SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Latest On QT Marshall’s Backstage Role With AEW After Surprising Return

    More has come to light over the role of QT Marshall now that he has made his return to All Elite Wrestling. 

    Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Marshall would be returning to AEW in a behind-the-scenes role. This is quite a surprise, given that Marshall left AEW relatively recently in late 2023. The former leader of QTV had reportedly not been at AEW for weeks prior to his official exit from the company.

    QT Marshall’s New Role with AEW

    Marshall has previous experience working behind the scenes for AEW, which will come in handy upon his return. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared what Marshall will be responsible for under his new role with the promotion. 

    “QT, his key role is going to be talent development as well. Trainer and everything like that. He left (on) December 31 and Tony Khan said, if he wants to come back, the door’s open, and I guess he wanted to come back.”

    Meltzer also acknowledged part of Marshall’s decision to leave AEW was because he felt he would not be pushed any further on TV. It was confirmed that he is free to still work independent shows following his AEW return.  

    Rocky Romero in AEW

    Rocky Romero also recently began a backstage role with All Elite Wrestling. On his show, Meltzer explained the kind of roles he will be working under. 

    “Romero’s role is gonna be talent development, so essentially training wrestlers and working with the younger talent, and also international liaison obviously with New Japan and CMLL.”

    QT Marshall has a huge project outside of All Elite Wrestling… 

    H/T – Wrestling News

  • Drew McIntyre Hasn’t Re-Signed With WWE Despite Being Promoted for Event Past Expiration Date

    Drew McIntyre Hasn’t Re-Signed With WWE Despite Being Promoted for Event Past Expiration Date

    Drew McIntyre’s future with WWE remains uncertain despite being advertised for an event past his current contract’s expiration date. 

    The Scottish Warrior’s future with WWE has been under speculation for some time. Last year, it was reported that his contract was going to expire in early 2024. In September, McIntyre said that has no intentions to work elsewhere. It was also reported that time has been added to Drew’s WWE contract due to his post-WrestleMania 39 hiatus.

    Drew McIntyre Has Yet to Re-Sign

    Earlier this week, WWE announced an event on May 1 in Bologna, Italy that McIntyre is being advertised for. This led to speculation that Drew had signed a new contract given that his current deal expires in April. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer made clear this is not the case. 

    “The answer to that is no he has not signed a new deal, but he seems very happy so far with his new character and he’s really excited about it, and they’re working with the idea that he’s not going anywhere.”

    Addressing reports that McIntyre could let his WWE deal expire so he can have time to go back to Scotland, Meltzer said it was unlikely.

    “I think the talk of him taking a lot of time off and everything like that – probably not. He’ll probably sign a new deal. But it’s still just a ‘probable’ until it happens.”

    What’s Next for Drew McIntyre?

    During a recent episode of SmackDown, McIntyre earned a spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. The winner will earn a World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins at WrestleMania 40. 

    WWE in Bologna, Italy

    WWE will host its Italy live event on May 1, mere days before WWE Backlash: France on May 4. Other names being advertised include Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY, LA Knight, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, and Jey Uso. 

    Ticket and VIP packages are already being advertised for the event. As always, the talent is subject to change. At this time, no matches have been confirmed.

  • Zilla Fatu Returning to Reality of Wrestling After Fixing “Irreconcilable” Differences

    Fans of Reality of Wrestling will soon see Zilla Fatu back in action despite his previous exit from the promotion being over “irreconcilable” differences. 

    Fatu is part of the famed Anoa’I wrestling family, which includes industry staples such as The Rock, Rikishi, Roman Reigns, and the late Yokozuna. Zilla is the son of the late WWE Superstar Edward ‘Umaga’ Fatu, who would become a two-time Intercontinental Champion and challenged for the WWE Championship multiple times before his passing in 2009.

    Returning to Reality of Wrestling

    In late 2022, Zilla began training in professional wrestling to follow in the footsteps of his father. The following year, Zilla made his in-ring debut for the Reality of Wrestling promotion, which he was also training with. In September of last year it was announced that Fatu had left ROW due to irreconcilable differences. Fatu would later explain that his vision for his wrestling career differed from what ROW had planned. 

    It now appears that these irreconcilable differences could be reconciled after all. Taking to Twitter, Zilla shared that after “heartfelt discussions” he and ROW head Booker T have agreed to work together again. Fatu tagged the two-time WWE Hall of Famer and the official ROW account. 

    Fatu Outside Reality of Wrestling

    ROW isn’t the only place fans have been able to see Zilla Fatu. Last month, Fatu made his debut for GCW. Zilla teamed with his relative Jacob Fatu to defeat Jay Lyon and Midas Black at the Look At Me event. 

  • Ex-WWE Diva Claims Higher-Up Encouraged Her to Oil Her Body to Get Vince McMahon’s Attention

    Ex-WWE Diva Claims Higher-Up Encouraged Her to Oil Her Body to Get Vince McMahon’s Attention

    Francine may have portrayed a sex-heavy character in ECW, but there was a line she wouldn’t cross when she arrived in ECW. 

    The ECW original joined WWE in 2006 following the relaunch of the extreme promotion as a third brand. After appearing at that year’s One Night Stand event Francine made a handful of appearances, mostly in bikini contests or similar segments. Her in-ring debut would be in an ‘Extreme Catfight’ during the September 26, 2006, edition of ECW on Sci-Fi. She was released from WWE the following month. 

