SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Jeff Hardy Set For Court Appearance This Week Over DUI Arrest

    Jeff Hardy Set For Court Appearance This Week Over DUI Arrest

    Jeff Hardy is scheduled to appear in court this week, stemming from his arrest in June of last year.

    Within months of making his AEW debut, Hardy was arrested and charged with his third DUI within a decade.

    The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has been suspended from AEW ever since, and will not be allowed to appear until he can prove his sobriety.

    Court Date

    In August of last year, Hardy waived his right to a speedy trial, and his case has faced some delays.

    PW Insider reports that the Charismatic Enigma’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, February 23rd at 1:30 PM EST in Florida.

    Hardy submitted a written plea of “not guilty” on June 28, 2022 and it had been reported that the two sides could come to a plea deal, though that has not been confirmed.

    Hardy has been charged with DUI (Alcohol or Drugs), third offense within ten years, driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked, and violation of restrictions placed on a driver’s license.

    Punishment

    While most of the charges Hardy is facing are misdemeanors, the DUI charge to his name is a felony offense.

    Under Florida law, Hardy would face a minimum 30 days behind bars and could face up to five years in prison if convicted of the DUI.

    Other potential punishments include a minimum 10-year driver’s license revocation and up to $5,000 in fines.

    Tony Khan has said he supports Hardy’s choice to try and seek help for his substance-abuse issues, but has said that this will be Jeff’s one and only chance to improve in AEW.

    Jeff Hardy’s AEW Future Uncertain – “Maybe he Comes Back, Maybe he Doesn’t”
  • Mercedes Moné Reveals Details of New Japan Pro Wrestling Contract

    Mercedes Moné Reveals Details of New Japan Pro Wrestling Contract

    IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné is enjoying much more freedom as part of her contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling than she was afforded in WWE.

    The former Sasha Banks made her NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January, over six months after walking out of WWE Raw in May 2022.

    Last weekend, Moné dethroned KAIRI to win the IWGP Women’s Champion, in her first match since parting ways with WWE.

    Free Agent

    Even while in WWE, Moné was able to stretch her muscles outside of the ring, and appeared as Koska Reeves in Disney+ hit The Mandalorian.

    Speaking to TV Insider, Moné spoke about being allowed much more freedom away from WWE and as part of New Japan.

    “I’m a free agent. It doesn’t matter with New Japan. I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe. The potential matchups are endless. The same for New Japan. I know they have partnerships with CMLL, Impact, AEW.

    “I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe.”

    Mercedes Moné.

    “To be a fan and watch all these matchups from all parts of the world is amazing. I know there is a little woman in Impact I would love to face one day, Mickie James! We’ll see what is in the stars.”

    Support

    Moné debuting at Wrestle Kingdom 17 was a huge moment for her, and several friends were in Japan to see it happen.

    WWE Raw Superstar Bayley attended NJPW Wrestle Kingdom in person to support her best friend, while Naomi (whose WWE future remains unclear) also attended.

    In the interview, Moné shared her appreciation to those who have continued to support her.

    “That meant everything to me. Wrestling is such a small, tight-knit circle of friends you would call your friends and family. For those girls and my best friend Manny [Samuray Del Sol] to fly all the way over to Japan from the United States to just cut a little promo. They did that because they knew how much it meant to me.”

    Mercedes Mone.

    Bayley was also at NJPW Battle in the Valley (though donned a mask for much of the show to avoid detection) to watch her best friend’s title victory.

    Mercedes Moné Comments on Possible WWE Return
  • WWE Facing Fan’s Lawsuit Over WrestleMania 38 Injury

    WWE Facing Fan’s Lawsuit Over WrestleMania 38 Injury

    WWE’s biggest two nights of 2022 was far from the grandest spectacle of them all for one fan in attendance.

    WrestleMania 38 took place from April 2 to April 3 in Dallas, Texas last year, and saw the return of Cody Rhodes to WWE.

    Other highlights of the show include ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin winning his first match in 19 years, and Roman Reigns unifying the WWE and Universal Championships with a victory over Brock Lesnar.

    Lawsuit

    Across both days, WWE claimed that a total 156,352 fans came to AT&T Stadium, but Marvin Jackson didn’t enjoy the show.

    PW Insider has learned that Jackson filed a lawsuit last month in Texas, alleging that he has damaged hearing in his left ear due to his time as an “invitee” to WrestleMania 38.

    The suit claims that the loud blast of pyrotechnics caused Jackson to “lose almost all hearing” in his left ear.

    It is also claimed that the defendant, WWE, “failed to notify anyone or place any warnings to warn of the existence of the dangers associated with pyrotechnics.”

    Jackson’s legal representative is requesting a jury trial and seeking monetary relief of more than $1,000,000, including damages of any kind, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest, and attorney’s fees.

    WWE filed a request on February 17, to have the lawsuit moved to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.

    More Legal Trouble

    This is by no means the only legal matter that the top names in WWE are having to deal with.

    In addition to the various legal challenges that have stemmed from Vince McMahon’s return to WWE, the promotion is set to go to trial next week over a lawsuit filed in June 2021.

    That lawsuit from Jackson Parsons alleges that he was struck by a WWE van, driven by employee Gaitan Thomas, in July 2019, while Parsons was riding his bicycle.

    In the lawsuit, Parsons claimed he suffered permanent issues, namely “physical injuries, pain-and-suffering, disability and the inability and loss of the capacity to lead and enjoy a normal life.”

