SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • WWE Changed Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania Plans Due to Ronda Rousey

    WWE Changed Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania Plans Due to Ronda Rousey

    WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will defend her title at WrestleMania 39 against Asuka, but this is not the match WWE had planned for the EST.

    Belair’s reign as Raw Women’s Champion began at WrestleMania 38 last April, and the popular Superstar’s reign is the second longest in history (behind Becky Lynch.)

    Asuka, a former Raw Women’s Champion in her own right, earned the title match by winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber match earlier this month.

    Change of Plans

    While Asuka and Belair are more than capable of an exceptional match this April, this isn’t what WWE had planned.

    Initial plans for WrestleMania 39 saw Belair defending her title against Charlotte Flair, according to a report from Fightful Select.

    Those plans changed when Ronda Rousey informed WWE of plans to take January off, and thus Flair was brought back from her hiatus earlier than planned.

    Flair’s return saw the Queen capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Rousey on the final SmackDown of 2022, and the Belair match nixed.

    Charlotte Flair will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39 against 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.

    Rousey at WrestleMania

    With Rousey out of the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championship pictures, there has been speculation about what she will do at WrestleMania 39.

    It has been reported that WWE’s plan is for Rousey and Shayna Baszler to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships this April.

    A match between the MMA fighters and Damage CTRL is interesting, given that the trio of Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY are expected to face Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus and Lita at WrestleMania 39.

    Lita and Lynch will challenge Kai and SKY for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on tonight’s episode of Raw.

    Former WWE Writer Discusses Bianca Belair First Year on Main Roster
  • Former WWE Announcer Makes Ring of Honor Debut at Latest Tapings

    Former WWE Announcer Makes Ring of Honor Debut at Latest Tapings

    Ring of Honor pulled out all the stops to make their return to TV tapings something to remember, including bringing in a veteran of WWE.

    This past weekend saw Ring of Honor tape their first show since being purchased by AEW President Tony Khan just under a year ago.

    The first episode of the ROH tapings will premiere this coming Thursday on March 2.

    Tony Chimel

    Over the weekend, ROH taped across both Saturday and Sunday, with the second night featuring the ROH debut of Tony Chimel.

    Chimel, best known for his time in WWE, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

    Despite being best known as a ring announcer, Chimel will not be resuming that role with Ring of Honor, as ROH veteran Bobby Cruise is still on duty for the show.

    Chimel in WWE

    Chimel spent 38 years with WWE as a ring announcer before being released from his contract in 2020.

    It was Chimel who was the ring announcer for the very first episode of SmackDown in 1999 and would defeat Howard Finkel in a tuxedo match that same year to become the show’s full-time announcer.

    Though not a wrestler, Chimel would have the occasional brush with talent, including Mr. Kennedy, who would be irate with how Chimel pronounced his name.

    On the December 22, 2006, SmackDown, Chimel’s enthusiastic call for the Boogeyman would catch the attention of the bizarre Superstar, who forced worms into the announcer’s mouth.

    In 2015, Chimel transitioned to just announcing at house shows but would appear during Beth Phoenix’s 2017 Hall of Fame speech to deliver his infamous voice-cracking introduction of Edge.

    In his later years with WWE, Chimel worked backstage as a production manager and part of the ring crew before his release.

    Former WWE Announcer Tony Chimel Now Works For Trader Joe’s
  • Jim Ross Recalls Jeff Hardy Being Difficult to “Totally Trust” in WWE

    Jim Ross Recalls Jeff Hardy Being Difficult to “Totally Trust” in WWE

    AEW commentator Jim Ross has said that WWE often struggled to “totally trust” Jeff Hardy due to his personal demons.

    Jeff’s problems with substances, which have led to several arrests, have been well-documented, and have followed the veteran across multiple promotions.

    Last June, Hardy was arrested and charged with his third DUI in a decade, but the charge has been dropped due to a faulty breathalyzer result.

    Trust

    Hardy’s personal demons have not stopped the ‘Charismatic Enigma’ from becoming one of the most popular stars in the history of wrestling.

    In WWE, Hardy was never turned heel, though such a turn was briefly teased in 2003 before his release from the company.

    Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross explained why WWE opted not to make Hardy a heel.

    “I don’t know if he’s too big [of a merch mover]. I think maybe, my guess on this question would be another one with reliability issues. How far do you go with someone that you don’t totally trust?”

    Jim Ross.

    Ross added that any major plans for Hardy at the time were always seen through this ‘can we trust him’ lens, and said that at the time, the answer was “no.”

    Hardy would turn heel as part of TNA Wrestling years later, but has remained a face in WWE through his multiple runs with the company.

    Make Yourself Famous

    In 2002, WWE tried to show Hardy they had faith in him (and encourage him to change his ways,) by giving him a prominent feud with The Undertaker.

    To this day, their ladder match on the July 1, 2002, episode of Raw, is considered one of the best Raw matches ever, and Ross remembers it fondly.

    “He’s one of my favorite talents to call matches for. I remember the match that he and Taker had. I said something like climb the ladder and make yourself famous or something to that effect. And I just admired his work so much, I adored it.“

    Jim Ross.

    Despite this show of good faith by WWE, Hardy would not get a handle on his problems, and would be gone from the company less than a year later.

    Matt Hardy on Jeff: ‘He’s committed himself to getting better’
    h/t – ITR Wrestling
  • Retailer Lists Upcoming Release Date for AEW Fight Forever

    Retailer Lists Upcoming Release Date for AEW Fight Forever

    AEW fans and gamers may be mere weeks away from finally getting their hands on AEW’s first console video game: Fight Forever.

