SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Big E Calls In-Ring Return A Gamble, Doesn’t Want to Leave “Broken And Crippled”

    Big E Calls In-Ring Return A Gamble, Doesn’t Want to Leave “Broken And Crippled”

    Questions remain over Big E’s future in the ring but the former WWE Champion has said that he plans on being smart about whatever may come. 

    Big E suffered a broken neck injury during a March 2022, edition of WWE SmackDown. The New Day star was able to avoid surgery which at the time led many to believe he would not be out of action for long. Despite being able to avoid going under the knife, Big E has not wrestled since then and questions remains as to whether he will again. 

    Hobbled & Crippled

    In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Big E discussed what’s to come for him. The triple-crown champion and 2021 Men’s MITB winner reiterated previous points that he wants to do what’s right for his health. 

    “I’ve been doing physical things my entire life, and I never wanted to leave sports hobbled and crippled.

    “It’s just a matter of listening to the doctors, taking in enough information, looking at my more recent set of scans and deciding if the gamble is worth it.”

    Big E has been able to consult not just with doctors but various wrestlers who have suffered similar neck injuries. Big E was grateful that wrestlers and legends have been willing to answer his questions. 

    “I’ve been so thankful for so many of the guys I grew up loving and watching as a kid, so many legends who wanted to reach out and share what they went through when they had their neck injuries. I’m so grateful to all of them.”

    A Role Outside the Ring

    While Big E’s in-ring future remains in question, the charismatic talker was recently part of the WWE WrestleMania 40 kick-off event panel. In the interview, Big E admitted that the role took him by surprise. 

    “It wasn’t until I boarded the flight to Vegas that I even knew I was doing the panel. That’s the nature of things in WWE. It’s oftentimes, ‘Hey, show up’ and you get things thrown at you.”

  • Ronda Rousey Says WWE Career Was Unsustainable Once She Became A Mom

    Ronda Rousey Says WWE Career Was Unsustainable Once She Became A Mom

    Former WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey has said her role in the company was simply not sustainable for her once the UFC Hall of Famer became a mother.

    Rousey and her husband Travis Browne welcomed their daughter La’akea Makalapuaokalanip? Browne into the world in September 2021. Mere months after the birth, Rousey returned to WWE TV following a near-three-year absence to win the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

    Unsustainable 

    Rousey finished her time with WWE at SummerSlam 2023 with a loss to Shayna Baszler in the first MMA Rules match. Appearing on Good Morning America, Rousey explained how her duty as a mother played a role in her decision to step away from the ring. 

    “It’s just not a lifestyle that I can continue while being a mom, you know? I was on the road 18 months with my baby and it was just nothing that we could sustain forever.”

    A Possible Return

    Since her exit from WWE, Rousey has been vocal in her criticism of the company and its former chairman Vince McMahon. Despite the billionaire’s resignation in January of this year, Rousey said she doesn’t see her returning to the company. 

    “Not unless things drastically change with how things are run there and so I highly doubt it.”

    WWE Moms

    Ronda Rousey proved to be one of the toughest moms in the world, but she’s not the only Superstar to be a mother. In December 2020, Becky Lynch gave birth to her and Seth Rollins’ first child Roux, and returned to TV at SummerSlam 2021. 

    After previously suffering a miscarriage, Carmella gave birth to her and Corey Graves’ son in November 2023 after a 60-hour labor. Alexa Bliss would welcome her and Ryan Cabrera’s daughter Hendrix into the world that same month. 

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

  • Triple H On Changing WWE Plans Over Fan Response: ‘I Do Things Differently from Before’

    Triple H On Changing WWE Plans Over Fan Response: ‘I Do Things Differently from Before’

    Triple H is okay with changing WWE’s storylines due to the response of fans as he handles the company’s plans differently from Vince McMahon. 

    The Game serves as WWE’s Chief Content Officer and oversees the company’s creative plans as well as talent relations. Following Vince McMahon’s resignation from WWE, Triple H has been able to book matters fully in line with his creative vision rather than having to appease his father-in-law

    Changing Plans

    When The Rock returned to WWE, the promotion’s plan was for the Brahma Bull to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Immediately, fans rejected the notion of Cody Rhodes ‘handing over’ the spot many have expected for him since WrestleMania 39. The ‘We Want Cody’ movement would lead to WWE changing plans; putting Cody back in the Undisputed WWE Universal Title picture and turning The Rock heel. 

    Triple H Weighs In

    The fact that WWE was willing to change its plans marked a considerable change from the company’s past stance of sticking with its plans even in the face of fan backlash. In a recent interview with ESPN about WWE’s changes in the post-McMahon era, Triple H highlighted how he’s more open to other ideas. 

    “Now it’s a different time, and the way I do things is slightly different. My career, I learned from being here, but there were things along the way that I always thought I would do differently. In this time now, I get to make those calls and with a large team of people.

    “Everything you do is dependent on reactions. That’s what we do as an industry. … The beautiful thing with this group and with Cody and Roman and Rock especially, everybody’s got their ear to the ground. … And then we all just get together and figure the s*** out.”

    Cody Rhodes Weighs In

    Nobody has benefitted from Triple H willingness to change plans more regarding this situation than Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare is poised to have another shot at Roman Reigns and the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40. When Rhodes spoke to ESPN, he addressed why The Rock’s return didn’t go as WWE had intended. 

    “[Rock] might just have come back at a strange time, which is wild [for] the most popular wrestler of all time and one of the most recognizable faces on Earth… the fact that one person is booing him out there throws me. It means we’re doing something special here.”

    Rhodes will team with Seth Rollins to face Roman Reigns and The Rock on WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday, the night before Rhodes Vs. Reigns for the title.  