    Third Lawsuit Filed Against Vince McMahon Since Return
  • WWE Hall of Famer Cut from Appearing on Monday Night Raw

    WWE Hall of Famer Cut from Appearing on Monday Night Raw

    Fans in Ottawa, Canada were left very ‘unstratusfied’ during last night’s edition of Monday Night Raw, which didn’t see an appearance by Trish Stratus.

    The post-Elimination Chamber 2023 edition of the red brand saw appearances by Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and Paul Heyman, among others.

    The main event saw Canada’s own Edge make a rare in-ring appearance on Raw, coming up short against U.S. Champion Austin Theory thanks to interference by Finn Balor.

    Trish Stratus

    In the run-up to Raw, fans were excited to see the return of seven-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus, who had been reported to be appearing on the show.

    Raw’s three hours came and went without Trish, but Fightful Select reports that she was supposed to be on the show.

    In fact, Trish was present at the event in Ottawa, and was scheduled to be on the card for the night’s events.

    A source within WWE said that a “creative change” led to Trish being cut, and her spot with Bayley during an episode of Ding Dong Hello! not making it to air.

    While Ding Dong Hello! did take place, the segment saw Lita and Becky Lynch appear, and lay out the challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

    It is reported that Trish had already left the arena by the time that segment took place.

    What’s Next?

    In the run-up to WWE Elimination Chamber, it had been rumored that Trish would appearing on the go-home Raw before the PLE, setting up a six-woman tag match for the Montreal-based event.

    That did not happen, and there is speculation that this rumored six-woman tag could happen at WrestleMania 39.

    This would explain why Lynch and Lita challenging for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, a match that would fit right in on the WrestleMania card, is happening on Raw.

    With that said, it has been reported that WWE’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for Kai and SKY to defend their tag titles against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

    Trish Stratus has not been confirmed for any future appearances on Raw.

    Trish Stratus Calls for Former WWE Star to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
  • X-Pac: The Bloodline is “Right Up There” With the New World Order

    X-Pac: The Bloodline is “Right Up There” With the New World Order

    Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman has praised the Bloodline, calling Roman Reigns’ faction “up there” with the New World Order.

    The influence of the NWO continues to be felt to this day, with groups including D-Generation X and the Bullet Club borrowing the iconic staple of ‘cool’ heels.

    Coming together in late 2020, The Bloodline has been heralded as one of the best angles in wrestling today, thanks in part to the spectacular heel work of leader Roman Reigns.

    “Right Up There”

    Sean Waltman is no stranger to impressive groups, having been part of both DX and the NWO.

    Speaking to TMZ, Waltman said that there are some comparisons between the NWO and Roman Reigns’ dominant faction.

    “The Bloodline thing, I mean, it’s right up there [with the New World Order] as far as I am concerned quality-wise.”

    Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman.

    Waltman is hardly the first Hall of Famer to compare the two groups, with Eric Bischoff saying that the Bloodline is a better storyline than the New World Order.

    Cracks in the Group

    While the Bloodline may indeed be a force to be reckoned with, the group has shown serious cracks over the past month.

    At WWE Royal Rumble 2023, Sami Zayn’s tenure with the group came to an end when he refused to attack Kevin Owens with a chair, and instead struck Reigns.

    Jey Uso, who had been suspicious of Zayn for months before he was won over in late 2022, refused to attack Sami in response and has said he is out of the Bloodline as well.

    At WWE Elimination Chamber, Jey again refused to attack the former Honorary Uce.

    The Undertaker on Sami Zayn’s Storyline With Bloodline: “It’s Perfect”
  • Bray Wyatt Reacts to Roman Reigns’ Latest Undisputed WWE Universal Title Defense

    Bray Wyatt Reacts to Roman Reigns’ Latest Undisputed WWE Universal Title Defense

    It’s been years since Bray Wyatt last held World Championship gold in WWE, but the cryptic Superstar hasn’t finished with Roman Reigns.

    At Summerslam 2020, Wyatt, as the Fiend, captured his second Universal Championship, but his post-match celebration was cut short by Reigns.

    Reigns, who had spent months away due to Covid-19 precautions, won the title a week later at the Payback event, starting his current reign as Champion.

    Responding to a tweet showing the names Reigns has defeated as Champion, Wyatt asked if fans remember how the Tribal Chief won the title.

    While Reigns ended Wyatt’s second reign as Universal Champion, he did so by pinning Braun Strowman in a triple-threat match.

    At this time, Wyatt is yet to have a rematch for the Universal Championship that he lost without being pinned or submitted.

    This is hardly the first time Wyatt has brought this fact up, as he corrected Louis Dangoor when it was claimed that Reigns had defeated every former Universal Champion.

    Future Plans

    Wyatt is, according to an internal roster listing, the top babyface on SmackDown, but has been kept away from Reigns, the top heel of both the brand and the company as a whole.

    Bray’s sole televised match since returning to WWE last October saw the former Universal Champion defeat LA Knight in the first Pitch Black match.

    At WrestleMania 39, Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes, the winner of the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match.

    As for Wyatt, he issued a WrestleMania challenge to the winner of last Saturday’s Brock Lesnar Vs. Bobby Lashley match, but given the DQ finish, many expect Lesnar and Lashley to face off one-on-one at WrestleMania.

    Undertaker Rumor Killer: “100% NOT What I Said to Bray!”
  • WWE The Favorites to Sign Top Free Agent Jay White

    WWE The Favorites to Sign Top Free Agent Jay White

    Jay White may not have appeared at WWE’s Royal Rumble as some had predicted, but the Switchblade may indeed be Stamford-bound.

