SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Kevin Owens Doesn’t Care About CM Punk’s Return: ‘We’re Not Each Other’s Type of Person’

    Kevin Owens is “perfectly fine” with CM Punk’s return to WWE as the two do not have any kind of working relationship in the world of professional wrestling. 

    Punk returned to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 in an act that immediately sparked discussions about whether he could co-exist with the roster. Speaking to the Gorilla Position podcast, Owens was asked for his thoughts on Punk’s return. 

    “Well, we have no relationship. No, we’re not each other’s type of people I don’t think. There’s a ten-foot vicinity that if we enter in, then we have to kinda ‘Hey. Hi.’ Otherwise, we just don’t, and it’s fine. It’s perfectly fine.”

    Since Punk’s return, there’s been a lot of talk about how the Best in the World has changed since walking out of WWE in 2014, with Triple H making clear Punk had changed during the post-Survivor Series press conference. When asked if he’s noticed a change, Owens was curt with his response.

    “I don’t know that and I don’t care, to be honest. I am who I am. He is who he is, and it’s fine that way.”

    CM Punk’s Return

    While Owens may not care one bit about CM Punk’s return to WWE, his unlikely comeback has had a lot of people talking. So far, reports about Punk’s conduct in WWE have been glowing, with the ex-AEW star being open to ideas and eager to help at the WWE Performance Center.

    Last month, Booker T claimed that he and CM Punk had a ‘run-in’ at a WWE NXT taping. Many were skeptical of the claim given that nobody saw the alleged altercation and given Punk’s exemplary track record since returning. Booker quickly said after his initial claim that fans were making too big a deal of things. Booker later admitted that this was his attempt at “clickbait” and he was “just playing around.”

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

  • The Rock Gets Into Verbal Altercation With Fan At WWE Hall of Fame 2024 Ceremony

    The Rock Gets Into Verbal Altercation With Fan At WWE Hall of Fame 2024 Ceremony

    The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony saw some controversy towards the end as The Rock had a verbal altercation with a fan in attendance. 

    The Brahma Bull was on hand to posthumously induct his grandmother Lia Maivia into the WWE Hall of Fame. In the closing moments of the show, however, The Rock could be seen having a tense face-off with a fan who was in the front row. 

    The fan told the Final Boss that “Cody’s coming for you,” referencing Cody Rhodes’ efforts to ‘finish the story’ at WWE WrestleMania 40. The Rock told the fan to “watch your f***ing mouth.” 

    You can check out another perspective of the altercation in the tweet below: 

    Lia Maivia is the third person that The Rock has inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. In 2008, on the eve of WrestleMania 24, The Rock inducted his father Rocky Johnson, and his grandfather (and Lia’s husband) ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia. 

    This interaction with the fan highlights The Rock’s heel persona which has been a hit with audiences since WWE decided to turn him into a villain. The character change has also been praised by those who know the Brahma Bull best. 

    The Rock at WrestleMania 40

    Cody Rhodes hopes to ‘finish the story’ at WrestleMania 40 but The Rock is planning on ruining the American Nightmare’s weekend. On WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday, Rhodes will team with Seth Rollins to face The Rock & Roman Reigns. The match will determine the stipulation for the following night. 

    On WWE WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Cody Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This match will either be under ‘Bloodline Rules’ or see the Bloodline banned from getting involved. No matter the stipulation, this match will be Cody’s final title shot at Reigns, an edict put in place by The Rock. The Final Boss flexed his muscles as part of TKO’s Board of Directors to make this stipulation happen. 

  • AEW’s Keith Lee Makes Accidental Appearance At WWE Hall of Fame 2024

    AEW’s Keith Lee Makes Accidental Appearance At WWE Hall of Fame 2024

    It’s been years since Keith Lee was signed to a WWE contract, but the Limitless One was spotted this week during the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. 

    The former NXT Champion and current AEW star was in the background of a backstage segment that saw CM Punk being interviewed by Kayla Braxton. It appears that somebody off-screen pointed out to Lee that he was in the shot as the wrestler quickly got out of the way. 

    Lee’s real-life wife and WWE star ‘Michin’ Mia Yim was being interviewed across the backstage area by WWE’s Cathy Kelley.

    This humorous situation led to Lee’s name trending on X (formerly known as Twitter.) Some fans even compared it to a similar situation where Road Warrior Hawk accidentally appeared during a backstage interview and quickly realized his mistake. 

    Keith Lee

    In WWE NXT, Lee captured the NXT Championship and NXT North American Championship and is to date the only Superstar to hold both titles simultaneously. Lee had far worse luck on the main roster and after a strong debut, would miss months of programming due to COVID-19 and heart inflammation. He was released from WWE in November 2021. 

    Lee joined AEW in March 2022 at that month’s Revolution pay-per-view and captured the AEW World Tag Team Championships with Swerve Strickland that July. Their reign was ended by The Acclaimed that September. A match between Lee and Strickland was scheduled to happen at AEW Worlds End in December 2023. Lee has been out of action since December 2023 and is currently recovering from double surgeries that he underwent in January 2024.

  • Xfinity Gets Into WrestleMania 40 Spirit With WWE-Themed Custom Browsing Experience

    Xfinity is getting into the spirit of WWE WrestleMania 40 with new customizable features on its platform ahead of the two-night mega-show. 

