SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Booker T Says Fans Are Making Far Too Much of ‘Run-In’ with CM Punk

    Booker T Says Fans Are Making Far Too Much of ‘Run-In’ with CM Punk

    Booker T isn’t quite sure why fans are making such a big deal after claiming he had a ‘run-in’ with CM Punk at the March 12, NXT.

    The episode saw the Superstars of the gold brand continue on the road to NXT Stand & Deliver. The upcoming event will take place on Saturday, April 6, mere hours before WWE WrestleMania 40: Saturday. 

    Booker T’ and CM Punk

    CM Punk was present at this week’s episode of WWE NXT but he was acknowledged during the broadcast. On a recent edition of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker claimed that he had a ‘run-in’ with Punk and teased the pair had an altercation. Booker did not disclose details but said he would share more at a later time. 

    Booker T Responds

    The reported backstage altercation quickly went viral as fans compared the situation to Punk’s previous issues behind the scenes in AEW. On Twitter, Booker (seemingly unaware of Punk’s prior altercations) questioned why fans were making such a big deal of things. The WWE NXT commentator said their ‘run-in’ could have been over something as simple as a banana, but still stopped short of saying what exactly the issue was. 

    Is Booker T Lying? 

    There has been scepticism within WWE as to whether this altercation actually took place. No sources within WWE saw any sort of ‘run-in’ between the two. In fact, since Punk’s return to WWE, the former AEW World Champion has been on his best behavior and has been very helpful at past WWE NXT tapings. 

  • Shane Helms Hits Back At “Lying POS” Buff Bagwell Over Dark Side of the Ring Claims

    Shane Helms Hits Back At “Lying POS” Buff Bagwell Over Dark Side of the Ring Claims

    Shane ‘Hurricane’ Helms has fired back at the comments made by Buff Bagwell on Dark Side of the Ring, branding his fellow WCW alum a “lying POS.”

    Bagwell’s life, career, and struggles were covered in the latest episode of the hit VICE series which documents the darker side of pro-wrestling. The episode looked at Bagwell’s upbringing, time with WCW, his issues with substances, and more from his life. 

    Buff Bagwell Accuses Shane Helms

    The Dark Side of the Ring episode covers Bagwell’s brief tenure with WWE which saw him fired after his much-panned 2001 main event bout with Booker T. This match was so bad it reportedly led to Vince McMahon nixing any plans for WCW to be revived as its own show. 

    In the episode, it is claimed that Bagwell confronted Helms during a training session and that Helms allegedly called Buff a drug addict. Bagwell claims he slapped Helms resulting in Helms using a frozen bottle of water as a weapon, resulting in Buff needing 24 staples for his Monday Night Raw debut. 

    In the episode, Bagwell blames his WWE release on the fact that he was blamed for striking Helms first during their confrontation. 

    Helms Fires Back

    On Twitter, a fan who watched Dark Side of the Ring criticized Helms, blaming the former Cruiserweight Champions on Buff’s release. Helms hit back by claiming that Bagwell is lying and witnesses at the scene would disagree with his claims. 

    A different fan also questioned Buff’s story, especially as it’s been believed for years that his mother Judy rung up to say her son should be booked better. Helms noted that Bagwell has a history of blaming others for his lack of WWE success. 

    When a fan said that Bagwell seemed like a changed man after being helped by Diamond Dallas Page, Helms said: 

  • Who’s In? Brackets Revealed for AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament

    Who’s In? Brackets Revealed for AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament

    The brackets have been revealed for the tournament that will see AEW crown its next pair of World Tag Team Champions. 

    At AEW Full Gear, Sting and Darby Allin defeated the Young Bucks to retain the titles, in what was the final match of the Icon’s legendary career. During the post-show media scrum, it was confirmed that the titles had been vacated and a tournament would be held to determine the new champions. 

    AEW Tag Tournament Brackets

    On the March 15, 2024, edition of AEW Rampage, fans caught their first glimpse at the brackets for the tournament. The first-round matches are as follows: 

    • The Young Bucks Vs. Private Party
    • The Undisputed Kingdom Vs. Wild Card Team #1
    • Best Friends Vs. The Don Callis Family (Wild Card Match)
    • Ricky Starks & Big Bill Vs. Top Flight
    • FTR Vs. Wild Card Team #2
    • Infantry Vs. The House of Black (Wild Card Match)

    The tournament will kick off on the March 16, 2024, edition of AEW Collision with the House of Black taking on Infantry in their Wild Card match. The new AEW World Tag Team Champions will be crowned at the first-ever AEW Dynasty pay-per-view next month.

    AEW Dynasty 2024

    AEW Dynasty 2024 will take place on April 21, 2024, from the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri, the first AEW pay-per-view to be held in the state. Tickets for the show went on sale on March 8. 

    The card for AEW Dynasty 2024 so far is as follows: 

    • Will Ospreay vs. Bryan Danielson
    • TBD vs. TBD (Tournament final for the vacant AEW World Tag Team Championship)

  • WWE Made “Generous Offer” to Mercedes Mone Ahead Of AEW Big Business Dynamite Debut

    Mercedes Mone is officially All-Elite after making her debut this week, but that only came about after a generous offer was made for her to return to WWE. 

