Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux will soon find themselves back on the free agency market. After an unremarkable stint with WWE, Kross and Scarlett are already looking ahead to the next chapter of their shared story.
The former NXT Champion resurfaced over the weekend with a new video titled, “Man from the Cemetary Town.” Kross narrates a video that exhibits more character development than we ever saw for him in WWE.
“It was never really very sunny when I was a kid, even in the summertime,” said Kross. “Where I grew up it was usually pretty dark, and very very cold. This is where I used to play. One time there was a man floating facedown in the creek. They found his body in the marsh, right before it washed out into the Hudson River. All the parents said it was a floating jacket, but I knew. Something was always wrong with this place.”
Killer Kross’ Next Move
Later in the video, Kross tells the viewer, “Wait for me, because I’m coming. Tick tock.”
“I heard you all the entire time. I heard your cries. I heard you banging on my tombstone, the noise kept me alive. But sometimes, you have to go back to where you came from to find out what you really are. We’ve been apart, but it’s almost time for us to be together again. Wait for me, because I’m coming. Tick tock.”
You can watch Karrion Kross’ “Man from the Cemetery Town” video here:
Scarlett getting back to work
Kross’ fiancée Scarlett Bordeaux is already booking appearances for conventions and virtual autograph signings. You can see the full schedule below:
December 3rd: Asylum Wrestling (Virtual Signing)
December 4th: MCW
December 7th: Highspots (Virtual Signing)
December 8th: WrestleFest (Virtual Signing)
December 11th: Glamour (New York – Signing)
December 12th: Glamour (New Jersey – Signing)
December 16th: Icons (Virtual Signing)
December 17th: Icons (Philadelphia – Convention)
February 6th: Celebfest (Baltimore – Convention)
Here’s my current signing schedule for December! Can’t wait to see you all! ????? pic.twitter.com/5fr3u0MTCc
With this latest round of releases, over 70 performers have been released by WWE this year. All of them are talented, but few of them can match the talent and box office potential of Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux.
Major League Wrestling returned to the famous 2300 Arena on Saturday night for MLW War Chamber.
SEScoops correspondent Samira was on hand and provided this live report:
Openweight Ladder Match: Alex Kane defeated, Myron Reed, Zenshi, Alex Shelley and mystery entrant ACH.
Gnarls Garvin defeated Budd Heavy
nZo defeated Matt Cross. There was some blood on nZo’s face in the spot between his eyebrows end of match. KC Navarro came out for his match and nZo attacked him.
TJP defeated Calvin Tankman in an Opera Cup semifinal match. Kane and King Mo came out and beat up Calvin twice.
5150 defeated Los Parks to win the MLW Tag Team Championships. Homicide came out to help during match
KC Navarro defeated Warhorse.
Sea Stars defeated the Top Dogs. Willow Nightingale was on commentary. Holidead came out after match was over and attacked Willow.
Davey Richards defeated TJP in the finals of the Opera Cup tournament. Richards dedicated the cup to the city of Philadelphia.
Holidead w/ Dax defeated Willow Nightingale w/Blue Meanie. Arez interfered and kicked Blue Meanie at end of match.
Team Hammerstone defeated CONTRA Unit in the War Chamber main event. Jeff Cobb returned to MLW as Matanza Duran as part of team Hammerstone. After the match, Jacob Fatu turned on CONTRA Unit.
Tony Khan is opening up about the creative influence of AEW’s Executive Vice Presidents.
Khan recently spoke with Wade Keller of PWTorch earlier this week to promote next weekend’s Full Gear pay-per-view.
During the discussion, Khan addressed the rumors that Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks are less-involved than they used to be. Khan said that he has taken over much more of the writing of the shows, but that the EVPs all contribute their ideas as much as they ever did.
What has changed, however, is that they no longer book the show as a committee.
“They are still very involved in a lot of aspects of the business and a lot of those things have been enhanced,” said Khan.
He spoke about Kenny Omega leading a team to create the AEW console video game and Cody and the Young Bucks being leaders in the locker room.
“I’ve probably gotten a little bit more hands on with the stuff that I do than when we started but that makes perfect sense because I had never worked in a wrestling company,” Khan said.
Drawbacks of a booking committee
Khan continued to say that in the early days, the show was being booked with him and the EVPs all in a room together. Now, most of the show is booked by him at home.
