This week’s SmackDown will have an NXT flair to it with several gold brand Superstars set to be present at the upcoming show.

Tomorrow’s SmackDown will be the first episode of the blue brand following last weekend’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. The show will take place at The BJCC Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. 

WWE NXT Superstars at SmackDown

NXT’s Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Trick Williams are all slated to be at this week’s SmackDown, PW Insider reports. It’s interesting that these three men have been selected, as speculation grows considering potential call-ups. Hayes has been competing on SmackDown as of late, including on last week’s episode. Last week’s show also saw Trick Williams earn a massive pop from the fans as he made the save for Hayes who was being attacked by Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. 

Bron Breakker has yet to arrive on SmackDown but that could change very soon. On this week’s Raw, Andrade signed a contract with the red brand, much to the delight of Adam Pearce. Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis would trade some barbs before Aldis took a phone call from the two-time former NXT Champion. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiREJ6KwLgs

WWE SmackDown – February 2

These NXT Superstars will be just part of a stacked first SmackDown on the road to WrestleMania 40. 2024 Womens Royal Rumble winner Bayley will be on the show alongside her Damage CTRL allies. Bayley will reveal which challenges she will face at WrestleMania 40. Her current options are Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley or WWE Women’s Champion (and Damage CTRL sister) IYO SKY.

Men’s Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes will also appear on SmackDown, as will Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul is also set to appear. LA Knight, Bianca Belair, and IYO SKY are also advertised. 

Vincent Kennedy McMahon is gone from WWE, and the company’s new partners at Netflix have wasted no time in distancing themselves from the former Chairman.

McMahon re-signed from TKO and WWE last week, 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.” 

Netflix’s CEO Comments on Vince McMahon

The allegations against McMahon surfaced shortly after WWE reached a massive deal with Netflix to move Raw to the streaming juggernaut. Given the seriousness of the allegations, there had been speculation that this $5 billion could have been in jeopardy had WWE/TKO not taken action against McMahon.

This week, Netflix staged its press event, dubbed Next on Netflix, at its Tudum Theater in Hollywood. When asked about McMahon and the potential impact the lawsuit could have on WWE’s deal with Netflix, content chief Bela Bajaria asserted that McMahon will not be a factor going forward.

“He’s gone. So he’s not there. He’s gone.”

The Netflix-WWE Deal

Brandon Reign, Netflix’s VP of nonfiction was also at the press event. When asked about the deal with WWE, Reigg commended the combined efforts of the WWE Universe and Netflix’s subscribers.

“I think we’re all really bullish on it, but we know that has an incredibly consistent audience for the last several decades. And so that’s really first and foremost where we’re starting at and then we’ll see where we go from there.”

Monday Night Raw begins streaming on Netflix in January 2025.

The 2024 WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event was a special night for the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes, both in and out of the ring. 

Rhodes won this year’s match from the #15 spot, last eliminating CM Punk to score the hard-earned victory. With this win, Rhodes becomes the fourth man in WWE history to have won back-to-back Royal Rumble matches. 

Cody’s Special Royal Rumble Night

Cody was the last man standing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match and also proved to be on top when it comes to merchandise. Fightful Select reports that Rhodes was the top-selling superstar at the WWE Superstore at Tropicana Field. Cody’s ‘Rumble Winner’ shirt was also the top seller on WWEShop.com. 

Despite speculation by some fans, Cody was always scheduled to win the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. This puts to bed any rumors that Punk was going to win but his torn triceps led to the pair calling an ‘audible.’

What’s Next? 

Before this year’s Royal Rumble, Cody’s path was obvious: win the Men’s match and dethrone Roman Reigns as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 40. On this week’s Raw, however, Seth Rollins confronted Cody and stated Rhodes should challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40. Seth Rollins’ originally scheduled opponent for WrestleMania, CM Punk, will miss this year’s two-night mega show in Philadelphia. Cody told Rollins he’ll think about it. 

This segment from Raw was a change of plans for WWE and was specifically caused by CM Punk’s injury. It is unclear when Cody will declare his plan for WrestleMania 40. 

Is a victory for Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania written in the stars…

Chelsea Green won’t let herself be a quiet ally of the LGBTQ+ community, as made clear by her Royal Rumble attire. 

Green was the #14 entrant in last weekend’s match which was won by Damage CTRL’s Bayley. While Green broke the record for the shortest time in a Women’s Rumble last year, the 2024 match was much better for the Canadian. Though Green didn’t score an elimination, she lasted 17:32, making her the eleventh-longest entrant in this year’s match. 

Chelsea Green on Her Attire

Green entered Tropicana Field with an LGBTQ+ themed attire, which Michael Cole described on commentary as “unique.” In an interview with Steve Fall of Wrestling News, Green spoke about the importance of being an outgoing ally of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“What can I do to make it obvious? What can I do to really put it in people’s faces? I don’t want to be just a quiet supporter of the community. I want to be out there, supporting on the front lines, you know, with Sonya Deville [who is openly lesbian.] With Piper Niven [who is openly bisexual.] With all the girls that represent the community in WWE.

