SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Johnny Gargano Reveals Original Creative Plans for The Way in WWE NXT

    Johnny Gargano Reveals Original Creative Plans for The Way in WWE NXT

    Former WWE NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano has said that The Way was meant to be much more serious than what fans saw.

    The Way, comprising of Gargano, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Theory was a dominant force in NXT, capturing both the North American and NXT Women’s Championships.

    Dexter Lumis joined the stable in late 2021 after marrying Hartwell in the premiere episode of WWE NXT 2.0.

    Speaking to The Bob Culture Podcast on YouTube, Gargano said that factors outside of WWE made the group become much more fun than first planned.

    “That was never going to be the way that character was supposed to be. It was going to be a lot more serious, but I just kind of felt like with everything going on with the pandemic and with COVID and things like that, I felt like NXT just needed a little bit of levity, a little bit of funniness, silliness, goofiness, and I was happy that I was able to provide that.”

    The Way disbanded in late 2021 following Gargano’s departure from WWE.

    Lumis was released from WWE earlier this year, ending his on-screen relationship to Hartwell, with the explanation on TV being that Lumis left her.

    Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

  • Kelly Kelly Names Dream Opponents for Final WWE Match

    Kelly Kelly Names Dream Opponents for Final WWE Match

    Former WWE Superstar Kelly Kelly has said she’d love to get back in the ring if given the chance to wrestle Sasha Banks or Charlotte Flair.

    Kelly joined WWE programming in 2006 and left in 2012, but has made sporadic appearances for the company in recent years.

    The former Divas and 24/7 Champion has competed in three of the five Women’s Royal Rumble matches.

    Sitting down with the Dropkick Podcast, Kelly was asked about this year’s Rumble match and who she’d like to face in her final bout.

    “I always wanted to work with Sasha so it was really cool to be able to do that… I would say either Sasha or Charlotte Flair for sure.”

    Kelly Kelly on who she’d like to face in her final wrestling match

    Unfortunately for Kelly, neither match is possible at this time, as both women are away from WWE.

    Flair is taking a hiatus from TV after losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania Backlash, and plans to marry her partner Andrade El Idolo soon.

    Sasha Banks has been indefinitely suspended by WWE after she and Naomi walked out of last week’s Raw, with the pair being stripped of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

    Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

  • Tenille Dashwood Cast in Upcoming ‘The Charisma Killers’ Movie

    Tenille Dashwood Cast in Upcoming ‘The Charisma Killers’ Movie

    Impact Wrestling star Tenille Dashwood has joined other wrestlers as part of the cast for ‘The Charisma Killers.’

    On Twitter, the director Michael Matteo Rossi confirmed Dashwood’s involvement in the project but did not specify what role the Australian wrestler will play.

    The synopsis of the film is as follows:

    “When the old mentor of 7 killers finds out he has terminal cancer, he gives them all an opportunity at his fortune to prove themselves for one night only to exact revenge.”

    Dashwood is the latest wrestler to join the project after her fellow Australian Jessica McKay was cast last month one day after The IInspiration announced their hiatus from wrestling.

    McKay, formerly Billie Kay in WWE, will play the role of ‘Swinger Wife.’

    Last week, Rossi announced that AEW’s Brian Pillman Jr. has also signed on for ‘The Charisma Killers.’

    The film will also feature performances by Vernon Wells (Commando), Marnette Patterson (American Sniper), and Jason Scott Jenkins (American Horror Story.)

    Thanks to Mandatory for the transcription.

  • Tony Khan Shares Reaction To Johnny Elite’s AEW Debut

    Tony Khan Shares Reaction To Johnny Elite’s AEW Debut

    AEW President Tony Khan has said it was “great” to see Johnny Elite make his debut for the promotion this week.

    Johnny Elite, best known to fans as John Morrison, debuted as the Joker in the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament and faced Samoa Joe on Dynamite.

    Despite losing to Joe, Khan told Busted Open Radio that he was pleased to see Elite make his presence felt in AEW on this week’s episode.