“I was like the head of a committee and I think there are a lot of drawbacks of trying to book a wrestling show with a committee,” he continued.
“Around the start of 2020, the end of 2019, moved more to me writing the show and I think it helped and the show has been better for it.”
“They are still contributing all their ideas, that has never changed,” Khan continued to say of the EVPs.
Amid reports that her vaccination status was a factor behind her departure, Jax says WWE did not mention vaccinations when informing her that her services would no longer be needed.
Nia Jax reveals that she was on a “mental health break” when WWE released her. She recently requested an extension to the mental health break, because she is still dealing with personal issues. “The next thing I heard, I was being released.”
“I usually keep my personal life private, but yesterday’s reports leave me with no option but to clarify matters. I recently took a short leave of absence from WWE for a mental health break. I’ve been working through so much – more than I can share – and so I took some time, with the full support of the company, to take care of myself.
Earlier this week, after WWE sent me my schedule to return to the ring for the November 15 show, I asked for an extension to my mental health break, feeling that I needed more time, and hoping I would have the ongoing support of the company I have given my all to for the past 7 years. I did not receive a response. The next thing I heard, I was being released. My vaccination status was never mentioned. I wasn’t given any choice or options.
It breaks my heart to be so abruptly let go, without consultation, when dealing with so much privately. I loved my career at WWE, I love the men and women I worked with, and I am going to need time to process this huge loss. I appreciate those people who have shown understanding and compassion during an incredibly difficult time.”
Wrestling legend Sabu says he’s been forced into retirement due to injuries. After a lengthy career of putting his body on the line during each and every match, he’ll probably stick to autograph signings moving forward.
Sabu was a guest on this week’s edition of Wrestling Shoot Interviews. During his discussion with WSI, he admitted that he’s probably wrestled his final match.
“I’m not doing real good,” said Sabu. “I hurt my back about a year ago and it’s still been hurting. I wrestled a couple of weeks ago but I shouldn’t have. I’ve only wrestled like twice in the last year. I only went to the gym a couple of times the last year ’cause I hurt my back. I’m probably not gonna wrestle no more… I’m probably just gonna do autograph signings and personal appearance-type stuff.”
I’d definitely get back in the ring for…
Sabu
Of course, this is professional wrestling. Fans are quite familiar with the phrase, “never say never.” So, what would it take to lure Sabu back into the ring?
“I’d definitely get back in the ring for Brock Lesnar, I’d love to wrestle him. Especially if it was my final match, I’d love to wrestle him.”
Sabu heaped praise on Brock Lesnar, saying that he’s “my kind of opponent.”
“He’s the best, he’s a shooter, he’s a good worker, he’s my kind of opponent. I like big guys, I like wrestling big guys. I don’t like wrestling guys like me because it’s not that interesting. It’s more interesting wrestling a guy like me against a guy like Brock Lesnar.”
Sabu also named Big Show and Mike Awesome as two of the best ‘big men’ he’s ever worked with.
WWE has announced Frank A. Riddick III has been named as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer.
Riddick, a longtime member of WWE’s Board of Directors, will report directly to Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon.
Riddick replaces Kristina Salen, who participated on WWE’s Q3 earnings call on Thursday.
Salen posted the following message on her LinkedIn page regarding the departure:
“Today I’m tagging out at WWE. I started at WWE in the midst of the global pandemic and I am proud of what I accomplished with Vince McMahon’s leadership and the tremendous team. We returned to live event touring, exceeded expectations, raised guidance for 2021 and laid a strong foundation for the future. I look forward to WWE’s continued success in and out of the ring!”
WWE Team Executive Shakeup
WWE Conference Room rendering (Mike Van Tassell)
Vince McMahon issued the following statement regarding Kristina Salen’s departure:
“I want to thank Kristina for her contributions to WWE and wish her well in her future pursuits.”
He also had this to say about Frank Riddick III, the new CFO & CAO:
“Working closely with Frank for many years, we have great confidence in his ability to execute our company’s strategy to increase revenues and drive shareholder value by engaging our global fanbase with phenomenal content,” said McMahon.
Riddick started with WWE during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release posted on the WWE Corporate website, he said, “We returned to live event touring, exceeded expectations, raised guidance for the year, and have laid a strong foundation for the future. I look forward to WWE’s continued success.”