    Following on from mobile games AEW Elite: GM, and AEW Casino: Double or Nothing, Fight Forever was first announced in late 2020.

    For many on the roster, AEW Fight Forever will mark their gaming debuts as playable characters.

    Release Date

    Despite hopes for an early 2022 release, fans are still yet to get their hands on the game, with the only playable versions being featured at conventions.

    This week, Best Buy listed AEW Fight Forever with a release date of March 31.

    While this date could change, it is the first official release date that the much-anticipated game has seen in some time.

    Currently, Amazon is listing the release date as December 31, 2023, and the game has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

    What We Know So Far

    While AEW Fight Forever is still yet to reach shelves, plenty is known already about the game.

    The game will feature a “deep career mode,” according to Evil Uno and Colt Cabana, who spoke about the project at Gamescon in Cologne, Germany last year.

    Online play will be a “big part” of the game, which will feature AEW staples including the Casino Ladder match and the Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match.

    AEW Fight Forever will release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch.

    CM Punk Seemingly Replaced on the AEW Fight Forever Video Game Cover
  • Dax Harwood Fires Back at AEW Over Being Snubbed – References Contract Ending

    Dax Harwood Fires Back at AEW Over Being Snubbed – References Contract Ending

    Dax Harwood has teased leaving All Elite Wrestling within a matter of weeks after being snubbed by the promotion following the Wrestling Observer’s awards.

    Harwood, alongside Cash Wheeler, joined AEW in 2020, one month after being granted their release from WWE.

    The former Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Tag Team Champions signed over their considerable down-side guarantees in order to be released without a non-compete clause in effect.

    In AEW, the pair are former AEW World Tag Champions and have also held tag gold for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and AAA.

    The Snub

    This week, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter shared its annual awards, and there were a lot of victories for the stars of AEW.

    On Twitter, the official AEW account congratulated several AEW stars, including Bryan Danielson for the Best Technician, and MJF for Most Charismatic.

    Tony Khan also received a celebratory tweet for winning Best Booker for the third year in a row, and Promoter of the Year for the fourth time.

    FTR, who won Tag Team of the Year, did not receive such a congratulatory message, something Harwood vented about in a tweet of his own.

    Winning the Tag Team of the Year award wasn’t FTR’s only accolade, as the pair were part of the Feud of the Year with the Briscoes.

    While this award was referenced by AEW, their tweet congratulated Dem Boys for the win, with no mention of FTR.

    April

    In his tweet, Harwood referenced the month of April, which is believed to be when FTR’s contracts with AEW expire.

    On his FTR podcast, Harwood has spoken in the past about possibly leaving AEW, and admits that it could happen.

    Harwood has also claimed that what comes next for FTR will likely be the final chapter of their wrestling careers as a tag team.

    Vince McMahon Once Called an FTR Match the Worst Thing He’s Ever Seen
  • “The Right Call” – AEW Star Defends Sami Zayn’s Loss at WWE Elimination Chamber

    “The Right Call” – AEW Star Defends Sami Zayn’s Loss at WWE Elimination Chamber

    Should Sami Zayn have captured the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship last week at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event?

    Over the past year, Zayn, who always had a devoted fanbase, has become one of WWE’s most popular stars in recent memory, thanks to his work with the Bloodline.

    At last weekend’s event, Zayn came up short against Roman Reigns, in the Canadian’s first one-on-one World Championship opportunity at a Premium Live Event.

    The Right Call

    Given Zayn’s immense popularity, and the fact that WWE Elimination Chamber was in Montreal, many have said that a title change should have happened.

    WWE evidently felt differently, and at this time, the main event of WrestleMania 39 will see Cody Rhodes challenge Reigns for the title.

    During the latest episode of his Extreme Life podcast, AEW’s Matt Hardy justified the booking decision.

    “Cody has been an investment by WWE. Obviously, he was an investment when you saw that he had that injury and he still went into Hell in the Cell and he defeated Seth Rollins three matches straight. It was very obvious they had big plans for Cody Rhodes.”

    “I think it’s the right move and I don’t think it hurts Sami one bit.”

    Matt Hardy.

    “Let him be the guy to defeat Roman, I think that’s the way to go. I think it’s the right move and I don’t think it hurts Sami one bit. If anything, that loss elevated Sami. It didn’t hurt him. It helped him. Also, you have a built-in competitor for Cody down the road with Sami.”

    Hardy added that Sami is a “legitimate world champion level contender,” and reiterated that the loss in Montreal was the “right call.”

    What’s Next for Sami Zayn?

    While Sami Zayn will not be in the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship picture at WrestleMania, he may still leave with gold.

    It is rumored that Zayn will team with Kevin Owens this April to challenge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos.

    Given Zayn’s popularity, there is a possibility that this match could headline Night One of WrestleMania, though nothing has been publicly confirmed at this time.

    Eric Bischoff Compares Sami Zayn to Respected Veteran

    h/t – WrestlingNews

  • Andrade El Idolo and Others React to Dominik Mysterio Smooth Talking Charlotte Flair on WWE SmackDown

    Andrade El Idolo and Others React to Dominik Mysterio Smooth Talking Charlotte Flair on WWE SmackDown

    Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley have proven to be quite the duo on WWE programming, and have caught the attention of those outside of the promotion.

    In the run-up to WWE Clash at the Castle, Ripley repeatedly targeted Dominik, who at the time was aligned with his father Rey Mysterio and Edge.

    After turning on his father and the Hall of Famer, Dominik and Ripley have been inseparable and have appeared together both at WWE events and away from the ring.

    Reactions

    During this week’s SmackDown, Dominik made a rare appearance on the blue brand to confront Charlotte Flair, who’ll defend the Women’s Title against Ripley at WrestleMania 39.

