A former WWE Tough Enough participant and developmental talent has officially been indicted for a murder stemming from an incident in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Daniel Rodimer was indicted on April 26 and is expected to appear before a Nevada judge on May 8. This is all connected to the death of Christopher Tapp who died in October of last year. Tapp was an exonerated man who had served 20 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of killing his friend Angie Doge in 1996. 

Shortly after his death at a Resorts World Suite, Tapp’s death was ruled as accidental. the coroner’s office later determined it a homicide after discovering blunt force trauma to his head. Investigators have learned that Tapp and Rodimer had a fight before the former was fatally injured in a fall. Rodimer “maintains his complete innocence and looks forward to his day in court” his attorneys said after his indictment. 

This incident isn’t Rodimer’s first run-in with the law. Rodimer has been accused of assault three times but has no convictions. He was arrested on charges of battery in 2010 and admitted to committing the offense. After a six-week anger management course, the charge was dropped.

Daniel Rodimer

Rodimer was part of 2004’s Tough Enough that also featured The Miz, Ryback, and Marty ‘The Boogeyman’ Writ. He was signed a to a developmental contract in 2006 and would compete in Deep South Wrestling. After a handful of appearances on WWE Heat, Rodimer was released in 2007. 

Rodimer ran for Nevada State Senate on the Republican ballot in 2018 but despite outspending his rival nearly two-to-one, lost to Valerie Weber. He lost the following year in Nevada’s 3rd congressional district. 

In May 2021, Rodimer announced he would be standing in Texas’s 6th congressional district special election. His campaign caught media attention as he dramatically changed his accent and person to appear more Texan. He claimed to have been endorsed by Donald Trump, a claim denied by the former President’s team. He came in eleventh in the primary with 2.6% of the voting share. 

The 2024 WWE Draft will certainly shake up the rosters, but there are some serious concerns regarding the NXT brand. 

WWE has revealed which Superstars from Raw & SmackDown will be eligible for each night of the draft, but talent from NXT will also be available to be called up. Fightful Select reports that there is a concern that the gold brand will be “depleted” due to the draft and will lose its top stars. 

Former WWE NXT Champions Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov are said to be a ‘lock’ to be called up in the draft. WWE has a history of NXT being hit hard by the draft. In 2023, the gold brand lost both its NXT Women’s Champion Indi Hartwell, and its Women’s Tag Team Champions Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn to the main roster. 

NXT talent are said to be concerned about being drafted to the main roster without a clear direction for their character. While call-ups like Finn Balor (a first-round pick for Raw in 2016) have thrived on the main roster, the same can’t be said for everyone. Cameron Grimes was called up in the 2023 draft and was recently released from WWE following an underwhelming time on the main roster. 

Though the draft is expected to go one way, WWE Raw & SmackDown talent are eligible for a move to NXT. The prospect has been met with a mixed response by those currently on the main roster. While some would see it as a demotion, others believe it could benefit them. 

WWE Draft 2024

Here are some recent articles about the 2024 WWE Draft. Keep checking in with SE Scoops for all your draft news. 

The ‘PG Era’ of WWE is officially a thing of the past though the promotion will continue to adhere to its viewing guidelines for now. 

WWE transitioned into a PG rating in 2008 in a move that saw the promotion tone back on its more suggestive storylines, ban chairshots and greatly reduce the amount of blading allowed on-screen. The ‘PG Era’ has often been criticized by fans as a time when WWE became ‘too kid-friendly’ compared to how it once was. 

This era of WWE is officially dead, Dave Meltzer reports, as the promotion is all-in on its current period dubbed by some as the ‘Renaissance Era.’ The Rock’s scathing promos in the run-up to WrestleMania 40 played a factor in the “official end” of the PG Era. The Final Boss certainly didn’t hold back with his promos which at the time seemed entirely opposed to WWE’s rules about what was allowed to be said. 

Paul Heyman’s Hall of Fame acceptance speech was also part of the end of the PG Era. The Bloodline’s special counsel responded to a ‘You deserve it’ chant with “You’re damn f***ing right I do!’ and told haters of ECW to “suck my f***ing d**k!”

While this era is a thing of the past, WWE programming remains PG for the time being. It’s entirely possible that ratings could change once Raw moves to Netflix in January 2025 or when WWE NXT heads to The CW later this year. Any potential change will hinge on what those broadcasters want and also what sponsors will be comfortable with.

WWE NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez is focused on getting her dream match with AJ Lee before the gold-brand Superstar hangs up her boots. 

Sitting down with Ring The Belle, Perez discussed her immense respect for Lee, a three-time WWE Divas Champion. The NXT star made clear that she’ll keep wrestling as long as she can in order to get a match with Mrs. CM Punk.