    Absolutely Not!

    Francine’s time with WWE was underwhelming, but the former ECW ‘vixen’ wasn’t going to degrade herself to get ahead in the company. During a recent edition of her Eyes Up Here podcast, Francine recalled a member of management encouraging her to use oil on her body to get the attention of Vince McMahon. 

    “I mean when I worked there were stories floating around. And again, when I worked there I was told by somebody higher up that if you want to be seen, go get a bottle of oil… rubbing oil all over my b**** and knocking on Vince’s door and going in there and leaning on his desk and trying to get noticed. That’s what I was told to do. And, I said absolutely not. I’m not doing that.” 

    There has been renewed interest in McMahon’s relationship with women in WWE due to the lawsuit filed against him by Janel Grant. McMahon resigned from TKO and WWE last month after it was alleged that he had been sexually abusive to Miss Grant and trafficked her to other men in WWE. 

    McMahon has denied the allegations against him and, via a spokesperson, has claimed the lawsuit is rife with “obscene made-up instances that never occurred.”

  • Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins To Appear On Grayson Waller Effect At WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

    Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins To Appear On Grayson Waller Effect At WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

    Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes will have a unique role at this month’s WWE Elimination Chamber PLE as the guests on the Grayson Waller Effect. 

    In a video shared on WWE’s Twitter account, Waller spoke about being sick and tired of hearing about ‘stories.’ Waller also poked fun at Cody for being slapped by The Rock during the WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference last week. Despite this, Waller recognized Cody’s quest against the Bloodline as “the biggest story in entertainment.” 

    The self-professed Prime Minister of Australia then said that he’d bring this story to his home country. Waller then confirmed that he will be giving the ‘Grayson Waller Rub’ to Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. 

    The Grayson Waller Effect

    Waller will no doubt be hoping that this edition of the Grayson Waller effect goes better than the last time he hosted Cody Rhodes. At WWE Payback, Rhodes was the guest on Waller’s show but would introduce Jey Uso as Raw’s newest Superstar. After Waller got in Jey’s face, the ‘Main Event’ talent would attack the Australian.

    WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

    Here is the card for WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth as it currently stands: 

    • The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate (Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships)
    • Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. 3 TBD (Elimination Chamber match for a Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania XL)
    • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax (WWE Women’s World Championship)
    • Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight vs 2 TBD (Elimination Chamber match for a World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania XL)

    What other events can the WWE Universe look forward to in 2024… 

  • Drew McIntyre Mocks The Walking Dead After Hit Series Uses His Line to Promote New Show

    Drew McIntyre Mocks The Walking Dead After Hit Series Uses His Line to Promote New Show

    Fans of The Walking Dead may be thrilled to see the show return with ‘The Ones Who Live‘ but Drew McIntyre isn’t pleased. 

    The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live will see series regulars Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) return to the post-apocalyptic United States that has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. The show will serve as a direct sequel to the original The Walking Dead series. 

    The Ones Who Live will be the sixth spin-off and overall seventh television series in The Walking Dead franchise. The show will premiere with its first episode ‘Years’ on AMC and AMC+ on February 25. 

    Drew McIntyre Takes On The Walking Dead

    This week, the Walking Dead Twitter account shared a promo video featuring Rick Grimes in combat gear. Borrowing a line from the first Scottish-born WWE Champion, those behind the Walking Dead’s Twitter account prayed for the return of Rick and it happened. 

    Unimpressed, McIntyre shared a prayer of his own, saying he wanted the show to end after its third season in 2013. 

    WWE and Zombies

    No WWE Superstar has appeared in The Walking Dead but the promotion is no stranger to Zombies. In the 2010s, WWE released a series of Zombified action figures, depicting the Superstars of the time as members of the undead. In 2021, zombies would infamously invade the WrestleMania Backlash match between The Miz and Damian Priest, in which Priest was the victor. Despite being devoured by the thronga of the undead, The Miz later told people he was feeling great. 

  • Netflix & Chill? WWE Superstars Reveal Their Favorite Shows to Binge (Exclusive)

    Netflix & Chill? WWE Superstars Reveal Their Favorite Shows to Binge (Exclusive)

    The Superstars of WWE are kept plenty busy in the ring, but they also find the time to unwind by binging their favorite Netflix shows. 

    Last month, it was announced that Raw will move to Netflix as part of a $5 billion deal with the streaming giant. Fans in the U.S. will have access to Monday Night Raw each week, while those outside of the States will receive Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events. Netflix will not cover monthly PLEs in areas where deals are already in place with other distributors, such as India.

    The Superstars’ Favorite Shows 

    Alpha Academy’s Maxxine Dupri said that she had just finished The Crown, the historical drama series based on the lives of the British Royal Family. The show’s sixth and most recent season addresses 1997 to 2005 and covers the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the early relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Dupri said the show was “so good” and that she was “obsessed.”

    ‘Big’ Bronson Reed has been enjoying an Australian show called Boy Swallows Universe. The story revolves around Eli Bell, a working-class youth who enters Brisbane’s underworld to save his mother from danger. It is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Trent Dalton. When not watching that, the former NXT North American Champion enjoys the relaxed competition of the Great British Bake Off. 