“So that’s when I decided I was going to get the flag and I was going to put the flag on my skirt. I was going to make sure I didn’t do my regular pose, that I turned around and that I flashed it to the crowd. And even if they didn’t understand in that moment, I know we all look at social media after the Rumble so I made sure I got those photos and that they were ready to be posted once I exited the Rumble.

“I was able to post them and double down on the fact that I was coming to Florida, being in the Rumble and supporting my LGBTQ+ community.”

EXCLUSIVE

Chelsea Green @ImChelseaGreen on What Inspired Her #RoyalRumble Gear, Wrestling #TNA’s Jordynne Grace in #WWE, Tag Teaming with Piper Niven @PiperNivenWWE, & MORE!

FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/dE7hEXIbFT via @WrestlingNewsCo pic.twitter.com/nr4ilHkVAZ

— Steve Ten Count (@SteveTenCount) January 31, 2024

Green’s tag-team partner Piper Niven had her own LGBTQ+ themed attire, but as she explained on Twitter, it didn’t arrive in time for the event. 

Gutted it didn’t arrive on time but here’s my LGBT pride tartan fly plaid to match @ImChelseaGreen ‘s rumble skirt.
????????? pic.twitter.com/VV17Vpe3si

— Slaygent P (@PiperNivenWWE) January 31, 2024

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

AEW President Tony Khan will have something big to share with fans during next week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. 

On this week’s episode of Dynamite, it was quietly shared that Khan will make a “big announcement” on the upcoming show. No details were given as to what this announcement will entail. 

Oh! ???? #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/4wcGrdzzAo

— ?????? (@WrestlingCovers) February 1, 2024

Fans have already been speculating about what Khan’s announcement could be. Some believe it could be confirmation that Mercedes Mone has signed with AEW. Khan is expected to land Mone after talks with WWE broke down over money.  Some fans have suggested it will be the announcement of new AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles. Some more cynical fans have suggested the announcement will be that an announcement will be made at AEW Revolution next month, poking fun at Khan’s perchance for announcing plans. 

Tony Khan’s Big Announcements

This won’t be the first time Khan has had an announcement lined up, and it likely won’t be the last. Previous announcements include the reveal of All In in London, as well as the announcement of the date tickets go on sale for this year’s show.

Khan was also on hand to announce the launch of Collision, and the post-suspension return of CM Punk. The AEW Continental Classic was also announced by Khan, as have other important aspects of the product. 

AEW Dynamite – February 7

Khan’s announcement isn’t the only confirmed news for next week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. The show will also see Chris Jericho face off against Don Callis family member Konosuke Takeshita. 

Sting and Darby Allin will challenge Ricky Starks & Big Bill for the AEW World Tag Team Championships. With Sting’s career ending at Revolution on March 5, this could likely be the final championship opportunity for the Icon. The February 7, episode of AEW Dynamite will take place in Phoenix, Arizona. 

News of this announcement comes mere days after a previous announcement by Tony Khan… 

The Undisputed Kingdom’s Wardlow has provided an update after concerns that he suffered an injury during this week’s episode of Dynamite.

Wardlow was accompanied by his faction allies for his match with Komander, and this wasn’t the typical squash match we’ve seen from Mr. Mayhem in the past. 

When Wardlow set Komander up for a powerbomb, however, he staggered and it seemed like his right knee had given in. Wardlow was able to hit the move but still seemed to be in pain. Post-match, he appeared bothered by the knee and was slightly limping while muttering to himself. 

Fkkkkkkk

You can CLEARLY see Wardlow was visibly upset

Hope it’s nothing serious ?? pic.twitter.com/FTcAMtkZA0

— Dorby Allen (@DorbyAllen) February 1, 2024

Wardlow Gives An Update

Taking to Twitter after his match, Wardlow said that while a normal man’s knee would be destroyed by the match, he is anything but normal. Wardlow (who was called Mr. Wardlow by the announcer during Dynamite, added that he remains committed to winning the AEW World Championship, before reiterating that his knee is fine. 

A normal man’s knee would be ruined. I’m no normal man. I’m still coming for the heavyweight title. And there’s nothing and no one that can stop me. Knee is just fine ? #AEWDynamite

— Wardlow (@RealWardlow) February 1, 2024

Wardlow’s Previous Injury

Wardlow was lucky to avoid a serious injury on this week’s Dynamite, but that hasn’t always been the case for the three-time TNT Champion. In January of last year, it was reported that Wardlow had suffered an injury, though specifics were not given. Due to the injury, Wardlow wouldn’t wrestle on AEW programming for over two months before making his return to the ring at Revolution 2023, where he won the TNT Championship from Samoa Joe. His reign would end days later when he lost the title to Powerhouse Hobbs. 

Could Wardlow’s career benefit from a change of scenery when the time is right… 

Naomi is back in WWE after close to two years away, and has set her sights on a huge accolade only a few Superstars have reached.