    “It was great to have Johnny Elite here. What a great match-up he had with Samoa Joe. It was a great way to make his debut in the Owen [Hart Foundation Tournament]. That was tremendous, and really, I am very glad he was here. He’s a great mentor to some of the young wrestlers in the locker room, and somebody I think fans have looked up to for a long time, and he went toe-to-toe with one of the toughest wrestlers in AEW.”

    Elite’s debut on AEW comes months after his release from WWE last November.

    Joe will face Kyle O’Reilly on this week’s AEW Dynamite, with the winner facing Adam Cole at Double or Nothing 2022 in the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament finals.

    Thanks to 411Mania for the transcription.

  • William Regal Gives his Opinion on WWE NXT 2.0

    William Regal Gives his Opinion on WWE NXT 2.0

    AEW performer William Regal has said he thought it was “great” for WWE to relaunch NXT into NXT 2.0.

    WWE revamped the brand last September with a new aesthetic and roster, which saw many Superstars released in the process.

    The company’s mentality was for NXT 2.0 to be a developmental ground for the main-roster, like how NXT had initially been before becoming a third brand.

    Joining Renee Paquette on the latest episode of The Sessions to talk about his WWE career, Regal said he was on board with the relaunch.

    “When I heard last summer that we wanted to revamp, I was like, ‘Great!’ When I actually heard what Mr. McMahon wanted, I was all for that… I don’t know if anybody knew that I was open to the fact that I wanted to be a big part of that because I was. I was very hands-on with The Creed Brothers and very hands-on with Bron Breakker. I had an incredible run on the main roster and the absolute greatest run possible in NXT. If nothing else, the time came when it was time to go now so it didn’t become something I didn’t like and move on. That’s the way I look at it.”

    “When I actually heard what Mr. McMahon wanted, I was all for that.”

    William Regal, on Vince McMahon’s decision to relaunch NXT as NXT 2.0.

    Regal was cut from WWE earlier this year after over 20 years with the promotion.

    The former Intercontinental Champion has said he checked out of wrestling after his release, but has made it clear he will not bash WWE.

    Regal now appears regularly for AEW as part of the Blackpool Combat Club.

    Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

  • Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega Comment on Missing AEW Double or Nothing 2022

    Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega Comment on Missing AEW Double or Nothing 2022

    Both Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega are okay with missing next week’s Double or Nothing 2022 Pay-Per-View.

    Next Sunday’s event will be headlined by AEW World Champion ‘Hangman’ Adam Page defending his title against CM Punk, in the latter’s first World title match since 2013.

    The show will go on without either Rhodes, who left AEW in February and returned to WWE in April, or Omega, who is continuing to recover from injuries.

    Omega hasn’t appeared in AEW since Full Gear 2021, where he lost the World Championship to Page.

    On Twitter, a fan expressed their disappointment that neither will be appearing next weekend saying it isn’t the same without them, earning a response from both Rhodes and Omega.

    AEW Double or Nothing 2022

    In addition to the AEW World Championship match, AEW Double or Nothing 2022 will also see the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s and Women’s Tournaments.

    In the men’s finals, Adam Cole will face either Kyle O’Reilly or Samoa Joe, who will face off on next week’s Dynamite to earn a spot in the finals.

    For the women’s tournament, Toni Storm will face Britt Baker and Ruby Soho will face Kris Statlander, with the winners advancing to the finals at the Pay Per View.

  • Mark Henry says Jimmy Uso Should’ve Confronted Corey Graves for Calling Naomi “Unprofessional”

    Mark Henry says Jimmy Uso Should’ve Confronted Corey Graves for Calling Naomi “Unprofessional”

    WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has said he wouldn’t have tolerated his wife being called “unprofessional” on live TV.

    During this week’s Raw, Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the show, forcing WWE to scrap plans for a six-pack challenge main event.

    On TV, Corey Graves said that the pair had acted “unprofessionally” ahead of the main event singles match between Becky Lynch and Asuka.

    Speaking on the latest edition of Busted Open Radio, Henry discussed the call by Graves and though he didn’t call-out Uso by name, said that Naomi’s husband should’ve spoken in her defense.