    Mone arrived in AEW during the Big Business episode of Dynamite, following weeks of speculation that she’d be joining. Mone had hardly been subtle in the run-up to the show, making clear to fans that she was in Boston, MA, her hometown and the host of Big Business, mere hours before the show.

    WWE’s Offer to Mercedes Mone

    During an appearance on the Heal Squad podcast, Keven Undergaro, an advocate for Mone who helped produce her new theme, spoke about the CEO. Undergo shared how WWE made an offer for Mone to return, close to two years after he and Naomi walked out of the company. 

    “A few months ago, we get a call from her old home saying they want her back. They put out a generous offer.”

    Undergaro said that a “rival company” to WWE, that being AEW, put out an offer and Mone’s gut instinct was to go with the All-Elite promotion. In the interview, he also shared that AEW’s deal was seen as the better one in terms of opportunity, creativity, and mental help. 

    In the interview, Undergaro added that he was pleased that Mone will have the opportunity to thrive in wrestling and entertainment in AEW. 

    “They see her for what she is, which is a star. This is a girl that, even just being on Mandalorian in her small role, they made nine action figures for her. They don’t do that out of charity, they do that because they sell.”

    What’s Next? 

    Mone has said that the women’s division was a major factor in her decision to sign with AEW. The division is home to stars Mone has never faced before. Last year, Britt Baker said she was hoping to see Mone join AEW so that they could eventually have a match. Currently, it is unclear when Mone’s debut match will take place or who her first opponent will be. 

    H/T – Fightful

  • Zelina Vega Lays Out Her Dream Match for WrestleMania 40 (Exclusive)

    Zelina Vega knows exactly how she’d book herself at WrestleMania 40 if given the opportunity. 

    Vega grew up playing WWE video games and would use the “create a wrestler” mode to construct a grappler bearing her likeness. Today, she’s a featured character in the latest installment of the company’s flagship video game franchise, WWE 2K24.

    We recently spoke with the LWO member, who discussed what it’s like to be a trailblazer in WWE and seeing better representation on television and even in the game. She also revealed what she wants to do at WrestleMania.

    Zelina Vega’s WrestleMania Dream Scenario

    The specifics are not that important, as long as Zelina Vega gets to tag up with Rey Mysterio so they can take out some ‘goons’ together.

    “I know what I would want for WrestleMania. In my head, and maybe clip this because I feel like if this ends up happening, I said it here first. I would love to have a match at WrestleMania with me and Rey [Mysterio] and Carlito and Joaquin [Wilde] and Cruz [del Toro] against Santos [Escobar], Elektra [Lopez] and whoever other goons he wants to add to the miss. 

    “That match would be incredible, even if it’s just me and Rey against goon #1 and goon #2. I think it’d be really cool to just be able to say ‘Man I was on WrestleMania with Rey Mysterio. That’s my hero, that’d be crazy.’ That’s what I would want.”

    Zelina Vega At WrestleMania 

    Vega has competed twice at WrestleMania and is yet to pick up a win at WWE’s biggest annual event. On WrestleMania 35’s pre-show, she was one of the entrants in the Women’s Battle Royal that was won by Carmella. 

    Three years later, she would team with Carmella and make it to the main card. The pair would lose their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships to Sasha Banks and Naomi in a fatal four-way Women’s tag-team match. 

    Women’s Matches at WrestleMania 40

    Currently, two women’s matches have been confirmed for WrestleMania 40. WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley will defend against Becky Lynch. on the SmackDown side of things, 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Bayley will challenge former ally and WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY. 

  • Jake Paul Hits Back At “Blatant” Lies After Logan Claims He Was Offered Mike Tyson Fight First

    Jake Paul Hits Back At “Blatant” Lies After Logan Claims He Was Offered Mike Tyson Fight First

    Jake Paul has called out his brother for claiming he was set to fight Mike Tyson first, and has claimed the WWE United States Champion is telling lies. 

    Jake Paul will face Tyson this July at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of WWE WrestleMania 32. The fight will stream on Netflix, in the latest example of the streaming giant’s efforts to get into the world of sports-entertainment broadcasting. 

    Logan Paul’s Claim

    While Jake Paul will be the one to face ‘Iron Mike’ this July, he may have not been the first Paul brother contacted about the fight. On a recent edition of his ImPaulsive podcast, Logan claimed that he was previously approached about fighting Tyson. 

    “I said no to fighting Mike Tyson. I was offered it, but not on Netflix and not for a big ass bag. It was just like, this could be a real fight.”

    Jake Paul Responds

    It didn’t take long for Jake to issue a response. On the Betr podcast, Jake refuted the notion that his fight with Tyson only came about after Logan had said no. 

    “I hate that my brother and I’s relationship sometimes has to be aired out, but it seems as if the court of public opinion is the only thing that steers him in the right direction. It is weird to lie, to blatantly just lie.”

    Jake added that he signed a deal with Netflix that would see the money he made depend on what kind of fighter he could find to face him. Jake makes clear that he was the one who brought the fight and Netflix deal to Tyson rather than Tyson’s people approaching him. He later spoke again about Logan’s alleged lies. 

    “Why is my own brother trying to make me look the second option for Tyson. Like, ‘Oh yeah, I turned down that deal.’ No, you didn’t. That’s a complete lie. Why are you fabricating lies?”