Kristina Salen is not the only high-profile departure from WWE’s executive team. Earlier this week, it became public that Stan Stanski was out as Senior Vice President of Creative Services. This shocked a lot of people behind the scenes, as Stanski was well-liked and had been with the company for around 15 years.
Ring of Honor announcer Ian Riccaboni has issued a statement regarding ROH going on hiatus.
Riccaboni reflects on his eight years with the promotion and expresses gratitude for the way they’ve treated him. He wrote on Twitter:
“ROH has bent over backwards for me in my time with the company. Countless flights to accommodate my office schedule, canceling a Japan trip (with pay!) at their expense to ensure I was home for Nora’s birth, helping support LGBTQ+ and literacy initiatives in my hometown of Allentown, PA, and more. Too many things to list. They believed in and cultivated me at age 30 (I was a late bloomer!) with very little prior experience.”
Hanging Up The Headset
Riccaboni is hopeful that Ring of Honor will return in 2022. However, he has no guarantees that he’ll be part of their next chapter.
“The news of this hiatus was communicated professionally and with care but there are a lot of question marks. I will forever wear the three letters ROH with great pride and treasure my time here. Hopefully, it is not over. I have reason for optimism that ROH will re-start in April. I hope I am a part of their plans.”
He hopes to use his notoriety to give back to his home town. He’s humbled by the outpouring of support he’s received since it became known that Ring of Honor as we know it might be over.
Riccaboni is flattered by some offers he’s received over the past week. He will assess these opportunities, but says he’ll probably “hang up the headset” if ROH does not return to live events come April.
“I am humbled by the support I personally and ROH as an organization has received in the last few days. I am flattered by those seeking to bring me in and I am assessing opportunities one by one. If April doesn’t come, it would break my heart and I will likely hang up the headset, so if you’re doing something fun, let me know.”
Mance Warner has been released by Major League Wrestling.
The Southern Psychopath has been looking to become a free agent for over a year. Amid reports that he was looking to work elsewhere, he spoke with Nick Hausman of WrestlingINC last December and confirmed that he was looking to get out of his contract.
SEScoops can confirm Warner is now a free man.
Warner is the latest wrestler to be released from MLW over the past few weeks. Jordan Oliver, Beastman, Bu Ku Dao and Leo Brien have also been let go. We’re told this concludes MLW’s talent cuts and the company is making room for new signings in the weeks and months ahead.
Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net recently reported that Warner would be a free agent at the end of January 2022. A tweet from ‘Ol Mancer himself seemed to confirm this timeline, as well as where he might be looking to work next.
Mance Warner is one of the most popular wrestlers on the independent scene. He will have no problem finding work with another major promotion, whether that be AEW, WWE or elsewhere. He’s competing this weekend against Dirty Dango (former WWE Superstar Fandango) in Knoxville, TN at Nightmare in the Old City.
We have reached out to MLW and Mance Warner for comment and will update this article if new details become available.
EJ Nduka is gearing up for the biggest match of his career.
After an impressive debut at July’s MLW Battle Riot III event, The Judge heads to battle at MLW War Chamber next Saturday night (11/6). He’ll team with Alex Hammerstone, Richard Holliday and a mystery partner against CONTRA UNIT inside the ominous double steel cage match.
SEScoops correspondent Samira spoke with EJ Nduka about his aspirations in MLW, his friendship with AEW star Jade Cargill and his desire to walk through the Forbidden Door in the months ahead.
Here’s the full interview, with highlights below:
Hammerstone Winning the MLW World Championship
Alex Hammerstone captured the MLW World Title from Jacob Fatu at MLW Fightland. Nduka respects Hammerstone and expects they’ll be on the same page at War Chamber. However, he’s in MLW for gold. That might make Hammer a marked man.
“I thought it was an amazing moment for him,” Nduka said. “Well deserved. He had those two titles up, but I couldn’t help to think, ‘my boy you don’t need two.’ You know what I’m saying, one of those would look good around my waist. Big props to my boy Hammer. Hammer’s doing his thing and we’re teamed up this week and I’m looking forward to it.”
