SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Did WWE Find a WrestleMania Headliner at Summerslam Try-Outs?

    Did WWE Find a WrestleMania Headliner at Summerslam Try-Outs?

    Over Summerslam weekend, WWE hosted a series of try-outs in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Several athletes, including NBA star Dwight Howard tried out, hoping to earn a contract with WWE.

    Headlining WrestleMania

    Triple H conducted the Summerslam tryouts, in his first major role as the new Head of WWE Talent Relations.

    In addition to ‘The Game’ Paul Heyman was present to observe those trying to earn a WWE contract, and was impressed by some of the names he saw.

    Heyman spoke to “Bleacher Report” about the try-outs and sees big things in the future of some of the athletes (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “There are plenty of people I saw today that are qualified. Are they going to main-event WrestleMania? There’s a few people I can see that happening with, but not everyone, and I’m very excited about working with them in the future. But not all of them.”

    “There’s a few people I can see that happening with.”

    Paul Heyman on some of the Summerslam try-out athletes possibly headlining WrestleMania.

    Heyman added that while not everyone is destined to headline WWE’s biggest event of the year, but that’s not all the company is looking for.

    “If you’re not going to main-event WrestleMania, are you a disruptor? Are you someone who’s going to change the industry? Are you someone who’s going to give us a vision that we don’t have? Someone who’s 20 better not look at this industry the same way I do.”

    WWE reportedly signed 14 of the 50 athletes who tried out for the company over Summerslam weekend.

    What Triple H Told Talents At Latest WWE Tryout
  • WWE Employee Leaves to Join The Rock and Dany Garcia’s XFL

    WWE Employee Leaves to Join The Rock and Dany Garcia’s XFL

    Next year, the XFL will kick off for the third time, after failed runs in both 2000 and 2020.

    During the Attitude Era, poor ratings ultimately killed Vince McMahon’s vision for an alternative to the NFL.

    The second iteration would stop halfway through the first season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

    Now, The Rock and Dany Garcia are attempting to make the league successful with a name from WWE on board.

    The Departure

    It’s been confirmed that WWE Strength and Conditioning Coach Sean Hayes is leaving the wrestling promotion and joining the XFL.

    In a post on Instagram, NXT 2.0 Superstar Xyon Quinn broke the news while praising Hayes for his work.

    “The OG of @wwenxt ? Best wishes on your next adventure with @xfl brother, they’ve gained a beast of a trainer and an absolute legend of a bloke.???? @fla_hayes #youareNXT.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg4mltDLWeT/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=780872d6-5f87-4534-8c12-7bf48ee05eb6

    Prior to coming to WWE in May 2016, Hayes was a Harvard Crimson linebacker was a member of the Houston Texans’ coaching staff.

    The XFL

    The Rock and Garcia purchased the XFL in August 2020, mere weeks after the second iteration of the league was terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Eight teams have been confirmed for the first season of the new league, representing Arlington, Texas, Houston, Texas, Las Vegas Nevada, Orlando, Florida, St. Louis, Missouri, San Antonio, Texas, Seattle, Washington, and Washington D.C.

    The league has a current deal with ESPN to broadcast games through 2027.

    The 2023 season will kick off on Saturday, February 18.

    The Rock Gives More Info on XFL’s Deal With Disney, ESPN, ABC, FX

  • Kurt Angle Recalls the ‘Look’ Vince McMahon had When he Kissed Stephanie McMahon

    Kurt Angle Recalls the ‘Look’ Vince McMahon had When he Kissed Stephanie McMahon

    In the Summer of 2000, one of WWE’s biggest storylines revolved around a love triangle between Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, and Kurt Angle.

    While Angle declared that he and Stephanie were just ‘good friends’ the storyline took a turn during the August 24, 2000, SmackDown.

    After helping an injured Stephanie to the back, Angle kissed her while Stephanie’s husband Triple H was being beaten down in the ring.

    The Kiss

    While speaking on his podcast, Angle talked about how it felt to kiss Stephanie McMahon in front of her father.

    “It was weird. It was very uncomfortable. Vince, not only was he directing, he was literally two feet away from us. The camera was right here, Stephanie and I are here, and Vince is right behind the camera looking at us. I’m not saying he felt like he looked like he was aroused, but he had this look like, I want to see this.

    I’m not saying he [Vince McMahon] felt like he looked like he was aroused, but he had this look like, ‘I want to see this.’”

    Kurt Angle on his awkward kiss with Stephanie McMahon

    “So I kissed Stephanie, and I do it like this because I’m nervous as hell. I look like a duck, fish lips. Stephanie afterward said, ‘You kiss like a fish.’ I said, ‘What the hell do you want me to do? Do you want me to slip you the tongue while your dad’s watching? Plus you’re married to Triple H.”

    Triple H would later get a win over Angle at the Unforgiven Pay Per View, and the storyline would be ended, reportedly as ‘The Game’ felt it was unrealistic that Stephanie would choose Kurt over him.