    Jake said he’d prefer not to air dirty laundry in public, but that seems to be a recurring problem when it comes to dealing with his brother. Logan is expected to compete at WWE WrestleMania 40. 

  • The Rock to Join The Undertaker in Exclusive Club with WWE WrestleMania 40 Match

    The Rock to Join The Undertaker in Exclusive Club with WWE WrestleMania 40 Match

    The Rock will make his long-awaited return to the ring at WrestleMania 40 and will become the second member of a very exclusive club in the process.

    At the upcoming two-night show, The Rock will team with Roman Reigns to face Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Should the Bloodline win, the following nights Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match will be under ‘Bloodline Rules.’ If Rhodes and Reigns are triumphant, then the title match will see no Bloodline involvement.

    The Rock’s WrestleMania Accolade

    With his match at WrestleMania, The Rock will become the second-ever Superstar to compete at four decades of WrestleMania. The Brahma Bull, as Rocky Maivia, made his Wrestler debut in 1997 and would compete at the event in 1998 and 1999.

    The 2000s saw The Rock headline the Showcase of the Immortals twice, at ‘Mania 16 (2000) and X-Seven (2001.) The Great One also competed at WrestleMania 18 and 19 before closing out his run with a handicap loss at WrestleMania 20 in 2004.

    The 2010s saw The Rock return to WrestleMania and the main event spot. The Brahma Bull headlined in 2012 with his ‘Once in a Lifetime’ match with John Cena and faced the 16-time World Champion once again the next year. 

    Joining the Club

    The only Superstar to have competed at four decades of WrestleMania is The Undertaker. After making his debut against Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka in 1991, the Phenom’s final match was at WrestleMania 36 in April 2020 in the cinematic Boneyard match.

    WWE WrestleMania 40

    This year’s WrestleMania will be the fifth annual two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began with the Covid-19 pandemic. The show will also be the first WrestleMania following the launch of TKO Group Holdings last September. The card for the show so far is as follows:

    • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
    • IYO SKY (c) vs. Bayley (WWE Women’s Championship)
    • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Women’s World Championship)
    • Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
    • Seth “Freakin” Rollins & Cody Rhodes Vs. Roman Reigns & The Rock
    • GUNTHER (c) vs. Sami Zayn (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
    • The Judgment Day (c) vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA vs.TBA (Six-Pack Ladder Match, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships)
  • WWE’s Big Business: Tonight’s SmackDown Extends Impressive Track Record for Shows

    WWE’s Big Business: Tonight’s SmackDown Extends Impressive Track Record for Shows

    AEW may have held its ‘Big Business’ edition of Dynamite this week, but their chief competition at WWE is making some very big moves of its own. 

    Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown will see the Superstars of the blue brand continue on the road to WrestleMania 40. WWE’s Showcase of the Immortals will take place on April 5, and April 6, from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. 

    Another Sold Out Show

    With WrestleMania 40 ramping closer, tonight’s edition of SmackDown will be one to watch, both at home and for those in Memphis. As WrestleTix shared, this week’s SmackDown is a sold-out show, with as 12,122 tickets being distributed for the show in Memphis’ FedEx Forum. This marks the 8th consecutive TV sellout for the company. 

    The last time WWE held a TV event in the FedEx Forum, it was the August 28, 2023, edition of Monday Night Raw. That show saw 7,377 tickets distributed. This means that SmackDown has seen a 64.32% in ticket sales compared to the previous Raw. 

    WWE SmackDown – March 15

    This week’s SmackDown will see The Rock make an appearance as part of his recent heel run. It is believed that the Great One will host a ‘Rock Concert’ during the episode. The show will also mark an appearance by Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, though it is unclear whether he will appear on the broadcast or solely for the fans in Memphis, TN. 

    This Friday’s SmackDown will also see Bayley seek to gain a measure of revenge on Dakota Kai. The Kiwi Superstar turned on Bayley last week, reaffirming her role as part of Damage CTRL. Tis week’s show will also see the first of a series of qualifying tag-team matches. The winners will be part of the six-pack Undisputed Tag Title Ladder Match at WrestleMania 40. 

  • Mercedes Mone Shines at Boston Celtics Game Following AEW Big Business Debut

    Mercedes Mone Shines at Boston Celtics Game Following AEW Big Business Debut

    Mercedes Mone has continued to make waves outside of the ring following her AEW debut on this week’s episode of Dynamite. 

    Mone arrived in AEW during the Big Business episode of Dynamite, following weeks of speculation that she’d be joining. Mone had hardly been subtle in the run-up to the show, making clear to fans that she was in Boston, MA, her hometown and the host of Big Business, mere hours before the show.

     Mercedes Mone & the NBA

    Mone caused quite the stir with her appearance at the Big Business edition of AEW Dynamite and her momentum has carried forward to the world of basketball. AEW’s newest signing was spotted at this week’s game pitting the Boston Celtics against the Phoenix Suns. Broadcaster Reggie Miller took the opportunity to highlight her recent signing with AEW and promote upcoming episodes of AEW Dynamite on TBS. 

    What’s Next for Mercedes Mone? 

    There’s no shortage of talented women she can step in the ring with. Some have speculated that a feud with Saraya could happen given their history. It was a move from Mone (Sasha Banks) at the time, that led to Saraya (Paige) being forced to retire from wrestling due to a neck injury. The Brit would return to the ring at Full Gear 2022. 

