SEScoops

Author: Eric Lynch

  • WWE RAW Results – February 22, 2016

    The February 22, 2016 episode of WWE RAW aired live on the USA Network from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI.

    – Vincent K. McMahon is out first to present the “Legacy of Excellence” award named after this very own father, Vincent J. McMahon Sr. Vince gets in the ring and announces that Stephanie McMahon will be receiving the award. Stephanie starts giving her acceptance speech, then Shane McMahon’s music hits and he comes out to the ring. He gets a “welcome back” from the fans. Shane says Stephanie isn’t worthy of the award.

    Shane says Steph and Triple H are running WWE into the ground, and reveals that legally he is above Stephanie on the corporate ladder due to a side deal with Vince. It sounds like he’s going to take Stephanie’s control in the company. Vince sends Stephanie to the back, while him and Shane negotiate in the ring.

    Shane says he doesn’t want any money, he just wants control of Monday Night RAW. The crowd chants “Yes!” Vince says Shane needs to win a match against an opponent of Vince’s choosing in order to get what he wants. Shane accepts. Vince says something that gets censored on the USA Network, something about beatings. Vince reveals that at WrestleMania 32, Shane will have to wrestle The Undertaker in a Hell In A Cell match. Welcome back Shane-o!

    – Neville & The Lucha Dragons vs. The New Day: About halfway through the match, Neville hits a very nicely done 450 splash on Big E from the apron to the floor at ringside. Shortly after, Kingston hits the Trouble In Paradise on Sin Cara for the pinfall victory. The live crowd was into this one.

    Winners: The New Day

    – Backstage, Roman Reigns says there’s no update on Dean Ambrose from the hospital.

    – Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are out to the ring next. Heyman says Brock Lesnar layed out Dean Ambrose in the parking lot to injure him and take him out of WrestleMania as revenge for taking Lesnar out of the WM 23 main event. Heyman hits his mic and breaks it, they give him a new one. Heyman says Lesnar needs a new WrestleMania opponent right away.

    While Lesnar and Heyman are still in the ring, Dean Ambrose drives an ambulance through the back and right out beside the stage. He stumbles out of the ambulance in a neck brace. He’s crawling around the stage selling his beating from earlier. Lesnar hops out of the ring to meet him at ringside. He steps on Ambrose’s head as he walks over him and heads to the back, leaving Ambrose laying at ringside.

    Ambrose gets on the mic, still laying on the ground. He tells Lesnar to kiss his ass, and says he’s indestructible and wants a match with him at WrestleMania in a street fight. Lesnar walks down to ringside and gives Ambrose an F-5 on the floor. Heyman says they accept.

    – The Usos vs. The Ascension: Before the match, the Dudleys come out and cut a promo on the Usos. The Ascension jump the Usos from behind to start the match. The Usos come back with superkicks and Jay hits a splash off the top for the 3 count.

    Winners: The Usos

    – After the match, The Dudleys mouth off to the Usos, but end up backing off up the ramp.

    – Jericho is out to the ring to welcome people to RAW Is Jericho. He invites AJ Styles to the ring because he wants to say something to his face. Jericho congratulates AJ on proving he has what it takes to be in the WWE. They shake hands, then the Social Outcasts come out.

    The Outcasts cut a promo on Jericho and AJ as they walk down to the ring. Jericho asks the crowd if they want to see him and AJ Styles as a team. They cheer, so Jericho says their first match as a team will be against members of the Outcasts.

    – AJ Styles & Chris Jericho vs. Curtis Axel & Heath Slater: Jericho and Styles hit lots of their signature moves. Axel avoids a Lionsault, but falls victim to the Walls of Jericho. While Axel is tapping, AJ lays out the rest of the outcasts with a suicide dive to the outside.

    Winners: AJ Styles & Chris Jericho

    – Backstage, HHH and Stephanie discuss Shane’s return. Stephanie then tracks down Reigns and tells him he has a match tonight.

    – Goldust brings a cake to R-Truth to apologize for messing up his match last night. R-Truth rejects him and his cake. R-Truth smashes the cake in Goldust’s face and leaves.

    – Ryback & Big Show & Kane vs. Harper, Rowan and Bray Wyatt: Ryback gets big “Goldberg” chants while beating on Harper in the corner. He also gets what sounds like a “Gillberg” chant. As Kane chokeslams Rowan, Ryback leaves and walks to the back. Bray tags in and hits the Sister Abigail on a distracted Kane for the win.

    Winners: The Wyatt Family

    – Backstage, Ryback says he’s done being in tag teams. He says he’s going after the brass ring.

    – Sasha Banks vs. Naomi: Tamina starts getting involved from the outside and Becky comes out for the save. Sasha taps out Naomi with the Banks Statement.

    Winner: Sasha Banks

    – Charlotte and Ric Flair come out to the stage and cut a promo on Sasha and Naomi. She says Becky and Sasha will have to wrestle each other to find out who gets a shot at her Divas title at WrestleMania.

    – Backstage, Stephanie wonders what it is that Shane is holding over Vince. She says she refuses to work for her brother. Vince says the odds of him defeating The Undertaker are astronomical.

    – Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus: The other League of Nations members are at ringside. Sheamus beats down Reigns early, and Reigns comes back with a clothesline to the outside. He hits a flying clothesline on Sheamus off the steps at ringside. Rusev kicks Reigns in the head, the referee misses it. They are fighting back in the ring when HHH’s music hits and The Game comes out to the ring. Reigns meets him at ringside and they brawl. The crowd seems to be booing Reigns and cheering Triple H. Reigns clotheslines Triple H into the timekeeper’s area, then Triple H hits him with the bell. The crowd seems to be cheering for HHH and booing Reigns. Triple H smashes Reigns face into the table repeatedly and it looks like he’s bleeding from his nose. Triple H holds Reigns face up in front of the camera and pummels on him, then the referees break it up.

    Triple H shoves the referees away and gives Reigns a Pedigree onto the steel steps at ringside. Triple H tells Reigns to “suck it” and holds up his WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the crowd.

  • Videos: Brock Lesnar Attacks Dean Ambrose Backstage Before RAW, Ambrose Hospitalized

    Videos: Brock Lesnar Attacks Dean Ambrose Backstage Before RAW, Ambrose Hospitalized

    WWE ran an angle prior to Monday’s RAW that saw Brock Lesnar viciously attack Dean Ambrose backstage in plain sight of fans who were watching the wrestlers arrive at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena. This seems to corroborate the reports that Lesnar and Ambrose are scheduled to face each other at WrestleMania 32.

    Check back soon for our WWE RAW Live Coverage & Discussion.

  • The Godfather Joining The WWE Hall Of Fame

    The Godfather Joining The WWE Hall Of Fame

    On Monday, Jonathan Snowden of Bleacher Report confirmed that The Godfather (Charles Wright) will be joining the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016. Wright spoke to Bleacher Report about the news and revealed the origin of the Godfather character.

    “I told Rock one day ‘when you address me in the ring, call me the Godfather.’ He was like ‘what?’ And I said ‘just do it.’ And I was called the Godfather from that point on. And I started slowly developing that character. It got some legs underneath it and it took off.

    “You could actually feel the breathe from 18,000 people as they repeated [his catch phrase Pimpin’ Aint Easy]. It was crazy. Vince (McMahon) told me ‘Charles, you ought to be paying me.’ And you know what? He was right. That was the best thing to ever happen to me.

    He went on to say that of al the gimmicks he’s had in wrestling (including Papa Shango and Kama), The Godfather is the closest to his actual personality. “That’s my personality, that’s my silliness. That’s my colorfulness. Those are my clothes. I am the Godfather. That’s just Charles Wright playing Charles Wright and being called the Godfather.” Wright will be inducted by JBL and Ron Simmons.

    Update: WWE also confirmed the news on Monday afternoon.

  • Heyman Calls Lesnar “Once In A Lifetime Athlete,” Confirms RAW Appearance Tonight

    Heyman Calls Lesnar “Once In A Lifetime Athlete,” Confirms RAW Appearance Tonight

    Brock Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman went on a lengthy Twitter rant in support of his client on Monday. Heyman explained that even after working with great talent for many years, he’s still “in awe” of what Lesnar does in WWE. Heyman also confirmed that he would be bringing the former UFC & WWE Heavyweight Champion with him to RAW in Detroit tonight.

    Here’s Heyman’s rant in it’s entirety:

    We’ll have live results from RAW at the Joe Louis Arena tonight right here on SEScoops.com.

    Related: Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 32 Opponent Decided

  • WWE Fastlane Results – February 21, 2016

    WWE Fastlane Results – February 21, 2016

    WWE Fastlane 2016 took place on Sunday, February 21st at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Michael Cole announced there are 14,446 fans in attendance.

    Fastlane pre-show:

    – Kalisto def. Alberto Del Rio: After brawling both inside and outside the ring, Kalisto jumps off the fan barrier at ringside towards Del Rio. Del Rio smacks Kalisto out of the air with a steel chair, which secures the first fall of the 2-out-of-3 falls match for Kalisto via DQ

    Back in the ring, Del Rio works quickly and hits a stomp on Kalisto for the 1-2-3 and his first fall of the match.

    Del Rio keeps control and takes Kalisto to the corner trying to remove his mask. Del Rio takes Kalisto to the outside and hits some offense before rolling back into the ring and leaving him out there. Kalisto gets back in the ring at the referee’s 9-count, and Del Rio once again turns Kalisto upside down in the Tree of Woe. Del Rio misses the stomp, and Kalisto drops Del Rio into the turnbuckle and rolls him up for the win.

    Winner & still United States Champion: Kalisto

    WWE Fastlane 2016:

    – Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch def. Tamina Snuka and Naomi: WWE’s second annual Fastlane broadcast will start with Divas tag team action. The match starts and Becky and Sasha are already arguing with each other. The eventually start working together and hit a double dropkick on Tamina. Naomi gets the tag and hits a series of kicks on Becky. Becky comes back with a suplex that sends Tamina to the outside, and all four women start fighting at ringside. Back in the ring, Becky lays out both Tamina and Naomi with a missile dropkick off the top. Tamina misses a clothesline and Sasha drops her into the Banks Statement. Naomi runs in but Becky stops her and applies the Disarm Her at the same time. Both members of Team BAD tap out.

