Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is headed to WrestleMania.

Steveson won his second NCAA wrestling championship for the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday. He left his boots on the mat after the match, indicating the end of his storied amateur wrestling career.

Steveson has confirmed to Sports Illustrated that he’ll be in attendance for WrestleMania 38.

“I plan on going to WrestleMania,” he said. “That’s the first time WWE fans will see me and what I’m about. I’m going to put my heart out there.”

Steveson says there are a few people in WWE who reach out to check in on him, including Paul Heyman, Triple H and Brock Lesnar.

“Paul Heyman is always like the first one to text, and that means a lot. He always reaches out and makes sure I’m good. Paul “Triple H” Levesque checks up on me, and so does Brock Lesnar. They’ve shown me a lot of love and respect.”

Gable Steveson in WWE

The 21-year-old wrestling machine will be joining WWE as a full-time Superstar very soon. He signed with WWE in September 2021 and was drafted to the Raw brand a few months ago in the 2021 WWE Draft.

Expect to see Gable Steveson’s latest NCAA tournament win mentioned on tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

Steveson has already made several appearances on WWE television, including SummerSlam 2021 and an episode of WWE Raw December 13th.

Wrestling fans should expect WrestleMania to be held over two nights for the foreseeable future.

WWE expanded WrestleMania to two nights at WrestleMania 36 back in 2020. The trend has continued since then with no signs of slowing down.

Over the weekend, Dave Meltzer addressed the future of WrestleMania on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast.

“I talked to people [in WWE] and they certainly gave me the impression that the idea is 2 days going forward,” said Meltzer. “They always can change their mind based on what happens. I think that they all thought that 7-hour show just doesn’t work. That’s more tiring than the 2 days.”

WrestleMania 36 was held without fans at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Last year’s WrestleMania from Tampa Bay had a limited capacity, also due to the pandemic.

The Future of WrestleMania

WWE has used WrestleMania 38 as a barometer to determine if a two-night event was viable. Ticket sales have been strong thus far.

According to WrestleTix, approximately 58,000 tickets have been distributed for each night. The stadium will be set up to accommodate 63,438. This is a far cry from 101,763, the attendance figure WWE boasted for WrestleMania 32 from the same venue. However, the event will still be incredibly profitable.

Next year’s WrestleMania 39 will take place from the new SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. WWE has yet to announce if the two-night trend will continue, but that’s a safe bet.

“It’s just the nature of what WrestleMania has become,” said Meltzer. “There’s more money to be made and it’s better for the shows.”

• Latest on Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, “Dusty Would Be Beaming”

Cody Rhodes is reportedly signed with WWE and will face Seth Rollins in less than two weeks at WrestleMania 38.

WWE has been teasing Cody’s arrival on recent episodes of Raw. The American Nightmare could reappear on WWE television as soon as tonight’s Raw from Chicago’s Allstate Arena.

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins hasn’t been announced just yet, but we know when it will take place. Reddit user u/kerrmit125, a verified insider, has provided new information regarding WWE’s scheduling for the biggest 2-night event of the year.

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins is scheduled to take place at WrestleMania Sunday (“Night 2”).

It was also revealed that Becky Lynch vs Bianca Belair is booked to open WrestleMania Saturday. The ‘main event’ of WrestleMania Saturday won’t be Ronda Rousey challenging Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. In fact, it won’t be a match at all. Steve Austin’s appearance on the KO Show is slated to close WrestleMania Saturday.

WrestleMania 38 takes place April 2nd & 3rd from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

‘Dusty Would be So Proud’

Cody Rhodes’ sister Teil says their late father Dusty Rhodes would be “beaming with pride” over what’s about to happen.

She shared a photo over the weekend of Dusty and Cody together. She wrote, “I knew my old man best and I know he would be beaming with pride if he could see what’s next.”

WrestleMania is jam-packed with special attractions, but Cody Rhodes’ triumphant return has the potential to steal the spotlight from Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Steve Austin, Ronda Rousey, Jake Paul and Johnny Knoxville.

As we covered last week, WWE plans to send more main roster talent to NXT 2.0. The company wants to spike viewership on the developmental brand, while also giving the younger talent the experience of working television matches agains veterans.

WWE has announced Robert Roode will compete against Bron Breakker this Tuesday night in a battle of former NXT Champions.