    “My issue was not even with the walkout, my issue was not even with the disagreement, or the disclaimer. My issue was with people on the show saying that was unprofessional because I’m going to tell you right now, if that was my wife and I’m working on that show, I’m walking down to the announce table and I’m going to say, ‘Hey, you stay professional. Do your job and then I won’t have to walk down here to the ring to tell you to not do that again.’”

    On SmackDown, it was announced that Banks and Naomi had been suspended indefinitely and stripped of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

    Thanks to Sportskeeda for the transcription.

  • WWE Hall of Famer Compares MJF to ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper

    WWE Hall of Famer Compares MJF to ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper

    WWE Hall of Famer and AEW performer Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts has praised MJF’s work as a heel, comparing him to the late ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper.

    MJF has proven to be a stand-out talent for AEW due to his heel persona and refusal to break character when appearing in public.

    Speaking on his DDP Snake Pit podcast, Roberts was asked about just how similar MJF is to the former WWE Intercontinental Champion.

    “Absolutely (on the piper-mjf comparrison.) Because he rants on you, man. he gets in your face. he throws sh*t at you quick and fast.”

    Jake Roberts

    MJF is expected to face Wardlow at Double or Nothing 2022 on May 29.

    Will MJF jump to WWE?

    MJF may be one of the most popular acts in AEW, but according to reports, he’s not happy with the promotion.

    MJF has reportedly been at odds with Tony Khan in recent months and has openly teased going to WWE, saying he would have a “tremendous” match with Roman Reigns.

    MJF’s contract with AEW will expire in 2024, and the “Salt of the Earth” has reportedly rejected all attempts to extend his current deal.

    Thanks to Sportskeeda for the transcription.

  • Update on AEW Double or Nothing 2022 Ticket Sales

    Update on AEW Double or Nothing 2022 Ticket Sales

    AEW’s next Pay-Per-View ‘Double or Nothing 2022’ is close to selling out after having sold over 13,000 tickets.

    The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that 13,237 seats have been sold so far for the May 29, event that will air from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Prices have dropped on the secondary market for the lower-priced seats, with the get-in price for the show now being $50.

    Double or Nothing 2022 will be headlined by AEW World Champion ‘Hangman’ Adam Page defending his title against CM Punk, in the latter’s first World Championship match in over nine years.

    Double or Nothing 2022 will also see the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s and Women’s Tournaments.

    The Pay-Per-View won’t be AEW’s only event next week and it’s reported that 4,579 tickets are out for Dynamite in Inglewood.

    As for Rampage, there are 4,604 tickets out for the show in Ontario, California.

    The get-in price for Dynamite is down to $30, while Rampage is at $25.

    The get-in price for the AEW’s crossover event with NJPW ‘Forbidden Door’ is currently at $37.

  • WWE Released Parker Boudreaux (Harland) After They “Found Something” About Him

    WWE Released Parker Boudreaux (Harland) After They “Found Something” About Him

    Parker Boudreaux, aka Harland, was once considered “The Next Big Thing” in WWE, but was cut this year after the company “found something out.”

    Boudreaux signed with WWE in February 2021 but had already made a name for himself by being compared to Brock Lesnar.

    Debuting as Harland and as a follower of Joe Gacy, Boudreaux was one of ten names cut on April 30.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed rumors that Boudreaux had been hand-picked to be part of Edge’s stable ‘The Judgement Day.’

    This was said to be a closely-guarded secret, with only very few people knowing about the plan.

    Boudreaux himself was not aware of his imminent call-up to the main roster.

    Meltzer adds that when WWE “found something about Boudreaux,” plans changed, and he had developed a reputation of being hurt a lot.

    Boudreaux had also stopped improving and was not showing the progress WWE had hoped he would be at this point in his career, and the decision was made to release him.

    Prior to coming to WWE, Boudreaux had played for the University of Central Florida football team.

    He has since teased working with Canadian rapper Drake who is said to be interested in the former Superstar for a project.

  • The Usos Say Solo Sikoa Changed Everything to Set Himself Apart

    The Usos Say Solo Sikoa Changed Everything to Set Himself Apart

    WWE NXT 2.0’s Solo Sikoa changed as much about himself to separate himself from The Usos.