    WrestleMania 40 will take place on April 6, and April 7, from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. A statement sent to SE Scoops reads: 

    In celebration of WrestleMania XL, Xfinity customers with the X1 platform can customize their browse experience with all new WWE themes. Fans can show their support for their favorite WWE Superstars with customized timeline pucks and guide cursors featuring WWE Superstar logos and colors (screenshots attached). Choose from:

    Cody Rhodes

    The Rock

    Roman Reigns

    Seth “Freakin” Rollins

    Bianca Belair

    IYO SKY

    The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship

    WWE WrestleMania XL

    Customers can say “Change my theme,” “WWE” or “WrestleMania” into their X1 voice remote to choose their favorite WWE Superstar theme ahead of WrestleMania XL this weekend.

    WWE WrestleMania 40

    This year’s WrestleMania will air on Peacock and will also be the final WrestleMania that’ll stream on the standalone WWE Network. From January 2025, the service in various countries will shut down with WWE content moving to Netflix. The show will air on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia, Disney+ in the Philippines, Binge in Australia, Abema in Japan, and SonyLIV in India. 

    The upcoming two-night event from Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field will also be the first of its kind under the TKO banner and with WWE not under the control of the immediate McMahon family. With that said, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque will still oversee the show as the promotion’s Chief Content Officer.

  • Triple H on Scouting Talent: ‘I Need to See For Myself That They’re Good Enough for WWE’

    WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque insists on seeing a prospective Superstar for himself to see if they’re the right fit for the promotion. 

    As part of his many roles as Chief Content Officer, Levesque oversees talent relations and ultimately has the final say over who is hired to a contract. On the Pat McAfee Show, the Game shared why he thinks it’s vital he personally sees a talent’s work for himself. 

    “I see what’s out there. I don’t subscribe to, ‘this guy says they are good, that guy says they are good.’ I have to see it… Because they succeed someplace else doesn’t mean they’ll succeed at the big time.”

    Levesque compared the situation to football, stating that players who performed at a high level in college often fail to make waves in the NFL. 

    Triple H on ‘The Grind’

    Being a WWE Superstar is far from an easy job as talent are expected to compete almost every night across the globe. WWE is also not the only option for a young wrestler as various promotions exist in the U.S. and abroad. On the show, Levesque shared his skepticism for any wrestler who’d choose a promotion because it may be easier than WWE. 

    “When I see people coming out of trying to make it, and then they pick a job where, well, they work less, the schedule is lighter, then I’m like, ‘I’m glad I didn’t pick you.’ If you’re not in it for the grind, at that point early in your career, you have no business being here.”

    Triple H as Head of Talent

    In 2011, Levesque was officially made Executive Vice-President of Talent and Live Events, a role that expanded to include live events and creative two years later. In July 2022, following the resignation of Vince McMahon, Levesque was promoted to Executive Vice-President of Talent Relations and was named Chief Content Officer in September. In October 2023, Ari Emanuel ensured that Vince McMahon (who was back with WWE at the time) would not interfere with Levesque’s work and it was said the Game controlled “99.9% of the creative” at the time. 

  • Cody Rhodes & Others “Safe & Okay” After Tour Bus Catches Fire Ahead of WrestleMania 40

    Cody Rhodes & Others “Safe & Okay” After Tour Bus Catches Fire Ahead of WrestleMania 40

    Cody Rhodes is doing okay after his tour bus caught fire in what could be a bad omen for the American Nightmare ahead of WrestleMania 40. 

    Taking to Twitter, Rhodes wanted fans to hear the news from him first before anywhere else. The 2023 & 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble winner then shared news of the fire before making clear that everybody was safe and okay. Rhodes added that he grabbed two items from the bus that will ‘pop’ fans and expressed his gratitude to the Philadelphia Fire Department. 

    Cody Rhodes’ Busy Weekend

    A bus fire is hardly a great omen for Rhodes to kick off arguably the biggest weekend of his professional wrestling career. At WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday, Rhodes will team up with Seth Rollins to face Roman Reigns & The Rock. 

    The next night, Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The stipulation for this match will be determined during the previous night’s tag-team match. This match will come one year on from Rhodes’ heartbreaking loss to the Tribal Chief at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, CA. 

    Win or lose this weekend, Rhodes will have little time to reflect on what happens at WWE WrestleMania 40. The American Nightmare is expected to appear on the post-WrestleMania edition of Monday Night Raw from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. If history is any indicator, this show will be a raucous night thanks to the international flavor of fans who traveled to Philly for WrestleMania. It’ll also be the final Raw after WrestleMania on broadcast television. 

  • Paul Walter Hauser Beats Sami Callihan at WrestleCon Supershow, The Sandman Appears

    Paul Walter Hauser Beats Sami Callihan at WrestleCon Supershow, The Sandman Appears

    Emmy Award winner Paul Walter Hauser has another wrestling win to his name after defeating Sami Callihan at WrestleCon’s Supershow, albeit with some extreme help. 

    The match took place at the WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow on April 4 and was an ode to hardcore wrestling. Chairs, kendo sticks, and doors were used as weapons, and ECW alum Bill ‘Fonzie’ Alfonso also got involved. 

