SEScoops

Author: Steve Russell

  • Jim Ross On Ratings, AEW’s Locker Room Leaders, Young Talent

    Jim Ross On Ratings, AEW’s Locker Room Leaders, Young Talent

    All Elite Wrestling commentator Jim Ross has shared his thoughts about obsessing over ratings. He claimed how they are “irrelevant” to him. He also discussed locker room leaders in AEW and Darby Allin’s potential. Addressing the ratings war, Ross was clear with his opinions: “I don’t care what the ratings do.”

    “Look, we have to be realistic about things. The more that AEW devotes more time than they devote on WWE and what they’re doing, we’re wasting time on our own product. If we’re thinking about them, we ain’t thinking about us,” he told WrestleZone in an interview.

    He continued, “I don’t care what the ratings do. It’s irrelevant to me what the ratings do—that’s a good sound byte. I don’t care about it because all we can do is work our ass off and provide a great product or as best as we are being produced to do, that’s what we have to worry about, not the other stuff. So I believe if we spend all our time working on how to get us better and improve our team and not worry about anybody else’s team because we can’t change or affect it. Too many of us worry about things that we have absolutely no control over.”

    Jim Ross On Locker Room Leaders

    The AEW roster is filled with a mixture of younger talent and industry veterans. This provides plenty of opportunities for people to learn from established names.

    “I think we have a healthy locker room being built. There’s leaders there,” Ross stated. “There’s young guys that want to be led, want to be taught, coached up, and you’ve got veterans on your squad. We have several. We live by our champion, Chris Jericho.”

    “How do you not respect and follow the lead of a Chris Jericho who’s reinvented himself over and over again—always for the better, always leading to more success at a high-level? So if you’re a young guy and you’re wanting to talk about being a wrestling villain or fan-favorite or whatever it may be, Chris Jericho’s a great source of information with that.”

    Potential Stars & Long-Term Booking

    When it comes to using that talent in AEW storylines, Ross explained how he isn’t a fan of “50/50 booking. Although he concedes that technology and social media can be great tools for wrestlers to connect with fans, he noted how “It’s a sad thing because that’s how you invest emotionally in the characters and that’s how they become big stars and part of that is how they’re booked. You can’t book somebody 50/50. They win one week, they lose the next, that’s silly. Nobody merits from that and the way you get talent over is you get guys on a roll.”

    With a plethora of younger talent to cultivate and develop for these opportunities, Jim Ross is familiar with spotting talent with potential to develop.

    One of those young talents he believes in his Darby Allin. To him, Allin has a great future ahead of him. He noted how Allin reminds him of a young Jeff Hardy. Another is Jungle Boy. Ross described him as having an “unlimited upside” before comparing him to a young Kevin Von Erich.

    Alongside these two is Inner Circle member, Sammy Guevara, who Ross claimed is a “little Eddie Guerrero-ish. Great personality, never going to beat anybody with his size, he’s gonna beat him with his technique, his skill set and his speed and so forth.”

    H/T to WrestleZone for the transcriptions.

  • Tommy Dreamer: Rhea Ripley And Bianca Belair Will “Steal The Show” At NXT TakOver: Portland

    Tommy Dreamer: Rhea Ripley And Bianca Belair Will “Steal The Show” At NXT TakOver: Portland

    Former WWE Superstar Tommy Dreamer has shared which match he feels will steal the show at NXT TakeOver: Portland. Speaking with Bully Ray on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, Dreamer highlighted the in-ring talent of Bianca Belair and the current NXT Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley. Describing the women as true stars, he is confident the two will deliver something memorable this Sunday.

    “For me, it’s been since Survivor Series, this woman continues to step up,” Dreamer said of Belair. “I’m enjoying them. They have been the MVPs of NXT each and every week, and I want to say that they are the top guys in NXT, and that is nothing but a compliment. She has the ‘it’ factor. She can work, she can talk, she’s officially my favorite bumper […] she just has this crispness, this ‘it’ factor about her.”

    He continued, “She has a presence. I want to to be her manager so I can get a braid to cover my bald spot. I think she’s amazing, and Ripley is off the charts, putting the rocket on her for any brand, she’s a star. They’re both stars. And when you have that star power, it does nothing but help you, and at TakeOver: Portland they’re going to steal the show.”

    Rhea Ripley defends her NXT Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair this Sunday at NXT TakeOver: Portland. The show takes place at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 

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  • Adam Cole Reveals His WrestleMania Dream Match

    Adam Cole Reveals His WrestleMania Dream Match

    Current NXT Champion Adam Cole has revealed who his WrestleMania dream match would be against. For the black-and-gold brand Superstar, there’s only one name that comes to mind: “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles.

    “[…] if I could have a WrestleMania match with anybody right now in WWE, really in the world, I would love to wrestle AJ Styles at WrestleMania,” Cole told FLO WWF. “I’ve wrestled him a couple of times before. He’s one of the absolute best I’ve ever faced before, but I’ve never beat him.”