    Sikoa is the younger brother of Jimmy and Jey and the cousin of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

    During the latest episode of WWE After the Bell, Jimmy and Jey were asked about the success of their younger brother, and said he felt the need to establish himself as his own person. Jey said:

    “We look a lot alike, so he had long hair, he chopped his hair and dyed his hair. Went from the Air Forces to barefoot, he’s uncomfortable in the ring barefoot but he’s just doing whatever he needs to do to make his mark. I told him he’ll find it. I remember Randy Orton telling us he wasn’t Randy Orton until six years into the game, and then he started finding Randy Orton. It dawned on me that, man, like, that’s what it is, the grind of just constantly throwing at the wall and whatever sticks, sticks, and if it doesn’t, we’re going to keep throwing.”

    “He chopped his hair and dyed his hair. Went from the Air Forces to barefoot, he’s uncomfortable in the ring barefoot but he’s just doing whatever he needs to do.”

    Jey Uso

    Jimmy added that he hopes to see Sikoa one day join The Bloodline

    Sikoa last competed on this week’s WWE NXT 2.0, teaming with North American Champion Cameron Grimes to defeat Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams.

    Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

  • Edge Teases Paige as the Next Member of The Judgement Day

    Edge Teases Paige as the Next Member of The Judgement Day

    Former WWE Divas Champion Paige could become the next member of The Judgement Day if a recent tease by Edge is to be believed.

    The Judgement Day was founded by Edge at WrestleMania 38 where he aligned with Damian Priest and welcomed Rhea Ripley into the faction at WrestleMania Backlash.

    On Twitter, Edge shared an image of Paige causing fans to speculate that she will be the next member to join the faction.

    Edge also recently shared an image of Ciampa, who is also rumored to be joining The Judgement Day.

    Will Paige wrestle again?

    A former Divas Champion and the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion, Paige hasn’t wrestled since a WWE Live Event in Uniondale, New York on December 27, 2017.

    Paige formally retired from wrestling on the post-WrestleMania 34 Raw on April 9, 2018.

    Despite this, Paige has remained with the company in various roles and has said that she’s not yet finished with in-ring competition.

    Earlier this year, Paige was trending on Twitter as fans speculated about her involvement in the Women’s Royal Rumble match given the multiple returns associated with the match.

    Paige ultimately did not return in the match which was won by the returning Ronda Rousey.

  • Bellator’s Valerie Loureda Trains at WWE Performance Center

    Bellator’s Valerie Loureda Trains at WWE Performance Center

    Bellator MMA Fighter Valerie Loureda could soon be jumping from the octagon to the squared circle after training at WWE’s Performance Center.

    On social media, the 23-year-old fighter shared footage from her training at the PC and tweeted an image from inside one of the Flordia venue’s many rings.

    Loureda was at WrestleMania 38 last month in Texas, as well as this week’s edition of WWE NXT 2.0.

    The young fighter boasts a 4-1-0 professional MMA record with her most recent victory coming in November 2021.

    Despite her recent time at WWE’s Performance Center, Loureda is part of American Top Team, the gym founded in 2001 by Dan Lambert who now makes regular appearances in AEW.

    Is Valerie Loureda coming to WWE?

    WWE is already home to several MMA fighters, including Riddle, Shayna Baszler, and Ronda Rousey, and it appears that Loureda could be the next to join.

    Responding to a recent tweet from WWE, asking fans who should face Rousey next, Loureda put herself forward as a potential contender for the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

    WWE has not publicly confirmed signing Loureda, nor have they publicly disclosed being in talks with the fighter.

  • Jim Ross Clarifies Comments About Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts’ Health

    Jim Ross Clarifies Comments About Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts’ Health

    AEW Commentator Jim Ross has said that he didn’t mean to cause an issue for Jake Roberts after reporting that the former wrestler is in poor health.

    Earlier this month, JR reported that Roberts’ health is “not good” but Jake later refuted the claim via tweet.

    Speaking on this week’s ‘Grillin’ JR’ podcast, Ross said that Roberts will know his own health better but that he still believes he is dealing with multiple issues.

