All Elite Wrestling’s new TV deal is official. On Wednesday, Variety‘s Joe Otterson broke the news that AEW has signed a multi-year rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Financial terms weren’t officially disclosed, but sources estimate the deal to be worth over $150 million per year when all aspects are considered.

Broadcast and streaming details:

• Dynamite and Collision: AEW’s shows, Dynamite and Collision, will continue to air on TBS and TNT, respectively.

• Max: For the first time, AEW programming will also stream live on Max (WBD’s streaming platform) for U.S. subscribers starting January 2025, with on-demand access available. Pay-per-view events will be offered on Max at a discounted price starting in January.

• Additional rights and new programming: The deal includes broader distribution rights on social media and potential new AEW shows on linear and digital platforms. Starting in late 2025, AEW pay-per-view events will also stream on Max at a discounted rate.

Here’s the official word from AEW President Tony Khan:

“We are honored to announce the extension of our incredible partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. This extension continues the tradition of iconic wrestling events broadcast on TBS and TNT, while also establishing a new legacy for AEW through weekly live streams on Max for years to come. We thank David Zaslav, Kathleen Finch and everyone at WBD for their tireless support of All Elite Wrestling since its inception, as well as the AEW fans, talent and staff that helped make this possible.”

Kathleen Finch, WBD’s chairman and CEO of US Networks, praised the AEW partnership and stressed their commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to AEW’s passionate fanbase.

Bernie Cahill, a founding partner of Activist Artists Management, highlighted the deal as a validation of Tony Khan’s vision, positioning AEW as a valuable media and live entertainment enterprise.

WWE Raw General Manger Adam Peace teases that we haven’t seen the last of him as an in-ring competitor.

Pearce, a former NWA World Champion, retired from full-time active competition in 2014. Since then, he’s only wrestled twice – two televised matches for WWE in early 2021.

During an interview with Chaotic Good Sports, “the man once known as ‘Scrap Daddy’ ‘Scrap Daddy’ shares that he “had the time of his life” as a wrestler and is grateful that he developed skills during that time that allowed him to continue thriving in the business long after he slammed his final opponent.

“I like to say, walk your path with passion, and when you get to the end, redefine that path and walk it again,” said Pearce. “I’ve had multiple paths in pro wrestling, and I’m walking them all. I love every single one of them.”

He loves his current role. He’s a “hell no” on wrestling again on a full-time basis. However, he’s ready to unleash a Rackbomb or two (his old finisher)

“Listen, if the time comes and they say, ‘Hey, we need you to have a match,’ brother, I will get my hands dirty. I got my hands dirty with Bronson Reed a little bit. I am certainly capable, but am I looking to do that, particularly on a full-time basis? Hell no. I am good.”

For Pearce to come out of retirement, it would need to under the right circumstances. If one were to fantasy book such a scenario, there is another WWE General Manager who is also a former NWA World Champion:

• Adam Pearce & Nick Aldis Weigh-In On Wrestling Each Other in WWE

WWE presents Bad Blood this Saturday, but Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is already looking ahead.

The American Nightmare appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday to hype this weekend’s event, and dropped a few clues for some big things in the pipeline.

Rhodes teams with former rival Roman Reigns at Bad Blood against The Bloodline’s Jacob Fatu and the new Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa. The richest prize in wrestling won’t be on the line, but Rhodes says there will be “big title implications” for Crown Jewel in November.

“[The WWE Championship is] not on the line this weekend, but there is something that happens at Bad Blood, a, I guess, a video package or vignette, that’s going to play in the show. I’ve got to keep it vague, but there are big title implications for Crown Jewel, moving and moving past. Sorry for being so vague.”

– Cody Rhodes drops a spoiler

Keep Those Expectations High

Cody Rhodes sets a high bar for himself and isn’t afraid to share his big plans. Six months after ‘Finishing His Story’ at WrestleMania 40, Cody says there’s something in the works for next year’s ‘Mania main event that, “is perhaps bigger than anyone anticipated.”

“The little spoiler there, in addition to that, WrestleMania 41… I am looking to do what I’ve done three times now and enter the main event, but I think it will be something that perhaps is bigger than anyone anticipated.”