    “So he’s a guy I definitely want to get the chance to get in the ring with again. But, to me, when I think about, like, the top 3 lists of the best performers on the planet today, AJ Styles is always on my list. [He’s] just an unbelievably great athlete and I think we could have a really, really great match, especially on a stage like WrestleMania. Yeah, so AJ Styles would be my pick.”

    Adam Cole Versus AJ Styles

    The Undisputed Era had a run-in with AJ Style and his O.C. cohorts, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, a few months ago. The O.C. invaded NXT, attacking Cole and his stablemates before the show had a chance to start.

    They would end up in the main event of that episode against the team of Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Riddle and Keith Lee. Following their NXT appearance, it was reported that AJ Styles attempted to pitch a matchup between the two stables for last year’s Survivor Series.

    Adam Cole is scheduled to defend his NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: Portland. The event takes place on February 16th from the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

    If you use any quotes from this article, please provide a H/T to SEScoops.

  • Dustin Rhodes Discusses His AEW Coaching Role

    Dustin Rhodes Discusses His AEW Coaching Role

    All Elite Wrestling’s Dustin Rhodes isn’t only an in-ring talent. He also uses his vast experience in the industry to help coach AEW talents with their promo skills. Speaking with the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast, Rhodes opened up about his coaching experience to date and how the talent has been growing under his tutelage. 

    A lot of AEW’s roster weren’t initially familiar with adapting their style for a television production. Rhodes acknowledged this fact but noted how “they are handling it pretty good. There are still some things every single week that I see that I go up to them and I tell them.”

    Dustin Rhodes’ Feedback

    Rhodes shared how there are still occasions where talent will turn around and face the audience rather than the hard cam. Valuing feedback, Rhodes will approach them to let them know how to improve these subtle things that have a massive impact for the “million people at home” rather than the “4,5 or 6,000 in the arena.” 

    He continued, “That’s a transition for them to learn because they are coming from the indies and they never had that. Guys like Chris Jericho, myself, Moxley, Cody are teaching that, and it is very important for them to learn. We’ve got three months in now and they are doing good and they are starting to be cognisant of where those cameras are and lifting their heads up because they know the camera is right there to make them look good and the people at home get to see them. If you are looking the other way, they just see your ass and they want to see you.”

    Dustin Rhodes recently challenged Inner Circle member Jake Hager. The two will clash at AEW’s next pay-per-view, Revolution, on February 29th. 

    H/T to TMPT Empire for the transcription. 

  • Roman Reigns On John Cena Calling Brock Lesnar “The Best In-Ring Performer Of All Time”

    Roman Reigns On John Cena Calling Brock Lesnar “The Best In-Ring Performer Of All Time”

    Roman Reigns has addressed John Cena’s comments regarding the current WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar. Cena recently shared his belief that Lesnar is the “best in-ring performer” he’s ever seen. Speaking during a WrestleMania 37 press conference at SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park in California, “The Big Dog” shared his opinion on Cena’s thoughts.

    “It puts you on a different level. When you work with Brock Lesnar, when you’re in the ring with Brock Lesnar, it puts you… it jumps you multiple levels,” Reigns said. “My life changed in 2015, WrestleMania 31. It hadn’t been the same. So, I mean, got a lot of love or Brock, he’s a great performer. A lot of people heard the statements that John Cena made about him… I’m not sure if he was wrong, you know what I mean?”

    WrestleMania 31 saw Reigns face off against Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Seth Rollins would appear and cash in his Money In The Bank contract, eventually winning the championship.

    Roman Reigns On Drew McIntyre’s WrestleMania Matchup

    Roman Reigns then turned his attention to Lesnar’s upcoming WrestleMania 36 opponent, Drew McIntyre. He shared how McIntyre will be in “good hands” when he clashes with Lesnar later this year.

    “He’s one of the few guys that people really, really believe,” Reigns said of Lesnar. “Even as a performer, you have to always keep your eyes on him. If you watch…when I’m in the ring with him, I never take my eyes off Brock, because you just never know. That’s the type of competitor, that’s the type of intimidating man that he is. So, I think the fact that Drew is going to him next, he’s in good hands.”

    Roman Reigns is scheduled to face off against King Corbin at WWE Super ShowDown. The two will clash in a Steel Cage match. The event takes place on February 27th from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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  • AEW Reportedly Planning To Make UK Debut This Year

    AEW Reportedly Planning To Make UK Debut This Year

    All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has allegedly discussed making their UK debut this year with a “mini-tour.” Speaking with talkSPORT, AEW’s Promo Coach, Dustin Rhodes, talked about the promotion’s plans for their first overseas tour to the United Kingdom.

    “Rumor has it that we may doing a little mini-tour over there in the UK,” Rhodes revealed. “And I hope so, I hope that’s true. Definitely want to hit London, man. London is a good town for us, good town for wrestling. All the UK is, man. The UK has got deep roots in wrestling and they love wrestling. So hopefully, sooner rather than later, we’re going to get over there.”