  • WWE Clash At The Castle: Scotland PLE Announced for 6/15 in Glasgow

    The next WWE Premium Live Event in the United Kingdom will take place this June in Glasgow, Scotland, the promotion has revealed. 

    WWE Clash At the Castle: Scotland will happen on June 15, from the OVO Hydro. There will also be an episode of WWE SmackDown in the same venue on June 14. WWE Clash At the Castle: Scotland will mark WWE’s first Premium Live Event in the country. 

    WWE Clash At the Castle

    WWE held its first Clash At The Castle event in September 2022 in Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The event saw Roman Reigns retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre thanks to the interference of Solo Sikoa. This marked Sikoa’s official call-up to the main roster. 

    The show also saw Edge & Rey Mysterio defeat The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Damian Priest. After the match, Dominik Mysterio turned on his father and aligned himself with The Judgment Day, a faction he has remained with ever since. 

    WWE PLEs Outside The United States

    WWE Clash at the Castle: Scotland is the latest PLE confirmed to be taking place outside of North America. This August, WWE will travel to Germany for their inaugural Bash at Berlin show. WWE recently held Elimination Chamber 2024 in Perth, Australia, the promotion’s first Premium Live Event in the country since 2018. 

    WWE Money in the Bank 2024 will take place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, after being held in London, England last year. One day after Money in the Bank on July 6, WWE NXT will host its Heatwave event, also from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. 

  • Paul Heyman Will Be Inducted Into The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame By…

    Paul Heyman Will Be Inducted Into The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame By…

    The man who will induct Paul Heyman into the WWE Hall of Fame this Friday was revealed during the April 1, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw. 

    Heyman was the first name announced for this year’s class of Hall of Fame inductees. The honor is richly deserved given Heyman’s success in multiple roles in the world of wrestling. Heyman has served as a manager, a producer, a promoter, and as a member of WWE’s creative team throughout his lengthy career. 

    Paul Heyman’s WWE Hall of Fame Inductor

    During a backstage segment on the April 1, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Heyman, The Rock, and Roman Reigns were seen conversing. Reigns had to leave early to work on his ‘speech’ for the Wise Man. Heyman then made clear to anyone who hadn’t figured it out that Reigns would be inducting him into the WWE Hall of Fame. 

    WWE Hall of Fame 2024

    Heyman is hardly the only notable name to make up this year’s class of WWE Hall of Famers. The US Express will also be inducted this year, the only tag team as part of the 2024 class. Bull Nakano was announced as a WWE Hall of Fame inductee. The Japanese star is a former WWE Women’s Champion and is currently the commissioner for the all-women’s Sukeban promotion. 

    Thunderbolt Patterson has also been confirmed as an inductee. The late Muhammed Ali will be posthumously inducted for his contributions to the world of Sports Entertainment. 

    The final inductee is Lia Maivia, one of the first female wrestling promoters and a trailblazer in her own right. Her induction was announced by her grandson The Rock and will come 16 years after her husband ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia was inducted in 2008. 

    WWE Hall of Fame Inductors

    Here is the known inductors for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame: 

    • Paul Heyman: Inducted by Roman Reigns
    • Bull Nakano: Inducted by Madusa
    • The US Express: Currently Unknown
    • Muhammad Ali: Inducted by his widow Lonnie Ali
    • Thunderbolt Patterson: Inducted by Scott Spears
    • Lia Maivia: Inducted by The Rock

  • The Rock Shares NSFW Message to Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins After 4/1 WWE Raw Beatdown

    The Rock once again didn’t hold back with his choice of words regarding Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins after the April 1, episode of Raw went off the air. 

    The go-home Raw before WrestleMania 40 saw The Rock opening with some a promo about the beatdown he gave Rhodes the previous week. While The Rock said it broke his heart to see young fans crying when he attacked Rhodes, the American Nightmare had brought the attack upon himself by stepping ‘out of line.’ The segment finished with Roman Reigns, the Bloodline, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins appearing and a Bloodline Rules match being set between Reigns and Solo Sikoa for the main event. 

    The Rock’s Message

    The main event of Raw saw interference by The Bloodline who ambushed Rollins. While Rhodes tried to help the man he’ll team with at WrestleMania 40: Saturday, the pair of babyfaces were unable to overcome the might of the Bloodline. Raw went off the air with the Bloodline standing tall after whipping their upcoming opponents with belts. 

    After Raw, The Bloodline made their way to the back. The Rock was the final man to go backstage and had two words for his WrestleMania 40: Saturday opponents. 

    “F*** them.”

    What’s to Come? 

    The Rock will make his long-awaited return to the ring at WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday. He will team with Roman Reigns to face Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins. The match will decide the stipulation for the next night’s Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match. 

    Should Rhodes and Rollins win the tag match, there will be no Bloodline involvement when Rhodes takes on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40: Sunday. If the Bloodline wins on the Saturday, the following night’s title match will be under ‘Bloodline Rules.’

  • What Does WWE & AEW Have to Say About CM Punk’s Tell-All Interview?

    What Does WWE & AEW Have to Say About CM Punk’s Tell-All Interview?

    CM Punk’s recent comments on the MMA Hour have had the wrestling world talking, including those in both WWE and All Elite Wrestling. 

    Punk’s appearance on the Ariel Helwani-hosted show saw him discuss various topics including his return to WWE, the departure of Vince McMahon, and his time with AEW. Punk, as expected, did not hold back in discussing these matters in great detail. 

    AEW Reacts

    Following his comments on the show, several AEW stars. posted tweets of support for the company. When Fightful Select asked about this, they were told it was more about supporting the company than anything else. 

