Jordynne Grace is confident that one of TNA’s most iconic matches will come to WrestleMania as part of the promotion’s multi-year partnership with WWE. On X, Grace was so confident that Ultimate X will take place at a future WrestleMania that she encouraged fans to bookmark her post.
Ultimate X sees a prize, typically a championship or red X suspended 15 feet above the ring by two crossing cables. The winner is the first person to take possession of the hung object. Ladders are banned from being used to climb but can be used as weapons.
The match debuted in 2003 with Chris Sabin, Michael Shane, and Frankie Kazarian battling for the X-Division Championship. Sabin, who debuted in WWE last year alongside Alex Shelley, holds the record for the most Ultimate X match appearances (18) and most wins (8.) Last year, NXT’s Riley Osborne competed in Ultimate X at TNA Emergence but failed to get the win.
The partnership between WWE and TNA was announced this week, promising years of exciting crossover at weekly TV tapings and Premium Live Events. Grace has played a pivotal role in TNA and WWE working together as she entered the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble last January. In May, Grace returned to WWE and compete for the NXT Women’s Championship at June’s Battleground event.
This weekend, TNA will host its Genesis event and have teased NXT involvement for the show. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this exciting partnership between WWE and what was once the promotion’s biggest rival.
This week, Bayley Humphrey went viral among wrestling fans as pictures of the young athlete in action were shared online. With her jacked physique and black attire, fans have already ben comparing her to WWE staples including Rhea Ripley and the late Chyna.
Here’s all you need to know on Bayley Humphrey.
A native of Arizona, Bayley Humphrey was invited to join WWE’s fourth NIL (Next in Line) class following a collegiate career in acrobatics and tumbling. After competing in artistic gymnastics, Humphrey transitioned to acrobatic gymnastics during her senior year of high school, paving the way for her to attend Baylor University. There, she graduated in 2024 as a four-time National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) national champion.
Bayley graduated with a degree in health science studies but is now ready to make an impact in the ring. Humphrey’s debut came as part of the tapings for WWE LFG: Legends and Future Greats which will see young prospects trained by veterans of the squeed circle. The show is set to debut in early 2025.
The buzz around Humphrey certainly bodes well for the young athlete, who seeks to etch her name in WWE’s history books. You can follow Bayley Hymphrey on Instagram for more.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Humphrey and WWE LFG as the next chapter of upcoming WWE Superstars will soon be on screens.
Metalcore band Not Enough Space’s new track, Solace in Silence, boasts a dose of WWE star power thanks to appearances by two prominent names from NXT in the song’s music video. Set against the backdrop of a funeral, the video features NXT’s Javier Bernal and Tatum Paxley.
Bernal and Paxley (right) at the funeral in the music video.
The NXT duo are a real-life couple and tied the knot in late 2024. On-screen Paxley has been aligned with Shotzi and Gigi Dolin against Fatal Influence.
Bernal and Paxley are hardly the first names from the world of wrestling to cameo in music videos. In the 1980s, Captain Lou Albano famously appeared in three music videos for Cyndi Lauper, including Time After Time and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Lauper’s third video, She Bop, also featured Albano alongside wrestler Wendi Richter. This collaboration marked the beginning of the ‘Rock ‘n Wrestling Connection,’ a movement that intertwined the worlds of music and wrestling.’
More recently, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kazuchika Okada made cameos in the Japanese version of the music video for Pharell William’s massively popular song, Happy. In 2020, the band Bowling for Soup released the track Alexa Bliss, accompanied by a music video starring the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion.
One of AEW’s most popular tag teams is no more following the events of this week’s AEW Collision. Tensions between Anthony Bowens and Max Caster of The Acclaimed came to a head during the tapings, with Bowens accusing Caster of letting his ego take over. Bowens then announced his decision to align with Billy Gunn, prompting Caster to declare the official end of The Acclaimed.
The on-screen issues between Bowens and Caster have been simmering for months. However, Bowens expressed confidence late last year that a breakup was unlikely. In a November interview with ROAR Around The Ring, Bowens stated:
“Max and I, we have a lot more stuff that we need to accomplish. I’m not particularly worried about anything that’s been happening.”
The Acclaimed joined AEW in 2020, initially appearing on AEW Dark before transitioning to televised programming. The duo achieved significant success, capturing the AEW World Tag Team Championship in September 2022 and holding the titles for 140 days before losing them to The Gunns in February 2023. Alongside Billy Gunn, they also became AEW Trios Champions, holding the belts for a record-breaking 238 days.