Roode is directly responsible for Breakker being a former champion. As the tag team partner of Dolph Ziggler, Roode interfered in the match that saw Ziggler capture the gold just weeks ago.

Breakker has a rematch against Ziggler scheduled for NXT Stand & Deliver on April 2nd. First, he’ll have to go through Ziggler’s Dirty Dawg partner.

The following is an updated preview for Tuesday’s NXT 2.0 on the USA Network:

• Bron Breakker vs Robert Roode

• Grizzled Young Veterans vs Creed Brothers

• North American Fatal 5-Way Qualifier: A-Kid vs Grayson Waller

• North American Fatal 5-Way Qualifier: Roderick Strong vs Solo Sikoa

• Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Final: Dakota Kai & Wendy Choo vs Kay Lee Ray & Io Shirai

Jonathan Gresham captured the Progress World Championship on Sunday.

Gresham’s ROH Championship was on the line when he ended Cara Noir’s 2-year reign at Progress Chapter 130: Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge from London, England.

This is a big win for Gresham. He now holds the title prize for multiple promotions as he looks ahead to his next big match ROH Supercard of Honor during WrestleMania 38 weekend from Dallas, Texas.

The Supercard of Honor main event will see Gresham and Bandido clash in a “Winner Take All” match to determine an Undisputed ROH World Champion. The event begins a new era for ROH under the ownership of AEW President Tony Khan.

PROGRESS Wrestling sent in the following press release detailing Gresham’s victory:

Jonathan Gresham Crowned PROGRESS Wrestling World Champion at Chapter 130: Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge

Sunday 20th March 2022, London, England: After a titanic title vs. title bout with two of the most prestigious titles in wrestling on the line, Jonathan Gresham defeated Cara Noir to add the PROGRESS Wrestling World Championship to his Ring Of Honor Championship at Progress Chapter 130: Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge.

The finish of the match saw Cara Noir’s record-setting 26-month reign come to an end after interference from Spike Trivet who nailed Noir with a vicious chair shot. Gresham immediately capitalized on the situation by hitting Noir with an illegal low blow before pinning the champion to end his reign at the 791-day mark. Immediately following the bout, PROGRESS fans surrounded the ring, hammering on the apron en masse to pay tribute to the now-former titleholder.

The win means that Gresham may now make the first defense of his newly won title in his scheduled bout with Malik at Wednesday’s Everything Patterned: London event.

Gresham’s win means that for the first time in history, the PROGRESS Wrestling World Championship is in the hands of an American wrestler.

Chapter 130 was the start of a monumental Anniversary Week for PROGRESS Wrestling who will also promote their first-ever all women’s event, Who Run The World?, on Tuesday 22nd March at The Dome, Tufnell Park, London as well as their landmark, sold out 10th Anniversary Show from The Garage in London. This show will see Cara Noir face NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov.

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart looks to be in excellent physical shape these days.

The Hitman posted a photo on Sunday with members of the NHL’s Calgary Flames. The photo was posted on March 20th, which happens to be the 28th anniversary of his legendary match with Owen and WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania X.

The Excellence of Execution has dealt with various health setbacks in recent years, but you’d never know that based on the way he looks today.

Bret Hart & FTR

At 64 years old, Hart’s days in the ring are long behind him. However, he still has a lot to offer as an on-screen personality.

Wrestling fans are on high alert that he could be appearing for All Elite Wrestling in the months ahead.

AEW tag team FTR recently fired Tully Blanchard on their manager. Since then, there have been several hints that Bret Hart will be filling that role.

Dax Harwood of FTR considers Bret Hart to be his role model and mentor. “Without Bret, there is no FTR, no Revival, no Scott Dawson, no Dax Harwood. I am what I am, because he was what he was.” After FTR dumped Tully, Dax publicly reached out to Bret to see if he’s available.

Last week on AEW Dynamite, we saw another reference to Bret Hart filling in as FTR’s new manager. During a backstage segment with FTR and the Young Bucks, the Bucks said it doesn’t matter if FTR’s new manager is “the best there is,” a not-so-subtle reference to The Best There Is, The Best There Was and the Best There Ever Will Be.

Bret Hart & AEW

AEW’s Owen Hart Foundation Men’s & Women’s Tournaments will begin in early May. Bret Hart has yet not been linked to AEW’s work with the Owen Hart Foundation, but there’s no question his involvement, in any capacity, would be a tremendous asset.