The former TNA Knockouts Champion was the #2 entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble match, her first match for WWE since May of 2022. Naomi, alongside Mercedes Mone (then Sasha Banks), walked out of the promotion that same month, citing frustration with the creative team’s plans for the then-WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. WWE would strip the pair of the gold and Naomi (as Trinity) debuted for TNA last year. 

Naomi’s Goal

Naomi didn’t win a title match at WrestleMania 40, but she was the sentimental favorite of many fans in Tropicana Field. Speaking on this week’s episode of The Bump, Naomi shared what’s next for her now that she is once again a WWE Superstar. 

“Now I got to do it bigger this time in the WWE way bigger than before but the challenge this time is though; I been around and I’m back again it’s like starting all the way over at the bottom but I’m looking forward to that challenge and working my way back up to going against the best of the best. My goal is to be a grand slam champion. That’s my focus. “

Naomi’s Championship Past

Out of the current Women’s Championships in WWE, Naomi has only held the Women’s Tag Team Championships (with Sasha Banks). She is a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, which is today known as Rhea Ripley’s Women’s World Championship.

Outside of titles, Naomi was the winner of the 2018 Women’s WrestleMania Battle Royal and won ‘Most Underrated Superstar of the Year’ at 2018’s WWE Year-End Awards. She’s also a one-time Slammy Award winner, taking home 2013’s Best Dance Moves of the Year with Cameron for her role in the Funkadactyls. 

Naomi had a strong message after her return in the Women’s Royal Rumble match… 

WWE NXT Superstar Dani Palmer will be out of action indefinitely after undergoing hip surgery this week, with a second hip surgery planned for later this year. 

Taking to Instagram, Palmer shared the news about her double hip surgery but remained positive about her future. Palmer added that she had already had the first surgery. 

“Jeremiah 29:11. This year so far has been chaotic…scary but BEAUTIFUL…and nothing like the plan I had in mind for 2024…but I have a peace that makes no sense because I know the author of my story. I have to have a double hip surgery this year, and God is great because I knocked the first one out this morning and it went fantastic! Thank you everyone for all the prayers.“

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C2x6qbkvFRP

For anyone curious about the bible passage Palmer referenced in her post, Jeremiah 29:11 goes like this: 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Who is Dani Palmer? 

Palmer made her in-ring debut for WWE at an NXT live event in September 2022, where she was on the losing end of a six-woman tag-team match. That November, she would make her TV debut as part of NXT LVL UP, in a losing effort to Chase U’s Thea Hail. It wouldn’t be until a January 2023 edition of LVL UP that she’d score her first win, besting Lola Vice in singles action. Palmer has 33 matches to her name with WWE and boasts an 11-22 win/loss record. 

Palmer played a role in a huge NXT storyline at a live event last year…

TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace was stunned when she learned that she’d be in the WWE Women’s Royal Rumble match and that she’d walk down the aisle. 

Grace was the #5 entrant in last weekend’s match, which marked her in-ring debut for WWE. The TNA Knockout lasted over 19 minutes in the match before being eliminated by 2021 Rumble winner Bianca Belair. Grace shared a hug (before trading fists) with Naomi, who recently left TNA and returned to WWE during the Rumble match. 

How Jordynne Grace’s Rumble Appearance Happened

During the post-Royal Rumble press conference, WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shared his gratitude to TNA for allowing them to use Grace for the match. In a video shared by TNA’s Twitter account, Grace explained how her surprise appearance came together. 

“Scott called me, I’d actually just landed from our tapings that we did in Orlando. And I was waking up and he called and he was like ‘Oh, how do you feel about wrestling this weekend?’ And I was just there thinking to myself ‘Oh my God, what does he want me to do?’ 

“And he was like ‘How do you feel about being in the Rumble?’ And I was like ‘What? What are you talking about?’ And he just said ‘Yeah, how do you feel about being in the Rumble?’ Did they ask? And he would go ‘No, they didn’t ask. I just want you to be there and jump the barricade.’ And honestly, that was more realistic to me than WWE calling TNA and being like ‘Can your Women’s Champion be in our Royal Rumble?'”

EXCLUSIVE: @JordynneGrace discusses the moment she got the call that she'll be entering the @WWE #RoyalRumble!

Tune in to #TNAiMPACT THURSDAY at 8/7c on AXS TV! pic.twitter.com/yV8p5ML5Uv

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 30, 2024

While this was Jordynne Grace’s WWE in-ring debut, this isn’t the first time she’s worked with the promotion… 

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

Kevin Owens’ efforts to regain the United States Championship were in vain at the Royal Rumble, and the Prizefighter walked into the match with a serious injury. 

Owens unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Champion Logan Paul at last Saturday’s Premium Live Event. The Prizefighter had earned a shot at Paul by winning a tournament on SmackDown. Owens dispatched of Austin Theory and NXT’s Carmelo Hayes before defeating Santos Escobar in the finals on the New Year’s Revolution edition of SmackDown. 

