SEScoops

Author: Steve Russell

  • The Revival Reflect On Their NXT Homecoming

    The Revival Reflect On Their NXT Homecoming

    The Revival returned to WWE’s black-and-gold brand this week to take on Undisputed Era members Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish. After the match, Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder caught up with WWE to reflect on their NXT homecoming.

    “It felt great. Win, lose or draw, we went out there and we showed the world that we can still do exactly what we say we do, and that’s be the best tag team on the planet,” Wilder said.

    “Maybe we didn’t win tonight, maybe we didn’t draw tonight, maybe we straight up lost tonight, but we got to come back here, where we started as a tag team five and a half years ago, and we got to show the world that this is what we love. This is what gives me goosebumps every night. It means a lot to us.”

    “We Didn’t Lose Tonight”

    Dawson then interjected, adding “We didn’t lose tonight. I don’t think we lost tonight. I think it was a victory. I think with my wife and my baby girl watching at home, I think they think it’s a victory. I might not have got the 1, 2, 3, but we came back to the house that we built brick by brick, and I don’t care who was on top when we were here, we were the ones that built this house. We were the foundation. I’m very proud to say that.”

    He continued, “Undisputed Era, hey man, you got lucky. You’re a damn good tag team. But if there’s ever a time that you decide that, maybe, there needs to be a three-time NXT Tag Team Champions that go by the name of The Top Guys, FTR, The Revival…hey, give us that shot. Give us that opportunity, and we’ll prove it again. Because you are good, but you ain’t Revival good.”

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

  • Steve Austin Explains Why Brock Lesnar Is “The Guy”

    Steve Austin Explains Why Brock Lesnar Is “The Guy”

    WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin believes that Brock Lesnar is “the guy” in WWE. 

    Speaking on the State of Combat podcast, Austin was asked to name who he believes is the best wrestler of the past decade. He pointed to Lesnar’s impact and “it factor” as two contributing factors adding to his decision.

    “With Brock, you can say ‘part-time’ or this or whatever, but when Brock goes to the ring, I still get a sense of danger or I sense that I don’t really know what he is going to do,” Austin said. “How often does he go to Suplex City? How bad did he really hurt somebody? What’s he going to do to this opponent or what is he going to do to dismantle him?”

    He continued, “Brock Lesnar creates more questions in my mind than anybody else who has walked into the ring for the last 10 years, no question in my mind. Cena is up there with the top of the top, but moving past that, Brock Lesnar, when he walks into an arena or steps into an Octagon, you always wonder what’s going to happen with that guy. He might not be around as much as many people would like, but as far as impact and pure ‘I have to watch this match’ factor, it’s hard to say a guy other than him.”

    Austin’s new show, The Broken Skull Sessions, premieres this Sunday on the WWE Network. 

  • Lacey Evans Reflects On Crown Jewel Experience

    Lacey Evans Reflects On Crown Jewel Experience

    WWE Superstar Lacey Evans made history by participating in the first-ever women’s wrestling match in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She faced off against Natalya in a losing effort for WWE’s Crown Jewel event. Speaking with Wrestlezone, Evans reflected on her historic experience.

    “It was amazing to be able to represent this company which I love, to show the entire world what women are capable of, to help make change, especially as a mother with my daughter watching this take place, is motivating,” she said.

    “I’ve done a lot of things in my life that women statistically couldn’t do or shouldn’t do, or has been frowned upon too, and this was another one in the books for me to go out there and work my ass off like I do in everything in my life and show the world what women are capable of and open doors that people haven’t.”

    She continued, “We opened that door and the only thing I can hope is that people continue to go through those doors because WWE is a family-friendly and hard-working company. When it comes to breaking barriers and showing what women can do. WWE highlights that and they are all for it and they push for that to happen. I was just very blessed to actually get to be a part of that, and worked hard to get there.”

    When asked about her upcoming Survivor Series match this Sunday, Evans admitted she’s looking forward to representing Team SmackDown. If it were up to her, she would only get her hands on the SmackDown and RAW champions, noting that until she’s holding the titles herself, she’ll continue doing what she has to do until the time comes.

    H/T to Wrestlezone for the transcription.

  • Alberto Del Rio Believes The Door Is Open For A WWE Return

    Alberto Del Rio Believes The Door Is Open For A WWE Return

    Former WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio has opened up about the possibility of a WWE return. During an interview with TMZ Sports promoting his forthcoming fight against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz, Del Rio was asked about an in-ring comeback.

    Despite having been vocally critical of both Triple H and Vince McMahon, Del Rio remained open to the idea.

    “The door has always been open for both sides. I’m not against their business and they’re not against my business. At the end of the day, I understand now as a promoter, nothing is personal. When you’re an athlete, sometimes you think your boss doesn’t agree with you because he doesn’t like you but it’s nothing personal.”

