WWE Speed, a new show featuring high-speed matches, is coming to Twitter this year, the company has confirmed. 

During the WWE WrestleMania 40 Kick-Off event, Michael Cole announced that WWE and Twitter have partnered up to launch WWE Speed. The matches will have a five-minute time limit, meaning that Superstars will have to give it their all to score a win in the allotted time limit. WWE Speed will be distributed exclusively on Twitter. 

? JUST ANNOUNCED: WWE Speed is a new weekly video series showcasing up to 5-minute matches which will be distributed exclusively on X!

Beginning Spring 2024, WWE and X will deliver the new format for high-paced timed matches showcasing your favorite WWE Superstars! pic.twitter.com/QlhCKoRUrz

— WWE (@WWE) February 9, 2024

WWE Speed

Before the December 15, 2023, SmackDown began broadcasting, the fans in attendance were treated to the introduction of the WWE Speed Match. The taping saw ‘Big’ Bronson Reed facing NXT Superstar Nathan Frazer in the first match. Later on, Cedric Alexander faced NXT’s Axiom.

Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick were on commentary, and the matches were filmed as if they’d be broadcast. Given Kevin Patrick’s release from WWE though, it’s unclear if WWE will dub over the commentary with a more current announce team. 

WWE’s Fastest Matches

Five Minutes may not seem like a lot of time, but there are some matches that more than fit this time limit. On the September 4, 2000, episode of Raw, Chris Jericho and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler defeated Tazz and Mideon, with Lawler getting the roll-up over Tazz and his team winning in three seconds. 

More recently, Aliyah scored a 3.17-second win over Natalya during a January 2022, edition of SmackDown. WWE would lean heavily into the win, with the now former Superstar receiving an ‘Aliyah 3:17’ shirt to celebrate her victory.

WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker recently surfaced in Saudi Arabia as part of the festivities for the match between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. 

Before the game kicked off, the Phenom, decked in full Undertaker attire, appeared in front of the crowd at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After his entrance, which included his WWE theme music, The Undertaker held up the Riyadh Season Cup to the sound of lightning and thunder. 

Nah man, The Undertaker showing up in Saudi Arabia for this is wild ?? pic.twitter.com/KjQGfDWcbj

— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) February 8, 2024

Soccer star Christiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr was quite enthralled by the presence of the legend. 

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to The Undertaker lifting the Trophy ahead of the game between Al Nassar & Al Hilal.https://t.co/S2zqTRobvD

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 8, 2024

The Undertaker Out of the Ring

While The Undertaker had his final farewell at Survivor Series 2020, that didn’t mark the end of the Phenom. Undertaker has appeared out of character at several ‘1 deadMAN’ events, in which the legend regales stories from his career and answers questions from the audience. The Undertaker has appeared out of character at multiple WWE events since his retirement, including at WrestleMania 38 and at the Raw is XXX show in January of last year. 

Outside of wrestling, The Undertaker appeared (in character) to introduce Pitbull at a concert in Saudi Arabia. The WWE Hall of Famer also appeared in character for Netflix’s interactive special ‘Escape The Undertaker.’ The interactive experience sees the New Day arrive in The Undertaker’s funeral home and need to find a way out before they become trapped forever. 

What moment from is career left The Undertaker shaking in his boots… 

Sting is a champion in wrestling mere weeks away from the end of his career, but he would have been happy ending his career without this title win. 

The Icon and Darby All won the titles on this week’s Dynamite, ending the reign of Big Bill & Ricky Starks. The former champions had held the titles since the October 7, 2023, edition of AEW Collision, where they dethroned the record-holding two-time champions FTR. 

Sting Against World Tag Title Win

Sting was adamantly against winning the AEW World Tag Team Championships for a long time, Fightful Select reports. The WWE/TNA Hall of Famer was also against the idea of competing for them. Some people in AEW argued that from their point of view, Sting and Allin’s undefeated record as a team meant they had to get a title shot. Tony Khan recently announced they were introducing its ranking system. This system aims to provide a sense of legitimacy to the company’s matches by ensuring those who win the most receive championship opportunities. 

The decision for Sting and Allin to win the AEW World Tag Team Championships “was made well in advance” and Sting went along with it. Sources said that the Icon was “all smiles” after the match backstage. This victory marks Sting’s first championship victory since 2011. 

What’s Next? 

After their victory, Sting and Darby Allin were attacked by the Young Bucks, and the two teams are expected to face off at next month’s Revolution pay-per-view. Fightful adds that The planned Revolution location was changed from the midwest to Greensboro to fit Sting’s send-off. 

Why did the Young Bucks attack Sting and Darby Allin on this week’s Dynamite… 

Dave Batista has made quite the name for himself on the silver screen and now the WWE legend hopes to take a step behind the camera. 

After proving a powerhouse in the ring, Batista has become a powerhouse in Hollywood thanks to roles in major franchises including Guardians of the Galaxy, James Bond, and Dune. The Animal has also taken on smaller projects to critical acclaim, including Glass Onion, and Knock at the Cabin. 

Batista Behind the Camera

Batista’s next major film role will see him reprise the character of Glossu Rabban for Dune: Part Two. Sitting down with Screen Rant to discuss the new film, Batista shared his desire to direct, which has been a goal of him for some time. 

