SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Which of WWE’s Four Horsewomen Does Britt Baker Want to Face Most?

    Which of WWE’s Four Horsewomen Does Britt Baker Want to Face Most?

    Bitt Baker joined AEW in 2019 and has been one of the promotion’s most successful wrestlers.

    At Double or Nothing 2021, Baker won the AEW Women’s World Championship, and held the title until March 16, this year, when she lost to Thunder Rosa.

    During her time with AEW, Baker has faced some of the promotion’s biggest names including Hikaru Shida, Ruby Soho and Kris Statlander.

    Baker and the Four Horsewomen

    Britt Baker has spent years working for AEW, which means she has missed out on facing the women competing as WWE Superstars.

    Arguably the four biggest names in WWE women’s division are the ‘Four Horsewomen’ the name given to Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Bayley.

    Speaking on the “Not Just Football” podcast with Cam Heyward, the former AEW Women’s Champion discussed watching the quartet when training as a wrestler, and which Superstar she wants to face most (via eWrestlingNews.)

    “When I first started training, I studied every single night the Four Horsewomen, who are Bayley, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch, and I always said any one of them would be a dream match for me. I always switched which one and why. Maybe right now I’ll say Bayley just because she had a really bad injury right now that she’s coming back from, and if it’s anything like me… I turned a new page, it was a new Britt Baker when I came back from my injury. I had a new energy, new everything. And if that’s what’s about to come out for her.”

    “I’ll say Bayley just because she had a really bad injury right now that she’s coming back from.”

    Britt Baker chooses Bayley as her dream opponent from WWE’s Four Horsewomen.

    Bayley has been out with an injury since July 2021, having suffered a torn ACL during training ahead of the return of live fans.

    “The Role Model” has been teasing a return in recent months.

    Britt Baker Sticks up for WWE Talent
  • Bill Goldberg Gives his Pick for who Will be the ‘Next Goldberg’

    Bill Goldberg Gives his Pick for who Will be the ‘Next Goldberg’

    While fans may have split opinions on Goldberg due to matches in recent years, the WWE Hall of Famer is an unquestionable success.

    Debuting in WCW in September 1997 with a win over Hugh Morrus, Goldberg would rack up a 173-0 winning streak, capturing both the WCW United States and WCW World Heavyweight Titles in the process.

    Goldberg wowed fans with his intensity and raw power in the ring, and that continued upon joining WWE in 2003.

    The Next Goldberg

    Goldberg may be one of wrestling’s most iconic powerhouses, but he is fully aware that he can’t continue in the ring forever.

    When speaking in an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri on Shak Wrestling, the two-time former Universal Champion was asked who he believes could be the ‘next’ Goldberg.

    Deciding which current Superstar can match his level of strength, power, and intensity, Goldberg didn’t hesitate to give one name from WWE NXT 2.0: reigning NXT Champion Bron Breakker.

    Bron Breakker

    Goldberg certainly holds a high opinion of Bron Breakker and he isn’t the only one fond of the two-time and reigning NXT Champion.

    In April, it was reported that WWE is very high on Breakker, with then-CEO Vince McMahon wanting Bron to be called up to the main roster this year.

    Breakker has certainly been dominant since joining WWE NXT 2.0 in September 2021.

    It took Breakker 112 days from his debut to becoming NXT Champion, dethroning NXT veteran Tommaso Ciampa at the NXT: New Years Evil event in January 2022.

    Bron Breakker Would Love to do More With Rick Steiner in WWE
  • New WWE Figure May Have Spoiled Summerslam 2022’s Main Event

    New WWE Figure May Have Spoiled Summerslam 2022’s Main Event

    Next Saturday, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend his title against Brock Lesnar.

    The two will meet in a Last Man Standing match, which WWE is promoting as the final showdown between the two main eventers.

    This will also mark Lesnar’s first match since WrestleMania 38, where he lost the WWE Championship to Reigns in their Winner Takes All Title Unification match.

    The Spoiler

    Reigns Vs. Lesnar at Summerslam will no doubt be the main event, but the match may have already been spoiled for fans.

    Reddit user u/BigUllie has shared a photo of a new Ringside Collectibles WWE action figure which displays Lesnar in his most recent ponytail look.

    What’s interesting however is that the figure comes with both the WWE and Universal Championships, both of which displaying “The Beast’s” sideplates.

    While Lesnar is a former Universal Champion, that was the red version of the title, and many are seeing this as a spoiler that it will be Brock who walks away as the champion at Summerslam.

    If so, Reigns’ tenure on top will have ended just one month short of two years, at 699 days.

    Reigns Vs. Lesnar

    If this is the last match between the two as WWE has promised, then it’ll mark the end of a seven-year rivalry between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.

    The pair first faced off at WrestleMania 31, where Seth Rollins would cash in to win Brock’s WWE Championship.