    Rhodes extrapolated on his statement, explaining that AEW’s offering would probably be “just live events.” He added how plans aren’t set at this point in time, and “[…] you never know. We could be over there for a week and shoot a TV somewhere, I don’t know.”

    AEW’s “Mini-Tour”

    Dustin’s brother Cody corroborated this sentiment in a recent interview with Wrestling Observer Live. Cody noted how AEW’s schedule for travelling “across the pond” is a “very vague 2020.”

    “But I will be kept… I’ll hold my word as far as like… and Tony will hold his word, and The Young Bucks and Kenny [Omega], and everybody… we have to go,” Cody said. “We have to go to London and Manchester, and there’s a lot of great markets in the UK, but 2020 – we have to make those steps for sure, and I think we’ll do well. Everyone onboard is excited about that.”

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Lance Archer Teases In-Ring Future, Hints At Options

    Lance Archer Teases In-Ring Future, Hints At Options

    Lance Archer has teased his interest in other wrestling promotions in a recent message shared via his Twitter account. Archer, who has recently been wrestling in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is reportedly not currently under contract with the promotion, allowing him to negotiate with other companies. It was recently reported that Archer was in high-level discussions with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

    Lance Archer’s Choice

    Accompanied by an image of him holding his hand over an open flame, Archer wrote:

    “No matter where I end up Nxt. I’ll remain The King of Sports Entertainment Wrestling World, while making an All Elite choice. I’ll absolutely make an Impact but do it with Honor in a Ring of one Major League wrestling promotion from USA to Japan and all over the world!”

    Lance Archer recently lost the IWGP United States Championship to Jon Moxley. His defeat took place this past January during Night One of NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 14 two day event.

    The title had initially been vacated due to Moxley’s inability to make it to Japan thanks to Typhoon Hagibis last October. Lance Archer would step into an impromptu matchup against Juice Robinson at King of Pro Wrestling. He would emerge victorious, claiming his first-ever major singles championship in the process.

  • The Miz Says He’ll “Quit” If He Doesn’t Main Event WrestleMania 37

    The Miz Says He’ll “Quit” If He Doesn’t Main Event WrestleMania 37

    WWE Superstar The Miz has said he will quit WWE if he isn’t in the main event at next year’s WrestleMania. WrestleMania 37 was recently announced to be taking place at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on March 28th, 2021. Inglewood is in the Los Angeles metro area. As WWE intends to lean into the Hollywood theme for the show, The Miz is unsurprisingly interested in having a starring role. 

    Miz Wants The Main Event

    Miz, known in WWE as “The A-Lister” shared his intentions via his Instagram account, where he wrote: 

    “Wrestlemania is going Hollywood next year. If I don’t Main Event…I quit. #Wrestlemania37 #MiztleMania #AwesomeFanArt by @stunner.designs“

    Miz uploaded a picture of himself looking over his sunglasses with the WrestleMania 37 “Hollywood” graphic along the bottom of the image as he stands in front of a version of the iconic Hollywood sign.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cchqip4JQ/?utm_source=ig_embed

    It didn’t take long for another WWE Superstar to see Miz’s post and add their two cents. In this case, it was “The Showoff” Dolph Ziggler, who replied “Yes!!!! Finally!!! (The quitting)” For what it’s worth, The Miz and Ziggler have known each other for a long time and frequently joke and respond to each other’s social media messages. 

    Despite the location reveal of WrestleMania 37, WWE has yet to host this April’s WrestleMania 36. The show takes place on April 5th from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. 

  • Charlotte Flair On Becky Lynch, Backstage Resentment, Ric Flair’s Advice

    Charlotte Flair On Becky Lynch, Backstage Resentment, Ric Flair’s Advice

    WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair has opened up about her relationship with Becky Lynch, discussing whether there was any jealousy between them. She also addressed whether she felt any backstage resentment towards her during his first major push and shared the advice her father, Ric Flair, gave to her. 

    “I didn’t sense resentment,” Flair said during her interview with The Herd. “If anything, I think we raised the bar for the men as well, like having competition. I was never raised to think that I couldn’t do what men could do. So, when I started at WWE, I just wanted to prove how athletic I was. It was more of the chip on my shoulder of being Ric Flair’s daughter.”

    “It’s just… OK, I have to work harder than everyone, male or female, and then I think the boys actually were like, ‘Wow, the girls are really digging it.’ And then the guys that have little girls are like, ‘OK, we want to bring our little girls to the show and see what you can do.’ I didn’t sense resentment.”

    Ric Flair’s Advice

    Charlotte revealed how Ric told her how the most important part of any segment is the “minute you walk through the curtain.” She explained how if she isn’t able to believe in herself, the crowd won’t either. Flair opened up about the anxiety and doubt that still affects her backstage before her music hits. When her theme plays, it allows her to focus and realign with the character she wants to portray.