    Near the end of the match, Callihan was in control and it appeared that he’d be the first man to defeat Hauser in the ring. That was until the lights went down and “Enter Sandman” played, signifying the arrival of The Sandman. Inside the ECW Arena, Sandman helped Hauser get the win over Callihan. 

    Paul Walter Hauser in Wrestling

    Hauser, best known for his roles in Black Bird, I, Tonya, and Cruella, is now 3-0 in the world of professional wrestling. The actor made his wrestling debut at Wrestling Revolver’s UnReal event in November 2023 with a win over Matthew Palmer. He followed up on that by defeating Matt Cardona at Revolver’s Ready or Not event in March 2024.

    Hauser has hardly kept his love of professional wrestling a secret even when not in the ring. At the 75th annual Emmy Awards, Hauser took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role as Larry Hall in Apple TV+’s Black Bird. His acceptance speech included several name-drops and references from the world of pro wrestling, including Matt Cardona and ‘get the tables!’

  • Toni Storm Declares “The Forbidden Door is Always Open” in Surprise Appearance for STARDOM

    Toni Storm Declares “The Forbidden Door is Always Open” in Surprise Appearance for STARDOM

    Fans who attended the recent STARDOM event were stunned to see AEW Women’s World Champion ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm appear with a very special message. 

    Storm appeared at the STARDOM American Dream event in Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena, better known as the ECW Arena. Storm began by expressing her gratitude for STARDOM, stating that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the promotion. 

    The three-time and reigning AEW Women’s World Champion then presented flowers to Mariah May and said she was proud of her understudy. Turning her attention towards Mina Shirakawa, Storm got in the face of the Artist of Stardom Champion and told her that “the Forbidden Door is always open.”

    After her appearance during the show, Storm had more to say about Mariah May.

    Shirakawa is booked for Ring of Honor Supercard of Honor 2024. She’ll team with Maika and Mei Seira against Tam Nakano, Saya Kamitani, and AZM. As for Storm, her next high-profile match will come later this month at AEW Dynasty. The Starlet of Wrestling will put her gold on the line against Thunder Rosa. 

    Another Surprising Name

    Toni Storm wasn’t announced for the event, making her appearance at STARDOM American Dream a big surprise, but she wasn’t the only notable non-STARDOM name at the show. WWE Superstar Natalya was also at the event. On Twitter, the former Women’s Champion spoke about reuniting with Kyoko Inoue at the STARDOM show and shared some pictures from backstage. 

    Natalya is not currently booked for a match at WWE WrestleMania 40. With that said, some fans are hoping to see a Women’s Battle Royal at the event, which would likely include the BOAT. The hashtag #WomensBattleRoyal trended for multiple days on Twitter. 

  • Massive Priority Free Agent Spotted At WWE World Event in Philadelphia

    Massive Priority Free Agent Spotted At WWE World Event in Philadelphia

    One of the most popular free agents on the market has been spotted at the WWE World event in Philadelphia amid reports of major interest by the promotion. 

    Giulia was seen walking the floor at the event and took photos with fans who recognized her. Giulia was seen alongside STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa who was ousted from the promotion earlier this year. 

    In November 2023, it was reported that WWE had shown great interest in Giulia, a former NJPW Strong Women’s Champion. At the time it was said that the company had a “massive” interest in obtaining her services. While it was believed she would be attending a private try-out at the WWE Performance Center, those plans fell apart. 

    Delay in Joining WWE? 

    Giulia told STARDOM higher-ups last month that she was planning on leaving the promotion. While several signs point to Giulia joining WWE, it may not happen as quickly as the company would hope. 

    Giulia has spoken in the past about having ‘things to do’ in Japan before she leaves for WWE. It is believed that she will first do work for Rossy Ogawa’s rumored promotion. Ogawa was fired from STARDOM after it was claimed he was ‘poaching’ talent. 

    Giulia gave her word to Ogawa that she would help out if he launched a promotion which has taken priority over joining WWE. Ogawa has refuted the claim that he poached talent away from STARDOM. With his exit, Bushiroad, the parent company of STARDOM, has appointed Taro Okada and Oyama, the Bushiroad Fight merchandise manager in charge. 

  • Chelsea Green Demands Loser Leaves Town Match with Adam Pearce At WWE World

    Chelsea Green Demands Loser Leaves Town Match with Adam Pearce At WWE World

    Chelsea Green is ready to be rid of WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce for good and has proposed a loser leaves town match with the ‘Scrapdaddy.’ 

    Appearing on an episode of The Bump from the WWE World event in Philadelphia. , Green once again shared her gripes about Pearce. At the event, the self-prescribed Hot Mess suggested a ‘Loser Leaves Town’ match between herself and the former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion. Not done yet, she added that if she wins the match and sends Pearce packing, she should become the new General Manager of Raw. 

    This caught the attention of Pearce, who neither accepted nor refused the match. Instead, the Raw General Manager took to Twitter to claim that he’d easily pin Green and have her escorted away by security. This was seemingly a nod to Green being mistaken for an escort at a hotel a few days earlier. 

    Responding, Green was far from amused by what Pearce had to say. 

    Chelsea Green: WWE’s Resident Karen

    Since her historic (if not for the right reasons) return in the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match, Chelsea Green has been a thorn in the side of Adam Pearce. The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion has repeatedly complained to Pearce about what she considers unfair treatment and has also complained about Pearce not resolving her minor gripes. 