    Mysterio went on about how he and Flair were both generational superstars, that they often get compared to their fathers but surpass them anyway

    When Dominik tried to smooth talk the record-breaking champion, Flair was quick to shut him down, saying that she “has a real Latino man at home that calls me mami.”

    On Twitter, Ripley’s real-life boyfriend, AEW star Buddy Matthews, reminded fans that ‘Mami’ has her own ‘Papi.’

    Flair’s reference to her husband Andrade El Idolo, did not go unnoticed by the former NXT Champion, who reacted on Twitter with a single emoji.

    Charlotte’s father Ric Flair also reacted to Dominik’s smooth-talking and encouraged the Judgment Day member to steer clear.

    Ripley, the first woman to win the Women’s Royal Rumble from #1, will challenge Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39.

    Charlotte Flair on What Kept Her Away from WWE, Nacho Libre Officiating Her Wedding

  • WWE Expected to Pursue Several Top AEW Stars This Year

    WWE Expected to Pursue Several Top AEW Stars This Year

    WWE will seek out the very top names from All Elite Wrestling to add to their roster over the next 12 months, it has been claimed.

    Since AEW was founded in 2019, Tony Khan’s promotion has welcomed plenty of former Superstars, thanks in part to WWE’s mass layoffs of talent.

    FTR, Miro, Andrade El Idolo and Bryan Danielson are just some of the names in AEW who were calling WWE home not too long ago,

    Go Hard

    The next 12 months will see several current AEW deals expire, with World Champion MJF openly teasing leaving the promotion in January 2024.

    FTR, who are currently taking a break from AEW, are also expected to have their deals expire within a matter of months.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that a lot of “key deals” will expire this year, and WWE is going to “go hard at everyone good.”

    On the flip side, Meltzer added that there are a lot of WWE contracts ending this year, and AEW will likely make a play for some names.

    With that said, it was added that right now the “perception” of WWE talent is to not go to AEW, despite the company’s lighter schedule.

    AEW experienced several setbacks in 2022, at a time when the WWE product was noticeably improving under Triple H’s leadership.

    Cody Rhodes

    While AEW is home to some WWE alum, the biggest move saw Cody Rhodes part ways with Tony Khan to return to WWE last year.

    On his show, Meltzer added that Cody’s treatment since returning to WWE could prove to be an incentive for others to jump ship.

    Speaking about Kenny Omega, whose AEW contract is expected to end in late 2023, Meltzer said that Khan losing Omega would be “really, really bad.”

    It was noted that Omega is in a “very good position” as both AEW will offer him a lot to stay, and WWE will offer him plenty to join them.

    Details on Jon Moxley’s 5-Year AEW Contract Extension
  • Drew McIntyre is “Already” a Better Boxer than Jake Paul After One Training Session

    Drew McIntyre is “Already” a Better Boxer than Jake Paul After One Training Session

    Jake Paul may not be a WWE Superstar just yet, but that hasn’t stopped Drew McIntyre from calling him out.

    Paul’s brother Logan made his in-ring debut at last year’s WrestleMania, and has impressed fans with his ability in the ring.

    For his Crown Jewel match with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Logan recruited his brother, but the pair failed to dethrone the Tribal Chief.

    McIntyre Vs. Paul

    Away from YouTube, Jake Paul has been making a name for himself in the world, of boxing, earning victories over YouTuber AnEsonGib, NBA star Nate Robinson and former MMA fighters Ben Askren.

    Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva have also fallen to Jake Paul, but these wins haven’t impressed WWE’s Scottish Warrior.

    This week, McIntyre joined Sheamus for an episode of Celtic Warrior Workouts, which saw them train with three-time world kickboxing champion Bernard “Swiftkick” Robinson.

    Sharing the video on social media, McIntyre took aim at Paul saying that he was already a better boxer after one training session.

    Sheamus responded to McIntyre’s bold claim and encouraged WWE to book the match.

    Jake Paul’s next fight will take place today when he faces off against Tommy Fury, the brother of lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

    Jake Paul in WWE

    After the success of Logan Paul in WWE, it isn’t hard to see why some believe Jake could join the promotion.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Jake said he would consider joining WWE, but is concerned about the risk it could have on his boxing career.

    “I’m down. I just don’t want to get injured. My brother tore his MCL; it’s crazy out there. So, I just don’t want it to derail my boxing and all that, but I’m down.

    “I love WWE. I love working with my brother. So that would definitely be something that could be on the horizon, for sure.”

    Jake Paul.

    As for Logan Paul, he is expected to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 39 this April.

    Jake Paul: “I’d Love to Have Paul Heyman in my Corner”

    h/t – Fightful

  • The Undertaker is No Longer the Highest-Ranked Character in a WWE Video Game

    The Undertaker is No Longer the Highest-Ranked Character in a WWE Video Game

    WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker may have plenty of accolades to his name, but the Phenom recently lost his top spot in the annals of WWE’s gaming history.

    At Survivor Series 2020, the Undertaker gave his ‘Final Farewell’ and retired from the ring after an iconic three-decade career in WWE.

    The Texan was rightfully inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, and has made appearances out of his gothic persona for WWE since his retirement.

    Gaming History

    As one of the most iconic WWE Superstars of all time, it is hardly surprising that The Undertaker has been part of several WWE video games.

    The Demon of Death Valley holds the record for appearing in the most officially licensed WWE games, with his first being WWF Super WrestleMania (NES & MegaDrive/Genesis) in 1992.

    Since then, The Undertaker has appeared in a total 64 video games (if you include WWE 2K23) and has featured on the cover for 18 games.