“I’ve wanted to direct for years. For a while, I was looking for a project that I could direct because it’s got to be very contained. I’m not looking to be a blockbuster director. I want to direct what I like.

“As a fan, I really am drawn to indie dramas. I like inspiring stories. I like deep emotional stories. For years I looked for a script, the right one for me, and I finally just came up with my own idea. So now I’m searching for writers but I will. My plan is to sometime in 2025 direct my first film.”

Batista in WWE

The Animal’s final match came at WrestleMania 35 and saw Batista lose to Evolution mentor Triple H. While Batista was named for the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame class, his induction has been postponed. 

Dune: Part Two releases in cinemas next month. 

H/T – Fightful

Wins and losses may matter to many wrestlers, but Chelsea Green is far more concerned with making audiences feel something whenever she’s in the ring. 

Green returned to WWE at last year’s Royal Rumble though her comeback would be historic for all the wrong reasons. Green’s five-second stint in the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match would prove to be a record-short tenure. Despite this initial setback, Green has gone on to become a WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. 

Chelsea Green On Wins

With her character work, Green is often a highlight of Monday Night Raw thanks to her hilarious antics, though this doesn’t always translate into wins in the ring. On the most recent edition of the Insight podcast, Green explained that her motivation in the ring is much more than getting a W. 

“Fans and wrestlers, sometimes I think that we’re all so caught up in winning. And I’m just not. I’ve been doing this [for] ten years. It’s not about winning. It’s about making people feel a certain way. And when I became the ‘Hot Mess’ in IMPACT [Wrestling] that’s when I realized. That’s when the light bulb friggin’ flashed in my face. ‘Oh wow, people don’t care.’ People don’t care when I’m cool and winning and when I won the championship. They cared that I turned crazy. They care that I feel like their crazy best friend. I feel like their crazy ex-girlfriend.”

Green then recalled receiving praise from singer-songwriter John Mayer years ago during her time as the ‘Hot Mess.’

“John Meyer sat in front of me at All In and said ‘Oh my God, you remind me of a lot of people I dated.’ That’s the feeling I want you to feel with a character. I don’t need you to go home and be ‘Wow, she’s a real winner!’ … It’s not about the winning, it’s about the way that I make them feel with whatever, my facials,  my ridiculous comments, whatever it is. And if that’s making people laugh, great. If that’s making people annoyed, even better. 

Chelsea Green on WWE’s Plan

A year on from her chaotic return at the Royal Rumble, Chelsea Green is a regular on WWE TV. Speaking on the podcast, Green admitted that what WWE had planned for her following her return differed from her ideas. 

“I had a plan, WWE had a totally different plan and I went along with it because as long as you’re giving me something to work off of, I will absolutely build a backstory. I will absolutely build this and make this into a character. Just give me a hint. Just sprinkle something that you want from me and I’ll make it something because that’s what I like to do.”

Green was ready to go all the way with her management-complaining ‘Karen’ character and even ensured that her husband Matt Cardona would be on board. 

“I tried to cut my hair like a ‘Karen’. I tried to go all the way. I wasn’t allowed [but] Matt said he’d totally be okay with it and that’s our thing. Let’s just ask each other.”

Green’s most recent match saw herself and Piper Niven lose to Natalya and Tegan Nox at this week’s WWE Main Event taping. Chelsea Green recently explained her attire at this year’s Royal Rumble event… 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

The sky’s the limit for Mercedes Mone, and those skies could be over the arena of an AEW event if recent buzz is to be believed. 

On this week’s AEW Dynamite, Tony Khan confirmed that the March 13, episode of Dynamite will emanate from the TD Garden in Boston, MA. Both the location and the show’s name of ‘Big Business’ has led to buzz that the show will mark the AEW arrival of Mercedes Mone. 

Known as ‘The Boss’ in WWE and ‘The CEO’ of women in New Japan, Mone has seemingly already been signed to AEW and has been on AEW’s payroll since early January.  The former WWE Superstar appeared in the crowd at AEW All In last year and Tony Khan has often spoken positively about Mone. 

The Sky’s The Limit for Mercedes Mone 

Quickly after Khan’s announcement, Mone took to Twitter to share the following message: 

I remember when couldn’t pay the rent

Now I own the whole building that I’m living in

Sky’s the limit when you’re never giving in

You get in, you ride it out

And don’t look back again.

I remember when couldn't pay the rent
Now I own the whole building that I'm living in
Sky's the limit when you're never giving in
You get in, you ride it out
And don't look back again

— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) February 8, 2024

Fans may recognise this as lyrics’s the Mone’s WWE theme song ‘Sky’s The Limit’ during her tenure as Sasha Banks. Judging by the comments, many took this as another sign that Mone is soon going to be confirmed as All Elite., 

Mone has been out of action since May of last year when she suffered an ankle injury in a match with AEW/ROH’s Willow Nightingale. This injury led to an audible being called and Willow defeating Mone to become the first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion. 

It’s unclear when we’ll next see Jade Cargill compete in a WWE ring, but the ex-AEW star recently brought it to Aubrey Plaza in a Mountain Dew commercial. 