    Green’s act since returning to WWE has proven to be popular with audiences. The former TNA Knockout has been nominated for ‘Social Star of the Year’ at this year’s Slammy Awards. Green is up against Liv Morgan, Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, and Grayson Waller in her category. The Slammys will take place at WWE World on April 7. 

  • WWE WrestleMania 40 Stage Revealed Ahead of Two-Night Megashow in Philadelphia, PA

    WWE WrestleMania 40 Stage Revealed Ahead of Two-Night Megashow in Philadelphia, PA

    The stage of WrestleMania 40 has been officially revealed by WWE ahead of this weekend’s two-night show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

    On YouTube and social media, Kayla Braxton and Jackie Redmond were at Lincoln Financial Field to introduce the dance group ‘The Ninja Kidz.’ The group performed in the ring before the WrestleMania stage was revealed. The set includes this year’s WrestleMania logo as well as large ‘XL’ letters, as these are the Roman numerals for 40. 

    The stage for WrestleMania 40 is certainly impressive, though isn’t entirely a surprise. In the days leading up to the reveal, candid photos had given a tease as to what the stage would look like. 

    WrestleMania 40: What’s in Store? 

    This year’s WrestleMania is already one of the most hotly-anticipated ‘Manias of all time thanks to its stacked main events across both nights. On WrestleMania 40: Saturday, The Rock will make his long-awaited return to the ring to team with Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins. The following night, Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line against Cody Rhodes. 

    Drew McIntyre will seek to finally win a World Championship in front of a live crowd when he competes at WrestleMania 40. This’ll be easier said than done for the Scottish Warrior, who’ll be facing off with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. 

    This match will be see CM Punk serve as a guest commentator. The Second-City Savior has had issues with both men since his return to WWE. McIntyre has even taken credit for the injury Punk suffered during the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. 

    For full coverage of WWE WrestleMania 40 and other events across WrestleMania weekend, keep checking back here at SE Scoops. 

  • Cody Rhodes Teases Changing WWE Universal Title Design If He Wins At WrestleMania 40

    Cody Rhodes Teases Changing WWE Universal Title Design If He Wins At WrestleMania 40

    A victory for Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 40: Sunday wouldn’t just see him ‘finish the story’ but could also usher in a new Undisputed WWE Universal title design. 

    Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns on Night Two of the upcoming WrestleMania 40 Premium Live Event. Speaking at WWE World, Rhodes was asked about his plans for a potential title reign. 

    “If I do [win the Championship] maybe we change how the title looks.”

    Rhodes earned the opportunity against Reigns by winning the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. Cody’s ‘Road to WrestleMania’ has not been easy, as for a time, WWE intended on having The Rock challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 40 instead. 

    Cody’s Title Design Changes

    If Cody does change the design of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, it wouldn’t be his first time. After capturing the Intercontinental Championship in 2011, Rhodes brought back the classic white-strap version of the gold. This design lasted until 2019 when it was replaced with the Intercontinental Championship design currently held by GUNTHER. 

    In May 2022, one month after his stunning return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, Rhodes appeared on an episode of WWE After The Bell. During the show, Rhodes teased bringing back the ‘Winged Eagle’ WWE Championship design that had been held by Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels in the past. 

    “I think there’s a particular design of the WWE Championship that people are very fond of… It really would be something to achieve the ultimate industry dream, being the best of the best ever in terms of that moment in time, and then perhaps give it a fresh coat of paint with the Winged Eagle.”

    In addition to his match with Reigns, Rhodes will team with Seth Rollins to face Reigns and The Rock at WrestleMania 40: Saturday. 

  • Shayna Baszler & WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey Triumphant At Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X

    Shayna Baszler & WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey Triumphant At Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X

    Shayna Baszler’s step through the ‘forbidden door’ was a successful one for the Queen of Spades, who earned a big win at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. 

    At the event, Baszler made a rare non-WWE appearance to take on TNA Wrestling’s Masha Slamovich. Both women had back-up as Baszler was accompanied by Zoey Stark while Slamovich arrived alongside reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace. 

    The crowd was at a fever pitch, delivering a “Holy S**t” chant before things for underway. The two combatants traded leg locks and fought to a stalemate to get things started. The crowd was noticeably pro-Slamovich and anti-Baszler, though this could have been more pro-GCW and anti-WWE. 

    Baszler took control with jabs to the ribcage while Slamovich fought back with strikes and a flying armbar. Baszler tried to lock in an armbar of her own before Slamovich reversed the attempt. 

    The finish saw Baszler slip out of an armbar and lock in an ankle lock. Slamovich tried to escape but Baszler released the hold and hit a flurry of stomps so brutal the ref called for the bell. There were loud boos and “F**k You Shayna” chants as she was declared the winner.

    https://twitter.com/PuroresuFlow/status/1776008128502390847

    Charlie Dempsey in Action

    Baszler wasn’t the only WWE name in action at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. Earlier in the show, Charlie Dempsey got a submission victory over Matt Makowsi. The finish of the fight saw Dempsey hit a stiff European uppercut on the BJJ Black belt and follow with a German Suplex and double wrist-lock to get the submission victory. 