    Winners: Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch

    – Kevin Owens def. Dolph Ziggler: They lock up and Owens takes control with a quick headbutt that drops Ziggler. Owens misses a splash in the corner and Ziggler mounts a comeback with two big splashes of his own. Ziggler with rights hands, elbows and a neckbreaker for a close 2 count. Ziggler goes up top but Owens drops him on his crotch and his a cannonball for a close 2 count. Owens takes the action to the outside and tries to powerbomb Ziggler on the floor, but Ziggler reverses and hurricanranas Owens into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Ziggler hits a fameasser for another 2 count. Ziggler attempts the Sweet Chin Music, but Owens avoids it, throws him off the ropes, and hits the pop-up powerbomb for the 1-2-3.

    Winner & still Intercontinental Champion: Kevin Owens

    – The Big Show and Ryback are in the back talking about the Wyatt Family. They are eventually joined by Kane, who says they will send the Wyatts “straight back to hell.” A video package airs showing the history between The Wyatts, Big Show, Kane and Ryback.

    – Kane, The Big Show & Ryback vs. Erick Rowan, Luke Harper and Braun Strowman: Ryback and Rowan are in first, with Ryback getting the majority of the offense and hitting a dropkick for a 1-count. He tags in The Big Show, who starts laying into Rowan with chops in the corner. Ryback tags back in but eats an elbow from Rowan before Braun gets the tag. Braun takes control of the match with elbows and slams until Rowan gets tagged back in. Rowan attempts a suplex on Ryback, but Ryback blocks and hits one of his own. Kane gets the tag and lays out Rowan with a DDT and a dropkick for a 2 count. They brawl on the outside in front of Bray, who is sitting in a chair in front of the announcers’ table. Back in the ring, Harper and Ryback get the tags. Ryback hits several flying knees to the face on Harper in the corner. Ryback hits a few running powerslams and goes for the pin, but Rowan breaks it up. Kane comes in and chokeslams Rowan. Harper runs in, but Show gorilla press slams Harper to the outside and on to his teammates. Show goes to ringside and spears Braun.

    Bray runs in on Ryback, but Kane lays him out. Ryback hits the Shellshocked on a distracted Harper for the win.

    Winners: Ryback, Big Show and Kane

    – Brie Bella vs. Charlotte: Ric Flair is out with Charlotte. The two competitors go back and forth in the opening moments until Brie lays Charlotte out and imitates her father’s strut and “Wooo!” Charlotte comes back and throws Brie to the outside, then mocks Daniel Bryan’s “Yes!” motions before saying “where’s your sister now?” Back in the ring, Charlotte goes for an Alabama Slam but Brie reverses into a sunset flip for a 2 count. They trade submission holds for several minutes. Charlotte misses a big boot and Brie comes back with some strikes for a 2 count. Brie hits a dropkick off the top rope and starts selling a leg injury. She hits multiple kicks on Charlotte then an X-Factor for another 2 count. Charlotte comes back and goes for the Figure 4, Brie gets out and eventually locks her in a single leg Boston Crab. Charlotte gets out and locks Brie in the Figure 8 for the victory.

    Winner: Charlotte

    – We see a video package about AJ Styles’ WWE debut, including clips from him in WCW. Backstage, Chris Jericho talks about his two previous matches with AJ Styles.

    – AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho: They trade holds early on until Jericho rolls to the outside to avoid the Calf Crusher. The crowd is dueling “AJ Styles” and “Y2J” chants. Back in the ring, Styles reverses an attempted Walls of Jericho with a hurricanrana. AJ follows up with a knee drop for a 2 count. Jericho goes up top and comes off with a punch to the face of AJ. AJ gets up and answers with a dropkick. AJ takes control of the match until Jericho sends him to the outside after a back body drop and a clothesline. Jericho throws him into the fan barrier then takes things back in the ring for a cross body block off the top for a 2 count. Jericho misses a splash in the corner and falls to the outside. Styles attempts a dive over the top to the outside, but Jericho catches him with a kick. Jericho hits a splash over the top on Styles for 2. Styles comes back with clotheslines and a forearm strike.

    Styles hits his patented springboard moonsault-into-a DDT, although they didn’t quite execute it perfectly. Styles misses a dropkick and Jericho hits the Lionsault for a 2 count. Jericho goes for a superplex but AJ gets out. He goes to the apron to springboard off the top rope, but Jericho catches him in mid-air with a springboard dropkick. Styles sits Jericho on the turnbuckle. Jericho slaps him in the face, and AJ answers with a Pele kick. He goes for a hurricanrana off the top but Jericho reverses into a powerbomb and a Walls of Jericho. Styles reaches the ropes, so Jericho throws him to the outside. He locks the Lion Tamer in on AJ at ringside, then rolls back into the ring. Styles climbs back in and walks right into a Codebreaker, but reaches the ropes to break the pin. Jericho wastes some time and calls Styles a “stupid son a bitch,” which receives some censorship on the WWE Network broadcast. Styles comes back and hits the Styles Clash but Jericho kicks out. Styles locks Jericho in the Calf Crusher and Jericho taps out.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    – AJ is celebrating his victory in the ring and is confronted by Chris Jericho. They end up shaking hands and Jericho walks to the back while Styles’ music plays.

    – Edge and Christian are out to the ring next to interview The New Day. The New Day comes out and mix it up with E & C before they start cutting a promo on The League of Nations. This brings out Sheamus, Rusev, Del Rio and Barrett. The New Day heads to the back and the League starts talking trash to Edge and Christian. E & C tell them the ring is all theirs and they head to the back. They dance with The New Day on the ramp and tell people to watch their show after Fastlane on the WWE Network.