Kevin Owens Worked Hurt

Much of Owens’ storyline during the tournament and with Paul saw the Canadian wrestler deal with an ‘injured’ hand which resulted in KO wearing a cast. Despite this, F4W Online reports that Owens worked his match with Logan Paul at the Royal Rumble with a fractured foot injury. Owens reportedly suffered the injury during his tournament finals match with Escobar. While Owens had been in physical segments after suffering this injury, the match with Paul was his first actual match since the injury occurred. 

Owens failed to capture the U.S. title at the Royal Rumble as he was disqualified. While Paul had introduced the brass knuckles into the match, Owens used them and the referee spotted them on KO’s hand during a pinfall attempt. 

Kevin Owens and the U.S. Championship

In 2015, Owens made his WWE main roster debut by confronting then-U.S. Champion John Cena. After cleanly beating Cena in non-title action, Owens would fail to dethrone John at that year’s Battleground event. At WrestleMania 33 in 2017, Owens would win the U.S. Championship for the first time, defeating former ally Chris Jericho. After losing the gold to AJ Styles at a WWE MSG event, Owens would win it back at Battleground 2017  but lost the title back to Styles two days later on SmackDown. 

Triple H is hoping to focus on the positives of the week, which doesn’t include the shocking allegations against Vince McMahon. 

The past seven days have certainly been a mixed time for WWE. The promotion locked in a $5 billion deal with Netflix to bring Raw to the streaming service, and have seen Dwayne Johnson join TKO’s Board of Directors. On the other hand, McMahon and WWE were hit with a lawsuit alleging that he sexually abused Janel Grant and trafficked her to other men in the company. McMahon has denied the allegations but has since stepped down from WWE and TKO. 

Triple H on Vince McMahon

During the post-Royal Rumble press conference, Triple H was asked about the allegations against McMahon and the lawsuit. WWE’s Chief Content Officer made clear he’s looking to focus on the positives that this past week has brought. 

“I’m going to do exactly what you’d expect me to do here. We just had an amazing week and I just said it, 10 year, $5 billion dollar Netflix deal, The Rock joining our board, we just sold out the Royal Rumble with 48,000 people in Tropicana Field. I choose to focus on the positive. Yes, there is a negative but I want to focus on that and just keep it to that.”

When asked if he had read the suit against McMahon, Triple H said he had not. 

“I did not. I think Cody mentioned it, that we all found out real time when you were, and that’s the truth. I’ll go back to what I said before, this is an amazing week for us and I just, at this point, I don’t even want to get bogged down in the negatives of it, I just want to focus on the positives of where we’re going and we’re in the most exciting time of the year for us, the most exciting point to me business-wise that we’ve ever had.”

Triple H wasn’t the only person to speak about McMahon after the Royal Rumble… 

There’s nothing that can hold Naomi back, according to the GLOW herself, following her impressive return to WWE this week. 

The former TNA Knockouts Champion was the #2 entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble match, her first match for WWE since May of 2022. Naomi, alongside Mercedes Mone (then Sasha Banks) walked out of the promotion that same month, citing frustration with the creative team’s plans for the then-WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. WWE would strip the pair of the gold and Naomi (as Trinity) debuted for TNA last year. 

Naomi On Her WWE Return

Naomi didn’t win a title match at WrestleMania 40, but she was the sentimental favorite of many fans in Tropicana Field. Speaking after the match, Naomishared what it felt like to be back. 

“Ah man, it was hard to hold back all the emotions. I couldn’t — oh man, it felt really good. After this little journey I’ve been on, finally being back, and that’s the scary part. You never know what that reaction or response is. So to feel that, man. It’s so much more rewarding. I’m so grateful to be back.”

Naomi added that she’s optimistic for the future and gave some props to the woman who eliminated her: the debuting Jade Cargill. 

“After this ride I’ve been on, I feel like nothing can break me. I didn’t win, but I hung in there but that Jade [Cargill] is something else though.”

Naomi wasn’t the only name associated with TNA Wrestling to appear in the Women’s Royal Rumble match… 

Brock Lesnar had no role at this year’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, and WWE wanted to make sure nobody was thinking about the Beast Incarnate. 

Lesnar was reportedly originally slated for the Men’s Royal Rumble match that was won by Cody Rhodes. Lesnar was ‘withdrawn’ from the match due to the allegations by Janel Grant in her lawsuit filed at WWE and Vince McMahon. The suit claims that McMahon sexually abused and trafficked Grant to men in WWE during her tenure under contract. Lesnar isn’t mentioned by name in the suit, but it is claimed that Grant was trafficked to a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. 

Brock Lesnar Omitted

Ahead of the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match, WWE aired a video sharing some of the statistics associated with the popular 30-Superstar bout. The video pointed out that five men have won the match from the #30 spot, and named The Undertaker (2007), John Cena (2008), Triple H (2016), and Cody Rhodes (2023). The video did not mention or show Brock Lesnar, who won after entering from the coveted #30 spot in 2022. 