EJ Nduka is not your average pro wrestler. He doesn’t blend in and he’s not going to get lost in a crowd. One could say the same thing about AEW star Jade Cargill. They’re both exceptional athletes. Interestingly enough, Nduka and Cargill are close friends and got started in pro wrestling on the exact same day.
“So, Jade and I, we both went to college together. Ironically, we knew of each other, but we didn’t know each other. In college, she played basketball and I played football. We actually got close when we got in the industry the same day.”
“We had our tryout at the WWE at the PC (Performance Center). She was literally right behind me in line. We started chopping it up and ever since then we’ve just been really good friends and we train whenever we get a chance. They were in Orlando for the AEW Dynamite, so we got an opportunity to train.”
Got in a killer workout with this monster – @EjTheJudge . We went to the same college, also came into this game the SAME DAY. Some people just have “IT”. We are beyond blessed. Get ready!!
Alex Shelley, Bobby Fish and Tajiri are three veterans appearing for MLW this fall. Here’s what Nduka had to say about them:
Alex Shelley: “It’s awesome because Alex Shelley, a lot of people don’t know this, he was a coach at the PC for a little bit when I first got there. I learned a lot from him. I would watch his classes, I wasn’t necessarily in his classes, but I would be one of the guys that was the first one at the PC and last one to leave. So, if he still had a class going, I would go watch.”
Bobby Fish: “Bobby Fish, he’s obviously one of the leaders in the locker room. Him and I became buddies, and I would ask him things, talk about life, and just the business in general. So, to see them at MLW locker room was awesome. You know it was like pieces of the puzzle these guys are leaders, they bring a lot to the table, and it’s always good to have that type of leadership in the locker room. People that have been there and done it, so that way you can bounce some ideas off of them.”
Tajiri: “So, I got to hangout with Tajiri. His merch table, you (Samira) saw it, it was right next to mine at the show. So, I was just talking to him, and I was just amazed at his story. This guy I’ve been watching him since I was a kid, so just to be able to stand next to him and chop it up with him was so dope. He’s such a cool dude, very humble, and he’s just awesome all around.”
When asked if he’d wrestle Tajiri, Nduka replied, “Anything could happen in that squared circle.”
The Forbidden Door
EJ Nduka is currently tearing up the ranks in MLW, but who knows where he’ll show up next? The Judge sounds more than ready to walk through the Forbidden Door and kick ass in other promotions.
“It really just depends on the back logistics of everything, but me personally, I’m open. I’m very open to walk through that Forbidden Door. In fact, I’m ready to kick that thing down and come running full speed through it and just show the world exactly what I got to offer.”
MLW War Chamber takes place Saturday, November 6th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Tickets are still available at MLWLive.com.
CM Punk has dealt a “receipt” to Sasha Banks following AEW’s impressive showing against WWE last Friday night.
The Internet has been buzzing about the Friday night ratings showdown between AEW Rampage and WWE SmackDown. Rampage aired in its usual time slot, while SmackDown aired on FS1 instead of the Fox broadcast network. WWE took the fight to AEW by extending SmackDown an extra 30 minutes (commercial-free) to go head-to-head with the first half of Rampage.
Prior to the showdown, Sasha Banks tweeted, “It’s Clobberin time #SmackdownonFS1” – a clear reference to CM Punk’s famous catchphrase.
Overall, the 2 1/2 hour SmackDown broadcast averaged 866,000 viewers. The 60-minute Rampage show did 578,000 viewers. Both shows did a 0.24 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic, which caught many people by surprise.
Even more surprising was the 30-minute block when Rampage and SmackDown went head-to-head. Looking at that key demographic, AEW Rampage actually topped WWE SmackDown 328,000 viewers to 285,000, a 15% margin.
CM Punk has since responded to Sasha Banks’ tease that it would be “clobbering time” when WWE and AEW went head-to-head for 30 minutes. With AEW coming out on top, Punk agrees: “Indeed, it was.”
Will Ospreay will battle Alex Zayne at Night 2 of NJPW’s New Japan Showdown event, which takes place Sunday night from Philadelphia, PA.
SEScoops correspondent Samira spoke with Ospreay earlier this month about what this match means to him and how he’s been preparing for their showdown.