    The pair would go on to headline two more WrestleManias (34, 38) Summerslam 2018, the Greatest Royal Rumble, and Crown Jewel 2021.

    Brock Lesnar Praises Roman Reigns: “I See A F**king Star”
  • Kurt Angle Gives his Pick for who Should Play Him in a Movie

    Kurt Angle Gives his Pick for who Should Play Him in a Movie

    Kurt Angle has had one of the greatest wrestling careers ever, even before he entered the WWF in 1999.

    In 1996, Angle won gold at the Atlanta Summer Games, despite suffering a broken neck in the process.

    Joining the WWF three years later, Kurt would win his first of five WWE World Championships in his rookie year before leaving in 2006.

    Angle’s Actor

    Earlier this month, it was reported that WWE has purchased the rights to a documentary about the Olympic Gold Medalist.

    This documentary will cover Angle’s early years and journey to WWE.

    Speaking on his podcast, Kurt discussed the doc, and who would play him in a possible dramatization of his life (via Sportskeeda.)

    “I do want Chad Gable; if I ever do a movie, I want Chad Gable to play me because I love the kid, and he reminds me a lot of myself.”

    Kurt Angle on who should play him in a dramatization of his life.

    There’s no word yet on if WWE will incorporate any dramatized scenes as part of their documentary on Kurt’s life and career.

    Angle and Gable

    While it was Chad’s tag-team partner Jason Jordan who was revealed as Kurt Angle’s son in 2017, Gable and Angle have a lot in common.

    Both are former Olympians, with Gable having represented Team U.S.A. in wrestling at the London 2012 Summer games.

    Angle faced Gable on the March 18, 2019, episode of Monday Night Raw, in one of the WWE Hall of Famer’s final matches.

    Kurt Angle Doesn’t Think He Gets The Recognition He Deserves From WWE
  • Road Dogg Buries Wardlow for ‘Jabroni’ AEW TNT Title Defense

    Road Dogg Buries Wardlow for ‘Jabroni’ AEW TNT Title Defense

    Two weeks ago, Wardlow captured the AEW TNT Championship, winning the title from Scorpio Sky in dominant fashion.

    The title win marks Wardlow’s first championship since joining AEW, and “Mr. Mayhem” retained against Orange Cassidy on last week’s Fyter Fest: Night One edition of AEW Dynamite.

    Road Dogg’s Comments

    Wardlow may have won over a lot of people with his work in AEW, but WWE Hall of Famer ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James isn’t impressed.

    Speaking on Dr. Chris Featherstone’s podcast for Sportskeeda, Road Dogg discussed Wardlow’s recent title defense against Cassidy (via Wrestling News.)

    “I wasn’t a fan. It took him 18 minutes. First, they give him the jabroni title. It doesn’t mean nothing when he was a guy that seemed like he was The guy, and maybe he is in the future. I just don’t think you needed to give him that other than the best title and then it took him 18 minutes to beat the jokey guy.”

    “They give him the jabroni title. It doesn’t mean nothing.”

    Road Dogg Jesse James on Wardlow winning the AEW TNT Championship.

    Future Plans for Wardlow

    Wardlow has had just one title defense so far, but he plans on having many more very soon.

    Wardlow recently said that he plans on bringing back the AEW TNT Championship open challenge, which was first introduced by Cody Rhodes during the WWE Superstar’s tenure with the promotion.

    Wardlow has said that he does not plan on changing the design for the TNT Championship, unlike previous holders of the title including Scorpio Sky and Sammy Guevara.

    Wardlow Happy in AEW, but “Never Say Never” About a Future in WWE
  • WWE’s Cody Rhodes Wins Big at ESPY Awards

    WWE’s Cody Rhodes Wins Big at ESPY Awards

    At WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE after a six-year absence, defeating Seth Rollins on the show.

    In his time away, Rhodes had established himself as a top-tier star across the world and co-founded AEW in 2019.

    Fans had assumed that Rhodes would remain with AEW for the rest of his career, making his return to WWE all the more shocking.

    Cody’s Big Win

    Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE at WrestleMania 38: Night One was certainly a huge moment for both him and the company, and has now been celebrated at the ESPY Awards.

    At this week’s ceremony, Rhodes took home the award for WWE Moment of the Year, beating 15 other nominees in a fan-voted poll.

    The three other finalists included ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin having his first match in 19 years, defeating Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38: Night One.

    The Undertaker’s Hall of Fame speech in April 2022 was also a finalist, as was Big E’s Money in the Bank cash-in and WWE Championship win during the September 13, 2021, edition of Monday Night Raw.

    In a red-carpet interview, Cody, who attended the event with his wife Brandi, said it was an honor to be nominated and extra special to win.

    Previous Winners

    Cody is just the latest Superstar to win the ESPY Award for WWE Moment of the Year.

    Last year, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair won the award for their WrestleMania 37: Night One main event which saw Belair win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

    In July 2019, Roman Reigns won the inaugural award for his return to WWE earlier that year, following his battle with Leukemia.