– Cody Rhodes

WWE Bad Blood takes place this Saturday, October 5, 2024 from Atlanta, GA at the State Farm Arena.

WWE Crown Jewel is scheduled for November 2, 2024 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Mohammed Abdo Arena.

Pentagon Jr. has confirmed that he remains under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and is fully focused on his current role in the promotion. Speaking with Mas Lucha, he stated that he has not yet considered his future beyond AEW.

“Everyone defends their interests,” Pentagon said. “Tony [Khan] is defending his interests, and we are defending ours.”

He continued, “I’ll tell you about my situation at present: I’m still under contract with AEW. That is my current focus. As for the future, I haven’t even started thinking about it because I prefer to live in the here and now, and my ‘now’ is AEW.”

These remarks come in response to rumors circulating about The Lucha Bros. potentially moving to WWE. However, regardless of what may happen in the future, Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix remain committed to AEW for the foreseeable future.

Wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett is a valued member of the All Elite Wrestling roster as AEW Dynamite celebrates its 5th Anniversary this Wednesday night on TBS. Five years ago, Double J was a WWE employee – and watched the premiere episode of AEW Dynamite at the old Titan Towers with his co-workers.

On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett recalls his first impressions of AEW, and the surreal sight of WWE power brokers getting their first glimpse at their new competition.

The first episode of AEW Dynamite took place Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. About 250 miles north up I-95, a late-night creative meeting was being held at WWE HQ. Jarrett recalls them taking a break to see what Tony Khan was serving up. The first thing he remembers was how fresh the product felt.

“The freshness… it brought back so many memories since a non-WWE program had been on cable television in prime time.”

Jeff Jarrett on his first impressions of AEW Dynamite when it launched in 2019

AEW’s first primetime broadcast had him reminiscing about TNA Wrestling’s early days on Spike TV in the mid-2000s. Jarrett had worked with a lot of people in AEW previously, including Cody Rhodes, Keith Mitchell and a lot folks on the production side.

Drawing parallels to past moments in wrestling history, Jarrett likened the excitement to the debut of WCW Nitro, which competed against WWE’s Monday Night Raw.

Potential From Day 1

Jeff Jarrett is a third-generation wrestling promoter and knows quality when he sees it. Nobody was expecting “perfect,” but AEW accomplished what it set out to do. For all the hype up until that point, the first Dynamite delivered and it’s no accident that the company is still going strong to this day.

“You knew from day one that man, this thing’s got some juice behind it,” Jarrett said. He explained that AEW had all the pieces in place: the talent, the financial backing, and equally important, a television partner that believed in the product.

More: My World with Jeff Jarrett Podcast

Results from the first AEW Dynamite

Here are the results from the first-ever AEW Dynamite episode that aired on October 2, 2019:

• Cody defeated Sammy Guevara
• MJF defeated Brandon Cutler
• PAC defeated “Hangman” Adam Page
• Riho defeated Nyla Rose to become the first AEW Women’s World Champion
• Chris Jericho, Santana and Ortiz defeated The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Kenny Omega

Tony Khan appeared on the Quinn & Cantara podcast to promote Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite’s 5-year Anniversary special.

During the conversation, the AEW & ROH President was asked if he’s had a chance to check out the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docu-series that’s been dominating the news cycle since its release last week. Khan says he’s been too busy to see what all the fuss is about, and was quick to point out he’s never met him or worked with him.

“No, I’ve been so busy with football and wrestling that I have not seen that documentary.”

– Tony Khan on the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docuseries

Khan was quick to distance himself from the former WWE boss, stating:

“I’ve never met him and have never really worked with him.”

– Tony Khan on Vince McMahon

AEW As the Challenger Brand

Khan has long prided himself in All Elite Wrestling being the “challenger” brand to the decades-long industry leader, WWE. Ahead of Wednesday’s big event, Khan took a moment to reflect on the journey thus far.

“I have grown up as a wrestling fan and historian of the pro wrestling business, so absolutely, we love being the challenger promotion and trying to grow and build AEW from the ground up.

It’s only been five years and we’ve done a lot in that time.”