    Kurt Angle Says AEW Offered Him a 10-Match Contract
  • Photos: Ric Flair Gets Physical at Wrestling Event in Puerto Rico

    Photos: Ric Flair Gets Physical at Wrestling Event in Puerto Rico

    Last month, Ric Flair competed in his final match, bringing his legendary wrestling career to an end.

    Flair teamed with Andrade El-Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett, in the main event of the ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match’ Pay Per View.

    The match came eleven years after Flair’s previous bout (a TNA 2011 loss to Sting) and the 16-time World Champion has made it clear that he means it with this retirement.

    Getting Physical

    Ric Flair may indeed be officially retired from wrestling, but the “Dirtiest Player in the Game” isn’t afraid to still get physical when it matters.

    Last night, Flair joined his son-in-law in Puerto Rico, as the AEW star and former WWE NXT Champion faced Carlito at the WWC Aniversario 2022 event.

    On Twitter, Flair shared some photos of him confronting Carlito’s father and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Carlos Colon.

    In the first image, Flair can be seen removing his jacket to confront the Puerto Rican legend, while the second image shows Flair taking a shot to the head.

    The match, which was the main event of the show, saw Carlito defeat Andrade with Puerto Rico’s Ray Gonzalez acting as special guest referee.

    After the show, both sides were more civil and posed together for a photo.

    In addition to Carlito, Andrade, Flair and Colon, Charlotte Flair, daughter of Ric and wife of Andrade, and Carlito’s brother Primo joined them for the picture.

  • Lex Luger Feared Doctors Would Amputate his Arm After Near-Fatal Accident

    Lex Luger Feared Doctors Would Amputate his Arm After Near-Fatal Accident

    Throughout his career, Lex Luger’s character was defined by his incredible physique.

    In WWE, Luger was known as Narcissus, later ‘The Narcissist’ and was referred to as the ‘Total Package’ throughout his entire wrestling career.

    Famously boasting just 4% body fat, Luger’s physique would continue to impress fans until he retired from the ring.

    The Accident

    While Luger signed with Vince McMahon in 1992, he did not initially plan on working solely as a wrestler.

    Initially, Luger did guest appearances for McMahon’s bodybuilding promotion the World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF) until a near-fatal motorcycle accident ended all plans for him.

    Speaking to A&E for their Biography: Legends episode, Luger recalled nearly losing his arm due to the crash.

    “They were talking about amputating my arm.”

    Lex Luger on his near-fatal 1992 motorcycle accident.

    Luger told Sting that under no circumstance should he allow the doctors to amputate his arm.

    The pair called Dr. Andrews, who has specialized in athletes’ injuries, who told Luger that it seemed unlikely he’d ever have full use of his arm.

    Luger would be able to keep his arm, in what the former WCW World Champion called a “miraculous recovery.”

    After the Accident

    Less than six months after the accident, Luger would debut as Narcissus at the 1993 Royal Rumble.

    WWE would capitalize on the accident, referencing the metal plate that Luger had in his arm, which he’d use as an illegal weapon during matches.

    On-screen, Luger would be forced to wear a padded armband over the metal plate, which he would remove to cheat.

    Lex Luger Reveals the Inspiration for His Ring Name
  • Britt Baker has Big Plans for the Future of AEW

    Britt Baker has Big Plans for the Future of AEW

    Since AEW launched in 2019, the company has been a hit with fans of professional wrestling.

    Fans have appreciated that the promotion provides an alternative to WWE, with several top former Superstars starting over in the All-Elite company.

    AEW is also host to homegrown talent, who regularly prove they are able to hang with their former WWE counterparts.

    Big Plans

    AEW has undoubtedly become a success in professional wrestling, but the promotion is still seen as second to WWE.

    Not only has WWE been around for longer, but the Stephanie McMahon/Nick Khan company continues to have a more recognizable brand, both within the United States and internationally.

    Appearing on the Absolute Geek Podcast, Britt Baker explained how she plans on AEW growing to the point that it is as mainstream as WWE (via Sportskeeda.)

    “For most people in the world, WWE is the number one wrestling promotion. You can pick out anybody on the street, they know what WWE is. Not everybody knows what AEW is yet, and I wanna get to a point where it is super mainstream and we do more entertainment and mainstream crossovers so that they can see one of our stars and they go, ‘Oh, that person’s a wrestler from AEW,’ not just, ‘who is that person?”

    “I wanna get to a point where it is super mainstream and we do more entertainment and mainstream crossovers.”

    Britt Baker on future plans for All Elite Wrestling.

    AEW has already had several partnerships, including with the American Heart Association and Diamond Select Toys.

  • What Does Triple H Regret About Feuding with The Rock?

    What Does Triple H Regret About Feuding with The Rock?

    In the Attitude Era, Triple H and The Rock established themselves as two of the biggest names in wrestling.

    Their careers were in many ways a mirror, with both winning the Intercontinental Championships early in their career, and both later leading their own stables.