Cargill signed with WWE in September, shortly after her tenure with AEW came to an end. The former & inaugural AEW TBS Champion made her WWE TV debut on the Fastlane kick-off show and has since made appearances on WWE Raw, SmackDown, and WWE NXT. 

At the Royal Rumble PLE, Jade made her in-ring debut for WWE. Cargill was the #28 entrant in the match and would score three eliminations. After throwing out Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, and Naomi, Cargill was eliminated by the returning Liv Morgan. 

Jade Cargill’s Commercial

Of all of the women to be Jade’s first singles opponents as a WWE Superstar, actress Aubrey Plaza was unlikely to be anybody’s top pick. This week, Mountain Dew premiered a new commercial featuring Plaza to promote their Baha Blast drink. The actress, known for roles in Parks & Recreation and Scott Pilgrim speaks about having a blast no matter what, including when she’s in the ring. Jade, who is mentioned by name, then performs a dive from the top rope on Plaza. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUg1XA8-U9A

Jade Cargill Impressing Backstage

Cargill was initially going to be on the Raw brand, but it is not clear if that is the plan. Sources who spoke to SE Scoops said that Cargill was very professional at the Rumble event. People there were impressed with how well she has fit in with WWE and how quickly she has done that. 

WWE is coming to Philadelphia, PA for WrestleMania 40, but the City of Brotherly Love will be hosting plenty of non-WWE events. 

With WrestleMania being the biggest show of the wrestling calendar, it’s no surprise that other promotions will flock to Philadelphia where wrestling fans from around the world will be gathered.

Thursday, April 4

Cheap Heat Live will be a huge convention on the Thursday before WrestleMania and will take place at the FringeArts center in Philly. The event will feature special guests and conversations. Tickets have sold out. 

DDT Pro Wrestling will be returning to The Collective during WrestleMania week on April 4. The show will take place at 1301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Tickets (of which only a few remain) can be found here. 

WaleMania will be coming to Philadelphia for the annual party mixing music and pro wrestling. The show will feature surprise guests and a performance from the platinum-selling rapper Wale. Tickets can be found here. 

Meanie Mania will be hosted by the Blue Meanie from the McCusker’s Tavern is on the corners of 17th & Shunk. The venue is just 10 minutes from the famed 2300 Arena (aka the ECW arena). Meanie Mania will feature Dr. Fisher’s Medical Weight Loss & Aesthetic Centers along with The Mind Of The Meanie Podcast.

Friday, April 5

Wrestling REVOLVER and House of Glory Wrestling will team up on the Friday at the Trinity Center for Urban Life. The show will see a title vs. title match pitting HOG’s Champion Santana against REVOLVER’s title Alex Shelley. The show will be aired on TrillerTV+ and tickets can be found here.

Ray Gootz & Josh Alba will present their ‘Big Ass Extreme Comedy Bash‘ at 2350 South Swanson Street, right next door to the historic ECW arena. The show will pay tribute to the spirit of Extreme with a no-holds-barred uncensored comedy show and will start at 11:30 pm. Attendees can “Prepare to be shocked. Prepare to be awed. But more importantly, be prepared to laugh!” The event is BYOB and tickets, starting at $20, can be found here. 

The go-home episode of WWE SmackDown before WrestleMania will take place from the Wells Fargo Center. Following this event, the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place. Currently, no names have been confirmed for SmackDown or as inductees into the Hall of Fame. Tickets can be found here. 

Saturday, April 6

NXT Stand and Deliver 2024 will see the rising stars of the gold brand face off at the Wells Fargo Center. Due to the event later in the day, the show will take place with a special start time of 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Tickets are available here. 

WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday, will take place later that same day. Currently, no matches have been confirmed for the show. The show will happen at a slightly earlier time than usual. 

Sunday, April 7

The Lapsed Fan will be hosting their Bozos, Biceps, and Bulls**t Brunch at the Punch Line Philly comedy club on Laurel Street. The live podcast will see hilarious comics try and predict matches and grapple with the intricacies of being a wrestling fan. Events will be hosted from 6:30 pm onwards, with $0.25 of each ticket sold benefitting the Comedy Gives Back fund. Tickets and more information can be found here. 

WWE WrestleMania 40: Sunday will take place on April 7 and like the previous day, will be at the Lincoln Financial Field. Currently, no matches have been confirmed for this specific date either. 

Monday, April 8

WWE Monday Night Raw will happen from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The post-Mania Raw is considered one of the most exciting and unpredictable nights of the year, thanks in part to a raucous international crowd. Tickets can be found here. 

The ‘We Want Cody’ movement has taken hold of WWE’s merchandise department, with the American Nightmare proving to be the promotion’s top seller. 

Since returning to WWE, Rhodes has consistently been among WWE’s top merchandise sellers, both at live events and online. In the face of The Rock’s return, Cody has once again come out on top when it comes to merchandise. 

Wrestle Features reports that on February 7, Rhodes merchandise made up five of the ten best-selling items on WWEShop.com. Not only does Rhodes have half the field covered, but American Nightmare merchandise holds the top three spots for best-selling merchandise.