    Ivy Nile enjoys documentaries but has also been watching You, which the Raw Superstar admits is not her typical kind of show. The four-season show follows Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager who obsessively follows a woman he becomes infatuated with in the show’s first season. 

    Nia Jax loves stirring up some drama, so it makes sense that she enjoys Safe. The show focuses on Tom Delaney (played by Dexter’s Michael C. Hall) who uncovers a web of secrets as he frantically searches for his missing 16-year-old daughter. Jax also enjoys Peaky Blinders. the period crime drama about the Birmingham, UK-based gang of the same name and their escapades following World War 1. 

  • Rhea Ripley Would “110% Be Down” For Challenging For WWE’s Men’s Championships

    Rhea Ripley Would “110% Be Down” For Challenging For WWE’s Men’s Championships

    Rhea Ripley has dominated as WWE Women’s World Champion and now ‘Mami’ has made clear she’s open to winning titles from the men. 

    Ripley captured the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39, with a victory over Charlotte Flair. In June, the title was rechristened the Women’s World Champion after Ripley was drafted to Raw, and Asuka (then the Raw Women’s Champion) was placed on SmackDown. The Women’s World Championship shares a similar design to the Men’s World Heavyweight Championship held currently by Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins.

    Challenging for the Men’s Gold

    In an interview with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Ripley was asked about possibly challenging for championships held by men. The Australian Superstar was more than up for the challenge. 

    “Oh, 100%. I’m always down for a challenge. I love a good challenge. So if that opportunity were to arise, I would 110% be down.”

    What’s Next? 

    When it comes to her own sex, Ripley’s next title match will come in her native Australia. Ripley will face Nia Jax at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth on February 24. The WWE Women’s World Champion will defend her title against the winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match at WWE WrestleMania 40 this April.

    Women Holding Men’s Gold

    In WWE, there have only been a few examples of women holding gold which was traditionally for male Superstars. During her career, Chyna became a two-time Intercontinental Champion, while Jaqueline captured the Cruiserweight Championship in 2004. From 1998 to 2002, four women held the Hardcore Championship (Molly Holly, Trish Stratus, Terri Runnells, and a ‘ho’ of the Godfather.)

    Could Rhea Ripley’s title reign come to an end at WrestleMania 40…

  • Drew McIntyre Being Advertised For Event Past WWE Contract Expiration Date

    Drew McIntyre Being Advertised For Event Past WWE Contract Expiration Date

    Drew McIntyre could be sticking with WWE for the foreseeable future if the line-up for an upcoming European event is anything to go by. 

    McIntyre’s future with WWE has been under speculation for some time. Last year, it was reported that his contract was going to expire in early 2024. In September, McIntyre said that has no intentions to work elsewhere. It was also reported that time has been added to Drew’s WWE contract due to his post-WrestleMania 39 hiatus.

    McIntyre is reportedly open to letting his current deal lapse if he feels it is right. The first Scottish-born WWE Champion has long stated that he would like to spend some extended time back in Scotland. It has been years since he’s had the chance to have more than a quick visit with his family as these days he lives full-time in the United States.

    Drew McIntyre Being Advertised

    Drew McIntyre is being advertised for the upcoming WWE live event in Bologna, Italy. That event will take place in May, despite McIntyre’s current deal with WWE being set to expire shortly after WrestleMania 40 in April. Neither McIntyre nor WWE have publicly confirmed whether a new deal has been reached. 

    WWE in Bologna, Italy

    WWE will host its Italy live event on May 1, mere days before WWE Backlash: France on May 4. Other names being advertised include Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY, LA Knight, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, and Jey Uso. 

    Ticket and VIP packages are already being advertised for the event. As always, the talent is subject to change. At this time, no matches have been confirmed.

  • WWE Experience Opens Feb. 16 at Riyadh’s Blvd City: First Look, Tickets

    WWE Experience Opens Feb. 16 at Riyadh’s Blvd City: First Look, Tickets

    The WWE Universe in Saudi Arabia will soon get to participate in the ‘WWE Experience’ which will open its doors later this week. 

    The WWE-themed events center can be found at Blvd City and will open on February 16. The WWE Experience is part of the latest Riyadh Season, which is an annual state-funded entertainment and sports festival. Riyadh Season starts in October and ends towards March during winter and spring in the Saudi Arabia capital. 

    The WWE Experience 

    The center features several areas for wrestling fans to explore. Attendees can attempt to escape The Undertaker’s graveyard or walk among the Hall of Immortals which features some of WWE’s all-time greats. For those looking to the future, they can participate in the ‘Become a Superstar’ experience which allows them to make their own unique entrance. 

    In a tweet, WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shared his excitement for the WWE Experience and shared where fans can purchase tickets. 

    WWE and Saudi Arabia

    In 2018, WWE marked the start of its lengthy deal with the Middle Eastern kingdom with the Greatest Royal Rumble show. At the time, WWE faced heavy criticism for signing a deal with the nation, given the country’s stance against LGBTQ+ people and women’s rights. Many found the deal to be in opposition to WWE’s ‘Women’s Revolution.’ 

    More recently though, WWE talent have had a much more positive view of these Saudi Arabia shows. Women are allowed to compete at the events and many Superstars were said to have had a great experience at last year’s Night of Champions PLE. 