    “So here’s this Queen that’s confident, that’s independent, that is standing out in a male-dominated world, and that was just the message I wanted to send to everyone. So, I just played that over and over in my mind.”

    Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch

    When asked about her current relationship with the RAW Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair joked how “Number one doesn’t talk about number two.” She explained how the two needed each other to become who they are now: “The Man” and “The Queen.”

    “Um, so Becky and I call ourselves ‘Thelma & Louise.’ This roller coaster that we’ve been on professionally and personally makes us who we are today,” Flair said. “I needed The Man to be The Queen, and she needed The Queen to be The Man.”

    She continued, “I don’t want to use the word ‘jealousy’ because there is such a competitive nature to both of us. I want to be the best, she wants to be the best, and that’s very important to have in this business because once you’re at that point where, ‘OK, I don’t want to be on top anymore…’ If you don’t want to be on top then you’re in the wrong place.”

    Charlotte Flair emerged victorious from the Women’s Royal Rumble matchup back in January. This victory has earned her a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 36. At the time of writing, however, she has still not made her decision despite NXT Champion Rhea Ripley’s attempts to entice her into a matchup.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Roman Reigns Names Who He’d Rather Face For The Universal Championship

    Roman Reigns Names Who He’d Rather Face For The Universal Championship

    During the WrestleMania 37 press conference, WWE Superstar Roman Reigns was asked about challenging for the WWE Universal Championship. He was also asked who he would rather wrestle for the title: “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt or Goldberg. Those two Superstars clash for the Universal Championship later this month during WWE’s Super ShowDown event in Saudi Arabia.

    “I mean, I just want my title, to be honest,” Reigns said. “Nobody took it from me. I had to relinquish it due to circumstances. So I’d just prefer my title. Honestly, from a completely honest standpoint, I would much rather face The Fiend. He’s busted his ass all year long for it.”

    He continued, “No offense to Goldberg, I think he’s a great performer, he’s a great Superstar, but I’m into the future right now and helping out the guys who are gonna be in the locker room with me, and there’s no doubt that Fiend has put a lot of work into what he’s done, as we all have. Like I said, it’s my time now. We’ve had fun with that Fun House, but it’s time to bring it home.”

    At the time of writing, Roman Reigns doesn’t have a match scheduled at WrestleMania 36. The only match currently slated is between the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Drew McIntyre. Reigns did, however, recently tease his interest in a matchup next year against his cousin, Dwayne “The Rock “Johnson.

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  • Drew McIntyre Talks About Having To “Adjust” His Accent

    Drew McIntyre Talks About Having To “Adjust” His Accent

    WWE RAW Superstar Drew McIntyre has opened up about having to alter his accent for the benefit of the WWE Universe. McIntyre, who hails from Scotland, caught up with the BBC to discuss his ambitions of being Scotland’s first WWE Champion. During their conversation, McIntyre noted how he has had to “adjust” his accent during his time in the company.

    “We have the most difficult accent in the world to understand and I had to adjust it slightly because I was sick of hearing ‘what?’ for the first four years I was here,” he explained. “I need the world to understand me when I’m champion, raise the title and say, I bloody did it for Scotland.”

    Clearly confident with his chances, McIntyre also stressed how “I was the first ever Scottish guy to win the Royal Rumble, the first every British guy to win it and hopefully I’ll be the first ever Scottish world champion.”

    Drew McIntyre, who has been on an undeniable tear within WWE, is set to face off against WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. The two clash at WrestleMania 36. He earned this championship opportunity after winning the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble in January.

    WrestleMania 36 takes place on April 5th from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

  • Becky Lynch Reacts To Jon Jones’ Recent Comments

    Becky Lynch Reacts To Jon Jones’ Recent Comments

    WWE RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch has responded to Jon Jones’ recent comments. The current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion expressed his belief that it was “inevitable” that he would eventually be in a WWE ring. Addressing Jones’ words during a recent appearance, Lynch stressed how being a pro wrestler isn’t as easy as most MMA fighters believe it to be.

    “Inevitable? That is a pretty big word. Look, I think people think that this is a cakewalk, there is nothing like what we do,” Lynch stated. “And it’s not as simple as just walking in here. You have to make a name for yourself, and you have to obsessed with it, you have to love this. This isn’t a thing where you have one fight every six months, this is a thing where you are fighting three, four, sometimes seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.”

    She continued, “For people to sometimes think that it’s an easy thing that they can just stroll into, it kind of irks me. It irks me, it does. Because I love this business, I love it more than anything. And if he loves it like I do, well then come along, I’ll show you the ropes. But if he just wants to make some easy money, this ain’t the way to do it.”

    When asked which UFC fighter would translate best to WWE, Becky Lynch was quick to point to Conor McGregor. She noted how most of his personality is borrowed from pro wrestling anyway, including his strut. Lynch added how McGregor “gets it,” especially from a promo, talking perspective.