    He explained that he’s not simply “jumping from pro wrestling to MMA,” adding that he’s been competing in mixed martial arts his entire life. He stated that he’s making a come back for “one last fight.”

    Del Rio noted that he intends to return to pro wrestling in 2020 while also balancing his role with the fight promotion Combate Americas.

    He is scheduled to fight Ortiz on December 7th at the Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. The show will be available via pay-per-view for $39.99.

  • Drew McIntyre Addresses His NXT Appearance, Keith Lee

    Drew McIntyre Addresses His NXT Appearance, Keith Lee

    Drew McIntyre returned to WWE’s black-and-gold brand during this week’s episode of NXT. “The Scottish Psychopath” made a surprise appearance near the end of the show, delivering a Claymore Kick to Dominik Dijakovic. He was subsequently taken out by Keith Lee.

    Taking to Twitter, McIntyre thanked Triple H for the open door invitation he gave to both RAW and SmackDown rosters. He noted how “The Game” helped bring him back to WWE before promising to “put your boys down” this Sunday at Survivor Series. McIntyre also addressed Lee’s actions on NXT, referencing their past problems on EVOLVE before promising him a “bag of receipts.”

    “Appreciate the invite @TripleH You brought me back to @WWE but this Sunday I gotta put your boys down #SurvivorSeries P.S @RealKeithLee First @WWNEVOLVE now @WWENXT I got a bag of receipts to collect on you”

    https://twitter.com/DMcIntyreWWE/status/1197603413153976325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1197603413153976325&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wrestlinginc.com%2Fnews%2F2019%2F11%2Fdrew-mcintyre-has-words-for-wwe-nxt-star-from-his-past-662499%2F

    Lee attacked McIntyre during the WWN Live Mercury Rising: EVOLVE vs. PROGRESS event back on April 1, 2017. This attacked forced McIntyre off the card, giving him an opportunity to appear in the front row of NXT TakeOver: Orlando over WrestleMania 33 weekend.

    McIntyre is a part of Team RAW alongside Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton and Ricochet. They take on Team NXT and Team SmackDown, comprised of Roman Reigns, Mustafa Ali, Braun Strowman, King Corbin and Shorty G. As of writing, members of Team NXT have yet to be announced.

  • Ryback Discusses CM Punk Joining WWE Backstage, Possible In-Ring Return

    Ryback Discusses CM Punk Joining WWE Backstage, Possible In-Ring Return

    Former WWE Superstar Ryback has shared his thoughts on CM Punk new analyst role on FS1’s WWE Backstage show. Speaking on his podcast, Conversations with The Big Guy, Ryback addressed Punk’s new association with WWE. He stated how Punk has, in the past, sacrificed the things he “so-called believes in” for money.

    “Everyone does that in different things,” Ryback explained. “I think this is the thing with him–this is all with Vince, and once you know Vince and he is a weird old man as Seth Rollins and others have realized that, it’s all a game to him and this is simply just CM Punk.”

    He explained how Punk clearly had a game plan when he first left WWE. According to Ryback, that game plan “bombed.” He then gave him credit for managing to negotiate a contract with FOX.

    “It seems like when FOX comes down with something he caters to them and Punk worked out a contract with FOX, and if FOX wants ratings and things, Punk still has power or leverage where people still think he has potential star power where FOX negotiated the deal with him and no matter what WWE thought they were probably going to go along with it because FOX wants it so it’s a weird chess game going on.”

    When it comes to the possibility of Punk returning to in-ring competition, Ryback stressed how “If he wants to go back to WWE he doesn’t want to go back with a tail between his legs.” He noted how Punk is essentially one step away from working for WWE again, adding that the entire situation is now a chess game. With FOX wanting their ratings to go up, and having a former champion on staff, Ryback believes it’s a scenario that WWE can’t ignore. 

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

  • Damien Priest Discusses His Character, Power Of Positive Thinking

    Damien Priest Discusses His Character, Power Of Positive Thinking

    NXT Superstar Damien Priest is on the rise within WWE’s black-and-gold brand. Joining Sean “X-Pac” Waltman on his podcast, X-Pac 12360, Priest discussed the similarities between himself in real life and his on-screen character.

    “This is the closest to me that I’ve ever been in this business,” Priest admitted. “The idea to live forever is to accomplish as much as I can in this business so that my name gets remembered.”

    He continued,” When you think about iconic rock stars, like Morrison, and bands like Priest and Motley Crue, they’ll never get forgotten. So the idea is to have that image, because that’s the way I want to live, or at least how Damian Priest wants to live, because that’s the way somebody who’s never going to be forgotten lives. And to a certain degree, that is me. I try to live kind of like a rock star-ish life, where I like going out, I like going to concerts, I head-bang. This is all real stuff.”

    “I Didn’t Know The Inside Of A Gym”

    Priest recalled having a WWE tryout back in 2010. Although he was upset at the time, he now understands that he simply wasn’t ready. He confessed that he wasn’t even close to where he is now, noting that he wasn’t even in good shape. 