    A certain WWE Hall of Famer recently made his presence felt in Riyadh for the Season Cup finals between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr… 

  • Tony Khan Glad The “Terrible” Allegations Against WWE Are Getting Attention

    Tony Khan Glad The “Terrible” Allegations Against WWE Are Getting Attention

    Tony Khan will not comment on the allegations against former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon but is focused on ensuring a safe work environment in AEW. 

    McMahon re-signed from TKO and WWE last month, following a lawsuit filed by ex-employee Janel Grant. Miss Grant claims that McMahon was sexually abusive to her and that he trafficked her to others in the company, including a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. 

    McMahon has denied the allegations against him and, via a spokesperson, has claimed the lawsuit is rife with “obscene made-up instances that never occurred.”

    “Terrible Allegations”

    Sitting down with Amy Kaplan of Fansided, Khan was asked for his take on the lawsuit but opted not to comment. 

    “I can’t comment on the terrible allegations against WWE right now. That’s something people are paying a lot of attention to right now, with good reason.”

    Khan added that for AEW, their focus remains on creating a safe locker room for everyone and fostering a supportive environment. He’s proud of the AEW locker room and says talent knows they have a support system in place if anything were to arise.

    “There are a lot of channels  and I think everybody feels very good about having a safe workspace. There are people you can talk to. There are people in the office, but even on the wrestling side. For us, I think that’s the most important thing in any office of any workplace, is just having a lot of people that will listen.”

    AEW recently faced controversy after it was alleged Chris Jericho had acted inappropriately with Kylie Rae, which led to her abrupt exit in 2019. 

    Responding to the allegations (wearing Toni Storm’s hat and glasses) Khan said that AEW takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. 

  • The Rock On Slapping Cody Rhodes: “Your Hero F***** Around And Found Out!”

    The Rock On Slapping Cody Rhodes: “Your Hero F***** Around And Found Out!”

    Cody Rhodes found out the hard way what happens when you speak ill of the Bloodline at the WrestleMania 40 kick-off event, according to The Rock.

    Last week’s event saw some of WWE’s top Superstars in attendance. At the press conference, Roman Reigns made clear he intended to face The Rock at WrestleMania 40 in April. Cody Rhodes threw a wrench into these plans by declaring he would be challenging the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion in Philadelphia

    Cody Rhodes Found Out

    During his promo against The Rock and Roman Reigns, Cody said that their ancestors would be ashamed to see the two attempts to monopolize the WrestleMania main event scene. This comment drew the ire of The Rock, who slapped the American Nightmare. Rhodes would be backed up by new ally Seth Rollins, though the four men did not come to further blows. 

    Taking to Instagram, The Rock reflected on slapping Cody with some choice words for “your hero.” 

    “Your hero f***** around and he found out quick what happens when you talk about our family with disrespect.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C3Nu69cRpTb

    What’s Next?

    On this week’s Raw, Rollins offered to be a ‘shield’ for Rhodes against the might of the Bloodline. There has been speculation that a tag team match could happen, especially given the WrestleMania 40 trailer aired at the Super Bowl. The Rock and Reigns seem to be on the same page, as the pair were spotted together following the WrestleMania kick-off press conference. On last week’s SmackDown, Triple H made clear that his decision is final regarding the WrestleMania main event, and encouraged The Rock and others to “know your role.” 

  • NWA’s Aaron Stevens Calls Out “Virus” Of Borderline Untrained Wrestlers Working Today

    NWA’s Aaron Stevens Calls Out “Virus” Of Borderline Untrained Wrestlers Working Today

    NWA personality Aaron Stevens has spoken about the “virus” of wrestlers who have been thrust into positions they are not properly suited for. 

    Stevens is best known for his WWE tenure as Damien Sandow and his spin-off character Damien MizDow. During his run with the company, he became a WWE Tag Team Champion and held the Money in the Bank contract in 2013. 

    A Virus Plaguing Wrestling

    A veteran of the industry with over two decades to his name, Stevens has seen plenty in the wrestling business. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Stevens addressed what he sees as a major problem in the business today. 

    “This is a virus plaguing the wrestling industry today. There are a lot of people who are borderline untrained. There was a basic skeleton of what you had to have at a minimum to be able to get into the business and get opportunities in major companies. And the standard, across the board, has fallen extremely low.  There are a few amazing [wrestling] schools out there. OVW’s still there. 

    Speaking about the NWA’s plans, Stevens made his goals abundantly clear with the promotion.

    “We want to help bring the standard up again of what wrestling is.”

    Keeping an Audience Engaged

    For Stevens, comprehensive skills cover much more than what a wrestler does from bell to bell. On the podcast, Stevens spoke about the importance of keeping fans hooked from the moment they walk in front of an audience. 

    “How do we keep rooting interest? It’s how we dress when we come through the curtain. What colors do we wear? How do we walk? What do we do when they first see us?  These are things that at NWA we’re starting to instill to try and train people to not only be good television wrestlers but really be good professional wrestlers in general.

    “Because there’s not much of a difference between working a live crowd and TV. When you work TV, yes, you have to be conscious of where the cameras are. But in terms of your timing, letting people appreciate what you are doing as an artist, there’s that element that’s missing [today.]”

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

  • Booker T Responds Amid Claims ROW Wrestler Was Fired For Being Stalked

    Booker T Responds Amid Claims ROW Wrestler Was Fired For Being Stalked

    WWE Hall of Famer and Reality of Wrestling owner Booker T has responded to claims that he fired a wrestler because she was the victim of stalking. 