    – R-Truth vs. Curtis Axel: They trade offense until the other Social Outcast members get involved and give Axel the advantage. Goldust slowly walks down to the ring and trips Curtis Axel when both the referee and R-Truth are distracted. Goldust lays out members of the Outcasts at ringside. Goldust throws Adam Rose in the ring which distracts Truth and allows Axel to roll him up for the quick win.

    Winner: Curtis Axel

    Goldust apologizes to Truth in the ring after the match and Truth walks to the back, leaving Goldust alone in the ring.

    – Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose: As soon as the bell rings, Lesnar beats down on Ambrose in the corner until Ambrose climbs out of the ring. He hits Reigns with two German suplexes, and lays out Dean Ambrose with a clothesline. Ambrose hits a missile dropkick off the top to the back of Lesnar when Lesnar is preoccupied with Reigns. Ambrose attempts a German suplex of the his own on Lesnar but it doesn’t work, and Lesnar tosses him with a belly to belly suplex. Reigns pulls Lesnar to the outside. Ambrose attempts a suicide dive on Lesnar, but Brock catches him with a belly-to-belly on the ringside floor. Back in the ring, he continues the trip to Suplex City on Reigns.

    Lesnar hits an F-5 on Reigns, but Ambrose breaks up the pin. Ambrose slaps Lesnar in the face, which earns him some knees to the face and several German suplexes from the former UFC Heavyweight Champ. He goes for an F-5 on Ambrose, but Reigns hits Lesnar with a spear for a 2 count. He hits the Superman punch on Lesnar, and Lesnar rolls to the outside. Lesnar goes to F-5 Reigns through an announce table, but Ambrose makes the save with a legal low blow. They remove the monitors from the Spanish announce table and powerbomb Lesnar through it. Ambrose lays out Reigns and throws him in the ring.

    Ambrose hits a bulldog and flying clothesline on Reigns for a 2 count. Ambrose and Reigns brawl in the ring until they notice Brock Lensar getting up and decide to double-team him. Ambrose starts stripping the English announce table and they powerbomb him through that one too. They bury Lesnar in broken table parts, then go back to fighting each other. Reigns hits the Superman punch on Ambrose but misses the spear. Ambrose hits the Dirty Deeds for 2. Reigns lifts Ambrose up on to his shoulders, then out of nowhere Brock Lesnar runs in and hits a German suplex on Reigns while Ambrose is still on his shoulders, which sends both men flying. Reigns comes back with a spear on Lesnar, but Lesnar quickly puts Reigns in a Kimura lock. Ambrose brings in a steel chair and starts pummeling Lesnar with it, then gives Reigns a few chair shots for good measure. Lesnar rolls out of the ring, and Reigns hits a spear on Dean Ambrose for the 1-2-3.

    Winner: Roman Reigns

    Reigns celebrates in the ring as fireworks go off. Triple H’s music hits and The Game walks down to the ring in a suit with his title belt. They stare each other down in the ring and look up at the WrestleMania sign on the ceiling.

  • This Week’s WWE SmackDown Viewership Is In

    This Week’s WWE SmackDown Viewership Is In

    Thursday’s episode of WWE SmackDown averaged 2.458 million viewers, putting it in the #3 spot in the top 150 cable shows for the night. This is slightly up from last week’s 2.414 million, although the show ranked #1 in the top 150 that night.

    The 2/18 edition of SmackDown was taped in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena and was headlined by Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs The Dudley Boyz.

    You can read the results from this week’s SmackDown taping here.

  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Confirmed For Another Movie Sequel

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Confirmed For Another Movie Sequel

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl0sowd8Q2E

    Dwayne Johnson is currently scheduled to film Baywatch, Fast 8, then Rampage, and he has now added a fourth movie to his schedule. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Rock has signed on to film a sequel to last year’s hit San Andreas.

    The sequel to San Andreas will focus on the “Ring of Fire” which “circles the Pacific Ocean with fault lines and volcanoes and, according to scientists, is home to about 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes.” Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario and Paul Giamatti are also signed on to resume their roles in the sequel.

    The Rock is booked to appear at WrestleMania, but reportedly won’t be able to wrestle due to Baywatch‘s insurance provider.

    Related: The Rock Reveals He Has A “Little Surprise” Planned For His WrestleMania 32 Appearance

  • Steve Austin Compares Daniel Bryan To Bret Hart, Says Bryan’s Retirement Made Him Emotional

    Steve Austin Compares Daniel Bryan To Bret Hart, Says Bryan’s Retirement Made Him Emotional

    WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently spoke on Daniel Bryan’s retirement and admitted that Bryan’s retirement speech brought a tear in his eye. On a recent episode of his podcast The Steve Austin Show, The Texas Rattlesnake discussed his thoughts on the now-retired Bryan.

    Austin said Bryan is a sure fire Hall of Famer because he knocked it out of the park every time he stepped in the ring, could work any style and connected with the crowd like we haven’t seen in years. He then explained why Daniel Bryan’s career reminds him of Bret Hart for both his in-ring work as well as other political forces at work.