    The two would have several high-profile Pay Per View matches, including a Ladder match at Summerslam 1998, and WWE’s second-ever Iron Man match at Judgment Day 2000.

    The Regret

    The Rock and Triple H had plenty of Pay Per View singles matches, but they never faced off one-on-one at WrestleMania.

    Speaking on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, Triple H was asked about his feuds with “The Brahma Bull” and said he regrets not getting a one-on-one match at WWE’s biggest event of the year (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “My only regret of the whole thing with Rock is in 2000, we were poised to have a match at WrestleMania one-on-one. I think that would’ve been an epic thing for both of us in that moment.”

    Triple H reveals his regret over feuding with The Rock.

    Instead of a singles match, WrestleMania 2000 saw Mick Foley and The Big Show added to the main event to make it a fatal four-way.

    The Sequel

    The Rock and Triple H would get their one-on-one WWF Championship main event, but it’d come a month later at Backlash 2000.

    The match was heavily stacked against The Rock, with Vince, Stephanie and Shane McMahon all on the side of “The Game.”

    Despite this, The Rock would win the title, thanks in part to the return of ‘Stone Cold’s Steve Austin, who had been out since November 1999 after being ‘run down’ at Survivor Series.

    Backstage News on What’s Changed Since Triple H Took Over WWE Creative
  • The Undertaker Spotted With AEW’s Andrade El Idolo At Ric Flair’s Last Match

    The Undertaker Spotted With AEW’s Andrade El Idolo At Ric Flair’s Last Match

    For 30 years, The Undertaker made his ominous presence felt in WWE, refusing to break character both in and out of the ring.

    Since his final farewell, the former World Heavyweight Champion has appeared out of character at various conventions and appearances, allowing fans the chance to meet him rather than the character.

    Photo with Andrade

    The Undertaker has been a symbol of the WWE for decades, but he recently made his presence felt outside the company.

    “The Phenom” was present for Ric Flair’s last match last weekend, which saw the 16-time World Champion team with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

    Following the event, The Undertaker posed for a photo with El Idolo backstage, who was immensely pleased that he got a picture with the WWE Hall of Famer.

    1deadMan Show

    Appearing at Flair’s last match was a big moment for The Undertaker, but not his only notable appearance over the past week.

    Two days prior to Flair’s final match, Undertaker did the 1deadMan Show, a one-night talk with fans in Nashville.

    The show saw “The Deadman” joke that he’s ruined some childhoods by breaking kayfabe after 30 years in character.

    He also spoke about working with the likes of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Bret Hart, as well as how he unwinds when not working.

    Ric Flair’s Next Appearance

    Ric Flair’s Last Match was (as you’d expect) advertised as the final time Ric Flair would wrestle, but the “Nature Boy” has something planned.

    Flair took to Twitter to share with the world in his signature style, that he and Andrade El Idolo are the dirtiest players in the game and that he would be back at it again this weekend in Puerto Rico.

    It was later explained that Flair will be in his son-in-law’s corner when he faces Carlito in Puerto Rico.

    The Undertaker Once Squashed Michelle McCool WrestleMania Storyline
  • “I’m Not Sure I Belong in the Ring” Claims Ex-WWE Superstar

    “I’m Not Sure I Belong in the Ring” Claims Ex-WWE Superstar

    In 2012, Matt Rehwoldt signed with WWE and spent his time with the company under the name Aiden English.

    One-half of the Vaudevillains, his sole championship win in WWE came as part of the NXT Tag Team Champions in 2015.

    Rehwoldt held several roles in addition to being a wrestler before his release in April 2020.

    Rehwoldt’s Statement

    Before leaving WWE, Rehwoldt had slowly transitioned into a role outside of the ring.

    In 2018, he became part of the Rusev Day stable with Rusev and Lana, and became a color commentator for 205 Live and NXT UK a year later.

    Taking to Twitter this week, Rehwoldt explained how he will no longer be taking bookings as a wrestler, as he does not believe he belongs in the ring anymore.

    Rehwoldt still believes he can being something and has encouraged anyone seeking him for non-wrestling roles to contact him.

    “So here you go: I will no longer be taking bookings to wrestle going forward. I’ve always been most at home with a mic in front of me and am in love with the broadcast side of the biz. I’m not sure I feel I belong in the ring anymore and this year has taught me that. But I love what I’m doing now and am still technically a free agent so if you have a company/promotion that needs an entertaining and experienced voice on the mic hit me up! All in addition to continuing to explore esports/gaming, VO, and content! I DO ALL THE THINGS.”

    In a follow-up post, Rehwoldt clarified that he is not leaving the wrestling industry, but just will not be wrestling anymore.

    Released Star Is Glad To Not Be Working In WWE

  • WWE Pressed to Split Up Roman Reigns’ ‘Undisputed’ Championships

    WWE Pressed to Split Up Roman Reigns’ ‘Undisputed’ Championships

    The days of one “Undisputed WWE Universal Champion” are numbered.