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  • Roman Reigns Teases Interest In WrestleMania 37 Match Against The Rock

    Roman Reigns Teases Interest In WrestleMania 37 Match Against The Rock

    Roman Reigns has pitched for a high-profile match for next year’s WrestleMania during a recent WrestleMania 37 press conference. “The Big Dog” shared his interest in a matchup against none other than his cousin, WWE Legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

    “I said it earlier, man: If there’s a stadium — Hey, DJ, check it out. Not bad, right? You know, everyone’s always dream matching me and him,” Reigns said. “First of all, we’re family, so it’s all love, but if there was going to be an event for him to compete in, to perform in…a venue to hold that mass-scale of attention that he’s going to bring, it’s right here in your backyard. You know what I mean? You ain’t gotta go far.”

    It was recently revealed that WrestleMania 37 would take place at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The event is scheduled to take place on March 28th, 2021.

    Despite the excitement at the announcement, WrestleMania 36 is just over the horizon. The show airs on April 5th from the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. At the time of writing, the only match announced for the event is a WWE Championship match. Brock Lesnar will be defending his title against the winner of the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble, Drew Mcintyre.

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  • The Undisputed Era React To Velveteen Dream’s Return

    The Undisputed Era React To Velveteen Dream’s Return

    This past week’s episode of NXT saw the return of popular Superstar Velveteen Dream. It was revealed during the ending of the show that Dream was behind the cryptic “2 5 20” messages that have been sporadically appearing during the black-and-gold brand’s recent episodes. Once the message had been made clear, Dream appeared behind the Undisputed Era before doling out his revenge on the stable. The Undisputed Era subsequently addressed Dream’s return and attack in am interview with WWE.com.

    “I have never felt more disrespected in my whole entire life,” Roderick Strong said. “Now listen, it was strictly business what happened between me and Dream before he was put on the shelf. But this? This is extremely personal. Dream’s going to pay, he’s going to pay big time.”

    Undisputed Era leader, Adam Cole added, “You know who else is going to pay? Literally everybody else. We have done this exact same song and dance for far too long now. It’s the Undisputed Era versus the World, am I right? Always.”

    He continued, “So whether it’s Velveteen Dream, whether it’s Tommaso Ciampa, I don’t care who it is. The Undisputed Era will be there to knock them down because that’s what we do. We’re the very best that not only NXT has to offer, but WWE has to offer. We run this place.”

    Dream was written off television late last year due to a back injury. Before his return on this week’s episode, the last time the WWE Universe saw Dream, he was being assaulted backstage by the entire Undisputed Era.

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  • Sasha Banks Opens Up About Her Injury, Royal Rumble Absence

    Sasha Banks Opens Up About Her Injury, Royal Rumble Absence

    WWE Superstar Sasha Banks has addressed her injury during an appearance on WWE’s podcast, After The Bell. During her conversation with host Corey Graves, Banks also spoke about her absence from the 30-Woman Royal Rumble matchup. 

    “The Boss” explained how she suffered an ankle injury a few weeks ago at the hands of “the evil un-role model” Lacey Evans. She noted how she can barely walk properly at this time and is frustrated as she considers herself to be a person that “always wants to be 125 percent.”

    “I’m just at 100 percent. You guys just have to wait,” Banks said. “It’s unacceptable. I’m at 100 percent. I need to be at 120 percent. I’m taking my time so that I can be bigger and better than ever.”

    Why Sasha Banks Wasn’t In The Royal Rumble

    Turning her attention to the Women’s Royal Rumble match, Sasha Banks confessed that she was never scheduled to be a participant. She explained the reason behind this decision is because she is a leader who wanted to “give girls other opportunities.” 

    “I didn’t want to win that match because I didn’t want to choose my best friend nor did I want to choose Becky Lynch because I don’t want to go to RAW,” Banks said. “So I wasn’t going to be in the Royal Rumble regardless, and Bayley asked me to not come out for the match because she wanted to show people that she didn’t need my help. So I respect her.”

    Charlotte Flair would end up winning the Women’s Royal Rumble, granting her a championship match at WrestleMania—an opportunity Banks has previously claimed she doesn’t care about.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Jordan Devlin Wants To Prove Himself Across All Of WWE

    Jordan Devlin Wants To Prove Himself Across All Of WWE

    NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin appeared on this week’s episode of NXT, defeating Tyler Breeze in a competitive matchup. After the matchup, Devlin spoke with WWE.com to share his intentions going forward.

    “What is next for “The Irish Ace”? I’m gonna hop on a plane. Go to San Jose, California. 205 Live. I’m going to Las Vegas, Nevada, I’m going back to California again, back to Orlando, all around the States on the Jordan Devlin Cruiserweight Tour.”