The Rock’s new ‘People’s Champion’ shirt made it on the list but in the #10 spot. The Brahma Bull has received a hostile response from WWE fans since his return last week, with many believing he doesn’t deserve a title match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 over Cody Rhodes. 

The top selling t-shirts on WWE Shop (Feb 7):
1: Cody Rhodes (Claim Your Kingdom, Men's)
2: Cody (Claim Your Kingdom, Women's)
3: Cody (Claim Your Kingdom, Youth)
4: Drew McIntyre (Tombstone)
5: CM Punk (Return)
6: CM Punk (2011 Classic)
7: Jey Uso (Yeet)
8: Cody (Camo Skull)
9:… pic.twitter.com/pddncRkhs6

— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) February 7, 2024

What’s Next?

The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes will be present at today’s WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference. Many suspect that Rhodes will confirm who he will face at WrestleMania during this media event. Rhodes will also compete at Elimination Chamber: Perth later this month. Neither The Rock nor Roman Reigns are expected for the event.

WWE WrestleMania 40 will take place on April 6, and April 7, from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The show will be WWE’s fifth two-night WrestleMania, a format that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What has Cody Rhodes had to say about the ‘We Want Cody’ movement… 

Grayson Waller is hoping to see a story finished at WrestleMania 40, but now the lengthy, compelling story of Cody Rhodes. 

On last week’s SmackDown, Rhodes graciously stepped aside to allow The Rock to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This booking decision has been reviled by fans. Despite being one of the most popular Superstars of all time, The Rock’s return is now WWE’s most-disliked YouTube video. It’s not just online that this disdain has been shown. At a WWE live event, fans booed a video showing The Rock’s return on SmackDown.

Finish the Story

While the WWE Universe is vehemently on the side of the American Nightmare, not everyone is against The Rock. On Twitter, WWE shared footage of the Great One arriving in Las Vegas for today’s press conference. In a tweet of his own, Grayson Waller welcomed the “boss,” a nod to The Rock’s role as a TKO Board member. Waller added that he hopes to see Rock “finish your story” in a nod to Cody Rhodes’ storyline. 

Welcome back boss! Hope you get to finish your story https://t.co/r9qqK8TPWD

— Grayson Waller (@GraysonWWE) February 7, 2024

What’s Next? 

The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes will be present at today’s WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference. Many suspect that Rhodes will confirm who he will face at WrestleMania during this media event. Rhodes will also compete at Elimination Chamber: Perth later this month in Waller’s native Australia. Neither The Rock nor Roman Reigns are expected for the event. 

WWE WrestleMania 40 will take place on April 6, and April 7, from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The show will be WWE’s fifth two-night WrestleMania, a format that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What has Cody Rhodes had to say about the ‘We Want Cody’ movement… 

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins has weighed in on the Vince McMahon scandal, branding it a “disgusting situation.”

McMahon re-signed from TKO and WWE last month, following a lawsuit filed by ex-employee Janel Grant. Miss Grant claims that McMahon was sexually abusive to her and that he trafficked her to others in the company, including a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. McMahon has denied the allegations against him and, via a spokesperson, has claimed the lawsuit is rife with “obscene made-up instances that never occurred.”

McMahon’s long-time confidante John Lauriniaitis is also named in the lawsuit as one of the men Grant was allegedly trafficked to. The former WWE Head of Talent has claimed he is a victim in this situation, not a predator. 

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins with strong words on the allegations against former chariman Vince McMahon https://t.co/2cDZlFwyV0 pic.twitter.com/4HyJWcgd5E

— Maggie and Perloff (@MaggieandPerl) February 7, 2024

Seth Rollins Weighs In

WWE has wisely not addressed the McMahon lawsuit on programming, a far cry to the 2022 scandal which saw McMahon appear on TV multiple times before his resignation. Speaking to Maggie & Perloff this week, Rollins was asked for his thoughts on the McMahon scandal. 

“It’s awful. It’s terrible. I hate it. It’s a disgusting situation.” 

What’s Next? 

While McMahon has resigned from WWE, it is believed he still may have some power in the company. Comments from Grant’s legal representative Ann Callis have indicated that Miss Grant has no intention on settling this matter out of court, and it has been suggested that other women may come forward. 

As for Seth Rollins, he will continue to recover from his injury suffered during his match with Jinder Mahal last month. Rollins has vowed to be ready for WrestleMania 40, but with his original opponent CM Punk injured with a torn triceps, it remains to be seen who he’ll face in Philadelphia. 

Members of the WWE Universe who attended this week’s episode of WWE NXT were encouraged to watch their language following one un-PG chant during the show. 

The February 6, 2024, edition of WWE NXT was the fallout show from last weekend’s NXT Vengeance Day Premium Live Event. Vengeance Day went off the air with Carmelo Hayes betraying Trick Williams and laying out his former friend with a steel chair. Trick had unsuccessfully challenged NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov and the Trick Melo Gang had lost to the Wolf Dogs in the Dusty Rhodes Men’s Classic earlier in the show. 

Censored at WWE NXT

Carmelo Hayes opened up this week’s WWE NXT to a chorus of boos from the fans. In fact, the negative response was so loud, that Hayes simply told the fans “not yet,” and left without explaining his betrayal of Trick Williams. 