    Mone has said that the women’s division was a major factor in her decision to sign with AEW. The division is home to stars Mone has never faced before. Last year, Britt Baker said she was hoping to see Mone join AEW so that they could eventually have a match. 

  • CM Puk Kept A ‘Low Profile’ At 3/12 WWE NXT Taping

    CM Puk Kept A ‘Low Profile’ At 3/12 WWE NXT Taping

    CM Punk may have attended this week’s episode of WWE NXT, but the Best in the World didn’t make a big deal of being present at the gold brand. 

    This week’s WWE NXT saw the gold brand Superstars continue on the road to NXT Stand & Deliver. The show saw Roxanne Perez explain her recent heel turn while the show ended with Trick Williams locking lips with Meta Four’s Lash Legend. 

    CM Punk at WWE NXT

    Despite being one of the biggest names in professional wrestling today, Punk didn’t make a spectacle of himself at this week’s WWE NXT. Fightful reports that Punk kept a “much lower profile” compared to his previous visits to the Tuesday night show. In fact many within NXT were not aware of his presence at the show until photos began making the rounds online. 

    CM Punk’s Altercation

    While Punk kept a low profile at the show, he wasn’t covert enough to avoid a run-in with NXT commentator Booker T. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer has claimed that he and Punk “almost got into it” at this week’s taping but has not specified what their altercation was about. Booker has said that he intends to discuss the matter at a later time. 

    What’s Next? 

    CM Punk will appear on the March 25, episode of WWE Raw, which will take place in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. The show will mark Punk’s first time in front of his own people since his stunning return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames in November 2023. 

  • STARDOM & CMLL Wrestlers Set to Compete at AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door III This Year

    STARDOM & CMLL Wrestlers Set to Compete at AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door III This Year

    This year’s AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door event will be the biggest show of its kind thanks to the influx of, and usage of talent from CMLL and STARDOM. 

    AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling held its first Forbidden Door show in 2022 and hosted an equally successful sequel event last year. The name comes from the proverbial ‘forbidden door’ that wrestlers have been allowed to step through to compete for promotions other than the one they work for. 

    STARDOM & CMLL At Forbidden Door

    On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that STARDOM and CMLL wrestlers will be a part of this year’s Forbidden Door event. Meltzer added that he believes the ROH Supercard of Honor event on April 5 will also feature talent from STARDOM. 

    Tony Khan & STARDOM

    Mere hours before this week’s AEW Big Business, Tony Khan shared a photo with STARDOM President Taro Okada. Khan said it was an honor to welcome Okada to the show.

    This meet-up comes at an interesting time, as STARDOM’s previous President Rossy Ogawa was fired from the promotion earlier this year. Following Ogawa’s exit, Khan poked fun at his situation via a series of tweets.

    On his show, Meltzer suggested that the tweet above and similar made clear that Khan’s loyalty was with STARDOM, not the ex-President that many on the all-female roster support. This loyalty has clearly paid off for Khan, who will now be able to feature several talented women at the upcoming Forbidden Door event. 

  • Did it Do Big Business? Ratings For 3/13 AEW Dynamite Revealed

    Did it Do Big Business? Ratings For 3/13 AEW Dynamite Revealed

    The ratings are in for AEW’s much-anticipated ‘Big Business’ episode of Dynamite, which marked the arrival of Mercdes Mone to the company. 

    The former WWE Superstar opened the show to a raucous ovation by her fellow Bostonians in the TD Garden. Ever since Big Business was announced, fans speculated on Mone making her debut at the event. The former WWE & IWGP Women’s Champion had hardly been subtle, as she made clear to fans she was in Boston mere hours before the show.

    AEW Big Business’ Ratings

    The AEW Big Business edition of Dynamite drew 801,000 fans and a 0.27 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic. While this is an increase from the previous week’s 779,000 (0.27), it is hardly the massive jump many expected for a show that in addition to featuring Mone, saw an AEW World Championship match. 

    For comparison, the March 15, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite drew 852,000 fans with a 0.27 rating in the 18-49 demographic. That show in Winnipeg, Canada, was headlined by the House of Black defeating the Elite to retain the AEW Trios Championships.

    One aspect of the show that AEW can be proud of is the debut of Mone. The former WWE and IWGP Women’s Champion garnered 1 million viewers for her segment, the highest-rated segment by far of the evening. 

    Disappointing Numbers

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer added that these were disappointing numbers considering how much build AEW had made for Big Business. The show’s final segment, which saw Mone make the save for Willow Nightingale after she was attacked by Julia Hart and Skye Blue, was especially concerning. 

    Quarter-Hour BreakDown

    Here is the full quarter-hour breakdown for this week’s AEW Dynamite. 

    • 8-8:15 (Mercedes Mone’s Debut): 1,000,000 (0.32) 
    • 8:15-8:30: 899,000 (0.29)
    • 8:30-8:45: 815,000 (0.27)
    • 8:45-9: 737,000 (0.24)
    • 9-9:15: 798,000 (0.27)
    • 9:15-9:30: 799,000 (0.29)
    • 9:30-9:45: 732,000 (0.26)
    • 9:45-10: 627,000 (0.22)
  • Booker T Says He & CM Punk “Almost Got Into It” At 3/12 WWE NXT Taping

    Booker T Says He & CM Punk “Almost Got Into It” At 3/12 WWE NXT Taping

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T and CM Punk came close to having some kind of altercation this week at WWE NXT according to the former WCW World Champion.

