. Nash would officially announce his retirement from in-ring competition two years later in January of 2020.

    The former WWE Champion is a two-time Hall Of Famer; inducted first in 2015 individually as Diesel, and again in 2020 as a member of the New World Order (NWO).

    Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

  • Ric Flair Wishes He Didn’t Call Nashville Show His ‘Last Match’

    Ric Flair Wishes He Didn’t Call Nashville Show His ‘Last Match’

    Ric Flair wishes he didn’t call his match in Nashville his “Last Match.”

    Flair competed in what was advertised as his last match ever on July 31. He teamed up with son-in-law and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Andrade against the team of Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

    The match ended with a win for Flair and Andrade, seemingly concluding the two-time WWE Hall of Famer’s iconic professional wrestling career at 73-years-old. During a recent edition of his podcast, “To Be The Man,” Flair reflected on the matchup.

    “The Nature Boy” admitted that he wishes he didn’t advertise it as his last match, suggesting he’d like to wrestle yet again. He then mentioned his recent appearance for The World Wrestling Council’s 49th Anniversary Show in Puerto Rico.

    Flair appeared there as a manager for Andrade, and took a few punches and a headbutt from Carlos Colon. The promotion actually wanted him to wrestle, but he declined.

    “I wish I hadn’t said it was my last match. That’s gonna get heat. Hell, they wanted me to wrestle in Puerto Rico on Saturday night.

    “I said ‘Guys, I cannot get in the ring one week later.’ And the guy looked at me and said ‘Well, you know what, could retire in Puerto Rico can’t you?’ No, no, no that’s not the point.”

    Flair also mentioned during the show that he actually passed out twice during his match in Nashville. With that being said, it’s likely not a great idea for the 16-time World Champion to compete inside the ring again.

    There was already enough public push-back for the 73-year-old to compete in Nashville in the first place. Although Flair did promise beforehand that the match would be his last, given his recent comments, it will be interesting to see if he sticks to the decision.

    Quotes via Sportskeeda

  • Kota Ibushi Eying Potential AEW Run Soon

    Kota Ibushi Eying Potential AEW Run Soon

    New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Kota Ibushi is looking for a potential run with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

    Ibushi recently took to Twitter to respond to a fan asking him about potentially showing up in AEW. The Japanese star responded by saying, “At least once.” In another tweet on the subject, Ibushi said he’d like to show up to AEW more than once, and believes Golden Lover teammate Kenny Omega can make it happen.

    “I’m going because there are kind of a lot of AEW expectations, maybe three times. I can’t promise that the card will be set up correctly, but Lovers can.”

    At the moment, Ibushi is nursing an injured shoulder that has kept him sidelined as of late. In addition to his injury, Ibushi is also dealing with some pretty heated issues with NJPW at the moment.

    Ibushi has called out NJPW executives as “cheaters-gun and sexually harassing bosses.” He also claims that NJPW executive Yusuke Kikuchi tried to get him to return from his shoulder injury earlier than he felt comfortable doing.

    He suffered the injury at the G1 Climax Final last August. Ibushi was also allegedly reprimanded by Kikuchi for appearing at a Just Tap Out event. Kikuchi allegedly threatened to release Ibushi over the ordeal.

    Kota Ibushi
    (via NJPW)

    Ibushi has stated that he wants a release from his contract with NJPW, indicating he doesn’t believe he can to back after the comments he’s made. While he wasn’t released from his contract, NJPW did announce financial penalties on Ibushi for his comments.

    With everything going on between Ibushi and NJPW, it’s no surprise that he wants out of the promotion.

  • Ric Flair Says He “Passed Out Twice” During His Last Match

    Ric Flair Says He “Passed Out Twice” During His Last Match

    Ric Flair claims he “passed out twice” during his Last Match last month.

    The 73-year-old had the final match of his career on July 31 in Nashville. Flair teamed up with his son-in-law and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Andrade against Jay Lethal and fellow Hall Of Famer Jeff Jarrett.

    When it was all said and done, Flair and Andrade emerged victorious from the bout. Now, speaking on his podcast, “To Be The Man,” Flair admits that he actually passed out twice during the match.

    “I don’t think people realize that I passed out twice,” Flair said. “What happened was, my regimentation for training was so strict that I kept my weight on. I wanted my perfect weight to be like 220lbs going in.

    “So, the last day and a half, aside from all the work that we had planned for me to do, I didn’t hydrate cause I had it in my mind that I had to weigh 219lbs. So anyway, I went to the ring at about 217lbs.

    “What happened during the body of the match, I just became dehydrated. While I was standing on the apron, I looked at Jay which started the whole wheel of motion.

    “I said, ‘Man, I think I’m getting sick because I was getting lightheaded, nothing to do with my heart, nothing to do with my intestines, just getting lightheaded.”