    A supporter of Punk in AEW said that the interview was bound to happen eventually. They hope that’s the last they hear of Punk’s backstage issue in AEW until hopefully one-day fences are mended.

    One veteran AEW talent said: 

    “More than anything, what the interview showed was that this was preventable from all sides. Punk is happy, AEW talent moved on, so hopefully everyone just learns from it and makes amends in the future.”

    WWE Reactions

    One WWE talent said that they figured Punk would answer questions about AEW, despite the NDA is in place. Another WWE name preferred that Punk answered questions this week as they hope his comments will be overshadowed by the stacked week of wrestling content coming up in the next few days. 

    Sticking to a trend in recent reports, all news about Punk since his return to WWE has been positive. Executives asked for their comments on the interview said they didn’t believe Punk really wanted to broach the subject of AEW but was expecting it to come up. 

    Punk isn’t likely to be subjected to a heavy media schedule this week like some others in the company, as he’s still recovering from an injury.

    What’s Next for CM Punk? 

    Punk won’t be competing at WWE WrestleMania 40 but he’ll still have a role with the show. The Chicago-Made Superstar will be the guest commentator for the World Heavyweight Championship between Seth Rollins and challenger Drew McIntyre. 

  • CM Punk Has “Nothing to Hide” Over AEW Brawl Out, Says Tony Khan Is Not a Real Boss

    CM Punk Has “Nothing to Hide” Over AEW Brawl Out, Says Tony Khan Is Not a Real Boss

    CM Punk may have “nothing to hide” regarding what transpired backstage at AEW All Out 2022 but regrets appearing on the media scrum after the pay-per-view. 

    At the September 2022 event, CM Punk captured his second AEW World Championship, besting Jon Moxley in the show’s main event. After the show, Punk would shoot on several members of the AEW roster. Backstage, Punk, Ace Steel, The Elite, and others would participate in a backstage fight that resulted in all parties being suspended.

    CM Punk on Brawl Out

    On the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Punk was asked for information about the infamous backstage fight. While Punk felt like he couldn’t discuss the matter in detail, he made clear that he has nothing to hide. 

    “I don’t think I can [talk about it] but I didn’t have to sign an NDA for anything I did wrong… I have nothing to hide and I don’t give a s***.”

    When asked if he regrets how things went down, Punk said he wishes things had gone differently. The two-time former AEW World Champion added that the idea of these press conferences in wrestling is not his style.

    “I think you can go back and be like ‘Well I wish I never did the scrum.’ Scrums are stupid anyway. Yeah, those things were really cringe.”

    CM Punk on Tony Khan

    One year on from being brought into AEW by Tony Khan, Brawl Out would forever change Punk’s relationship with Khan. In the interview, Punk didn’t hold back in his evaluation of the AEW President. 

    “He’s not a boss. He’s a nice guy. And I think ultimately that is a detriment to the company. But it’s not my company. I’m an outsider.”

    Punk added that the last time he spoke to Khan was at AEW All In following his backstage fight with Jack Perry. After the fight, Punk faced Samoa Joe in the opening match of the main show. Punk said that he walked into the match knowing it’d be his last AEW match and made clear he quit the company.

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

  • CM Punk: Vince Gave Me A Hug & Said We Should Catch Up. I Haven’t Seen Him Since

    CM Punk: Vince Gave Me A Hug & Said We Should Catch Up. I Haven’t Seen Him Since

    CM Punk’s first interaction with Vince McMahon after returning to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 would also prove to be his last, the Chicago-Made star has revealed. 

    The Best in the World returned in the closing moments of the show, in his first appearance at a WWE Premium Live Event since the 2014 Royal Rumble. Punk was fired from AEW in September 2023 following a week-long investigation into his backstage altercation with Jack Perry at AEW All In.

    Meeting With Vince McMahon

    Speaking to Ariel Helwani of the MMA Hour, Punk recalled being invited to WWE’s headquarters for a workout and being approached by McMahon’s trainers before the man himself. 

    “I was in there, and I was on the phone on the treadmill warming up. And Vince’s trainers [say] ‘Hey, you’ve got to get off the phone. Vince doesn’t like it when people are on the phone in the gym… And then I saw him walking down into the gym. He came in for his daily workout. 

    When asked, Punk recalled the brief conversation he shared with McMahon and the plans that neither man was able to follow up on. 

    “He gave me a big hug. He said ‘Welcome home. Good to see you. Let’s connect after I work out.’ I said alright. Haven’t seen him since [laughs.]” 

    What Came Next? 

    McMahon would resign from WWE two months after Punk’s return to the company. The 78-year-old billionaire would step away due to the damning claims in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against himself and WWE. McMahon has denied all wrongdoing. 

    Mere days after McMahon’s resignation, Punk would suffer a triceps injury that has kept him on the shelf ever since. Despite this, Punk will be a guest commentator at WrestleMania 40 for the World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre. 

  • 4/1 Monday Night RAW Shaping Up To Break All-Time WWE TV Gate Record

    4/1 Monday Night RAW Shaping Up To Break All-Time WWE TV Gate Record

    The final WWE Raw before WrestleMania 40 will be a historic night in many ways and is expected to see the highest gate for any TV show in the history of WWE. 

    Sources told Ariel Helwani of the MMA Hour that the show is “shaping up” to break the record for WWE programming. The show will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

    Another Big Success

    The April 1, 2024, Raw is just the latest in a long line of successes for WWE. As Wrestle Tix reports, this show is also completely sold out. 13,345 tickets have been distributed for the Barclays Center with 0 available tickets re

    WWE Monday Night Raw – April 1, 2024

    It’s hardly a surprise that tonight’s Raw is in high demand given the stacked show that has already been announced. It has been confirmed that both The Rock and Roman Reigns will be on the show. The duo will team up to face Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins at WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday. 