“Big Match Billy” says that he’s been watching the man formerly known as Ari Sterling for a long time. “I used to watch Alex Zayne when I was a backyard wrestler,” he began. “When it was frowned upon to be called a backyard wrestler, because we were the dirt underneath everyone’s feet in the wrestling industry. But it does make me laugh now seeing how the world is with professional wrestling and all the backyarders I used to wrestle with are now on top of the world.”
Ospreay said Zayne is “just getting back from his excursion over in Orlando.” He’s curious if Zayne learned anything in NXT, or if he’s the same guy he grew up watching that he just outgrew.
This is a big challenge for the self-proclaimed Real IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, so we were curious what he’s doing to prepare for such a unique opponent.
“I’m trying to drop a little bit of weight, because I do know Alex. He’s very unorthodox. He reminds me of myself when i was a Junior Heavyweight, so i’m trying to drop down some weight, so that way I can move a bit quicker. I think we’re roughly about the same height and the same build, but if I outpace him and I know I can strike harder than him. His strikes aren’t nearly as polished and clean as mine.”
Opsreay questions if Zayne will be able to fight ‘dirty enough’ to hang with him, because he remembers Zayne as being a clean cut wrestler who just wanted to be liked by the fans. “I mean, I was in that position a long time, I’m just not that guy anymore,” he said. “If I get a shot to give you an elbow to the back of the head, I’m going to do it.”
Ospreay really wants to pick up a victory here and knows that he’ll have to be ready for Alex Zayne’s high-flying move-set.
“He can do the same tricks that I used to be able to do when I was 15kg’s lighter and I think we’re roughly the same body weight, so his acrobatics are going to have more impact behind them. So, I’m definitely going to keep me eye on when he does ascend to the top rope, because that’s when i’m going to be at my most vulnerable.”
Will Ospreay is fed up with people like CM Punk, Kenny Omega, Bryan Danielson and others dropping his name.
The self-proclaimed “real” IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is gearing up for a clash against Alex Zayne. That match will take place at NJPW Showdown, a 2-night event taking place October 16th & 17th from Philadelphia’s historic 2300 Arena.
Ospreay spoke to SEScoops correspondent Samira this week about his preparation for that event, why he can’t stand American wrestling fans, and much more.
When asked who he wants to wrestle in the months ahead, ‘Big Match Billy’ named Kazuchika Okada as the only person he cares about from Japan. “The guy’s been ducking me for a while now,” he said.
However, there are several other people on his radar. Ospreay tells SEScoops that he’d “love” to wrestle CM Punk, as well as some of the other AEW stars who have called him out in recent months.
Ospreay Ready to Embarrass AEW’s Top Stars
CM Punk named Will Ospreay as someone he’d like to work with during a March 2020 appearance on the Swing & Mrs. Podcast. Punk is now an active competitor for AEW, bringing this potential dream match one step closer to reality.
“I would still love that match with CM Punk,” he began. “He’s the one that called me out. He said, ‘I want to wrestle Will Ospreay.’ So with that, Bryan Danielson, he said ‘I want to wrestle Will Ospreay’ and I get it. Kenny Omega wants to wrestle Will Ospreay. Take a ticket and I’ll get to you when I get to you guys. They called me out. Sammy Guevara, he’s another one that called me out.”
He continued, “There’s a list that goes on and on and on. They all call me out and there’s a reason why. Because when Big Match Billy is in town, their stock goes up. Everyone that wrestles me – and you can’t deny it – every single person that wrestles me ups their game because they know they’re going to be in the ring with one of the best wrestlers in the world right now. So, I completely understand it.”
These Guys Don’t Want Me To Show Up
Ospreay continued railing against Punk, Danielson, and Omega.
“If you guys really want it that bad, you know what to do. You just gotta call my number and I’ll show up. I’ll show up. But 9 times out of 10, these guys don’t want me to show up. Because A, I’ll embarrass them. I’ll embarrass them.”
“Guys like Bryan Danielson made a living being one of the best wrestlers in the world. But if I showed up, he would not last in the ring with me. Kenny Omega was THE guy in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He left. I took over. Nobody could compete with me in 2019. If I got in the ring with him, I’d embarrass him.”
Best in the World
CM Punk
“CM Punk called me out when he wasn’t a wrestler. So in that case, he was keeping an eye on me the entire time, looking at me and thinking I’m a challenge – and damn right, I’m a challenge. I’m THE challenge. So, if those guys want it, I’m ready. But, you guys hit me up. I didn’t hit none of you guys up.”