    Cody Rhodes Reveals Timeframe For His Return
  • WWE Confirms When TV-14 Programming Will Return

    WWE Confirms When TV-14 Programming Will Return

    Next Saturday, WWE will host their annual Summerslam Premium Live Event, marking the first time the show has happened outside of the month of August.

    The show will be headlined by a Last Man Standing match between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, in what WWE is billing as their final match.

    Both Raw and SmackDown Women’s Titles will also be defended, as well as Logan Paul’s singles debut when he faces The Miz.

    The Rating

    A lot has been said about WWE ratings over the past week, ever since it was reported that there are plans in place for Monday Night Raw to become a TV-14 show.

    While that hasn’t happened yet, the Peacock streaming app lists next weekend’s Summerslam premium live event carrying a TV-14 rating.

    TV-14

    The impending TV-14 rating has excited WWE fans, who believe the show will push the envelope, but the change did not come from WWE.

    The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the decision for Raw to change came from WWE’s broadcast partners at the USA Network.

    The belief is that the new rating will not see the return of blading, as WWE is against blood except in exceptionally rare circumstances.

    It is believed that the rating will allow for more profanity on Monday Night Raw but little else will be changed.

  • Cody Rhodes Confirms WWE Project in the Works

    Cody Rhodes Confirms WWE Project in the Works

    At WrestleMania 38, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE following a six-year hiatus from the company. 

    During his time away from WWE, Rhodes became a major star outside the promotion and co-founded AEW in 2019.

    Rhodes returned to WWE by defeating Seth Rollins and would go on to defeat the former Universal Champion at the following two Premium Live Events. 

    Given his time away and association with AEW, Rhodes’ return has been one of the biggest WWE comebacks in years. 

    The Big Project

    Rhodes had previously said in interviews that he would stay with AEW forever, and fans will soon learn more about his shocking return to the McMahon-led company. 

    In a surprise appearance on Busted Open Radio, Cody rung in and revealed that WWE is working on a documentary covering his return (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “Little spoiler. For the past year, I don’t know if it was a year, but since WrestleMania, WWE has been doing a documentary on me potentially for Peacock. They’ve been filming this documentary, and then my titty explodes and the documentary changed greatly.”

    Rhodes added that he has made a list of essential people in his life which he hopes are included on the documentary.

    Cody did not reveal any names who are on the list he has given to WWE.

    It is unclear if any names from AEW are on that list, or if WWE will reach out to them if they are.

    WWE has allowed AEW talent on their shows in the past, with several AEW stars appearing via videos on the June 27, 2022 Raw, to praise John Cena.

    Cody Rhodes On If Other Plans Were Considered For His Return Besides WrestleMania
  • Why is Jeff Jarrett Competing in Ric Flair’s Final Match?

    Why is Jeff Jarrett Competing in Ric Flair’s Final Match?

    On July 31, Ric Flair will compete in his final ever match, bringing his impressive wrestling career to an end. 

    This week, it was confirmed that “the Dirtiest Player in the Game” will team with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to face Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett. 

    The match will take place at the appropriately titled ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match’ event, as part of Starrcast V. 

    Jarrett’s Double Booking

    The weekend will certainly be a busy one for Jeff Jarrett, who will be appearing at Summerslam the night prior. 

    Jarrett will officiate the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Title match between The Usos and The Street Profits.

    The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion was confirmed for the Premium Live Event during last week’s edition of SmackDown on FOX.

    Double-J is also in charge of WWE’s live events division, leading many to question how he’s allowed to work the Starrcast event. 

    On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that Jarrett is not under a talent contract with WWE, so the company allowed him the chance to wrestle Flair.

    Ric Flair’s Last Match

    While the highlight of the event will be the titular final match of the 16-time World Champion, that’s not all for the ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match’ card.

    The show will also see the Briscoes face the Von Erichs, while WWE alum Harry Smith will take on Killer Kross.

    Titles will be on the line as Impact Wrestling World Champion Josh Alexander will face Jacob Fatu.

    Impact Wrestling Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace will put her title on the line against Rachel Ellering and Deonna Purrazzo.

    Killer Kross Says That Wrestling On The Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV Is Surreal
  • Alexa Bliss Just Won her First Championship in Over Two Years

    Alexa Bliss Just Won her First Championship in Over Two Years

    For many members of the WWE Universe, Alexa Bliss is a highlight of the company’s weekly programming.

    Having joined the main roster in 2016, Bliss captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship that same year, and would become Raw Women’s Champion the following year.

    In 2019 and 2020, Bliss would capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships with Nikki A.S.H, then Nikki Cross, completing the main-roster WWE triple crown.

    A New Champion

    Bliss may have held gold in the past, but the past few years have seen Bliss appear without championship gold.

    That dry streak ended during this week’s Raw, as Bliss captured, albeit briefly the 24/7 Championship.