    Sami Zayn will hope to build momentum on tonight’s Raw ahead of his Intercontinental Championship match with GUNTHER at WrestleMania. That may be easier said than done as Zayn will take on ‘Big’ Bronson Reed. 

    It’ll be eight-man tag-team action on Raw when DIY & the New Day take on The Judgment Day. DIY, the New Day, and Finn Balor & Damian Priest will all be in the WrestleMania six-pack challenge ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championships. 

    Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri hope to get revenge on Candice LeRae following weeks of horrific comments by the Poison Pixie. LeRae will team with Indi Hartwell to face Nile and Dupri on Raw. 

    This is some of the action from the April 1, WWE Raw. Fans watching at home will have to get comfortable as the first hour will be commercial-free. 

  • Mark Briscoe Was Ready to Retire After Jay’s Death, Carrying On For His Late Brother

    Mark Briscoe Was Ready to Retire After Jay’s Death, Carrying On For His Late Brother

    Mark Briscoe was sure his days in the ring were over when his brother Jay died, though has been motivated to carry on for Jay’s sake.

    Jay Briscoe passed away in January 2023 after being involved in a car accident mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware. Jay’s two daughters were seriously injured in the collision but have been making strides in their recovery. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed in the crash.

    Mark Briscoe was Ready to Retire

    Jay’s death was of course a massive blow to Mark, who lost both his brother and his tag team partner. Speaking to Under the Ring recently, Mark shared that for a brief moment, he was ready to retire.

    “That was my first thought. My very first thought was, I’m not ever wrestling again… My initial reaction was, I’m never wrestling again, I don’t ever wanna wrestle again.”

    Mark clarified that it didn’t take long for him to change his stance, as continuing in the ring is what his brother would’ve wanted.

    “It really didn’t take long at all for me to reconsider and change my mind there once I got thinking about what he’d want me to do… I gotta carry on for him.”

    What’s to Come?

    Mark Briscoe will challenge ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston at ROH Supercard of Honor 2024. Not only will this be a huge opportunity for Mark, but it’ll come eleven years to the day that his brother won the title for the first time.

  • Mami On Top: WWE’s Rhea Ripley Hits One-Year Milestone as Women’s World Champion

    Mami On Top: WWE’s Rhea Ripley Hits One-Year Milestone as Women’s World Champion

    Rhea Ripley has reached a milestone in her WWE career by hitting one whole year as the WWE Women’s World Champion.

    The ‘Mami’ of the Judgment Day captured the title on April 1, 2023, at WrestleMania 39. Ripley won the SmackDown Women’s Championship at the event with a victory over Charlotte Flair. Ripley earned the match by winning the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match, though her record-long performance was surpassed by Bayley this year.

    Rhea Ripley as Women’s World Champion

    Across WWE Premium Live Events, Television shows, and untelevised matches, Ripley has defended her title a total of 46 times since winning the gold. Her most recent title defense was in a dark match following the March 29, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown. The ‘Mami’ retained against Shayna Baszler. 

    Rhea Ripley’s Gold

    Ripley’s reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion/Women’s World Champion is just the latest taste of gold for the Australian Superstar. She is also a former Raw Women’s Champion, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, NXT Women’s Champion, and NXT UK Women’s Champion. 

    All of these accolades make Ripley the seventh WWE Women’s Triple Crown Champion and the fifth Women’s Grand Slam Champion. She is the only woman to have held all of the titles listed above. 

    What’s Next for Rhea Ripley?

    Ripley has held the title for one year, but her reign could be over within a matter of days. At WWE WrestleMania 40, Ripley will defend the Women’s World Championship against Becky Lynch. The Man earned the title match by winning the 2024 Women’s Elimination Chamber match. 

  • Roman Reigns Gets Emotional Hearing Words of Support From Late-Brother Matt ‘Rosey’ Anoai

    Roman Reigns Gets Emotional Hearing Words of Support From Late-Brother Matt ‘Rosey’ Anoai

    Roman Reigns may be a cool customer on WWE TV but the Tribal Chief couldn’t help but feel emotional when hearing from his late brother Matt. 

    During the recent WWE and A&E Biography: Legends episode on Roman Reigns, the Tribal Chief was presented with a WWE.com interview with Matt Anoa’i. In the interview in question, Matt speaks about his brother’s dedication to excellence and predicts big things for Reigns. 

    “He had something special… That specialty was something to do with athletics. Just his focus in the gym, focus all through high-school and college, he knew. Joe was set for something great. He’s setting the bar for our family that much higher.” 

    Reigns was visibly overcome with emotion hearing the words from his brother as seen in the clip below. 

    Who Was Matt Anoa’i? 

    Matt began his career in 1995 and after a brief stint in the original ECW and the Samoan-owned WXW, would join WWE in 2002. He debuted in July on Raw as Rosey, one-half of 3 Minute Warning alongside Eddie ‘Jamal’ Fatu (later known to WWE fans as Umaga. The duo served as ‘hired guns’ for Raw GM Eric Bischoff but split in June 2003 following Fatu’s release from WWE. 

    Rosey would later become the sidekick of The Hurricane who dubbed Rosey his ‘Super Hero In Training (S.H.I.T.) The pair won the World Tag Team Championships in May 2005 but lost the gold to Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch that September. Rosey was released from WWE in March 2006. 