“Hopefully, one day, she’ll come back and maybe we can all do something together. That would be, that would be like my dream. I can’t retire until I have a match against AJ Lee.”

AJ Lee hasn’t wrestled since 2015 but the former Superstar hasn’t left the world of professional wrestling entirely. Lee joined WOW – Women of Wrestling in 2021 as an executive producer and commentator. In August 2023, Lee said she would be parting ways with WOW at the end of her contract.

Perez is hardly the only woman in wrestling to hold AJ Lee in high regard. Fellow NXT Superstar Cora Jade has called Lee an inspiration, especially her feud with Paige (now AEW’s Saraya.) Julia Hart told the Busted Open Radio podcast earlier this year that she looked up to Lee and Alexa Bliss before stepping into the ring herself. 

Unsurprisingly, CM Punk has a high estimation of his wife and has said that he’d love to see Lee back in the world of wrestling and has brought her up on WWE TV since returning in November 2023. Lee is said to be well-liked and respected by those in WWE today, but a return was not something actively being discussed as of March 2024. 

More on AJ Lee

Here are some recent articles on AJ Lee as fans await a possible return from the former Divas Champion:

Rossy Ogawa’s termination from STARDOM was an unfortunate but necessary call after he allegedly deceived the promotion with health concerns. 

Ogawa was fired from the promotion he founded in February 2024 in a shocking move that led to speculation talent would quit in protest. Ogawa was accused of poaching STARDOM talent for a new promotion he’d been working on, a claim Ogawa denied at the time. 

With Ogawa out of the picture, Taro Okada was quickly promoted to being the promotion’s president. In a recent interview with Encount, Okada explained the circumstances surrounding Ogawa’s exit. 

“Considering sales, I felt that the organization was unstable. It was like a venture company that was aiming for sales of 100-200 million yen, but was somehow managing to do everything by handouts.” 

Okada added that Ogawa claimed he was ready to leave STARDOM for health reasons. After Okada and others learned of plans Ogawa’s plans to launch a promotion, they didn’t take his deception well. 

“Ogawa told me when we first met that he was quitting. At the time, he said it was a matter of physical strength. Then, in January of this year, I heard that Mr. Ogawa was going independent and that he was talking to a number of wrestlers. If we were to split up, it would be an unstable business.”

While Ogawa has claimed he was not poaching talent for a new promotion, he has since gone on to launch Marigold who are set to host their first event this June. The show will feature a number of ex-STARDOM talent, including Giulia. The ex-NJPW Strong Women’s Champion is also set to join WWE very soon.

More on Rossy Ogawa

Here are some recent articles relating to Rossy Ogawa and his situation now that his time with STARDOM is a thing of the past:

A public relations firm with a history of high-profile clients is now representing Vince McMahon as the ex-WWE Chair continues to face serious allegations. 

McMahon has obtained the services of Sitrick And Company, POST Wrestling reports, a firm with a lengthy history in the PR industry. Notable clients include Pepsi, Make-A-Wish, the late Kobe Bryant, and the late Roy Disney, the brother of Walt who was a long-term executive within the Disney corporation. 

Sitrick And Company is led by Michael S. Sitrick, who like his client has garnered quite a reputation in his field, Fortune magazine once described Sitrick as “one of the most accomplished practitioners of the dark arts of public relations.” The L.A. Times had a similar take to Sitrick, calling him “a public relations puppet master who has pulled the strings behind some of the biggest stories in media.”

Team McMahon

Sitrick And Company are just the latest recruits in McMahon’s efforts to overcome the lawsuit filed by Janel Grant. McMahon’s legal team comes from Kasowitz Benson Torres and is headed by attorneys Marc Kasowitz and Jessica T. Rosenberg.

Whether Sitrick can improve McMahon’s public image remains to be seen. Even before the allegations filed in Grant’s lawsuit, McMahon had a very negative reputation among wrestling fans, both for his creative decisions and his choices made outside the industry. McMahon has continued to deny the allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking laid against him. He recently filed a motion to compel the case into arbitration, a move Grant’s legal team plans on fighting. 

More on Vince McMahon

Here are some recent articles regarding WWE’s former Chairman and how things have been for him since his exit from the company:

Baby fever is in the air in WWE with several Superstars set to have their families grow thanks to new additions. 

On social media, The O.C.’s Luke Gallows shared the news of the birth of his son Thomas. Gallows appreciated that Thomas arrived into the world “on a day Dad was home” and added that it’s “going to be so much fun raising you T-Bone!” Thomas Hankinson is the former Raw Tag Team Champion’s fifth child, the same number as his tag-team partner Karl Anderson.