Ospreay took offense to the notion that CM Punk could still be considered the best in the world. “Is he though? He says he’s the best wrestler in the world. When was he saying that, 2011? Was he the best in the world, or was he the best of the bad bunch? Maybe you were the best at that time. Are you the best now? No. You’re nowhere near Will Ospreay’s level. So step up, brother. I’m ready for you.”
The main event will see Christin Cage defend the Impact World Championship against Ace Austin.
The “Walking Weapon” Josh Alexander looks to prove he’s the greatest X-Division Champion in history. He defends against 8-time champion, Chris Sabin.
The Knockouts Tag Team Titles will also be up for grabs, as Rosemary & Havok defend against Tasha Steelz & Savannah Evans.
Victory Road Matches
The following matches are scheduled for tonight:
Impact World Champion Christian Cage vs Ace Austin
X Division Champion Josh Alexander vs Chris Sabin
Eddie Edwards & Sami Callihan vs Moose & W. Morrissey
FinJuice (David Finlay and Juice Robinson) vs Bullet Club (Chris Bey and Hikuleo)
Knockouts Tag Team Champions Decay (Havok and Rosemary) vs Savannah Evans and Tasha Steelz
How to Order Victory Road
Order Impact Victory Road is available to fans who subscribe to the Impact Plus streaming service. You can also purchase the event easily from FITE for just $9.99.
Game Changer Wrestling is back tonight, Friday, September 17th.
GCW presents Highest in the Room live from Los Angeles, California at Ukrainian Cultural Center. This pay-per-view event can be purchased now at FITE ($13.99).
Highest in the Room features the unfinished business of Alex Colon and G-Raver. They will face off to settle what could’ve been at TOS4. Also in the lineup:
Minoru Suzuki vs Jonathan Gresham
Ron Funches vs Tony Deppen
Chris Dickinson vs Jacob Fatu
Effy vs 2 Cold Scorpio
Atticus Cogar vs Ninja Mack
Alex Zayne vs Jordan Oliver
Second Gear Crew vs Starboy Charlie & Nick Wayne & Riley
Renee Paquette appeared on Busted Open Radio on Friday morning. She spoke with Dave LaGreca and Bully Ray for her new segment, Keeping It Real With Renee.
Paquette spoke in-depth about Big E becoming WWE Champion earlier this week. As somebody who has known Big E for many years, it makes her so happy for him to reach the top of the mountain in WWE.
“It just makes me so happy,” she began. “I tweeted out, it’s so cool to see this outpouring of love for someone like Big E. I’ve never heard anybody say a bad thing about the dude.”
The outpouring of love for E on my timeline ??? this dude is the most legit. Love when organic magic happens.
Paquette continued by talking about the grassroots-nature of Big E’s rise to the top. A situation like Big E’s rise only comes along every few years. WWE has lightning in a bottle with Big E and a chance to give fans exactly what they want.
“It’s been, I guess you could call it, a slow burn for Big E. You get that huge payoff, him cashing in that Money in the Bank contract, becoming WWE Champion. What I love about it is the organic way that Big’s career has kind of gone. When you get the fans behind you, now you know the company is behind him, it’s time just kind of ‘strap that rocket on to him and shoot him off.’ That trajectory is just going to keep going.”
“If we want to get into ratings and blah blah blah, I think Big E could be that guy to really help to push WWE Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, wherever he decides he wants to show up. It’s that organic side of things that I think WWE fans have been craving and they want that payoff and they finally got it with Big E and I couldn’t be happier for that dude.”
“You Kind of Worry”
Bully Ray asked Paquette if she felt that Big E’s title win was a longterm plan that finally came together, or if it was a knee-jerk decision based on competition from Monday Night Football and AEW. Renee didn’t want to call it a knee-jerk reaction, but said there was definitely a ‘business side’ to that creative decision.
“As you see AEW nipping at the heels of WWE, they’ve got to start making some bigger moves and they’ve got to start making fans happy. So, you give them big E, that’s going to make people happy.”
– Renee Paquette
Dave LaGreca asked if Big E could be the new franchise player for WWE. Paquette said he could absolutely be the franchise player for WWE. He has the athletic ability and the charisma. However, there are pitfalls to be cautious about.