    “I was in a shape, it was round, but I didn’t know the inside of a gym at all. I looked horrible, I was sloppy in the ring. But to me, I thought I was ready. Looking back now, I can be honest with myself and know that, although it took me a very long time to get here, I’m the most prepared I could be.”

    Power Of Positivity

    Like the New Day, Priest believes in the power of positivity. He stressed how this mindset helped him achieve his goals within pro wrestling, adding that his belief in “being positive” isn’t a work. 

    “[…] when you really start making an effort to do it, it’s incredible the amount of positive that can happen in return. Just because you’re not so focused on the negative, and you just keep moving forward and moving forward and moving forward.”

    “So even when I did my [first] PC tryout and I was turned down, while I was upset, it didn’t stop me. I still kept on working hard, and I still got more opportunities. I got an actual job in wrestling and I got to travel different parts of the world wrestling, which I’d never done in all the years I’d been in the business. And then, when I wrote this place off, all of a sudden, I’m getting a phone call, and I’m like, ‘This is unexpected, but wow.”

    Damien Priest competes this Saturday at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. He will take on both Pete Dunne and Killian Dain a triple threat match. The winner of the match will receive an NXT Championship opportunity at this Sunday’s Survivor Series against Adam Cole. 

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Ember Moon Opens Up About Her Achilles Injury

    Ember Moon Opens Up About Her Achilles Injury

    WWE Superstar Ember Moon was a guest on last night’s episode of FS1’s WWE Backstage. During her appearance, Moon openly addressed the current injury that has kept her away from in-ring competition. 

    “Long and short, I basically ruptured my Achilles and tore it in half. So…tore it off the bone. Sorry, tore it off the bone as well. So, as Booker would say: I’m done. But, while I’m done, I get to hang out with you guys and talk a whole load of wrestling.”

    There is, unfortunately, no return schedule for Moon. She noted that she has taken a coaching opportunity for the time being as she heals and rehabs. Moon has been away from the ring dealing with this injury since her last television appearance on the September 23rd episode of Monday Night RAW. She lost a match to Lacey Evans.

    At the time, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter commented on the injury, writing “Moon will be out of action for a decent length of time with either an ankle or an Achilles injury. The latter is really nasty, as that can be close to a year.”

    New Day member Xavier Woods also recently suffered an Achilles injury during a WWE Live Event in Australia. He has since had surgery and is estimated to be out of action from anywhere between 6 months up to a year. Depending on the severity of Moon’s injury, then, her recovery time could be similar.

  • Adam Cole Set To Defend NXT Championship At Survivor Series

    Adam Cole Set To Defend NXT Championship At Survivor Series

    It’s going to be a busy week for NXT Champion Adam Cole. The Undisputed Era leader is not only set to compete tonight on NXT in a ladder match, he will also be featured in a WarGames matchup this Saturday at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. In addition to these physically demanding matches, it’s now been announced that Cole will be defending his NXT Championship the day after this hellacious encounter at Survivor Series. All of this while the Superstar continues to deal with an injury.

    WWE made the announcement that a new number one contender will be determined on tonight’s episode of NXT. A Triple Threat match between Pete Dunne, Killian Dain and Damien Priest will face off for the opportunity on Sunday.

    Dunne has been feuding with both Dain and Priest in recent weeks. Last week, he and Dain were meant to compete in the ring. Their match would never start, however, as Dain was attacked by Priest during his entrance. It didn’t take long for things to devolve into an all-out brawl between the three of them.

    Cole joins his Undisputed Era stablemates Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish this Saturday. They take on the tea of Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee, Dominik Dijakovic and a yet to be announced partner in a WarGames match.

    NXT TakeOver: WarGames takes place from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

  • Chris Jericho Reveals What Would Make Him Leave Pro Wrestling

    Chris Jericho Reveals What Would Make Him Leave Pro Wrestling

    AEW Champion Chris Jericho has broken down the scenario that would need to transpire for him to leave pro wrestling.

    Speaking with the Pacific Rim podcast, “Le Champion” discussed competing and traveling on a reduced schedule. He highlighted how he has only performed in-ring on a handful of occasions in 2018, listing matches for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, WWE and a match on his cruise. Jericho admitted he likes wrestling on this reduced schedule, especially when compared to the demands of his former employer, WWE. He noted how he has competed about 10-12 times this year but is more than happy with this schedule. 

    “I think if I continue with that schedule, I may be able to continue to work at this level for years to come,” Jericho said. “For me, people will say ‘well, how much longer can you do this?’ or ‘how long do you plan to do this?’ I never think about it that way. To me, it’s I’m just Chris Jericho and I’ll continue to do what I’ve always done and when I start feeling like I’m not at the level or, doing the best segment of the show or having one of the best matches on the show, I’ll stop but that hasn’t happened yet.”