  • Tony Khan Says The Boys Were Released After No-Showing Multiple Events

    Tony Khan Says The Boys Were Released After No-Showing Multiple Events

    Two wrestlers recently cut from All Elite Wrestling have themselves to blame for being cut from the company after they no-showed multiple events. 

    AEW released several names from its roster earlier this week, including Brent and Brandon Tate, better known as ‘The Boys.’ Their releases came as a surprise to fans as they have been integral to the ongoing storyline between Dalton Castle and Johnny TV. 

    During the ROH Supercard of Honor press event, Tony Khan explained how the Tates had failed to show up to work on multiple occasions. This led to Khan deciding to cut them but made clear it was a difficult decision. 

    Khan explained that these releases were made with AEW carefully monitoring their budget, ensuring they have resources available to compete for top talent in the industry. The promotion recently reached high-budget deals with new signings including Will Ospreay, Mercedes Mone, and Kazuchika Okada.

    Who Else Was Let Go? 

    In total, ten stars were released from All Elite Wrestling. In addition to the Tate brothers, Stu Grayson, Parker Boudreaux, Slim J, Gravity, Anthony Henry, Jora Johl, Jose The Assistant, and broadcaster Dasha Kuret were also cut from the promotion. 

    While Anthony Henry has been released, fans can expect him back with ROH and AEW very soon. On the media call, Khan said that Henry got injured during an independent show and said his situation is a “challenging grey area.” He added that Henry will come back to AEW and Ring of Honor once he is cleared to wrestle again. 

  • Cody Rhodes: We’re No Longer in the Attitude Era’s Shadow, This is the Renaissance Era

    Cody Rhodes: We’re No Longer in the Attitude Era’s Shadow, This is the Renaissance Era

    Cody Rhodes is proud to be part of a ‘renaissance’ in professional wrestling which he believes has not only met but has surpassed the much-acclaimed Attitude Era. 

    While the Attitude Era is often heralded as the greatest period of wrestling, it’s hard to ignore how well WWE and other promotions have done as of late. In a recent interview with FOX News Digital, Rhodes compared the product of today to that fans consumed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 

    “I’ve heard it coined as the Renaissance Era, and I really like that outlook on it. For me, as a wrestler, I’m most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we’ve done better business than they ever did — and they did exceptional, unbelievable, amazing business. I’m only making comparisons on a black and white level, dollars and cents, in terms of what WWE’s been able to do over the last two years.“

    WWE’s Renaissance

    It could be argued that WWE’s renaissance began at WrestleMania 38, the night Cody Rhodes returned to the promotion. Since then, the promotion has seen significant changes, with Triple H being granted greater creative sway behind the scenes. 

    With Vince McMahon out of the picture (seemingly for good,) the Game has been allowed to try things that would’ve never made it to TV under his father-in-law. This has ranged from more long-term storytelling to giving opportunities on unlikely talent like Chad Gable and Ivar. WWE’s new era has even allowed for talent to work outside the promotion, with Shinsuke Nakamura competing for Pro Wrestling NOAH in 2023 and Charlie Dempsey wrestling for All Japan earlier this year. 

  • ‘Sami Zayn & Friends’ Live Comedy Show Announced for ‘Netflix is a Joke’ Festival

    ‘Sami Zayn & Friends’ Live Comedy Show Announced for ‘Netflix is a Joke’ Festival

    WWE Superstar Sami Zayn will be flexing his comedy muscles at the upcoming ‘Netflix is a Joke’ entertainment festival. 

    Taking to Twitter, Zayn said he is “so excited” to be part of the festival that’ll take place this May in Los Angeles. Zayn’s comedy show ‘Sami Zayn & Friends’ will take place on Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 pm local time in Avalon, Hollywood, CA. 

    Pre-Sale tickets will go on sale on Thursday, April 4, at 10 am PDT. General Sale tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 5, at 10 am PDT. 

    It’s hardly a surprise that Zayn is making moves in the world of comedy. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion has often been heralded for his humor which was on full display during his 2022 role as part of The Bloodline. Zayn was even able to make some members of the group ‘corpse,’ meaning they couldn’t help but laugh at what he was doing even when they were supposed to be serious. 

    Wrestling & Comedy 

    Zayn isn’t the only wrestler to try his hand in the world of comedy. For years, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has hosted stand-up comedy gigs both in the United States and overseas.

     TNA Wrestling’s Nic Nemeth has also hosted stand-up comedy shows in the past and was previously in a relationship with Amy Schumer. Nemeth hosted a comedy show with his brother Ryan in November 2023, mere weeks after his WWE release. 

    Considered one of the best talkers in wrestling, it seemed inevitable that ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper would try his hand at stand-up comedy. The Hot Rod hosted sets after his in-ring career ended and his work was praised by comedians including Ari Shaffir of Comedy Central. He also was in a handful of episodes of the hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. 

    Raw’s Move to Netflix

    WWE Monday Night Raw will move to Netflix in January 2025 in a blockbuster move that’ll take the red brand off traditional broadcast television. The deal is even sweeter for fans outside of the U.S. who will see Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events all moved to the streaming giant. 

  • WWE Speed on X: Results & Videos From The First 2 Matches

    WWE Speed on X: Results & Videos From The First 2 Matches

    Two Superstars have taken one step closer to being crowned the first-ever WWE Speed Champion with the launch of the new venture on Twitter/X.