    “I said some stuff about Jake’s health and his breathing issues and he denies as sickly as I portrayed him to be,” Ross said.

    “Maybe he’s right, he’d know better than me. But I know that his health has been challenging, he’s got a breathing machine, oxygen he carries with him and to me, that’s not normal but he’s dealing with it. He’s under great doctor’s care and I didn’t want to start some bullsh*t about Jake because it might affect his bookings.”

    “Maybe he’s right, he’d know better than me. But I know that his health has been challenging.”

    Jim Ross

    Roberts’ most recent AEW appearance came on the April 27, Dynamite, where he accompanied Lance Archer for his match with Wardlow.

    Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

  • Toni Storm Says Charlotte Flair Pie Angle is Better Than Originally Pitched Idea

    Toni Storm Says Charlotte Flair Pie Angle is Better Than Originally Pitched Idea

    AEW’s Toni Storm may not have enjoyed being doused with pastries in WWE, but it was far better than the company’s original idea.

    The former NXT UK Women’s Champion was called up to SmackDown in July 2021 but was granted her requested release in December that same year.

    Prior to her departure, Storm feuded with then-SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and was covered in pie on the November 26, SmackDown.

    Appearing on this latest ‘AEW Unrestricted,’ Storm was asked about the angle and said it was originally pitched for her to have her clothes ripped off.

    “The original idea was I was asked if I was comfortable with having my shirt ripped off or something. They wanted to do this whole angle where it was like they were going to rip my shirt and I would be embarrassed in my underwear, I guess. I don’t know. When you’re asked if you feel comfortable doing that, and it’s like literally people are being fired every single week, it’s like, ‘Oh, yeah.’

    “So to be honest, the pie was actually a sweet treat in comparison to what it could have been. In hindsight, I didn’t really mind. You know what? People think I’m so mad about that. I think it’s hilarious.”

    “When you’re asked if you feel comfortable doing that [Having your clothes ripped off,] and it’s like literally people are being fired every single week, it’s like, ‘Oh, yeah.’”

    Toni Storm

    Storm added that after her WWE release, she considered herself done with wrestling, believing she would have to “leave forever.”

    The New Zealand-Australian is currently competing in the Owen Hart Women’s Foundation Tournament and will face Britt Baker in the semi-finals.

    Thanks to Wrestling News for the transcription.

  • Cody Rhodes Doesn’t Want Founding AEW to be His Legacy

    Cody Rhodes Doesn’t Want Founding AEW to be His Legacy

    WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes has said that being a co-founder of All Elite Wrestling won’t be his legacy.

    Rhodes founded AEW alongside Tony Khan, the Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega in early 2019 but left in February this year to return to WWE.

    Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sport Illustrated, Cody said that he’s proud of helping to start AEW but wants to be remembered for much more than that promotion.

    “I don’t want my wrestling legacy solely to be that I helped start an alternative wrestling company. I’m really proud of that and I want it to be part of my legacy, but what I’ve always wanted is what I’m after right now. I’m getting a second chance at that, and that is my entire focus. I want to do this for my whole family. My wife, my daughter, my sister Teil, my mom. If I can’t hand this title to my dad, it would be wonderful to hand it to my mom.”

    “i don’t want my wrestling legacy solely to be that I helped start an alternative wrestling company.”

    Cody Rhodes

    Rhodes will face Seth Rollins inside Hell in a Cell at WWE’s next Premium Live Event on June 5.

    Thanks to ITRWrestling for the transcription.

  • AEW’s Miro Features in Trailer for CBS’ ‘East New York’

    AEW’s Miro Features in Trailer for CBS’ ‘East New York’

    Former AEW TNT Champion Miro is featured in the trailer for ‘East New York‘ an upcoming series from CBS.

    Miro hasn’t been seen on AEW programming since Full Gear 2021 where he lost to Bryan Danielson.

    The new show will star Amanda Warren (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) with Miro’s character being named Nikolai Dushkin.