The negative response to Hayes was a bit too much for those at WWE. PW Insider reports that the crowd was told by staff not to use the F-word, as used in their “F*** you Melo” chant. The opening segment had to be heavily censored on TV.  Hayes would explain his betrayal of Trick later in the show. 

More WWE NXT Notes

After the show, Joe Gacy came out from under the ring and was attacked by Carmelo Hayes. Hayes had attacked Ilja Dragunov after his main event match with Dijak. The crowd booed a clip teasing the WrestleMania press event on Thursday, and there were “We Want Cody” chants in support of Cody Rhodes. 

Carmelo Hayes is the victim of being betrayed by Trick Williams, contrary to what we saw at Vengeance Day, according to the former NXT Champion. 

At WWE NXT’s latest Premium Live Event, Williams failed to dethrone NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov in the show’s main event. After the match, Hayes ambushed his friend and attacked him with a steel chair. This came after months of teased tensions between the pair, who also lost the Dusty Rhodes Classic finals earlier in the show. As he left, Melo told the fans that they had made him this way. 

Carmelo Hayes Gives No Explanation

This week’s episode of WWE NXT kicked off with Carmelo Hayes, who walked out to the ring with a steel chair in his hand. Hayes took a seat in the ring to a chorus of boos from the fans in Orlando. After taking his time, Hayes told fans “not yet.”

Later in the show, Hayes came back and said he was not jealous of Trick as he wanted Williams to be successful. With that said, Trick betrayed him by pursuing the NXT Championship, according to Melo, who added that the two of them are not on the same level. 

Hayes also admitted that he was the one who attacked Trick several months ago. He said that since Williams went behind his back for the NXT Championship, he had to put him in his place. Trick’s theme then played which earned a massive ovation from the fans. This however was just a ‘trick’ from Melo, who relished in fooling the fans. 

Hayes then closed the segment by saying that Trick Williams was his hype and that’s the way it will always be.

Fans of the late, great Brian Pillman can expect new merchandise and more from WWE after a ‘Nostalgia’ deal was reached with his estate. 

On Instagram, Brittany P. Evans, Pillman’s daughter, shared the news that a ‘Nostalgia Agreement’ had been reached, and was thrilled to own the rights over her father’s legacy. Brittany thanked fans for keeping the Pillman name alive and thanked WWE for making this happen. Brittany added that fans should stay tuned for new merchandise. 

Brian Pillman in the WWE

Pillman would enter the World Wrestling Federation in 1996, becoming one of the first Superstars ever to sign a guaranteed contract with the company. In November of that year, Pillman was part of the infamous “Pillman’s Got a Gun” angle which saw the Loose Cannon brandish a firearm during an angle against former ally ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. Threats to “kill that son of a b*tch” and demands to others to “get out of the f*cking way!” led to the WWF and Pillman eventually apologizing for the angle. 1997 would see Pillman join the Hart Foundation and feud with Goldust, claiming that the Bizarre One’s daughter was actually his child.

Pillman would pass away during the afternoon leading up to the first In Your House: Bad Blood event in October 1997. The Loose Cannon was scheduled to compete on the show and his death would be addressed multiple times during the broadcast. 

Brian Pillman Today

In professional wrestling, Pillman is survived by his son, Brian Pillman Jr., who competes today as WWE NXT’s Lexis King. While King respects his father and his accomplishments, he is pleased to stop using his real name and go by the King moniker. Since his arrival in WWE NXT last year, King has become one of the most regularly featured stars of the gold brand. 

Toby Keith, the country music legend behind hits such as ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy‘ and ‘American Soldier‘ has died at the age of 62. 

Keith passed away this week after a battle with stomach cancer. Keith revealed in June 2022 that he had been diagnosed at the end of the previous year. In a press release shared in December 2022, Keith described his battle with cancer as “pretty debilitating.” He died in his sleep this week in Oklahoma. 

Toby Keith in Pro Wrestling

While best known for his country music career, Keith’s name is attached to the world of professional wrestling. Keith performed on the very first NWA: TNA pay-per-view in 2002 but his performance was interrupted by Jeff Jarrett. Later in the show, Keith would get his revenge by costing Jarrett during a battle royal, in which the musician hit an impressive delayed German Suplex. 

During an episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett would recall working with Keith. 

“Toby’s a special human being in so many different ways… [I told him] Toby, I want you to be a part of the show. What do you think? Oh and on top of that [performing music] you get to kick my ass for the night! He said ‘I’m in!'”

On the podcast, Jarrett recalled Keith being a lifelong wrestling fan, thanks in part to growing up in the wrestling-rich state of Oklahoma. Jarrett added that Keith turned down performing at the White House to appear for the first NWA: TNA pay-per-view. 

RIP Toby Keith …country star and you could say #TNA original. https://t.co/wZjwfn6Zzw

— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) February 6, 2024

It wasn’t just in TNA that Keith made his presence felt in pro wrestling. In October 2010, Keith served as the guest host of WWE Monday Night Raw. Keith was part of a backstage segment with Santino Marella and Sheamus and was the guest ring announcer for their match that Santino would win. 