    In January 2014, Matt Anoa?i was hospitalized due to congestive heart failure which was related to weight gain as he struggled to keep active due to a chronic knee injury. On April 17, 2017, Matt died due to complications related to CHF, mere days after his 47th birthday.

  • Roman Reigns Was Against The Shield’s Split & Face Run But “You Have to Be a Good Soldier”

    Roman Reigns Was Against The Shield’s Split & Face Run But “You Have to Be a Good Soldier”

    The end of the Shield may have helped propel Roman Reigns to singles superstardom, but the Tribal Chief was no fan of splitting up the popular faction. 

    A year-and-a-half after their debut on the main roster, the Shield imploded during the June 2, 2014, episode of Monday Night Raw. 24 hours removed from the Sheild’s victory over Evolution at WWE Battleground, Seth Rollins betrayed his brothers and aligned himself with Triple H, becoming a part of the Authority. 

    Roman Reigns Was Against The Shield’s Split

    The end of the Shield was a shocking moment that marked a change for Rollins, Reigns, and Dean Ambrose, but Reigns was not on board at the time. During the A&E Biography: Legends episode about him, Reigns shared his reservations about the split.

    “I didn’t wanna break up The Shield. And I definitely didn’t wanna be a good guy. That’s exactly what was happening. I was so young on the rise. It’s not like I had a nest egg built up. It’s not like I had a whole bunch of options that I can just say ‘No I’m not feeling this.’ This doesn’t feel good to me or I wouldn’t say this. It was so hard to do that.”

    “When you don’t have that backup, when you don’t have that ‘f**k you’ money. And you can’t just stand on your art and your family is depending on you. Your livelihood is depending on you. You have to just be a good soldier and do what you’re told.”

    What Came Next? 

    Following the split, Rollins and Ambrose would feud for months with both men receiving new attires and themes for this post-Shield chapter of their careers. Reigns on the other hand continued to use the same theme song and the same attire for years after the Shield broke up. 

    Rather than enter the fray with Ambrose and Rollins, Reigns was quickly thrust into feuds with established names. This high-profile move to the main event scene would play a part in the fans’ rejection of Reigns that would continue for years.

    Shield Reunions

    While The Shield’s proper run ended in 2014, the faction would reunite over the years. The group saw reunions in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The final reunion saw the group go out on top as Ambrose’s final match for WWE saw the Shield defeat Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre. Ambrose would debut for AEW shortly after as Jon Moxley. 

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

  • Booker T Says He Approved All Of Controversial WrestleMania 19 Angle With Triple H

    Booker T Says He Approved All Of Controversial WrestleMania 19 Angle With Triple H

    Booker T had no issue with his angle with Triple H in early 2003, despite many believing that the angle leaned too heavily into racial insensitivity. 

    The angle in question saw Booker feud with the Game over the World Heavyweight Championship. Triple H’s verbiage in promos would raise eyebrows as he said that “people like you” don’t win world titles. Many took this as a nod at Booker being African-American, as there had not been a fully-black WWE World Champion at the time. 

    Amid backlash, WWE would try and play off the comment as Triple H making reference to Booker T’s criminal history. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer spent 19 months in prison after pleading guilty to armed robbery at Wendy’s restaurants in Houston. This did little to quiet critics of the angle, as similar comments had not been made about white WWE Superstars who had fallen afoul of the law. 

     Booker T on the Storyline

    While many still take issue with the angle and the racial undertones, Booker does not have a problem with the storyline. In a recent interview with Adrian Hernandez, Booker discussed some of Triple H’s verbiage during the angle. 

    “The one line people remember the most is when Triple H said ‘People like you don’t deserve to be here.’ That’s motivation for all of us to get up off our asses and prove them wrong.”

    Booker then discussed how the angle played on his real-life background and said he approved of what was said in the storyline. 

    “It was as real as it could possibly be for me from an emotional perspective and a lot of the stuff that went into the angle, I approved all of it.”

    What Came Next? 

    While the angle was distasteful to many, it did build Booker as a sympathetic babyface. Many assumed that the vile heel Triple H would finally get his comeuppance at WrestleMania 19 by losing the World Heavyweight Championship. 

    Instead, The Game retained and the finish of the match also saw controversy. Triple H waited close to a minute after hitting the Pedigree on Booker before getting the decisive pinfall, which many felt was a ‘burial’ of the ex-WCW star. Booker would have to wait over three more years before he won the World Heavyweight Championship from Rey Mysterio in 2006. 

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

  • John Cena Believes ‘GOAT’ Roman Reigns Should Be Compared Only To Himself

    John Cena Believes ‘GOAT’ Roman Reigns Should Be Compared Only To Himself

    John Cena has praised the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns as a Superstar who is without comparison to anybody other than the Tribal Chief. 

    Reigns has been one of WWE’s very top Superstars for close to a decade now and has dominated as Universal Champion for over 1,300 days. This title reign has seen him defeat the likes of Bray Wyatt, Bill Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, Edge, Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, and Cena himself. 

    John Cena on Roman Reigns

    As part of A&E Biography: Legends episode on Roman Reigns, Cena spoke candidly about his respect for the Head of the Table. In a tweet featuring a clip from the show, Cena went even further, saying that Reigns is, in his opinion, the greatest of all time. 

    “It is on the job training, no matter what. We learn the most from failure and Roman had his share of knocks. And finally, he was like ‘F*** it, I’m doing it my own way.’ And it has been a wrap ever since. It has been like [mic] drop, conversation over. There’s nobody like him. He should be compared only to himself.”

    John Cena Vs. Roman Reigns

    Cena and Reigns have shared the ring 15 times in WWE (not including Royal Rumble bouts.) Their first match took place at WWE Elimination Chamber 2013 and saw The Shield defeat Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback. The pair would later headline WWE SummerSlam 2021 in a match Reigns would also win. 