    The official description for the show is as follows:

    “Regina Haywood (Warren) is the newly promoted deputy inspector of East New York, a working-class neighborhood at the edge of Brooklyn. She leads a diverse group of officers and detectives, some of whom are reluctant to deploy her creative methods of serving and protecting in the midst of social upheaval and the early seeds of gentrification.”

    You can check out the trailer below.

    Miro’s previous roles

    Miro (then Rusev) points a gun at narcotics officer Ray Thompson (Dolph Ziggler) in 2016’s ‘Countdown.’

    This may be Miro’s biggest role to date but isn’t his only foray into acting.

    In 2016, the then-Rusev played himself in ‘Countdown‘ a WWE Studios production that sees narcotics cop Ray Thompson (Dolph Ziggler) attempt to rescue a hostage from a madman.

    That same year, the Bulgarian wrestler provided his voice for ‘Scooby-Doo and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon.‘

    Thanks to Deadline for the transcription

  • Secret Agent Ric Flair is Saving the World in new Comic Book

    Secret Agent Ric Flair is Saving the World in new Comic Book

    Ric Flair is trading his robes and titles for a tuxedo and dried martini (shaken not stirred!) in a new comic about the Nature Boy.

    The comic ‘CODENAME: Ric Flair’ will launch this summer, with a special preview of the project this weekend at Megacon Orlando.

    The comic is based on the 1975 plane crash that nearly ended Flair’s career but starts a double-life as a secret agent after being healed by doctors.

    “Richard Fliehr, a mild-mannered professional wrestler, almost dies in a small twin engine plane on the way to a regional wrestling match. The doctors not only save his life – they rebuild him better than before. Treatment makes him stronger than ever and Fliehr is reborn as Ric Flair aka Nature Boy®, who must now use his wrestling persona as cover while he works to save the world as secret agent Nature Boy®.”

    Flair will be at Megacon Orlando this weekend to promote the comic, which will launch later this year on Kickstarter.

    Flair and Comic Books

    Flair’s 1992 Royal Rumble match win from the #3 entrant was covered in a 2018 Royal Rumble Special Edition comic.

    This may be Flair’s first time as a secret agent, but the Nature Boy is no stranger to comics.

    As part of WCW, Flair was often part of the comics tied to the company which saw him feud with some of the biggest names in wrestling, both on-screen and on the page.

    In a 2018 WWE Royal Rumble special comic, Flair’s iconic victory in the 1992 Rumble match was covered.

    Ric Flair’s Last Match Set for July 31st
  • MJF Touts All the Stars Produced by WWE’s Performance Center

    MJF Touts All the Stars Produced by WWE’s Performance Center

    AEW’s MJF has praised the work of WWE’s Performance Center and the various Superstars who got their start at the Florida venue.

    The WWE Performance Center opened its doors in July 2013, with a second branch opening six years later in London, England.

    On Twitter, MJF highlighted the success of Pat Buck and Brian Myers’ Create A Pro wrestling school, calling the school where he learned “where Real wrestlers are taught Real wrestling.”

    When a fan responded by saying that the Performance Center has tied up millions of dollars and produced no one, MJF fired back, listing stars including Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, former WWE Champion Big E among others.

    https://twitter.com/chromekirito/status/1526955201810182144

    Will fans see MJF in the PC next?

    WWE’s Performance Center has seen plenty of stars arrive, but MJF could one day walk into the Florida venue himself.

    MJF and AEW President Tony Khan have reportedly been at odds, with the “Salt of the Earth” openly teasing joining WWE.

    Whether WWE would have MJF go to the Performance Center or head straight to the main roster (a la Cody Rhodes) is hard to say.

    MJF’s contract with AEW expires in January 2024 and has been opposed to having his current contract extended.

  • MJF “Hardly the Only Talent” Not Happy in AEW

    MJF “Hardly the Only Talent” Not Happy in AEW

    MJF is not the only wrestler reportedly unhappy in AEW, according to Voices Of Wrestling.

    Friedmann has reportedly been at odds with AEW President Tony Khan for some time and has teased leaving for WWE in 2024.

    According to a source within AEW, much of the roster is frustrated with the company for a variety of reasons.