    At NJPW Battle In The Valley, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion lost to Eddie Kingston in a Loser Leaves NJPW match.

    This is the latest setback for White, after coming up short in a Loser Leaves Japan match to Hikuleo the prior week.

    WWE Future

    As soon as reports of White’s NJPW exit sprang up, rumors grew that he would be heading to WWE.

    Prior to last month’s Royal Rumble event, the official WWE on BT Sport account teased White’s debut in the Men’s Rumble match.

    According to Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, WWE is the favorite to sign the Bullet Club leader.

    “Nobody in WWE has confirmed Jay White coming in, but they are certainly the favorite. One would think if White was going to AEW, he’d be able to work big shows with New Japan and would continue to do so, but they wouldn’t do the loser leaves for good stipulation.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    AEW Interest

    While WWE is the favorite, they aren’t the only promotion that would benefit from White’s talents.

    During a recent interview with the In the Kliq, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan said that he “loved” having White compete as part of last year’s AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door event.

    Khan added that he would also love to have White compete for AEW again, or either against AEW in another crossover Supershow.

    Jay White on His Next Move: “Impact, AEW, WWE – We’ll See”

    h/t – Wrestle Talk

  • Potential Spoiler on Huge AEW Announcement from Tony Khan

    Potential Spoiler on Huge AEW Announcement from Tony Khan

    Is AEW President Tony Khan on the cusp of announcing another show to the promotion’s catalog of content?

    In 2019, AEW launched their flagship weekly show AEW Dynamite, and on TV, fans can tune in to AEW Rampage each Friday night.

    Online, AEW hosts their YouTube shows, Dark and Dark: Elevation each week, giving less experienced talent the chance to hone their skills off of TV.

    AEW Collision

    AEW could be on the verge of announcing a fifth show to its programming, according to a recent trademark filing.

    In the filing made last week, AEW seeks ownership for the term ‘AEW Collision,’ with the filing reading as follows.

    “Mark For: AEW COLLISON™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of educational and entertainment services, namely, a continuing program about wrestling accessible by radio, television, satellite, audio, video and computer networks; Entertainment services in the nature of live wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of wrestling programs and events; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing multimedia program featuring wrestling distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing series featuring wrestling provided through television and the internet; Entertainment services, namely, production and distribution of ongoing television programs in the field of wrestling.”

    AEW has enjoyed a positive relationship with their broadcast partners at Warner Bros. Discovery, with AEW content often being among the highest-rated shows they own.

    Kathleen Finch, the CCO of Warner Bros Discovery said that the company has “huge respect for [the AEW] audience,” and the company had been trying to capitalize on AEW’s popularity on their network.

    AEW’s Tony and Shad Khan Are Among The List of Interested Buyers for WWE
  • Latest on Triple H Being Underwhelmed by Rehired WWE Superstars

    Latest on Triple H Being Underwhelmed by Rehired WWE Superstars

    Reports of Triple H being underwhelmed with recent signings have been greatly exaggerated, Fightful Select report.

    In July 2022, the Game was appointed WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Lauriniatis after his unceremonial dismissal from the promotion.

    The Triple H era has seen multiple names be rehired to WWE, including Karrion Kross, Bray Wyatt, Johnny Gargano, Dakota Kai, and Hit Row, among others.

    Underwhelmed?

    In December 2022, a report came out stating that Triple H had been “underwhelmed” by some of the performances of some rehired talent.

    That report stopped short of naming who had allegedly disappointed the former World Heavyweight Champion, leading to speculation among fans.

    A source from WWE told Fightful that within WWE, reports of Triple H being disappointed have been downplayed.

    That source added that even if Triple H had been underwhelmed by rehired talent, it would not be something that the Game said out loud.

    Expectations and Depth

    When a member of WWE’s creative team spoke to Fightful, they said that nobody who has been rehired was expected to immediately ascend to the top.

    It was added that WWE’s plans on the road to WrestleMania had already been planned out during the rehiring frenzy of late 2022, so WWE is far from worried about returning names not standing out right now.

    A different source familiar to the situation said that Triple H’s rehiring stars was about bringing “depth” to Raw and SmackDown, and the rehired talent were told as much.

    The depth issue was one that was immediately brought up to creative when Triple H made it into power in July 2022, as the consensus was that Raw and SmackDown were largely the same shows each week.

    One source pointed to the performances of Johnny Gargano and Bronson Reed at WWE Elimination Chamber, saying they were “showing their value when given an opportunity.”

    Triple H Would Rather “Stay Out” Of Potential WWE Sale Talks
  • Former WWE Superstar Spotted at Elimination Chamber 2023

    Former WWE Superstar Spotted at Elimination Chamber 2023

    Last weekend’s Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event proved to be a hit with fans, and one member of the crowd knew all about being in a WWE ring.

    The February 18, event saw WWE return to Montreal, the host of the infamous Montreal Screwjob, in WWE’s first PLE in the city since Breaking Point in September 2009.

    The main event saw Montreal’s own Sami Zayn face Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, but the Canadian became the latest victim of the Tribal Chief.

    JTG

    An estimated 17,271 fans filled Montreal’s Bell Centre in the hopes of Sami winning the big one, including former WWE Superstar JTG.

    On Twitter, the Cryme Tyme alum shared a selfie during Zayn’s entrance, adding that watching WWE live made him feel like a kid again.

    Debuting on WWE’s main roster in 2006 alongside the late Shad Gaspard, Cryme Tyme proved to be a hit with fans, though never won Tag Team Gold.