– Tony Khan on AEW being the “Challenger Brand” to WWE

WWE has announced ticket information for next year’s Royal Rumble event, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025 from Indianapolis, IN at Lucas Oil Stadium. Additionally, WWE has confirmed the Rumble is scheduled to begin at 6pm ET/3 pm PT.

Here’s the official press release sent in to SEScoops:

TICKETS FOR ROYAL RUMBLE^® 2025 IN INDIANAPOLIS ON SALE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Royal Rumble Ticket Presale Begins Wednesday, November 13 at 10am ET/7am PT

September 30, 2024 – WWE^®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced tickets for Royal Rumble^® 2025, which takes place Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, will go on sale Friday, November 15 at 10am ET/7am PT via ticketmaster.com.

Presale for Royal Rumble tickets will begin Wednesday, November 13 at 10am ET/7am PT. Fans can register now to receive an exclusive presale offer by visiting wwe.com/royalrumble-2025-presale.

Additionally, Royal Rumble Priority Pass ticket packages will soon be available from On Location, offering fans the chance to be ringside for every exhilarating moment including premium seating, pre-show hospitality with WWE Superstar appearances, ringside photo opportunities and more. To place a deposit or sign up for exclusive presale access, please visit onlocationexp.com/royalrumble.

Kicking off with Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025, Indianapolis will host WWE’s three largest stadium events at Lucas Oil Stadium, includingWrestleMania and a two-night SummerSlam, in future years as part of a first-of-its-kind partnership struck between WWE and Indiana Sports Corp earlier this year.

Additionally, Raw, SmackDown, NXT and WWE live events will emanate from arenas across Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville throughout the partnership.

The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble streams live in the U.S. exclusively on Peacock beginning at 6pm ET/3 pm PT.

Tonight’s WWE Raw broadcasts live on the USA Network from Evansville, Indiana. It’s the final stop before WWE Bad Blood and the show will feature the final hype for Saturday’s premium live event.

This will be the final 3-hour Raw for the remainder of the year. Next week begins a new era Starting next week, Monday Night Raw reverts to a 2-hour format until the move to Netflix on January 6.

The September 30, 2024 edition of Raw will feature a Last Monster Standing match between two of WWE’s largest competitors, Xavier Woods and Rey Mysterio wrestling for the first-time ever, and more.

Confirmed Matches and Segments

• Last Monster Standing: Braun Strowman vs. Bronson Reed
• Xavier Woods vs. Rey Mysterio
• Kofi Kingston vs. Chad Gable
• Six-Man Tag Match: The Judgment Day vs. LWO
• Lyra Vakkyria vs. Zoey Stark

Plus, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre will be on-hand just five days before they step foot inside Hell in a Cell to end their 9-month feud.

Finally, what’s next for Jey Uso after winning the Intercontinental Championship last week?

Watch: Jey Uso Gets Emotional After Winning His First WWE Singles Title

What Happened Last Week on Raw

Catch up on the Top 10 moments from last week’s WWE Raw:

Swerve Strickland says he’s worth every penny that he earns, and thinks its kind of funny that these “overpaid” labels get thrown around with people of color.

The former World Champion of All Elite Wrestling recently put pen-to-pater on a new multi-year contract with the organization. He signed the contract at Wembley Stadium on the AEW All In London kickoff show, just hours before he’d lose the title against Bryan Danielson. Shortly thereafter, it was rumored that WWE was interested in signing Strickland, but felt AEW overpaid and offered a sum that was far above market value.

In a candid interview with The Breakfast Club morning radio show, Strickland did not hold back, pointing out how conversations around athlete pay often change when it involves a Black performer.

“They only complain when a Black person gets paid, I will say that. We shake the foundation of things like that,” Strickland remarked.

He went on to challenge WWE’s stance, questioning why his contract was even a topic of discussion for a company that had parted ways with him two years ago.

“‘Oh snap, wait. That’s not what we would pay.’ Then why are you calling me? Why are you asking me? If I’m not your concern, then don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about my pockets and our money.”

Strickland made it clear that he holds no grudges towards WWE, acknowledging their decision not to renew his contract previously. Instead, he emphasized his determination to continue succeeding in the wrestling world.