With The Acclaimed now dissolved, speculation surrounds the next steps for Bowens and Caster. Bowens has made his intention to team with Billy Gunn clear, while Caster has previously shown interest in the Hurt Syndicate’s recruitment efforts. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Bowens, Caster, and their post-Acclaimed careers.
The first full-length trailer of Queen Of The Ring has been released, giving fans their closest look yet at the Mildred Burke biopic and the wrestling stars involved.
An official synopsis for Queen of the Ring reads:
“In a time when pro wrestling for women was illegal across the country, a small-town single mother embraces the danger to change culture as she dominates America’s most masculine sport, becoming the first million-dollar female athlete in history.”
Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) stars as Mildred Burke, arguably the most prominent figure in women’s wrestling from the 1930s to the 1950s. Rickards isn’t the only notable name involved, with several prominent wrestling stars of the era being portrayed by modern-day talent, including:
June Byers (Played by AEW star Kamille): One of Burke’s most famed rivals. She became a three-time Women’s World Champion.
Debbie Nichols (Played by AEW star Britt Baker): A wrestling star of the era.
Clara Mortensen (Played by AEW star Toni Storm): A wrestler who later became an actor in Hollywoood.
Ethel Johnson (Played by WWE Superstar Trinity “Naomi” Fatu): A trailblazer of the era who became the first African-American women’s champion.
Queen of the Ring premiered at the Buffalo International Film Festival in October and is set to hit theaters in March 2025. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Queen of the Ring as the film aims to replicate the success of A24’s The Iron Claw.
Tessa Blanchard’s reputation was harmed by a false story shared by a former TNA Wrestling talent, the ex-World Champion has claimed. Speaking to Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge podcast, Blanchard alleged that what many had been told was not the case.
“A lot of people were fed a story from someone that’s no longer with the company that’s completely not true and completely manipulated into something that it wasn’t.”
Blanchard is frustrated that “my side has never really been told” and that fans have come to conclusions based on “one-sided things out in the public.” Blanchard added that after leaving wrestling over a three-year period, she wasn’t prepared to see a wrestling ring, nevermind discuss the business or what had allegedly taken place.
“I didn’t wanna see anyone that had to do with the wrestling world. I completely cut it off.”
In 2020, it was alleged that Blanchard had bullied female talent and had used a racial slur against La Rosa Negra. Blanchard has always denied this, but after missing events for TNA (then Impact Wrestling,) she was cut from her contract and stripped of the World Title. In 2023, Blanchard shared a smiling photo with La Rosa Negra, suggesting their alleged issues were a thing of the past.
Blanchard has since returned to TNA Wrestling and will battle Jordynne Grace at this weekend’s Genesis pay-per-view, a show that will see involvement from WWE NXT. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Tessa Blanchard who hopes to move past the controversies that derailed her career.
WWE will host a Premium Live Event in Paris, France this year, WWE President Nick Khan confirmed this week. During a fireside chat Khan confirmed the Paris PLE will take place, though the name and date of the show have yet to be publicly disclosed.
The show will be WWE’s second Premium Live Event in the country and follows on from last year’s Backlash event in Lyon. The show received positive reviews from fans, with the loud, rauccous crowd inside the LDLC Arena proving to be a highlight of the night.
WWE’s Paris PLE will be the latest example of the promotion taking its biggest monthly events outside the United States. Since 2022, WWE has grown more accustomed to hosting events internationally with shows taking place in the UK, Australia, and Germany. WWE continues to host events in Saudi Arabia, with next year’s Royal Rumble PLE set to take place in the middle eastern nation.
Posted January 16th, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: Nick Khan.
WWE and TNA Wrestling have announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership designed to create unparalleled crossover opportunities for talent of both promotions.
This collaboration will provide talent with exposure on major WWE and TNA platforms, including weekly shows such as NXT and TNA iMPACT!, as well as select WWE Premium Live Events and TNA pay-per-views.
In a statement, Ariel Shnerer, Senior Vice President of Content & Distribution for TNA Wrestling and Anthem Sports & Entertainment, shared their excitement.
“This historic relationship demonstrates that collaboration and competition do not have to be mutually exclusive… The response to our collaboration over the past year has been tremendous, and both companies have benefited—but the fans have reaped the greatest rewards.”