    This week’s WWE NXT saw the gold brand Superstars continue on the road to NXT Stand & Deliver. The show saw Roxanne Perez explain her recent heel turn and demand an opportunity at NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria. The show also saw Trick Williams demand a match with Carmelo Hayes, which has been made official for NXT’s next major event. Trick even shared a kiss with Meta Four’s Lash Legend in the closing segment of the show. 

    Booker T & CM Punk

    After recently returning from health issues, Booker T was on hand to call the action at this week’s WWE NXT, alongside Vic Joseph. CM Punk was also present at this week’s show in a rare outing for the injured Superstar, though he wasn’t featured as part of the broadcast. 

    Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T reflected on Punk’s time at the show, and disclosed an alleged altercation between the two. 

    “I almost had a little run-in with CM Punk. The internet might want to pick that up. Me and CM Punk almost got into it at ‘NXT’ this week… We’ll talk about it later, because they’re going to pick it up and run with it.”

    What’s Next? 

    Booker will continue to call the action at WWE NXT, including at the Stand & Deliver show that’ll take place on April 6, mere hours before WrestleMania 40: Saturday. CM Punk will make an appearance on the March 25, episode of WWE Raw that will take place in his hometown of Chicago, IL. 

  • From Undesirable to Undeniable: Cody Rhodes Reflects On Being Cut from WWE WrestleMania 29

    Cody Rhodes has advised fans to know their worth as he does, over a decade after being removed from WrestleMania 29 in 2013. 

    At WrestleMania 29, Rhodes and then-ally Damian Sandow were supposed to team with the Bella Twins to face Tons of Funk (Tensai and Brodus Clay) and the Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron.) The match was nixed due to other matches going long, namely CM Punk Vs. The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar Vs. Triple H. The decision to cut the match was covered during the first season of Total Divas on E!

    Cody Rhodes Reflects

    Rhodes has since come a long way and the 2023 & 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble winner sure doesn’t have to worry about being cut from Premium Live Events at the last minute. When a fan pointed out how much things have changed for Rhodes since WrestleMania 29, the American Nightmare used the opportunity to reflect and give some salient advice. 

    What’s Next? 

    Rhodes won’t just be competing at this year’s WrestleMania, but he’ll become one of the first man in history to headline back-to-back nights of the Showcase of the Immortals. At WrestleMania 40: Saturday, Rhodes will team with Seth Rollins to face Roman Reigns and The Rock. This match will have huge implications on the following night’s match. 

    At WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Rhodes will challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Regardless of the outcome of the previous night’s match, this will be Rhodes’ final opportunity to dethrone the Tribal Chief. This high-stakes stipulation was made by The Rock who has been flexing his muscles as a TKO board member. 

  • Big Meaty Men Slapping Meat! Bronson Reed Seeking Big E-Inspired WrestleMania Match

    ‘Big’ Bronson Reed is ready to prove that his ‘meat’ can’t be beat with a unique match next month dedicated to the injured Big E. 

    Taking to Twitter, Reed spoke about this year’s WrestleMania 40 event that will take place from Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on April 6-7. Reed addressed that his “BIG brothers” are missing from the WrestleMania card. Reed suggested a “MEATY INVITATIONAL” dedicated to Big E. 

    The former WWE NXT North American Champion also made sure to tag WWE to ensure that the company got the message. 

    Big E & His Meat

    Big E, a big man in his own right, has hardly been subtle with his support for the meatier wrestlers in WWE. During an infamous episode of the New Day’s ‘Feel the Power’ podcast, Big E named Goldberg as his dream opponent, declaring that the match would be “Big meaty men slapping meat!” When asked for three opponents for the New Day to face, Big E had an equally hilarious answer: three Goldbergs. 

    The Meat Men of WWE

    Reed will need some participants in his Meaty Invitational if such a match is to happen. There’s no shortage of larger Superstars though, such as Ivar, who has been impressing in his singles run while Viking Raider ally Erik recovers from neck surgery. The missing-from-TV Odyssey Jones would also be right at home in such a meaty match. 

    WWE WrestleMania 40

    This year’s WrestleMania will be the fifth annual two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began with the Covid-19 pandemic. The show will also be the first WrestleMania following the launch of TKO Group Holdings last September. The card for the show so far is as follows:

    • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
    • Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley (WWE Women’s Championship)
    • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Women’s World Championship)
    • Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
    • Seth “Freakin” Rollins & Cody Rhodes Vs. Roman Reigns & The Rock
    • GUNTHER (c) vs. Sami Zayn (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
    • The Judgment Day (c) vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA vs.TBA (Six-Pack Ladder Match, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships)

  • Back in the Ring: Wes Lee Shares Recovery Video Amid NXT Absence

    Wes Lee has shared a positive update on his condition with a video of the WWE NXT Superstar getting back in the ring. 

    Lee went down with a back injury in late 2023, one that he said at the time would keep him out of action for eight to twelve months. This injury led to plans for Lee, which included a title match with then-NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio, being scrapped. 