“We’re good. You have your talent. You made your decision with me two years ago. No hard feelings from me. I keep it moving and I’m going to figure my way out and I’m going to build myself up.”

Strickland’s comments highlight a broader conversation about fairness and representation in sports contracts, particularly regarding Black athletes.

• Mark Henry Says Representation Matters, But Swerve Strickland Earned His AEW World Title Because Of His Talent

On September 27, 1999, Mankind (WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley) hosted a special “This Is Your Life” segment on WWE Raw in honor of his close friend, The Rock.

Mankind introduced several figures from The Rock’s past. Among the guests were The Rock’s high school sweetheart, sparking a hilarious moment when he reminisced about her parents’ couch. Another notable guest was The Rock’s former football coach, which led to The Rock humorously recalling how he was forced to run sprints after delivering a DDT to an opposing quarterback.

The Rock had the audience in the palm of his hand, effortlessly delivering his iconic catchphrases while roasting each of Foley’s special guests.

The segment showcased both The Rock and Mankind at their comedic best and remains a prime example of how entertaining “sports entertainment” can be when it’s done right.

WWE has attempted to recreate this magic through subsequent “This Is Your Life” efforts, none have quite captured lightning in a bottle like that unforgettable night on 9/27/99.

The Rock ‘and’n’ Sock Connections Most Memorable Moments (Playlist)

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown airs live on the USA Network at 8/7 from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville , SC.

The road to WWE Bad Blood continues, with less than two weeks until the upcoming premium live event.

Matches and Segments for tonight:

• Solo Sikoa Returns: The Tribal Chief returns ahead of his big tag match with Jacob Fatu against Cody Rhodes and roman Reigns next weekend.
• Michin vs. Piper Niven: This bout was signed after Niven attacked Minchin with a trash can after lsat week’s broadcast on SmackDown LowDown. This singles match adds fuel to Michin’s ongoing rivalry with Chelsea Green, whom she’ll soon will battle in a Dumpster Match.
• #1 Contender’s Match: Bayley will take on Naomi, with the winner earning a shot at the WWE Women’s Championship.
• Match 6: Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes: In their ongoing series, Andrade leads 3-2 and looks to close out the rivalry against Carmelo Hayes

What happened last week?

Catch up on all the action from last week’s show, with the Top 10 Moments and the SmackDown Lowdown post-show:

Michin suffers a brutal attack while Carmelo Hayes and Giovanni Vinci issue strong statements following Friday Night SmackDown.

All Elite Wrestling announced that the main event for Friday’s September 27th episode of AEW Rampage on TNT.

Brody King & Buddy Matthews of the House of Black will square off against the high-flying team of Lio Rush & Action Andretti. We’ll also see Konosuke Takeshita, Willow Nightingale, The Acclaimed and more in action.

Here is the updated lineup for tonight’s AEW Rampage (9/27):

• House of Black (Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. Lio Rush & Action Andretti
• Konosuke Takeshita vs. Angelico
• Anna Jay vs. Robyn Renegade
• Willow Nightingale vs. Taya Valkyrie
• The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) in action

Watch AEW Rampage Fridays at 10/9c on TNT.

Highlights from last week’s AEW Rampage:

Saraya has reportedly signed a new contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), according to Fightful. This news comes two years after Saraya made her debut with AEW at Dynamite Grand Slam 2022.

Saraya is a former AEW Women’s World Champion, and has wrestled 10 matches this year. She currently leads the Outcasts with Harley Cameron.

At AEW All In, Saraya was confronted by Jamie Hayter. The two have been feuding ever since and they’ll square off this Saturday night on AEW Collision (TNT, 8/7c).

Saraya’s upcoming book, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, will be released March 25, 2025.

CM Punk’s current feud with Drew McIntyre is set to culminate at WWE Bad Blood, where the two will clash in a Hell in a Cell match. After this rivalry, Punk is already eyeing new opponents, starting with World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.

The former WWE & AEW World Champion spoke with 103.5 KISS FM this week, and expressed interest in facing a mix of familiar rivals and fresh competitors.