    At WrestleMania 38, Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated WWE Champion Brock Lesnar to unify the company’s top World Championships.

    Called ‘the biggest main event in WrestleMania’ history, the win saw Reigns be crowned the ‘Undisputed WWE Universal Champion,’ a title he holds to this day.

    Since unifying the two championships at WrestleMania, Reigns has been carrying the two title belts to symbolize being the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

    That could all change very soon however, following Karrion Kross’ return to WWE during last night’s SmackDown.

    Undisputed No More?

    Fightful Select reports that Kross’ impactful return, attacking Drew McIntyre and having a face-off with Reigns, is the sign of a big push for the two-time former WWE NXT Champion.

    An idea suggested backstage is for Kross to be inserted into the current feud between Reigns and McIntyre.

    There has also been a pitch for Kross to challenge Reigns, but for one of his championships, effectively ending the title unification.

    De-Unifying the Titles

    It was Vince McMahon who made the decision for the WWE and Universal Championships to be unified, but its the USA Network who are in support of the titles being split.

    USA Network executives are said to be unhappy with how few appearances Reigns makes on Raw and wants a World Championship of their own.

    Per Fightful, the network has also pitched the idea of having an interim World Champion, similar to Jon Moxley being the interim AEW World Champion due to CM Punk’s injury.

    The report notes that it’s unclear how seriously WWE considered the idea, as Reigns is not injured, and having an interim Undisputed WWE Universal Champion would make little sense.

    Roman Reigns Retains Undisputed WWE Universal Title at SummerSlam

  • Cain Velasquez Enters Plea in Attempted Murder Case

    Cain Velasquez Enters Plea in Attempted Murder Case

    Earlier this year, UFC legend and one-time WWE Superstar Cain Velasquez was involved in a shooting.

    It is alleged that Velasquez fired a weapon at a vehicle, aiming to hit a man who it is alleged molested a relation of the fighter.

    Instead, the stepfather of that man was hit, resulting in the man being taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

    Velasquez has remained incarcerated since the incident, and has now made his plea related to a charge of attempted murder in the first degree.

    The Plea

    Appearing in a San Jose, California, courtroom on Friday, Velasquez pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge against him.

    This is the most serious charge Velasquez is facing, but he also pleaded not guilty to the other charges.

    These include shooting at a motor vehicle or aircraft, assault with a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony.

    What’s next for Cain Velasquez?

    With this not guilty plea in, Velasquez will have his next hearing on September 26.

    The former UFC Heavyweight Champion has been denied bail on three occasions, as the belief is that he would be a danger to the public if released.

    Several fighters and other personalities have come forward in support of Velasquez.

    WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey has said that she would have done the same thing, if not worse, had she been in Velasquez’s position.

    If convicted, Velasquez faces anywhere between 20 years to life behind bars.

    Cain Velasquez Isn’t Bitter Over WWE Release, Expresses Gratitude
  • Sasha Banks Making High-Profile Appearance Amid WWE Return Rumors

    Sasha Banks Making High-Profile Appearance Amid WWE Return Rumors

    During the May 16, 2022 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the show, over a creative difference with the planned main event.

    Shortly after, WWE suspended the duo, branded them “unprofessional” on TV, and stripped the pair of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

    There was a time when it appeared that Banks and Naomi would be gone from WWE for good, but the recent change of leadership could bring them back.

    Banks’ Appearance

    Since her suspension, Sasha Banks has been silent on Twitter, up until this week.

    In her first tweet since the May 16 walkout, Banks promoted her upcoming appearance at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Convention (C2E2.)

    Banks told her followers that she is excited to see them this weekend when quoting a tweet from C2E2 which has since been deleted.

    In addition to Banks, Naomi is also scheduled to appear at the convention, with tickets available for photos with the pair of WWE Superstars.

     WWE Hall of Famers Mick Foley, Lita, Trish Stratus, and The Undertaker are also scheduled to be at the convention.

    AEW star Danhausen has also been announced for C2E2.

    Renewed Hope

    While the idea of Banks and Naomi seemed farfetched just a few weeks ago, there is renewed hope that they will return.

    It has been reported that Banks and Naomi’s main issues backstage were with Vince McMahon, and that both have had good relationships in the past with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

    Banks has been pulled from a celebrity flag football match which is scheduled for today, fueling speculation of a return on tonight’s WWE SmackDown.

    Saraya (Paige) Believes Sasha Banks & Naomi Will Return To WWE
  • Former WWE Star Recalls Vince McMahon Nearly Making Out With John Laurinaitis

    Former WWE Star Recalls Vince McMahon Nearly Making Out With John Laurinaitis

    When Rusev lost the WWE United States Championship (and his undefeated streak) to John Cena at WrestleMania 31 in 2015, the Bulgarian didn’t take it well.

    After failing to regain the title, Rusev would blame his manager Lana, played by his then-girlfriend and future-wife CJ Perry.

    What followed was a love triangle over the Summer, in which Rusev aligned with Summer Rae, while Lana had an on-screen romantic relationship with Dolph Ziggler.