    Wes Lee’s Back in the Ring

    This week, Wes took to Twitter to share a video of himself getting back in the ring. Seeing himself as the mythical phoenix that rises once more after being destroyed, Lee captioned his video “from the ashes…”

    What’s Next? 

    At this time, there’s no word on when fans can expect Wes Lee back in the ring on WWE NXT programming. A former North American Champion, many expect that Wes will be back in the hunt for the title, currently held by Oba Femi, when he is back. The Nigerian powerhouse has proven to be unstoppable since winning the title from Dragon Lee. 

    With that said, many also would argue that Lee did everything he could win the title. and that his next opportunity upon returning should be for the WWE NXT Championship. Ilja Dragunov currently holds the gold and will defend against Tony D’Angelo at Stand & Deliver. 

  • Dynasty’s Chris Envy On Booking Patrick Clark Backlash: ‘You’d Pay to See Vince McMahon’

    Dynasty’s Chris Envy On Booking Patrick Clark Backlash: ‘You’d Pay to See Vince McMahon’

    The promoter of Dynasty Wrestling has defended booking Patrick Clark for an event following backlash among fans. 

    Clark, known for his time as Velveteen Dream in WWE NXT, appeared at a Dynasty event in New York last month. The show marked Clark’s first wrestling appearance since his release from WWE in 2021. 

    The former NXT North American champion was let go following allegations that he had sent explicit messages and photos to minors. WWE said they found no evidence in their investigation, though one of Clark’s accusers would later state that they were never contacted for the investigation. 

    Dynasty Defends Clark Booking

    The choice to feature Clark at the event was met with heavy backlash, especially as fans were not informed of his presence at the show ahead of time. One of Dynasty’s ex-talent also believed that Clark’s involvement sent the wrong message. 

    Speaking to Bucklebomb Entertainment, Dynasty promoter Chris Envy spoke highly of Clark. 

    “He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. We spent a couple hours together that day. He was so nice, one of the nicest people… He said hello to everybody, he took pictures, class act all around.”

    Many fans took issue with Clark appearing on the same show as Rita Chatterton. The former WWE referee has alleged for years that she was raped by Vince McMahon in the 1980s. In the interview, Envy claimed that Chatterton supported Clark at the event. 

    “They were shoulder to shoulder, there was nothing uncomfortable about the situation. She told me to give him her number and have him reach out to her.”

    Envy argued that it ultimately comes down to the Dynasty fans, who he believes would be excited to see Vince McMahon despite the allegations against the ex-WWE Chairman. 

    “All these people that are coming at me, ‘you’re not family entertainment.’ It’s easy to say that, but if I had Vince McMahon on my next show, all those clowns would still be buying tickets.”

    What’s Next?

    Patrick Clark hasn’t competed since the Dynasty Wrestling show. In the interview, Envy said that he he has had talks with Clark regarding future bookings and that other promoters have reached out to ask about obtaining Clark’s services. 

    H/T – Fightful

  • WWE Considering Start-Time Change for Premium Live Events Going Forward

    WWE Considering Start-Time Change for Premium Live Events Going Forward

    WWE’s Premium Live Events could be in line for a massive change if the promotion goes ahead with an idea it has been weighing up.

    The Sports Entertainment juggernaut is considering moving its monthly Premium Live Events to an earlier start time, PW Insider reports. This unclarified earlier start time would affect domestic events and would be the same time that WWE utilized “many years ago.” At this time, there’s not been a decision as to whether an earlier start time will become a permanent fixture. 

    WWE WrestleMania 40 will see a slightly earlier start time on both nights of its broadcast. Next month’s event will take place at 6:30 PM Eastern, instead of the usual start time of 8 PM Eastern. Doors will open at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA at 4:30 PM Eastern. 

    Changes to Premium Live Events

    If WWE goes through with this idea, it’ll hardly be the first time that the company’s biggest events have undergone a dramatic change. It was only until a few years ago that WWE dubbed its events ‘pay-per-views.’ The name was changed to the currently-used ‘Premium Live Events’ given that said events are now almost exclusively streamed instead of the antiquated PPV method. 

    It was also within recent years that WWE moved its pay-per-view events from Sunday evenings to Saturday. Other days that have seen pay-per-views be hosted include Taboo Tuesday in 2004 and 2005, while the early Survivor Series events happened on Thanksgiving Thursday. 

  • The People’s Schedule: What’s Next for The Rock After WWE WrestleMania 40?

    The People’s Schedule: What’s Next for The Rock After WWE WrestleMania 40?

    The Rock will return to the ring next month at WrestleMania 40, but fans may be waiting for some time for his next match after that.

    On WrestleMania 40: Saturday, The Rock & Roman Reigns will face off against Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins in what’ll presumably be the main event. Should The Bloodline win, then the Undisputed WWE Universal title match the next night will be under ‘Bloodline Rules.’ Should Rhodes and Rollins win, there’ll be no Bloodline involvement when Rhodes challenges Reigns on WrestleMania 40: Sunday. 

    What Comes Next?

    While Rock and Reigns are currently allies, there is a belief that the two will face off one day in a match WWE initially intended to have at WrestleMania. It has been reported that WWE are hoping to get the Brahma Bull for the match at their next event in Saudi Arabia. 

    That may prove to be easier said than done thanks to The Rock’s Hollywood career. PW Insider reports that Johnson is poised to begin work on a new project after WrestleMania 40 titled The Smashing Machine. The report adds that casting is underway for a series of supporting characters and that filming is currently scheduled to last from May to August. This will keep Rock out of doing anything physical for WWE. 