A lawsuit by Anthony D. Wilson, who has accused WWE & AEW multiple times of plagiarism, has been officially served against both promotions. 

The lawsuit was previously dismissed in November of last year after neither WWE nor AEW had been served within 90 days of the lawsuit being filed. At the time, it was clarified that the suit was dismissed without prejudice, which meant that Wilson could re-file and attempt to move the case forward if he chose to.

Latest On The WWE/AEW Lawsuit

The lawsuit has now been served upon both wrestling promotions, according to recent court records. AEW has received permission from the court to extend their time to respond and must do so by February 23. WWE has been granted permission to respond by March 7. 

The Lawsuit

In a hand-written suit rife with spelling errors, Wilson claimed that both companies engaged in “plagiarism, market damages, product damages, personal damages, and financial damages.”

Wilson claimed that WWE had “used my creative works without permission, infringing on my wrestling gimmicks, names, slogans and likeness.” He did not give a specific example of an idea that was used by WWE without his blessing.

As for AEW, Wilson alleged that he had talked with Bullet Club members to join him and that the plan of starting a wrestling company was his plan. Wilson again did not provide clarification but stated that the Bullet Club members stole his plans to create AEW. 

Wilson was seeking $250,000,000 in damages as well as control of AEW in addition to a public apology. From WWE, Wilson was seeking stock for his freelance work as well as a WWE board chair. He also sought the ‘return’ of “all ships and plunder.”

CM Punk was supposed to win big down under in Australia, had a torn triceps injury not derailed plans for the former WWE & AEW World Champion. 

During the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, CM Punk suffered a triceps injury which Drew McIntyre has taken full credit for. On this week’s Raw, Punk confirmed that he will miss WrestleMania 40 due to the injury, and vowed to wrestle McIntyre when he’s able to make a return. 

This injury comes at an awful time for Punk, who is set to miss his first WrestleMania in over a decade. The Best in the World’s most recent match at the Showcase of the Immortals was at WrestleMania 39 and saw him become one of the many souls to fall to The Undertaker’s streak.

Original Plans for CM Punk

On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared that Punk was planned to win the Men’s Elimination Chamber match in Perth, Australia. This would have earned Punk a shot at World Heavyweight Champion Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins at WrestleMania XL. 

“The idea for Punk is that Punk was going to win the Elimination Chamber and that’s how that was going to work.”

CM Punk in the Elimination Chamber

Punk has competed in four Elimination Chamber matches throughout his career, with his first being the ‘Extreme’ Elimination Chamber match from the infamous December to Dismember 2006 pay-per-view. Punk boasts a 1-3 record in the match, with his sole victory being in the 2012 Raw Elimination Chamber match that saw him retain the WWE Championship. CM Punk has five eliminations to his name in the Chamber match. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdvN2UT6ydk

The WWE Universe has been encouraged to trust Cody Rhodes amid an ongoing campaign for regarding WrestleMania 40’s main event. 

On last week’s SmackDown, Rhodes graciously stepped aside to allow The Rock to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This booking decision has been reviled by fans. Despite being one of the most popular Superstars of all time, The Rock’s return is now WWE’s most-disliked YouTube video. It’s not just online that this disdain has been shown. At a WWE live event, fans booed a video showing The Rock’s return on SmackDown.

During this week’s Raw, fans again booed The Rock when a video of his return was aired. Fans were handed pro-Cody Rhodes signs and fans chanted “Rocky Sucks” with an aim at the non-present Brahma Bull. The We Want Cody movement was so loud that both Seth Rollins and Michael Cole acknowledged it during the show, with Cody Rhodes addressing the fans passionately after Raw. 

“Trust Me”

Taking to Twitter after this week’s Raw in St. Louis, Rhodes shared his appreciation for the passion shown by the fans at the show. Rhodes also urged fans to trust him as questions remain over what’s to come. 

Appreciate the passion, God bless y’all

…but

Trust me

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 6, 2024

What’s Next? 

The Rock and Roman Reigns will be at a WrestleMania kick-off press conference later this week. WWE very deliberately stated that The Rock vs. Roman Reigns is NOT signed yet, which means fans should buckle up for more twists and turns on the Road to WrestleMania.

“Though not yet official, it appears The Rock & Roman Reigns are on a collision course perhaps at WrestleMania. [The Rock’s] appearance sparked controversy. Will this match become official? We're going to find out Thursday."

This press conference is going to be MUST SEE ? pic.twitter.com/lgmDpCeFnX

— SEScoops (@sescoops) February 6, 2024

Cody Rhodes has confirmed that he will be at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth later this month. Neither The Rock nor Roman Reigns are expected at the event in Australia. 

Has WWE found the solution to their problem from NFL’s George Kittle… 

Could WWE’s fix for the We Want Cody movement come from the NFL’s very own George Kittle? 

On last week’s SmackDown, Rhodes graciously stepped aside to allow The Rock to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. This booking decision has been reviled by fans. Despite being one of the most popular Superstars of all time, The Rock’s return is now WWE’s most-disliked YouTube video. It’s not just online that this disdain has been shown. At a WWE live event, fans booed a video showing The Rock’s return on SmackDown.