    The Kiss

    On the May 18, 2015 Monday Night Raw, Lana confirmed her relationship with Ziggler, kissing the two-time former World Heavyweight Champion.

    Speaking to Renee Paquette on ‘The Sessions,’ Perry recalled rehearsal for the angle, and having to practice kissing in front of the then-WWE CEO (via Wrestling News.)

    “It’s Ace [John Laurinaitis] Vince [McMahon, Dolph, and Miro. We had to practice the kiss and Miro is turning red in the corner. Vince is like, ‘What? We’re all adults. What’s the problem? We’re all adults. It’s professionalism. Don’t be weird.’ So we do it, and Vince goes, ‘No, no, no, no, way slower.’ He doesn’t fully kiss Johnny Ace, but he gets like this close. I mean, it was hilarious. Dolph is dying.”

    “He doesn’t fully kiss Johnny Ace, but he gets like this close.”

    CJ Perry on Vince McMahon’s attempts to teach her how to kiss Dolph Ziggler

    Perry added that when she recently rewatched the kiss with a friend, it was noticed how slow she and Ziggler kiss.

    She adds that McMahon “wanted it to be innocent,” as if she had never kissed a man before.

    Lana Says She Was “Brainwashed” By Toxic WWE
  • Update on Riddle’s WWE Return After Storyline Injury

    Update on Riddle’s WWE Return After Storyline Injury

    At Summerslam 2022, Riddle was scheduled to face Seth Rollins, the culmination of a lengthy feud between the two.

    Before the show began, it was announced that Riddle had been pulled from the show, as he had been “medically disqualified.”

    On The Bump, it was said that Riddle had suffered a brachial plexus injury, better known to fans as a ‘stinger’ while being attacked by Rollins.

    Riddle’s Return

    Riddle hasn’t wrestled since the July 25, 2022 episode of Raw, where he and the Street Profits lost to The Bloodline.

    According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Riddle will wrestle Seth Rollins at the “Saturday Night’s Main Event” show in North Charleston, South Carolina.

    The two will also face off at the “Sunday Stunner” event in Fayetteville, North Carolina the next night.

    While these matches had been advertised in the local area, there was uncertainty over Riddle’s availability due to his injury from Rollins.

    Rollins Vs. Riddle

    When WWE announced that the Riddle Vs. Seth Rollins Summerslam match was off, they confirmed that the bout had been ‘postponed.’

    WWE has not given an update as to when the match will happen though many believe it will happen next month.

    The belief is that WWE delayed the Summerslam match so that they have a big match to promote for WWE Clash at the Castle.

    Clash at the Castle will take place at the Principality Stadium, in Cardiff, Wales, and will mark WWE’s biggest event in the UK since Summerslam 1992.

    Riddle Offers Injury Update On Randy Orton
  • Ric Flair’s Last Match Attendance, Live Gate & PPV Buys

    Ric Flair’s Last Match Attendance, Live Gate & PPV Buys

    Last week, Ric Flair competed in his final ever match, teaming with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

    While the show was named after “The Nature Boy” Flair’s final ever wrestling match wasn’t the only bout on the card.

    The total 13-match card also saw the Impact World and Knockouts World Championships be defended, as well as Jonathan Gresham be crowned the number-one contender for the PROGRESS World Championship.

    The Event

    The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the show was a big success as an attraction, with over 6,800 fans in attendance.

    The show drew a live gate revenue of $448,502, the second largest for any indie event of this generation. PPV buys are still being tabulated, but early estimates have them at around 20-25,000.

    The show is certainly the second-most successful gate in North America, only being beaten by 2018’s ALL IN event.

    That show, run by Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks, saw 10,541 in attendance and a live gate revenue of $458,525.

    Reviews

    The Ric Flair’s Last Match event has received mixed reviews, with the production quality and overall presentation of the show being praised.

    Many have called the match of the night the fatal four-way between Bandido, Laredo Kid, Black Taurus and Rey Fenix, which Fenix won.

    As for Flair’s match, which was also the main event, the match drew criticism for how poor Ric looked in the match.

    The Sportster said how the match showed that “Ric Flair should not have been in the ring whatsoever,” while Bleacher Report called the main event “one of the most unusual, at times uncomfortable, watches in recent memory.”

    Backstage Update On Ric Flair’s Health After Bloody Last Match
  • Lex Luger: I’d Walk Again for WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    Lex Luger: I’d Walk Again for WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    For years, Lex Luger was a wrestler who’s character was based on his incredible physique.

    Famously boasting a 4% body fat, Luger was referred to in WWE as ‘The Narcissist’ but a series of medical issues, including a spinal stroke have taken their toll.

    In 2014, Luger said he was using a wheelchair on a regular basis, though he was still able to walk short distances, but became completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility last year.

    The Hall of Fame

    Luger has said he would work hard to walk again if he could walk onto the stage at the WWE Hall of Fame. 