This isn’t the first time WWE has made selective choices with Royal Rumble statistics. In years past, WWE has mentioned that four people have won from the dreaded #1 spot. While WWE will mention Shawn Michaels (1995), Edge (2021), or Rhea Ripley’s victory last year, they avoid mentioning Chris Benoit. The disgraced wrestler went pillar-to-post in the 2004 Royal Rumble match, last eliminating the Big Show. 

The show didn’t end when the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble PLE stopped filming… 

Cody Rhodes hoped to give the WWE Universe something to feel positive about this week following the “dark cloud” that has been the Vince McMahon situation. 

McMahon re-signed from TKO and WWE this week, 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. 

Cody Rhodes Comments on Vince McMahon

On the post-Royal Rumble press conference, Cody Rhodes was asked for his comments on the situation and from an EVP perspective, what he hopes to see changed in wrestling to avoid similar situations. 

“I know as far as the news is concerned, we were finding it out and reading the same things that you guys were reading. And you said a dark cloud, certainly. As far as TKO, Nick Khan and the board, [they] clearly took it very seriously. Acted immediately. Looking at the future, I don’t know the answer to that and I think somewhere is a really basic tenet of just– this crew, more than ever, from a roster standpoint, is very family. I’ve never seen anything like this. Most of the time wrestling locker rooms are fighting, talking trash about each other, making fun of each other, sandbagging each other in the ring, all that nonsense. This crew is very team-based, and perhaps that’s the ingredient. Everyone looking out for everyone. Being accountable.

“I know for me as a performer, as a competitor, I’ve been through dark periods of our industry before. And it might sound cheesy but it’s very re-inforcing if you’re in my position that it’s a time [when you say] ‘Hey, we’ve got 50,000 people out here. I want to give them something else, that isn’t a terrible situation, terrible news. And I think we were able to do that. Obviously, as more news comes out we’ll be seeing it just as you do.”

Rhodes won the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match at the show, becoming the first person since 1998 to win back-to-back Rumble matches. 

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

Damage CTRL’s Bayley is going to WrestleMania 40 after winning the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

The Role Model entered the match from the #3 position, following Natalya and the returning Naomi. With the help of her Damage CTRL allies Asuka and Kairi Sane, 

Bayley scored several eliminations on her way to victory, including Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Maxxine Dupri. Bayley eliminated Liv Morgan to win. The Rumble marked Morgan’s return to the  ring following a lengthy injury. 

She fought for a record-setting 63 minutes and 3 seconds… and now, Philadelphia is calling her.

Congratulations to 2024 #RoyalRumble Match winner, @itsBayleyWWE! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/JdVpwW0YpB

— Triple H (@TripleH) January 28, 2024

Not only did Bayley win the match, but she also made history for the longest run in a singles Women’s Royal Rumble match. The Role Model lasted over one hour and three minutes before eliminating Morgan to win the match. 

BAYLEY IS GOING TO WRESTLEMANIA!

Congratulations to 2024 Women's #RoyalRumble Match Winner @itsBayleyWWE! You EARNED it!!! pic.twitter.com/fhPuX2he7K

— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024

What’s Next? 

With her win, Bayley has guaranteed herself a championship match at WrestleMania 40. Bayley, the self-described ‘Mami-Slayer’ has claimed that she will challenge Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania for the Women’s World Championship. 

That being said, many suspect that a Bayley-Rhea match isn’t in the works. Given the teased tensions within Damage CTRL, some have speculated that the Role Model will challenge WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY at the two-night megashow this April. 

Bayley wins!! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/sXQgspeL6n

— Adam Barnard (@ThisisGoober) January 28, 2024

Jade Cargill has made her WWE in-ring debut as part of the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

Cargill signed with WWE in September of last yearr, shortly after exiting All Elite Wrestling. After signing a multi-year deal with WWE, Cargill would appear at WWE Fastlane as well as at Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. Cargill has said that while she knows which brand she’ll be competing on moving forward, she’s keeping that information to herself for the time being.

Cargill in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The former TBS Champion would enter the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble from the #28 position. Cargill immediately set her sights on Nia Jax, who entered the match from the #19 position. The debut of Cargill immediately earned ‘Holy S***’ chants from the fans in St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field. While it took 11 women to eliminate Jax from last year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match, Cargill accomplished the feat on her own. 

A STORM IS COMING! ??@Jade_Cargill is here in the 2024 Women's #RoyalRumble Match! pic.twitter.com/wBTCqAaVXX

— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024

The 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble had a TNA flavor to it, thanks in part to the WWE debut of reigning Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace. 

Grace was the #5 entrant in the Women’s Rumble, which started off the 2024 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Grace entered to the sound of sirens, likely a nod to her time in her career teaming with WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner. Grace entered the match with the Knockouts Championship and the WWE commentary trio of Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and Corey Graves all made reference to TNA Wrestling. 

TNA in the Women’s Royal Rumble

Grace wasn’t the only TNA name who competed in the match. Naomi made her return to WWE as part of the Women’s Rumble, entering the match at #2. This marked Naomi’s first match for WWE since she and Mercedes Mone controversially walked out of the promotion in May of 2022. On commentary, the trio of Cole, McAfee, and Graves made reference to her run in TNA Wrestling. She lost the Knockouts Championship to Jordynne Grace at Hard to Kill earlier this month. 