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C6Mc0B-LUvr

Valhalla and Erik Expecting Second Child

Gallows isn’t the only Superstar who’s family is growing. On Instagram, Valhalla and Viking Raider Erik shared that a new baby is coming to their family this November. In February 2021, Valhalla gave birth to a son after a 44-hour labor and the announcement of baby #2 featured their first child wearing a shirt bearing the message ‘big brother.’ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C6M305XL7rM

In the comments, several WWE Superstars including Nikki Cross, Natalya, Ivar, Indi Hartwell, and Piper Niven shared their congratulations. This news of course means that Valhalla won’t be competing anytime soon which explains why she is not eligible in the upcoming WWE draft. Erik has been out of action since late 2023 and underwent neck fusion surgery in November. There’s no word yet on when fans can expect him back in the ring. WWE has opted to keep his tag-team partner Ivar on-screen and the remaining Viking has done quite well for himself as a singles Superstar.

Baby News

Here are some recent articles about wrestlers who have welcomed are set to welcome babies into the world. 

Wrestling fans won’t have to wait long to see the return of Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, as the relaunched promotion’s next event is mere weeks away. 

On Twitter, the promotion’s tour dates were announced and revealed that the first event will take place at the Jefferson AG Center in Jefferson, Georgia on June 1. Over the next five months, TCW will host ten events in the Georgia area. 

Exciting News!

Get ready to experience the adrenaline-pumping action of Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling Live throughout the greater Atlanta Area!

Are you a business looking to connect with a passionate audience? We're thrilled to offer sponsorship opportunities for our… pic.twitter.com/CBmNodhCbC

— Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling (@Turnbuckle_CW) April 25, 2024

Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling’s return was announced in January of this year. The promotion was first launched by Dusty Rhodes in 1999. The following year, WCW’s Glacier won a tournament at the first TCW event to become the first TCW World Heavyweight Champion. 

While Dusty is no longer with us, TCW remains integral to the Rhodes family. In late 2023, Cody Rhodes filed a trademark for Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling alongside longtime ally QT Marshall, Teil Rhodes, the sister of the Undisputed WWE Champion also has a management role with Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling. 

The original TCW saw several notable names compete, including Scott Hall, ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan, New Jack, Leilani Kai, Daffney, and Steve Corino. Years before he’d make it big as part of TNA Wrestling, James Storm would compete during the latter stages of the company.

The relaunch of Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling is good news for wrestlers based in Georgia. The promotion clearly has resources behind it and will provide more opportunities for talent in the area. The Rhodes name being attached could also mean that WWE has got an eye on TCW which would certainly bode well for those on the TCW roster hoping to one day make it big in the world of pro wrestling. 

Cameron Grimes has said that diving nose-first into his popular ‘To the Moon’ character made him recognize that his chances in WWE weren’t promising.

Grimes was amongst those released from WWE as part of the first wave of cuts under the promotion’s new era. The former NXT North American Champion shared news of his release in an emotional video on social media. 

The 30-year-old wrestler’s arguable peak in WWE came during his ‘To the Moon’ phase which saw Grimes become incredibly wealthy thanks to GameStop stock. On Busted Open Radio, however, Grimes revealed how learning more about business only made him realize his future wasn’t looking good. 

“Starting the stock market gimmick, it made me see businesses in a different light. Following these companies and playing with stocks. I would see things in a different light. So I knew [after being called up] that I hadn’t worked in over a year and I’m making a decent salary. So I knew that if somebody was to look at the books, I’m going to be the first person who’s going to be cut.”

It’s currently unclear as to why Grimes was released, but it may indeed be a case of somebody looked at the books. Now, Grimes will continue to work as Trevor Lee but will have to wait until July before he can work elsewhere. The talented wrestler has a history with TNA, where he is a former X-Division champion, but it’s possible AEW could give him a call when the time is right. Whatever the future holds, Grimes will be able to appreciate the business machinations of what’s to come.

More on Cameron Grimes

Here are some recent articles about Cameron Grimes and how news of his release from WWE came as a shock to those still with the promotion: 

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

AEW’s Chris Jericho is preparing to lead a new action horror film set in the colorful and chaotic world of professional wrestling in the 1980s. 

‘Dark Match‘ will tell the story of a small-time wrestling company that accepts a well-paying gig in a remote town only to learn the town falls under a cult leader, Variety reports. Soon enough, the wrestlers and crew are in a very real fight for their lives. In addition to Jericho, the film will star Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead) and Ayisha Issa (Transplant.)

 Lowell Dean (Wolfcop) is attached as writer and director. Dark Match will launch later this year with a festival premiere set to be announced, Blue Finch Films, the project’s distribution outfit, will begin sales at the upcoming Cannes Film Market. 