    After a surprise release in September 2007, the pair were rehired in March 2008 and feuded with each other briefly upon Shad’s heel turn in 2010.

    JTG After WWE

    For years, an ongoing joke among wrestling fans was that JTG avoided being released, but the rarely-seen Superstar’s luck ran out on June 12, 2014.

    After his release, JTG would reunite with Shad (who had been released years earlier) as Crime Time, changing the name slightly to be legally distinct from WWE.

    Following Shad’s tragic passing in 2020, JTG would make appearances for Game Changer Wrestling and VxS Wrestling, before making his NWA debut in June 2021.

    In April 2022, JTG made a one-night return to WWE as part of Shad’s posthumous induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as a Warrior Award recipient.

    WWE Elimination Chamber and a Look Ahead to WrestleMania 39
  • Ric Flair Explains Hopes for Third WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    Ric Flair Explains Hopes for Third WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    16-time World Champion Ric Flair is hoping to add a third Hall of Fame ring to his collection as part of his role with Evolution.

    In 2008, Flair took his rightful place in the Hall of Fame the night before his retirement match at WrestleMania 24 against Shawn Michaels.

    With this induction, Flair became the first active WWE Superstar to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

    In 2012, Flair made history again as the first-ever two-time inductee, receiving the nod for the second time for his role with the Four Horsemen.

    While Flair would have his son Reid buried with one of his Hall of Fame rings upon the latter’s passing in 2013, Triple H would gift Ric a replica ring with Reid’s name engraved inside.

    Third Induction

    Since Flair’s induction in 2012, other legends have become two-time WWE Hall of Famers, including Booker T, Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman.

    In 2020, Flair’s Evolution ally Batista was announced for that year’s Hall of Fame, but later opted to postpone his induction.

    The reasoning at the time was that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Batista’s legendary career would not have received the proper response.

    Speaking on his To Be The Man podcast, Flair said he is excited for the day that Batista will be inducted, and said that Evolution should be inducted not long after the Animal.

    While not confirmed, some believe that this year will see Batista be inducted as the headlining act, which went to The Undertaker at last year’s ceremony.

    Evolution

    Coming together in 2003, Evolution represented the past (Flair,) present (Triple H,) and the future (Randy Orton and Batista,) of WWE’s World Championship picture.

    By December of that year, all members of the group held gold, meaning every male championship on Raw was in Evolution’s clutches.

    After capturing the World Heavyweight Championship in 2004, Orton was kicked out by a jealous Triple H, and it would be in February 2005 that Batista chose to leave and feud with the Game over the title.

    Ric Flair Shares Fun Road Stories During His WWE Run With Evolution
  • Asuka Makes WWE History with Elimination Chamber 2023 Victory

    Asuka Makes WWE History with Elimination Chamber 2023 Victory

    The Empress of Tomorrow Asuka is heading back to the Raw Women’s Championship picture after a historic victory inside the Elimination Chamber.

    Asuka bested Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and Natalya to earn a shot at Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 39.

    The Japanese Superstar had been considered a favorite to win by many entering the match, following her return to action at last month’s Royal Rumble, where she was the penultimate woman eliminated from the Women’s Rumble match.

    History Maker

    Asuka’s seven-year career with WWE has seen her accomplish many historic feats, including surpassing Bill Goldberg’s undefeated steak with a streak of her own from 2015 to 2018.

    With her win inside the Chamber, Asuka has now become the first woman to win an Elimination Chamber, a Royal Rumble match, and a Money in the Bank ladder match.

    The Empress of Tomorrow won the very first Women’s Royal Rumble match in 2018, entering at #25 and scoring three eliminations.

    In 2020, Asuka added the Money in the Bank briefcase to her collection of accolades, winning the cinematic match at Titan Towers.

    Asuka would not cash in a contract though, as on the post-MITB Raw, it was revealed that the match had been for the Raw Women’s Championship, which had been vacated by the pregnant Becky Lynch.

    Asuka at WrestleMania

    While Asuka made an impact for the first three years of her career by remaining undefeated, WrestleMania has not been kind to the Empress.

    Asuka’s first loss in WWE would come via submission to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34, and Asuka would be eliminated from the Women’s Battle Royal the following year.

    At WrestleMania 36, the Kabuki Warriors lost the WWE Women’s Tag Titles to Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, and Asuka’s reign with the Raw Women’s title ended at WrestleMania 37.

    Asuka was not used for WrestleMania 38, and remains winless at WWE’s biggest event of the year.

    Lady Frost on Wrestling Asuka with No Experience and Why Other Talent Weren’t Happy About This
  • Triple H Would Rather “Stay Out” Of Potential WWE Sale Talks

    Triple H Would Rather “Stay Out” Of Potential WWE Sale Talks

    Triple H may be one of the most influential names in WWE today, but the promotion’s Chief Content Officer would rather stay clear of talks of a potential sale.

    Last month, Vince McMahon made his shocking return to WWE after retiring in July 2022 over allegations of misconduct which resulted in millions of dollars paid out in NDAs.

    McMahon has returned to oversee a sale of the promotion, with names including Saudi Arabia, Amazon, Endeavor, and Tony Khan being listed as interested names.

    Staying Out of It

    The sale of WWE would be the biggest thing to happen to the promotion ever, but it is hardly the focus of Head of Talent/Head of Creative Triple H.

    Speaking at the WWE Elimination Chamber post-show press conference, the Game said his concern is on producing quality programming and giving talent opportunities to shine.