    During a six-woman tag that saw Bliss, Asuka and Dana Brooke face Nikki A.S.H, Doudrop and Tamina Snuka, several title changes took place.

    First, Akira Tozawa pinned Brooke to win the title, before Nikki pinned him to win the gold.

    Bliss would pin her former Tag Team partner to win, marking her first reign as WWE 24/7 Champion.

    Alexa’s reign was ended quickly by Doudrop, who would lose the title to Tamina before Brooke regained the gold, ending the title changes.

    Bliss’ win marks the end of a 783-day title drought for the Raw Superstar.

    Bliss’ two-year drought

    Bliss may have spent over two years without a single championship to her name, but she was also featured in one of WWE’s biggest storylines during that time.

    After losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, Bliss would enter a program with Bray Wyatt, before turning on the former Universal Champion at WrestleMania 37.

  • Ric Flair’s Last Match: Full Card, How to Order

    Ric Flair’s Last Match: Full Card, How to Order

    Wrestling legend Ric Flair returns to the ring for ”one last time” later this month at a pay-per-view event appropriately titled, Ric Flair’s Last Match.

    This historic event will take place Sunday, July 31st from the Municipal Auditorium, in Nashville, Tennessee. It will stream live on FITE.

    Here are the two main ways to watch:

    Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV Card

    A lot has been said about the 73-year-old legend wrestling for the last time, but the entire card for the show just got even better.

    The show will feature talent from several promotions, with Impact Wrestling, MLW, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and AAA all working to make the event extra special.

    The final card for the show is as follows:

    • Ric Flair & Andrade El Idolo vs. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal
    • IMPACT World Championship Match: Josh Alexander vs. Jacob Fatu
    • Impact Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace vs. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Rachael Ellering
    • The Wolves vs. The Motor City Machine Guns
    • Killer Kross vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
    • The Briscoe Brothers vs. The Von Erichs
    • Clark Connors vs. Ren Narita
    • Laredo Kid vs. Bandido vs. Taurus vs. Rey Fenix
    • Bunkhouse Battle Royal
    Ric Flair’s Last Match: Final Card, How to Order

    Ric Flair Moves Tickets

    In his heyday, Ric Flair was the arguable top star of all professional wrestling, and many fans are still excited to see the 16-time World Champion in action.

    The show had originally been scheduled to take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds but is now set to happen at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium due to tickets selling out very quickly.

    The Nature Boy’s final farewell will be the headline attraction for Starrcast V, which will also include stage shows and meet and greets for fans.

    SEScoops will be live in attendance providing up-to-date coverage from Starrcast V.

  • AEW’s Jeff Hardy Ordered to Appear for Arraignment

    AEW’s Jeff Hardy Ordered to Appear for Arraignment

    Last month, Jeff Hardy was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

    Hardy was arrested on June 13 during a traffic stop on Interstate 95 in DeLand, Florida, and at one point, law enforcement had to draw their weapons to get Jeff to comply.

    Hardy’s Blood-Alcohol level was over three times the legal limit to be driving.

    In addition to the DUI charge, Jeff is also charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license and a violation of restrictions placed on his driver’s license

    The Arraignment

    Jeff is facing some serious consequences, and now there’s been an update in his case.

    A notice has been posted on the Volusia County, Florida Clerk of Circuit Court’s website, which has ordered Hardy to appear in court on Tuesday, August 2, for his arraignment.

    Last month, Hardy waived arraignment when he entered a written plea of not guilty.

    The AEW star’s initial arraignment had been scheduled for July 5, but that date went by without the hearing taking place.

    It is currently unclear if Hardy will appear in court on August 2.

    Possible Prison Time

    The charges against Hardy include the AEW star’s third DUI offense within ten years, which is a felony in the state of Florida.

    Given the seriousness of the charge, the former World Champion could face up to five years in prison if found guilty.

    AEW President Tony Khan has said that Jeff has entered rehab to deal with his substance abuse issues, but has warned him that this is his last chance.

    Khan has also said that Hardy will have to prove his sobriety before he is allowed to return to AEW programming.

    Matt Hardy Says Childhood Trauma Caused Some of Jeff’s Issues
  • Reason WWE Booked Jeff Jarrett for Summerslam Appearance

    Reason WWE Booked Jeff Jarrett for Summerslam Appearance

    WWE Summerslam is less than two weeks away, and the show’s card is stacked with title matches. 

    It’s been announced that Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos will defend their titles on the show against the Street Profits.

    A rematch from the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, that bout ended in controversy due to botched refereeing. 

    In the closing moments of the match, Jimmy Uso pinned Angelo Dawkins and the ref counted to three despite Dawkins’ shoulder being off the mat.

    The Reason for Jarrett

    To ensure a mistake like what fans saw at Money in the Bank isn’t repeated, WWE has called on Jeff Jarrett to officiate the Summerslam match. 