On this week’s Raw, WWE acknowledged the ‘We Want Cody’ movement. Fans also chanted ‘Rocky Sucks’ which prompted Michael Cole to question if we’d traveled back to 1996. 

George Kittle’s WrestleMania Solution

During a Super Bowl opening night event, Kittle was asked about the situation revolving Cody Rhodes and the backlash WWE has faced. Kittle, a known wrestling fan, was excited to talk about the situation.

“We’re starting off hot and I love it. That is the question I have been wanting, ooh! So, it’s funny to see everything online,  and everybody talking about ‘We Want Cody’ or it’s Roman [Reigns] and The Rock. You know what? I’m a huge Cody Rhodes fan. I like Roman Reigns. The Rock, hey! He coined the term the People’s Tight-End so I’m indebted to The Rock. Huge fan of him.”

Kittle then suggested an idea he’d seen shared by others which would allow for The Rock and Reigns to share the ring, and grant Cody his deserved rematch with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. 

“I saw this online. Roman shows up, signs the contract. Cody’s on the other side [and] The Rock referees. Wouldn’t that be fun and special? Let’s make it fun and interesting. Now that was not my idea.”

Triple H Reacts 

George Kittle isn’t the first person to suggest a solution that could see Cody Rhodes indeed finish his story against Roman Reigns this April. In a tweet, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H was impressed by what Kittle had to say. 

The People’s Tight End knows what’s up… @gkittle46 https://t.co/M98rhfPAR3

— Triple H (@TripleH) February 6, 2024

A WrestleMania 40 press conference will take place later this week. Both The Rock and Roman Reigns have been confirmed for the event. 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

Are you tired of looking at WWE’s weekly programming and screaming to your TV “I could do a better job booking this!”

Do you want to see your favorites emerge on top instead of being fodder for the likes of Roman Reigns and other Superstars? 

Well now, WWE has a job opening for somebody to join their creative team as a Writer/Producer. A listing on WWE’s corporate website reads as follows: 

WWE Producer/Writer – Key Responsibilities

• Develop clearly defined, yet emotionally sophisticated, characters for a diverse group of WWE Talent.

• Script descriptive, thought-provoking, captivating, and creative storylines for RAW, SmackDown, and select programming on the WWE Network

• Collaborate with a team of writers to build compelling stories that capture a global audience fitting multiple demographics

• Provide punch-up for specific scripted segments as well as review the totality of entire episodes for continuity and flow

• Incorporate consumer insights and social media to deliver impactful storylines that are consistent with the WWE brand and each Talent’s skills and history

• Weekly travel to our shows (RAW or Smackdown) & rotating travel to PPV’s (Pay-Per-View’s)

• Attend and contribute in creative writing team meetings every week at our Stamford, CT HQ

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of writing for TV, film or social media

• Producing and Directing experience a plus

• Professional TV staff experience in drama and comedy a plus

• Experience in Live TV production a plus

• Plugged into social media trends

• Previous experience working with On-Screen Talent, Creative Writers, and Producers

• Understanding of WWE’s audience (demographic and psychographic) a plus but not required

• BA/BS in Film, TV, Drama, Media Studies, Communications or similar field of study or validated experience in lieu of a degree

Those planning to watch WWE WrestleMania 40 will have to be ready early as the start time for the upcoming two-night supershow has been moved forward. 

Those with tickets for WWE WrestleMania 40 received emails this week with the following information (courtesy of PW Insider): 

“The official start time for the event each night has been moved up to 6:30 PM Eastern.

“Lincoln Field in Philadelphia will open doors for the event each night at 4:30 PM Eastern.”

Typically, WWE Premium Live Events start at 8 PM Eastern. 

WWE WrestleMania 40

WWE WrestleMania 40 will take place from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA, on April 6, and April 7. The show will mark WWE’s fifth two-night WrestleMania; a concept introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic that proved popular with fans. The current card for the show is as follows: 

• IYO SKY (c) Vs. Bayley (WWE Women’s Championship)
• Either Rhea Ripley or Nia Jax (c) Vs. The Winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match (WWE Women’s World Championship)

WWE’s Big WrestleMania Dilemma

Right now, there are huge questions as to the direction of Cody Rhodes regarding the biggest event on WWE’s calendar. While fans are eager to see Rhodes face (and defeat) Roman Reigns, the American Nightmare stepped aside on last week’s SmackDown, allowing The Rock to return and tease facing his cousin. 

This decision has earned a huge backlash from fans, with The Rock being booed whenever he appears on screen. This is a far cry from the usual response the ‘People’s Champion’ typically receives. On this week’s Raw, signs were shared declaring ‘We Want Cody,’ which the crowd chanted alongside ‘Rocky Sucks.’

A WWE WrestleMania 40 press conference will hopefully give a clearer picture of plans when it happens later this week. 

One NXT Superstar’s days with WWE may be numbered if a new contract with the promotion isn’t finalized in the coming weeks or months. 

Fightful Select reports that Dijak’s WWE contract is up in June of 2024. The former Retribution member signed a five-year deal with WWE in 2019. At the time, WWE signed many Superstars to lengthy contracts to prevent anyone from leaving for AEW, which had launched in January of that year. It is unclear at this time if WWE and Dijak are currently in talks over a new deal. It has been stated for other contracts that WWE is leaving things much closer to the expiration date before entering talks. 