    In an interview with Sports Illustrated released on Thursday, Luger spoke about his health and possible induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

    “I might pop out of the chair for that [a WWE Hall of Fame induction.] I would take that chance if that moment comes. That honor would be the cherry on top of my career.”

    “I might pop out of the chair for that.”

    Lex Luger on a possible WWE Hall of Fame induction.

    The 64-year-old will be the focus of Sunday’s episode of Biography: WWE Legends on A&E. 

    Is an induction coming?

    A former WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Luger had a rich career in wrestling that certainly warrants a Hall of Fame induction.

    Last year, Jim Ross said that Luger should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, saying that it would be a “popular decision.”

    Mick Foley has also expressed support for a Luger induction.

    Latest On Lex Lugar’s Health
  • Why is Batgirl Cancellation Bad News for AEW?

    Why is Batgirl Cancellation Bad News for AEW?

    If you’ve been following entertainment news this week, you’ll know that the DC Comics film ‘Batgirl’ has been canceled.

    The film was supposed to see Leslie Grace play the iconic character in the first stand-alone live-action film for Batgirl.

    WarnedMedia had reportedly invested over $90 million into the project before canning it, in one of the biggest net losses for any movie project ever.

    Bad News

    Batgirl isn’t the only big cut from WarnerMedia, as the company has been making sweeping cuts across the board.

    In April, it was announced that WarnerMedia was shutting down its CNN-Plus service, one month after its launch.

    During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that AEW may not be immune from these budget cuts.

    “Your parent company [Warner Bros. Discovery] is slicing budgets everywhere, they are stopping movies and TV shows in production, it’s been a bloodletting there and there’s probably more to come. The timing for AEW, with their deal coming up at the end of next year, last few days haven’t been looking good.”

    The Future of AEW

    AEW’s current deal with WarnerMedia will reportedly last until the end of 2023 and a lot is riding on a new deal.

    Tony Khan has been telling wrestlers who have shown interest in leaving to stay, promising that a new, better deal will be reached, resulting in higher pay for the roster.

    Earlier this year, Dave Meltzer was confident in AEW’s chances, saying “it would take someone who just hates wrestling” for AEW to be canceled.

    Top WarnerMedia Exec Largely Responsible for AEW Programming Exits
  • WWE Prospect Charged with Felony Sexual Battery

    WWE Prospect Charged with Felony Sexual Battery

    Last December, WWE announced the Next in Line Program, after an NCAA policy change allowed college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness.

    Rather than focus on established wrestlers with years of experience outside WWE, the promotion’s strategy is to sign young athletes who they can train in WWE’s style of professional wrestling.

    Being a part of the NIL program gives the athletes access to WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, but one of the company’s young prospects is in serious trouble.

    The Warrant

    Yesterday, a court issued an arrest warrant for AJ Ferrari, who faces a felony charge of sexual battery.

    According to documents obtained by The Oklahoman newspaper, the warrant was issued after an affidavit was filed by a detective in the Stillwater Police Department’s criminal investigations division.

    Bond has reportedly been set by Payne County District Court at $25,000, according to the Stillwater News Press.

    The Charge

    Ferrari is alleged to have performed unwanted sexual acts on a woman while holding her down on her bed on July 2.

    Three days after the alleged incident, the woman filed for an emergency protective order, and a hearing is scheduled for September 15.

    On July 13, Oklahoma State University announced that Ferrari is no longer on their wrestling team.

    Under Oklahoma law, sexual battery faces a penalty if convicted of between one to 15 years in prison.

    Ferrari’s attorney, Derek Chance, has claimed that his client is innocent and that he is confident that AJ Ferrari will be exonerated in due time.

    WWE NIL Signee Dismissed From College Wrestling Team
  • Paul Heyman Reveals Interesting Advice from Vince McMahon

    Paul Heyman Reveals Interesting Advice from Vince McMahon

    In the Attitude Era, Paul Heyman and Vince McMahon led different promotions, but the two weren’t entirely at odds.

    Heyman, aware that his ECW could never compete for dominance over the much bigger WWF, struck a deal with McMahon.

    This deal saw McMahon pay ECW $1,000 a week, as well as a $500,000 payment in mid-2000, while the WWF received the first chance on signing ECW talent, and had a much easier time purchasing ECW when the company eventually collapsed.

    The Advice

    Before ECW folded, Heyman jumped to the WWF and returned to the WWE in 2012.

    This return saw Heyman work closely with McMahon now in the same company, and the two workaholics worked well together until the latter’s retirement last month.

    In June 2019, Heyman was appointed an Executive Director of Raw, and during an appearance on The Mackmania podcast on The Ringer Wrestling Show, shared some advice he got by McMahon when receiving the role.

    “Make sure you pick your successor, in case you drop dead.”

    Paul Heyman reveals the advice given to him by Vince McMahon.

    According to Heyman, McMahon made it clear that even in the times of Vince’s passing, the show must go on without him.