    The Smashing Machine

    The Smashing Machine will be produced by The Rock’s Seven Bucks Productions and will focus on the life of UFC fighter Mike Kerr. The film will follow Kerr’s struggle with addiction and fights both in and out of the Octagon. The Rock is set to play Kerr. 

  • Tony Khan Has Faith That Darby Allin Will Perform Insane Stunts As Safely As Possible

    Tony Khan Has Faith That Darby Allin Will Perform Insane Stunts As Safely As Possible

    AEW President Tony Khan is well aware of how dangerous Darby Allin’s spots may be, but is confident that the wrestler always finds a way to do them safely. 

    Since arriving in AEW, Allin has put his body on the line several times in spots far more dangerous than seen from others. At AEW Revolution 2024, a spot involving Allin saw the former TNT Champion fall off a ladder and go through glass panes. This spot has raised questions as to whether it was necessary in Sting’s final match and whether Allin goes too far with stunts like this, and if so, why AEW allows it. 

    Tony Khan on Darby Allin

    Sitting down with TV Insider, Khan addressed the spot in question. The AEW President began by touting the importance of safety, an attitude that extends to all on his roster. 

    “It has to be something safe. Whenever a wrestler comes in and wants to try something, especially dangerous, I just want to know that there is a safe way to do it.”

    Focusing on the former AEW TNT Champion, Khan pointed out that Allin makes sure to ensure he can survive whatever wild stunt he sets his mind to. 

    “He is fanatical about finding a way to pull off the impossible and do these incredible, seemingly death-defying stunts. He always finds a safe way to pull them off. He always has a rationale for why he is able to do it.”

    What’s Next? 

    On this week’s AEW Dynamite, Allin was still selling the effects of the glass pane spot (though we have to wonder how much of it was selling.) This made the former champion an easy target for Jay White. While Allin tried to fight back, a missed Coffin Drop would seal his fate and White would get the win. 

    Allin’s next big stunt will be his biggest to date but will take place outside the confines of an AEW ring. The daredevil is planning to begin his climb of Mt. Everest this month, which will of course mean that he won’t be appearing on AEW Dynamite. 

  • Doing Big Business: How Many Tickets Were Distributed for 3/13 AEW Dynamite?

    Doing Big Business: How Many Tickets Were Distributed for 3/13 AEW Dynamite?

    AEW’s Big Business edition of Dynamite proved to be a historic night for the promotion, and Boston’s TD Garden was packed for this stacked event. 

    The March 13, 2024, edition of AEW Dynamite saw the much-anticipated arrival of Mercedes Mone, close to two years after her WWE exit. Mone spoke about her journey in wrestling and being home in Boston. Later in the show, Mone made the save for Willow Nightingale, who was being attacked by Skye Blue and AEW TBS Champion Julia Hart. It’s notable that Mone saved Willow, given that it was during a match with Nightingale that Mone suffered last year’s ankle injury. 

    AEW Big Business Does Big Business

    AEW’s Big Business edition of Dynamite saw over 9,400 tickets distributed, sources confirmed to WrestleTix. They added that this means that several upper decks and sections on the hard cam side will have been fully open and distributed. 

    The show did a reported gate of $345,660, which makes for an average ticket price of $36 a seat. WrestleTix reported that the average ticket price was much lower than usual. 

    AEW Big Business

    This week’s show also saw AEW World Champion Samoa Joe retain against Wardlow. The Bang Bang Scissor Gang imploded as Bullet Club Gold turned on The Acclaimed following Jay White’s victory over Darby Allin. In tag-team action, Chris Jericho & Hook, dubbed ‘LionHook,’ defeated Gates of Agony. The Elite defeated Pac, Eddie Kingston and Penta El Zero Miedo, with Kazuchika Okada setting his sights on Kingston’s AEW Continental Championship.

  • It’s Boss Time: Wrestling World Reacts to Mercedes Mone’s AEW Big Business Debut

    It’s Boss Time: Wrestling World Reacts to Mercedes Mone’s AEW Big Business Debut

    Mercedes Mone is officially All-Elite, and the arrival of the former WWE Superstar has proven to be a huge talking point among those in pro wrestling. 

    Mone arrived in AEW during the Big Business episode of Dynamite, following weeks of speculation that she’d be joining. Mone had hardly been subtle in the run-up to the show, making clear to fans that she was in Boston, MA, her hometown and the host of Big Business, mere hours before the show. 

    Wrestling World Reacts

    After weeks of anticipation, Mone’s arrival in AEW has spawned a ton of reactions. WWE’s own Tyler Breeze was pleased to see his former colleague become All-Elite. 

    Matt Hardy was excited to see Mone at the show and felt her kicking off Big Business was the right move. 

    Taya Valkyrie was ready to throw out the challenge to the newest member of AEW’s women’s division. 

    Renee Paquette was also pleased to see the ‘CEO’ in AEW. 

    AEW’s chief music producer Mikey Rukus joked that he was under the impression that a different woman in wrestling would be debuting on the show. 

    Former Women’s World Champion Nyla Rose had similarly been under the impression that AEW had something planned other than Mone. 