Dark Match will mark the latest big-screen role for Jericho. Jericho’s first foray into horror came in 2009’s Albino Farm and he would also be a part of 2022’s horror-comedy KillRoy Was Here. That same year, Jericho played ‘Burke’ in Terrifier 2 and will reprise the role in the sequel set to premiere later this year. 

Wrestlers On the Big Screen

Here are some recent articles regarding some of wrestling’s top stars and the silver-screen plans in the works: 

A new promotion from the Grizzled Young Veterans will host its inaugural event this June with tickets set to go on sale for the show very soon. 

Taking to Twitter, the team of James Drake & Zack Gibson announced the launch of ‘Burning Heart Pro Wrestling‘ which has been “created by wrestlers, for wrestlers and fans.” The promotion’s first event will take place on June 21, at the Liverpool Olympia in Liverpool, England. Tickets for Burning Heart Pro Wrestling’s first show go on sale at 10 am GMT on Monday, April 29.

So far, no wrestlers have been announced for the show though Drake and Gibson will likely be competing. It was said that the promotion will be led by a “committee of international wrestlers.”

Friday 21st June 2024 Burning Heart Pro Wrestling takes over the historic @LpoolOlympia

Led by a committee of international wrestlers. Created by wrestlers, for wrestlers and fans. Pro wrestling from the heart ???

What do you wanna see from us?@ZackGibsonGYV @JamesDrakePro pic.twitter.com/ElNMny7Ngb

— Burning Heart Pro Wrestling (@burningheartpw) April 24, 2024

As Gibson made clear in the video, the Liverpool Olympia is no stranger to wrestling and violence. TNA Wrestling has often used the event for shows in the UK. In 2006, the Olympia saw the unification of the Ring of Honor World & PURE Championships as Bryan Danielson defeated the UK’s own Nigel McGuinness. 

The Grizzled Young Veterans aren’t the first wrestlers to try their hand at launching a promotion. Hopefully, the pair will have better luck than AOP who attempted to launch Wrestling Entertainment Series: UK in 2022. 

WES:UK promoted an impressive debut event featuring ex-WWE Superstars including CJ Perry, Lina ‘Nia Jax’ Fanene, and Adam ‘Braun Strowman’ Scherr. The promotion’s inaugural event was canceled following reports of low ticket sales and all plans for the promotion quickly fizzled out. 

Could WWE’s main roster become home to mid-card championships for the women of the company? The Undertaker certainly hopes so. 

While the Intercontinental and United States Championships have been staples in WWE for decades, mid-card gold has been absent throughout the promotion’s history. On a recent edition of his Six Feet Under podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer gave his support to mid-card gold for the female roster. 

“The division [is] deep. I would like to see a Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and possibly, because there are two brands, a Women’s US Champion.”

The Undertaker isn’t the first WWE name to speak in favor of a women’s mid-card championship. In 2022, Dana Brooke (now TNA’s Ash By Elegance) said that during her tenure with the 24/7 Championship, she hoped to transition the gold into a women’s Intercontinental Championship. While Brooke believed the change would motivate women outside the main title picture to strive for something, the idea never got off the ground. 

WWE will launch its first women’s mid-card title later this year with the NXT North American Women’s Championship. The historic new title was first introduced during NXT Stand & Deliver in April 2024 by NXT General Manager Ava. There’s currently no word on how and when the inaugural champion will be crowned. 

Though WWE hasn’t (currently) got a women’s mid-card championship, the same can’t be said for their main rival. AEW introduced its TBS Championship in January 2022 with Jade Cargill beating Ruby Soho to become the first champion. Ironically, Cargill currently works for WWE, so could become a Women’s mid-card champion again if the promotion follows the words of The Undertaker. 

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has thrown his name among the mix of people hoping to see WrestleMania come to the UK capital city. 

Khan, no relation to WWE’s Nick or AEW’s Tony, made his bold claim while on the campaign trail ahead of the mayoral election on May 2. The 54-year-old Labour Party member brought up WWE’s flagship show in a press release when speaking about London’s potential as a sporting juggernaut. 

“I’m determined to go even further and fully cement London’s reputation as the undisputed sports capital of the world. I believe that London has the potential to host the first international WrestleMania.”

Khan’s comment earned a response from WWE Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque who was seemingly interested in discussing the matter further. 

Let’s talk. https://t.co/PoLPS7RGv1

— Triple H (@TripleH) April 25, 2024

Khan is hardly alone in his belief that the UK is deserving of a WrestleMania. At WWE Money in the Bank 2023, John Cena made a surprise appearance in London and shared his mission to bring WrestleMania to the city. 