    “From what I’ve seen out of him, it’s just bad ass work. He tells a great story, sells his ass off, makes everything look good, goes through great sequences, great psychology. He’s the real deal,” Austin said. “Daniel Bryan’s run kind of reminds me to a similar degree, or just the way he presented himself almost in a vein, he was a smaller version of Bret Hart because Bret was never really going to be the chosen guy. All of a sudden, he got the opportunity and he was an understated guy, wasn’t over the top. I always liked Bret Hart’s promos. He felt he was a little weak in them. One of the greatest workers in the history of the business. And finally he got his time.”

    “He got his just due, and all of a sudden, that was the transition of the bigger guys [to] the guys that could really work, [and it] opened the door for guys like Shawn Michaels and so Daniel Bryan, just his persistence, his determination, and the fact that he was consistent every single time he went out there, he delivered and it’s fine to see the big guys with the charisma going through their stuff because everybody wants to see the heavyweights clash, but also, people want to see bad ass wrestling and to me that’s what Daniel was all about.”

    You can listen to his full podcast here.

     

  • Jericho Booked For WWE TV Through WrestleMania, Dreamer Blames ECW For Wrestling Decline

    Jericho Booked For WWE TV Through WrestleMania, Dreamer Blames ECW For Wrestling Decline

    – ECW original Tommy Dreamer recently claimed that ECW was partly to blame for a “decline” in actual wrestling. In an interview with Total Wrestling Magazine, Dreamer discussed ECW and what it inspired.

    “I think ECW spurred a lot of garbage wrestling,” Dreamer admitted. “Guys would look at myself and Sandman and think that they could put on a T-Shirt and sweatpants and call themselves a wrestler. There’s a lot more to it.”

    – It looks like Chris Jericho may remain on WWE TV for at least two more months. Jericho is being advertised for the April 12th SmackDown taping in San Diego, CA. The pre-sale code for tickets is WWESMD. Other wrestlers advertised to appear include Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns.

  • Steve Austin: Titus O’Neil Grabbing Vince Was “Completely Inappropriate”

    WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin has weighed in on Titus O’Neil’s controversial suspension from WWE for unexpectedly grabbing Vince McMahon’s arm on RAW. On his podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer said that while O’Neil’s actions were inappropriate, a 60-day suspension was “overreacting.”

    “Vince is 70 [years old] right now and that was a serious moment for him. He was totally in character. He cares about Daniel Bryan. He gets jerked pretty forcibly over there to Titus O’Neil and it was completely inappropriate,” Austin said. “This may be pro wrestling/sports entertainment, whatever you want to call it, but that was a serious moment. It’s not a time to be shucking and jiving out there, so lay some type of punishment down. Fine him, this, that, or whatever. I don’t know. Something was appropriate, but when I started hearing the racism things, I was like, ‘I’ve got to roll my eyes and I’ve got to call complete and utter bulls–t in this one.’”

    “If you’re going to suspend somebody, I think 30 [days should suffice]. I think 60 [days] is still a little overreacting. Did something need to happen, a come to Jesus meeting or a stern talking to backstage? Something [needed] to happen because I do believe it was inappropriate. It was the wrong person, at the wrong time.”

    You can listen to his whole podcast here. You can watch a video of the incident here.

  • Update On Rey Mysterio & When He Could Return To WWE

    Despite speculation on the web, it sounds like Rey Mysterio will not legally be able to appear at WrestleMania in April. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Mysterio is currently committed to two-seasons with Lucha Underground, and he would have to breach his contract in order to go back to WWE.

    Mysterio’s current contract with Lucha Underground expires in the summer of 2017, and has options to extend it from two seasons to four.

    Mysterio has reportedly been paid the money owed to him by AAA. As previously noted, Mysterio stopped working for AAA because of what he perceives as “shady” business practices.

    Related: Rey Mysterio Reportedly Done With AAA, Booked Against Kurt Angle Next Month

  • More On Michael Cole Filling In For Maruo Ranallo On SmackDown This Week

    More On Michael Cole Filling In For Maruo Ranallo On SmackDown This Week

    As we reported last night, Michael Cole filled in for Maruo Ranallo at this week’s SmackDown taping. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported today that Ranallo was in fact backstage at the show, and was sick with the flu.

    He appeared sick enough that WWE reportedly made the decision to send Ranallo home right away. Cole is usually backstage at SmackDown anyways, so WWE had him work as play-by-play announcer, with Jerry Lawler at Bryon Saxton on color commentary.

    Related: WWE SmackDown SPOILERS for February 18th, 2016

    Ranallo started as the lead announcer for SmackDown in January, when the show moved to the USA Network. He’s expected to be back at next week’s taping.

    https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/700035042844618752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

  • Final Card For Next Week’s TNA Lockdown 2016

    Final Card For Next Week’s TNA Lockdown 2016

    https://youtu.be/JG85s3lGKnc

    TNA Lockdown 2016 airs next Tuesday in place of Impact Wrestling on Pop TV. Lockdown is TNA’s annual all-cage match event, with their signature six-sided steel cage.

    Here’s the final card for Tuesday’s show:

    – TNA champion Matt Hardy vs. EC3.

    – TNA X-Division champion Trevor Lee vs. Tigre Uno.

    – Beer Money vs. Bram & Eric Young.

    = TNA Knockouts champion Gail Kim & Madison Rayne & ? vs. The Dollhouse: Lethal Lockdown.

    – Eli Drake vs. Odarg.