    The very first match in the history of WWE Speed was fittingly between two of the promotion’s fastest Superstars: Ricochet and the LWO’s Dragon Lee. The match was understandably action-packed. With just three seconds left on the clock, Ricochet got the pin-fall victory after hitting the Recoil.

    WWE Speed: Ricochet vs. Dragon Lee

    WWE Speed: Bronson Reed vs. Cedric Alexander

    The second-ever WWE Speed match saw a battle of styles as the colossal ‘Big’ Bronson Reed faced the athletic Cedric Alexander. Reed advanced to the next round of the tournament with 1:09 remaining on the clock. 

    What is WWE Speed?

    WWE Speed is a new limited social media series, with original matches premiering exclusively on X.  A tournament has been set up with Superstars competing in three-minute matches to advance. The winner will be awarded the prestigious and coveted WWE Speed Championship:

    WWE has dabbled in the world of social media-exclusive matches in the past. The company hosted two seasons of Mixed Match Challenge in 2018, won by Team Awe-ska (The Miz & Asuka) and The Fabulous Truth (Carmella and R-Truth.)

    WWE Speed matches were first filmed at the December 15, 2023, episode of WWE SmackDown. While Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick recorded commentary at the time, only Graves could be heard during these matches as Patrick was released from WWE in January 2024. 

    Due to the matches recorded in December, we can confirm that Axiom’s tag-team partner Nathan Frazer is also going to be a part of WWE Speed. 

    The next WWE Speed match will take place next week and see The Judgment Day’s JD McDonagh take on WWE NXT’s Axiom. 

  • Roman Reigns Doubts WWE Run Would’ve Ever Happened If His Football Career Hadn’t Ended

    Leati Joe Anoa’I would have never become the dominant Roman Reigns in WWE had his football career not come to a premature end, the Tribal Chief has claimed. 

    Years before he entered the ring, Reigns played football and made it to both the NFL and the CFL (Canadian Football League.) Speaking to ESPN, Reigns admitted that had his football career not ended, he doesn’t believe he would have tried for pro wrestling. Reigns added that he wanted to be an athlete fans could look up to just as he had looked up to others.

    “I wanted to have an impact on young men. I wanted to be the way Emmitt Smith and Michael Jordan and Joe Montana and the stars of when I was a child, the way they made me feel. I wanted to make other young athletes feel that way.

    “But no matter what, it was either you’re going to be a wrestler, or you’re going to be a football player.”

    Roman Reigns in Football

    Reigns played for Pensacola Catholic High School and later at Escambia High School. He would go on to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team. In 2007, he was signed to the Minnesota Vikings but was diagnosed with leukemia and swiftly released. 

    After the Vikings, Reigns signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars but was released less than a week into his deal. In 2008, he played for the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL and played a handful of games before his release in November 2009. He proceeded to retire from professional football.

    The Bloodline & Football

    Reigns is hardly the only member of his family to have stepped foot on the gridiron. The Rock played college football for the University of Miami Hurricanes and later played for the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders. He was cut from the team two months into the 1995 season. 

    Like Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso played football at Escambia High School in Pensacola before becoming linebackers for the University of West Alabama. Jimmy played for the 2003 season while Jey played from 2003 to 2005. 

  • Joe Gacy Concussion Scare, Changes To NXT, Stand & Deliver

    Joe Gacy Concussion Scare, Changes To NXT, Stand & Deliver

    Joe Gacy got rocked during his match against Oba Femi on this week’s 4/2 episode of NXT. WWE officials checked him out for a concussion, a serious injury that would have put him out of action and affected plans for Saturday’s NXT Stand and Deliver premium live event.

    Femi dominated the match, which ended awkwardly after he delivered a slam that saw Gacy’s head bounce off the mat. The referee intervened and called off the match after determining Gacy was unable to continue.

    The official threw up the ‘X’ sign to request immediate medical attention for a potential injury. According to Fightful Select, there was legitimate concern that Gacy may have suffered a concussion. He was able to leave the ringside area on his feet and is still scheduled to compete this weekend.

    WWE has extensive concussion protocols and Gacy will likely be undergoing further medical evaluation int he days ahead.

    Gacy Injury Scare Leads to Changes

    WWE intended to announce Gacy vs. Shawn Spears for Stand and Deliver after the Gacy vs. Femi, but changed course due to the unexcited finish. Later in the show, Gacy approached NXT General Manager Ava and demanded a match with Spears, which was granted.

    This backstage segment was reportedly rushed and another planned segment involving Femi, Dijak and Josh Briggs was scrapped entirely. These three will battle for Femi’s NXT North American championship on Saturday.

    NXT Stand & Deliver 2024 takes place this Saturday, April 6 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA, mere hours before WrestleMania Saturday kicks off from Lincoln Financial Field.

  • AEW’s Will Ospreay Was Approached About Stunt Work For Assassin’s Creed Movie Sequel

    AEW’s Will Ospreay Was Approached About Stunt Work For Assassin’s Creed Movie Sequel

    Will Ospreay was approached about performing stunt work for an Assassin’s Creed movie sequel, the All Elite Wrestling star recently revealed. 

    Ospreay announced at Full Gear 2023 that he was joining the company, but was allowed to finish off his time with New Japan Pro Wrestling. His first official match as an AEW-contracted wrestler took place at AEW Revolution 2024 and saw the Essex-born wrestler defeat Konosuke Takeshita. 