Bret Hart has appeared for AEW once before. He attended the AEW Double or Nothing 2019 pay-per-view to unveil the AEW World Championship, which was won later that night by fellow Canadian, Chris Jericho.

If Bret Hart does decide to join AEW as FTR’s manager, this would be a surprise turn of events. As recently as December, he expressed reluctancy to managing anybody on television. You can read more on that story below:

• Bret Hart Says: “I Don’t Want To Be Remembered as a Manager”

Nia Jax (Lina Fanene) got trolled over the weekend at an independent wrestling event.

The former WWE Superstar champion has been vocal about her opposition to COVID-19 vaccine, as well as masks that are worn to stop the spread of the virus. She feels very strongly about these views.

Last month, she wrote on Twitter that many of ‘your favorites’ agree with her. She went as far as to say, “I know a lot of people in many professional sports that just paid & got a real card from a doctor..soooo”

Independent promotion WWR+ (Women’s Wrestling Revolution Plus) ribbed Nia Jax at latest show. The WWR+ ring announcer announced that Nia Jax would be heading to the ring, but then corrected himself and said she would not be able to appear due to the venue’s vaccination policy.

The gag got a mild reaction from the audience, as seen below:

Jax has said she’s almost certainly done with wrestling. She is scheduled to make a rare appearance at WrestleCon during WrestleMania weekend in Dallas, TX.

The next generation of recruits have arrived at the WWE Performance Center.

The group of 14 trainees includes several wrestlers who have competed on the independent scene, collegiate athletes and more.

Here’s the list:

• Theresa Schuessler (Fallon Henley in NXT 2.0)
• Kayla Inlay (NXT 2.0 and NXT Level Up)
• Joseph Sculthorpe (State wrestling champion in high school, NCAA All-Conference Offensive Lineman at NC State)
• Maddie Knisley (formerly Nikita Knight on the independent scene)
• Calyx Hampton (former gymnast)
• Mitchell Lavalley (formerly “Motherlover” Jake Tucker on the independent scene)
• Bianca Carelli (daughter of WWE Superstar Santino Marella)
• Cole McKinney (formerly Cole Karter on the independent scene)
• David Bostian (wrestler and powerlifter)
• Gabe Wai (rugby player)
• Carla Gonzalez (formerly Rok-C on the independent scene)
• Nnamdi Oguayo (college football player)
• Edwin Grande (college football player)
• Amelia Herr (formerly Notorious Mimi on the independent scene)

For more information on the WWE’s talent recruitment, including how to apply for a tryout, visit Recruit.WWE.com.

WWE fans in the United Kingdom have waited a long time for the region to host another pay-per-view (“premium live”) event. As it turns out, they might not have to wait much longer.

According to WrestleVotes, a WWE source says plans are underway to bring a major WWE show to Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales later this year.

The yet-to-be-named show would take place over Labor Day Weekend on Saturday, September 3rd. This is the same weekend that All Elite Wrestling typically holds the annual AEW All Out pay-per-view.

Principality Stadium is home to the Wales National Rugby Union team has a max capacity of approximately 78,000 people for boxing events.

A WWE UK PPV in September would mark the company’s 5th stadium show of the year following:

• Royal Rumble (The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis)
• Elimination Chamber (Jeddah Superdome, Saudi Arabia)
• WrestleMania (AT&T Stadium, Dallas, TX)
• Money in the Bank (Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada)

WWE has been talking about holding another PPV from the UK for many years. Here’s some of our previous coverage about this topic:

• Triple H On What Has Prevented WWE From Holding PPV Events In UK
• Stephanie McMahon Would Love To See Another WWE PPV From The UK
• Finn Balor: UK Fans Deserve A Major WWE PPV

The Hardys will make their AEW in-ring debut as a team on tonight’s St. Patrick’s Slam edition of AEW Dynamite. They’ll battle Private Party’s Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen.

This will be Matt and Jeff’s first time teaming together on national television in three years. AEW President Tony Khan booked the match after Private Party’s shocking betrayal of Matt last week.

In a press release sent in to SEScoops, Khan was quoted saying:

“It was incredible to hear the huge pop from the crowd when the Hardys’ music hit, and to see Jeff Hardy reunited with Matt at AEW: Dynamite last week was an amazing moment for fans around the world.”