    Lockdown was taped on January 30, 2016 at the Wembley Arena in London, England.

  • WWE SmackDown SPOILERS for February 18th, 2016

    WWE SmackDown SPOILERS for February 18th, 2016

    WWE taped the February 18th episode of SmackDown in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. Here’s what happened at the taping:

    – Jerry Lawler, Michael Cole and Byron Saxton are on commentary. According to correspondents at tonight’s tapings, Mauro Ranallo is not there.

    – Sheamus, Rusev and Alberto Del Rio def. Kalisto, Sin Cara and Dolph Ziggler. Kevin Owens was on commentary and distracted Ziggler, costing him the match.

    – Sasha Banks def. Tamina Snuka via submission with the Banks Statement. Tamina and Naomi attacked Sasha after the match, but Becky Lynch makes the save.

    – Chris Jericho def. The Miz via submission with the Walls of Jericho. After the match, Jericho accepts AJ Styles’ challenge for a match at Fastlane on Sunday.

    – Charlotte def. Natalya via submission with the Figure Eight. After the match, Brie Bella comes out and they brawl to the back.

    – Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose def The Dudley Boyz via disqualification. During the match, Brock Lesnar attacked Ambrose and the bell was rang. Paul Heyman also came out. Reigns tried to spear Lesnar for the save, but accidentally hit Ambrose. Ambrose then tried to hit Dirty Deeds on Reigns but Reigns countered and hit a Samoan Drop. Lesnar hit a F5 on Reigns. Triple H’s music hit and out came the WWE World Heavyweight Champion to the stage. Triple H and Lesnar stare each other down as SmackDown ends.

  • Last Week’s SmackDown Rating Down From Previous Week

    Last Week’s SmackDown Rating Down From Previous Week

    After a delay in viewership details due to President’s Day in the U.S., last week’s SmackDown rating is in. The 2/11 edition of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.72 cable rating, which is down from the previous week’s 1.86. SmackDown still ranked #1 in the top 150 shows on cable for the night.

    The episode averaged 2.414 million viewers. This is down from the previous week’s 2.664 million.

    The show was headlined by Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles.

  • Lesnar Appearing On ESPN, Preview For Tonight’s SmackDown Taping

    Lesnar Appearing On ESPN, Preview For Tonight’s SmackDown Taping

    – Brock Lesnar is scheduled join Jonathan Coachman on ESPN SportsCenter tonight during the 10 PM ET hour. He’ll be promoting Sunday’s Fastlane PPV. (Update: Lesnar’s segment was bumped from the 9 PM hour to the 10 PM hour.)

    – WWE tapes SmackDown tonight in Ontario, CA at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. We’ll have results from the taping later tonight right here on SEScoops.com. Here’s what’s being advertised for tonight’s taping:

    * Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. The Dudley Boyz.

    * Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman will be in the house.

    * Chris Jericho answers AJ Styles’ challenge for Fastlane.

    * More matches & build-up for Sunday’s Fastlane

    Other names scheduled to appear include Alberto Del Rio, Kevin Owens, Bray Wyatt, New Day, Ryback, Dolph Ziggler, and The WWE Divas.

    Related: Brock Lesnar Announced For Live WWE Network Special “March To WrestleMania”

  • New Matches Added To Sunday’s WWE Fastlane

    Several new matches were set up for WWE’s Fastlane PPV on Monday’s episode of RAW. This Sunday Kevin Owens will defend his newly-won Intercontinental Title against Dolph Ziggler, and Kalisto will take on Alberto del Rio. AJ Styles also challenged Chris Jericho, who will likely accept at this week’s SmackDown tapings.

    Here is the updated card for Fastlane on Sunday:

    Main Card:

    #1 Contender’s Match
    – Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Dean Ambrose

    Intercontinental Championship Match
    – Kevin Owens (champion) vs. Dolph Ziggler

    WWE Divas Championship Match
    – Charlotte (champion) vs. Brie Bella

    – Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch vs. Naomi and Tamina

    Edge and Christian’s Cutting Edge Peep Show
    – The New Day will join the show as guests.

    Fastlane Kickoff Show:

    2 out of 3 Falls Match for the United States Championship
    – Kalisto (champion) vs. Alberto Del Rio

    Fastlane 2016 takes place on February 21st at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. We will have live play-by-play coverage of the event right here on SEScoops.com this Sunday.

  • WWE RAW Results – February 15, 2016

    WWE RAW Results – February 15, 2016

    The 2/15/16 edition of WWE Monday Night RAW took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

    – Dean Ambrose comes out to the ring to open the show. He starts cutting a promo on Brock Lesnar and Stephanie McMahon interrupts. She sets up a five-way match for the Intercontinental Title featuring Ambrose, and it’ll start right away.

    – Kevin Owens def. Stardust, Tyler Breeze, Dolph Ziggler & Dean Ambrose: After lots of brawling both inside and outside the ring between all five competitors, Kevin Owens hits the pop up powerbomb on Tyler Breeze to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. After the match, Ambrose looks on in shock as Owens celebrates.

    – In the back, Dean Ambrose cuts a promo saying The Authority hasn’t taken everything from him yet, and he plans on winning at Fastlane.

    – Also in the back, Kevin Owens is celebrating his win when Dolph Ziggler confronts him and challenges him to a match at Fastlane. Owens says “nah,” and walks off.