    Will Ospreay’s Assasin’s Creed Offer

    Ospreay has spent years making a name for himself in the ring and nearly had the chance to flex his muscles in the world of stunt work. Speaking with Dale Driver of IGN, Ospreay explained how he was at one time considered for a role in a planned Assassin’s Creed movie sequel. 

    “I was in New Japan when the Assassin’s Creed film came out [in 2016.] They wanted to use some of my photos from New Japan to help advertise the movie coming over! 

    “They said if there was going to be an Assassin’s Creed 2, I might be able to do some stunt work in it and I got excited. Nothing ever came of it but I’d love to be a part of Assassin’s Creed.”

    An Assassin’s Creed Sequel? 

    While Ospreay is still holding out some hope, the odds of an Assassin’s Creed movie sequel continue to look slim. Despite a star-studded cast including Michael Fassbender, Maron Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons, the film underperformed at the box office. A sequel was planned but was reportedly canceled by Disney following their 2019 acquisition of FOX. 

    Will Ospreay and Assassin’s Creed

    Ospreay’s love for the popular historical action video game franchise is hardly a secret. At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, the Aerial Assasin dressed as Assassin Creed Syndicate’s The Ripper for his entrance. Ospreay had the franchise’s signature hidden wrist blade and entered to official Assassin’s Creed music. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C1rtJ4VhywT

    In the interview, Ospreay said it’d be “sick” for him to get a themed skin in the next Assassin’s Creed game. He added that he’s “completely open” to any AC plans, whether it be for a game or movie, that he could be involved in. 

  • Ronda Rousey Unsurprised By Vince McMahon Lawsuit, Feels WWE Wrestlers Are Being Held ‘Hostage’

    Ronda Rousey Unsurprised By Vince McMahon Lawsuit, Feels WWE Wrestlers Are Being Held ‘Hostage’

    Former WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey is far from surprised by the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against ex-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. 

    Janel Grant’s daming lawsuit against WWE and its former chairman alleges that she was a sexual slave during her time and was trafficked by McMahon to various men in the company. McMahon has denied all wrongdoing and claims the lawsuit is rife with fabrications.

    Ronda Rousey on Vince McMahon

    In her new memoir Our Fight, Rousey doesn’t hold back in her feelings about Vince McMahon, even comparing him to Star Wars villain Emperor Palpatine. Rousey has also spoken out against former McMahon-ally John Laurinaitis, who she claims acted like a frat boy in WWE.

    Sitting down with News Nation, Rousey was asked about McMahon and his exit from WWE. The former Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion made clear she wasn’t taken aback by the lawsuit. 

    “It’s not surprising… the reason why nobody else is speaking out is because they know that there will be negative repercussions if they say anything about the company that the company doesn’t like. Everybody is being held hostage.”

    Rousey added that her situation is different as with no plans to return unless major changes are made to WWE, she can be more expressive about the promotion.

    “I don’t really care if they have me back or not. I can wrestle wherever I want to wrestle and the truth should be told.” 

    What Have WWE Superstars Said?

    After McMahon’s resignation, Triple H said he had not read Janel Grant’s lawsuit when asked about the matter during the WWE Royal Rumble 2024 post-show press event.

    At the same Royal Rumble 2024 press conference, Cody Rhodes called the McMahon situation a dark cloud over WWE.

    Seth Rollins was disgusted with what was claimed in the lawsuit. The World Heavyweight Champion has said if the claims are true, he hopes everyone gets what they deserve.

    John Cena has taken a different approach. Cena has made clear he still loves McMahon, despite what has happened. While Cena did speak of the importance of accountability, his comments did spark controversy for how glowing he was of the ex-chairman.

    Becky Lynch has said that she does not recognize the McMahon discussed in the lawsuit. The Man has said her interactions with Vince in WWE were almost all positive. 

  • Mick Foley Praises The Rock’s Heel Run, Would’ve Been Easy To Stay A Babyface

    Mick Foley Praises The Rock’s Heel Run, Would’ve Been Easy To Stay A Babyface

    Mick Foley has been impressed by The Rock’s return to WWE as it would’ve been easy for him to have stuck with his popular, if not predictable, face persona. 

    After the fans rejected The Rock trying to be in the Undisputed WWE Universal title picture over Cody Rhodes, WWE corrected course, turning The Rock heel in the process. On the March 25, episode of WWE Raw, The Rock delivered an emphatic beatdown on Rhodes, leaving him in a pool of blood outside Chicago’s All-State Arena. 

    Mick Foley on The Rock

    In a video shared on YouTube, Foley watched in amazement as The Rock delivered his beatdown to Cody Rhodes. Speaking after watching the end of Raw, Foley noted how easy it would’ve been for the Final Boss to have avoided the risk of this heel turn. 

    “I like that other side of The Rock. It would have been really easy for him to just lean back into what was comfortable. That’s like an EasyChair for The Rock right? Like a great Barcalounger because he knows that character so well.

    “To sort of put a twist on it, come out with a harder edge, a little blood in the right place never heard anybody. I think it was really good and only is going to pique interest. It certainly piqued mine.”