Among his past adversaries, he named:

• Rey Mysterio
• John Cena
• Randy Orton
• Cody Rhodes.

As for new opponents, Punk is eager to step into the ring with:

• GUNTHER
• Chad Gable
• Ludwig Kaiser
• Dominik Mysterio
• Liv Morgan
• Damian Priest

What CM Punk Expects When Raw Moves to Netflix

In addition to his in-ring aspirations, Punk commented on WWE Raw’s upcoming move to Netflix in January 2025. He downplayed the likelihood of significant changes to the show’s content, emphasizing that it will largely stay the same.

While nostalgia is powerful, many fans are advocating for a more edgy product in the hopes of recapturing the magic of the R-Rated Attitude Era. However, Punk warned that fans anticipating a return to mature content—such as excessive profanity or lingerie pillow fights—will be disappointed. Reflecting on the Attitude Era, he pointed out that pushing boundaries often resulted in unsustainable, lower-quality programming over time.

WWE Hell in a Cell takes place next Saturday, October 5 from Atlanta, GA at the State Farm Arena. The premium live event will stream live on Peacock.

New Jersey will host the first-ever two-night WWE SummerSlam next year.

WWE SummerSlam 2025 will take place Saturday August 2 and Sunday, August 3 from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

In a press release, WWE and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) provided the additional details. Peter Dropick, TKO Executive Vice President of Event Development and Operations, touted NJ Governor Governor Phil Murphy and the NJSEA team as being, “phenomenal to work with.”

General on-sale ticket information will be announced soon, but fans who are looking to attend SummerSlam 2025 can visit WWE.com to sign up and be one of the first to receive exclusive-presale information.

SummerSlam Going Big

Following today’s announcement, we know WWE SummerSlam will be two-night stadium-event weekends for the foreseeable future.

WWE SummerSlam 2025

• Dates: Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3
• Venue: MetLife Stadium
• Location: East Rutherford, NJ

WWE SummerSlam 2026

• Dates: Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2
• Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

TNA Wrestling is back tonight with an all-new episode of TNA Impact! broadcasting on AXS TV at 8/7C.

This week’s episode takes place from San Antonio, Texas at the Boeing Center At Tech Port. We’ll see a #1 contender’s match, a debut and more involvement from NXT talent.

Confirmed Matches and Segments:

• #1 Contender’s Match: Joe Hendry vs. Frankie Kazarian (Winner challenges Nic Nemeth for the TNA World Title at Bound For Glory)
• Zachary Wentz & ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) vs. Leon Slater, Kushida & Mike Bailey
• Wendy Choo & Rosemary vs. Jordynne Grace & Mystery Partner from NXT
• Heather Reckless vs. Xia Brookside
• Jonathan Gresham vs. Laredo Kid
• Ying Lee (formerly Xia Li) debuts

Plus, we’ll hear from former TNA Champion Josh Alexander.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for more news from TNA Wrestling in the lead-up to TNA Bound for Glory on Saturday, October 26.

Highlights from Last Week’s TNA Impact (9/19/24)

The road to Bound for Glory begins:

Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE) recently revealed that disrespectful treatment by Vince McMahon was a key factor in her decision to leave WWE—a career she once considered her dream.

While promoting AEW’s Grand Slam event in New York City, Mone appeared on The Breakfast Club, where she candidly discussed her departure from WWE and shared her thoughts on McMahon, the subject of the Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon.

Mone explained that personal issues, particularly how McMahon spoke to her in a demeaning manner, played a significant role in her decision to leave. She felt “talked down to” and realized it was time to move on.

“I left for many different reasons. A lot of personal stuff happened with myself and the Chairman at the time. I didn’t like how he talked to me and how I was talked down to. I was like, ‘It’s time to listen to your soul and your heart.’

A turning point came when she experienced what she described as a “light” urging her to follow her heart. She recognized that staying in WWE would negatively impact her future and the values she wanted to live by and instill in others.

“There was a light that came to me, and I left WWE. A guide told me, ‘That day he talked to me a little crazy. It was enough for my source of light to come into my body and go, “If you stay, that’s not okay. This is for the rest of your life. What are you going to teach your kids? What are you going to teach people?”’