    – Big E def. Mark Henry: The whole New Day is out at ringside to accompany Big E. They cut a promo on Edge & Christian, and then Mark Henry. Big E calls Henry a “mark ass buster.” The match begins and they go to the outside early on. Mark Henry takes a couple splashes from Big E. Big E picks him up, Henry falls to the mat clutching his ribs and Big E just covers for the win. The New Day celebrates, but Big E looks a bit concerned.

    – Brock Lesnar will appear on this week’s SmackDown. We’ll have full results from the taping on Tuesday night.

    – Brie Bella is out in the ring to cut a promo. She is interrupted very early on by Charlotte, who is accompanied by Ric Flair. Charlotte tells Brie she “can only imagine what Brie’s goat-faced vegan babies will become.” Brie lays out Charlotte, and Charlotte and Flair head to the back as Brie’s music plays.

    – Chris Jericho’s music hits, and he comes down to join the commentary team for the next match.

    – AJ Styles def. The Miz: After going back and forth in the ring, the action goes to the outside. The Miz gets distracted talking to Jericho at the announce table, and AJ Styles capitalizes with a flying forearm off the ring steps that lays out The Miz. After a series of near-falls back in the ring, The Miz hits a Skull Crushing Finale for a very close 2-count. After stomping AJ in the corner, The Miz backs up and charges, but AJ catches him and rolls him into the Calf Crusher for the win.

    – After the match, AJ Styles calls out Chris Jericho for a match at Fastlane. Jericho says he’ll give him his answer on SmackDown this week.

    – The Dudley Boyz are out to the ring to a cut a promo. They tease that they’re going to grab a table from under the ring, but they put it back. They talk about how they’re the baddest tag team on the planet, and that they are done using tables “forever.”

    – Summer Rae def. Paige: Summer takes control of the match after landing a spanning heel kick for a 2 count. Paige mounts a brief comeback before Summer Rae rolls her up in a small package for the surprise 3-count.

    – Paul Heyman is in the ring to talk about why Brock Lesnar will be the next World Heavyweight Champion. He calls out Roman Reigns to the ring, because there’s something he wants to say to him in person. Reigns comes out, and Heyman tells him to remember that Brock Lesnar isn’t his only enemy at Fastlane — his friend Dean Ambrose will also be trying to beat him. The Dudleys jump Reigns from behind after Heyman is done talking. Dean Ambrose comes down for the save. After they clear the ring, Ambrose goes for the Dirty Deeds on Reigns, but Reigns blocks it. Reigns points to the WrestleMania sign to the end the segment.

    – The Vincent J. McMahon Legacy of Excellence Award will be awarded to someone next week. Cole says it will be the most prestigious award WWE has, and nobody has deserved it up until now.

    – Heath Slater def. Zack Ryder: Ryder is in control for most of the first part of the match up. Bo jumps on the apron and distracts him, allowing Slater to nail a heel kick and a Smash Hit for the win.

    – We see R-Truth out on a date earlier in the night. Goldust appears dressed as their waiter at the restaurant. R-Truth recognizes him and Goldust ends up spraying champagne on his date before running away.

    – The League of Nations def. The Lucha Dragons and Neville: The Lucha Dragons and Neville hit suicide dives to the outside on the members of The League early on. Back in the ring, Alberto Del Rio eventually hits the double stomp on Sin Cara for the victory.

    – A Black History Month video featuring Booker T airs.

    – Becky def. Naomi: Becky is in control early on, but after taking a breather on the outside, Naomi comes back with a big boot. They trade holds and eventually Becky locks in the DisarmHer for the win.

    – After the match, Tamina comes out and beats down Becky. Sasha hits the ring and makes the save.

    – Big Show def. Braun Strowman via DQ: The Wyatt Family cuts a promo in the ring until The Big Show’s music interrupts and he hits the ring. Show and Strowman stare each other down before locking up. Strowman surprises show by overpowering him and taking control of the match. Big Show eventually counters a suplex with one of his own, then Erick Rowan runs in for the disqualification.

    Haper and Wyatt join in on the beat down on Big Show. Ryback hits the ring for the save, but the Wyatt Family outnumbers and overpowers him too. Suddenly the ring posts light up and Kane emerges from a hole in the ring. He cleans house and the babyfaces stand tall in the ring as RAW goes off the air.

    What did you think of this week’s RAW? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Jim Ross Speaks On Titus O’Neil’s Suspension From WWE

    Jim Ross Speaks On Titus O’Neil’s Suspension From WWE

    Jim Ross has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Titus O’Neil’s suspension from WWE. In a new blog entry on his website, the WWE Hall of Famer shared his personal thoughts on O’Neil, and speculated about the behind-the-scenes reasoning for the suspension. Ross also claimed O’Neil was fined $5,000 by the company for his “unprofessional conduct.”

    “I can’t render a clear cut opinion based on the brief video clip that was floating around for a while plus I’ve talked to no one about the matter that would know any substantive information. I’ve never known Titus to be a problem and actually he’s one of WWE’s most willing participants when it comes to volunteer and charity work.”

    JR said he heard Titus was fined around 5K for his conduct plus a 60 day suspension. He wonders if WWE made an example out of him to send a message to everybody.

    “Could this have been a matter where too many talents are relaxing in their comfort zones which is the proverbial ‘kiss of death’ in any organization? That’s 100% speculation on my behalf by the way.”