“Jeff Hardy transcends time and is associated with some of wrestling’s most iconic moments. Reuniting the Hardys and bringing their encyclopedia of experience to AEW will give fans another exciting chapter in Matt and Jeff’s storied legacy in wrestling. Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen turning on Matt Hardy, a wrestler they grew up idolizing, is a betrayal that cuts deep, and now Isiah and Marq will face the brothers who inspired their careers. This will be a battle of two of the most innovative tag teams today – Private Party vs. Matt and Jeff Hardy tonight on AEW: Dynamite.”

AEW St. Patrick’s Day Slam 2022 Preview

AEW is advertising the following items for AEW Dynamite:

• Steel Cage Match: Britt Baker defends the AEW Women’s World Championship against Thunder Rosa

• Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley vs. Chuck Taylor and Wheeler Yuta.

• Hangman Page & Jurassic Express vs. Adam Cole and reDRagon

• Wardlow challenges new TNT Champion Scorpio Sky

• The Jericho Appreciation Society has their official “commencement”

Check out the latest AEW Control Center for an exclusive look at the two big title matches scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day Slam:

NXT Stand and Deliver is the next premium live event from WWE’s developmental brand. The main event is set and the card is taking shape. Following this week’s NXT 2.0, we now have six matches confirmed for the show.

NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 Card

• NXT Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Bron Breakker

• NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose (c) vs. Cora Jade

• North American Championship Ladder match: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Santos Escobar vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA

• NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship: Toxic Attraction (c) vs. Dusty Classic Winners

• NXT Tag Team Championship: Imperium (c) vs. The Creed Brother vs. MSK

• Tommaso Ciampa vs. Tony D’Angelo

NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 takes place Saturday, April 2nd from Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center. The show streams live on Peacock just hours before WrestleMania Saturday kicks off.

WWE Superstar Big E is on the road to recovery after breaking his neck last Friday night during a freak accident on WWE SmackDown.

The following day, Big E provided an update on his condition. Doctors told him his C1 and C6 vertebrae are fractured. Thankfully, he is able to move his extremities, his spinal cord did not sustain any damage, the neck fracture was not displaced and he probably will not require surgery.

His longtime friend and New Day partner Kofi Kingston was among several WWE Superstars who visited Big E in the hospital Friday night. Kingston said Big E was in good spirits.

Big E returned home earlier this week, another encouraging sign.

Latest Update from Big E

On Wednesday, Big E posted a message on social media updating fans once again. The former WWE Champion says he used to feel alone when dealing with life’s hardships.

He’s heard from so many people since his accident and says he feels “immeasurably loved” and supported from so many people reaching out to check on him.

Prior to his injury, Big E was scheduled to compete at WrestleMania 38. Sources say that WWE planned for The New Day to battle Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch in a 6-man tag match.

SEScoops wishes Big E a quick and speedy recovery.

Judas, the seventh studio album by Chris Jericho’s band FOZZY has been awarded gold status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The album has been certified Gold after surpassing 500,000 units sold.

Judas, the lead single from the 2017 album, serves as Chris Jericho’s entrance music in All Elite Wrestling.

Jericho took to social media on Wednesday to announce the milestone. Jericho calls this a “HUGE” honor and a dream come true for himself and the band.

Judas Music Video

Judas Lyrics

You are beautiful on the inside
You are innocence personified
And I will drag you down and sell you out
Run away

I am cold like December snow
I have carved out this soul made of stone
And I will drag you down and sell you out
Embraced by the darkness, I’m losing the light
Encircled by demons, I fight

What have I become, now that I’ve betrayed
Everyone I’ve ever loved, I pushed them all away
And I have been a slave to the Judas in my mind
Is there something left for me to save
In the wreckage of my life, my life

I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
Judas in, Judas in my mind

I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
Judas in, Judas in my mind
Judas in my mind

Oh, this guilt is a heavy cross
There is blood on the path I walk
And each step I take is haunting me
Embraced by the darkness, I’m losing the light
Encircled by demons, I fight

What have I become, now that I’ve betrayed
Everyone I’ve ever loved, I pushed them all away
And I have been a slave to the Judas in my mind
Is there something left of me to save
In the wreckage of my life, my life

I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
Judas in, Judas in my mind
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
Judas in, Judas in my mind
Judas in my mind
Judas in my mind

What have I become, now that I’ve betrayed
Everyone I’ve ever loved, I pushed them all away
And I have been a slave to the Judas in my mind
Is there something left of me to save
In the wreckage of my life, my life

I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
Judas in, Judas in my mind
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming
Judas in, Judas in my mind
Judas in my mind

Expect to see WWE utilize more main roster performers in NXT.