    Jericho recently defeated Cody Rhodes, successfully defending his AEW Championship at the promotion’s last pay-per-view, Full Gear. 

    H/T to WrestlingNews for the transcription. 

  • Nikki Cross On Her Partnership With Alexa Bliss, Life Imitating Art

    Nikki Cross On Her Partnership With Alexa Bliss, Life Imitating Art

    During a recent interview, Nikki Cross opened up about her partnership with Alexa Bliss. She explained how their on-screen partnership is reflective of their real-life friendship.

    Speaking with Digital Spy, Cross said, “Alexa was someone who I had always gotten along with in NXT, but we didn’t really know each other too well and then we just started to talk. It just started off with us getting coffee together, then driving together and traveling together and just basically being on the road together.”

    She explained how the story that unfolded on screen was essentially the same origin story of their friendship, saying “[…] the way we kind of met and then there were different layers to the friendship and different layers to the relationship explored on television. It was kinda what was basically happening in real life was us coming together and then working together and getting to know each other and getting to find out little things about each other. Basically life imitated art and art imitated life there.”

    Cross shared how their goal as a team is to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. She stated they are 100 percent dedicated to keeping their team going. She noted they also aim to become the first-ever two-time Women’s Tag Team Champions. Cross recently reportedly signed a multi-year contract extension to her WWE contract.

  • Tommaso Ciampa Opens Up About His Road To Recovery

    Tommaso Ciampa Opens Up About His Road To Recovery

    Since returning from neck surgery, NXT Superstar Tommaso Ciampa has quickly re-established himself on WWE’s black-and-gold brand, NXT. Speaking with Yahoo!, Ciampa addressed his road to recovery post-neck surgery as well as his vision for NXT’s future.

    “When you have the surgery, the biggest question mark is how quickly are you going to get strength and feeling back in your arms and hands,” Ciampa explained.

    “For me, the second I woke up, it was like snapping your fingers. I could open and close my hand again, strength wasn’t at 100 percent, but movement, mobility, control, all of that was there. Feeling and sensation came back immediately, which was a very good sign. [Any uncertainty I had] was more hesitation going into the procedure, me hoping that it worked as well as we thought it would since we caught it early. As soon as I woke up and all of those boxes were checked, there wasn’t much doubt about me returning.”

    “NXT Is Legit”

    Looking to his home brand, NXT, Ciampa shared that he isn’t surprised at how well they are doing against RAW and SmackDown.

    “We are equal, NXT is legit,” he stated. “I think some people knew that but now we’re reaching a bigger audience. I joked about it when we got the USA deal, that I couldn’t wait until 5 or 10 years down the road when it’s WrestleMania weekend and NXT is drawing the bigger house. I stand by that. You give us 5 to 10 years on TV, every week on USA, I think NXT is going to become in everyone’s eyes the No. 1 brand in professional wrestling.

    Ciampa goes to war this Saturday at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. He is joined by Keith Lee, Dominik Dijakovic and an announced partner against the team of the Undisputed Era in a WarGames matchup.

  • Billy Corgan Shares His Thoughts On Booking Heels And Faces In Modern Wrestling

    Billy Corgan Shares His Thoughts On Booking Heels And Faces In Modern Wrestling

    National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) President Billy Corgan has shared how he views the idea of heels and faces in 2019. Speaking with Bully Ray and David LaGreca on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, Corgan opened up about how he applies his concepts of right and wrong into NWA’s booking philosophies. 

    “I look at it like if you look at the way most modern—let’s call it like the HBO, Netflix-type shows are booked,” Corgan said. “You don’t have pure babyface anymore, because nobody believes that. So what I call it is kind of ‘moral ambiguity.’ Can a good person do a bad thing and can a bad person do a good thing? That’s where I’m sort of interested.”

    He continued, “So I think if you’re trying to book more modern storylines in the 2019-2020 sense, I think you want to have those wrinkles in there, but at the end of the day, you have to believe in the core character of that person, or at the end of the day you’re wasting the audiences time.”

    “Because what you’re saying is that at any point in time, magical things can just happen, and that’s where I have a problem. Because if you’re asking somebody who would invest in a really long storyline, and then just magically a hand reaches from the sky—what they call in theater ‘Deus Ex Machina—and God just changes the rules. Suddenly somebody can fly.”

    NWA Powerrr uploads new episodes to their official YouTube channel every Tuesday. You can watch the latest episode below.

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

    https://youtu.be/im3mH_vlNlU
  • Enzo Amore Denies Starting WWE Return Rumors

    Enzo Amore Denies Starting WWE Return Rumors

    Former WWE Superstar Enzo Amore has addressed rumors that he may be returning to WWE. Speaking with Hannibal TV, Amore explained that the initial reports “definitely came from them [WWE].” He added that he didn’t start any rumors to generate interest in a return, even stating that he has proof that it all started because of someone within WWE.