 Dijak in WWE

Dominik Dijakovic was initially offered a contract from WWE in January 2017, but that offer was pulled following a legal threat from ROH, who still had him under contract. The following month, Dijakovic opted not to re-sign with ROH, and his signing with WWE was confirmed by the company that September. 

Initially part of the NXT brand, Dijakovic was one of the gold brand’s prominent stars but failed in efforts to capture the NXT and NXT North American titles. In September 2020, he was revealed as a member of Retribution under the name T-Bar, which he’d continue to use after the group’s split in early 2021. In 2022, Dijakovic returned to WWE NXT, now dubbed Dijak. His most recent match saw the veteran defeat Joe Gacy in a No Disqualification match at last weekend’s NXT Vengeance Day event. 

Dijak recently had some choice words for fans spamming WWE NXT Superstar posts with pro-Cody Rhodes messages… 

The ‘We Want Cody’ movement was in full swing during this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

The February 5, 2024, episode of Raw was the first following Cody Rhodes’ decision to step aside and allow The Rock to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 instead. This booking has been met with backlash from fans, who believe that Cody’s story should be finished at WrestleMania by dethroning Reigns as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Despite being considered the ‘People’s Champion’, the fans have turned on The Rock, with the video of his return being WWE’s most disliked video. 

We Want Cody

The crowd at Raw made their feelings clear this week, with “We Want Cody” and “Rocky Sucks” chants during the show. Both chants were acknowledged during the broadcast by Seth Rollins and Raw commentator Michael Cole. 

In photos shared online, fans displayed signs making it clear that they wanted to see Cody Rhodes challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. It has been reported that these signs were handed out to fans. While it has been speculated online, there is no hard evidence that these signs were created by WWE. 

The Rock is Booed Yet Again

While The Rock didn’t appear on this week’s Raw, the crowd in St. Louis made their feelings known on the People’s Champion. During the show, a video was played hyping the Great One’s return on last week’s SmackDown. That video was booed by the crowd in St. Louis, a far cry from the response The Rock usually receives. 

The Rock got heavily booed at Monday’s #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/7Am1sDYKwT

— SEScoops (@sescoops) February 6, 2024

This isn’t the first time this has happened. A video of The Rock’s return was booed during a recent WWE live event. That show saw Cody in action while The Rock didn’t appear. 

Mick Foley hopes that the scandal around Vince McMahon doesn’t make fans forget the highly entertaining character and accomplishments of the ex-WWE Chairman.

McMahon re-signed from TKO and WWE last month, following a lawsuit filed by ex-employee Janel Grant. Miss Grant claims that McMahon was sexually abusive to her and that he trafficked her to others in the company, including John Lauriniaits and a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. McMahon has denied the allegations against him and, via a spokesperson, has claimed the lawsuit is rife with “obscene made-up instances that never occurred.” . 

Mick Foley on Vince McMahon

A WWE Hall of Famer, Mick Foley worked with McMahon for years and in the past has described the ex-Chairman as like a father figure to him. Speaking on an episode of his Foley is Pod show, the three-time World Champion addressed the allegations.

“I don’t know all the facts but man, it’s really ugly. I feel very similar, just like that ‘dead inside feeling’ the way I had in 2007 after the Benoit murders and man, I hope it doesn’t take away from people’s amazing memories of all the things that Mr. McMahon created or helped create including my character and the programs that I was in and was such a big part of it. 

“I wish he really just stepped aside, you know, the first time and we just heard a little hint of these allegations.”

During the show, Foley also reflected on how much McMahon’s approval meant to him during his career. 

“His belief in me made all the difference in the world from just being another guy to being, you know, one of his main guys during that Attitude Era.”

H/T – POST Wrestling

Rossy Ogawa, the founder of and Executive Producer of STARDOM Wrestling, has been cut from the promotion with immediate effect. 

Bushiroad, the parent company of STARDOM and New Japan Pro Wrestling, issued a statement on Monday announcing the news. According to a statement issued by Bushiroad:

“We have recently become aware that Mr. Rossy Ogawa has been poaching a number of Stardom athletes and staff members, and we have decided to terminate this agreement.”

This is a major shakeup to the Japanese women’s wrestling scene that will bring far-reaching ramifications. A talent exodus could be coming, because many STARDOM wrestlers are loyal to Ogawa. According to the Wrestling Observer, Bushiroad was of the mindset that Ogawa was  as going to leave and start his own company with a lot of the Stardom talent.

Bushiroad ‘sincerely apologized’ for any concerns fans may now have regarding Stardom’s future and vow to ‘make concerted efforts to further develop Stardom and to deliver excitement to our fans.’

AEW President Tony Khan apparently shares this view, and tweeted out the following .GIF in response to the news of Ogawa’s exit.

pic.twitter.com/0L34bSSZTW

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) February 5, 2024

Who will replace Ogawa?

Taro Okada and Oyama, the Bushiroad Fight merchandise manager, will immediately take over as the bookers for STARDOM. Neither has any previous experience as bookers, though Okada was part of a pro wrestling club that held matches during his college days.