NXT is the company’s developmental brand, where fans can see the next generation of WWE Superstars learning their craft.

WWE previously relied solely on developmental talent to carry the show, but that is no longer the case. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that there’s a new initiative to send wrestlers from the Raw brand to NXT most weeks.

There are certainly benefits to developmental wrestlers working with and learning from veterans. However, the primary motivation behind this campaign is to improve viewership for the NXT 2.0 TV show.

WWE can announce a Raw Superstar will be on NXT TV the following night, as is the case this week with The Miz holding a special edition of Miz TV on NXT. Both shows air on the USA Network and the hope is that Raw superstars will bring star power (and viewers) to Tuesday nights.

AJ Styles also visited NXT recently, as part of this trend.

NXT’s top champions are both WWE Superstars who have been sent to NXT for this very reason. Back in October, Mandy Rose defeated Raquel Gonzales to win the NXT Women’s Championship. Last week, Dolph Ziggler ended Bron Breakker’s 63-day reign as NXT Champion.

NXT 2.0 Preview (3/15/22)

In addition to The Miz interviewing Dolph Ziggler, the following items are scheduled for tonight’s NXT broadcast:

• North American Championship Qualifying Match: Cameron Grimes vs. Santos Escobar
• Indi Hartwell vs. Persia Pirotta
• Sarray vs. Tiffany Stratton
• Plus, A-Kid debuts against KUSHIDA

Monday’s edition WWE Raw from Jacksonville, FL came and went with no sign of Cody Rhodes. The show was built around Seth Rollins needing something to do at WrestleMania. As the show went off the air, Rollins remained without an opponent for WWE’s biggest event of the year.

So, is Cody Rhodes really coming to WWE? If so, when?

WWE fans can rest assured, there is still an exceedingly high possibility that the American Nightmare will be back on WWE programming within the next month.

Cody Rhodes Hints During WWE Raw

WWE dropped several hints about Cody Rhodes throughout the Raw broadcast, both on camera and on social media.

• During a backstage segment with Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, Rollins complained about having nothing to do at WrestleMania. A loud, “Cody” chant broke out from the live crowd. WWE did not censor the chant, which speaks volumes. The company is not shy about piping in crowd noise to drown out chants they don’t want heard on television. WWE knows fans are expecting Cody Rhodes to be Seth Rollins’ WrestleMania opponent and are allowing this anticipating to continue building.
• The WWE on BT Sport Twitter account tweeted a photo of Seth Rollins during Raw with the caption, “The adrenaline is pumping tonight, who’s Seth Rollins going to face at WrestleMania?” One could say, the adrenaline is pumping in Rollins soul.
• After Seth Rollins lost to Kevin Owens in the main event, broadcaster Corey Graves noted, “His dreams were dashed. This must be a nightmare. These are clear references to Cody Rhodes’ nicknames, “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and “The American Nightmare.”

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

The impression within WWE is that Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins is locked in for WrestleMania. On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer spoke confidently about Cody’s imminent arrival.

“He’s coming. I mean, that’s it,” said Meltzer. “He’s coming. He’s wrestling Seth at Wrestlemania, unless something changes & I don’t expect.. I sure watched [Raw] not thinking anything’s changing.”

WWE has made Seth Rollins’ role at WrestleMania a focal storyline over the past couple weeks. If WWE truly had nothing for Rollins, they would downplay him and he would be cycled off television in the final weeks of hype. They’ve done the opposite.

Rhea Ripley understands why WWE fans do not respect the Women’s tag team titles. She says most women’s tag team matches are “very very quick” and the champions are not featured prominently on television.

However, she wants to change that. She loves the tag titles, she loves tag team wrestling and she wants to elevate the WWE women’s tag team titles.

Ripley and Liv Morgan will challenge Carmela and Zelina for the gold at WrestleMania in a 3-team match that also includes Sasha Banks and Naomi.