Mercedes Mone’s Inspirational Message

Ultimately, Mone’s decision was about standing up for herself. She reflected on the long-term consequences of staying in a toxic environment, considering how it might affect her children, her fans, and her own well-being. After spending a decade in WWE, Mone left to pursue a better path for herself.

“After ten years, if you’re feeling like this from words, you have to stand up for yourself. That’s what I did. A light came to me and said, ‘You have to walk away and do something better for yourself.’”

Longtime fans know to “never say never” in pro wrestling, and there are legions of Sasha Banks fans hoping she’ll return to WWE one day. Mone calls AEW her home and has “the best” relationship with the company. She feels mentally and physically at her best, feels blessed to be living out new dreams after 14 years in the industry.

The highly-anticipated Netflix docuseries, Mr. McMahon, premiered on September 25, 2024 and is now available for streaming (subscription required)¹.

The series explores the controversial life and career of Vince McMahon, the former WWE Chairman who revolutionized the world of professional wrestling. Known for his larger-than-life persona both in and out of the ring, McMahon’s story is filled with success, controversy, and behind-the-scenes drama that shaped the WWE into the global phenomenon it is today.

Watch Mr. McMahon on Netflix here

The series consists of six episodes, each approximately one hour long. Directed by Chris Smith (Tiger King), Mr. McMahon includes over 100 hours of interviews with McMahon, WWE personalities, journalists, and McMahon’s family.

Whether you’ve been following our updates on the docuseries or are just learning about it this is your chance to get inside the mind of Vince McMahon—from the creation of WrestleMania to the major controversies that marked his career.

Stay tuned to our site for more coverage and analysis of what we uncover from this series.

1. Netflix offers various subscription plans that give you access to its full library, including the Mr. McMahon docuseries, which can be streamed on multiple devices depending on your plan. ↩︎

William Regal has long been a pivotal figure in professional wrestling, particularly in WWE’s NXT brand, where he played an instrumental role in its growth and success. With the final NXT episode on USA Network airing this week, Regal took to social media to reflect on his journey with the brand and address rumors surrounding his stint in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

In response to a video posted by WWE commemorating this era, Regal shared a heartfelt message on Twitter, thanking key figures like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Matt Bloom for their efforts in shaping NXT’s evolution. Regal’s post read:

“I was part (except for H’s family) of the very beginning of @WWE’s @NXT. I’m still involved but not as much as I was. Thank you to H, Shawn, Matt and everyone else that fought the fight of making a one-hour program on The WWE Network to traveling the world and making new stars and memories for the fans. It continues today. Doesn’t matter what the color scheme is or was, or has been—we changed the wrestling world, although few will want to admit it. It’s been the best part of a 41-year career being @WWENXT to the core.”

Defending His AEW Run

While Regal expressed pride in his NXT tenure, a fan brought up his time with AEW, where he briefly worked in 2022. The fan thanked Regal for his contributions to NXT but also referenced his “snaking out the competition”—an implication that he had nefarious motives while working for a rival promotion.

Regal was quick to push back, clarifying the reasons behind his AEW tenure and debunking any rumors about leaving under questionable circumstances. He responded with a firm message to set the record straight:

“FYI, although it serves some people’s agenda and despite a massive amount of people in AEW who can back me up, I went to AEW to help because Bryan Danielson asked me to. Please find me one person who can say otherwise. I arrived at 10 a.m. and stayed until 6:15 p.m. to train anyone who wanted to come. Apart from going to the restroom and refilling my water container, I never attended a single production meeting. I needed people to realize I was only there to help, not to interfere.”

Regal further clarified his lack of involvement in AEW’s internal workings, noting:

“I didn’t ask a single question about anyone’s contract status. I helped at the ring with whatever the talent needed. I showered, got into a suit by 6:30, and watched the monitor with everyone else. Feel free to ask anyone backstage if I did anything but help with no agenda.”

Additionally, Regal addressed a rumor about a personal phone call with AEW President Tony Khan during a difficult family period. Regal explained:

“I didn’t call Tony when his mom was ill—he called me. As soon as he told me where he was, I ended the phone call, and we spoke two weeks later. My deal was up in December 2022, and that’s when I left. These are all facts I can prove. Anyone trying to twist this can feel free to check.”