    Acknowledge Him

    For WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2011, WWE ranked The Undertaker with a staggering 98 rating, the highest rating of any WWE Superstar in gaming history.

    After over a decade though, that rating has now been superseded, as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns has been awarded a 99 rating for WWE 2K23.

    Reigns, one of two men to defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania, has appeared in 10 WWE games, as well as NCAA Football 2005.

    The standard edition of WWE 2K23 is set for release on March 17 and will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Microsoft Windows.

    Players who pre-order the Deluxe and Icon Editions of the game will have access from March 14 to get in on the action early.

    The Undertaker: I Wish I Could Work A Program With Roman Reigns
  • GUNTHER To Receive Huge Main Event World Championship Push in 2023?

    GUNTHER To Receive Huge Main Event World Championship Push in 2023?

    GUNTHER has dominated as the WWE Intercontinental Champion for over 250 days, but the Austrian’s future could be in the title picture of a bigger prize?

    Called up to the main roster in early 2022, GUNTHER captured the Intercontinental Championship in June, dethroning Ricochet.

    Recently, the leader of Imperium broke the record for the longest reign as Intercontinental Champion of the 21st Century.

    World Title Aspirations

    GUNTHER has shown no sign of ending his title reign prematurely, but bigger things may be in his future.

    Speaking to Louis Dangoor of GiveMeSport, the Wrestle Votes account shared that GUNTHER’s work is loved by all the right people backstage.

    “Triple H loves him. They all love him ever since he came into his own at Clash at the Castle. I’m not just talking about Triple H, Road Dogg is big on him, Jason Jordan really likes him.”

    Wrestle Votes.

    Wrestle Votes added that fans shouldn’t be surprised to see GUNTHER with some World Championship gold over the next 12 months.

    “Once WWE gets two World titles, you double the amount of people in the main event. Gunther is ready to step up. I expect by the summer to see him at the top of the card. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins a World title. He might be next in line.”

    Wrestle Votes.

    WWE has been considering a new World Championship or splitting the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for some time.

    Not long after Roman Reigns unified the two titles at WrestleMania 38, it was reported that the USA Network was unhappy with how the World Champion rarely appeared on Raw.

    GUNTHER’s Immediate Future

    While GUNTHER could end 2023 as a World Champion, the Austrian powerhouse has more immediate concerns.

    Next month, a battle royal inside Madison Square Garden will decide GUNTHER’s challenger at WrestleMania 39.

    The match will feature eight former Intercontinental Champions as well as eight former WWE World Champions.

    It has been reported that GUNTHER Vs. Drew McIntyre Vs. Sheamus is the plan for WrestleMania 39.

    Triple H Praises “Incredible” GUNTHER After Record-Breaking Rumble Performance

    h/t – NoDQ.com

  • Pat McAfee Reacts to Winning WON’s Worst Wrestling Match of 2022 Award

    Pat McAfee Reacts to Winning WON’s Worst Wrestling Match of 2022 Award

    Pat McAfee may have won over fans with his enthusiastic commentary as part of WWE SmackDown, but his second match at WrestleMania 38 left a lot to be desired.

    Last April, McAfee competed at his first WrestleMania, defeating Austin Theory who had been accompanied by Mr. McMahon.

    In an impromptu match, McMahon defeated McAfee, thanks to interference by Theory.

    All three men would receive stunners by ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin to end the segment.

    Worst. Match. Ever!

    Given that he was facing a 76-year-old man, McAfee’s bout with McMahon was far from a five-star classic.

    In the recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards, fans voted the match as the worst bout of 2022, beating Ric Flair’s Final match from July by over 250 votes.

    On Twitter, McAfee reacted to his ‘win,’ and is pleased that he got to experience WrestleMania as a wrestler.

    Well… Me and Vince McMahon’s match at WrestleMania has officially been named ‘Worst (nonsanctioned) match of the year’ 

    The old man was MUCH stronger than anybody could’ve imagined.. Caught me off guard quite a bit (and I was Cheap Shotted to start it all).. Fun Fact.. The 1st time Steve gave Vince a stunner was in 1997… I was 10 years old, from a working class community, and it made me fall in love with the business. Wonder if it would be magical to get one last BAHGAWD in Stone Cold’s State? But… How do we get there? OHHHH.. He has to abuse his power a little bit… ohhhhhh

    When I was invited back in the ring.. I thought I was gonna get to celebrate Stone Cold finally ending the run with Vince.. ‘The Common Beer Drinking Employee’ has finally put the old ‘Power abusing Billionaire Boss’ away.. I was LIVING A DREAM whilst they wrapped (in my opinion) the greatest/most impactful storyline in the history of wrestling. BUT… “NEVER TRUST THE TEXAS RATTLESNAKE PAT

    My brain may have been used during the planning of all of this.. So I appreciate the award.. obviously. I’m not a movie guy.. I didn’t watch shows.. I don’t play video games.. From an entertainment standpoint.. Football and Wrestling are literally the only 2 things I’ve ever consistently watched/loved for my whole life. Cheers to you all. I’ll remember that night, in Jerry World, forever. WHADDDD”

    Other nominees for Worst Match of 2022 included the 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble, the All Out 2022 Casino Royale Ladder Match, and Tyrus’ NWA World Championship victory.

    What’s Next for Pat?

    At the Royal Rumble, McAfee made a one-night return to the commentary table, as he has spent months with ESPN’s College GameDay.

    After not appearing on SmackDown since then, McAfee took to Twitter to reflect on his future with the promotion.

    In the said tweet, Pat questioned whether he would be willing to work with WWE’s potential new owners, but did not name which names listed as possible buyers would make him reconsider his position.