    The duo’s most recent match came on the December 30, 2022, edition of WWE SmackDown. The match saw Cena and Kevin Owens defeat Reigns and Sami Zayn, who was with the Bloodline at the time. The match also kept Cena’s streak going as the 16-time WWE World Champion has had at least one match on WWE TV since his main-roster debut in 2002. 

  • WWE Superstars Share Their Predictions for Massive WrestleMania 40: Saturday Tag Team Match

    WWE Superstars Share Their Predictions for Massive WrestleMania 40: Saturday Tag Team Match

    The WWE Superstars have weighed in on whether it’ll be The Rock & Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins & Cody Rhodes who will be left standing tall at WrestleMania: Saturday. 

    In a video shared on WWE’s YouTube channel, the Superstars were asked who they predict will win the much-anticipated tag team match on WrestleMania Saturday. The match will see Seth Rollins & Cody Rhodes face Roman Reigns & The Rock to decide the stipulation of the following night’s Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match

    Who’s Backing the Bloodline?

    CM Punk said it’s hard to bet against the Bloodline (but easy to bet against Seth Rollins) and he expects Rock and Reigns to win the tag-team match. Jimmy Uso, unsurprisingly, was backing is cousin and the Final Boss in the upcoming match. 

    The Miz said he wouldn’t be surprised if The Rock & Reigns won and beatdown Cody and Seth to the point that their matches would be called on for WrestleMania 40: Sunday. The A-Lister admitted that these comments will leave fans very angry with him. 

    ‘Michin’ Mia Yim was also predicting a Bloodline victory, acknowledging the 1,300+ day reign of the Tribal Chief and the legendary status of The Rock. Santos Escobar was immensely confident that The Rock & Roman would win, calling it a “spoiler.” 

    Carmelo Hayes is also predicting a Rock-Roman win on WrestleMania: Saturday, as is Shayna Baszler. Otis, The O.C. and Byron Saxton also predicted a Bloodline victory. R-Truth, Zelina Vega, and Trick Williams also expect to see The Bloodline stand tall on WrestleMania 40: Saturday. 

    Finishing the Story

    While the majority of WWE Superstars expect The Rock & Roman Reigns to win this Saturday, not everyone believes this will be the case. Despite her differences with both Cody & Seth, Rhea Ripley expects the dream team will be standing tall on WrestleMania 40: Saturday.

    NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria is also expecting a win for Rhodes and Rollins and believes the American Nightmare will at last ‘finish the story’ the next night. Liv Morgan is also backing Rhodes and Rollins “just because.”

    Despite being dressed like 90s Rock for the video, Kofi Kingston expects Rhodes and Rollins to come out on top. Bianca Belair is also expecting the faces to win on WrestleMania 40: Sunday. 

    Drew McIntyre Responds

    The final response was from Drew McIntyre who made it clear he doesn’t care who wins on WrestleMania 40: Saturday. McIntyre is instead only hoping that Rollins makes it through the match so they can have their World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 40: Sunday.  

  • Philadelphia Street Fight Expected to Be Added to WWE WrestleMania 40 Card

    Philadelphia Street Fight Expected to Be Added to WWE WrestleMania 40 Card

    The WWE Universe could be in store for a Philadelphia Street Fight in a matter of days at WWE WrestleMania 40, it has been claimed. 

    WrestleMania 40 will be the promotion’s fifth two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The show will take place on April 6 and April 7 from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.

    WrestleMania Card Schedule

    As of writing, 12 matches have been confirmed for WWE WrestleMania 40. Dave Melzer of F4W Online reports that 13 matches will take place at WrestleMania. This will be divided over the two nights with seven matches on WrestleMania 40: Saturday and six matches taking place on WrestleMania 40: Sunday.

    A Philadelphia Street Fight

    Meltzer adds that the Street Profits & Bobby Lashley vs. Karrion Kross & Authors of Pain was made “obvious” during the March 29, episode of WWE SmackDown but has yet to be announced. It’s also noted that as of last week, it was booked within WWE to be a ‘Philadelphia Street Fight.’

    On SmackDown, the Profits faced Grayson Waller & Austin Theory in a tag-team ladder match qualifier. Karrion Kross and Scarlett attacked Lashley and B-Fab backstage with the distraction costing the Profits the match. 

    WWE WrestleMania 40

    Here is the card as it stands for WWE WrestleMania 40:

    WrestleMania 40: Saturday

    The Bloodline (The Rock and Roman Reigns) vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins

    WrestleMania 40: Sunday

    • Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
    • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)

    Night TBA

    • Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley (WWE Women’s Championship)
    • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Women’s World Championship)
    • Gunther (c) vs. Sami Zayn (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
    • The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) (Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder match, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships)
    • LA Knight vs. AJ Styles
    • Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
    • Logan Paul (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens (WWE United States Championship)
    • Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Naomi vs. Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane)
    • Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee) vs. Santos Escobar and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio
  • Dennis ‘Mideon’ Knight Lucky to be Alive After Health Issue Left Him in the ICU For Days

    Dennis ‘Mideon’ Knight Lucky to be Alive After Health Issue Left Him in the ICU For Days

    Former WWE Superstar Dennis Knight is lucky to be alive after a recent health scare left him hospitalized and in the ICU for days.

    On Instagram, Knight noted that he almost died this week after spending eight days in the hospital with two of those days in the ICU. Knight’s issues began with stomach pain that required surgery and things quickly got worse from there for the ex-wrestler. 