His time in AEW, though brief, gave us the Blackpool Combat Club and some other memorable moments. As NXT enters a new chapter on The CW, Regal’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with the brand’s success. His son Charlie Dempsey is the reigning NXT Heritage Cup Champion and the leader of the No Quarter Catch Crew faction.

WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil is featured on the song “I Am The Storm” by Vo Williams, which accompanied the highly praised segment between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns on the September 20 episode of SmackDown.

The cinematic confrontation, filmed at Reigns’ alma mater Georgia Tech, set the stage for the upcoming tag team match at Bad Blood, where Rhodes and Reigns will team up to face the new Tribal Chief Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fat of The Bloodline.

In the segment, the two top stars agreed to support each other in the upcoming match while teasing a potential renewal of their own rivalry, adding more depth to their dynamic. It’s still pretty surreal to see these former hated rivals working together against a common enemy, but this segment deserves the acclaim it’s received and this tag match is going to be something.

Titus O’Neil’s Involvement

O’Neil is credited with a guest spot on “I Am The Storm,” along with artist Sonya Bryson-Kirksey. The former Prime Time Player confirmed his involvement on social media.

Twitter user @Ucepenitentiary identified that O’Neil’s voice is used in the opening of the song.

Vo Williams says the streaming numbers were “wild” after the song premiered on SmackDown. He’s helped pioneer a genre that’s been dubbed Epic Hip Hop, which can best be described as anthemic hype songs that you’d hear at championship sports games.

This week’s episode of WWE NXT marks the end of an era, as it will be the final broadcast on the USA Network before the show officially moves to The CW. Since its debut as a standalone show on USA in September 2019, NXT has grown into a vital part of WWE’s programming lineup, transitioning from its developmental roots into a legitimate third brand.

As NXT closes this chapter, the September 24 episode promises to deliver high-impact matches and segments that will set the tone for the show’s future on The CW.

Here’s a preview of what fans can expect, live from Orlando, FL:

• NXT on CW Press Conference: Featuring Ethan Page, Trick Williams, Giulia, Roxanne Perez, Wes Lee, and Zachary Wentz
• NXT Women’s North American Championship match: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Wren Sinclair
• Singles Match: Lexis King vs. Oro Mensah
• Singles Match: Ridge Holland vs. Riley Osborne
• The Grayson Waller Effect featuring Nathan Frazer and Axiom

NXT’s Evolution on USA Network

NXT first debuted on the USA Network on September 18, 2019, marking a significant milestone in WWE’s decision to showcase NXT as a two-hour live program, in direct competition with rival wrestling promotions. This move was pivotal in NXT’s transition from WWE’s developmental system to being recognized as the company’s third major brand, alongside Raw and SmackDown.

Prior to its arrival on USA, NXT had aired on the WWE Network, with occasional broadcasts on USA as part of special programming. The expanded exposure allowed NXT to reach a broader audience, helping it cultivate stars who have since become mainstays in WWE’s larger ecosystem.

The Road to The CW

With NXT’s move to The CW, WWE aims to reach an even wider audience, positioning the brand for continued growth. The NXT on CW Press Conference this week featuring stars like Ethan Page, Trick Williams, and Roxanne Perez will provide a look at what’s to come in the next chapter.

Stay tuned for more updates as NXT prepares for its debut on The CW and continues to evolve as a dynamic force in professional wrestling.

Playlist: “WWE NXT on The CW” Superstar Profiles

On Monday night, Jey Uso etched his name in WWE history by winning the Intercontinental Championship. The thrilling result was the culmination of a long campaign to establish himself as a top singles competitor. He’s cemented his legacy not just as a decorated tag wrestler who achieved success independently, but as part of an exclusive club of father-son duos to hold the Intercontinental title.

Jey’s victory marks a historic moment in WWE, as he becomes only the second man in the company’s history to win the Intercontinental Championship after his father, Rikishi, held the title. This rare distinction places Jey Uso and Rikishi alongside another iconic father-son duo, the late Curt Hennig (known as Mr. Perfect) and his son, Curtis Axel, as the only two pairs to share this unique achievement.