    “Depends on who is buying, I suppose. What the offer is, what the outcome is. Stay out of it, to me. That’s not a cop-out answer. I have the greatest gig in the world. I helped tonight, in some small way, create the magic we did here tonight. To me, it’s the best gig on the planet.

    “As long we get to do this, as long as we get to create the way we get to create it, as long as we get to do our jobs and we get to go out there and put our passion on display, as long as our talent are allowed to put their passion on display and do what we do, I’m good. It is what it is.”

    Triple H.

    WWE CEO Nick Khan has previously said he expects a sale to be complete within the next three months.

    Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of WWE, is reportedly seeking $9 billion for the company, above the initially projected sale price of between $7.5 to $8.2 billion.

    J.P. Morgan Hired to Advise on WWE Sale Talks – List of Possible Buyers

    h/t – Fightful

  • Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins Channel Batman & The Joker for WWE WrestleMania 39 Trailer

    Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins Channel Batman & The Joker for WWE WrestleMania 39 Trailer

    Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins have shown off their acting chops for the first movie parody trailer to promote WrestleMania 39.

    This year’s two-night event will take place in Los Angeles, which previously hosted WrestleMania in 2005 and 1991, and was one of three host cities in 1986.

    For WrestleMania 21 in 2005, the show’s tagline ‘WrestleMania Goes Hollywood’ resulted in the stars of the time parodying films including Braveheart, Taxi Driver, and Forrest Gump.

    Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins

    With WWE returning to Hollywood, this year’s WrestleMania has leaned heavily into the glitz and glamor of the silver screen.

    During last night’s WWE Elimination Chamber event, a parody of Joker (2019) was aired, featuring Seth Rollins in the titular role.

    Recreating one of the most iconic scenes in the film, Rollins could be seen dancing down steps to a remix of his WWE entrance theme.

    Unfortunately for Seth, his dance is cut short by Lynch, doing her best impression of the gravelly voice used by Christian Bale for the Dark Knight trilogy by director Christopher Nolan.

    Lynch confirmed that she is parodying Batman by speaking about going to her ‘Man-Cave.’

    WrestleMania Plans

    As two of WWE’s biggest stars in years, it should come as no surprise that Rollins and Lynch are expected to compete at WrestleMania 39.

    For Rollins, it has been reported that he will face Logan Paul this April, who eliminated Seth from last month’s Men’s Rumble match and helped eliminate the Architect during last night’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match.

    As for Lynch, her WrestleMania future is far less certain, though her current feud with Damage CTRL has led to rumors of a six-woman tag in which Lynch would team with Lita and Trish Stratus.

    Original Plans For Scrapped Raw XXX Match
  • CM Punk Attends NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023 Amid AEW Suspension

    CM Punk Attends NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023 Amid AEW Suspension

    Speculation has grown that CM Punk’s wrestling future may be with New Japan Pro Wrestling after the former World Champion was spotted at Battle in the Valley this week.

    Punk a two-time former AEW World Champion, has been suspended from the promotion since September’s All Out Pay-Per-View over his post-show comments and backstage fight.

    CM Punk is now the only person suspended following All Out to remain suspended as his trainer Ace Steel was fired, and everyone else was brought back to TV.

    Battle in the Valley

    All attempts to get an answer about Punk’s future from Tony Khan have come up fruitless, with the AEW President refusing to provide an update.

    On Twitter, a fan shared photos of Punk attending Battle in the Valley, which happened this week in San Jose, California.

    https://twitter.com/madrigrober/status/1627146142692818944

    No details are currently known as to whether Punk is interested in signing with New Japan Pro Wrestling, or merely attended the event as a fan.

    Punk’s Future

    We can’t say for sure where Punk will wrestle next (if he wrestles again at all,) but if an AEW return is in the cards, then he shouldn’t expect a warm welcome.

    Multiple top stars have said they will refuse to work with Punk if he is brought back, believing his comments at All Out were entirely inappropriate.

    Chris Jericho reportedly called Punk a “cancer” after the All Out backstage fight, and the inaugural AEW World Champion is said to be part of a group trying to block a return.

    There are some in WWE who have made their views clear that a Punk return would only bring problems as seen with what happened last September.

    Latest on When CM Punk Will be Cleared to Wrestle for AEW
  • Bayley Makes Vow After Not Competing At Past Two WrestleManias

    Bayley Makes Vow After Not Competing At Past Two WrestleManias

    Bayley will go through anything to make her presence felt at WrestleMania 39, after missing out on a match at the previous two events.

    The Damage CTRL member took to Twitter this week to make her promise and reminded fans of her recent bad luck with WWE’s biggest show of the year.

    On this week’s Raw, Bayley faced Becky Lynch and Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair in a match with potential WrestleMania stakes.

    Had either Lynch or Bayley won, they would have been added to tomorrow night’s Elimination Chamber match, in which the winner will face Belair for the title at WrestleMania.

    Unfortunately for Lynch and Bayley, it was the EST who emerged victorious on Raw.

    Bayley-Mania

    Bayley hasn’t competed at the last two WrestleManias, though last year’s event WrestleMania 38 wasn’t down to WWE’s creative plans.

    In July 2021, days before the return of live fans, Bayley suffered a serious ACL injury that led to her being out of action for over a year.

    For WrestleMania 37, Bayley was simply not booked for a match, which angered fans who appreciated what she had done during the crowd-less Pandemic era.

    Instead, Bayley was used for a few skits involving The Bella Twins, Hulk Hogan, and Titus O’Neil.