“If he is given the creative liberties that he deserves and that he needs to be able to continue being the Big E that everybody knows and loves, absolutely. I think he for sure could be that guy. But like anybody else, you kind of worry, ‘What is going to happen? Are they going to drop the ball on this? Where’s it gonna go?’
“I do think he has all the tools, if you look at him from an athletic standpoint or an entertainment standpoint, just him as a human being, the things that he stands for, the things that he talks about, I do think that he really could be that guy to put the company on the back of.”
Busted Open Radio airs weekday mornings on SiriusXM Fight Nation Channel 156.
The 26-year-old made the announcement Tuesday afternoon on social media. He cited mental health as his primary motivation to explore new opportunities in different industries. Atlas wrote:
“I’m not concussed or ‘banged up.’ I simply just can’t keep going anymore. Take your mental health seriously, both for yourselves & for each other, because we only have one life to live. Thank you to anyone who did support me for 5 years. I didn’t do much, but what I did was fun.”
“I’m stepping away from wrestling completely right now so please don’t ask me to do interviews/appearances. I’d like my privacy to be respected. At 26 years old, I’ve got my entire life ahead of me & I’m choosing to explore completely different industries to find my passion again.”
“Unfortunately, it was unhealthy for me the entire time. I just learned how to hide it really well. I hope that friends & fans I’ve made alike continue to support me no matter what.”
Jake Atlas made his pro wrestling debut in 2016. He wrestled in various California-based independents. He signed with WWE in October 2019 after appearing on a WWE-themed episode of Celebrity Undercover Boss the prior year.
After training at the Performance Center for several months, Atlas made his NXT debut in April 2020 and also competed on 205 Live.
He was released from WWE on August 6, 2021. He wrote at the time, “For 5 years, I worked hard to play the game the way I thought they would have wanted me to. If in that time I was able to accomplish all that I have with a limited understanding of who & what ‘Jake Atlas’ is, imagine what I’m capable of doing now that I get to do it MY way.”
Over the past several weeks, Atlas he wrestled for Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling. He competed at the ROH Death Before Dishonor PPV this past weekend.
SEScoops wishes Jake Atlas the best of luck in this next chapter of his professional career.
WWE will crown a new NXT Champion this Tuesday night.
Samoa Joe relinquished the belt late Sunday night due to injuries. He did not divulge the nature of his medical situation, nor the length of time he will be out of action.
General Manager William Regal has announced a Fatal 4 Way match to crown the new face of NXT. The participants will be:
Samoa Joe was a 3-time NXT Champion, although two of his reigns were short. He held the title most recently for 20 days. His earlier reigns were 13 days (2016) and 121 days (2016).
Hit up the comments and tell us who you think will be crowned the next NXT Champion.
Samoa Joe has relinquished the title just days before the black and gold brand is set to undergo an image overhaul.
According to a video he posted on social media, Samoa Joe recently met with WWE’s medical team. They informed him that “certain injuries” will prevent him from wrestling any time soon.
“Effective immediately, I relinquish the NXT Championship.”
– Samoa Joe
Joe sounds optimistic that he’ll be back soon, saying he’d be out for “a brief, yet still indeterminate amount of time.”
Samoa Joe returned to NXT in June to ensure NXT and its championship received the respect and integrity they are due. He won the title just a few weeks ago at Takeover 36 during SummerSlam weekend.
Joe wishes luck to whoever vies for the prize and warned that he’ll be seeking it again when he’s cleared.
Lee Moriarty is All Elite. The popular independent wrestler competed at the AEW Dark: Elevation tapings that took place prior to the live Dynamite broadcast. He faced Daniel Garcia in a match that will air on AEW’s Youtube channel in the days ahead.
After the match, Moriarty made his way to the backstage area. AEW President Tony Khan greeted him on the stage.
Tony Khan said he’s been so impressed with Moriarty’s appearances on Dark that he wanted to offer him a full-time contract with AEW. Of course, he accepted. You can see footage of Tony Khan presenting Lee Moriarty with his AEW contract here:
AEW’s talent acquisition efforts show no signs of slowing down. The varied ages of their recent signings show the company is investing in the present and future:
Plus, Darby Allin and Sting will respond to Tully Blanchard’s challenge from Dynamite.