Shawn Michaels, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, was similarly excited for what’s to come.
“We look forward to growing and evolving our partnership with TNA Wrestling and its outstanding group of athletes by creating new opportunities to further the development of our talent and to elevate the viewer experience at home.”
This deal comes after 2024 saw several examples of collaboration between WWE and TNA Wrestling. Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry appeared regularly on NXT, with highlights including Hendry’s NXT Championship match at No Mercy and Grace’s NXT Women’s Championship bout at Battleground. NXT Superstars also made notable appearances in TNA, such as Wes Lee’s reunion with The Rascalz and contributions from Charlie Dempsey, Riley Osbourne, Gallus, and others.
Massive news for everyone. @WWE, @ThisIsTNA, and, most importantly, fans around the world. This valuable partnership will help prepare both companies for the next generation of this industry. https://t.co/xUSAlAnGW3
This collaboration was felt this week, with TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich appearing on WWE NXT and teased doing more with the brand after the show. Stay tuned for the latest on WWE and TNA Wrestling and plenty more collaboration between the two parties.
AEW commentator Jim Ross recently weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding WWE commentator Corey Graves and his recent comments on social media. Speaking on his Grilling JR Podcast, Ross, considered by many to be the greatest commentator of all time, shared his perspective, offering both empathy and candor regarding the situation.
Ross began by reflecting on his own experiences in the industry, drawing parallels to Graves’ current predicament. “How many times has that happened to me? Several,” Ross said, acknowledging the nature of the broadcasting business. “And here I am—jolly, happy, and healthy as an old horse. I’ve got nothing to complain about; it’s just part of the life we choose.”
While Ross did not delve into the specifics of the controversy, he was understanding for anyone feeling left behind in such a competitive environment. “I feel bad that someone feels left behind—maybe he has been,” Ross said.
In his now deleted post, Graves took issue with being declared not famous enough for the role of a main roster commentator, seemingly a dig at Pat McAfee. Ross didn’t shy away from comparing Graves to McAfee, who is a major name in broadcasting both in and out of WWE.
“Would you trade Pat McAfee and his massive broadcast platform for Corey Graves? I wouldn’t, to be honest.”
Ross’ comments serve as a reminder of the tough realities of broadcasting, particularly in the highly-competitve world of WWE. Graves did not appear on this week’s WWE NXT or WWE Speed, further raising questions about his future with the promotion.
WWE filed several trademark applications with the US Patent & Trademark Office earlier this week (January 14). They include:
The Game: A nickname synonymous with Triple H. The term has been used less frequently in recent years now that he is retired from in-ring competition. Instead, WWE programming often highlights Triple H’s role as WWE’s Chief Content Officer.
Lashing Out w/ Lash Legend: A talk show hosted by Meta-Four’s Lash Legend. The segment debuted in September 2021 but hasn’t been used on NXT programming since 2022.
Malik Blade: Blade comptes in WWE NXT and debuted for the brand in October 2021 with a loss to Tony D’Angelo. His biggest TV match to date came at NXT Gold Rush in June 2023, where he and Edris Enofe challenged for the NXT Tag Team Championships.
Brooks Jensen: Jensen gained major attention in 2024 when he teased that he’d left WWE and even showed up at independent events. Now a part of NXT programming once again, he has been under the tutelage of Shawn Spears.
Sam Stoker: This is the former ring-name of SmackDown’s Kit Wilson. The Pretty Deadly star also went by Smooth Sammy Smooth on the independents but has used the Wilson name since April 2022.
These terms all shared similar ‘Goods and Services’ descriptions (“wrestling exhibitions and performances”), typical for the WWE trademark filings we track here for our readers.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio, Graves learned weeks ago that Wade Barrett would be replacing him on SmackDown. Sources backstage have reported that Graves was unhappy when informed of this decision.
Some within WWE speculate that Graves’ recent post, which has since been deleted, may be an attempt to get himself fired. However, insiders suggest that if this is Graves’ goal, WWE is unlikely to comply with this tactic.
In his post, Graves recalled being told that he could no longer wrestle, and dedicating his life to his “dream adjacent” and becoming a “pretty f***ing awesome” commentator. Graves shared that he was told “you’re not famous enough for your job,” that some have seen as a nod to Joe Tessitore and Pat McAfee. Both Tessitore and McAfee had established high-profile careers outside WWE before joining, unlike Graves, who has been a dedicated part of WWE but now feels relegated to NXT.