    What’s Next for Bayley?

    With the Role Model being blocked from entering the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, any bout for Bayley at WrestleMania is unlikely to be for a championship.

    Earlier this month, WWE Hall of Famer Lita appeared on Raw to cost Bayley her steel cage match with Lynch, seemingly setting up a feud between them.

    While it had been rumored that Elimination Chamber 2023 would see Damage CTRL face Lynch, Lita, and Trish Stratus, no match has been announced, but could be saved for WrestleMania.

    With that said, it has been reported that WWE is planning for Dakota Kai and IYO SKY to defend the WWE Women’s Tag Titles at WrestleMania against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

    Bayley Celebrating Ten-Year Milestone in Her WWE Career
  • Chris Jericho Teases WWE Tag-Team Reunion With Trademark Filing

    Chris Jericho Teases WWE Tag-Team Reunion With Trademark Filing

    Could Chris Jericho be reuniting with an old WWE ally and former Tag Team Champion?

    Despite being best known for his work as a singles star, Jericho is no stranger to tag team competition, having held tag gold in the WWE on seven occasions.

    In AEW, Jericho has aligned himself with others as part of the Jericho Appreciation Society, and before this group was a founding member of the Inner Circle.

    A Giant Reunion

    Chris Jericho may be the namesake for the Jericho Appreciation Society, but may soon be reuniting with Paul Wight.

    This week, Jericho filed a trademark for ‘Jeri-Show’ the WWE team consisting of himself and Wight (then The Big Show,) that dominated from 2009 to 2010.

    The full description of the filing can be read below.

    Mark For: JERI-SHOW trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainers; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainers; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainers; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring professional wrestling and sports entertainers in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes.

    Jeri-Show

    After failing to recapture the Intercontinental Championship from Rey Mysterio in 2009, Jericho entered the tag-team division, winning the Unified WWE Tag Titles with Edge at ‘The Bash.’

    After Edge went down with an injury, Jericho introduced the Big Show as his new tag-team partner, and the pair enjoyed a 140-day reign as champions.

    That reign ended at WWE: TLC 2009, when the pair lost a TLC match to D-Generation X, kicking off Shawn Michaels’ final championship reign.

    While Wight has only had a handful of matches in AEW, the Giant has said he plans to be back in the ring very soon after healing up from surgery.

    Chris Jericho Explains What Would Make Him Retire From Wrestling
  • Roman Reigns Reacts to Reaching Another Milestone as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

    Roman Reigns Reacts to Reaching Another Milestone as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

    Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is on the roll of his career after reaching yet another milestone as the promotion’s top star.

    Reigns returned from a hiatus (stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic) at Summerslam 2020 and captured the WWE Universal Champion a week later.

    Since then, the Tribal Chief has maintained an iron grip on the title, and this week, reached 900 days with the gold.

    At WrestleMania 38, Reigns unified the title with the WWE Championship (won from Brock Lesnar) and is on day-320 as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

    Roman Reigns Reacts

    For Roman Reigns, reaching milestones such as these has become a common occurrence, and the Tribal Chief often reacts to his accolades on social media.

    In a tweet, Reigns said that fans were given plenty of notice that such an impressive reign was coming for him.

    In addition to this record, Reigns has not been pinned in 1,160 days, with the last time his shoulders were on the mat for the three-count coming at WWE: TLC 2019.

    What’s Next for Roman Reigns?

    Tomorrow night, Reigns will make his latest title defense, this one being against Sami Zayn in the latter’s hometown of Montreal.

    Despite Sami having the home-field advantage, Reigns remains the firm favorite, and if victorious, will go on to defend his title at WrestleMania 39 against Cody Rhodes.

    There has been speculation that Zayn’s popularity with fans could force WWE to make a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 39, an idea 16-time World Champion Ric Flair recently spoke out against.

    Roman Reigns Responds To Emotional Cody Rhodes – Sami Zayn Segment
  • Ex-NJPW Star Karl Fredericks Receives WWE NXT Name & In-Ring Debut Date

    Ex-NJPW Star Karl Fredericks Receives WWE NXT Name & In-Ring Debut Date

    Former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Karl Fredericks is ready to take WWE NXT by storm, albeit under a new name.

    Fredericks signed with WWE in January of this year, after previously spending the past four years of his career with New Japan.

    Karl’s highest accomplishment with the Bushiroad promotion was winning the 2019 Young Lion’s Cup.

    WWE NXT

    Fredericks has only been under contract with WWE for a matter of weeks, but his TV debut is already on the horizon.

    WWE has announced that Fredericks will be making his in-ring debut on NXT Level Up, and will be working under the name Eddie Thorpe to face Dante Chen.

    Other matches include Ivy Nile taking on Valentina Feroz in singles competition while Xyon Quinn will square off against Oba Femi.

    Fredericks has previously appeared for WWE NXT during a house show in Fort Pierce, where he confronted Axiom.

    The former New Japan star teased that he was going to say something, but left the ring without saying a word.

    Huge Signings

    Eddie Thorpe is a notable signing by WWE, but he is hardly the only interesting name that Vince McMahon’s promotion recently acquired.

    In December 2022, Dragon Lee announced that he was joining WWE after he and Dralistico captured the AAA World Tag Team Championships from FTR.

    WWE had been interested in Dragon Lee after they saw him compete in AEW, as he worked the House of the Dragon edition of AEW Dynamite in August 2022.