    McMahon was under the impression that he would remain as WWE CEO and Chairman until his death.

    Heyman’s Future

    While many are optimistic for WWE’s future with McMahon now retired, Heyman isn’t celebrating.

    On the show, Heyman made it clear that he’s fully on board with the new vision for WWE, but it’s foolish to celebrate McMahon’s departure, as his work ethic made a lot of people a lot of money.

    Many believe that Heyman could be in line for a backstage role with creative, as he has good relationships with WWE Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon and Head of Creative/Talent Relations Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

    Triple H Explains Paul Heyman’s Role At WWE Tryouts
  • Dakota Kai Says her WWE Return Was a Last-Minute Call

    Dakota Kai Says her WWE Return Was a Last-Minute Call

    At Summerslam 2022, Dakota Kai returned to WWE, receiving her main-roster call-up in the process.

    Kai, alongside the returning Bayley and IYO SKY, appeared early in the show, after the Raw Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch.

    Last-Minute

    Fans were shocked to see Kai appear at Summerslam, as she had been released by WWE in April this year.

    Speaking on the latest episode of WWE The Bump, the New Zealand-born Superstar revealed that there was never a long-term plan to bring her back.

    “You thought you’d seen the last of me, huh? It still feels like a whirlwind to me with everything that happened. It all happened so last minute too. To be talking with you guys right now is exciting. Everything that has happened since Saturday has been insane, it’s been crazy.”

    “It all happened so last minute.”

    Dakota Kai on her abrupt return to WWE.

    Kai added that she has been wanting to work with Bayley and IYO SKY for a very long time.

    Kai’s Release

    Kai was one of ten NXT Superstars released earlier this year, but her situation differed from others.

    While Superstars such as Harland were cut for not showing improvement, Kai had reportedly received several main-roster dark matches, but WWE had no plans to push her to Raw or SmackDown.

    Seeing herself in a rut, Kai reportedly told WWE that she did not plan on re-signing her contract when it expired in April 2023.

    Has Bayley Revealed The Name Of Her New Stable?
  • Taz Gives an Update on the Future of Team Taz

    Taz Gives an Update on the Future of Team Taz

    All Elite Wrestling is home to several factions, and one of the longest-running groups is Team Taz.

    The group has had ups and downs over their years in AEW, but now things have come to an abrupt end.

    The End of Team Taz

    Last week on AEW Dynamite, Ricky Starks defended the FTW Championship against Danhausen, but would later lose the title to Hook.

    After the match, Powerhouse Will Hobbs turned on Starks, blindsiding him with an attack and ending their tag-team.

    During this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Taz was on commentary to give an update on the group.

    The Human Suplex Machine explained that the group is officially finished and that he has nothing more to do with any member of the faction past or present.

    Team Taz: A Retrospective

    Team Taz began in AEW in 2020 when Brian Cage signed a contract with the company.

    The group would later recruit Powerhouse Will Hobbs, Ricky Starks, and Taz’s son, Hook, before kicking out Cage in mid-2021, after losing the FTW World Championship to Starks.

    Brian Cage Discusses Issues with Team Taz and Being FTW Champion
  • Will Booker T Follow Ric Flair with his Own Retirement Match?

    Will Booker T Follow Ric Flair with his Own Retirement Match?

    On July 31, Ric Flair competed in his final ever match, teaming with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal.

    Flair’s final match came eleven years after his previous match for TNA Wrestling, and 14 years after his acclaimed retirement match against Shawn Michaels at WWE WrestleMania 24.

    Will Booker Wrestle?

    Booker T Returns
    (Photo: Bryan Mooney)

    With the success of Flair final match as part of Starrcast V, there have been discussions about whether other legends of the ring should follow his example.

    “I said ‘Hell no. We ain’t doing none of that.’”

    Booker T on turning down a retirement match at Starrcast VI next year.

    During the latest episode of the “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T said that he has been approached about a final match to end his career (via Wrestling Inc)

    “I was approached actually to have a final match next year at Starrcast. Harlem Heat’s final match, here in Texas. I said ‘Hell no. We ain’t doing none of that.’ I just had a match a couple of weeks ago, my knee was killing me. I can only imagine what it’s going to feel like next year. Y’all can forget about seeing me do one last match.”

    Booker explained that while he is still having matches, and pans to wrestle more, he’s not planning on having a ‘last match’ which is made into a big deal.

    The two-time WWE Hall of Famer last wrestled less than a month ago, teaming with Brian Keith, Mysterious Q, Blake Cortez, and Gaspar Hernandez in a ten-man tag match for his own promotion, Reality of Wrestling.

    Following the success of Ric Flair’s Last Match, should other legends follow suit? We dig into this topic in our latest column below:

    Ric Flair’s Last Match Was A Success—Should Other Legends Follow Suit?
  • Finn Balor has Advice for WWE Superstars who want to Leave

    Finn Balor has Advice for WWE Superstars who want to Leave

    For the past two years, WWE has been releasing talent in massive waves, all under the reasoning of ‘budget cuts.’