Fans can expect to see TNA’s Matt Hardy as part of WWE programming soon, including a genuine possibility of an in-ring return. On the latest edition of the Insight podcast, Hardy shared that he has filmed content for the Sports Entertainment juggernaut that will be dropping soon.
“We filmed some content for WWE that’ll probably be dropping pretty soon. I saw the Dudleys did it the day before us, and I know theirs just dropped recently.”
Matt parted ways with WWE in 2020 but the “perfect storm arose” that has allowed him to work with the company recently. Matt also believes that WWE’s ongoing partnership with TNA could make an in-ring return possible.
“I feel good about that… I think you could see us pop up even as TNA champs on some WWE show.”
Matt and Jeff are currently in their third reign as TNA World Tag Team Champions after capturing the gold from The System at Bound for Glory in October 2024. Though the champs have yet to resurface in WWE, TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich was spotted at the January 14, edition of WWE NXT.
Decades after debuting in WWE in the mid 1990s, there’s still no shortage of love for Matt and Jeff Hardy among fans. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Hardy Boyz, and whether a TNA World Tag Title defense in a WWE ring is in store for the iconic duo.
The January 15 edition of WWE NXT may not mark the last appearance of TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich on the brand. During the episode, Slamovich, who captured the title by defeating Jordynne Grace at October’s Bound For Glory, was seen in the crowd ahead of Cora Jade’s match against Kelani Jordan.
After the show, WWE’s cameras caught Slamovich in conversation with NXT head Shawn Michaels. Slamovich expressed her gratitude for the invitation and hinted that a return to NXT could involve stepping into the ring.
“I said that I was going to bring this title around the world and find the best people to defend it, and so far, I like what I see.”
Shawn Michaels shakes hands with TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich backstage at WWE NXT.
Shawn Michaels: "See anything you liked out there?" Masha Slamovich: "I said that I was going to bring this title around the world and find the best people to defend it, and so far, I… pic.twitter.com/pW48uX5LEv
Michaels responded by saying that he’s only a phone call away, teasing that fans could see much more of Slamovich in WWE. On X, Slamovich continued to suggest that her appearance wasn’t a one-off with a heated interaction with Cora Jade.
— Masha Slamovich ??????????? (@mashaslamovich) January 15, 2025
Slamovich’s appearance is the latest example of the talent-exchange between WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling. In 2024, several stars crossed the line, including Jordynne Grace. Grace not only competed for the NXT Women’s Title but also defended the TNA Knockouts World Championship on the September 10 edition of WWE NXT against Sol Ruca.
It remains to be seen if Slamovich will put the title on the line in a WWE NXT ring, but this partnership guarantees that it’s a possibility. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Slamovich who is proving to be a fighting champion in and out of TNA Wrestling.
AEW Grand Slam: Australia, the promotion’s first event in the country, will not be a pay-per-view, but instead a TV special by Tony Khan’s promotion.
The show will air on TNT and stream for free on MAX at 8pm EST on Saturday, February 15. The show will replace that week’s edition of AEW Collision. The show will take place in Brisbane, Australia at 5:30pm local time, which is equivalent to 2:30 AM Eastern Time, meaning the show will air on a tape delay. On AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, Toni Storm punched her ticket to Australia by winning the Casino Gauntlet Match. The AEW ‘rookie’ will challenge Women’s World Champion Mariah May in a rematch from All In: London 2024.
AEW’s Australian event won’t be the only wrestling show on February 15. That same night, WWE NXT will host its Vengeance Day event from the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. Later in 2025, WWE and AEW will clash again when WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12 coincides with AEW All In: Texas, the promotion’s first U.S. stadium-sized event.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW Grand Slam: Australia, as the promotion’s first event in the country continues to take shape.
Corey Graves has been a crucial voice on WWE programming for years, but his future with the promotion continues to remain uncertain. This week, Graves took to X to share his frustrations with his current position in WWE, and has now missed multiple events.
Graves was missing from the latest episode of WWE Speed, which saw Chad Gable facing NXT star Charlie Dempsey. Though Graves has been the sole voice of the X-exclusive show since its launch last year, Blake Howard filled in as the play-by-play commentator for the match. His absence comes after he missed this week’s WWE NXT, a show that Graves had previously stated he’d be a part of.