    Pat McAfee Was Originally Supposed to Return in WWE Royal Rumble Match
  • WWE Senior Vice President Terminated Over HR Violation

    WWE Senior Vice President Terminated Over HR Violation

    WWE’s corporate world has seen a lot of changes over the past month, and now one Senior Vice President is no longer with the promotion.

    In January, Vince McMahon made his shocking return to WWE, following his retirement in July 2022 over alleged activity with female employees.

    McMahon’s return coincided with the resignation of his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, who had been appointed Chairwoman following Vince’s departure.

    Vince’s return also resulted in several resignations from WWE’s Board of Directors, including Man Jit Singh, who led the investigation into the billionaire’s alleged actions last year.

    Termination

    WWE has parted ways with James Kimball, once WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Operations and Strategy, Fightful Select has learned.

    It was said that an HR violation led to his immediate termination which took place last week.

    In an update, it was stressed that an HR violation is relatively broad and could mean a variety of things.

    Fightful stated that it could mean that no one else was directly affected by what he did which resulted in his termination.

    Kimball had been with the company for two years, working on the NIL program, among other projects, and had spent a decade with the UFC.

    The former SVP worked closely with Triple H during his tenure and only recently was speaking to free agents about joining the promotion.

    Fightful clarified that Kimball’s termination was not a case of Vince McMahon making a firing upon his return to the promotion.

    Reaction

    Several WWE Superstars, as well as some UFC fighters, reached out to Fightful to say that they were surprised by his departure.

    One talent said that they were “shocked” that Kimball was out, while several others inquired about the details behind the move.

    Another wrestler stated that there was a time when it appeared that Kimball would be with WWE for years, if not decades to come.

    Ex-WWE Champion Praises “Really Good Person” Stephanie McMahon After Resignation
  • Pat McAfee Uncertain About WWE Future Amid Ongoing Sales Talks

    Pat McAfee Uncertain About WWE Future Amid Ongoing Sales Talks

    Pat McAfee has proven to be a hit with fans as part of the WWE SmackDown commentary team, but will a new owner push Pat out of the company?

    The former NFL punter began serving as a guest commentator for WWE NXT TakeOver events in 2018, before signing with the promotion the following February.

    In 2021, McAfee was moved to the SmackDown commentary table, but has been absent as of late due to his commitments to ESPN’s College Game Day.

    In addition to commentary, McAfee has had a handful of matches in WWE, with his most recent bout seeing him defeat Baron Corbin at Summerslam 2022.

    Unsure

    At the WWE 2023 Royal Rumble, McAfee made his surprise return to commentary but did not appear on the following edition of SmackDown.

    In a tweet, McAfee reflected on various parts of his life, including his role with WWE.

    The Smackdown commentator said that while he loves working for WWE, the possibility of a new owner could make him reconsider his position with the promotion.

    “Baby girl on the way… what’s that mean for my future with @WWE? I LOVE it but, they’re allegedly gonna be sold, who’s buying them? Do I want to work/make money for those people?”

    Pat McAfee.

    Other Plans

    Of course, WWE is just part of McAfee’s life, and he has various successful ventures away from the ring.

    Speaking about College Game Day, McAfee called it a “good time” but acknowledged that there was no long-term deal in place.

    McAfee also spoke about reports of a defamation lawsuit from Bret Farve, saying that he is “allegedly” being sued.

    Pat McAfee Was Originally Supposed to Return in WWE Royal Rumble Match
  • MJF’s AEW Dynamite Promo About Fiance Leaving Him Was Not a Work (Report)

    MJF’s AEW Dynamite Promo About Fiance Leaving Him Was Not a Work (Report)

    AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s recent comments about his engagement to Naomi Rosenblum being ended were not just part of the show during Dynamite.

    During Dynamite, MJF hyped up his upcoming title defense at AEW Revolution against Bryan Danielson, which will be the promotion’s first sixty-minute Iron Man match.

    The upcoming title defense will mark MJF’s first title defense on Pay-Per-View since capturing the AEW World Championship last November at Full Gear 2022.

    Ended Engagement

    During his promo on Dynamite, MJF called himself a guy who has got stranded by, and looked down upon by everyone he once looked up to.

    The Salt of the Earth added that he met a girl (Rosenblum) who was his only source of comfort, only for her to leave him as well.

    This comment left fans questioning whether their engagement has really ended, and both MJF and Rosenblum have unfollowed one another on Instagram.

    Taking to Twitter, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful confirmed that MJF’s comments about his engagement being ended by Rosenblum was honest.

    MJF and Rosenblum announced their engagement in September of last year, with the always-in-character AEW star saying that other women shouldn’t worry, and that “just cuz there’s a goalie doesn’t mean you can’t score.”

    What Else Was Said?

    In his promo, Friedman also addressed Bryan Danielson’s children, saying he would rip their father’s arm out of its socket and ensure he could never play with them again.

    He stated that during their Iron Man match, he would make sure that he could never use his arm to pick them up again and that he would also land multiple shots to his head as a present.

    Danielson interrupted the promo by taking MJF down, resulting in a brawl that had to be separated by referees and security guards.

    MJF Asked to Sign a Female Fan’s Chest – Hilarity Ensues (Watch)
  • GUNTHER to Face Battle Royal Winner at WWE MSG Event

    GUNTHER to Face Battle Royal Winner at WWE MSG Event

    20 Superstars, including eight former WWE World Champions, will look to earn a shot at GUNTHER’s Intercontinental Championship next month.

    Debuting on WWE’s main roster in early 2022, GUNTHER was a stand-out star of last year, and captured the Intercontinental Championship in June.