    Jarrett’s involvement in the show was announced during last Friday’s SmackDown on FOX, which came as a surprise to some fans. 

    Jarrett has never been associated with either the Usos or the Street Profits and is primarily known as a singles wrestler.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained WWE’s reasoning behind including Jarrett.

    “The deal is, it’s Nashville. From a national audience standpoint, whatever. But, it’s Jeff Jarrett, you know, again, the Jarrett family in Nashville goes back 55 years… I can see for the Nashville market and he can go do promotion. They still got a lot of seats to fill. I get it, I definitely get it.”

    Despite being confirmed on the show, Jarrett did not appear in person during last week’s edition of SmackDown. 

    Jeff Jarrett Explains How He Landed His Backstage WWE Role
  • Ex-WWE Superstar Rules Out Return Until Management is Changed

    Ex-WWE Superstar Rules Out Return Until Management is Changed

    Vince McMahon is under an immense amount of scrutiny at this time, as he has been accused of inappropriate behavior with several women.

    The Wall Street Journal first reported that McMahon is alleged to have had an affair with a female paralegal who left WWE this year, with the ex-CEO reportedly arranging a $3 million hush money payout.

    It was later reported that McMahon has allegedly been inappropriate with several women, paying out $12 million in total.

    A Change in Management

    In 2017, Maria Kanellis-Bennett returned to WWE, alongside her husband Mike.

    While both had reigns as 24/7 Champion, they were cut in 2020, and Maria is not interested in making a return at this time.

    On Twitter, a fan asked Maria about a possible WWE return, and she refused until there is a change of management or ownership.

    Past Comments

    Maria isn’t interested in working for WWE until the McMahons are no longer in charge, but this is hardly surprising from the former WWE Diva.

    Kanellis has previously stated that she hopes to see WWE sold to someone else, who will treat it “like a business and not a boys club.”

    The 40-year-old wrestling personality has also claimed that WWE spread lies about her during her pregnancy in 2019.

    Maria alleged that she informed WWE that she was pregnant with her second child prior to signing a contract extension with the company, and was told it would not be a problem.

    She later claimed that rumors circulated that she did not inform WWE prior to signing a new deal, and that those false rumors came from WWE.

    https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/06/maria-kanellis-comments-on-vince-mcmahons-wwe-smackdown-appearance/
  • The Street Profits want a Former WWE Champion in Their Stable

    The Street Profits want a Former WWE Champion in Their Stable

    The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) have been a major success in tag-team wrestling since debuting in WWE in 2016.

    The pair have held tag-title gold on Raw, SmackDown and NXT, and are considered one of the best tag teams of the modern generation.

    The Hurt Profits

    Speaking to WWE Die Woche this week, the Street Profits were asked about whether their group will grow.

    Montez Ford was quick to suggest Bobby Lashley as a possible third man in their team, and even had a name for their possible stable.

    “Me and Dawks share this long time, like years of bonding. We share so many of these similarities so it’s always good to work with people that [sic] have similar similarities. Bobby Lashley has a background in the military as well so I would love to see if we did work in the future; me, Dawks and him, you know, be The Hurt Profits or something like that.”

    “i would love to see if we did work in the future.”

    Montez Ford on possibly teaming with Bobby Lashley.

    What’s next for Lashley?

    Lashley may one day team with the Street Profits, but for now, the All Mighty has a singles run in mind.

    At Money in the Bank, Lashley captured the United States Championship from Theory, marking his third run with the title after winning in 2020 and 2006.

    At Summerslam, Lashley will defend against Theory, who has vowed to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on either Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar later in the show.

    Bobby Lashley Falls Out of Ring Following Rope Break at WWE UK (Video)
  • Tony Khan Reflects on CM Punk’s Money in the Bank 2011 WWE Title Win

    Tony Khan Reflects on CM Punk’s Money in the Bank 2011 WWE Title Win

    On this day in 2011, CM Punk won the WWE Championship in a truly historic bout.

    Weeks prior, Punk had promised to leave WWE, citing that his contract with the company was expiring, and vowed to leave as Champion.

    Punk also cut his infamous pipebomb, in which the Chicago-made Superstar blurred the lines of real and kayfabe.

    The Money in the Bank 2011 match with John Cena is often considered a highlight in both men’s careers and earned five stars from Dave Meltzer.

    Khan Comments

    Punk’s goal to win the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank 2011 was successful, though it has been years since he last appeared for WWE.

    Nowadays, fans can find Punk on AEW programming (though he is currently out with an injury.)

    Taking to Twitter, AEW President Tony Khan praised Punk’s 2011 antics.

    “11 years ago today @CMPunk set the wrestling world ablaze. He’s every bit as good today & he’s the @AEW World Champion. Check out The First Dance, All Out 2021, Full Gear 2021, Revolution 2022, + Double or Nothing 2022 to see why & how CM Punk proved he’s still Best in the World.”