     “Hi my name Is Dennis Knight and this week I almost died! Spent 8 days in the hospital and 48 hours in ICU…with everything I’ve done in my life I would have thought. Car accident, OD, or some other result of my my lifestyle! But no my body tried to kill me!

    “I don’t like to talk about my personal life but thx I don’t need anything I have the greatest family who takes cares of me ! It started with stomach pain that was supposed to [be] bowel obstruction, then went into surgery and found [a] shredded appendix a hernia and golf size blades stone that tore my entire stomach up which is weird because I had gallbalder removal years ago! My blood sugar should be 90 to 120 mine was over 700. 

    “The reason for this is to tell your family and God you love them because It might be the last! I love you all and want you to be happy so take care of yourself and after the worst week of my life I am great full to still be here and I love you all..thank you for your time ”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C5LaHmzu5LV

    Dennis Knight

    Knight is best known for his WWF run from that lasted from 1996 to 2001. Knight debuted in the promotion as Phineas I. Godwinn (aka PIG), and was one-half of the Godwinns alongside Henry O. Godwinn (HOG.)

    In 1998, Knight was kidnapped by the evil Ministry of Darkness and was brainwashed to join The Undertaker’s cult. This storyline transformed him into Mideon and he would later ‘win’ the European Championship by finding the title in Shane McMahon’s bag. 

    Outside of the WWF, Knight worked for WCW from 1992 to 1994 as Tex Slazenger. He also worked for the USWA under the same name and became a two-time USWA Southern Champion. 

  • Ricky Starks Gives Health Update After Injury Scare On 3/30 AEW Collision

    Ricky Starks Gives Health Update After Injury Scare On 3/30 AEW Collision

    AEW’s Ricky Starks has given an update on his condition after a spot on the March 30 episode of Collision had fans fearing something was wrong. 

    During the show, Starks and Big Bill teamed up to face Top Flight in the ongoing AEW World Tag Team Championship tournament. The match was the first match for Starks and Bill since losing the titles to Sting and Darby Allin in early February. 

    Towards the end of the match, Starks appeared to suffer a legitimate injury. He stayed down on the mat after Top Flight hit a tandem DDT. There had been no indication that this DDT was part of a finishing sequence but Starks did not kick out after taking the move. The AEW commentary team was also noticeably surprised by the finish. 

    Ricky Starks Gives Health Update

    Fans were left understandably concerned by what transpired on AEW Collision, but Starks has given a positive update. Via his Instagram Stories, the AEW star gave the following report: 

    “I’m all good, everything checked out fine. Was being precautious.”

    What’s Next? 

    AEW Collision also saw FTR face The Infantry, who was in the midst of a Cinderella story after getting the upset win over the House of Black early in the tournament. Unfortunately, their luck ran out on Collision as FTR advanced to the next round. 

    FTR and Top Flight will face off in the semi-finals of the tournament. The winning team will advance to the finals of the AEW World Tag Team Championship tournament, which will take place at AEW Dynasty in April. 

  • Teddy Hart Has Bench Warrant Rescinded After Giving Reason for Failing to Appear in Court

    Teddy Hart Has Bench Warrant Rescinded After Giving Reason for Failing to Appear in Court

    Teddy Hart’s trouble with the law are far from over, but the controversial wrestler does have one less issue to deal with after having a warrant rescinded. 

    Hart was arrested in July 2023 on charges of possession of MDMA (Ecstacy) and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Both of these are third-degree felonies in Florida. In December 2023, Hart appeared in a court that often works towards plea deals and attempts to prevent a case from going to a felony trial. 

    Teddy Hart Warrant Rescinded

    A bench warrant for Hart in the state of Florida has been officially rescinded, PW Insider has reported. The warrant was issued in February after he failed to appear in court in regards to his July 2023 arrest. The court date Hart missed was a mandatory appearance for “Early Resolution.”

    On March 13, attorneys representing Hart filed the motion to withdraw the warrant. They claimed that Hart was in hospital at the time of the February hearing and was unable to contact his counsel. The motion was unopposed by the prosecution and was subsequently dropped. 

    Hart is now scheduled to appear in court on the morning of April 4. We will continue to follow his case closely as further updates are expected to come next month.

    Teddy Hart’s Controversial Past

    Hart has had several issues with the law, some of which were documented in the Peacock reality series Dangerous Breed. The series looked at Hart’s toxic relationship with women, one of which being Hart’s ex Samantha Fiddler. 

    Fiddler traveled overseas with Hart before he ditched her, reportedly taking her passport with him. To date, she has never been found or heard from and has been missing since 2016. 

  • Toni Storm Was Very Appreciative of ‘Understudy’ Mariah May On 3/30 AEW Collision

    Toni Storm Was Very Appreciative of ‘Understudy’ Mariah May On 3/30 AEW Collision

    AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm expressed her appreciation of Mariah May in quite some fashion during the March 30 episode of Collision. 

    During a backstage segment, it was noted that the #1 and #2 wrestlers in the women’s division rankings will face each other next week. The winner of this match will earn an AEW Women’s World Championship match with the ‘Timeless’ one. 

    Next week’s match will see Thunder Rosa and Storm’s protege Mariah May face off. Storm questioned for how long has May been “plotting” this and seemed angry that May could be in line for a title opportunity. Instead though, Storm kissed May and declared her a “magnificent b***ard”. 

    Storm is evidently of the opinion that a victory for May next week will ensure her an easy title defense. May was clearly pleased to have been kissed by Storm, though Luther was far from happy at May and the AEW Women’s World Champion being so closely aligned. 

    ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm

    Toni Storm is in her third reign as AEW Women’s World Champion, a record number that she shares with Hikaru Shida. Her most recent reign began at AEW Full Gear 2023 when she dethroned Shida. She defended the gold at AEW Worlds End against Riho and at AEW Revolution 2024 against Deonna Purrazzo. 

    Storm’s ‘Timeless’ character has proven to be a hit with fans and sees the AEW Women’s World Champion often filmed in black and white segments. May is described by Storm as her “understudy,” a term that leans into the notion that Storm is a Golden Age of Hollywood starlet. 

  • Becky Lynch: Charlotte’s A Huge Part of My Journey, I Love That We’re Friends Again

    Becky Lynch is pleased to have made amends with Charlotte Flair, and has said there’s nothing but love between herself and ‘The Queen.’

    Lynch and Flair were once as close as sisters but their relationship soured during their time on the main roster. Lynch and Flair began growing distant when they were sent to different brands during the 2016 draft, and the 2018 feud between them would also cause genuine friction between the two. 

    It’s All Love

    At WWE Survivor Series 2023, Lynch would return from a hiatus as part of Bianca Belair’s team inside WarGames. Her return would see Lynch team with Flair and the pair would embrace after the match. 

    Speaking to TMZ Sports recently, Lynch addressed her relationship with Flair. The Man was pleased that she is currently in a better place with her fellow former WWE Women’s Champion. 

    “She’s been a huge part of my journey in every capacity and such an important part. As best friends, then enemies, and the fallout. I talk about that [in my memoir] from my perspective, but also the undercurrent of all of it is love, right?

    “It’s always the people that you love the most that maybe hurt you the most. I know I’ve hurt her and it’s been reciprocal but I think when you can come back from all of that, that’s a special thing. I love that.”

    The 2021 Title Exchange

    In 2021, Lynch and Flair were part of a title exchange that did not go as planned. Rather than the intended exchange, Flair dropped the title she was meant to hand to Lynch, forcing the Man to bend down and pick it up. In her new memoir The Man: Not Your Average, Average Girl, Lynch recalls being furious backstage. 

    “I felt she deliberately went off script, leading to me yelling in gorilla that she was a, to use my exact words, “crafty fu*king cu*t” right in front of Vince.”

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

  • Mama Rhodes Is Bringing Her Bear Spray to Deal with The Rock at WWE WrestleMania 40

    Mama Rhodes Is Bringing Her Bear Spray to Deal with The Rock at WWE WrestleMania 40

    Mama Rhodes will be prepared for anything at WrestleMania 40 after her name was brought up by The Rock during the March 25, episode of Monday Night Raw. 

    During the show, The Rock delivered the beating of a lifetime on Cody Rhodes which did not stop once the show went off the air. The Rock dared the matriarch of the Rhodes family to look at her son and had a weight belt emblazoned with ‘Mama Rhodes.’ The Rock smeared this belt with Cody’s blood, fulfilling a promise made before the show to have a special belt with Cody’s mother. 

    Mama Rhodes is Ready

    Unlike her son and late husband, Mama Rhodes, whose real name is Michelle, is not a name in the world of professional wrestling. On a recent edition of Busted Open Radio, Cody’s sister Teil shared her mom’s reaction to being thrust into the limelight thanks to being referenced on WWE shows. 

    “She gets it, but she doesn’t love it. You know what I mean? She’s up on Tuesday morning and her phone is just blowing up with all these like people, she hasn’t heard from in 25 years.”

    While Mama Rhodes isn’t the biggest fan of becoming an internationally-known figure, she’s heard what The Rock has had to say, and is prepared to deal with the Final Boss. 

    “‘The Rock’s talking about you on TV’… She’s mad. She said she was going to bring her bear spray to ‘Mania.”

    What’s to Come? 

    Bear spray or no bear spray, Mama Rhodes will have the chance to watch her son compete twice at WrestleMania 40. Cody will team with Seth Rollins on WrestleMania 40: Saturday to face The Rock & Roman Reigns. The match will determine the stipulation for the next night’s main event. 

    On WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Rhodes will challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This will be Rhodes’ last chance at the Tribal Chief, an edict passed down by The Rock flexing his TKO board member muscles. 

  • Olympic Gold Medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock Makes In-Ring Debut At WWE NXT Live Event

    Tamyra Mensah-Stock, who captured gold at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, has officially made her in-ring debut for WWE. 

    Mensah-Stock first appeared for WWE at the SummerSlam 2021 Premium Live Event, where she was part of a segment with fellow Olympic champion Gable Steveson. In April 2022, months after Steveson had signed with WWE, it was reported that WWE had its eyes on adding Mensah-Stock to the roster. Sure enough, Mensah-Stock signed with the promotion in May of 2023.

    Mensah-Stock’s NXT Debut

    Mensah-Stock made her in-ring debut at the NXT live event on March 30. The Olympic Gold Medalist defeated Breanna Covington in singles action. The fact that WWE already trusts Mensah-Stock in singles matches certainly bodes well for her future in the ring. 

    WWE’s Olympic Superstars

    Mensah-Stock is the third Olympic Gold Medalist under contract. The first was Kurt Angle, who made his on-screen debut in 1999. It would be over two decades later that WWE would sign Gable Steveson following his victory in Tokyo.

    It’s not just Gold Medalists who WWE has signed over the years. Bad News Brown captured a Bronze medal for judo in the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal. Mark Henry competed in powerlifting during the 1996 Atlanta Games (the same in which Angle won his gold) but came nowhere close to winning a medal. 

    After competing in the 2004 Athens Games, Ronda Rousey won bronze in the 2008 Beijing Games, becoming the first American woman to win a medal in judo. Four years later, Chad Gable would represent Team USA in wrestling at London 2012.