    Ric Flair after his last match

    There were a lot of health concerns from fans, media, and peers alike as the 73-year-old Flair prepared to compete in the ring. Given his history of health issues, many were against the idea of Flair competing in the first place.

    However, Flair noted that he consulted with doctors before the match who gave him the green light to compete in the bout. Flair is also adamant about the match being his last, but did note he’s still open to doing work in professional wrestling as a manager.

    Although he may be done as an official in-ring talent, there’s no getting rid of “The Nature Boy” from professional wrestling altogether.

    Quotes via F4WOnline

  • John Cena Gives Status Update for Clash At The Castle

    John Cena Gives Status Update for Clash At The Castle

    John Cena has given an update for his status at WWE Clash At The Castle.

    Cena recently took part in the 2022 Wales Comic Con, where he held a Q&A. One such question was whether or not Cena would be appearing at the upcoming WWE Clash At The Castle premium event in Cardiff.

    The 16-time WWE World Champion admitted that he will not be appearing at the event, but he expects it to be a great show for fans to enjoy.

    “I’ve been coming to Cardiff to fight for 15-plus years, and every time, it’s exciting and amazing. I’m not going to be at Clash (At The Castle).”

    Cena hasn’t wrestled since SummerSlam of last year when he challenged Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship. However, it’s almost certainly not going to be his last.

    John Cena with the world championship
    WWE.com

    While appearing on RAW in June, celebrating 20 years since making his main roster debut, Cena promised that he’ll have another match. He didn’t specify when or where, but he was adamant about wrestling again.

    Cena also specified that he expects to wrestle several more matches, not just one. It’s certainly an exciting prospect, especially since Cena is just one World Title win away from breaking the current record he and Ric Flair are tied for.

    Both Cena and Flair are tied for most World Title wins ever at 16. Regardless, whatever the situation when Cena finally returns to the ring, it will certainly be a big affair.

    Quotes via Fightful

  • Mark Henry Reveals Why He Really Can’t Wrestle

    Mark Henry Reveals Why He Really Can’t Wrestle

    WWE Hall Of Famer Mark Henry has revealed the true reason he can’t compete inside the ring.

    Henry joined “Busted Open Radio” with Bully Ray, as they welcomed Lex Lugar on the program to discuss him being featured in the latest “WWE Legends” on A&E. Henry was inspired by Lugar’s uplifting attitude despite being confined to a wheelchair.

    In the interview, Henry was inspired to open up about his own injury issues. Henry took the opportunity to reveal that he’s suffering from nerve damage – that being the reason he can’t wrestle inside the ring.

    Henry also revealed he suffers from “power surges” where he collapses and needs the use of a wheelchair.

    Mark Henry
    Mark Henry (Photo: AEW)

    This is certainly unfortunate, as Henry is one of the most iconic big men professional wrestling has ever seen. A veteran of the business for nearly thirty years, Henry had a stint with WWE lasting from 1996 all the way up until 2021.

    That time resulted in runs with the World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Title, and European Title. Henry was eventually inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2018.

    In May of 2021, Henry signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he currently serves as a commentator, as well as coach for talent.

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Damian Priest Refutes Reports About Edge’s Judgement Day Departure

    Damian Priest Refutes Reports About Edge’s Judgement Day Departure

    Damian Priest has refuted a longstanding report about Edge’s departure from The Judgement Day.

    Shortly after WWE Hall Of Famer Edge was kicked out of The Judgement Day when he was attacked by Finn Balor and Priest, reports began to circulate regarding the situation. Given that Edge had formed the faction only a few weeks before, many found it strange he was kicked out so soon.

    Initial reports suggest that there were creative differences between Edge and Vince McMahon over the direction of the faction. Edge apparently didn’t want the stable to go the supernatural route.

    In an interview with Stephanie Chase of Digital Spy, Priest addressed these rumors, shooting them down as inaccurate.

    “I guess I understand why people thought that,” Priest said. “I don’t know where the actual rumor came from that that’s what was planned, because it never was.

    “If anything, we had conversations of how we didn’t want that and that included Vince [McMahon] himself, who did not want the group to be supernatural-based. We were all in agreement.

    “We did some things that seemed that way, I know I did a thing with lightning one night, and the idea wasn’t about supernatural, but it came off that way and then we immediately went, ‘OK, let’s not revisit that because it came off that way’.”

    Damien Priest Judgement Day

    Currently, Priest and Balor seem to be leading The Judgement Day together. On this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, Priest actually challenged Edge to a singles bout in two weeks.

    This is because RAW will be in Edge’s hometown of Toronto, and Priest said he wants to beat the Hall Of Famer in front of his friends and family. Edge has seemingly aligned himself with The Mysterios against The Judgement Day.

    It will be interesting to see what creative direction The Judgment Day goes in now that Triple H has assumed creative control within WWE.