    He continued, “We’re in championship rounds now. Nobody in this entire company has the gas tank that Jordan Devlin does. Nobody else in this company defends their title across three brands. And I know NXT UK are gonna be clamoring for Jordan Devlin back, but let them just wait. I pick my own hours now. I’m gonna show all of the United States, NXT, 205 Live, NXT UK, you never bet against an ace.”

    Jordan Devlin Vs. The World

    Jordan Devlin became the NXT Cruiserweight Champion after emerging victorious from a Fatal 4 Way at Worlds Collide. He defeated then-champion Angel Garza, Isiah “Swerve” Scott and Travis Banks to claim the championship as his own.

    The NXT UK Superstar has some significant supporters within WWE, and his words appear to confirm the reports that he will defend his championship across all of WWE’s brands.

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  • Trent Seven Explains Why WWE Is “The Complete Package”

    Trent Seven Explains Why WWE Is “The Complete Package”

    NXT UK Superstar Trent Seven has spoken about WWE’s entertainment diversity in a recent interview with The Mirror. During the interview, Seven shared his belief that WWE offers “the complete package.” 

    Seven explained how everyone approaches wrestling from a different angle, depending on what you grew up with. He noted how if you grew up watching wrestlers like Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks, “you might see it [WWE’s current product] as the most amazing thing the you have ever watched.”

    He juxtaposed this with fans who may be more traditional, preferring the more competitive shoot-style matches. For Seven, however, WWE can offer something for everyone:

    “I believe that now, the product that we offer, from WWE to NXT UK, there’s such a complete range of entertainment that I don’t think it can be pigeonholed,” Seven explained. “WWE is the complete package as far as entertainment goes.”

    Trent Seven Compares WWE To John Wick

    During the interview, Seven was asked about those who point that wrestling is scripted. The NXT UK Superstar compared the wrestling industry to Hollywood, noting how he watches movies as a “form of entertainment.”

    “I don’t go into a movie like John Wick pretending that it’s real, and that’s the whole point. I go into it as a form of entertainment. I believe as far as professional wrestling goes, there isn’t a more complete form of entertainment.”

    Trent Seven recently appeared on an episode of WWE’s black-and-gold brand, NXT. He competed in a losing effort to Finn Balor. 

  • Jim Ross On AEW’s Commentary Team Chemistry

    Jim Ross On AEW’s Commentary Team Chemistry

    All Elite Wrestling commentator Jim Ross has opened up about the chemistry between himself and his announce partners. Speaking with Wrestlezone, Ross admitted that he loves working with Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. He did, however, note that the AEW announce team is “still coming together.”

    “Our broadcast team is kind of still coming together. I love what Tony and Excalibur brings to the table. I love working with them, they’re good guys,” Ross said. “Most of all I enjoy being around them and you can’t always say that so I’m very blessed in that regard, but we have a lot of work to do to get as good as we need to be and I don’t know if that process really ever stops.”

    He continued, “It doesn’t for me. I don’t know if it’s my ego or my insecurities as a performer, but I never ever felt like I called the best show and I still believe that my best work is yet to come.”

    Jim Ross On Fan Criticism

    Their three-man commentary team has been on the receiving end of fan criticism in the past. Although he sees these comments, Jim Ross explained how he approaches their opinions, confessing that he just has to “deal with it.”

    He highlighted how for “every one or two idiots” who want to use social media to complain, there are thousands of fans that have supported him throughout his career. Ross claimed that their support has undoubtedly helped him get through some tough times over the past few years.

  • Booker T Discusses Drew McIntyre’s Rise To The Top

    Booker T Discusses Drew McIntyre’s Rise To The Top

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has discussed Drew McIntyre’s rise to the top in an interview with Sports Illustrated. Looking at McIntyre’s WWE journey that now leads him to WrestleMania 36, Booker T commented on how it’s “fitting” that he headlines Mania with WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. 

    “McIntyre-Lesnar is a built-in story,” Booker said. “Drew paid his dues. He’s a guy that got fired, had to go out there and find himself, then work his way back up. Drew is a guy that was once labeled ‘The Chosen One,’ and then all of that fell through. To see him back, it’s only fitting to close WrestleMania with that match.”

    Booker T confessed that he relates to McIntyre thanks to their shared work ethic. He felt that he was often a hardworking, but underappreciated, wrestler during his tenure in WCW before his first World Title reign in 2000.

    “I was that guy once upon a time, so I know exactly how Drew feels right now,” Booker T said. “It will be one of those stories where the guy who worked his ass off gets rewarded, and it will be awesome.”

    Drew McIntyre faces Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36. The event takes place on April 5, 2020, from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. 

  • Tony Khan Lists His Wrestling Mount Rushmore, Discusses AEW’s Character Work

    Tony Khan Lists His Wrestling Mount Rushmore, Discusses AEW’s Character Work

    All Elite Wrestling (AEW) President and CEO Tony Khan has revealed which wrestlers adorn his personal wrestling Mount Rushmore. 