    “A source from the AEW locker room tells us that MJF is hardly the only talent feeling some level of discontent, describing the backstage atmosphere as ‘chaotic’ with a lack of structure, with common complaints ranging from not knowing angles or finishes until close to showtime, and things like redundant finishes and angles to set up matches being very frustrating.

    “Every single one of us is pulling out hair out, according to one source. While not on the same level of WWE issues like Monday Night RAW often being rewritten the day of or even on the fly as the show is airing, we are told that AEW is not all sunshine and rainbows.”

    MJF’s contract with AEW will expire in January 2024 and WWE, in addition to their network partners has shown interest in him.

    Will MJF jump?

    10 Times WWE REJECTED Million Dollar Ideas – Page 10
    After trying out for WWE Tough Enough in 2015, could MJF be finally joining the promotion in 2024?

    With his incredibly rude heel persona and colorful language, it’s hard to see MJF making a splash in the PG waters of WWE.

    Despite this, MJF has insisted he will go to whoever makes the best deal, which could easily be Vince McMahon.

    McMahon has already shown he’s willing to pay a lot for AEW talent, as seen with Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 38 return.

    Thanks to NoDQ.com for the transcription.

  • Original Plan for this week’s Steel Cage Match Between Bobby Lashley and Omos

    Original Plan for this week’s Steel Cage Match Between Bobby Lashley and Omos

    WWE was going to collapse the ring as part of their original plans for this week’s Steel Cage match between Bobby Lashley and Omos.

    On Raw, the two competed in a match Lashley won, after being thrown into the wall of the cage which collapsed under his weight.

    According to WrestleVotes on Twitter, the match was supposed to feature a spot where the ring collapsed but this was nixed.

    Will Lashley-Omos III be Inside Hell in a Cell?

    While Lashley got the win this week, his victory was far from clean, and he and Omos are still tied at Premium Live Events.

    Lashley got the win at WrestleMania 38 while Omos defeated “The All Mighty” at WrestleMania Backlash in Lashley’s first televised pinfall loss in seven months.

    While a rubber match seems likely to take place at Hell in a Cell, the question is whether the match will take place inside the Cell itself.

    WWE currently has just one Cell match confirmed for the June 5, Premium Live Event: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins.

    This week’s Steel Cage match was Omos’ first time inside a structure and may have been a test to see how he’d fair inside Hell in a Cell.

  • ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James Calls Sasha Banks-Naomi Walk Out a “Publicity Stunt”

    ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James Calls Sasha Banks-Naomi Walk Out a “Publicity Stunt”

    WWE Hall of Famer ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James has said that Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of this week’s Raw may have been the plan all along.

    The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions left this week’s Raw due to creative differences and after “The Boss” had a meeting with Vince McMahon.

    Appearing on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio to give his thoughts on the situation, James explained why this may be all for show.

    “When I see them publically put it all out there like that, it just makes me feel like it’s a work, you know what I mean? It just makes me feel like, if that really happened, in my mind, they would just change the main event, and probably not even say anything.

    “I think it is a publicity stunt to try and add some heat to the tag titles. But again, that’s just me, and I’m a cynical worker who’s been around the business my whole life, so I think everything’s a work.”

    “I think it is a publicity stunt to try and add some heat to the tag titles.”

    ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James

    Road Dogg was with WWE until January 2022 when he was released from his role at the Performance Center.

    James was released alongside his brother Scott Armstrong, William Regal, and others.

    Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

  • Sasha Banks Recalls Being Told She was “Just a Good Hand” in NXT

    Sasha Banks Recalls Being Told She was “Just a Good Hand” in NXT

    WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks has called being told she was “just a good hand” a defining moment in her career.

    Banks joined WWE in 2012 and was assigned to NXT, becoming one of the brand’s most popular female Superstars before her 2015 call-up to the main roster.

    Appearing on Cold As Balls With Kevin Hart, Banks recalled her first months in NXT and the writer who said WWE didn’t see her as a headline act.

    “I wasn’t really getting used. A writer came up to me and told me that I was just a good hand. ‘A good hand.’”