Following Cena’s comment, Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones shared her support for a London-based WrestleMania and touted the economic benefits of the event.  Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is also on the UK bandwagon. At a recent WWE live event in London, the American Nightmare advocated for WrestleMania to take place in the UK. 

While many fans in the UK and Europe hope to see a WrestleMania closer to home, that is proving to be easier said than done. WWE President Nick Khan recently noted that ‘Big 4’ events will remain in North America for the time being. WWE’s next PLE outside the continent will be Clash at the Castle in Glasgow, Scotland this June followed by WWE Bash In Berlin this August in Germany. 

Plans for WrestleMania

Here are some recent articles about upcoming WrestleMania plans and where fans can expect the shows to take place:

The Rock was able to reflect on his relationship with his late father Rocky Johnson with an incredible act of generosity to a long-time fan of the Final Boss. 

On Twitter, the TKO board member shared a video of himself meeting a fan named Ricardo and his son Isaiah. The Rock spoke about how Ricardo does everything to try and help his family, much like the late Johnson did for his own kin. 

In an incredible moment of generosity, The Rock gifted Ricardo a truck to help with his cleaning business, an industry Johnson was also once a part of. The gifts didn’t stop there as The Rock also gifted Ricardo and Isaiah $100,000 to help with the business. 

Sometimes I just miss my dad.
Wish I could give him my truck or give him a little cash.
(my old man was an OG so he was all about that cash;)

When I met Isaiah’s dad, Ricardo – he immediately reminded me of my old man.
Hard worker, struggled with hard times, but always did what… pic.twitter.com/2R1VJVT29z

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 25, 2024

Rocky Johnson and his son had a sometimes strained relationship, as documented in NBC’s Young Rock as well as his 1999 New York Times bestseller ‘The Rock Says.’ Despite this, The Rock inducted his father into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008 in an induction that saw ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia be posthumously inducted. 

This is hardly the first time The Rock has been incredibly generous. In June of last year, The Rock bought a home for WWE’s Tamina Snuka and has previously bought a car and other purchases for his mother. More recently, The Rock shared that he is giving away another truck to mark the launch of ZOA Energy’s new Mango Splash flavor. 

More from The Rock

Here are some recent articles from The Rock as the Final Boss and Hollywood A-Lister continues to dominate the world of entertainment:

Ring of Honor World Champion Mark Briscoe is celebrating the birth of his son who has been named in tribute to Mark’s late brother Jay. 

Taking to Twitter, Mark shared some photos of Matthew Jamin Pugh and declared that ‘God is Good.’ The Jamin name comes from Jay Briscoe, whose real name was Jamin Pugh. 

Introducing…

MATTHEW JAMIN PUGH !!!!#GodIsGood pic.twitter.com/Ezogsr5wk2

— Mark Briscoe (@SussexCoChicken) April 24, 2024

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

Tributes to Jay Briscoe

Matthew’s name isn’t the only tribute to Jay who was deeply respected in the world of professional wrestling. Stars from WWE, AEW, and elsewhere paid tribute to Jay after his death and AEW would release a touching tribute to him as well. 

Thank you, #JayBriscoe ?? pic.twitter.com/XCLaXXyZ0s

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 26, 2023

Tributes to Jay would extend past the world of professional wrestling. Laurel Middle School, where Jay would regular get involved as part of his daughters’ education, named a locker room in memory of the wrestler. 

It is a tragedy that young Matthew Jamin Pugh will never meet the uncle who he is named after. Despite this, Jay Briscoe’s legacy continues to live on, both in the wrestling world and in the Pugh household. 

More on Mark Briscoe:

Here are some articles about Mark Briscoe and what he has accomplished as of late in the world of professional wrestling:

Jack Perry is once again on AEW programming, and bringing back the ‘Scapegoat’ may be a decision AEW President Tony Khan lives to regret. 

Perry made his return to the airwaves during AEW Dynasty. The former FTW Champion interfered in the AEW World Tag Team Championship ladder match and would cost FTR the match to the Young Bucks. This marked Perry’s first AEW on-screen appearance (in person) since AEW All In in August of 2023. 

On the April 24, edition of Dynamite, Perry was spotted arriving at the show with the Elite, furthering the idea that there was some sort of alliance between the two sides. Later on, it was revealed that Perry and Khan would come face-to-face in the ring. 

During this segment, Perry admitted that he and Khan hadn’t seen eye to eye, but they agreed that they wanted the best for AEW and the future. Having said that, Perry offered a truce to bury the hatchet with the AEW CEO and asked to reinstate him.

Khan agreed but the moment they shook hands, Perry attacked the AEW President. The Elite, consisting of the Bucks and Kazuchika Okada then came to the ring. While it appeared they wanted to stop Perry from inflicting further damage, they also joined in on the attack on Khan. 