    Mick Foley & The Rock

    Foley certainly knows all about what’s it like to be on the receiving end of a beatdown from The Rock. At the 1999 Royal Rumble pay-per-view, The Rock beat Foley in an I-Quit match, though Foley would not actually utter the two words (a recording was played instead.) The match is infamous for the beatdown Foley took which was documented in the film Beyond The Mat. To this day, questions remain as to whether The Rock (who did not visit Foley in the hospital after the match) went too far. 

    What’s Next for The Rock? 

    The Rock will make his return to the ring at WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday to team with Roman Reigns to face Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes. Those in WWE are of the opinion that this will not be The Rock’s final match and many remain hopeful that a match between The Rock and Reigns will happen one day. 

  • Silver Lake To Take Endeavor Private, TKO Share-Price Sees Dramatic Rise

    Silver Lake To Take Endeavor Private, TKO Share-Price Sees Dramatic Rise

    Endeavor, the parent company of TKO Group Holdings/WWE is to be taken private and will see all shares acquired by private equity firm Silver Lake. 

    As part of the deal, Endeavor stockholders will receive $27.50 per share in cash, representing a premium of 55% to the closing price of $17.72. This number was before Silver Lake said in October 2023 that they were working on a proposal to take the company private. 

    What This Means for TKO

    Endeavor has said that it would not consider a sale of its majority interest in TKO Group Holdings, which consists of both WWE and the UFC. TKO is not party to this transaction and will remain a publicly traded company, the companies said on Tuesday.

    While TKO is not expected to be directly involved with this move, the company is seeing a benefit from the change. After news of Endeavor’s privatization was announced, stock in the WWE company rose significantly. It had been trading at $86.66 a share before the news broke and rose to $90.78 a share within 90 minutes of the announcement. 

    TKO Group Holdings

    TKO was officially launched in September 2023. It was announced back in April 2023 that Endeavor was to acquire WWE as part of a historic $9.3 billion deal. The merger of WWE and UFC into TKO did not come without casualties as over 100 employees were let go last year in efforts to synchronize the two sports promotions. WWE would host its first wave of talent releases post-TKO launch that same month. 

  • Did You Recognize the TNA Wrestling Location Used During 4/1 WWE Monday Night Raw?

    The April 1, episode of WWE Raw served as a compelling go-home show before WrestleMania 40 but also had a segment that TNA fans may have found familiar. 

    Raw saw the Superstars of the red brand try and build momentum ahead of WWE WrestleMania 40. The fifth-annual two-night WrestleMania will kick off on April 6 from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. 

    Drew McIntyre’s Funeral for CM Punk

    On Monday Night Raw, Drew McIntyre was at a funeral home where he gave a eulogy mocking CM Punk’s ‘dead’ dream of headlining WrestleMania. McIntyre ridiculed Punk as an “out of shape has been” whose “fragile” body failed him in the Royal Rumble match (when Punk got injured) worse than when he was in the UFC. Not done there, McIntyre also gave a eulogy for Seth Rollins title reign that McIntyre hopes to finish at WrestleMania 40. 

    A Familiar Venue

    Funerals in wrestling are not uncommon and fans who watched Raw may have found this segment eerily familiar. As fans on social media pointed out, this funeral home featured on Raw has been used by TNA Wrestling in the past. The same location was used in 2005 when there was a funeral for Team 3-D, known to WWE fans as the Dudley Boyz. 

    Years later, the same funeral home would be used for a segment in which the Aces & Eights faction was laid to rest. 

    WWE & TNA segments at the funeral home. 

    TNA Involvement in WWE

    WWE is host to several ex-TNA names, both on-screen and working behind the scenes. In 2018, Jeremy Borash joined WWE and works with the NXT brand. His official role in the company is as Senior Director of Content and Development and he was specifically chosen to help produce the 2020 Boneyard match between AJ Styles and The Undertaker. 

    Chris Park also works for WWE after spending years in TNA as Abyss. Park currently serves as a producer and appeared in a segment with fellow TNA alum AJ Styles on SmackDown in August 2020. 

  • Drew Barrymore To Be In Attendance at WWE WrestleMania 40

    Drew Barrymore To Be In Attendance at WWE WrestleMania 40

    WWE WrestleMania 40 is set to be chock-full of celebrities and fans can add Drew Barrymore’s name to the guest list for the upcoming Premium Live Event. 

    Barrymore is expected by WWE to be in attendance at WrestleMania 40, per PWInsider. While most fans may not know about her connections to pro wrestling, she’s hosted several WWE Superstars on her daytime talkshow, including 16-time WWE World Champion John Cena and the New Day (on multiple occasions).

    Celebrities at WrestleMania 40

    Drew Barrymore won’t be the only notable name from outside the world of pro-wrestling that’ll be at WrestleMania 40. 

    Rapper Lil Wayne will be in attendance for the event to debut a new single off his upcoming album The Carter VI.

    Wayne made a surprise cameo backstage at the Barclays Center for the final Raw on the road to WM40.

    Rapper Meek Mill, who is from Philadelphia, will also be involved with WrestleMania. His song “Dreams and Nightmares” has become a Philly anthem. He will voice the opening video for WrestleMania 40. 

    Expect to see many more celebrities and surprise appearances this weekend at WWE WrestleMania 40 from Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, PA. 

    Stay tuned to SEScoops all week long for our wall-to-wall coverage of WrestleMania Week.