Just a few weeks ahead of that match, Rhea Ripley spoke with the Under The Ring podcast and shared her vision for elevating those belts. It all starts with having a great match at WrestleMania.

Rhea Ripley’s Plan

“The Women’s Tag Team Championships, they sort of get looked down upon by a lot of people, I see it on social media all the time,” said Ripley. “I get it, we don’t really get good positions on the show and a lot of matches are very very quick, so it’s important to put it on WrestleMania and remind everyone exactly what we can do and how much these titles do truly mean.”

She added, “I love the tag titles, I love tag wrestling, I love everything about it. We just have to remind everyone how much they love it as well. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Ripley is a former WWE Women’s tag team champion. She and Nikki A.S.H. held the titles for 63 days before losing them to the current champions, Carmel and Zelina.

Listen to Rhea Ripley on the Under The Ring podcast:

The Undertaker is sharing his pick for the WrestleMania 38 main event between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.

The Dead Man racked up an incredible 21 wins at WWE’s grandest event before that streak was broken by Lesnar (2014). He retired with a WrestleMania record of 25–2, with the other loss dealt to him by Reigns (2017).

The only two men to defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania will clash once again on April 3rd at WrestleMania Sunday. Ahead of this epic encounter, The Undertaker spoke with WWE to share his prediction for the Winner Take All Championship Unification match.

The Undertaker thinks it could go either way, but feels The Tribal Chief will be victorious.

“I’m going to go out on a limb, I say, Roman, what possibly would be an upset.”

– The Undertaker’s WrestleMania 38 Prediction

The Phenom says Roman Reigns was on the rise when they wrestled. He was still ascending to where he is now. Today, Reigns has a calmer demeanor, but still possesses lots of energy and charisma, as well.

“It’s really entertaining to see guys that size be able to move the way they can and be able to do the things that they can—physical, brutal, especially on Brock’s end,” said The Undertaker. “Roman, much more calculated, but again, explosive athleticism, really athletic big man.”

Rok-C has signed with WWE, as first reported by PWInsider. She will soon join the NXT 2.0 developmental brand.

A well-known student of Booker T, Rok-C is seen as one of the most promising young performers on the independent scene.

Last month, Booker T told Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour that his former student had signed with WWE.

“One of my girls, Rok-C, WWE just signed her. She was my youngest champion in Reality of Wrestling. Started with me in a fantasy camp. At 13 years old, her dream was to be Reality of Wrestling Champion.”

It turns out Booker T was mistaken and his comments about Rok-C signing with WWE were a bit premature.

Rok-C held the Ring of Honor Women’s World Title for 119 days before dropping it to Deonna Purrazzo on an episode of Impact. The loss led many to speculate that Rok-C was on her way to a major promotion.

Rok-C is just 20 years old and would fit the bill with WWE’s youth movement in terms of snagging new talent. She also has experience facing seasoned veterans and could be ahead of the curve with fellow wrestlers that are her age.

Roman Reigns ‘broke character’ at Sunday night’s WWE live event from his hometown of Pensacola, Florida.

The Tribal Chief competed in the main event of WWE’s latest stop on the Road to WrestleMania tour.

Reigns teamed up with The Usos as the Blood Line squared off against The New Day (Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston) and Drew McIntyre, who was subbing in for Big E.

Reigns hit a spear on Woods to get the victory for his team. After the match, Reigns cut a promo and spoke candidly about what it means for him to return home.

“Man, it feels good to be home! You guys know the travel schedule. We’re all over the world all the time. Obviously, we’re going through this pandemic, we’ve been fighting through lockdowns and quarantines. And we’re still here, you know?”

Reigns said he was thinking all day about what to say to his hometown crowd. He told them he is grateful and feels a massive amount of gratitude that the WWE Universe stuck with them throughout the pandemic.

“Our journey is our journey. We did it our way and you know – that is what it is. But I challenge everybody here to follow your journey and whatever your destination is. Do what you gotta’ do to get there but enjoy the run, enjoy your ride, enjoy being from such a great community. I say it all the time …. I run into New Yorkers, people from L.A. and they’re like ‘where you from?’ and I’m like – I’m from a small little beach town.”

Reigns said he’s been all around the world, but called Pensacola the most beautifully-built, best kept secret in the whole world.