    Sasha Banks

    When asked, Banks said she would not disclose the writer’s identity but said she used it as motivation to be the best.

    “The Boss” listed several of her accolades, including her multiple championship reigns and Hart jokingly referred to her as “Cocky Cathy.”

    Hart added that Banks’ accomplishments are impressive and asked if she believes she gets the respect she deserves.

    “I feel like I definitely get the respect I deserve in WWE. To be a woman and to main event, wake up, that wouldn’t be possible [before].”

    Sasha Banks

    Banks is in her third reign as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion but handed the titles to John Laurinaitis before walking out of Raw this week.

    Thanks to Fightful for the transcription.

  • William Regal: I Put my Job on the Line for Sasha Banks

    William Regal: I Put my Job on the Line for Sasha Banks

    AEW’s William Regal encouraged WWE to fire him if Sasha Banks didn’t work out, in order to get “The Boss” a shot with the company.

    Prior to his release earlier this year, Regal worked as the on-screen General Manager of NXT and as a talent scout, locating some of WWE’s brightest stars.

    Speaking to Renee Paquette on The Sessions, Regal recalled his ultimatum to WWE during a discussion about former Superstar Cesaro.

    “I put my job on the line once for Sasha Banks, she was someone who I went with because I knew her – my first thing on the job was hire this lady. I said If she doesn’t work out then you can fire me.”

    William Regal.

    Banks was invited to a WWE tryout in June 2012 and signed a contract in August that same year.

    She has since gone on to have one of the most decorated careers of any woman, becoming a five-time Raw Women’s Champion, three-time WWE Women’s Tag Champion, and has had reigns as SmackDown and NXT Women’s Champion.

    Is Sasha Banks leaving WWE?

    Original Plans For Sasha Banks & Naomi Revealed
    Banks and her tag-team partner Naomi walked out of WWE Raw this week over a creative difference between Banks and Vince McMahon.

    William Regal may have been released from WWE this year, but Sasha Banks may not be far behind.

    On this week’s Raw, Banks walked out of the show due to creative differences with Vince McMahon, and her tag-team partner Naomi walked out in solidarity.

    In a statement, WWE apologized that they could not deliver the advertised main event, a six-pack challenge that would have included Banks and Naomi.

    There’s been speculation that the company is ready to cut ties after this week’s incident.

    However, given Banks’ celebrity status, both from WWE and for her role as Koska Reeves in ‘The Mandalorian,’ it’s unlikely WWE will release her and risk someone of significant star power joining AEW.

    Thanks to Wrestling News for the transcription.

  • Sasha Banks Unfollows WWE, Vince McMahon, and Others on Twitter

    Sasha Banks Unfollows WWE, Vince McMahon, and Others on Twitter

    Sasha Banks has unfollowed several prominent WWE accounts over the past few days, ahead of her and Naomi’s walk-out during this week’s Raw.

    During the show, Banks and Naomi left the Scope Arena, forcing WWE to change their announced six-pack challenge main event into a singles match between Becky Lynch and Asuka.

    On Twitter, Banks has unfollowed the accounts of WWE, Vince McMahon, Bayley, Becky Lynch, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos, Seth Rollins, and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

    Now, “The Boss” is following only six accounts: Naomi, John Cena, Tamina Snuka, her cousin Snoop Dogg, and two fan accounts.

    During Raw, Corey Graves said the pair had acted “unprofessionally” by walking out.

    In a statement, WWE said that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions placed the titles on the desk of John Laurinaitis before leaving.

    Why did Banks and Naomi leave?

    Photos: Boss 'N' Hug Connection defends Tag Titles | Beth phoenix, Wrestlemania, Wrestlemania 35
    Fans have compared this incident to Banks requesting her WWE release in 2019 after losing the Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 35.

    The duo left Raw after Sasha Banks expressed her frustration with creative and had a meeting with Vince McMahon to discuss changes.

    When McMahon refused to budge, Banks left and Naomi sided with her tag-team partner.

    Fans have compared this to a 2019 incident, where Banks requested her release after losing the Women’s Tag Titles (then held with Bayley) to The IIconics at WrestleMania 35.