    “I do have confirmation that it was not obviously me, it was somebody in their organization. My phone has been ringing,” Amore said. “I’m not saying it’s WWE. I’m not saying it’s the other organizations. I’m just saying, I’m a free agent in the pro wrestling world.”

    He continued, “You can have to understand the gratitude for the opportunity I was given. When you join the mob, you don’t talk about the mob. You continue to appreciate the time you had, but at the same time, move on. Know exactly what it is that you brought to the table, believe in yourself, stay confident, stay inspired, and take the opportunities they give you and create your own platform.”

    “It’s Pro Wrestling. It’s A Work”

    Amore expressed his gratitude at being able to meet with fans but stressed that he is ultimately his own brand. He claimed that his name, fanbase and social media following gives him the ability to book himself and get endorsement deals.

    “You should treat yourself as a brand. I’m my own brand. If I show up to your pay-per-view and I trend number one in the world and all I had to do was pay $2,500 to buy a ticket and parlay that into an opportunity at Madison Square Garden, where I jump a guardrail and we trend again number one in the world, that’s just taking advantage of opportunity.”

    He added, “At the same time, while being gracious, also saying ‘I’m not gonna be bullied.’ I’m not gonna stand here and let you throw dirt on my name or make it so you can’t type my name in on WWE Network and I don’t pop up anymore. I did nothing wrong. The world knows it. Police report says it. You fired me based on a tweet. Here’s me firing back. I’m not gonna sit down and be no bitch about my brand and what it is I bring to the table as a pro wrestler. At the same time, I’ll play the game. It’s pro wrestling. It’s a work.”

    Amore has previously thanked his former employer for the support they and Diamond Dallas Page have bestowed on his tag team partner, Big Cass.

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription.

  • Seth Rollins Calls CM Punk A “Coward” For Ducking His Challenges

    Seth Rollins Calls CM Punk A “Coward” For Ducking His Challenges

    Former WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins has lashed back at CM Punk, calling him a “coward.” During last night’s episode of FS1’s WWE Backstage show, Punk responded to Rollins’ tweet requesting a fight.

    “I would like my journalistic integrity to be intact, so this isn’t the show where you come on and shoot your little angles,” Punk said.

    He continued, “Seth needs to stop tweeting and realize that sometimes it’s better to be viewed as the fool and shut your mouth, or open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Punk then added that Rollins should delete his Twitter account, noting that it’s “not doing him any favors.”

    Rollins’ response saw him retweet the clip of Punk’s reply. He accompanied it with the following caption: “HELL of a “response.” Coward.” He accompanied his words with an eye-roll emoji.

    Seth Rollins is currently scheduled to take part in this Sunday’s 5-on-5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match. He is joined by Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton and Ricochet as Team RAW. They face off against Team SmackDown, comprised of Roman Reigns, Mustafa Ali, Braun Strowman, King Corbin and Shorty G. At the time of writing, Team NXT members have yet to be announced.

  • Steve Austin On Chris Jericho: “He’s As Entertaining As It Gets”

    Steve Austin On Chris Jericho: “He’s As Entertaining As It Gets”

    WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin had high praise for the current AEW World Champion Chris Jericho. Speaking on an episode of his podcast, The Steve Austin Show, Austin praised Jericho as a smart individual, calling him a “wrestler’s wrestler” because of the way he studies and respects the history of the pro wrestling industry.

    Austin and his guest, stunt performer and actor Paul Lazenby, discussed Jericho’s ability to reinvent himself throughout the years. They highlighted his ability to grow and evolve as the wrestling business did. 

    “He’s Jericho, man. He’s going to do everything you need to get over if you’re good enough to get over in the ring. Like, he knows what to do as a heel; he knows what to do as a face; he knows what to do to make people care about the match; and then, it’s up to you after that,” Lazenby said.

    He continued, “It’s so diverse, and he seems to know when the right time to make a change is, and what the right change to make is. Like when he started with New Japan [Pro-Wrestling]. ‘Well, okay, I have to be a different Chris Jericho in Japan than I am in North America’ and that’s when the whole ‘Painmaker’ gimmick started up, and, of course, it turned out to be the right thing and it was something completely different. And now, it’s to the point where he [has] kind of got it as an alternate persona where Muta had two personas and you might get Jericho, but you might get ‘The Painmaker’ that night who wrestles a different way. Yeah, he’s just a dude who seems to see around corners and constantly finds new ways to put himself out there and new ways to reinvent himself.”

    Austin agreed with Lazenby’s thoughts, adding that Jericho is “about as entertaining as it gets” right now. He explained how Jericho is pushing the envelope, and his unpredictability has fans eager to tune in each week. For him, this adds a dangerous edge to his character that Austin enjoys watching. 