    AAA reportedly believed that Dragon Lee’s announcement of his AAA exit was a joke at first, but of course, later learned that it was true.

  • Mark Briscoe Signs Contract With All Elite Wrestling

    Mark Briscoe Signs Contract With All Elite Wrestling

    2023 has been a difficult year so far for Mark Briscoe, but the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champion is now All-Elite.

    Last month, Mark’s tag partner and brother Jay Briscoe was killed in a car crash minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware.

    Jay’s daughters, Kayleigh and Grace were both severely injured in the crash, which also killed the driver of the other vehicle.

    All-Elite

    On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Mark Briscoe defeated Josh Woods, a former ROH Pure Champion in his own right.

    After the match, AEW President Tony Khan took to Twitter to confirm that Mark is under contract with AEW.

    Lifting the Ban

    It was only a few months ago that Briscoe being under contract with AEW seemed impossible.

    Due to comments made a decade ago by Jay, both men had been essentially blacklisted from AEW programming by WarnerMedia.

    Jay apologized multiple times for his homophobic comments, which he stated were as part of his heel character and not reflective of his personal beliefs.

    It has been said that by the time of his passing, Jay’s apology was considered 100% legitimate by the wrestling world, and he had the support of many LGBTQ+ wrestlers in the industry.

    Even after Jay’s passing, it was reported that Mark would not be allowed to appear, though Tony Khan “pushed and pushed” to lift the ban.

    Briscoe’s one and only other AEW match saw him defeat Jay Lethal on the Jay Briscoe tribute edition of Dynamite on January 25, 2023.

    Mark Briscoe’s AEW Debut Wasn’t Approved Until Late in the Plans
  • Vince McMahon Once Called an FTR Match the Worst Thing He’s Ever Seen

    Vince McMahon Once Called an FTR Match the Worst Thing He’s Ever Seen

    FTR may have impressed fans for years with their skills in the ring, but Vince McMahon was far from pleased with their performance in 2018.

    After an impressive run in NXT, FTR (then The Revival) was called up to WWE’s main roster as part of the post-WrestleMania 33 Raw in April 2017.

    Despite reigns as both Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions (making the team the first triple-crown tag Champions in WWE) the duo couldn’t match their NXT success on the main roster and were granted their releases in April 2020.

    The Worst Match

    By the 2018 Royal Rumble, The Revival had been feuding with the Good Brothers and had traded wins on TV and at live events with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.

    Speaking with Matt Koon on his FTR podcast, Dax Harwood recalled the less than favorable feedback to the match on the Royal Rumble kick-off show.

    “We come to the back and Vince (McMahon) is waiting for us, all four of us. We thought the match was good. it was like an eight-minute match. We came to the back and he said, ‘Welp, that was absolutely the worst wrestling match I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

    Dax Harwood.

    Given that McMahon was closing in on fifty years in the wrestling industry at the time, Harwood joked that he takes having the worst match as a “badge of pride.”

    Harwood added that McMahon was likely unaware that he and Cash Wheeler were employed by WWE for eight years.

    WWE Return

    While McMahon was far from pleased with FTR, WWE today is much different to the one the tag team left nearly three years ago.

    Following McMahon’s retirement last July, Triple H has been appointed Head of Creative and Head of Talent, and FTR thrived under the Game’s watch in WWE NXT.

    McMahon has (so far) kept away from creative meetings and WWE programming since his return to WWE last month.

    It has been reported that FTR’s deals with AEW expire this May, but Harwood claimed in a previous episode of his podcast that McMahon’s return has made them question coming back.

    FTR Was Speaking to Tony Khan The Day WWE Released Them

    h/t – Fightful

  • Cody Rhodes Planning Indie Wrestling Tribute at Future WWE Premium Live Event

    Cody Rhodes Planning Indie Wrestling Tribute at Future WWE Premium Live Event

    Cody Rhodes could be just 45 days away from becoming the next Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but the American Nightmare hasn’t forgotten where he’s come from.

    After choosing to part ways with WWE in 2016, Rhodes took his talents to various independent promotions and increased his star power outside WWE.

    It was as a much bigger star that Rhodes founded AEW, and the person once considered mid-card for life returned to WWE as a main eventer in April 2022.

    Tribute

    As we’ve seen in his promos about his father and his exceptional segment earlier this month with Paul Heyman, history means everything to Cody Rhodes.

    While speaking to Peter Rosenberg on Hot 97, Cody stated that he hopes to honor all the independent promotions during his WWE absence.

    “Small spoiler, I guess, I was trying to come up with this idea for a weight belt for a very specific P.L.E. or pay-per-view, whatever you wanna call it where I wrote everybody independent promotion I worked at on it, because that was the most important thing I did was this connection with these fans and getting to know them and grassroots and that became really my bread and butter.”

    Cody Rhodes.

    WrestleMania

    While Rhodes didn’t specify which event he planned this tribute on, the most likely guess would be WrestleMania 39.

    On the show, Rhodes will face Roman Reigns and looks to dethrone the Tribal Chief, who is now in his 900th day as WWE Universal Champion.

    If Cody goes ahead with this tribute, it will be interesting to see what WWE allows, as Cody has worked for some pretty big names (and competition to WWE) including AEW and Impact Wrestling.

    Roman Reigns Responds To Emotional Cody Rhodes – Sami Zayn Segment

    h/t – BodySlam

  • Spoiler: Former Champion Makes Return at Latest AEW Rampage Tapings

    Spoiler: Former Champion Makes Return at Latest AEW Rampage Tapings

    This week’s tapings of AEW Rampage saw a huge return from a former AEW World Tag Team Champion who has been out of action for weeks.