Charlie Dempsey and @WWEGable battle it out to see who will advance in the No. 1 Contender's Tournament. Who will punch their ticket to the #WWESpeed Semifinals? ? pic.twitter.com/CtVOZLtJOF
Graves posted on X on Tuesday, January 14, that he’d spent years working hard only to be told “you’re not famous enough for your own job.” Though the Savior of Misbehavior didn’t name names, many saw this line as a dig at Joe Tessitore and Pat McAfee, both of whom are established names in broadcasting outside WWE. McAfee was brought back as a Raw commentator last week while Tessitore has replaced Graves on SmackDown. Graves has since deleted his post.
WWE has yet to give a public update on Graves’ standing with the company but fans are eager to learn what the future looks like for him and if a return to the main roster is viable. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Corey Graves and his journey in WWE.
AEW Dynamite took an emotional turn this week, as MJF evoked Owen Hart during his in-ring segment with Jeff Jarrett. During a tense promo, MJF suggested that Jarrett was leveraging his friendship with the late Owen Hart to maintain relevance on screen.
“What really makes me mad is that just because you were best friends with Owen Hart, you think you’re owed a grand finale.”
Jarrett had remained calm against MJF’s earlier barbs but this comment rattled the WWE Hall of Famer. However, this time, Jarrett snapped, landing a decisive right hand on MJF. Security and Jarrett’s crew rushed to separate the two, with MJF narrowly escaping the ring and nearly coming face-to-face with Karen Jarrett.
Jarrett had some choice words of his own for MJF in their promo, including labelling the former AEW World Champion a leech and stating that “I was MJF before you were MJF.” Jarrett recently shared that he is on his final contract as an in-ring talent, and plans to capture the AEW World Championship before he retires from competition.
Owen Hart’s tragic passing at WWF Over the Edge 1999 remains one of wrestling’s darkest moments, over 25 years after his fall. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Rocket carries on, with AEW hosting its annual Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Jeff Jarrett and his bitter feud with MJF.
Chelsea Green is pleased to see the steps WWE has taken to promote equality among its male and female rosters, and believes Triple H has played a large role in facilitating that change. Speaking to the Sports Agents, Green acknowledged the efforts of WWE’s Chief Content Officer.
“I love my job. I feel safe, I feel supported. Triple H makes women specifically feel absolutely equal to men. Thats why I love to come to work. That’s why I feel so supported.”
Green highlighted just some of the changes, including women headling WrestleMania twice, a feat that would not have seemed possible in previous eras. While Green is pleased that things have progressed, she made sure to reflect on those who paved the way.
“We would not be here without that side of things. We in 2025 would not have the success we had if not for the Attitude Era.”
"Triple H makes women specifically feel absolutely equal." ?@WWE US Women's champ @ImChelseaGreen praises boss Triple H for his leadership, which has begun to close the book on controversies surrounding previous owner Vince McMahon.https://t.co/Dawh1yMAhJpic.twitter.com/9ITMeom83w
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE and its changes as the company’s approach to women continues to adapt in this post-Vince McMahon era of the promotion.
Chelsea Green isn’t ruling out a rematch with WWE’s newest arrival, Penta, following the AEW alum’s debut on this week’s Monday Night Raw. In an interview with Cultaholic, Green was asked about the possibility of stepping back into the ring with Penta.
“Well look, never say never as Justin Bieber once said. Never say never. However, that was one of the craziest matches I’ve ever had in my entire entire life.”
– Chelsea Green on wrestling Penta again in WWE (Cultaholic)
The match in question occurred during their time in Lucha Underground, where Green competed as Reklusa. During Penta’s match with Chad Gable on Raw, commentator Michael Cole referenced the masked star’s history in the lucha-based promotion.
Chelsea Green vs. Penta (Lucha Underground)
Green “owes everything” to Penta for the match they had, as he “held my hand and wrestled me through that 15-minute match.” Even years later, the match is brought up by fans, demonstrating how significant the contest was for the reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion.
“It’s really interesting to see it kind of keep popping up and making a resurgence. Now that Penta’s with WWE I can’t wait to beat him up.”
While Green seems eager for a rematch, WWE’s stance on intergender wrestling could pose challenges. Historically, WWE’s intergender bouts often feature a weak or cowardly male wrestler being easily overpowered by their female counterpart. With Penta’s impressive debut on Raw, WWE is clearly positioning him as a dominant star, making a comedic match with Green unlikely.