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Nikki Cross Has Reportedly Signed A Multi-Year Contract Extension With WWE

    Nikki Cross Has Reportedly Signed A Multi-Year Contract Extension With WWE

    Nikki Cross has reportedly signed a multi-year contract extension with WWE.

    According to Squared Circle Sirens, Cross has signed a new deal that will see her stay a part of the company for an undisclosed number of years.

    Cross, who is a SmackDown Superstar following this year’s 2019 WWE Draft, originally signed with the promotion in 2016. She made a name for herself amongst the WWE Universe as a member of Sanity during her time in NXT. She made her official main roster debut last year. Recently, Cross has been teaming with Alexa Bliss. The two are former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, holding those belts for 62 days before losing them to the current champions, The Kabuki Warriors.

    Nikki Cross is scheduled to compete at this Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. She joins Sasha Banks, Carmella, Dana Brooke and Lacey Evans as a part of Team SmackDown. They compete against both Team RAW and Team NXT in a 5-on-5-on-5 traditional Survivor Series elimination match. Team RAW is comprised of Charlotte Flair, Natalya, Asuka, Kairi Sane and Sarah Logan. At the time of writing, the members of Team NXT have yet to be announced.

    Survivor Series takes place Sunday, November 24th from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

  • Kurt Angle Shares Which WWE Storyline Was Tough For Him

    Kurt Angle Shares Which WWE Storyline Was Tough For Him

    WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle recently hosted a Q&A session on his official Facebook page. During the fan interaction, Angle shared which WWE storyline he didn’t enjoy, his old action figures, and who he considers to be the friendliest wrestlers in the WWE locker room.

    Although he has never turned down a storyline, Angle confessed there was one story arc that he wasn’t comfortable with:

    “The one that I didn’t really like was with Booker T and Sharmell, when I was stalking Sharmell. A bit weird for me. Have tons of respect for Book and Sharmell. It was tough to do,” he said.

    When asked about how he felt when he got his very first action figure, Angle responded “It was pretty cool. My wife is kind of pissed at me because I never collected any of my action figures. I’m not much of a collector.”

    He explained how he and his wife are now actively trying to collect all of his old figures, saying “She’s trying to do it now and it’s costing us lots of money. It’s hard to find the old figures, but my wife has been buying them online. Rumors are I have over 150 different figures. We will see.”

    As far as the friendliest wrestlers in WWE, Angle was quick to name Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. He noted that they are both very respectful and extremely approachable, which he believes most fans would agree with.

  • Dolph Ziggler Recalls Getting Yelled At By Vince McMahon Backstage

    Dolph Ziggler Recalls Getting Yelled At By Vince McMahon Backstage

    WWE wrestler Dolph Ziggler recently took part in an interview with talkSPORT.

    During the conversation, “The Showoff” spoke about some of his notable career moments, including cashing in his Money in the Bank contract, his performance during Survivor Series 2014, and facing former WCW legend, Goldberg. He also opened up about the occasions in which Vince McMahon has yelled at him over his work or performance.

    When asked what the worst thing Vince McMahon has ever said to him, the former multiple-time former World Heavyweight Champion replied, “Oh, boy. I can’t say those things! It’s very passionate in the backstage gorilla position where something either really special happens or it doesn’t. And, of course, as much as I brag about being great, I’ve been yelled at a million times because you either went the wrong direction or did something or went heavy [on time].”

    He continued, “Something along the lines of ‘This isn’t the Attitude Era, you can’t just go as long as you want out there’, with some yelling back and forth between us.”

    Ziggler then joked about how McMahon’s reaction made him think “So, like, I’m almost there? No, no your not.”

    WWE’s next pay-per-view Survivor Series takes place this Sunday. At the time of writing, Ziggler, who has recently been partnering with Robert Roode, has yet to be scheduled to compete.

    Visit talkSPORT to check out their full interview with Dolph Ziggler.

  • Jon Moxley Speculated To Return To NJPW For Wrestle Kingdom 14

    Jon Moxley Speculated To Return To NJPW For Wrestle Kingdom 14

    All Elite Wrestling’s Jon Moxley may be returning to Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom event in January. 

    It was noted by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there is word Moxley could be heading back to NJPW. If he does, it is speculated he could be working one of the two Wrestle Kingdom dates. 

    “It hasn’t been announced but the belief is Jon Moxley is working the Tokyo Dome. From those in AEW, they believe that to be the case but weren’t 100 percent on it.”

    He noted that Moxley could be returning to wrestle for the IWGP United States Championship against current champion Lance Archer.

    Vacated Championship

    Moxley was forced to vacate the title after he was unable to travel to Japan due to weather conditions for October’s King of Pro Wrestling event. He was scheduled to defend against Juice Robinson. Archer stepped in instead at the last moment, subsequently winning the first major singles championship of his career.