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING HERE?!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@boy_myth_legend | @TonyKhan | @YoungBucks | @RainmakerXOkada pic.twitter.com/Dv2BeH0jsO

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 25, 2024

AEW Dynamite went off the air with the Elite and Perry standing tall while officials and Khan’s father Shahid checked on the injured AEW President. This segment was quite the change for Khan, who unlike Vince McMahon and other higher-ups in WWE, had for the most part avoided being involved with AEW’s on-screen angles. 

It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks, especially with Kenny Omega’s return to AEW TV set for next week’s Dynamite. No doubt the EVP will have plenty to say about the Bucks, Okada, and Perry after what transpired this week. 

The release of Cameron Grimes came as a surprise to those in WWE despite his infrequent use on the main roster’s programming. 

Grimes was released earlier this week as part of the first wave of roster cuts under the ‘new era.’ Grimes was visibly emotional in a video in which he shared news of his release and addressed always wanting to make it in WWE. 

Grimes’ release was unexpected by many in WWE for a variety of reasons, Fightful Select reports. One such reason is that Grimes’ skill set far exceeded others who were released from the promotion. During his five years with WWE, the consensus within WWE was that Grimes was always improving in the ring, which was part of the reason why he was ‘over’ in WWE NXT. 

Another reason his release came as a surprise is that Grimes was a regular at WWE events, despite not being used. The former NXT North American Champion was even around last week’s SmackDown, which is when the releases of Jinder Mahal, Veer Mahaan, Sanga, Xia Lia, and Xyon Quinn was revealed. 

Despite his skills and his presence backstage, Grimes was still released from WWE. Now, he will have to wait 90 days before trying to make a name for himself elsewhere. A return to TNA could perhaps be the plan, as Grimes is a former TNA X-Division Champion. With that said, AEW could also be interested in hiring the immensely talented former WWE Superstar. 

What’s Next for Those Released?

Here are some articles revealing what those cut from WWE can look forward to after being released by the promotion:

Fans attending an upcoming UFL game will get much more than football as they will also be able to attend a show from the Reality of Wrestling promotion. 

On Instagram, the Reality of Wrestling account revealed that attendees for the upcoming game of the Houston Roughnecks will also be able to attend the wrestling show. The ROW show will start at 4:30pm CT on Saturday, April 27, from ‘The Rig.’ Not only will fans get both wrestling and football, but Reality of Wrestling founded Booker T will also host a meet and greet with those in attendance. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C6IAGaVuQ0D

The UFL was announced in December 2023 with the merger of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s XFL and the USFL. Johnson purchased the XFL in 2020 after Vince McMahon’s attempt to relaunch the alternative to the NFL was snuffed out due to safeguarding measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As for Booker’s promotion, Reality of Wrestling has been around since 2005 (as Pro Wrestling Alliance) and often features the two-time Hall of Famer at shows. ROW alum includes ROH Women’s World Champion Athena and WWE NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez. The latter’s connection to Booker is often highlighted on weekly WWE NXT programming. 

Teaming with the UFL is just the latest big move for Reality of Wrestling. Booker’s promotion has often welcomed stars from WWE NXT in an example of the proverbial ‘forbidden door.’ In February 2023, ROW reached a partnership with WWE NXT that has seen gold brand performers add some star power to shows. Ivy Nile, who was an NXT Superstar at the time, appeared at an event later that same month. In July, Trick Williams appeared for Reality of Wrestling.

Trick Williams’ emotional victory at NXT Spring Breakin’ Night One was the culmination of years of fighting, the new NXT Champion has said. 

Williams captured the gold at NXT Spring Breakin (Night One) with a main event victory over Ilja Dragunov. This match was a rematch from their previous showdown at NXT Vengeance Day. The stakes were high for the match, as Trick had vowed to leave NXT if he came up short against the Mad Dragon.

When WWE’s camera crew caught up to Trick, the new NXT Champion was understandably excited about the win.

“It means the world to me man, I have been fighting a long time for this, this is a testament of hardwork. I have been fighting for this and I come from fighters. I have been fighting my whole life.

Williams also gave a shout-out to his mother who’s currently fighting her own battle in hospital and mentioned his brother who’s been fighting for a long time as well. 

“My mamma’s fighting right now, she is in the hospital, my brother has been fighting for a long time it’s all good, so I just did this, it’s not just for me, it’s for everybody, people who love me, the people for having my back for a long time, they taught me how to fight and I am gonna keep fighting, I am never gonna stop fighting, believe that.”