A Rare and Exclusive Club

Before Jey Uso and Rikishi, the only other father-son pair to achieve this feat were Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig and his son, Curtis Axel (Joseph Hennig). Perfect held the IC title twice, first winning it on May 19, 1990, after defeating Tito Santana in a tournament final. His second reign later that year solidified him as being synonymous with the title to this day.

Mr. Pefect’s son Curtis Axel won the Intercontinental Championship in 2013, on WWE’s Payback pay-per-view. His victory came on the same night as Father’s Day, a symbolic tribute to his late father, Mr. Perfect, making the moment even more special for wrestling fans who appreciated their family’s contribution to the business.

We’ve seen many father-son combinations rise to prominence—most recently Rey and Dominik Mysterio, who became the first father-son pair to win the tag team titles. However, only Curtis Axel and Jey Uso can say they’ve held the prestigious Intercontinental Championship just like their fathers.

As Jey Uso carves out his own path, the bond between generations of superstars continues to be a rewarding aspect of of wrestling for longtime fans.

• Rikishi Celebrates Son Jey Uso’s Title Win on WWE Raw

Coming out of this week’s RAW, we’ve already got a big card to look forward to a full week away. Next week’s September 30 RAW from Evansville, Indiana will be the final episode before WWE Bad Blood.

Last Man/Monster Standing Match: “Big” Bronson Reed vs. Braun Strowman

After weeks of chaotic brawls around the arena, Bronson Reed and Braun Strowman will finally settle their score in a Last Man/Monster Standing Match. RAW General Manager Adam Pearce announced this high-stakes showdown to bring an end to their XXL feud.

Rey Mysterio vs. Xavier Woods

Last week’s miscommunication, which saw the Latino World Order (LWO) cost The New Day a match, left Xavier Woods feeling disrespected. He believes Rey Mysterio, Finn Balor, and even his own partner, Kofi Kingston, look down on him for never winning singles gold. As a result, Rey has put his match with Finn Balor on hold to face Woods in a personal bout.

Kofi Kingston vs. Chad Gable

After The New Day’s loss to The Creed Brothers, Kofi Kingston is set for a singles match against Chad Gable. This match is not only a chance for Kofi to redeem himself but also to restore momentum for both him and Woods ahead of WWE Bad Blood.

During the September 23 episode of WWE Raw, a mysterious vignette aired, catching the attention of fans. The cryptic video prominently featured the letters “PFR,” which were set ablaze in a circle. As the flames consumed the symbol, a narrator ominously declared, “Fate is woven.”

The video aired just before a commercial break, with no additional context provided. WWE has a history of using such enigmatic promos, similar to past storylines like the Wyatt Sicks and The Fiend.

X user @WrestlingCovers noted that the symbols in the vignette are Viking runes, also known as Futhark. According to their interpretation, the symbols spell out “WAR,” potentially linking the promo to the Viking Raiders. The tag team has been off television since the May 14, 2024, episode of WWE Raw due to various injuries, adding fuel to speculation that this may signal their impending return.

For now, fans are left to speculate as WWE has yet to provide any further clues.

Ric Flair has announced his separation from his wife, Wendy. Flair acknowledged that, like all couples, they had faced their share of ups and downs. He emphasized that the separation was mutual and respectful.

Flair expressed deep gratitude for Wendy’s unwavering support during his severe health crisis in 2017, noting that she never left his side throughout the ordeal. He also mentioned that both he and Wendy are now focused on different projects, making it difficult to maintain their relationship due to conflicting schedules.

While this separation marks the end of Flair’s fifth marriage, he wished Wendy the best in her future endeavors:

“Wendy and I enjoyed 13 great years. As with every couple, we have experienced our ups and downs. I think it’s important for everyone to know right now that we have decided to part ways respectfully. I’ll never ever be able to thank her enough for standing by my side through my terrible health crisis in 2017. She never left my side! And for that I will always be grateful! We both are working on different projects at the current time and it becomes difficult with my schedule and her schedule to make this work. I wish her the best of luck with her projects, and I know that she supports mine!”