    Dozens of Superstars have had their time with WWE come to an abrupt end, with many finding success in AEW, New Japan or other promotions.

    Wanting Out

    While WWE has cut several Superstars in recent years, some names haven’t wanted to wait to be out of the company.

    Several Superstars, including Cody Rhodes, Mustafa Ali, Brodie Lee/Luke Harper and Andrade El Idolo have all requested to be released from WWE, to varying degrees of success.

    Speaking on the Cheap Heat podcast, Finn Balor was asked about Superstars who feel they don’t want to work for WWE anymore and has some surprising advice (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “Yeah, for sure, and I tell them to go,” Balor said. “There’s a whole other world; I tell them to go. Sometimes we get caught up in the bubble that’s WWE, and there’s a whole world of wrestling outside there. If someone doesn’t want to be here, they should go.”

    “There’s a whole other world; I tell them to go.”

    Finn Balor on Superstars who want to leave WWE.

    The Judgment Day gave a similarly curt reasoning for why he’s stayed with WWE after seeing so many Superstars, including old friends, leave.

    “If you don’t want to work in WWE, don’t be here,” Balor said, reiterating his stance on what he tells talent who don’t want to stay. “… For me, I want to be to here, so that’s why I’m here.”

    Finn Balor Was Tired Of ‘Politics’ In WWE Before Second NXT Run
  • AJ Styles Reveals the WWE WrestleMania Dream Match he Never Got

    AJ Styles Reveals the WWE WrestleMania Dream Match he Never Got

    In 2016, AJ Styles signed with WWE, debuting as the #3 entrant during that year’s Royal Rumble match.

    By the end of the year, Styles was the WWE Champion, a title he has held twice, and is also a WWE Grand Slam Champion.

    After years in TNA/Impact, Styles has become a staple of WWE, something fans thought they’d never see.

    The Match

    AJ Styles has faced some of wrestling’s biggest names throughout his career, but not everyone has stepped in the ring with the “Phenomenal One.”

    In a recent interview with Fightful, Styles discussed competing at WrestleMania, and how he hoped to face Triple H at WWE’s biggest annual event (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “The last person I tried was Triple H. I didn’t get him. I don’t know who the next guy is or if there will be another one. Now we’ve got the younger talent coming up. Maybe I’m the match that they would like to have. I  would like to have some good ones before I retire.”

    “The last person I tried was Triple H. I didn’t get him.”

    AJ Styles on not getting a dream WrestleMania match.

    Triple H’s in-ring career ended at this year’s WrestleMania, where he left his boots in the ring.

    “The Game” has been forced into retirement after suffering a cardiac event in September 2021.

    Styles and WrestleMania

    Styles never got the chance to face Triple H at WrestleMania, but he has faced some of WWE’s biggest names at the event.

    In his WrestleMania debut, Styles lost to Chris Jericho in 2016, before getting his first ‘Mania win the following year over Shane McMahon.

    In 2018, the then-WWE Champion retained against Shinsuke Nakamura and defeated Randy Orton at WrestleMania 35 in 2019.

    The following year, Styles would have the acclaimed ‘Boneyard Match’ losing to The Undertaker, and captured the Raw Tag Titles with Omos last year.

    This year’s WrestleMania saw Styles lose to Edge.

    AJ Styles Reveals Who Is Responsible for Bringing Him to WWE
  • Big Plans are in the Works for Ciampa on WWE Raw

    Big Plans are in the Works for Ciampa on WWE Raw

    WWE has undergone dramatic changes over the past few weeks, ever since Vince McMahon resigned from all roles with the company.

    In his place as head of Creative, Triple H has replaced his father-in-law, in addition to being appointed head of Talent Relations.

    Many Superstars who have a history working with Triple H in NXT are reported to be optimistic about the future, and one Superstar, in particular, could soon be doing very well.

    A Change in Presentation

    Earlier this year, Ciampa was called up to the main roster, despite previously stating his intention to spend his WWE career in NXT.

    Since joining the Raw roster, the two-time former NXT Champion has worked with The Miz, and big things are seemingly in his future.

    Fightful reports that Ciampa is a personal favorite of Triple H, and is expected to benefit from “the Game” being in charge behind the scenes.

    An idea pitched for Ciampa is for him to be put in more matches that showcase his in-ring ability, with a United States title match against Bobby Lashley confirmed on this week’s Raw.

    Another idea includes bringing back his theme from NXT, but Fightful stressed that this has not been confirmed.

    Impressing People

    Ciampa has received positive reviews behind the scenes ever since his call-up to Raw.

    Specifically, he has been praised by peers and staff for his work with The Miz, and his willingness to embrace the role by the former WWE Champion’s side.

    One source called Ciampa’s demeanor “great” and that he has worked hard to make the best of everything presented to him by Vince McMahon, despite once planning on never joining the main roster.

    Has Tommaso Ciampa Noticed Any Change Backstage After Vince McMahon’s Retirement