“I’ve been all over. The Tribal Chief ain’t scared to go on vacation, you know what I mean? I’ve been to a lot of different beaches. I’ve been to a lot of different small towns. And this one, I’m not just being biased. This is the best one.”

Reigns then challenged all the young children in the audience to set goals for themselves and follow their journey, no matter what type of adversity they face.

“Just like all of you should feel, this is my city! This is my little beach town! And I will never say this anywhere else in the world. I don’t care if I go to Rome, Paris, London, New York. Pensacola, WE acknowledge YOU!”

Watch Roman Reigns break character at the WWE Live Event from Pensacola, Florida:

Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship and Roman Reigns’ Universal title will be up for grabs at WrestleMania 38 in a Winner Take All Championship Unification Match.

WWE has yet to announce how exactly the “unification” will be handled. However, a fan on social media spotted a modified WWE Championship prop in the Dallas metro area (Frisco, Texas) that may provide clues about what the company’s top championship will look like.

As seen below, this new design features red and blue elements that incorporate the color schemes of the Raw and SmackDown brands. The belt also features the words, “World Heavyweight Champion.”

We will find out in a matter of weeks if this oversized prop resembles whatever the “unified” WWE Championship looks like after WrestleMania 38.

WWE has displayed an oversized replica of the WWE Championship in the host cities of past WrestleMania events. This version was erected in Orlando, FL during the buildup to WrestleMania 33 in 2017:

WWE’s previous World Heavyweight Championship (the “big gold belt”) was introduced in 2002, when former Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff gifted it to Triple H. The World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Championship were unified in December 2013. The World Heavyweight Championship was retired and the WWE Championship lineage continued as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

WWE eventually phased out the “World Heavyweight” aspect and the belt was known once again as the WWE Championship. The company went less than three years before introducing a second ‘world championship’ once again, the Universal Championship, in July 2016.

The Gimmicks is a new animated adult-comedy series launching soon.

Backed by Mila Kunis’ Sixth Wall production company, The Gimmicks is billed as “South Park meets WWE.”

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) will be a big part of the show’s “choose your own adventure” format. Viewers who own the show’s official NFT’s will have a chance to vote on the show’s plot at the end of each episode.

Several wrestlers will be involved in the show, with The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) and Rocky Romero voicing some of the characters.

Watch the official trailer for The Gimmicks:

Mila Kunis & The Gimmicks

In a press release sent out Monday, Mila Kunis commented on the new project.

“I see the tech and community that comes with NFTs and Web 3 allowing for the audience to directly communicate with and inform creators of what they like and what they don’t,” Kunis said in a press release issued to CoinDesk

“There is space for traditional film and television development as well as this more wild west fun chaos that comes along with developing in Web 3.”

The Gimmicks NFTs go on sale March 18th on the show’s official website. They will be minted on the Solana blockchain.

This will be the NFT-based animated series by Mila Kunis’ production company following Stoner Cats last summer.

Xavier Woods returned to action at Saturday night’s WWE live event from Jackson, Mississippi.

The New Day member hasn’t wrestled in over two months. He’s been recovering from a leg injury (the plantaris muscle in his calf).

His last match took place on the January 7th edition of SmackDown, when New Day lost a street fight to The Usos. According to Woods, the injury occurred when he delivered a Tornado DDT to Jey Uso. Despite the injury, he was able to finish the match and actually took a Samoan Drop moments after hurting his leg.

Woods said he expected to miss 4-6 weeks of action, but was out for approximately 9 weeks.

At Saturday’s live event, Woods and Kofi Kingston competed in a tag team triple threat match for the SmackDown tag team titles. The Usos retained over New Day and the team of Sheamus & Ridge Holland.

WWE Jackson Results

Here are quick results from WWE Jackson (3/12/22):

• Viking Raiders def. Los Lotharios
• Shayna Baszler def. Aliyah
• Ricochet def. Sami Zayn to retain the Intercontinental championship
• Happy Corbin def. Shinsuke Nakamura
• The Usos def. New Day and Sheamus/Holland
• Sasha Banks & Naomi def. Charlotte Flair & Sonya Deville
• Roman Reigns def. Drew McIntyre to retain the Universal Championship

Dax Harwood is hell-bent on making FTR the greatest tag team in wrestling history. Being a perfectionist can drive you to greatness, but it can also leave you feeling unsatisfied.