    NJPW’s recent Showdown in San Jose show reignited issues between the two after Archer defeated Robinson’s friend David Finlay. Meltzer added that New Japan could settle on a triple threat match for the championship between Moxley, Robinson and Archer.

    Wrestle Kingdom 14 takes place from Japan’s Tokyo Dome. The event will take place over two days on January 4th and 5th, 2020.

  • Cesaro Reveals Advice He Received From John Cena

    Cesaro Reveals Advice He Received From John Cena

    WWE Superstar Cesaro has divulged the advice he received from John Cena. Speaking with Sportskeeda, “The Swiss Superman” addressed sharing the ring with Cena and how he feels being considered by fans as one of the best in-ring workers. He noted that the advice given are words he still tries to adhere by with every match.

    “I’m very honored. I don’t take it lightly, as some people might just be like, ‘Ah yeah, I’m awesome and everybody likes me!’ Something that John Cena always said: you’re only as good as your last match. And I believe that.”

    He continued, “Every match I try to do as good as possible with whatever I’m given because technically you never know when your last match is. I’d hate to be like, ‘I don’t feel like it tonight,’ and then something terrible happens.”

    “I feel like to the fans, no matter where you come to see a show, if you’re part of an eight-man or if you’re in a singles match, it doesn’t matter. You just put on the best show so they’ll remember it, and I don’t take that pressure lightly.”

    Cesaro recently stated his dedication to a singles run, potentially nixing a potential reunion of The Bar. He has also expressed his desire to succeed on RAW and SmackDown rather than return to WWE’s black-and-gold brand, NXT.

  • Tommaso Ciampa Recalls Being Involved In Undertaker Segment Early In His Career

    Tommaso Ciampa Recalls Being Involved In Undertaker Segment Early In His Career

    Tommaso Ciampa is primed to take part in this weekend’s WarGames matchup at NXT TakeOver. Since becoming an NXT Superstar, Ciampa has risen through the ranks and become synonymous with the black-and-gold brand. Prior to this Superstardom, however, Ciampa made sporadic appearances for WWE early in his career. One such moment occurred in 2005, where he portrayed a lawyer on-screen during a segment featuring The Undertaker. Speaking with the State of Combat podcast, Ciampa recalled his first-ever on-screen WWE role. 

    He explained how he used to train at Killer Kowalski’s training school, which acted as a “feeding ground” for WWE. Ciampa noted that anytime the company was in the northeast area, they would contact Kowalski’s school to source extra talent. At the time, a 20-year-old Ciampa happened to be one selected.

    “It Was Wild”

    “Luckily for me, I have always felt comfortable around the microphone, so in that part I wasn’t nervous, particularly because I had a script that I was reading off of because I was acting like a lawyer that day so I didn’t even have to memorize the lines,” said Ciampa. “But the day itself was crazy, because once I got picked, it was probably 4 pm at the time. It was an important angle for WWE because maybe a week or two prior, Mohammad Hassan and Davari had done something to upset the executives or whatever it was at the time, or maybe it was UPN, or whatever it was. It was around the time of the terrorists so it just didn’t sit well with people.”

    He continued, “This lawyer thing had to be an apology that came off sincere, and also in the wrestling world, it had to make sense and also for The Undertaker to come out. I rehearsed that script in front of everybody. I did a solo in front of Vince McMahon in his office. I did an in-ring with The Undertaker, Vince McMahon and Triple H. Looking back now, it’s like I see how big of a deal it was and how crazy it was to have that one-on-one time with everybody as a 20-year-old kid on the independents. It was wild. Everyone treated me incredibly well. I remember that they didn’t like the suit that I had on so they went and bought me a suit and let me keep it.”

    Ciampa shared that being in the ring with The Undertaker is one of the notable highlights of his career. He added that his time spent backstage with Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, and Vince McMahon as well as how he was treated had a more significant impact than anything else that took place that day. 

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Finn Balor Admits He Wasn’t Happy On Main Roster, Talks About Bullet Club In WWE

    Finn Balor Admits He Wasn’t Happy On Main Roster, Talks About Bullet Club In WWE

    Finn Balor recently returned to WWE’s black-and-gold brand, NXT. He immediately made an impact, expressing his interest in the NXT Championship by confronting current champion Adam Cole. 

    Speaking with Corey Grave’s on WWE’s podcast, After The Bell, Balor opened up about his unhappiness on WWE’s main roster. He also addressed his NXT return and even spoke about the Bullet Club.

    “[The idea to return to NXT] came to be a couple of months ago. Things weren’t going kind of as smoothly – well, I don’t want to say ‘as smoothly’. I just wasn’t happy where I was at on RAW and SmackDown,” Balor admitted. “I had a conversation with Hunter, we pinged some ideas back and forth, I took a little time off and came back in NXT. It’s all been awesome since.”

    He was quick to note that he wouldn’t change anything about his main roster experience—one that saw him become the promotion’s first-ever Universal Champion. 