AEW Dynamite Preview (9/22)
The following items are set for next week’s Dynamite from Newark, New Jersey. This will be a big night for AEW, as the company has already sold over 11,600 tickets for the Prudential Center.
Adam Cole vs. Frankie Kazarian
Darby Allin (w/Sting) vs. Shawn Spears (w/ Tully Blanchard)
Will Ospreay called out Kenny Omega on Wednesday after the AEW World Champion was named the #1 pro wrestler the world on this year’s PWI Top 500 list.
Omega topped the list, while Ospreay charted at the #7 spot (behind Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, Kota Ibushi and Jon Moxley.)
Ospreay was so put off by his placement on the list that he said, “I’d beat up number 1 any day of the week and twice on Wednesdays……just saying.”
This did not sit well with Kenny Omega. He replied by telling Ospreay that “his promotion” (New Japan Pro Wrestling) has been so “ice cold” since he left that not even Dave Meltzer can convince his followers that Ospreay should be in the conversation for Best in the World.”
“It hurts me, bruv,” said Omega. “One of you dorks should have been the guy. Turned out a bigger dog was my only competition.”
Your promotion has been so ice cold since I left that not even Meltzer can convince his followers that you were part of any BITW conversation.
It hurts me, bruv. One of you dorks should have been the guy. Turned out a bigger dog was my only competition. https://t.co/VhqRWQQh6Q
He also touted New Japan Pro Wrestling’s accomplishments since Omega left. “A pandemic put the breaks on & you know it. Open that door, let’s have this conversation.”
Last chat we had was “you need to be the guy”
Since then you left we sold out MSG, sold more tickets at the Tokyo dome than ever before, and put on banger after banger.
Needless to say, Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay would be a banger of a match. With NJPW talent already wrestling on AEW programming, this is high on the light for potential ‘Forbidden Door’ dream matches we could see in the months ahead.
WWE executive Paul Levesque (Triple H) is recovering from a recent ‘cardiac event.’
According to a statement sent in by WWE, he underwent a successful procedure last week at Yale New Haven Hospital. The episode was caused by a genetic heart issue.
“Paul Levesque, a.k.a. Triple H, underwent a successful procedure last week at Yale New Haven Hospital following a cardiac event. The episode was caused by a genetic heart issue and Paul is expected to make a full recovery.
– WWE Statement on Triple H’s health
Levesque serves as WWE Executive Vice President, Global Talent Strategy & Development.
SEScoops wishes Paul “Triple H” Levesque a full and speedy recovery.
AEW tag team The Acclaimed returned to action on this week’s AEW Dark.
The team of Max Caster and Anthony Bowens were last seen on the August 28th episode of the AEW Youtube series. Caster found himself in hot water after one of his pre-match freestyle raps received major blowback from fans.
Caster is known for walking the line of tastefulness, but his references to US Olympian Simone Biles’ mental health and the Duke Lacrosse 2006 sexual assault scandal crossed that line for many. He was sent to sensitivity training as a disciplinary measure.
During their entrance on Dark this week, the duo joked about their hiatus from AEW programing. Instead of lacing into their opponents with well-crafted biting insults, they jokingly read from a script approved by AEW management. See below:
Hot off Sunday’s blockbuster All Out pay-per-view, All Elite Wrestling returns this Wednesday with a live edition of AEW Dynamite.
Dynamite will emanate from Jon Moxley’s hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. The homecoming won’t be an easy night at the office for the former AEW World Champion.
In a ‘Forbidden Door’ dream match, Moxley will clash with NJPW legend Minoru Suzuki. Suzuki made a surprise appearance at All Out and left Moxley sprawled out on the canvas in their first physical encounter in an AEW ring.
In addition to Moxley vs. Suzuki, Malakai Black will face Dustin Rhodes. The Natural looks to stop Black’s path of destruction through the Nightmare Family.
Former WWE Superstar Ruby Soho made a surprise debut at All Out. She was the Joker in the Casino Battle Royal match and was victorious. Ruby Soho earned the right to challenge Women’s World Champion Britt Baker and will be on hand at Dynamite to discuss her arrival in AEW.
We can also expect plenty of fallout from All Out, including the shocking debuts of Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson.