Harwood held a Q&A session for his Twitter followers on Saturday night and answered a variety of questions about his career.

Interestingly, Harwood says he’s not satisfied with his AEW career thus far and would consider going back to WWE under the right circumstances.

Dax Harwood on FTR’s Future

The following are some highlights of what Dax Harwood said about:

His dream match for FTR:

“Rematch vs Young Bucks. Who really is the greatest tag team of this generation?”

Who he’d want to face in FTR’s final match:

“Chad Gable & Jason Jordan.”

FTR’s ladder match against the New Day:

“I told all the guys involved, I can’t do the athletic stuff most ladder matches have, but we can tell a story and we can be BRUTAL. I love that match and I love those guys.”

A fan questioning if we’ll see Dax vs. CM Punk:

“You guys tell CM Punk that.”

Wanting to work for New Japan Pro Wrestling: 

“Cash and I want to win the NJPW Tag team titles. We’ve talked about it on many 4 hour road trips.”

If FTR would return to WWE:

“Yes, If the money and circumstances were right.”

Is he satisfied with his AEW career so far?

“No. Okay, back to normal Twitter shit. Thanks y’all!”

(Author’s Opinion: I wouldn’t read too much into Harwood’s comments about being dissatisfied with how they’ve done in AEW up to this point. Dax Harwood has set very high goals for himself and rightfully so. FTR is always striving for greatness. Dax is a perfectionist. FTR has held the AEW World Tag titles, but are they considered the greatest tag team in AEW history? Have they dominated the division and proven they are the greatest beyond a shadow of a doubt? Not yet.)

Wrestling legend Jeff Hardy made a big return to the national wrestling scene this past week. Months after being let go by WWE, the Mysterious Enigma made a shocking debut on Wednesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite.

The Hardys are back together. Matt and Jeff, one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history, have embarked on a reunion tour.

Jeff Hardy did a virtual appearance this week on Facebook for Signed by Superstars and fielded a bunch of questions from fans. Hardy spoke about his favorite matches, his favorite feud and named his “Wrestling Mt. Rushmore.”

Here are some highlights of what Jeff Hardy said about:

Jeff Hardy’s Best Matches:

Matt and Jeff Hardy are known for many things, but they are probably best known for their legendary TLC matches in WWE. It should come as no surprise that these are among Jeff’s favorite matches.

“Probably all TLC matches,” Hardy said.

As for his solo career, his World title ladder match match against The Undertaker from 2002 sticks with him to this day.

“Solo wise, myself versus The Undertaker for the World Title,” he said.

His Wrestling Mt. Rushmore:

We always like to hear who popular wrestlers name as their personal “Mt. Rushmore.”

When asked about his personal Mt. Rushmore of professional wrestling, Jeff Hardy named Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan.

That’s a diverse group, with HBK & Mysterio representing the athletic, innovative style that Hardy became famous for, while Flair and Hogan are the larger-than-life figures from the era Hardy grew up watching.

His Favorite Feud:

Jeff Hardy has been wrestling on national television since the mid-1990’s, so he’s competed against multiple generations of wrestlers.

To be Jeff Hardy’s favorite feud is quite an honor. Jeff says his matches against the late Umaga hold a special place in his heart.

“Favorite feud of all time,” Hardy said about working with Umaga.

House of Glory held its latest iPPV, HoG: Salvation, on Friday night from the NYC Arena in Queens, NY.

The event aired live on FITE PPV and featured a broadcast team that included longtime friend of the site, The Solomonster (Jason Solomon).

House of Glory: Salvation Results

Here are the quick results from HoG: Salvation:

• Mantequilla def. KC Navarro
• The Mane Event (Midas Black & Jay Lyon) def. The Amazing Graysons (JP & Tommy)
• Ken Broadway def. Michael Fain
• Evander James (w/Scarlett Meidan & Joey Silver) def. Carlos “La Sombra” Ramirez
• Low Ki def. Biff Busick to retain his HOG Crown Jewel Championship
• Natalia Markova def. Taya Valkyrie to retain her HOG Women’s Championship
• The Briscoes def. Penta El Zero Miedo & Arez (sub for the injured Rey Fenix) in a Winner Take All Match to win the HOG Tag Team Championship and retain their ROH Tag Team Titles

House of Glory returns to the NYC arena on tax day, April 15th.