    Speaking with AL.com ahead of last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Khan listed Ric Flair, Bret Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. They would join the current AEW World Champion, Chris Jericho, upon his Mount Rushmore. 

    Tony Khan’s Favorites

    Reflecting on how he became a fan of pro wrestling, Khan spoke about his favorite childhood wrestlers. He shared how The A-Team introduced him to Hulk Hogan at a time when he didn’t know what wrestling actually was.

    “When I first really got into wrestling, my favorite wrestlers at first were Ric Flair and the Macho Man, Randy Savage. But the first time I saw wrestling was Hulk Hogan on ‘The A-Team,’ and I didn’t really know what wrestling was, and then I saw Hulk Hogan on WWF TV when I was a kid and that was the first time I’d seen pro wrestling.”

    He continued, “Then I learned about other pro wrestling, like WCW and then later when I was like 13, I got really into ECW, I started trading tapes with people through the dial-up internet, junior-high up into high-school.”

    Khan noted how, upon entering high school, his favorites changed to Austin, Hart and Jericho. With Jericho currently the champion of his promotion, Khan has since developed relationships with both Austin and Hart. It’s a development he admits is “kind of awesome.”

    AEW’s Character Approach

    Many AEW wrestlers have been highlighting the creative freedoms the promotion provides them. It’s a factor that stars like Shawn Spears and Jon Moxley clearly consider important to allow them to flourish without being weighted down. 

    When asked how involved AEW are in crafting or adapting their rosters characters, Khan replied: 

    “It depends. I think we’re really involved in the presentation of whoever it comes in, whether it’s a complete overhaul … I think we have a big say, like I have a big say, in what the presentation’s going to be.”

    Khan continued, “I think what’s great is when we work with people who have so much experience and knowledge, like Chris is brilliant. And I’ve sat with Chris and with Cody and people and we’ve had really interesting talks about how AEW can help develop a unique presentation for them.”

    He highlighted how AEW’s version of Chris Jericho is a different iteration compared to previous gimmicks. He then pointed to Cody Rhodes. Khan explained how Cody evolved during independent circuit experience, but believes his “presentation is off the charts” in AEW. 

  • The Undisputed Era Discuss Their Success, Being “One-In-A-Million”

    The Undisputed Era Discuss Their Success, Being “One-In-A-Million”

    Current NXT Champion Adam Cole has revealed that he didn’t predict Undisputed Era becoming as big as they have become. The stable, who feature on WWE’s black-and-gold brand, has become a firm staple on NXT, with its members often holding gold. At one point, the entire stable held all of NXT’s championships.

    “I didn’t expect it,” Cole revealed to SportsBible when asked about Undisputed Era’s success. “I’m confident in myself and all of us. I’m very confident in our abilities. I know that if given the chance — like the chance that we have now — that we would succeed.But yes, if I’m being totally honest, I did not expect this to turn into one of the… seriously, the best factions in WWE.”

    Cole commented on how he would look out at a TakeOver event and see so many people adorned in Undisputed Era merchandise. He described their teamwork, in-ring ability, and group dynamic as a “one-in-a-million scenario.”

    Undisputed Era’s Organic Popularity

    His Undisputed Era teammates were also a part of the interview. Bobby Fish added to Adam Cole’s comments, noting how success can’t necessarily be predicted. Instead, their popularity has been an organic process.

    “[Undisputed Era], from the inception, has evolved and turned into different things along the way,” Fish said. “Like we talked about it before when there was three and then adding Roddy and Roddy was the only option for this and it caused us to evolve. And you don’t evolve when you’re just sitting in your comfort zone. So like if you plan it all, that doesn’t work.”

    The Undisputed Era recently wrestled in a losing effort against NXT UK’s Imperium. The two teams clashed at WWE’s recent Worlds Collide event.

  • R-Truth Reveals Brock Lesnar Has Been “Pitching Ideas” To Work With Him

    R-Truth Reveals Brock Lesnar Has Been “Pitching Ideas” To Work With Him

    According to former WWE 24/7 Champion R-Truth, Brock Lesnar has been actively pushing to work with him again. The two shared the ring a few weeks ago before the Royal Rumble, with Truth threatening to eliminate Paul Heyman from the Rumble match. Their entire promo was supposedly completely unscripted.

    “Brock actually has been pitching ideas,” R-Truth told UpRoxx.com. “He wants to work with me doing something because of that segment. He pitched a couple ideas. He and I talked afterwards. The sky’s the limit. This business is always changing, and I’m always changing with things.”

    Respect For R-Truth

    According to Mark Henry and Bully Ray, Lesnar holds R-Truth in high regard due to his veteran status. According to Henry, Lesnar wasn’t even aware that Truth would be a part of the promo segment.

    “This was purely Heyman and Truth” Henry revealed. “When I heard it, I was like, No, no. [But] like the more that I saw Brock’s reaction? I realised it was true. That’s the only way that he could break like that. There was no acting. Brock was reacting. And it was absolutely beautiful.”