Corey Graves recently sparked discussion on X after voicing his frustration over being moved from WWE’s main roster commentary team to NXT. In his post, Graves took issue at “not being famous enough for your own job,” in what many have seen at a dig at Pat McAfee and Joe Tessitore.
Former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman weighed in on X with a post of his own. Coachman, who held many roles in WWE, including as a commentator, suggested that Graves could have handled things better and ‘played nice’ with others.
“So Corey is upset for being bumped from the main announce roster. Happened to JR 5 times. Happened to Cole multiple times. Happened to me multiple times. He is right, he is really good at his job. But playing in the sandbox a little bit better might not hurt next time. Embrace whatever role you have and understand that you are lucky to have it. There are only 3-5 of these jobs at the highest level. Who knows, maybe they asked him to be a part of a 3-man booth. We know he doesn’t like that. Lol. Sorry had to. Last line a joke. The rest, it’s the wrestling business. It happens.”
So Corey is upset for being bumped from the main announce roster. Happened to JR 5 times. Happened to Cole multiple times. Happened to me multiple times. He is right he is really good at his job. But playing in the sandbox a little bit better might not hurt next time. Embrace… https://t.co/Qp50P6xlxM
Following his outburst, Graves teased that he’d have plenty more to say on this week’s WWE NXT though that didn’t transpire. Instead, Graves was seen heading to Orlando aiport and this week’s edition of the silver brand went ahead without the veteran broadcaster. Stay tuned to SEScoops as the situation with Graves continues to develop, even with his on-screen future currently unclear.
Kevin Nash couldn’t help but feel bad for Hulk Hogan, and has questioned if the frosty reception he received was WWE’s plan all along. Taking to his Kliq This podcast, Nash admitted his surprise at the response the LA crowd gave the Hulkster.
“I did not think that they would s*** on him. Because the last time he came out was a couple years ago, and he blew the roof off.”
Nash questioned if Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque was aware of the response Hogan would receive, and went ahead with it anyway. Nash, who like Hogan is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, pointed out that the response to Hogan received mainstream attention and that “Nothing got more coverage than Hulk being booed.”
“Who’s to say that they weren’t smart enough to know that that’s exactly what they were going to get?”
Kevin Nash felt bad for Hogan, though not just for the response he received. On the podcast, Nash shared his knowledge about the health issues of the Hulkster, who was noticeably limping in the Intuit Dome.
“Hulk is beat to f***… I know he’s in pain like a motherf******. I watched it. I felt bad for him. But at the same time for him, it’s like, man, I’d rather get a response than none.”
Hogan will reportedly be a part of this month’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event show, where he hopes to receive a warmer welcome by the crowd in San Antonio, Texas, a state that like Hogan, backed Donald Trump in last November’s election. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Hulk Hogan, who continues to make an impression with fans, both positive and negative.
Chrissy Teigen marked a return to her kitchen with a special John Cena-themed birthday cake to celebrate her daughter Esti’s second birthday. Teigen shared a photo of the WWE-themed cake, complete with two figures of the Cena, Esti’s favorite pro wrestler.
“I’m feeling grateful to be back home, she wrote on Instagram. “This is all I could muster up for Esti’s birthday.”
Chrissy Teigen’s daughter Esti celebrated her second birthday with a John Cena birthday cake (via IG @ChrissyTeigen)
Teigen and her family had to flee their home on January 8 due to the wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles. The family, consisting of Teigen, Legend, their four children, four dogs, and a bearded dragon, had been staying at a hotel before returning home on January 13.
Esti’s love of John Cena is no secret, with Teigen ssharing last month that her daughter couldn’t “do anything” without a figure of the WWE icon nearby. Teigen added that Esti’s love for Cena seems to have come out of nowhere, calling it a “mystery.”
The Teigen/Legend household will be among those watching Cena’s farewell from in-ring competition, which kicked off during last week’s debut of Raw on Netflix. Cena has vowed to win the Men’s Royal Rumble on February 1, a victory that’d earn the iconic star the opportunity to become a record-breaking WWE World Champion.
Posted January 14th, 2025 in WWE. Tagged: John Cena.
Throughout his career, Jeff Hardy’s real-life struggles with substance abuse have been integrated into various storylines. On the Insightpodcast, Hardy reflected on these instances, sharing mixed feelings about their portrayal in his professional career.