    “[…] everyone’s been through those times in their career, and everybody’s been through s–tty times in their lives. And I don’t want to say it was a s–tty time but it was a time that looking back now, I learned more than anything on those three years on RAW and SmackDown.”

    He continued, “So, I wouldn’t necessarily change anything but I learned a lot from it and I can take that forward. I’ve still got another, I believe, like eight years left in me. Not a lot of people have been fortunate enough to have done what I’ve done so fast.”

    Bullet Club

    Balor helped form the original iteration of Bullet Club during his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. With WWE openly referencing his time in the Club, as well as The O.C.’s involvement with the group, Balor admitted they are all “still boys.” But even he isn’t sure if WWE will commit to a Bullet Club reunion on their show.

    “[…] whether it happens on screen or not? I don’t know,” Finn admitted. “It’s one of those things where it almost, nearly happens and then doesn’t. Is that cooler? Or will it be the case where if we give it to them, its, ‘Uh, that was it? I was hoping it was going to be cooler than that.’”

    Balor continued, “And we keep talking about this five years I’ve been in WWE – that Bullet Club stuff, for me, is six or seven years ago. So, trying to go back in time that far for me is – I’d rather come up with something new, create something new, create something fresh that people can talk about that can leave another legacy and another chapter of my career. Hopefully, that’s what we can do at NXT.”

    Finn Balor is set to compete against Matt Riddle at NXT TakeOver: WarGames. The two clash on November 23rd. 

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

  • Matt Taven On Dealing With Critics, Appreciating His Supporters

    Matt Taven On Dealing With Critics, Appreciating His Supporters

    Former Ring of Honor (ROH) World Champion Matt Taven held the promotion’s top title for 174 days. He initially won the championship back in April during the ROH/New Japan Pro-Wrestling co-production G1 Supercard.

    In an interview with Wrestlezone, Taven spoke about dealing with people who have been critical of his championship reign and ROH accomplishments.

    “For so long I was scratching to get some sort of sniff at the World Title, and I was doing anything possible, and really letting anyone know that was stepping in my way, you know, ‘Screw you, Melvin, I’m Matt Taven, I’m meant to be in this position.’”

    He continued, “[…] then once that happens, instead of hearing the negativity, you start to hear the people that support you a lot louder than you have in the past. And there’s been a big appreciation for the work that I’ve done.”

    Reflecting on the support he’s received, Taven highlighted his own loyalty to those who have had his back over the years:

    “In reality, I’ve always been loyal to the people that support me and the people that have backed me,” Taven said. “And now that that support has been growing – and I think the appreciation has grown with the loss of the Ring Of Honor World Title, it might seem that I have had a change of attitude, but I’ve always been with the people that support me and I will continue to be that way.”

    When it comes to those who are critical of him, his character or his performance, Taven explained that, for him, it’s no longer about proving people wrong. Instead, he wants to have a better appreciation for those who have supported him throughout his career.

  • Roman Reigns Praises Baron Corbin, Talks About How John Cena Changed The Game

    Roman Reigns Praises Baron Corbin, Talks About How John Cena Changed The Game

    Roman Reigns had favorable words for his rival Baron Corbin whilst talking with After The Bell host Corey Graves. He talked about how Corbin “rubbed everybody a certain way” including other WWE Superstars, and that he would leverage that for his in-ring work. 

    “Even with the boys back then he got a reaction,” Reigns said. “He rubbed everybody a certain way, and when he got into the ring, he picked it up. He’s a big guy with good timing.”

    Reigns continued, “It’s one of those things, and you’ve seen it a billion times – including likely with me – guys will just get it. There would be a point in time where two left feet just becomes good footwork and it just clicks. In the past couple of years, that transition has happened for him and ever since he cut that hair off and got real stupid and cocky, it started working for him.”

    He reflected on how every time Corbin is in the ring, the crowd openly “despises” him. Reigns joked how it makes his job a lot easier because “He makes it so that the crowd wants another guy to come out there and kick his ass.”

    “The Big Dog” admitted that there several Superstars ready to break out in the locker room. He stressed how it’s one thing to get into a top position, and another thing entirely to stay there. Reigns pointed to John Cena as a top WWE Superstar who was able to achieve that longevity. 

    “You can’t just have one good month or one good year. In this day and age, your run has to be pretty significant to really make waves. John Cena changed that whole game for us,” he said.” 

    “It was a lot different for Rock and Steve [Austin] as it seemed like it was a transition into the next guy. You’ve gotta be able to hold it down for a while because there’s no offseason. The only way to show your value nowadays is through consistency but that’s in everything, not just this business…”

    Roman Reigns is scheduled to compete at this year’s Survivor Series event. He is joined by Mustafa Ali, Braun Strowman, King Corbin and Shorty G on Team SmackDown. They face off against both Team RAW and Team NXT on November 24.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.