    Brock Lesnar is scheduled to defend his WWE Championship against Ricochet at WWE Super ShowDown. The pay-per-view takes place on February 27th at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

  • Buddy Murphy Praises Roman Reigns, Reveals Who Asked Him To Join Stable

    Buddy Murphy Praises Roman Reigns, Reveals Who Asked Him To Join Stable

    Buddy Murphy has confessed he believes that Roman Reigns is one of the best in the world. Speaking with talkSPORT, the RAW Team Team Champion opened up about his experiences wrestling the “Big Dog.”

    “Yeah, it was awesome to be in that position,” Murphy said, reflecting on his 2019 SmackDown matches against Reigns and Daniel Bryan. “First of all, with the Roman match and being thrown into the mix with him – Roman was awesome to work with. He kind of let me put my own little spin on it.”

    He continued, “It was more a Buddy Murphy match, so to speak. I know a lot of people in the internet wrestling community give Roman a lot of hate, ‘he can’t wrestle’ and whatever – Roman is one of the best wrestlers in the world and you can mark my word on that.

    Buddy Murphy praised Reigns’ ability in the ring, commenting on the chemistry that had together. Murphy added how, if he could, he would wrestle him every day of the week. It’s a sentiment he also has for Daniel Bryan.

    Buddy Murphy On Joining Seth Rollins

    Having aligned with Seth Rollins, Murphy has since been a tear on RAW. When asked about who approached him to join the stable, Murphy revealed it was Rollins’ idea.

    “Seth did approach me about it, yes. I was very excited to have a story to sink my teeth into because I know I can go out there and perform. I’ve proven that and I’ve stolen many, many shows I’ve been on, but the character aspect and connecting with fans is something you always want to work on. This is the perfect opportunity for that.”

    Buddy Murphy noted how the stable reflects the real-life respect he carries for Rollins. He knows there is a lot he can learn from Rollins going forward and is excited by the dynamic between themselves and the Authors of Pain leading to bigger storylines in the future.

  • Brandi Rhodes Reacts To Fans Rejecting The Nightmare Collective

    Brandi Rhodes Reacts To Fans Rejecting The Nightmare Collective

    All Elite Wrestling’s Chief Brand Officer Brandi Rhodes has addressed fan criticism over her stable, the Nightmare Collective. Speaking with Yahoo! Sport, Rhodes acknowledged the negative reaction her group has received since their debut.

    “Our fans have been very vocal about it from the very beginning,” Rhodes confessed. “They’re a little spoiled, but that’s OK because we love them and we will spoil them.”

    She continued, “One of the things they said that they wanted was stories for the women. Now we are starting to see certain stories develop, ‘Nightmare Collective’ being one of them, but it’s certainly not the only story in the women’s division. There’s a lot of other things happening that people can look at and see where their feelings lie. There’s definitely potential this year for a lot to happen within this division and people should be excited about new stories forming.”

    Although she has competed a few times in an AEW ring, Brandi Rhodes has acted more of a puppet master and spokesperson for the group since their debut.

    Brandi Rhodes’ Nightmare Collective Is Changing

    During this week’s episode of AEW: Dark, Awesome Kong was attacked by her Nightmare Collective cohorts, Mel and Luther. The altercation came about after Kong confronted Mel following Mel’s loss to Hikaru Shida.

    It is speculated that AEW has done this angle in order to write Awesome Kong off of television so she can film the final season of Netflix’s pro wrestling drama series, GLOW.

  • Buddy Murphy Talks About Paul Heyman Believing In Him, 205 Live

    Buddy Murphy Talks About Paul Heyman Believing In Him, 205 Live

    RAW Superstar Buddy Murphy has been enjoying a string of success recently, especially since aligning himself with Seth Rollins. Even before this, Murphy has been turning heads with several great matches against Aleister Black. In a recent interview, Murphy credited these opportunities to Paul Heyman’s belief in him.

    “Paul has been awesome to work with. He has a lot of belief in me and I don’t want to let him down,” Murphy explained to talkSPORT. “The Aleister Black performances and what not, I want the ball and I want to run with it. I believe – and Paul believes – I can be a mega star for this company.”

    Murphy stated how, once the bell rings, he’s confident with his in-ring talents. He then noted that all he needs now is a “story to sink my teeth into.” For him, his alliance with Rollins could be the exact thing to propel him even further. He added how Heyman has been actively pointing him in the right direction, and as long as he can keep Heyman and Vince McMahon happy, then he’s happy.

    Buddy Murphy Comments On 205 Live

    Buddy Murphy then turned his attention to his former brand, 205 Live. He stressed how the the “205 originals are awesome” because of how they could be partnered with any main roster Superstar at any time.

    He admitted he hasn’t seen much of the current 205 Live show, adding how “From what I’ve seen of it, they don’t do much [in the way of] stories at the moment. Not many storylines there, you know what I mean?”