    This week, Raychell Rose spoke about her experiences with ROW, and claimed that a trainee called Shawn Reed stalked her for years. Reed even went as far as to threaten a shoot-up at a ROW event, according to sources close to the situation. 

    Booker T Responds

    Rose claims that after an incident with Reed at a bar that resulted in multiple arrests, she was let go from Reality of Wrestling. This bar was a known hangout for ROW talent after shows, and it is believed Reed deliberately went with the intent of stalking Rose. The wrestler alleges that the blame for Reed’s behavior was put on her as an alleged source of issues.

     On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker addressed the incident at the bar and said he encouraged Rose to not go to the bar despite the tradition. 

    “I stressed, ‘Raychell Rose, go somewhere else. Go anywhere. So many other places you can go to. Do that for me so we can diffuse the situation.’ I left, went home, next thing you know, I’m getting a phone call from the bar owner, I’m getting a phone call from the police and the boys to come back and figure out what happened. Raychell Rose chose to go to the bar. What happened after that was totally out of my control.”

    When asked about Reed reportedly bringing a weapon to a ROW event, Booker denied the notion. 

    “That’s not true. The place he sat, I made sure he was watched by an armed guard and six other people. I made sure of that. I got instinct. I could have easily let Shawn Reed leave the building that night and he left in a depressed state and something really happened that night, but nothing happened at Reality of Wrestling.”

    Not Stalking? 

    When asked about Reed’s alleged stalking of Rose and if he was aware, Booker said he was more concerned over Reed’s situation. 

    “Not stalking. He made aware that he did not want to date her. He said, ‘I don’t want to date her, I just want to be part of Reality of Wrestling. This is something I’ve missed for the last four years.’ That’s what my concern was. My concern was the kid. I didn’t know about her issue. Maybe had I been aware of her issue, I would have taken just as much consideration.”

    Raychell is Fired

    Booker added that following the incident at the bar, a phone call happened between himself and Rose in which it was agreed she wouldn’t be returning for ROW events. Booker said that the decision was amicable and that she was not ‘fired.’

    “No one ever said to Raychell Rose, ‘You’re fired.’ That’s not a word we use at Reality of Wrestling because we don’t hire people. Raychell Rose, if she would have did what I asked, she says it, ‘I remember him saying go somewhere else, but we have a tradition to go to the bar.’ If we have a tradition to go to the bar, we have a problem. I’m trying to help you and save your life. That was disregarded.”

    Booker added that there has not been an incident like this in the 20 years of Reality of Wrestling. He added that even if he could have seen the bar incident coming, he does not believe anything he could have done would have changed the situation. 

    H/T – Fightful

  • Batista Would Choose Being a WWE Hall of Famer Over James Gunn’s DC Universe

    Batista Would Choose Being a WWE Hall of Famer Over James Gunn’s DC Universe

    ‘The Animal’ Dave Batista would rather see his name among the records of WWE Hall of Famers instead of in the credits of an upcoming James Gunn DC Comics film. 

    Gunn, the director behind Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy series and 2021’s The Suicide Squad, was named Co-Chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios (alongside Peter Safran) in late 2022. The decision was made for DC Comics’ cinematic universe to have a clearer vision after a messy roll-out since 2013’s Man of Steel. 

    Batista and the WWE Hall of Fame

    In a recent interview with Comicbook.com, Batista was asked whether he’d rather become a WWE Hall of Famer or be part of Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe first. 

    “I don’t know… I couldn’t give an honest answer to that and I’m only going to say this because we have had conversations over the years … it would be WWE Hall of Fame.”

    Batista then spoke about his delayed induction into the WWE Hall of Fame and spoke about plans to go in last year. 

    “I was suppose to go in last year and I was on a film and I just couldn’t travel… I was on a film in South Africa and logistcally we just couldn’t make it happen.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C3No_PEs0O6

    Batista and James Gunn

    Gunn and the Animal are no strangers, with Batista playing Drax the Destroyer in all three Guardians films, as well as several other Marvel Cinematic Universe films and projects. Last year, Batista said he’d spoken with Gunn about playing Bane in a future DC project. The masked villain infamously broke the spin of Batman upon his 1993 arrival in the Knightfall storyline and has since become one of the Dark Knight’s most recognized foes. 

  • Seth Rollins: I Wouldn’t Do Well in UFC, But I’d Probably Do Better Than CM Punk

    Seth Rollins: I Wouldn’t Do Well in UFC, But I’d Probably Do Better Than CM Punk

    Seth Rollins isn’t confident he’d thrive in the world of UFC, but the World Heavyweight Champion imagines he’d do better than CM Punk. 

    Since CM Punk’s return to WWE last year, Seth Rollins has taken issue with the Best in the World. Rollins’ belief is that Punk has spent years putting WWE down and will only cause trouble the longer he’s around (such as what we saw in AEW.)

    Seth Rollins Would Do Better Than CM Punk

    Last September, WWE and UFC officially merged with the launch of TKO Group Holdings. This merger has led to speculation that fans could see more crossover between the two sides. In an interview with ESPN, Rollins was asked if he’d call out any UFC fighters and couldn’t resist taking a dig at CM Punk. 

    “I’d call them all out. I don’t care. I can’t do what they do. I’d probably get knocked out and choked in two seconds. Still, I might do better than Punk [CM Punk], but I would likely lose. They can’t come and do what we do either. Same umbrella, but two totally different worlds.”