Florida’s own Naomi has made her return to WWE as part of the Women’s Royal Rumble match, close to two years after her controversial exit from the promotion. 

Naomi was the #2 entrant in the 2024 Women’s Rumble match and started the match with the #1 entrant Natalya. This match marked her first bout for WWE since May of 2022. 

Feel the GLOW at #RoyalRumble!

NAOMI IS BACK!!! pic.twitter.com/GK7EeYlOsK

— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2024

Not only is Naomi back, but WWE also mentioned her run with TNA Wrestling. On commentary, Michael Cole recalled Naomi’s time as a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and mentioned that she is a former TNA Knockouts Champion. 

Naomi and Mercedes Mone (then Sasha Banks) would infamously walk out of WWE in May of 2022. The pair would have creative differences with WWE’s plans for them at the time. The reported plan was for the then-Women’s Tag Team Champions to enter singles feuds for the Raw & SmackDown Women’s Championships, which the pair were expected to lose. 

WWE and Snapchat are stepping into the ring together for a unique partnership that will see the launch of a World Heavyweight Championship Bitmoji.

In a statement, WWE said the following: 

WWE AND SNAPCHAT LAUNCH WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FOR BITMOJI

Ever wanted to capture the World Heavyweight Title? WWE and Snapchat have joined forces to give you a championship opportunity, and you won’t have to beat Seth “Freakin” Rollins to win it.

Beginning today, Snapchat users can unlock a digital World Heavyweight Championship for their Bitmoji avatar by redeeming 200 Tokens. WWE is the first sports and entertainment league to partner with Snapchat on an unlockable Bitmoji garment that is only accessible with Tokens.

The digital World Heavyweight Title is available now, just in time to kick off The Road to WrestleMania 40 at Royal Rumble 2024

WWE & Social Media

Like most massive entertainment companies, WWE has profiles on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. Superstars can also be found on such platforms and in addition to sharing their personal lives, often use social media to advance storylines or promote WWE events. 

WWE hasn’t always had the best luck when it comes to social media, however. In 2012, WWE invested $5 million and entered a two-year partnership with Tout. Stephanie McMahon was named a part of the Tout Board of Directors. Despite heavy promotion at the time, Tout would not be a success and was dissolved in 2019. From 2008 to 2011, WWE hosted its own social media website, originally dubbed ‘WWE Fan Nation’. It was later changed to ‘WWE Universe’ and while the site is no more, WWE continues to describe its fans as a ‘universe.’

Janel Grant hopes to see an atmosphere of fear keeping WWE employees from speaking out become a thing of the past following the resignation of Vince McMahon.

McMahon stepped down from WWE & TKO this week after Grant filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse and trafficking by the former TKO Chairman. While McMahon has insisted on his innocence, he stepped down “out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents.”

Janel Grant Gives Statement

WWE’s Superstars have been encouraged to not address the McMahon scandal publicly, but now Janel Grant has given her thoughts following McMahon’s resignation. In a statement, Ann Callis, the attorney of Miss Grant, said the following to the Law & Crime Network: 

“She hopes any doors of secrecy have been blown off their hinges and that fresh air fills the headquarters. She hopes those at the company, past and present, who fear speaking out about harm, [that it] is a thing of the past. She wishes everyone peace.”

More Victims? 

During the interview, Callis was asked if she believes there are other victims and said she believes there could be others out there. 

“Whether they worked in the company or not, yes, the belief is there are other victims out there, just the way the grooming of Janel went on, it indicates that. There are a lot of indicators that there may be, and probably are, other victims out there. One of Janel’s hopes is that by coming forward she will give the courage of other victims to come forward too.”

Vince McMahon is gone, and he may not be the last significant departure from WWE and TKO… 

Vince McMahon’s time with WWE and TKO has come to an end, and he may be just the first of many to exit both companies. 

McMahon’s departure from WWE/TKO was announced mere hours ago. Earlier this week, Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, alleged that McMahon had sexually abused her and trafficked her during her tenure with the company. After his resignation was announced, McMahon continued to deny the claims made against him in the lawsuit, which he has previously described as “obscene made-up instances.”

More Departures to Come? 

There is a belief in WWE that Endeavor may sweep out anyone close to Vince McMahon following the billionaire’s resignation this week, PW Insider reports. The gist is that a complete “fresh start” for the company is needed going forward, which may mean cuts to his remaining team. 

There were employees who exited WWE when McMahon initially re-signed in 2022 who would find a way back when he strong-armed his way back onto the Board of Directors in January 2023. There is also a belief among those PW Insider spoke to that anyone with a connection to McMahon may be seen as a major negative going forward, and that may affect their WWE status. 

Backstage Reaction

Those within WWE expected a fallout after Slim Jim paused their big-money sponsorship with the company due to the allegations. Sources within WWE added that anyone’s connection to McMahon may be seen as a “major negative going forward.” Those who left when McMahon did in 2022 and who returned when he returned in January 2023 could be on the chopping block. 