Williams’ win is a feel-good moment, especially as he’s the most popular star in WWE NXT and one of the most popular stars in the entire company. The question now though is what will his reign on top look like. With Dragunov expected to be moved to the main roster in the upcoming draft, Trick will now have to cement his reign as NXT Champion without one of the best in the world by his side. 

Fans attending the May 1, episode of AEW Dynamite are in for a treat as they’ll get to see the return of none other than Kenny Omega. 

On Twitter, the Canada Life Centre confirmed the news that Omega will be at the upcoming show in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It’s fitting that Omega will be at AEW’s upcoming event in the Great White North given that he is from Winnipeg. 

WINNIPEG… we have a secret ? We will be seeing Kenny Omega at AEW in Winnipeg on May 1!
?? Get your tickets now at https://t.co/z5nQPtaklJ pic.twitter.com/XoWUHDV5sM

— Canada Life Centre (@CanadaLifeCtr) April 23, 2024

Omega has been out of action since late 2023 with diverticulitis. The condition affects the large intestine and causes abdominal pain, which is why Omega mistook his situation for a hernia at first. It can be caused by diverticula, which are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system.

The big question for Omega is whether he’ll undergo surgery to deal with his diverticulitis. Doing so will extend how long he is out of action and he has already been out for months. On the plus side, going under the knife will decrease the risk of this issue happening again. Ultimately, Omega will have to weigh up what he thinks is in his best interest both in terms of his health and on a professional level. 

This isn’t the first time that Omega has been advertised for an event in his native Canada during his absence from AEW. While Omega was advertised for an event in March 2024, Tony Khan made clear that fans shouldn’t have expected him at the show. Sure enough, AEW’s recent tapings in Canada came and went without the AEW EVP. 

More on Kenny Omega

Here are some recent articles about Kenny Omega and what the former AEW World Champion has had to say during his break from the ring: 

The days of wrestlers having to wait at home after being released from WWE may be over following a landmark ban on non-compete agreements. 

The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to implement a ban on noncompete agreements for all workers, with these new rules set to come into place within the next 120 days. This could be a milestone change for WWE, who use non-compete clauses that range between 30 to 90 days when a talent is released. 

These clauses essentially mean that the ‘buzz’ around a wrestler cools down after they are released. Rather than a WWE release generating excitement by showing up in AEW or TNA mere days after being cut, they’re forced to wait for months doing nothing in wrestling as the business moves forward. 

BREAKING: The FTC just banned non-compete agreements.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a final rule making it illegal for bosses to make workers sign noncompetes in any scenario, and voiding nearly all existing noncompetes.

This is a game changer for American workers. pic.twitter.com/9n1tJWpQl4

— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) April 23, 2024

While this ban is a huge victory for workers, it remains unclear how it’ll impact those in the wrestling business. Several promotions classify their talent as “independent contractors” rather than typical employees. If this ban does affect professional wrestling, then it’ll mark a massive victory for the wrestlers and quite a blow to how WWE conducts business. 

The FTC and WWE are no strangers. Last year, the FTC approved the merger of WWE and UFC into TKO Group Holdings. This massive deal has led to a promotional crossover between the two sides with WWE talent being spotted at UFC events and vice versa. The two companies will grow even closer later this year when an upcoming NXT event is hosted at a UFC venue. 

The AEW career of Paige VanZant is well and truly over despite her profile still being listed on the promotion’s website. 

VanZant was a high-profile arrival in AEW when she debuted for the promotion in 2021, but it has been a long time since fans last saw the MMA fighter. As Dave Meltzer disclosed on Wrestling Observer Radio, her time with AEW has ended despite her presence on the active roster website. 

“No [she’s not with AEW.] Even though she’s still on the roster she’s not with AEW anymore.”

When asked why VanZant left, Meltzer explained that the fighter decided that wrestling was not for her. 

“She decided she didn’t want to be a wrestler. If she wanted to be a wrestler she’d still be there.”

VanZant’s one and only match for All Elite Wrestling came at Double or Nothing 2022. At the event, she, Ethan Page, and Scorpio Sky defeated Tay Melo (Tay Conti at the time), Sammy Guevara, and Frankie Kazarian. 

Wrestling & MMA Crossover

While wrestling wasn’t in the cards for Paige VanZant, several names from the world of MMA and UFC have had successful, lengthy careers in the squared circle. 

Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey would both headline WWE WrestleMania after establishing their dominance in the Octagon first (though in Brock’s case, he’d headline WrestleMania before and after UFC.) 

While her AEW run may have been brief, VanZant left an impact during her run and fans will be eager to see where she appears next, whether it be in or out of professional wrestling. 

Xyon Quinn & Von Wagner’s time with WWE ended after being evaluated for their work (or lack thereof) on the promotion’s main roster. 