    Punk’s ‘departure’

    True to his word, CM Punk ‘left WWE’ as WWE Champion, for all of eight days.

    On the July 25, Raw, John Cena defeated Rey Mysterio, who had won a newly-reinstated WWE Championship earlier in the night, to become Champion again.

    Cena’s celebration was cut short by the returning Punk, who debuted the theme ‘Cult of Personality.

    The two would have a title unification match at Summerslam 2011, which Punk would win before losing the title immediately after to Mr. Money in the Bank Alberto Del Rio.

    CM Punk is a “Sellout & a Fake-A**” Claims Former WWE Superstar
  • Vince McMahon Expected to Face Even More Accusations

    Vince McMahon Expected to Face Even More Accusations

    For the past month, Vince McMahon has been under a lot of scrutiny over alleged inappropriate behavior by the now former-WWE Chairman.

    The Wall Street Journal first reported that McMahon had had an affair with a female paralegal who left WWE this year, and had arranged a $3 million payout.

    It was later added that McMahon had allegedly slept with several women and paid them off to keep quiet, including reportedly forcing one female wrestler to perform oral sex.

    More Accusations

    The former CEO of WWE has been embroiled in scandals before, and this one shows no sign of slowing down.

    PW Insider reports that the Wall Street Journal has plans to release another report on McMahon within the coming weeks.

    This new report is said to include even more accusations against the pro-wrestling icon, and the Journal is said to have reached out to several former Superstars to learn more about McMahon’s alleged behavior.

    PW Insider did not name any of the Superstars that the Wall Street Journal has spoken to.

    A Wider Audience

    The Wall Street Journal is working on another piece about Vince McMahon, but they’re not the only ones interested in him.

    The same PW Insider report adds that wrestlers are being contacted for  HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”

    Other media outlets like “Variety” have jumped on the story, running a piece this past week that focused on how the scandal may affect the company’s business dealings.

    A biopic produced by Netflix about McMahon’s life and rise to the top of the pro-wrestling industry has already been cancelled.

    Read WWE’s Memo to Employees After Latest Vince McMahon Bombshell
  • AEW Star Removes References to the Company on Social Media

    AEW Star Removes References to the Company on Social Media

    Since 2019, AEW has signed some of the biggest names in wrestling, but has experienced an exodus of talent over the past year.

    Unquestionably the biggest name to leave AEW so far is Cody Rhodes, who returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 this past April.

    Big Swole, Stu Grayson and Joey Janela have also left AEW and now another star may be on their way out.

    Del Sol Gone?

    On Twitter, Feugo Del Sol has seemingly teased that his career with AEW is coming to an end, if it hasn’t finished already.

    In a tweet, Del Sol promised that change is coming, and has blacked out his profile picture and Twitter cover image.

    Most notably, Del Sol has also removed any references to AEW or being employed by the promotion.

    Del Sol’s bio now only promotes his Twitch channel as well as an e-mail for taking independent bookings.

    AEW President Tony Khan has not publicly commented on Del Sol’s status with the company at this time.

    Journey to AEW

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Del Sol made several appearances for AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation.

    Del Sol would start a losing streak and his quest for an AEW contract would become a storyline for the masked wrestler.

    On the August 13, 2021, Rampage, Del Sol faced TNT Champion Miro and would have won the title and a contract if he won.

    Despite losing the match, Sammy Guevara appeared and handed Del Sol a deal, confirming him as part of the AEW main roster.

    Fuego Del Sol On AEW Contract: ‘I Didn’t See It Coming’
  • Ex-WWE Ring Girl Running for Connecticut Senate

    Ex-WWE Ring Girl Running for Connecticut Senate

    When WWE Raw began in 1993, the new TV show had ring girls featured throughout the broadcast.

    These women would carry signs for Raw or featured slogans associated with the show.

    WWE quietly fizzled out the idea of ring girls not long after, but now one is entering a much different field

    Running for Office

    Themis Klarides, now a 57-year-old attorney, is one of the WWE ring girls and is looking to challenge Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal at the polls.

    Klarides has served as a representative in the Connecticut legislature for 20 years and was the first woman leader of the state’s Republican lawmakers.

    Many consider Klarides, a moderate, the favorite to win the GOP primary on August 9, and challenge Blumenthal head-on in the senate race.

    The incumbent Democrat won his last race with 63% of the vote last time around.

    Time as a Ring Girl

    Representatives for Klarides told the New York Post that her time as a WWE Ring Girl was a part-time role to help pay for law school and they are unaware of how much she was paid.

    During a 2018 appearance with ‘In the Arena‘ podcast, Klarides recalled her time backstage and how she felt like the odd one out (via New York Post.)

    “I would be in the back with all the wrestlers and the other girls in our swimsuits and all their wrestling gear and I would have all my bar review books out studying for the bar.”

    Klarides’ legal studies were referenced on air by then-announcer Todd Pettengill.