Changing WWE Plans? 

McMahon may be gone, but this situation could possibly change plans for tonight’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Brock Lesnar is expected for tonight’s event, but this may change due to Grant’s lawsuit. While Lesnar isn’t mentioned by name, Grant alleges that she was trafficked to a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, believed to be Brock. 

Roman Reigns Vs. The Rock has yet to be made official behind the scenes by WWE, but the Brahma Bull is focused on making the match a reality.

The Brahma Bull returned to WWE on the Day 1 episode of Raw and teased coming for Reigns’ spot as the Head of the Table. A match between the pair has been teased for years and was at one point locked in for WrestleMania 39. 

The Rock & WrestleMania 40

A potential Reigns-Rock match will come as bad news to fans of Cody Rhodes, who until the Day 1 edition of Raw, seemed poised to face the Tribal Chief at WrestleMania 40. In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that despite the anticipation of a match between the two, The Rock has yet to sign a deal confirming his involvement with WrestleMania. 

An agreement has yet to be reached, but the Brahma Bull is eager for the match to happen. One person in the company noted that Johnson was “headstrong” about wrestling Reigns at WrestleMania. Reigns himself laughed at the idea of facing The Rock during the episode of SmackDown that followed the Day 1 Raw. During an episode of ESPN’s First Take, The Rock admitted there is a chance of a match with Reigns at WrestleMania. 

The Rock’s Return to WWE

If The Rock does compete at WrestleMania, it won’t solely be as a wrestler. This week, Dwayne Johnson was appointed to TKO’s Board of Directors. As part of his lucrative deal, Johnson has full ownership of ‘The Rock’ moniker in a deeply personal move for the former WWE Champion. 

A lot has already been said about the latest allegations against Vince McMahon, but don’t expect any comments from current WWE Superstars.

This week, Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit against McMahon and the promotion. Grant alleges that she was sexually abused by McMahon and John Lauriniatis and was trafficked to several wrestlers, including a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. McMahon’s camp, which includes former WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt, has denied the claims, calling the suit “replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth.”

WWE Superstars Keeping Quiet

The allegations against McMahon have led to a lot of discussions about WWE and their business practices but those within the promotion are keeping quiet. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Superstars have been encouraged to “lay low.” The gist is that talent should not talk publicly about anything other than the upcoming Royal Rumble Premium Live Event or storyline related matters.

This lawsuit comes at a time of great attention on WWE. In addition to this weekend’s Royal Rumble event, the promotion recently finalized a ten-year deal to bring Monday Night Raw to Netflix. 

A Company-Wide Clean Up

While WWE Superstars won’t be speaking on the matter, the same rule doesn’t apply to ex-WWE talent. On Wrestling Observer Live, Lance Storm gave his view on the matter.

“I think there needs to be a legitimate cleaning house of anyone who covered anything up, who knew about this. This is absolutely disgustingly horrible and Vince McMahon needs to be gone and done. And I hope there’s criminal charges brought if any of this is even remotely true.”

Storm deemed the situation “absolutely disgustingly horrible” and stated that if any of the accusations were remotely true, Vince McMahon should be held accountable, even if that leads to criminal charges.

Fans can expect to see several surprise returns as part of the upcoming Royal Rumble event, it has been reported.

The WWE 2024 Royal Rumble premium live event will take place on Saturday, January 27 from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. It will be the 37th annual Rumble event and the seventh event to feature both men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches.

SE Scoops will have a live correspondent on hand for the Royal Rumble. Stay tuned for more information about exclusive content coming to the site, social media and YouTube from St. Petersburg.

Wrestling fans are eagerly anticipating some surprise entrants in the men’s and women’s matches. Less than three weeks out as of this writing, the first round of rumored names include Sean Waltman, Naomi, and Liv Morgan, according to reporting from PW Insider.

Who Not To Expect In The 2024 Royal Rumble

Hulk Hogan

Okay, let’s get this one out of the way, because we must address it. Hulk Hogan’s name was not churning in the rumor mill for the 2024 Royal Rumble match until he put it there. The Hulkster showed up on RAW this week and said he may have one more match left in him. That is not happening this year. I asked around about this right after Hogan’s promo, and everyone gave me a resounding “No way” and/or “Hell No!” when I asked whether Hulk Hogan is coming in for the match at Tropicana Field.

This goes without saying, but I received a resounding "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" when asking if Hulk Hogan is scheduled to be in the Royal Rumble match this Saturday…

— Aaron (@AaronVarble) January 23, 2024

Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon used to have a lot to do with the Royal Rumble match, as he also used to help produce it. I asked around as late as this week and was able to confirm that Shane-O Mac is not in any discussion for the 2024 Royal Rumble match. So, despite many expected surprises, Vince McMahon’s son will not be one of them either. 

As if this needs to be said, but I'm still reporting it, cause I CAN.

I've asked around and no, Shane McMahon is not involved in the 2024 #RoyalRumble planning, nor is he slated to be in the match.