The two wrestlers were among those cut by WWE as part of the first wave of talent releases since the launch of the new era. Quinn and Wagner were joined on the proverbial chopping block by Jinder Mahal, Veer Mahaan, Sanga, and Xia Li.

Reasons for Release

Quinn and Wagner had been making waves as part of WWE NXT, but that wasn’t taken into consideration when the promotion decided to release them. Dave Meltzer reports that the pair were considered to be main roster talent when WWE was reevaluating its rosters. Since these so-called main roster talents were not being used on the main roster, the decision was made the “dump” the pair of Superstars. 

Despite being best known for their runs in WWE NXT, both Wagner and Quinn had sporadic runs on the main roster. Wagner (under his real name Cal Bloom) would be used as enhancement talent on Raw and SmackDown in 2020 and, as Wagner,  appeared on WWE Main Event years later. 

Quinn similarly was used as an enhancement talent on the main roster before he was brought into WWE NXT. Like Wagner, he had been making appearances on WWE Main Event before being released. His final match outside NXT was on the March 1, 2024, SmackDown in a decisive loss to Bron Breakker. 

If Wagner and Quinn were indeed considered main roster talent, then they are likely subject to a main roster non-compete clause. While NXT talent only have to wait 30 days after being cut, those on the main roster have to wait 90 days. This means those released will be free agents in late July 2024. 

What’s Next for Those Released?

Here are some articles revealing what those cut from WWE can look forward to after being released by the promotion:

One lucky WWE fan could soon be in possession of a new Ford F-150 truck, courtesy of none other than Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. 

Taking to Twitter, the Final Boss shared the giveaway in association with his ZOA Energy line of beverages. Fans hoping to win the ‘People’s Truck’ need to scan the in-store QR code at a 7-11 store near them to be in for a chance at winning. Not only is The Rock giving away the car, but the Brahma Bull has a “cool idea” of how he plans to deliver the truck to the winner. 

Yo I want you to WIN this insane brand new MANGO SPLASH WRAPPED FORD F-150 ????

BIG DWAYNE ENERGY = BIG ZOA GIVEAWAY!
To celebrate our @ZOAEnergy Mango Splash flavor, exclusively sold at @7eleven stores in the US, I’m giving away this – one of one – Ford F-150 Raptor

Head… pic.twitter.com/2JP42CX6zi

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 21, 2024

This giveaway is hardly the first sign of generosity from the TKO board member/WrestleMania headliner. In June of last year, The Rock bought a home for WWE’s Tamina Snuka, and has previously bought a car and other massive purchases for his mom. Last September, he ensured that a fan who a U.S. serviceman who received a fake autograph received a genuine one, among other gifts. More recently, The Rock gave big to the foundation of a couple that lost their young daughter to cancer. 

The Rock may be focused on his ZOA beverage range right now, but the Final Boss still has an eye on the world of WWE. During the post-WrestleMania Raw, The Rock confronted Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and made clear that he’ll be back and is coming for the American Nightmare. A match between the two is expected with some speculating it could be later this year. 

What’s New with The Rock? 

Here are some recent articles about Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and what the Final Boss has been up to as of late: 

It isn’t Bill Goldberg’s place to comment on the scandal surrounding Vince McMahon but he believes that the new leadership in WWE is for the better. 

McMahon stepped down from WWE & TKO in January 2024 over the shocking allegations in Janel Grant’s lawsuit. McMahon has denied the allegations against him and has vowed to clear his name in court. 

Speaking to 93.7 The Ticket, Goldberg was asked for his thoughts on the allegations against McMahon. The WWE Hall of Famer was quick to make clear that it wasn’t his place to weigh in on the claims Grant has made. 

“The allegations and the things that have come to the forefront over the past six months or a year, I have no comment on it. It’s not my place.”

McMahon’s exit has seen a new ‘era’ in WWE launch, one that has been well-received by fans and those in the industry. In the interview, Goldberg agreed that audiences are doing well with McMahon out of the picture. 

“I think that the current owners of the WWE are going to make decisions based upon what they believe, and I think the decisions they have made have been favorable to the masses.”

McMahon is no longer with WWE and appears ready to break from TKO Group Holdings completely. The ex-CEO recently listed his remaining stock in TKO for sale after months of selling huge chunks of his portfolio in the company.

As for Goldberg, WWE’s new era will seemingly not involve the two-time former Universal Champion. Goldberg recently gave up his pursuit of a final match. The WCW alum had been seeking one last match after his WWE contract ended in late 2022. 

Wrestlers on Vince McMahon’s Resignation

Here are some  articles about wrestlers and what they have had to say in response to the lawsuit against Vince McMahon: 

H/T – Fightful