    Recently, the Austrian broke the record for the longest tenure in a traditional Royal Rumble match, reaching over 70 minutes and shattering the record set by Rey Mysterio in 2006.

    WWE has announced a special attraction match for the company’s upcoming return to Madison Square Garden:

    The names listed for the match are as follows:

    Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods,) Rey Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, Finn Balor, The Miz, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Johnny Gargano, Omos, Dexter Lumis, Bronson Reed, Rick Boogs, Santos Escobar, Braun Strowman, Ricochet, Baron Corbin and Karrion Kross.

    Out of the combatants, eight (McIntyre, Sheamus, Kingston, Mysterio, Lashley, Balor, Miz, and Strowman) have held World Championship gold on the main roster.

    Eight of the Superstars (McIntyre, Kingston, Mysterio, Lashley, Balor, Miz, Strowman, and Ricochet) are former WWE Intercontinental Champions.

  • Jon Moxley Makes History On AEW Dynamite with Latest Victory

    Jon Moxley Makes History On AEW Dynamite with Latest Victory

    Jon Moxley already has multiple records to his name in All Elite Wrestling, and now the Blackpool Combat Club member has another accolade.

    Since arriving in AEW in 2019, Moxley has become a staple of the brand and is seen as one of the most loyal stars the company employs.

    Despite plans for a vacation in late 2022, Moxley cut his time-away short to return following the suspension of CM Punk and the Elite following last year’s All Out

    New Record

    On this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite, Moxley defeated Evil Uno, dispatching of the Dark Order member with extreme brutality.

    With this win, Moxley has accomplished 100 victories in AEW, the first person in the company’s four-year history to do so.

    Post-match, Moxley refused to break the hold, which brought out Alex Reynolds and John Silver, and the former World Champion had backup with BCC member Claudio Castagnoli.

    It was the arrival of ‘Hangman’ Adam Page that escalated things, and the Cowboy pummeled Moxley, busting him open as the show went off the air.

    Page and Moxley will face off at AEW Revolution 2023 next week in a Texas Death Match.

    Record Breaker

    Achieving 100 wins on AEW programming is an impressive accolade, but is by no means Moxley’s only record.

    The former WWE Superstar also holds the record for the most reigns as AEW World Champion, holding the title three times (as well as one Interim title reign.)

    Moxley’s three title reigns have also given him the record for the most days as AEW World Champion, holding the title for a collective 347 days (406 days if you include the reign as Interim AEW World Champion.)

  • Latest on Vince McMahon’s Role with WWE Creative After Shock Return

    Latest on Vince McMahon’s Role with WWE Creative After Shock Return

    Is Vince McMahon secretly overseeing WWE’s Creative department now that he is back with the promotion?

    Following the billionaire’s retirement last July over misconduct allegations and ‘hush-money’ payouts, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque was appointed the new Head of Creative.

    It was days later that the Game was appointed WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Lauriniatis who was dismissed from the company for his alleged role in the McMahon scandal.

    Creative Return

    Upon his return to WWE in January 2023, the company frequently told a concerned roster that McMahon was back solely to find a new owner of the promotion.

    It was stressed that McMahon would not be resuming his role as part of WWE’s creative team, though a WWE talent who spoke to Sean Ross Sapp has said they believe McMahon is back in creative.

    Sapp later shared his own belief that McMahon is not back in charge of Creative, nor does he have a role in the department, stating:

    “There are a lot of people that believe that Vince can’t help himself but that’s a lot different than saying well he’s back in creative and he’s definitely guiding this creative. I don’t believe he’s guiding this creative.

    “people say ‘Oh, what makes you think that?’ Cause we’re not seeing the same match every week. I don’t think Vince would be able to help himself but to do the same matches every week. That was the most identifying booking point of Vince.”

    Sean Ross Sapp.

    The Update

    In an update from Fightful Select, it was noted that when Sapp reached out to several members of Creative they hadn’t heard anything about Vince being back on the team.

    Some of the sources asked for Sapp to inform them if he learns that McMahon is back with the creative team, but nothing has been confirmed so far.

    Sapp added that McMahon does have “input” on creative, something Triple H has informed talent, but it is not in any official capacity with the promotion.

    Speaking about the initial source, who remains nameless at this time, Sapp said that this member of talent said that they were told Vince is back and there is another power struggle, but nobody would confirm it.

    WWE did not respond when Sapp asked for a comment, but a higher-up in the company told him that the tweet above was “absolutely false.”

    Sean Ross Sapp added that the source who has claimed McMahon is back in Creative has been honest in the past.

    In an update, Wade Keller of PW Torch flat-out refuted the claim that McMahon has a role with WWE’s Creative team.

    WWE Makes Hidden Reference to Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw
  • WWE Superstar Sonya Deville Announces Engagement

    WWE Superstar Sonya Deville Announces Engagement

    Sonya Deville may not have had the best of luck on WWE TV as of late, but the Superstar’s personal life has never been better.

    Last year saw Deville’s tenure as an authority figure come to an end, and the former MMA fighter has resumed her role as a full-time member of the WWE roster.

    Recently, Deville tried (in vain) to dethrone Charlotte Flair and capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship, which would have been Deville’s first taste of WWE gold if successful.

    Engagement

    Speaking to People, Deville broke the news of her engagement to girlfriend Toni Cassano, as the wrestler popped the question on February 15, at a wine cellar cave in Towaco, New Jersey.

    Deville with understandably excited to speak about the proposal, and add that Cassano had been waiting for the right moment herself.