    O’Neil is currently serving a 60-day suspension — reduced from his original 90-day suspsion — for grabbing Vince McMahon unexpectedly on live TV.

    Related: Titus O’Neil’s Explanation For Grabbing Vince On RAW

    You can read J.R.’s entire blog entry here.

  • The Undertaker Getting Jacked For WrestleMania (Photo)

    The Undertaker is currently getting in shape for WrestleMania. His wife, former WWE Diva Michelle McCool, posted a photo on Instagram of the Dead Man hitting the gym hard in preparation for his his first match since Survivor Series back in November.

    ded-back

  • WWE Holds Another Tryout Camp: Details On Who Attended

    WWE held another tryout camp at the Performance Center over the weekend in hopes of signing the next round of NXT performers.

    WWE has publicly stated that they’re looking to beef up the NXT roster as the brand continues to tour the United States in 2016. The acquisition spree has led to companies like New Japan and Ring of Honor signing many of performers to longterm deals.

    Courtesy of Squared Circle Sirens, here’s the complete list of who was in attendance:

    • Cedric Alexander
    • Taynara Melo
    • Deonna Purrazzo
    • Tony Nese
    • Corey Hollis
    • John Skyler
    • Justin Chavers
    • Chris Payne
    • Kamila Turquetti
    • Marcus Pitt
    • Bryan Payton
    • Jeremy Payton
    • Maneey Abrol
    • Jose Moreno
    • Brennan Williams
    • Roy Sims
    • Danny Duggan
    • Idan Dagan
    • David McIntosh
    • Kuba Ka
    • Noelle Jones
    • Mike Fierro
    • Mike Parrow
    • Rhett Giddins
    • Laura James
    • Anne Phung
    • Jayme Jameson
    • Marja Chow
    • Shana Chow
    • Jenna Becerra
  • James Storm Reveals His Dream WWE Opponent, Plans To Have WrestleMania Moment

    James Storm Reveals His Dream WWE Opponent, Plans To Have WrestleMania Moment

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FBdjbeYvrc

    TNA star James Storm recently revealed that he would like to one day have his own WWE WrestleMania moment. On episode 103 of Jim Ross’ Ross Report podcast, Storm said he wants to show what he can do on the “grandest stage of them all” – WrestleMania.

    “I wouldn’t really say [having a WWE run] is a bucket list goal, but no matter what any wrestler says, when you get into the [professional wrestling] business and start training and stuff, the ultimate goal is to make it to WWE and to have that WrestleMania moment,” he said.

    “A lot of guys will say, ‘no, I just want to make money for my family’ and stuff, and that’s great, but in the back of your mind, you want to have that run and that’s me too. I’d still like to have a good WWE run to show what I can do, as they say, on the grandest stage of them all.”

    When asked who his dream opponent in WWE would be, Storm said Triple H, because he knows how to be a classic heel. Triple H isn’t out there to get cheers – he wants to make people hate him, which helps the babyface he’s working against.

  • Kurt Angle To Be Honored By Arnold Schwarzenegger, Triple H Likely To Attend

    Kurt Angle is scheduled to be inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame next month in Columbus, Ohio. The ceremony takes place during the Arnold Sports Expo, which will also be attended by over 20 NXT talents. Angle will be inducted by the man the festival is named after, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

    Triple H usually attends the Arnold Expo and Sports Hall of Fame ceremony every year, and is expected to be in the house this year. This could be the first time Triple H and Kurt Angle see each other since Angle’s departure from WWE in 2006.

    Related: Kurt Angle Tells Untold HHH & McMahon Stories, Says He Entered His Prime In TNA

    Other inductees in the 2016 Hall of Fame class are Royce Gracie and Dolph Lundgren.

    The Arnold Sports Expo takes place March 3-6 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com/Arnold.

    Related: Kurt Angle Talks About Returning To WWE, Confident About HOF Induction

  • Lucha Underground Viewership Reaches All-Time High

    Lucha Underground Viewership Reaches All-Time High

    Lucha Underground viewership continues to rise in season 2. The February 10, 2016 episode drew a combined 217,000 viewers. That is up from last week’s 201,000 viewers, and is the most viewers the show has ever received.

    The first airing on El Ray drew 136,000 viewers, and the replay that aired immediately after drew 81,000.

    Lucha Underground was recently renewed for a third season on El Ray. In January, the show got an endorsement on Twitter from The Rock, who has almost 10 million followers.

  • The Latest On Stone Cold Steve Austin’s WrestleMania Status

    The Latest On Stone Cold Steve Austin’s WrestleMania Status

    As of last week, WWE had not yet pitched anything to Steve Austin for WrestleMania 32. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE doesn’t have any plans for The Texas Rattlesnake at the event yet, but it’s very likely he’ll be there in some capacity. Austin has indicated he’ll be in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend.

    Dave Meltzer reports that WWE sources expect the company will come up with something for Austin to get him in front of the crowd, but he won’t be wrestling.

    In January, Austin said WWE had pitched an idea to him that he was excited about. According to Meltzer’s report, that idea must have been scrapped for reasons unknown.

    Related: Steve Austin Talks About His Role At WrestleMania, Roman Reigns’ Push

    Stone Cold is currently promoting CMT’s Broken Skull Challenge, which airs on Sundays at 8PM ET.