— Aaron (@AaronVarble) January 26, 2024

Royal Rumble Potential Surprise Entrants

Sean Waltman

Waltman was recently at the WWE Performance Center which is also in Florida. On January 12, the nWo and DX alum said he can still go in the ring, but there’s “zero chance” he’ll be there:

There was talk last week at the PC about Waltman being in Florida over the Rumble weekend. Last year, Waltman told a fan “maybe” when asked about competing in the match. Waltman is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer. His most recent match for WWE was a 10-person tag-team match on the July 8, 2002, edition of Monday Night Raw.

I can still go at the drop of hat, at least for a few minutes. I can do all my kicks, except the one in the corner & I can do that again with a few weeks training. I'm at least month away from taking my shirt off in public, so zero chance I'll be in the Rumble.

— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) January 12, 2024

Naomi / Trinity Fatu

Former WWE star Naomi is among those being discussed for a return in the Women’s Rumble match. The reigning IMPACT/TNA Knockouts World Champion competes as Trinity but is expected to finish with that promotion at tapings later this month. The belief within WWE is that she will be returning once her run with IMPACT/TNA expires. Naomi/Trinity famously walked out of WWE in May 2022 alongside Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Mone) due to creative differences with WWE.

Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan is also said to be in the mix, as there were talks back in November of her returning from her shoulder injury. Morgan was recently arrested for marijuana possession, but there is little to no heat on her from WWE management. Her legal issue has not changed plans for her, and she recently saw the most serious charge against her dropped.

Giulia

Giulia’s status is a very interesting one. Rumors have been flying around about WWE interest in here. In face, it was reported that AEW backed off of her completely after interest from WWE was evident. Only time will tell if Giulia shows up at the Royal Rumble. She has not been to the WWE Performance Center yet, but the idea of her showing up in Tropicana Field is certainly possible.

Mercedes Mone/Sasha Banks

Mercedes’ free agent situation is very interesting. The former Banks, who is notorious for keeping her contracts close to the vest, is now bound for another company after her NJPW deal expired. Although rumors of a WWE return are strong, those in WWE still believe that she is heading to AEW. Others, like Sean Ross Sapp have indicated the same. There were talks between WWE and Mone, but they hit a financial roadblock.

Jade Cargill

A lot of things are going on with Jade Cargill, and WWE has big plans for her. As a former TBS Champion in AEW, World Wrestling Entertainment didn’t jump right to debuting her in the ring. Instead, they opted for a slow burn debut, where she showed up at Fastlane. Then, they placed her in the WWE Performance Center, so she could polish up her skills and get ready for her big moment. It will be interesting to see if WWE pulls the trigger on her debut at the Royal Rumble, and just how much time they give her in the match.

Kazuchika Okada

Okada is leaving NJPW, and that news broke the pro wrestling world wide open. We have not heard any explicit report of a WWE contract offer, but the man has been on WWE’s radar for years. It may be possible that NJPW would allow Okada to perform at the Royal Rumble, even if he has more dates with them. Obviously, Okada’s addition to WWE would also greatly shake up the WrestleMania landscape as well.

Kamille

Although it is expected that Kamille may debut for NXT first, WWE has their eye on the former NWA Women’s Champion. She was just backstage at AEW Dynamite, but that was only because they were very close to her home. That didn’t give any indication that Tony Khan is close to snatching her away from WWE. By all appearances, Kamille is going to WWE, where she will probably be a major player when the time comes.

This page will be updated in the weeks and days leading up to the Royal Rumble.

Rhea Ripley has become one of WWE’s very top Superstars, but that has only come about after she narrowly avoided being released. 

Ripley is WWE’s reigning Women’s World Champion, a reign that began at WrestleMania 39 with her SmackDown Women’s Championship win over Charlotte Flair. Ripley’s work with The Judgment Day has been praised by fans and has helped make the ‘Mami’ one of WWE’s must-see Superstars. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lT9DIey1Ts

Ripley Is True to Herself

With her unique look, Ripley certainly stands out among the roster of WWE’s women. When she debuted in WWE, Ripley had a more traditional look to her, complete with long, blonde hair. During a recent interview with The Ringer, Ripley recalled trying to fit in with what she believed WWE wanted from her, which ironically led to talks about whether to let her go. 

“I was on the chopping block. I nearly got fired a few times. I don’t know if they wanted me to know that, but I did know that

Realizing that a change needed to be made, Ripley looked to her taste in music and the performers she has gravitated toward throughout her life. 

“They didn’t care about what anyone thought. And I really aspired to be like that. I love the studded jackets, I love the painted jackets. I love the black makeup, the black hair. I’ve always loved that grungy look. And that’s been me, deep down. I’ve just been hiding it for so long because I was trying to be the girl next door, the beachy sort of vibes, but it wasn’t me.”

Ripley’s most recent title defense saw the Eradicator retain against Ivy Nile on the Day 1 edition of Monday Night Raw. She is not booked to compete at this weekend’s Royal Rumble event. 

 Rhea Ripley recently reached another milestone in her WWE career…