  • Reason Why Tony Khan Changed Jim Ross’ AEW Commentary Role

    Reason Why Tony Khan Changed Jim Ross’ AEW Commentary Role

    In 2019, Jim Ross signed with All Elite Wrestling, in one of the biggest wins for the upstart promotion at the time.

    Ross is considered by many to be the greatest wrestling commentator to ever done a headset, but has faced backlash for his commentary in AEW.

    Ross has on more than one occasion made mistakes, often referring to ex-WWE Superstars by their former names, and in one infamous instance, called Kenny Omega the WWE Champion.

    JR’s new Role

    Recently, JR has been coming out to commentate during the middle of AEW Dynamite, instead of starting the taping behind the commentary desk.

    This isn’t in response to his commentary botches though, as JR explained the reason for this on the latest edition of his Grillin’ JR podcast (via WrestleZone.)

    “He [Tony Khan] thought in the middle of the show, Dynamite, needed a boost, so JR became the booster. I came out in the middle of the show, still going to call the main event or main events, however it’s going to work out, and then we all take a bathroom break for the crew and so forth, and we go right into taping Rampage.”

    JR said that he has no problem coming out to commentate at the half-way point during Dynamite.

    “I like that deal, I didn’t have any issues with it at all. [I’m like legendary New York Yankees closer] Mariano Rivera, I’m going in for relief, we’re going to get some results for you.”

    “I didn’t have any issues with it at all.”

    Jim Ross’ reaction to being brought out during half-way through AEW Dynamite.

    Ross said he believes Khan’s decision for him to be used less on AEW Dynamite keeps him “fresh” and his commentary more “special.”

    Jim Ross Brought to Tears During AEW Show
  • Update on Triple H’s WWE Role

    Update on Triple H’s WWE Role

    For years, Triple H was in charge of WWE NXT, and brought the brand to it’s arguable peak of popularity.

    It was under the watchful eye of “The Game” that the brand became to many fans, the best part of WWE, with Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Finn Balor all getting their WWE starts in NXT.

    Not in Charge

    Triple H recently appeared at the WWE Performance Center, and told those around that he was “back.”

    It was believed that Triple H was alluding to a return to NXT, which was taken over by his father-in-law in late 2021.

    Since then though, reports have come out that Triple H is not set to take control of NXT again as fans had hoped.

    Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Triple H’s speech to those at the Performance Center was not about his NXT work at all.

    “It appears that when Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque was talking to the folks at NXT and said he was back, and nobody knew what that meant, it appeared just to mean he’s back working in the office. He has not been doing anything direct with NXT, which is still being run by Shawn Michaels with a small creative staff for television. Levesque has not been at the Tuesday night tapings.”

    “He has not been doing anything direct with NXT, which is still being run by Shawn Michaels.”

    Dave Meltzer on Triple H being ‘back.’

    Triple H’s wife Stephanie McMahon is the interim WWE CEO and Chairman, having replaced her father Vince McMahon due to the ongoing investigation into him.

    Triple H Retires, Details Near-Death Experience
  • Vince McMahon Under “No Real Pressure” to Leave WWE

    Vince McMahon Under “No Real Pressure” to Leave WWE

    Last month, Vince McMahon stepped down as CEO and Chairman of WWE due to the ongoing investigation into alleged behavior.

    The initial allegation was that McMahon arranged a $3 million ‘hush money’ payout to a female paralegal who it is reported he had an extra-marital affair with.

    Since then, a second article from the Wall Street Journal alleges that McMahon has been inappropriate with several women over the years, paying approximately $12 million in NDAs.

    No Pressure

    The allegations against McMahon are very serious, and the ex-Chairman has vowed to respect the result of the investigation against him.

    Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Dave Meltzer notes that WWE is in no hurry to get rid of the man who made the promotion a multi-billion dollar franchise (via ITR Wrestling.)

    “From the outside, you would read the article and think they have no choice but to make a change, but there is no indication at all that will happen. And there doesn’t appear to be any real pressure for it to happen.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    The Other Investigations

    Vince McMahon is under investigation on behalf of WWE’s board of directors, but the board themselves are also under the microscope.

    Several investigations have been made at WWE’s board, arguing that the company breached its fiduciary duties.

    The argument is that WWE knew of the investigation into McMahon, but did not inform shareholders before the investigation was reported by the Wall Street Journal.

    Investigators believe that shareholders should have been informed given that WWE stock took a fall after the McMahon article came out.

    Netflix’s Vince McMahon Project Has Been Scrapped (Report)
  • WWE’s First Female Referee is Open to Return to Wrestling Industry

    WWE’s First Female Referee is Open to Return to Wrestling Industry

    Rita Chatterton will forever go down in history as the first-ever female referee for WWE, decades before Jessika Carr and Aja Smith worked with the company.

    Chatterton worked with the WWE, then the WWWF in the mid-1980s but left in 1986.