“In a way, I think it helped me, but also, looking back at it now, I go, Oh my God, was that the right thing to do? “
Hardy’s substance issues have been referenced multiple times in WWE storylines, including his 2009 feud with CM Punk, which contrasted Punk’s straightedge lifestyle with Hardy’s struggles. After Hardy’s return to WWE, his alcohol issues were revisited during a feud with Sheamus in 2020.
One of the most infamous instances of Hardy’s challenges was at the 2011 TNA Victory Road pay-per-view, where he appeared in no condition to compete. On the podcast, Hardy recalled what he could from the event.
“I remember going out there, and I remember just Sting roughing me up and throwing me to the mat… I’ve just had a lot of dark, dark times from the alcoholism and the drug addiction stuff. It feels good to be on the other side of that.”
Hardy has since returned to TNA Wrestling, where he is now sober and thriving as one-half of the reigning TNA World Tag Team Champions. Fans can stay tuned to SEScoops for updates as Hardy continues to rebuild his legacy, focusing on a life free from substance abuse.
Posted January 14th, 2025 in TNA. Tagged: Jeff Hardy.
Last week, WWE shifted its commentary teams with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee moving to Raw while Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore are now calling the action on SmackDown. These changes resulted in Corey Graves being moved from the blue brand to NXT, a move that has seemingly frustrated the veteran commentator.
On X, Graves reflected on his journey in WWE, including being told his in-ring career was over due to injuries. Though Graves stopped short of mentioning the move from the main roster to NXT, the commentator took issue at “being told you’re not famous enough for your own job.”
Imagine chasing your dream.
Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream.
Then you dedicate your life to something “dream adjacent” and being pretty f***ing awesome at it.
And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job.
On last week’s NXT, which served as the New Year’s Evil show, Graves addressed his appearance, saying The Rock being on the show was good enough reason for him to show up. It remains to be seen if Graves will be a part of tonight’s episode of WWE NXT, especially after his comments on social media.
WWE’s newest arrival, Penta, received a significant endorsement during this week’s Raw from one of the most celebrated masked wrestlers of all time, Rey Mysterio. In an interview with Jackie Redmond during a commercial break, the Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on Penta’s WWE debut.
“I’ve known Penta for quite some time now, and I’ve always envisioned Penta’s true home to be WWE. Well, he just went out there and proved to me and the whole world why he’s here.”
Rey Mysterio speaks on Pénta’s WWE debut during the commercial break:
“I’ve always envisioned Pénta’s true home to be WWE.”
Penta’s impactful debut came at the expense of Chad Gable, who had previously demanded a match with a luchador from Adam Pearce. Before the show, WWE released Penta merchandise, leading fans to speculate that his in-ring debut was imminent.
In recent weeks, vignettes highlighting the arrival of a new Superstar were aired, with last week’s video confirming that Penta was coming to WWE. On commentary, Michael Cole acknowledged that Penta’s debut had been the “worst kept secret in the business.” Pat McAfee similarly said that Penta’s arrival was too big a secret for WWE to keep.
Penta departed AEW last year, though Rey Fenix remains under contract despite being off television for months. With Penta’s WWE career starting strong on Monday Night Raw, fans are eager to see what’s next for the Zero Miedo star on a roster stacked with talent.
Rey Fenix could not be happier to see his brother Penta make his WWE debut during the latest edition of Monday Night Raw. On Instagram, Fenix shared some photos of himself and Penta and spoke highly of the red brand’s newest Superstar.
Congratulations carnal!
Hands down MY FAVORITE FIGHTER! You deserve all the best for everything you’ve worked for, the FIGHTER #1. I am so proud to be your brother and watch you have achieved all your dreams, I LOVE YOU and SCARY.
Fenix debuted inside the SAP Center in San Jose, California as the mystery opponent of Chad Gable, who’d demanded a match with the best luchador in the world. In the weeks prior, vignettes had aired, teasing Penta’s arrival. The masked star parted ways with AEW in late 2024 after a five-year stint with Tony Khan’s promotion.
Penta certainly made a splash in his WWE debut but many fans are hoping to see Rey Fenix join his brother. Fenix has reportedly had time added to his contract in AEW, despite not being used by the promotion in months. The former International Champion has alluded to mistreatment by the company, including being ignored when he needed medical help, those has since deleted these tweets.
It remains to be seen if Rey Fenix joins Penta in WWE, but the latter is off to a strong start already. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Penta and his journey as a WWE Superstar.