    WWE and UFC recently began selling their first combo tickets. UFC 289 will take place this week from the Honda Center which will also be the home of next week’s Raw. 

    CM Punk in the UFC

    After walking out of WWE in 2014, Punk signed with UFC that same year. Punk’s first fight came in 2016 at UFC 203 against Mickey Gall. Punk would lose the fight early on, which would be acknowledged by Stephanie McMahon on WWE TV. 

    Punk’s second fight would also not go well. In his hometown of Chicago, Punk lost to Mike Jackson at 2018’s UFC 225 event. The fight was later ruled a no contest after Jackson failed a drug test. 

    H/T – Fightful

  • LA Knight Wishes He Wasn’t Bray Wyatt’s Last Match

    LA Knight Wishes He Wasn’t Bray Wyatt’s Last Match

    LA Knight’s Pitch Black match with Bray Wyatt was the Megastar’s biggest match in WWE at the time, but he wishes it wasn’t Wyatt’s final match on TV. 

    At the 2023 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, Wyatt defeated Knight in the Mountain Dew-sponsored match. The bout featured neon weapons and face paint. After the match, Wyatt would continue his attack on Knight, who was also attacked by Uncle Howdy. 

    LA Knight on the Pitch Black Match

    Unfortunately, this would be Bray’s final wrestling match on WWE TV. A serious illness would see him pulled from TV weeks later and Wyatt would pass away in August at the age of 36. During a recent interview with “In The Kliq” podcast, Knight spoke about the match which he doesn’t try to dwell on given what came after. 

    “I don’t really think about it too, too much just because it’s a weird thing to consider and celebrate I guess, in a weird way. I wish I wasn’t his last match, so I think that’s really more the way I think about it.”

    Despite the dark cloud that now surrounds the match, Knight was grateful that he had the chance to work with the late wrestler. 

    “That was an experience for me where that was an opportunity, and I don’t know that it was looked at as an opportunity in a lot of ways. I think it was just thought of as here’s a guy who can handle himself in this situation and help to put the spotlight on Bray and bring him back, as I did.

    “But at the same time, man did I shine a light on myself as much as I could. If they gave me 30 seconds, if they gave me two minutes, no matter how much time I had on that TV screen, my God was I gonna make a splash.”

    What Came Next? 

    Knight and Wyatt would continue their feud off TV. Their final match, which would be Bray’s last match ever, took place in a Lights Out Street Fight at an untelevised event in Rockford, Illinois, on February 26, 2023. 

    H/T – Wrestling Inc

  • Wrestlers React to Super Bowl LVIII As Kansas City Chiefs Win With Overtime Touchdown

    Wrestlers React to Super Bowl LVIII As Kansas City Chiefs Win With Overtime Touchdown

    The climactic finish to Super Bowl LVIII that saw the Kansas City Chiefs emerge supreme once again has had the wrestling world talking.

    At the end of the fourth quarter, the Chiefs were tied 19-19 with the San Fransisco 49ers. In overtime, it looked like the 49ers were going to win. That was until the last second when the Chiefs scored, earning them the lead and their latest Super Bowl championship. 

    The Wrestling World Reacts

    On Twitter, Baron Corbin shared his delight that the Chiefs are now back-to-back champions. The Lone Wolf, who had been backing the Chiefs from the start, couldn’t celebrate two loudly as his children were sleeping. 

    Naomi attended the game with Mercedes Mone and Bayley and the three had been backing the 49ers. Safe to say, the Glow was not pleased with the result. 

    WWE and TNA Wrestling Hall of Famer Bully Ray joked that the result was illegitimate with some wrestling terminology. 

    Former AEW Women’s World Champion Nyla Rose didn’t watch the game live but felt it would’ve been better had it taken place in the legendary Tokyo Dome used for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom. 

    Rose would also use an image of Travis Kelce at the game to tease Mercedes Mone’s expected arrival in AEW. The Boss will reportedly debut at the upcoming Big Business event in her hometown of Boston next month. 

    Music icon Taylor Swift was at the big game, rooting for her boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Chiefs. In a tweet, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus drew comparisons between herself and the Shake It Off star. 

    The United Football League owned by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, also reminded fans that their season kicks off next month. 

    Usher performed at the Big Game’s half time show, in a performance that left Chelsea Green deceased. 

    Corey Graves also had his own unique reaction to the Super Bowl half-time show. 

    And WWE themselves congratulated the Chiefs with the introduction of the new limited edition Super Bowl LVIII Champions Legacy title. 

  • WWE & AEW Stars Shine at Super Bowl LVIII In Las Vegas, Nevada

    The WWE Superstars shined bright at Super Bowl LVIII which saw the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers face off in the Big Game.

    Super Bowl LVIII is taking place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, which WWE fans will recognize as the host of SummerSlam 2021. The game went into overtime after the four quarters resulted in a 19-19 tie. 

    WWE Superstars at the Super Bowl

    Allegiant Stadium was packed with football fans and there were several WWE Superstars who made their presence felt. WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio had a great view of the game in support of the 49ers. 

    The 49ers also had Bayley and Naomi on their side. The pair were also joined by Mercedes Mone, who’s expected to debut for AEW very soon. 

    The trio was also joined by Mone’s husband Jimmy Uso. 