    In a 1992 appearance on Geraldo Rivera’s show Now It Can Be Told, Chatterton claimed her departure came after Vince McMahon sexually assaulted her in a limousine.

    A Possible Return

    Speaking to the Cheap Heat Production Podcast, Chatterton was asked if she would ever return to the industry following the alleged assault by McMahon (via Sportskeeda.)

    “I would consider it. It would depend on what it was. I never completely closed the door, I would never go back to work for Vince McMahon. But that doesn’t mean I hate wrestling. That doesn’t mean I’m down on wrestling. In fact, I have a little girl right now that I’m training, I’m helping to train.”

    I never completely closed the door, I would never go back to work for Vince McMahon

    Rita Chatterton.

    When asked if she was surprised by the allegations into McMahon, Chatterton said she’s surprised that these allegations did not come out much earlier.

    Training

    Chatterton explained that the little girl she is helping to train is a young fan from a family of wrestling fans, who was told by a teacher that wrestling isn’t a real job.

    “My daughter has a daycare and she used to babysit this little girl and her family is big time into wrestling. Last year, she went to school and they gave her an assignment to write an essay on what they wanted to be when they got older and to do the research on it. Well, her essay was done on, she wants to be a wrestling diva and she did the research. She checked into it. She took her essay to school and a teacher read it and said, ‘I’m sorry, this isn’t a real job and I won’t accept it.”

    Vince McMahon’s demeanor at SmackDown, WWE budget cuts & more
  • Speculation that AEW Tag Title Change is Invalid – Tony Khan Responds

    Speculation that AEW Tag Title Change is Invalid – Tony Khan Responds

    This week’s AEW Dynamite was Night One of the annual Fyter Fest special, and saw two huge title matches.

    In the show’s opener, TNT Champion Wardlow retained his title against Orange Cassidy.

    In the main event, Swerve in Our Glory captured the AEW World Tag Team Titles from The Young Bucks, in a match that also featured Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs.

    An Invalid Title Change?

    Fans were thrilled to see Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland win their first titles in AEW, but their win may be invalid.

    Fans have noticed that when getting the pinfall, Strickland pinned someone who was not a legal man.

    As seen in the video from AEW below, Strickland and Matt Jackson both tag into the match around 04:15, making both men the legal man.

    Referee Rick Knox confirms that these two are the legal man, counting two pin attempts by Jackson (around 06:30, 07:00) and one pin attempt by Strickland (around 07:30.)

    At around 08:15, Powerhouse Hobbs tags Ricky Starks into the match, despite neither being the legal man.

    Strickland pins Starks to win the Tag Titles, which in theory should not have been counted by Referee Knox.

    Khan Responds

    This controversial finish has had fans speculating on whether this was a botch, or part of an ongoing storyline.

    Responding to the finish, AEW President Tony Khan insisted that the referee’s decision is final.

    Khan did not disclose whether this finish will be addressed on Rampage or next week’s edition of Dynamite.

    AEW Dynamite Fyter Fest Week 1 Results (7/13/22): New Champions Crowned, Wardlow vs. Orange Cassidy

  • Top AEW Star Injured During Fyter Fest Dynamite Title Match

    Top AEW Star Injured During Fyter Fest Dynamite Title Match

    Last night’s AEW Dynamite was the annual Fyter Fest episode and saw multiple title matches take place.

    In the show’s opener, AEW TNT Champion Wardlow retained against Orange Cassidy, while the show closed with Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland being crowned the new AEW World Tag Team Champions.

    The show was a hit with fans but one wrestler is now on the injured list.

    The Injury

    Lee and Strickland’s win came at the expense of The Young Bucks, who had won the titles at the Road Rager edition of Dynamite one month earlier.

    While speaking on today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez reported that losing the titles wasn’t the worst of things for the Bucks and that Matt Jackson is injured (via WrestlingNews.)

    “What he got hurt on was Keith Lee and Hobbs giving him a basic vertical suplex, and when he fell, you could see it immediately. He hit ass first then his head snapped back, and he was grabbing his neck.”

    Alverez added that the injury happened within minutes of the match starting and that for the rest of the match, Matt was very careful when taking bumps.

    Dave Meltzer added that Jackson has dealt with neck injuries for years due to his in-ring style.

    We’ve updated our Wrestling Injuries Tracker to reflect Matt Jackson’s injury.

    A Battered Roster

    Matt Jackson is out of action, but he’s by far not the only prominent name in AEW on the shelf.

    Kenny Omega continues to be missing from the ring, with his last match being at All Out 2021 where he lost the World Title to ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

    AEW World Champion CM Punk is also out of action, though isn’t expected to miss as much time as the Cleaner.

    Bryan Danielson is also injured and it is unclear when he will be medically cleared.

    AEW Dynamite Fyter Fest Week 1 Results (7/13/22): New Champions Crowned, Wardlow vs. Orange Cassidy