    “I proposed, then Toni’s like: ‘Grab my purse.’ And she pulls out a freaking ring box, and she’s like: ‘I’ve been carrying this around in my purse for four months. So whenever you proposed, I could give you a ring immediately back.’”

    Sonya Deville.

    Deville began dating Cassano last April, and the pair first met at a WWE event.

    “I got her a front-row ticket to my show, and I was going to take her out to dinner after. But I didn’t have time to meet her before the show, so the first time I ever saw Toni was when I was coming out doing my entrance ready to wrestle and I looked into the crowd.”

    Sonya Deville.

    While the pair first locked eyes at a WWE event in April, Cassano wouldn’t see her future bride emerge victorious, as Deville was winless at WWE shows for the entire month.

    Deville went on to say that Cassano’s two daughters also played a role in the proposal.

     “I wanted to make it something that they were super involved in,” she says. “But I also wanted them to be surprised because I wanted them to have a memorable moment too.”

    Sonya Deville.

    Coming Out

    It was during 2015’s edition of WWE Tough Enough that Deville was asked if she had a boyfriend, and publicly came out as lesbian.

    The first and to date only openly lesbian WWE Superstar, Deville told People about how much has changed for her since she came out.

    “It’s so cool to me to be in this position right now, to be engaged as a gay female in the WWE, and to have proposed to my fiancée.

    “I look back at seven years ago, eight years ago when I wasn’t even openly out yet, and I was hiding relationships, and I was still trying to figure out my comfortability with being gay and who I was.”

    Sonya Deville.
    Sonya Deville Suffers Facial Injury at WWE Pensacola Live Event

    We here at SEScoops would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sonya and Toni at this joyous time.

  • Rumor Killer on Trish Stratus’ Nixed Segment on WWE Monday Night Raw

    Rumor Killer on Trish Stratus’ Nixed Segment on WWE Monday Night Raw

    Trish Stratus did not appear on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, but some reports regarding what happened backstage have been greatly exaggerated.

    The seven-time WWE Women’s Champion was scheduled to be on this week’s Raw as part of an edition of Bayley’s talk show Ding Dong Hello, with Damage CTRL.

    Instead, that segment saw Becky Lynch and WWE Hall of Famer Lita appear and lay out the challenge for a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match.

    Rumor Killer

    As previously reported, “creative changes” led to Stratus’ segment on Raw being nixed, and the Hall of Famer left the show before Ding Dong Hello with Lynch and Lita.

    Given that she left Raw early, a rumor has spread that Trish walked out of the taping over creative differences, unhappy with her segment being cut.

    In an update, Fightful clarified that Stratus did not walk out because of frustrations over her segment being cut, but reiterated that it was a “creative change” that was made, and then she chose to leave as she was no longer needed at the event.

    There is no evidence to suggest that Trish’s exit from this week’s Raw was anything but amicable.

    What’s Next?

    While Trish Stratus was not on Raw in Ottawa this week, her return to programming may just be a matter of days away.

    The aforementioned WWE Women’s Tag Title match will take place on next week’s Raw, despite the match seemingly being big enough for the WrestleMania 39 card.

    Many believe that Stratus will make her return on Raw next week, coming to the aid of Lynch and Lita against Damage CTRL, setting up a six-woman tag for WrestleMania.

    While a six-woman tag match looks likely, it has been reported that WWE plans on ITO SKY and Dakota Kai defending their titles this April against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

    Trish Stratus Calls for Former WWE Star to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
  • Former WWE/ECW Star Stevie Richards Dealing with Health Issues

    Former WWE/ECW Star Stevie Richards Dealing with Health Issues

    Former WWE Superstar Stevie Richards has shared that he is dealing with some severe health issues.

    On Instagram, Richards shared an image from a medical facility where he is wearing a hospital gown and is using a walker.

    In the post, the former wrestler shared the following message:

    “The last 4 weeks, especially the last one, have really been something else. We aren’t quite at the finish line yet, but hopefully the road to recovery starts asap. I will be explaining what has happened and documenting my road to recovery on the YouTube channel as well as here. Speaking of the YouTube channel, we have plenty of videos to edit/publish- so there will still be new content as we work through this. Please subscribe to stay updated and for the normal fitness reviews.”

    Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com added that spinal issues are just part of the problems Richards has been dealing with.

     “The word making the rounds is that Richards has been facing a number of issues related to his back/spine that have gotten more and more pronounced in recent weeks.”

    Mike Johnson.

    Stevie Richards

    Best known for his time in the original ECW, Richards is a founding member of the Blue World Order, a parody of WCW’s New World Order.

    Ironically, Richards would briefly join WCW in 1997, feuding with fellow ECW alum Raven, before returning to the Extreme promotion that same year.

    Joining the WWF in 1999, Richards would form the Right to Censor the following year, a take on the Parents Television Council that were trying to get WWF TV off the air.

    Following the WWF’s legal win over the PTC, Richards’ group was disbanded, and he would remain with the promotion until 2008.

    Post-WWE, Richards has appeared for various indie promotions, as well as Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling.

    Stevie Richards Comments On His Favorite Run In Wrestling, Talks About The Undertaker Vs Goldberg

    We at SEScoops would like to send Richards our very best at this time.

  • Latest On The Rock’s WWE Relationship After Turning Down WrestleMania 39

    Latest On The Rock’s WWE Relationship After Turning Down WrestleMania 39

    The Rock won’t be competing at WrestleMania 39, but there isn’t any bad blood between the Brahma Bull and WWE.

    For months, it was rumored that The Rock would be competing at WrestleMania to have the long-awaited dream match with his cousin Roman Reigns.

    In January, the Great One informed WWE that he did not believe there was time for him to get into sufficient ring shape for a match in April.