    Mone also shared her own excitement outside Allegiant Stadium. 

    It wasn’t just WWE Superstars who were at the Big Game. On social media, AEW’s Britt Baker was able to share a selfie with Bayley. 

    Wrestling & the Super Bowl

    Several names from the world of wrestling competed in the Super Bowl. Monty Brown played in the Big Game before he’d make his mark in WWE as Marcus Cor Von. Raw commentator, Pat McAfee played in Super Bowl XLIV in his rookie year but was unsuccessful. Rob Gronkowski is better known for his NFL success but was briefly a WWE Superstar and former 24/7 Champion. 

    Years before his days as a wrestling World Champion, Big Van Vader played for the LA Rams but lost to the Steelers. Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael, who was recently announced for Football’s Hall of Fame, both won in the Super Bowl and is a former WCW United States Champion. 

  • 49ers Vs. Chiefs: WWE Superstars Give Their Picks for Super Bowl LVIII

    49ers Vs. Chiefs: WWE Superstars Give Their Picks for Super Bowl LVIII

    The Superstars of WWE have weighed in as to whether it’ll be the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs who stand tall at Super Bowl LVIII. 

    The Big Game is mere hours away with excitement for the Super Bowl at a fever pitch. The match will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, which WWE fans will recognize as the host of SummerSlam 2021. 

    WWE Stars Give Their Picks for Super Bowl LVIII: 49ers or Chiefs?

    Football fans have their picks for who’ll be winning Super Bowl LVIII, as do the WWE Superstars. In a recent video, the Superstars were asked for their predictions for the Big Game. 

    In the 49ers’ corner, the team has Jey Uso, who made it clear he’s red and gold ’til he’s dead and cold and threw in a YEET for good measure. San Francisco’s own ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio is unsurprisingly backing the 49ers, as is the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match winner Bayley and Alpha Academy’s Otis. 

    The Kansas City Chiefs have some considerable star power of their own, in addition to Taylor Swift. R-Truth is backing the Chiefs, while Baron Corbin was practically offended anyone thought he wouldn’t be rooting for the team. Carlito is also backing the 49ers, as is WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. WWE Raw announcer Samantha Irvin is also backing the 49ers. 

    Not everyone had a clear-cut favorite, as Byron Saxton said that Taylor Swift was going to win the game herself. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane simply laughed off the question. When the pair were asked the question in 2020 (which again featured the 49ers and the Chiefs), the Kabuki Warriors made it clear that they didn’t care. 

    There’s some WWE involvement happening right now at Super Bowl LVIII… 

  • Justin Bieber, Khloe Kardashian & More Spotted With WWE Golden Title At Super Bowl LVIII

    Snoop Dogg’s custom WWE Championship has been making the rounds at Super Bowel LVIII and has ended up on the shoulders and waists of many celebrities. 

    Snoop, a WWE Hall of Famer, was presented with the title during a WWE event in August 2022 to promote WrestleMania 39 tickets going on sale. The unique championship features a gold strap with green gemstones. The title also features custom Snoop Dogg-inspired side plates. 

    Snoop’s Championship at the Super Bowl

    With Super Bowl LVIII mere hours away, the stars have descended upon Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Snoop Dogg’s custom WWE Championship has also made it to the Big Game. On Twitter, WWE shared that music star Justin Bieber was able to spend some quality time with the title. 

    The ‘Baby’ and ‘Sorry’ star isn’t the only celebrity to get a snapshot with the custom title, which now a blue color scheme and side plates promoting WrestleMania 40. French Montana, Diplo, Nina Dobrev and recent WWE gues Jelly Roll were also spotted with the gold. 

    QuavoYRN, TPain, Tiffany Haddish, and Josh Richards also got an opportunity with the coveted rare piece of WWE memorabilia. 

    Khloe Kardashain was also spotted with the title, along with The Chainsmokers, Neyo, JB Smoove, Sebastian Maniscalco:

    Super Bowl LVIII

    This year’s Super Bowl will see the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers face off in the Big Game. Allegiant Stadium does have a connection to wrestling, as the venue hosted the SummerSlam 2021 Premium Live Event. In the main event, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made sure John Cena didn’t become a 17-time World Champion before being confronted by the returning Brock Lesnar after the match. 

  • Watch: ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin Rocks Mullet In Kawasaki’s Super Bowl LVIII Commercial

    Watch: ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin Rocks Mullet In Kawasaki’s Super Bowl LVIII Commercial

    It’s been decades since ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin had a head of hair, but the Rattlesnake was rocking a mullet in a new commercial for the Super Bowl. 

    The commercial from Kawasaki promotes the all-new Kawasaki Ridge vehicle. The Ridge, much like the infamous hairstyle, is business in the front and party in the back according to a voiceover in the commercial. 

    To hammer this point home, two mulleted men ride the Ridge around, with mullets sprouting wherever they go. That includes on the beautiful bald head of the Texas Rattlesnake, who appreciated his new head of hair.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpg2xfdbP8E

    Austin and his Hair

    Fans of Steve Austin who have seen him in WCW will know of the Rattlesnake’s luscious locks during his time as part of the Hollywood Blonds. ‘Stunning’ Steve Austin teamed with ‘Flying’ Brian Pillman and their past would be alluded to in their WWF feud in 1997. Speaking on his podcast, Austin recalled losing his hair early into his career. 