    Friday’s Ramapge was taped immediately after the latest AEW Dynamite in Laredo, Texas, and saw names including Jon Moxley, ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, Britt Baker, and Mark Briscoe in action.

    This week’s Dynamite saw AEW continue on the road to Revolution 2023, which will be headlined by AEW World Champion MJF vs. Bryan Danielson in AEW’s first Iron Man match.

    Rampage Return

    In the main event of the AEW Rampage taping, Dustin Rhodes defeated Swerve Strickland by disqualification when Parker Bordeaux got involved.

    A post-match beatdown continued until Keith Lee made his return to AEW programming to even the odds.

    Lee had been out of action for over a month after being attacked by Swerve, his former friend and tag partner, and the Mogul Affiliates.

    The Limitless One was written off of TV with Swerve double-stomping a cinder block onto his former tag partner.

    AEW Rampage

    Keith Lee’s return to TV was just part of a stacked AEW Rampage this week, which we will be keeping spoiler free.

    The show will feature AEW Trios Champions The Elite defending one more time against AR Fox and Top Flight.

    Jericho Appreciation Society member Daniel Garcia will take on Ricky Starks as part of the latter’s feud with Chris Jericho.

    AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill will put her title and her undefeated streak on the line against Vertvixen.

    Keith Lee On His Immediate Reaction To WWE Release
  • Former Tag Champion Teases WWE Return Amid AEW Hiatus

    Former Tag Champion Teases WWE Return Amid AEW Hiatus

    Dax Harwood’s future with AEW remains uncertain at this time, and the FTR member sure wants fans to think that a WWE return is coming.

    Harwood joined AEW in 2020 alongside tag partner Cash Wheeler, after exiting WWE just a month earlier.

    The Revival signed over their downside guarantees to WWE in order to be released without the standard 90-day non-compete clause.

    WWE Return

    December 2022 was hardly a great month for FTR, who lost the ROH World Tag Team Championships to the Briscoes, and the AAA Tag Gold to Dragon Lee and Dralistico.

    At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, FTR lost the IWGP World Tag Team Titles, and are currently taking a break from all wrestling ventures.

    On Instagram, Harwood shared an image from his home, and eagle-eyed followers spotted what appeared to be some WWE paperwork in the bottom-left corner.

    On Twitter, Harwood shared the same image but cropped the WWE logo out.

    FTR has stated that their AEW deals will expire this April, but it remains unclear whether this current hiatus will add time to their contracts.

    The pairing of Harwood and Cash Wheeler certainly benefited under Triple H’s tenure as Head of NXT, leaving some to speculate on a return to WWE’s main roster now that the Game is Head of Talent and Creative.

    What’s next for FTR?

    While a return to AEW or even a return to WWE are two options, FTR’s future may take them outside of the ring, or at least off camera.

    Both Harwood and Wheeler have expressed interest in possibly returning to the indies for a limited run away from TV.

    Harwood has also said that he and Cash are looking at potential locations for a wrestling school, and they are considering a coffee shop project, as well as real estate ventures.

    FTR Was Speaking to Tony Khan The Day WWE Released Them
  • Cody Rhodes Is Open to Possible Triple Threat Match at WWE WrestleMania 39

    Cody Rhodes Is Open to Possible Triple Threat Match at WWE WrestleMania 39

    Cody Rhodes vs. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

    Cody Rhodes Vs. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Sami Zayn.

    Why not both?

    Since winning the Men’s Royal Rumble match last month, it has been known that the American Nightmare will challenge for WWE’s richest prize at WrestleMania 39, but who he’ll face remains uncertain.

    Elimination Chamber

    At this time, the WrestleMania 39 main event will see Rhodes attempt to dethrone Reigns and end his historic reign as WWE’s sole World Champion.

    Before that though, Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Sami Zayn at this weekend’s Elimination Chamber event.

    During last week’s Raw, Rhodes said he believes Zayn can defeat Reigns in Montreal, and reiterated that point this week in a face-to-face segment with Sami.

    Triple Threat

    While the Royal Rumble winner has traditionally competed in singles action at WrestleMania, Rhodes is open to the idea of facing both Zayn and Reigns in Los Angeles.

    Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Rhodes was asked about the possibility of a triple-threat match.

    “I don’t really have a preference [between Reigns and Zayn.] Solely because I want to wrestle the best. People wanted a contender forever. So if two show up, don’t be mad. Don’t make it about A or B, or B or A, or one or two. Enjoy it all. That’s really been kind of the challenge. I can’t begrudge a dude getting super hot. I have no preference in terms of the direction it goes.

    “I have no preference in terms of the direction it goes.”

    Cody Rhodes.

    “I really look forward to the moments when I’m in there, if they happen, Sami, whether that’s just on the road to WrestleMania. I think it’s different than people think. I think he’s doing amazing.”

    Rhodes remained aware that what happens this Saturday at WWE Elimination Chamber could significantly affect his WrestleMania future.

    “I feel like I’ve been able to really do some great stuff too. So bring it all together. Who knows what happens in Montreal? Who knows what happens at WrestleMania?”

    Cody Rhodes.

    If WWE does have a triple-threat match at WrestleMania, it will be the eighth time the stipulation will be used at a WrestleMania for a World Championship (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015-albeit thanks to Seth Rollins, and 2021.)

    Matt Hardy Comments on Cody Rhodes Winning the Royal Rumble

    h/t – Fightful