    Animosity?

    While WWE was actively pursuing The Rock for one more match, there isn’t any animosity between the two sides.

    While speaking to Louis Dangoor of GiveMeSport.com, Twitter account @WrestleVotes, who has broken stories in the past, said there is no animosity, and added:

    “Like with Stone Cold Steve Austin, that door is always open. Maybe he said let’s do it next year? When those guys say yes, WWE is going to say okay.”

    WrestleVotes.

    Instead of his cousin, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend against Cody Rhodes at WWE’s biggest two-night event of the year.

    Never Confirmed

    While WWE wanted the Brahma Bull in Los Angeles, a match between The Rock and Reigns was never on the card, as WrestleVotes explained:

    “There were obviously talks, but I don’t believe any point in Triple H’s tenure that the match was set in stone. How do you plan for something that you don’t think it’s gonna happen? The internet thought it was going to happen, but it was never really alluded to on TV.“

    WrestleVotes.

    Last weekend, the XFL, which The Rock co-owns with business partner Dany Garcia, kicked off their latest season.

    Roman Reigns Addresses The Rock Not Being Ready for WWE WrestleMania 39
  • Roman Reigns Set to Make Rare WWE Live Event Appearance

    Roman Reigns Set to Make Rare WWE Live Event Appearance

    Fans in Canada will be treated to a rare appearance by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns next month.

    Last year, Reigns signed a new deal with WWE, one that has seen him make fewer appearances on TV and even fewer matches on WWE’s weekly programming.

    Reigns appearances at WWE live events have almost dried up entirely, but the Head of the Table will be at next month’s show in Toronto.

    The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will compete on March 4, at The Coca-Cola Coliseum but his opponent is yet to be named.

    Both local advertising and WWE’s website has Reigns confirmed for the show.

    This will mark Reigns’ first house show match since September 24, 2022, when he beat AJ Styles at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

    Whoever Reigns faces in March, it will mark the Champion’s fourth untelevised match since signing his new contract with WWE last year.

    Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Title against Men’s 2023 Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 in April. 

    WWE Toronto

    Roman Reigns will unquestionably be the biggest name on the upcoming show in Toronto, but he isn’t the only Superstar confirmed for in-ring action.

    WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER will defend against Drew McIntyre, while WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will put her title on the line against Sonya Deville.

    Bray Wyatt will face his nemesis LA Knight in what is being promoted as a ‘Lights Out’ Street Fight.

    Bray Wyatt Reacts to Roman Reigns’ Latest Undisputed WWE Universal Title Defense
  • WWE Makes Hidden Reference to Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw

    WWE Makes Hidden Reference to Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw

    Vince McMahon may not have returned to WWE TV (so far!) but eagle-eyed fans spotted a subtle reference to the Executive Chairman on this week’s Raw.

    The post-Elimination Chamber of Monday Night Raw saw appearances by the likes of Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes, as well as Hall of Famers Edge and Lita.

    In the show’s main event, Edge lost to United States Champion Austin Theory thanks to interference by Finn Balor, continuing the Rated-R Superstar’s feud with the Judgment Day.

    Vince McMahon

    Since his shocking return to WWE less than two months ago, Vince McMahon has been huddled away in his office, trying to find a new owner for the company.

    With this year’s WrestleMania airing from Los Angeles, WWE has gone all-in with a Hollywood aesthetic for the show, as reflected in the advertising.

    WWE aired an advertisement for Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title during Raw, and fans noticed that at the bottom of Reigns’ poster read the words “Directed by Vince McMahon.”

    McMahon has reportedly not attended any WWE tapings since his return from retirement and has also kept away from creative meetings.

    WrestleMania 39

    This year’s WrestleMania will be the first (in theory) without McMahon making creative decisions behind the scenes.

    In addition to Reigns Vs. Rhodes, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will face 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.

    Asuka hopes to regain the Raw Women’s Championship and score her first win at WrestleMania when she takes on Champion Bianca Belair.

    Matches rumored for the show include U.S. Champion Austin Theory Vs. John Cena and Seth Rollins Vs. Logan Paul.

    Rumored Big Match Not Locked In For WrestleMania
  • ‘Hangman’ Adam Page Shares How He Deals With Harassing Fans

    ‘Hangman’ Adam Page Shares How He Deals With Harassing Fans

    AEW’s ‘Hangman’ Adam Page appreciates having a large and loyal fanbase but has spoken about fans who cross the line to invade his privacy.

    Page signed with AEW at the start of the promotion in January 2019, and the company planned from the get-go for a World Title run for the Cowboy.

    That reign came at Full Gear 2021, when Page dethroned Kenny Omega to win the gold, and would hold the Championship until AEW Double or Nothing 2022.

    Dealing with Fans

    As various wrestlers have experienced, there are some fans who cross the line when they meet wrestlers, often tracking them down at airports or at a hotel.

    During a recent Highspots virtual signing, Page talked about his response to fans who disturb him, including giving them a less-than-stellar autograph.

    “I’ll tell you a little secret — if you ever buy one that doesn’t have the Hangman underneath, it’s because someone harassed me in the hotel lobby and I give them the halfway, house show signature… Don’t come in my hotel lobby. That’s my front door, you know what I mean? Leave me alone.”

    ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

    Recently, Rey Mysterio was confronted by ‘fans’ who arrived with a large sheet of card covered with merchandise packaging for him to sign.

    Mysterio signed one item but refused to sign any others, believing that these fans were looking for autographs to sell online.

    Days after the Mysterio situation, fellow WWE Superstar Zelina Vega shared a similar interaction with fans who wanted her autograph to sell on eBay for a profit.

    h/t – eWrestlingNews