    Referee Aubrey Edwards shared her own experiences watching Mone compete during her WWE run as Sasha Banks. 

    Danhausen had quite an interesting reaction to Mone’s arrival, as he’s clearly a fan of AEW’s newest signing. 

    WWE’s Cathy Kelley shared her excitement for Mone’s debut through the power of emojis. 

    And AEW President Tony Khan took to Twitter to make things official. 

  • AEW Big Business: WWE Superstars In Town Ahead Of Major Debut (Spoilers)

    AEW Big Business: WWE Superstars In Town Ahead Of Major Debut (Spoilers)

    AEW is ready to light Boston up with tonight’s ‘Big Business’ show, and two WWE Superstars have come to Beantown to support their debuting ally. 

    Much of that buzz around AEW Big Business surrounds Mercedes Mone, who is expected to make her official AEW debut during tonight’s show. Mone, who has been on AEW’s payroll for some time, has hardly been subtle when it comes to her involvement in the show. 

    WWE Superstars in Boston

    Mone’s debut is being seen by many as a sure thing, and the presence of two WWE Superstars certainly adds credence to the belief she’ll debut. Bayley and Naomi, both close friends of Mone, are in Boston ahead of tonight’s show, PW Insider reports.

    The three have been closely linked for years, with Bayley and Mone being the ‘Boss ‘n Hug Connection’ in WWE while it was with Naomi that Mone walked out of that same promotion two years ago. Bayley and Naomi made the trip to Japan in January 2023 to watch Mone make her NJPW debut at that year’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event. The pair were also at NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023, which saw Mone capture the IWGP Women’s Championship. 

    Bayley and Mone were in attendance when Naomi, as Trinity, made her debut for TNA Wrestling (IMPACT Wrestling at the time) in May of last year. The pair were also present at TNA Hard to Kill 2024, which saw Trinity lose the TNA Knockouts Championship to current champ Jordynne Grace. 

    AEW Dynamite – March 13th, 2024

    Here is what fans can look forward to on tonight’s show.

    • AEW World Championship: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Wardow
    • The Elite vs. Eddie Kingston & Penta El Zero Miedo & Pac
    • Darby Allin vs. Jay White
    • Willow Nightingale vs. Riho
    • Chris Jericho & Hook vs. Gates of Agony
    • Mercedes Mone’s debut (expected)
  • Tony Khan Vows He Won’t Disappoint Fans with AEW Big Business Dynamite

    Tony Khan Vows He Won’t Disappoint Fans with AEW Big Business Dynamite

    Fans of AEW will be very satisfied with what transpires on tonight’s ‘Big Business’ edition of Dynamite, Tony Khan has promised. 

    AEW Big Business will be the first show of its name and has garnered a ton of buzz. Much of that buzz surrounds Mercedes Mone, who is expected to make her official AEW debut during tonight’s show. Mone, who has been on AEW’s pay-roll for some time, has hardly been subtle when it comes to her involvement in the show. 

    Tony Khan’s Vow

    While many see Mone’s debut as a done deal, AEW President Tony Khan has unsurprisingly not commented on the reports of her much-anticipated arrival. Speaking with Scott Fishman of TV Insider, Khan didn’t reference the Mone rumors by name but guaranteed a satisfying show. 

    “I promise I will not disappoint the fans tonight. There has been an influx of huge names, and tonight is the biggest show yet.”

    Khan also spoke about his roster, which he believes to be the best in wrestling, and is confident tonight’s show will showcase something very special. 

    “I think that constant innovation and the perpetual strides toward always wanting to get better are a big part of the spirit of AEW. I think tonight’s Big Business show on TBS will showcase that innovation.”

    AEW Dynamite – March 13th, 2024

    Here is what fans can look forward to on tonight’s show. 

    • AEW World Championship: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Wardow
    • The Elite vs. Eddie Kingston & Penta El Zero Miedo & Pac
    • Darby Allin vs. Jay White
    • Willow Nightingale vs. Riho
    • Chris Jericho & Hook vs. Gates of Agony
    • Mercedes Mone’s debut (expected)

  • Jerry ‘The King Lawler Set to Appear At 3/15 Episode of SmackDown

    One of the most decorated champions in wrestling will be at this Friday’s SmackDown when the blue brand comes to Memphis, TN. 

    Memphis’ own Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler is set to appear on this Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown, PW Insider reports. Lawler recently pulled out of an appearance in new York City originally set for Saturday, March 16.

    Lawler, a WWE Hall of Famer, last appeared for WWE during the August 28, 2023, episode of WWE Monday Night RAW. Lawler did not appear on screen though, as his segment saw him brought out by Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens during a commercial break. It is unclear if Lawler’s appearance at SmackDown will be broadcast or solely for his fellow Memphis residents to see. 

    WWE SmackDown – March 15

    This week’s SmackDown will see more than just an appearance by Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler. The show will also see The Rock make an appearance as part of his recent heel run. It is believed that the Great One will host a ‘Rock Concert’ during the episode. 

    This Friday’s SmackDown will also see Bayley seek to gain a measure of revenge on Dakota Kai. The Kiwi Superstar turned on Bayley last week, reaffirming her role as part of Damage CTRL. Tis week’s show will also see the first of a series of qualifying tag-team matches. The winners will be part of the six-pack Undisputed Tag Title Ladder Match at WrestleMania 40.