    “I had that long blonde hair but it was kind of thin and I was starting to get those widows peeks, starting to creep up and I had that little crown in the middle — I knew my days with long hair were numbered.”

    Austin added that Bruce Willis’ role in Pulp Fiction inspired him to go bald and believes the bold move was for the best. 

    “It didn’t deter me from success and was probably one of the biggest reasons why I had success, because it was the best look for me.”

    Stone Cold was recently feeling pretty chilly in a hilarious video… 

  • Portland PD Gives Statement on Billy Jack Haynes, Wife Janette Confirmed Victim of Shooting

    Portland PD Gives Statement on Billy Jack Haynes, Wife Janette Confirmed Victim of Shooting

    There has been an update on former WWE star Billy Jack Haynes following a fatal shooting that took place earlier this week. 

    Haynes was arrested on Thursday after police were called to his home in the Lents neighborhood. Authorities were called after gunfire was heard. After a tense standoff with offices, Haynes “eventually came out” of the home and was detained. There is no ongoing threat to the community according to police. Upon inspection, the authorities found the body of Janette Becraft on the premises. 

    In an update, the Portland Police in Oregan issued the following statement: 

    “The suspect in the Thursday Lents Neighborhood homicide investigation is identified as William Albert Haynes, Jr, 70, of Portland. Haynes is Janette Becraft’s husband.

    “He is in police custody at a local hospital while he is being treated for a medical condition unrelated to the homicide or his contact with law enforcement. Once he is released from the hospital, which may be days from now, he is expected to be booked into jail. Haynes’ charges will be released once he is booked.

    Billy Jack Haynes in Wrestling

    Trained by Stu Hart, Haynes broke into the wrestling business in 1982 and would join the World Wrestling Federation in 1986. Haynes would feud with Randy Savage over the Intercontinental Championship and later with Hercules Hernandez over who was stronger. Haynes and Hernandez fought in the ‘Battle of the Full Nelsons’ at WrestleMania 3, as both men used this move as a signature hold. The match went to a double count-out. 

    Haynes left the WWF in early 1988 under some controversy. In one version of his exit, Haynes quit the WWF after refusing to do a job in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. Another telling of his exit said that he wrestled the match and the finish and was fired afterward.

  • Kazuchika Okada Ends NJPW Career Triumphant With Win at New Beginning in Osaka

    Kazuchika Okada Ends NJPW Career Triumphant With Win at New Beginning in Osaka

    Kazuchika Okada is ending his lofty New Japan Pro Wrestling career on a high with a victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi at New Beginning in Osaka 2024.

    Before the match began, the crowd delivered a thunderous “Okada” chant inside the EDION arena. Okada got the early advantage by sending Tanahashi to the floor with a drop-kick. Some dirty tactics from Okada, including using the barricade, elicited boos from the crowd. 

    Back in the ring, Okada landed Tanahashi’s signature dragon screw, drawing more boos from the Osaka crowd. Tanahashi took control with a senton and his own dragon screws. Okada caught Tanahashi mid-run and followed up with an air raid crash and elbow drop before hitting his Rainmaker pose. 

    Okada’s first attempt at the Rainmaker was reversed into Tanahashi’s sling blade. Tanahashi later climbed to the ropes for High Fly Flow but Okada blocked by extending his knees. Okada used a dropkick and a piledriver to gain wrist control. Seeing the writing on the wall, Tanahashi tried to escape, but Okada landed the Rainmaker. Okada then pinned Tanahashi to win the match.

    Post-match, the two men embraced. Okada took a moment to soak up the response from fans before bowing to the lion mark.

    You can check out some of the highlights from the match below. 

    What’s Next for Kazuchika Okada? 

    A highly talented individual, it’s no surprise that both AEW and WWE are hopeful to sign Okada when the time is right. Of the two, it has been reported that Okada is believed to be WWE-bound. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has reportedly always dreamed of competing at WrestleMania, something those in WWE are well aware of. WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER recently stated that Okada would be more than welcome in WWE. 

  • Reason Why AEW Collision Won’t Be Airing Next Week (February 17)

    AEW Collision is going off the air for one week only next week due to the impact that NBA programming would have on the Saturday night show. 

    During this week’s AEW Collision, Tony Schiavone shared that there will not be an episode of the show next week. AEW’s third weekly wrestling show is being preempted by TNT network’s coverage of the NBA All-Star weekend. In the past, the NBA has caused havoc to AEW’s programming. Typically, shows will be moved to another night of the week or to a worse time slot on the same night. 

    Instead, AEW Collision will not be airing whatsoever next week. The show will return on February 24, with a live episode from the Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri.

    AEW’s Other Shows

    While Collision will not be airing next week, AEW’s other shows will be on TV, albeit with a slight change. TNT’s schedule lists the Friday, February 16, episode of AEW Rampage with an early start time of 7 PM ET. There will also be a replay at 11:30 PM ET. AEW has yet to announce the change. There has so far been no change made to AEW Dynamite. 

    AEW Collision

    AEW Collision launched in June of last year, becoming the promotion’s third weekly televised program, following the launch of Dynamite in 2019 and Rampage two years ago. Much of AEW Collision’s early focus was on CM Punk. The former AEW World Champion returned to TV after a lengthy hiatus during the show’s first episode but his time with Collision ended after his release from AEW in September 2023. Punk has since returned to WWE.